2000
[DOCID: f:h6enr.txt]
H.R.6
One Hundred Fifth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twenty-seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-
eight
An Act
To extend the authorization of programs under the Higher Education Act
of 1965, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education
Amendments of 1998''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References.
Sec. 3. General effective date.
TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. Revision of title I.
Sec. 102. Conforming amendments.
TITLE II--TEACHER QUALITY
Sec. 201. Teacher quality enhancement grants.
TITLE III--INSTITUTIONAL AID
Sec. 301. Transfers and redesignations.
Sec. 302. Findings.
Sec. 303. Strengthening institutions.
Sec. 304. Strengthening HBCU's.
Sec. 305. Endowment challenge grants.
Sec. 306. HBCU capital financing.
Sec. 307. Minority science and engineering improvement program.
Sec. 308. General provisions.
TITLE IV--STUDENT ASSISTANCE
Part A--Grants to Students
Sec. 401. Federal Pell Grants.
Sec. 402. Federal TRIO programs.
Sec. 403. Gear up program.
Sec. 404. Academic achievement incentive scholarships.
Sec. 405. Repeals.
Sec. 406. Federal supplemental educational opportunity grants.
Sec. 407. Leveraging educational assistance partnership program.
Sec. 408. Special programs for students whose families are engaged in
migrant and seasonal farmwork.
Sec. 409. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program.
Sec. 410. Child care access means parents in school.
Sec. 410A. Learning anytime anywhere partnerships.
Part B--Federal Family Education Loan Program
Sec. 411. Limitation repealed.
Sec. 412. Advances to reserve funds.
Sec. 413. Guaranty agency reforms.
Sec. 414. Scope and duration of Federal loan insurance program.
Sec. 415. Limitations on individual federally insured loans and Federal
loan insurance.
Sec. 416. Applicable interest rates.
Sec. 417. Federal payments to reduce student interest costs.
Sec. 418. Voluntary flexible agreements with guaranty agencies.
Sec. 419. Federal PLUS loans.
Sec. 420. Federal consolidation loans.
Sec. 421. Default reduction program.
Sec. 422. Requirements for disbursements of student loans.
Sec. 423. Unsubsidized loans.
Sec. 424. Loan forgiveness for teachers.
Sec. 425. Loan forgiveness for child care providers.
Sec. 426. Notice to Secretary and payment of loss.
Sec. 427. Legal powers and responsibilities.
Sec. 428. Student loan information by eligible lenders.
Sec. 429. Definitions.
Sec. 430. Delegation of functions.
Sec. 431. Discharge.
Sec. 432. Debt management options.
Sec. 433. Special allowances.
Sec. 434. Federal family education loan insurance fund.
Part C--Federal Work-study Programs
Sec. 441. Authorization of appropriations; community services.
Sec. 442. Allocation of funds.
Sec. 443. Grants for Federal work-study programs.
Sec. 444. Flexible use of funds.
Sec. 445. Work colleges.
Part D--William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Sec. 451. Selection of institutions.
Sec. 452. Terms and conditions.
Sec. 453. Contracts.
Sec. 454. Funds for administrative expenses.
Sec. 455. Authority to sell loans.
Sec. 456. Loan cancellation for teachers.
Part E--Federal Perkins Loans
Sec. 461. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 462. Allocation of funds.
Sec. 463. Agreements with institutions of higher education.
Sec. 464. Terms of loans.
Sec. 465. Cancellation for public service.
Sec. 466. Distribution of assets from student loan funds.
Sec. 467. Perkins Loan Revolving Fund.
Part F--Need Analysis
Sec. 471. Cost of attendance.
Sec. 472. Data elements.
Sec. 473. Family contribution for dependent students.
Sec. 474. Family contribution for independent students without
dependents other than a spouse.
Sec. 475. Family contribution for independent students with dependents
other than a spouse.
Sec. 476. Regulations; updated tables and amounts.
Sec. 477. Simplified needs test; zero expected family contribution.
Sec. 478. Discretion of student financial aid administrators.
Sec. 479. Treatment of other financial assistance.
Sec. 480. Clerical amendments.
Sec. 480A. Effective dates.
Part G--General Provisions
Sec. 481. Master calendar.
Sec. 482. Forms and regulations.
Sec. 483. Student eligibility.
Sec. 484. State court judgments.
Sec. 485. Institutional refunds.
Sec. 486. Institutional and financial assistance information for
students.
Sec. 487. National student loan data system.
Sec. 488. Distance education demonstration programs.
Sec. 489. Program participation agreements.
Sec. 490. Regulatory relief and improvement.
Sec. 490A. Garnishment requirements.
Sec. 490B. Administrative subpoena authority.
Sec. 490C. Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance.
Sec. 490D. Meetings and negotiated rulemaking.
Sec. 490E. Year 2000 requirements at the Department of Education.
Sec. 490F. Procedures for cancellations and deferments for eligible
disabled veterans.
Part H--Program Integrity
Sec. 491. State role and responsibilities.
Sec. 492. Accrediting agency recognition.
Sec. 493. Eligibility and certification procedures.
Sec. 494. Program review and data.
Sec. 495. Review of regulations.
TITLE V--DEVELOPING INSTITUTIONS
Sec. 501. Establishment of new title V.
TITLE VI--INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Sec. 601. International and foreign language studies.
Sec. 602. Business and international education programs.
Sec. 603. Institute for International Public Policy.
Sec. 604. General provisions.
TITLE VII--GRADUATE AND POSTSECONDARY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
Sec. 701. Revision of title VII.
Sec. 702. Repeals.
TITLE VIII--STUDIES, REPORTS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Part A--Studies
Sec. 801. Study of market mechanisms in Federal student loan programs.
Sec. 802. Study of the feasibility of alternative financial instruments
for determining lender yields.
Sec. 803. Student-related debt study required.
Sec. 804. Study of transfer of credits.
Sec. 805. Study of opportunities for participation in athletics
programs.
Sec. 806. Study of the effectiveness of cohort default rates for
institutions with few student loan borrowers.
Part B--Advanced Placement Incentive Program
Sec. 810. Advanced placement incentive program.
Part C--Community Scholarship Mobilization
Sec. 811. Short title.
Sec. 812. Findings.
Sec. 813. Definitions.
Sec. 814. Purpose; endowment grant authority.
Sec. 815. Grant agreement and requirements.
Sec. 816. Authorization of appropriations.
Part D--Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training
for Incarcerated Youth Offenders
Sec. 821. Grants to States for workplace and community transition
training for incarcerated youth offenders.
Part E--Grants to Combat Violent Crimes Against Women on Campuses
Sec. 826. Grants to combat violent crimes against women on campuses.
Sec. 827. Study of institutional procedures to report sexual assaults.
Part F--Improving United States Understanding of Science, Engineering,
and Technology in East Asia
Sec. 831. Improving United States understanding of science, engineering,
and technology in East Asia.
Part G--Olympic Scholarships
Sec. 836. Ex
2000
tension of authorization.
Part H--Underground Railroad
Sec. 841. Underground Railroad educational and cultural program.
Part I--Summer Travel and Work Programs
Sec. 846. Authority to administer summer travel and work programs.
Part J--Web-based Education Commission
Sec. 851. Short title; definitions.
Sec. 852. Establishment of Web-Based Education Commission.
Sec. 853. Duties of the Commission.
Sec. 854. Powers of the Commission.
Sec. 855. Commission personnel matters.
Sec. 856. Termination of the Commission.
Sec. 857. Authorization of appropriations.
Part K--Miscellaneous
Sec. 861. Education-welfare study.
Sec. 862. Release of conditions, covenants, and reversionary interests,
Guam Community College conveyance, Barrigada, Guam.
Sec. 863. Sense of Congress regarding good character.
Sec. 864. Educational merchandise licensing codes of conduct.
TITLE IX--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
Part A--Extension and Revision of Indian Higher Education Programs
Sec. 901. Tribally controlled colleges and universities.
Sec. 902. Reauthorization of Navajo Community College Act.
Part B--Education of the Deaf
Sec. 911. Short title.
Sec. 912. Elementary and secondary education programs.
Sec. 913. Agreement with Gallaudet University.
Sec. 914. Agreement for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
Sec. 915. Definitions.
Sec. 916. Gifts.
Sec. 917. Reports.
Sec. 918. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Sec. 919. Federal endowment programs.
Sec. 920. Scholarship program.
Sec. 921. Oversight and effect of agreements.
Sec. 922. International students.
Sec. 923. Research priorities.
Sec. 924. National Study on the Education of the Deaf.
Sec. 925. Authorization of appropriations.
Part C--United States Institute of Peace
Sec. 931. Authorities of the United States Institute of Peace.
Part D--Voluntary Retirement Incentive Plans
Sec. 941. Voluntary retirement incentive plans.
Part E--General Education Provisions Act Amendment
Sec. 951. Amendment to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974.
Sec. 952. Alcohol or drug possession disclosure.
Part F--Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher Education
Sec. 961. Liaison for proprietary institutions of higher education.
Part G--Amendments to Other Statutes
Sec. 971. Nondischareability of certain claims for educational benefits
provided to obtain higher education.
Sec. 972. GNMA guarantee fee.
Part H--Repeals
Sec. 981. Repeals.
Sec. 982. Repeals of previous higher education amendments provisions.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
SEC. 3. GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act or the amendments made by
this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October
1, 1998.
TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 101. REVISION OF TITLE I.
(a) General Provisions.--Title I (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is
amended to read as follows:
``TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
``PART A--DEFINITIONS
``SEC. 101. GENERAL DEFINITION OF INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
``(a) Institution of Higher Education.--For purposes of this Act,
other than title IV, the term `institution of higher education' means
an educational institution in any State that--
``(1) admits as regular students only persons having a
certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary
education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
``(2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a
program of education beyond secondary education;
``(3) provides an educational program for which the institution
awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year
program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
``(4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
``(5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting
agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution
that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or
association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the
granting of preaccreditation status, and the Secretary has
determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the
institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency
or association within a reasonable time.
``(b) Additional Institutions Included.--For purposes of this Act,
other than title IV, the term `institution of higher education' also
includes--
``(1) any school that provides not less than a 1-year program
of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a
recognized occupation and that meets the provision of paragraphs
(1), (2), (4), and (5) of subsection (a); and
``(2) a public or nonprofit private educational institution in
any State that, in lieu of the requirement in subsection (a)(1),
admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of
compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution
is located.
``(c) List of Accrediting Agencies.--For purposes of this section
and section 102, the Secretary shall publish a list of nationally
recognized accrediting agencies or associations that the Secretary
determines, pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of title IV, to be reliable
authority as to the quality of the education or training offered.
``SEC. 102. DEFINITION OF INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PURPOSES
OF TITLE IV PROGRAMS.
``(a) Definition of Institution of Higher Education for Purposes of
Title IV Programs.--
``(1) Inclusion of additional institutions.--Subject to
paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, the term
`institution of higher education' for purposes of title IV
includes, in addition to the institutions covered by the definition
in section 101--
``(A) a proprietary institution of higher education (as
defined in subsection (b) of this section);
``(B) a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in
subsection (c) of this section); and
``(C) only for the purposes of part B of title IV, an
institution outside the United States that is comparable to an
institution of higher education as defined in section 101 and
that has been approved by the Secretary for the purpose of part
B of title IV.
``(2) Institutions outside the united states.--
``(A) In general.--For the purpose of qualifying as an
institution under paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall
establish criteria by regulation for the approval of
institutions outside the United States and for the
determination that such institutions are comparable to an
institution of higher education as defined in section 101. In
the case of a graduate medical or veterinary school outside the
United States, such criteria shall include a requirement that a
student attending such school outside the United States is
ineligible for loans made, insured, or guaranteed under part B
unless--
``(i)(I) at least 60 percent of those enrolled in, and
at least 60 percent of the graduates of, the graduate
medical school outside the United States were not persons
described in section 484(a)(5) in the year preceding the
year for which a student is seeking a loan under part B of
title IV; and
``(II) at least 60 percent of the individuals
2000
who were
students or graduates of the graduate medical school
outside the United States (both nationals of the United
States and others) taking the examinations administered by
the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
received a passing score in the year preceding the year for
which a student is seeking a loan under part B of title IV;
or
``(ii) the institution has a clinical training program
that was approved by a State as of January 1, 1992, or the
institution's students complete their clinical training at
an approved veterinary school located in the United States.
``(B) Advisory panel.--
``(i) In general.--For the purpose of qualifying as an
institution under paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection, the
Secretary shall establish an advisory panel of medical
experts that shall--
``(I) evaluate the standards of accreditation
applied to applicant foreign medical schools; and
``(II) determine the comparability of those
standards to standards for accreditation applied to
United States medical schools.
``(ii) Special rule.--If the accreditation standards
described in clause (i) are determined not to be
comparable, the foreign medical school shall be required to
meet the requirements of section 101.
``(C) Failure to release information.--The failure of an
institution outside the United States to provide, release, or
authorize release to the Secretary of such information as may
be required by subparagraph (A) shall render such institution
ineligible for the purpose of part B of title IV.
``(D) Special rule.--If, pursuant to this paragraph, an
institution loses eligibility to participate in the programs
under title IV, then a student enrolled at such institution
may, notwithstanding such loss of eligibility, continue to be
eligible to receive a loan under part B while attending such
institution for the academic year succeeding the academic year
in which such loss of eligibility occurred.
``(3) Limitations based on course of study or enrollment.--An
institution shall not be considered to meet the definition of an
institution of higher education in paragraph (1) if such
institution--
``(A) offers more than 50 percent of such institution's
courses by correspondence, unless the institution is an
institution that meets the definition in section 521(4)(C) of
the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education
Act;
``(B) enrolls 50 percent or more of the institution's
students in correspondence courses, unless the institution is
an institution that meets the definition in such section,
except that the Secretary, at the request of such institution,
may waive the applicability of this subparagraph to such
institution for good cause, as determined by the Secretary in
the case of an institution of higher education that provides a
2- or 4-year program of instruction (or both) for which the
institution awards an associate or baccalaureate degree,
respectively;
``(C) has a student enrollment in which more than 25
percent of the students are incarcerated, except that the
Secretary may waive the limitation contained in this
subparagraph for a nonprofit institution that provides a 2- or
4-year program of instruction (or both) for which the
institution awards a bachelor's degree, or an associate's
degree or a postsecondary diploma, respectively; or
``(D) has a student enrollment in which more than 50
percent of the students do not have a secondary school diploma
or its recognized equivalent, and does not provide a 2- or 4-
year program of instruction (or both) for which the institution
awards a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree,
respectively, except that the Secretary may waive the
limitation contained in this subparagraph if a nonprofit
institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary
that the institution exceeds such limitation because the
institution serves, through contracts with Federal, State, or
local government agencies, significant numbers of students who
do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent.
``(4) Limitations based on management.--An institution shall
not be considered to meet the definition of an institution of
higher education in paragraph (1) if--
``(A) the institution, or an affiliate of the institution
that has the power, by contract or ownership interest, to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of
the institution, has filed for bankruptcy, except that this
paragraph shall not apply to a nonprofit institution, the
primary function of which is to provide health care educational
services (or an affiliate of such an institution that has the
power, by contract or ownership interest, to direct or cause
the direction of the institution's management or policies) that
files for bankruptcy under chapter 11 of title 11, United
States Code, between July 1, 1998, and December 1, 1998; or
``(B) the institution, the institution's owner, or the
institution's chief executive officer has been convicted of, or
has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the
acquisition, use, or expenditure of funds under title IV, or
has been judicially determined to have committed fraud
involving funds under title IV.
``(5) Certification.--The Secretary shall certify an
institution's qualification as an institution of higher education
in accordance with the requirements of subpart 3 of part H of title
IV.
``(6) Loss of eligibility.--An institution of higher education
shall not be considered to meet the definition of an institution of
higher education in paragraph (1) if such institution is removed
from eligibility for funds under title IV as a result of an action
pursuant to part H of title IV.
``(b) Proprietary Institution of Higher Education.--
``(1) Principal criteria.--For the purpose of this section, the
term `proprietary institution of higher education' means a school
that--
``(A) provides an eligible program of training to prepare
students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;
``(B) meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of
section 101(a);
``(C) does not meet the requirement of paragraph (4) of
section 101(a);
``(D) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting
agency or association recognized by the Secretary pursuant to
part H of title IV;
``(E) has been in existence for at least 2 years; and
``(F) has at least 10 percent of the school's revenues from
sources that are not derived from funds provided under title
IV, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by
the Secretary.
``(2) Additional institutions.--The term `proprietary
institution of higher education' also includes a proprietary
educational institution in any State that, in lieu of the
requirement in paragraph (1) of section 101(a), admits as regular
students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school
attendance in the State in which the institution is located.
``(c) Postsecondary Vocational Institution.--
``(1
2000
) Principal criteria.--For the purpose of this section, the
term `postsecondary vocational institution' means a school that--
``(A) provides an eligible program of training to prepare
students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;
``(B) meets the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), (4),
and (5) of section 101(a); and
``(C) has been in existence for at least 2 years.
``(2) Additional institutions.--The term `postsecondary
vocational institution' also includes an educational institution in
any State that, in lieu of the requirement in paragraph (1) of
section 101(a), admits as regular students persons who are beyond
the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the
institution is located.
``SEC. 103. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Combination of institutions of higher education.--The
term `combination of institutions of higher education' means a
group of institutions of higher education that have entered into a
cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common
objective, or a public or private nonprofit agency, organization,
or institution designated or created by a group of institutions of
higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective
on the group's behalf.
``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the Department
of Education.
``(3) Disability.--The term `disability' has the same meaning
given that term under section 3(2) of the Americans With
Disabilities Act of 1990.
``(4) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has the
same meaning given that term under section 14101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(5) Gifted and talented.--The term `gifted and talented' has
the same meaning given that term under section 14101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(6) Local educational agency.--The term `local educational
agency' has the same meaning given that term under section 14101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(7) New borrower.--The term `new borrower' when used with
respect to any date means an individual who on that date has no
outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan
made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV.
``(8) Nonprofit.--The term `nonprofit' as applied to a school,
agency, organization, or institution means a school, agency,
organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more
nonprofit corporations or associations, no part of the net earnings
of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any
private shareholder or individual.
``(9) School or department of divinity.--The term `school or
department of divinity' means an institution, or a department or a
branch of an institution, the program of instruction of which is
designed for the education of students--
``(A) to prepare the students to become ministers of
religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation (or to
provide continuing training for any such vocation); or
``(B) to prepare the students to teach theological
subjects.
``(10) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has the
same meaning given that term under section 14101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(11) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
Education.
``(12) Service-learning.--The term `service-learning' has the
same meaning given that term under section 101(23) of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990.
``(13) Special education teacher.--The term `special education
teacher' means teachers who teach children with disabilities as
defined in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act.
``(14) State educational agency.--The term `State educational
agency' has the same meaning given that term under section 14101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(15) State higher education agency.--The term `State higher
education agency' means the officer or agency primarily responsible
for the State supervision of higher education.
``(16) State; freely associated states.--
``(A) State.--The term `State' includes, in addition to the
several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the
United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States.
``(B) Freely associated states.--The term `Freely
Associated States' means the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
``PART B--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISIONS
``SEC. 111. ANTIDISCRIMINATION.
``(a) In General.--Institutions of higher education receiving
Federal financial assistance may not use such financial assistance,
directly or indirectly, to undertake any study or project or fulfill
the terms of any contract containing an express or implied provision
that any person or persons of a particular race, religion, sex, or
national origin be barred from performing such study, project, or
contract, except that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
prohibit an institution from conducting objective studies or projects
concerning the nature, effects, or prevention of discrimination, or to
have the institution's curriculum restricted on the subject of
discrimination.
``(b) Limitations on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this Act
shall be construed to limit the rights or responsibilities of any
individual under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or any other law.
``SEC. 112. PROTECTION OF STUDENT SPEECH AND ASSOCIATION RIGHTS.
``(a) Protection of Rights.--It is the sense of Congress that no
student attending an institution of higher education on a full- or
part-time basis should, on the basis of participation in protected
speech or protected association, be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination or official
sanction under any education program, activity, or division of the
institution directly or indirectly receiving financial assistance under
this Act, whether or not such program, activity, or division is
sponsored or officially sanctioned by the institution.
``(b) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed--
``(1) to discourage the imposition of an official sanction on a
student that has willfully participated in the disruption or
attempted disruption of a lecture, class, speech, presentation, or
performance made or scheduled to be made under the auspices of the
institution of higher education; or
``(2) to prevent an institution of higher education from taking
appropriate and effective action to prevent violations of State
liquor laws, to discourage binge drinking and other alcohol abuse,
to protect students from sexual harassment including assault and
date rape, to prevent hazing, or to regulate unsanitary or unsafe
conditions in any student residence.
``(c) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
``(1) Official sanction.--The term `official sanction'--
``(A) means expulsion, suspension, probation, censure,
condemnation, reprimand, or any other disciplinary, coercive,
or adverse action taken by an institution of higher education
or administrative unit of the institution; and
``(B) includes an oral or written warning made by an
official of an institution of higher education acting in the
official capacity of the official.
``(2) Protected association.
2000
--The term `protected association'
means the joining, assembling, and residing with others that is
protected under the first and 14th amendments to the Constitution,
or would be protected if the institution of higher education
involved were subject to those amendments.
``(3) Protected speech.--The term `protected speech' means
speech that is protected under the first and 14th amendments to the
Constitution, or would be protected if the institution of higher
education involved were subject to those amendments.
``SEC. 113. TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES AND TERRITORIAL STUDENT
ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Waiver Authority.--The Secretary is required to waive the
eligibility criteria of any postsecondary education program
administered by the Department where such criteria do not take into
account the unique circumstances in Guam, the United States Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the Freely Associated States.
``(b) Eligibility.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an
institution of higher education that is located in any of the Freely
Associated States, rather than in another State, shall be eligible, if
otherwise qualified, for assistance under chapter 1 of subpart 2 of
part A of title IV. This subsection shall cease to be effective on
September 30, 2004.
``SEC. 114. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY AND
INTEGRITY.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department a
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
(hereafter in this section referred to as the `Committee'), which shall
be composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary from among
individuals who are representatives of, or knowledgeable concerning,
education and training beyond secondary education, including
representatives of all sectors and types of institutions of higher
education (as defined in section 102), to assess the process of
eligibility and certification of such institutions under title IV and
the provision of financial aid under title IV.
``(b) Terms of Members.--Terms of office of each member of the
Committee shall be 3 years, except that any member appointed to fill a
vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the
member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder
of such term.
``(c) Public Notice.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) annually publish in the Federal Register a list
containing the name of each member of the Committee and the date of
the expiration of the term of office of the member; and
``(2) publicly solicit nominations for each vacant position or
expiring term of office on the Committee.
``(d) Functions.--The Committee shall--
``(1) advise the Secretary with respect to establishment and
enforcement of the standards of accrediting agencies or
associations under subpart 2 of part H of title IV;
``(2) advise the Secretary with respect to the recognition of a
specific accrediting agency or association;
``(3) advise the Secretary with respect to the preparation and
publication of the list of nationally recognized accrediting
agencies and associations;
``(4) develop and recommend to the Secretary standards and
criteria for specific categories of vocational training
institutions and institutions of higher education for which there
are no recognized accrediting agencies, associations, or State
agencies, in order to establish the eligibility of such
institutions on an interim basis for participation in federally
funded programs;
``(5) advise the Secretary with respect to the eligibility and
certification process for institutions of higher education under
title IV, together with recommendations for improvements in such
process;
``(6) advise the Secretary with respect to the relationship
between--
``(A) accreditation of institutions of higher education and
the certification and eligibility of such institutions; and
``(B) State licensing responsibilities with respect to such
institutions; and
``(7) carry out such other advisory functions relating to
accreditation and institutional eligibility as the Secretary may
prescribe.
``(e) Meeting Procedures.--The Committee shall meet not less than
twice each year at the call of the Chairperson. The date of, and agenda
for, each meeting of the Committee shall be submitted in advance to the
Secretary for approval. A representative of the Secretary shall be
present at all meetings of the Committee.
``(f) Report.--Not later than November 30 of each year, the
Committee shall make an annual report through the Secretary to
Congress. The annual report shall contain--
``(1) a list of the members of the Committee and their
addresses;
``(2) a list of the functions of the Committee;
``(3) a list of dates and places of each meeting during the
preceding fiscal year; and
``(4) a summary of the activities, findings and recommendations
made by the Committee during the preceding fiscal year.
``(g) Termination.--The Committee shall cease to exist on September
30, 2004.
``SEC. 115. STUDENT REPRESENTATION.
``The Secretary shall, in appointing individuals to any commission,
committee, board, panel, or other body in connection with the
administration of this Act, include individuals who are, at the time of
appointment, attending an institution of higher education.
``SEC. 116. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF FOREIGN STUDENTS.
``Nothing in this Act or any other Federal law shall be construed
to prohibit any institution of higher education from requiring a
student who is a foreign national (and not admitted to permanent
residence in the United States) to guarantee the future payment of
tuition and fees to such institution by--
``(1) making advance payment of such tuition and fees;
``(2) making deposits in an escrow account administered by such
institution for such payments; or
``(3) obtaining a bond or other insurance that such payments
will be made.
``SEC. 117. DISCLOSURES OF FOREIGN GIFTS.
``(a) Disclosure Report.--Whenever any institution is owned or
controlled by a foreign source or receives a gift from or enters into a
contract with a foreign source, the value of which is $250,000 or more,
considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or
contracts with that foreign source within a calendar year, the
institution shall file a disclosure report with the Secretary on
January 31 or July 31, whichever is sooner.
``(b) Contents of Report.--Each report to the Secretary required by
this section shall contain the following:
``(1) For gifts received from or contracts entered into with a
foreign source other than a foreign government, the aggregate
dollar amount of such gifts and contracts attributable to a
particular country. The country to which a gift is attributable is
the country of citizenship, or if unknown, the principal residence
for a foreign source who is a natural person, and the country of
incorporation, or if unknown, the principal place of business, for
a foreign source which is a legal entity.
``(2) For gifts received from or contracts entered into with a
foreign government, the aggregate amount of such gifts and
contracts received from each foreign government.
``(3) In the case of an institution which is owned or
controlled by a foreign source, the identity of the foreign source,
the date on which the foreign source assumed ownership or control,
and any changes in program or structure resulting from the change
in ownership or control.
``(c) Additional Disclosures for Restricted and Conditional
Gifts.--Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b), whenever any
institution receives a restricted or conditional gift or contract from
2000
a foreign source, the institution shall disclose the following:
``(1) For such gifts received from or contracts entered into
with a foreign source other than a foreign government, the amount,
the date, and a description of such conditions or restrictions. The
report shall also disclose the country of citizenship, or if
unknown, the principal residence for a foreign source which is a
natural person, and the country of incorporation, or if unknown,
the principal place of business for a foreign source which is a
legal entity.
``(2) For gifts received from or contracts entered into with a
foreign government, the amount, the date, a description of such
conditions or restrictions, and the name of the foreign government.
``(d) Relation to Other Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) State requirements.--If an institution described under
subsection (a) is within a State which has enacted requirements for
public disclosure of gifts from or contracts with a foreign source
that are substantially similar to the requirements of this section,
a copy of the disclosure report filed with the State may be filed
with the Secretary in lieu of a report required under subsection
(a). The State in which the institution is located shall provide to
the Secretary such assurances as the Secretary may require to
establish that the institution has met the requirements for public
disclosure under State law if the State report is filed.
``(2) Use of other federal reports.--If an institution receives
a gift from, or enters into a contract with, a foreign source,
where any other department, agency, or bureau of the executive
branch requires a report containing requirements substantially
similar to those required under this section, a copy of the report
may be filed with the Secretary in lieu of a report required under
subsection (a).
``(e) Public Inspection.--All disclosure reports required by this
section shall be public records open to inspection and copying during
business hours.
``(f) Enforcement.--
``(1) Court orders.--Whenever it appears that an institution
has failed to comply with the requirements of this section,
including any rule or regulation promulgated under this section, a
civil action may be brought by the Attorney General, at the request
of the Secretary, in an appropriate district court of the United
States, or the appropriate United States court of any territory or
other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to
request such court to compel compliance with the requirements of
this section.
``(2) Costs.--For knowing or willful failure to comply with the
requirements of this section, including any rule or regulation
promulgated thereunder, an institution shall pay to the Treasury of
the United States the full costs to the United States of obtaining
compliance, including all associated costs of investigation and
enforcement.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary may promulgate regulations to
carry out this section.
``(h) Definitions.--For the purpose of this section--
``(1) the term `contract' means any agreement for the
acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter of property or services
by the foreign source, for the direct benefit or use of either of
the parties;
``(2) the term `foreign source' means--
``(A) a foreign government, including an agency of a
foreign government;
``(B) a legal entity, governmental or otherwise, created
solely under the laws of a foreign state or states;
``(C) an individual who is not a citizen or a national of
the United States or a trust territory or protectorate thereof;
and
``(D) an agent, including a subsidiary or affiliate of a
foreign legal entity, acting on behalf of a foreign source;
``(3) the term `gift' means any gift of money or property;
``(4) the term `institution' means any institution, public or
private, or, if a multicampus institution, any single campus of
such institution, in any State, that--
``(A) is legally authorized within such State to provide a
program of education beyond secondary school;
``(B) provides a program for which the institution awards a
bachelor's degree (or provides not less than a 2-year program
which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree) or
more advanced degrees; and
``(C) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting
agency or association and to which institution Federal
financial assistance is extended (directly or indirectly
through another entity or person), or which institution
receives support from the extension of Federal financial
assistance to any of the institution's subunits; and
``(5) the term `restricted or conditional gift or contract'
means any endowment, gift, grant, contract, award, present, or
property of any kind which includes provisions regarding--
``(A) the employment, assignment, or termination of
faculty;
``(B) the establishment of departments, centers, research
or lecture programs, or new faculty positions;
``(C) the selection or admission of students; or
``(D) the award of grants, loans, scholarships,
fellowships, or other forms of financial aid restricted to
students of a specified country, religion, sex, ethnic origin,
or political opinion.
``SEC. 118. APPLICATION OF PEER REVIEW PROCESS.
``All applications submitted under the provisions of this Act which
require peer review shall be read by a panel of readers composed of
individuals selected by the Secretary, which shall include outside
readers who are not employees of the Federal Government. The Secretary
shall ensure that no individual assigned under this section to review
any application has any conflict of interest with regard to that
application which might impair the impartiality with which that
individual conducts the review under this section.
``SEC. 119. BINGE DRINKING ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.
``(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the `Collegiate
Initiative To Reduce Binge Drinking and Illegal Alcohol Consumption'.
``(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that, in an
effort to change the culture of alcohol consumption on college
campuses, all institutions of higher education should carry out the
following:
``(1) The president of the institution should appoint a task
force consisting of school administrators, faculty, students, Greek
system representatives, and others to conduct a full examination of
student and academic life at the institution. The task force should
make recommendations for a broad range of policy and program
changes that would serve to reduce alcohol and other drug-related
problems. The institution should provide resources to assist the
task force in promoting the campus policies and proposed
environmental changes that have been identified.
``(2) The institution should provide maximum opportunities for
students to live in an alcohol-free environment and to engage in
stimulating, alcohol-free recreational and leisure activities.
``(3) The institution should enforce a `zero tolerance' policy
on the illegal consumption of alcohol by students at the
institution.
``(4) The institution should vigorously enforce the
institution's code of disciplinary sanctions for those who violate
campus alcohol policies. Students with alcohol or other drug-
related problems should be referred for assistance, including on-
campus counseling programs if appropriate.
``(5) The institution should adopt a policy to discourage
alcoholic beverage-related sponsorship of on-campus activities. It
2000
should adopt policies limiting the advertisement and promotion of
alcoholic beverages on campus.
``(6) The institution should work with the local community,
including local businesses, in a `Town/Gown' alliance to encourage
responsible policies toward alcohol consumption and to address
illegal alcohol use by students.
``SEC. 120. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION.
``(a) Restriction on Eligibility.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, no institution of higher education shall be eligible
to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any
Federal program, including participation in any federally funded or
guaranteed student loan program, unless the institution certifies to
the Secretary that the institution has adopted and has implemented a
program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by
students and employees that, at a minimum, includes--
``(1) the annual distribution to each student and employee of--
``(A) standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a
minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of
illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the
institution's property or as part of any of the institution's
activities;
``(B) a description of the applicable legal sanctions under
local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or
distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
``(C) a description of the health-risks associated with the
use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
``(D) a description of any drug or alcohol counseling,
treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are
available to employees or students; and
``(E) a clear statement that the institution will impose
sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local,
State, and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions,
up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and
referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of
conduct required by subparagraph (A); and
``(2) a biennial review by the institution of the institution's
program to--
``(A) determine the program's effectiveness and implement
changes to the program if the changes are needed; and
``(B) ensure that the sanctions required by paragraph
(1)(E) are consistently enforced.
``(b) Information Availability.--Each institution of higher
education that provides the certification required by subsection (a)
shall, upon request, make available to the Secretary and to the public
a copy of each item required by subsection (a)(1) as well as the
results of the biennial review required by subsection (a)(2).
``(c) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall publish regulations to
implement and enforce the provisions of this section, including
regulations that provide for--
``(A) the periodic review of a representative sample of
programs required by subsection (a); and
``(B) a range of responses and sanctions for institutions
of higher education that fail to implement their programs or to
consistently enforce their sanctions, including information and
technical assistance, the development of a compliance
agreement, and the termination of any form of Federal financial
assistance.
``(2) Rehabilitation program.--The sanctions required by
subsection (a)(1)(E) may include the completion of an appropriate
rehabilitation program.
``(d) Appeals.--Upon determination by the Secretary to terminate
financial assistance to any institution of higher education under this
section, the institution may file an appeal with an administrative law
judge before the expiration of the 30-day period beginning on the date
such institution is notified of the decision to terminate financial
assistance under this section. Such judge shall hold a hearing with
respect to such termination of assistance before the expiration of the
45-day period beginning on the date that such appeal is filed. Such
judge may extend such 45-day period upon a motion by the institution
concerned. The decision of the judge with respect to such termination
shall be considered to be a final agency action.
``(e) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Grants.--
``(1) Program authority.--The Secretary may make grants to
institutions of higher education or consortia of such institutions,
and enter into contracts with such institutions, consortia, and
other organizations, to develop, implement, operate, improve, and
disseminate programs of prevention, and education (including
treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the illegal use of
drugs and alcohol and the violence associated with such use. Such
grants or contracts may also be used for the support of a higher
education center for alcohol and drug abuse prevention that will
provide training, technical assistance, evaluation, dissemination,
and associated services and assistance to the higher education
community as determined by the Secretary and institutions of higher
education.
``(2) Awards.--Grants and contracts shall be awarded under
paragraph (1) on a competitive basis.
``(3) Applications.--An institution of higher education, a
consortium of such institutions, or another organization that
desires to receive a grant or contract under paragraph (1) shall
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such
manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require by regulation.
``(4) Additional requirements.--
``(A) Participation.--In awarding grants and contracts
under this subsection the Secretary shall make every effort to
ensure--
``(i) the equitable participation of private and public
institutions of higher education (including community and
junior colleges); and
``(ii) the equitable geographic participation of such
institutions.
``(B) Consideration.--In awarding grants and contracts
under this subsection the Secretary shall give appropriate
consideration to institutions of higher education with limited
enrollment.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for fiscal
year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
``(f) National Recognition Awards.--
``(1) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subsection to provide
models of innovative and effective alcohol and drug abuse
prevention programs in higher education and to focus national
attention on exemplary alcohol and drug abuse prevention efforts.
``(2) Awards.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make 5 National
Recognition Awards for outstanding alcohol prevention programs
and 5 National Recognition Awards for outstanding drug abuse
prevention programs, on an annual basis, to institutions of
higher education that--
``(i) have developed and implemented innovative and
effective alcohol prevention programs or drug abuse
prevention programs; and
``(ii) with respect to an application for an alcohol
prevention program award, demonstrate in the application
submitted under paragraph (3) that the institution has
undertaken efforts designed to change the culture of
college drinking consistent with the review criteria
described in paragraph (3)(C)(iii).
``(B) Ceremony.--The awards shall be made at a ceremony in
Washington, D.C.
``(C) Document.--The Sec
2000
retary shall publish a document
describing the alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs of
institutions of higher education that receive the awards under
this subsection and disseminate the document nationally to all
public and private secondary school guidance counselors for use
by secondary school juniors and seniors preparing to enter an
institution of higher education. The document shall be
disseminated not later than January 1 of each academic year.
``(D) Amount and use.--Each institution of higher education
selected to receive an award under this subsection shall
receive an award in the amount of $50,000. Such award shall be
used for the maintenance and improvement of the institution's
outstanding prevention program for the academic year following
the academic year for which the award is made.
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--Each institution of higher education
desiring an award under this subsection shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
Each such application shall contain--
``(i) a clear description of the goals and objectives
of the prevention program of the institution;
``(ii) a description of program activities that focus
on alcohol or drug policy issues, policy development,
modification, or refinement, policy dissemination and
implementation, and policy enforcement;
``(iii) a description of activities that encourage
student and employee participation and involvement in
activity development and implementation;
``(iv) the objective criteria used to determine the
effectiveness of the methods used in such programs and the
means used to evaluate and improve the programs' efforts;
``(v) a description of special initiatives used to
reduce high-risk behavior or increase low-risk behavior;
and
``(vi) a description of coordination and networking
efforts that exist in the community in which the
institution is located for purposes of such programs.
``(B) Application review.--The Secretary shall appoint a
committee to review applications submitted under this
paragraph. The committee may include representatives of Federal
departments or agencies the programs of which include alcohol
abuse prevention and education efforts and drug abuse
prevention and education efforts, directors or heads (or their
representatives) of professional associations that focus on
alcohol and drug abuse prevention efforts, and non-Federal
scientists who have backgrounds in social science evaluation
and research methodology and in education. Decisions of the
committee shall be made directly to the Secretary without
review by any other entity in the Department.
``(C) Review criteria.--The committee described in
subparagraph (B) shall develop specific review criteria for
reviewing and evaluating applications submitted under this
paragraph. The review criteria shall include--
``(i) measures of the effectiveness of the program of
the institution, that includes changes in the campus
alcohol or other drug environment or the climate and
changes in alcohol or other drug use before and after the
initiation of the program;
``(ii) measures of program institutionalization,
including--
``(I) an assessment of needs of the institution;
``(II) the institution's alcohol and drug policies,
staff and faculty development activities, drug
prevention criteria, student, faculty, and campus
community involvement; and
``(III) whether the program will be continued after
the cessation of Federal funding; and
``(iii) with respect to an application for an alcohol
prevention program award, criteria for determining whether
the institution has policies in effect that--
``(I) prohibit alcoholic beverage sponsorship of
athletic events, and prohibit alcoholic beverage
advertising inside athletic facilities;
``(II) prohibit alcoholic beverage marketing on
campus, which may include efforts to ban alcohol
advertising in institutional publications or efforts to
prohibit alcohol-related advertisements at campus
events;
``(III) establish or expand upon alcohol-free
living arrangements for all college students;
``(IV) establish partnerships with community
members and organizations to further alcohol prevention
efforts on campus and the areas surrounding campus; and
``(V) establish innovative communications programs
involving students and faculty in an effort to educate
students about alcohol-related risks.
``(4) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible to receive a
National Recognition Award an institution of higher education
shall--
``(A) offer an associate or baccalaureate degree;
``(B) have established an alcohol abuse prevention and
education program or a drug abuse prevention and education
program;
``(C) nominate itself or be nominated by others, such as
professional associations or student organizations, to receive
the award; and
``(D) not have received an award under this subsection
during the 5 academic years preceding the academic year for
which the determination is made.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--
``(A) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this subsection $750,000 for fiscal year 1999.
``(B) Availability.--Funds appropriated under subparagraph
(A) shall remain available until expended.
``SEC. 121. PRIOR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) Pre-1987 parts c and d of title vii.--There are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 1999 and for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years to
pay obligations incurred prior to 1987 under parts C and D of title
VII, as such parts were in effect before the effective date of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1992.
``(2) Post-1992 and pre-1998 part c of title vii.--There are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 1999 and for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years to
pay obligations incurred prior to the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998 under part C of title VII, as
such part was in effect during the period--
``(A) after the effective date of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1992; and
``(B) prior to the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998.
``(b) Legal Responsibilities.--
``(1) Pre-1987 title vii.--All entities with continuing
obligations incurred under parts A, B, C, and D of title VII, as
such parts were in effect before the effective date of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1992, shall be subject to the requirements
of such part as in effect before the effective date of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1992.
``(2) Post-1992 and pre-1998 part c of title vii.--All entities
with continuing obligations incurred un
2000
der part C of title VII, as
such part was in effect during the period--
``(A) after the effective date of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1992; and
``(B) prior to the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998,
shall be subject to the requirements of such part as such part was
in effect during such period.
``SEC. 122. RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS.
``(a) Public Benefit.--Congress declares that, if a facility
constructed with the aid of a grant under part A of title VII as such
part A was in effect prior to the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998, or part B of such title as part B was in
effect prior to the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1992, is used as an academic facility for 20 years
following completion of such construction, the public benefit accruing
to the United States will equal in value the amount of the grant. The
period of 20 years after completion of such construction shall
therefore be deemed to be the period of Federal interest in such
facility for the purposes of such title as so in effect.
``(b) Recovery Upon Cessation of Public Benefit.--If, within 20
years after completion of construction of an academic facility which
has been constructed, in part with a grant under part A of title VII as
such part A was in effect prior to the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998, or part B of title VII as such part B was
in effect prior to the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1992--
``(1) the applicant under such parts as so in effect (or the
applicant's successor in title or possession) ceases or fails to be
a public or nonprofit institution; or
``(2) the facility ceases to be used as an academic facility,
or the facility is used as a facility excluded from the term
`academic facility' (as such term was defined under title VII, as
so in effect), unless the Secretary determines that there is good
cause for releasing the institution from its obligation,
the United States shall be entitled to recover from such applicant (or
successor) an amount which bears to the value of the facility at that
time (or so much thereof as constituted an approved project or
projects) the same ratio as the amount of Federal grant bore to the
cost of the facility financed with the aid of such grant. The value
shall be determined by agreement of the parties or by action brought in
the United States district court for the district in which such
facility is situated.
``(c) Prohibition on Use for Religion.--Notwithstanding the
provisions of subsections (a) and (b), no project assisted with funds
under title VII (as in effect prior to the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998) shall ever be used for religious
worship or a sectarian activity or for a school or department of
divinity.
``PART C--COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION
``SEC. 131. IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKET INFORMATION AND PUBLIC
ACCOUNTABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
``(a) Improved Data Collection.--
``(1) Development of uniform methodology.--The Secretary shall
direct the Commissioner of Education Statistics to convene a series
of forums to develop nationally consistent methodologies for
reporting costs incurred by postsecondary institutions in providing
postsecondary education.
``(2) Redesign of data systems.--On the basis of the
methodologies developed pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall redesign relevant parts of the postsecondary education data
systems to improve the usefulness and timeliness of the data
collected by such systems.
``(3) Information to institutions.--The Commissioner of
Education Statistics shall--
``(A) develop a standard definition for the following data
elements:
``(i) tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate
student;
``(ii) cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate
student, consistent with the provisions of section 472;
``(iii) average amount of financial assistance received
by an undergraduate student who attends an institution of
higher education, including--
``(I) each type of assistance or benefit described
in section 428(a)(2)(C)(i);
``(II) fellowships; and
``(III) institutional and other assistance; and
``(iv) number of students receiving financial
assistance described in each of subclauses (I), (II), and
(III) of clause (iii);
``(B) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, report the definitions
to each institution of higher education and within a reasonable
period of time thereafter inform the Committee on Labor and
Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education
and the Workforce of the House of Representatives of those
definitions; and
``(C) collect information regarding the data elements
described in subparagraph (A) with respect to at least all
institutions of higher education participating in programs
under title IV, beginning with the information from academic
year 2000-2001 and annually thereafter.
``(b) Data Dissemination.--The Secretary shall make available the
data collected pursuant to subsection (a). Such data shall be available
in a form that permits the review and comparison of the data
submissions of individual institutions of higher education. Such data
shall be presented in a form that is easily understandable and allows
parents and students to make informed decisions based on the costs for
typical full-time undergraduate students.
``(c) Study.--
``(1) In general.--The Commissioner of Education Statistics
shall conduct a national study of expenditures at institutions of
higher education. Such study shall include information with respect
to--
``(A) the change in tuition and fees compared with the
consumer price index and other appropriate measures of
inflation;
``(B) faculty salaries and benefits;
``(C) administrative salaries, benefits and expenses;
``(D) academic support services;
``(E) research;
``(F) operations and maintenance; and
``(G) institutional expenditures for construction and
technology and the potential cost of replacing instructional
buildings and equipment.
``(2) Evaluation.--The study shall include an evaluation of--
``(A) changes over time in the expenditures identified in
paragraph (1);
``(B) the relationship of the expenditures identified in
paragraph (1) to college costs; and
``(C) the extent to which increases in institutional
financial aid and tuition discounting practices affect tuition
increases, including the demographics of students receiving
such discounts, the extent to which financial aid is provided
to students with limited need in order to attract a student to
a particular institution, and the extent to which Federal
financial aid, including loan aid, has been used to offset the
costs of such practices.
``(3) Final report.--The Commissioner of Education Statistics
shall submit a report regarding the findings of the study required
by paragraph (1) to the appropriate committees of Congress not
later than September 30, 2002.
``(4) Higher education market basket.--The Bureau of Labor
Statistics, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education
Statistics, shall develop a higher education market basket that
identifies the items that comprise the costs of higher education.
The Bureau of Labor Statisti
2000
cs shall provide a report on the market
basket to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate
and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives not later than September 30, 2002.
``(5) Fines.--In addition to actions authorized in section
487(c), the Secretary may impose a fine in an amount not to exceed
$25,000 on an institution of higher education for failing to
provide the information described in paragraph (1) in a timely and
accurate manner, or for failing to otherwise cooperate with the
National Center for Education Statistics regarding efforts to
obtain data on the cost of higher education under this section and
pursuant to the program participation agreement entered into under
section 487.
``(d) Student Aid Recipient Survey.--(1) The Secretary shall survey
student aid recipients on a regular cycle, but not less than once every
3 years--
``(A) to identify the population of students receiving Federal
student aid;
``(B) to determine the income distribution and other
socioeconomic characteristics of federally aided students;
``(C) to describe the combinations of aid from State, Federal,
and private sources received by students from all income groups;
``(D) to describe the debt burden of loan recipients and their
capacity to repay their education debts; and
``(E) to disseminate such information in both published and
machine readable form.
``(2) The survey shall be representative of full-time and part-
time, undergraduate, graduate, and professional and current and former
students in all types of institutions, and should be designed and
administered in consultation with the Congress and the postsecondary
education community.
``PART D--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR DELIVERY OF STUDENT FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
``SEC. 141. PERFORMANCE-BASED ORGANIZATION FOR THE DELIVERY OF FEDERAL
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Department a
Performance-Based Organization (hereafter referred to as the `PBO')
which shall be a discrete management unit responsible for managing
the operational functions supporting the programs authorized under
title IV of this Act, as specified in subsection (b).
``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the PBO are--
``(A) to improve service to students and other participants
in the student financial assistance programs authorized under
title IV, including making those programs more understandable
to students and their parents;
``(B) to reduce the costs of administering those programs;
``(C) to increase the accountability of the officials
responsible for administering the operational aspects of these
programs;
``(D) to provide greater flexibility in the management of
the operational functions of the Federal student financial
assistance programs;
``(E) to integrate the information systems supporting the
Federal student financial assistance programs;
``(F) to implement an open, common, integrated system for
the delivery of student financial assistance under title IV;
and
``(G) to develop and maintain a student financial
assistance system that contains complete, accurate, and timely
data to ensure program integrity.
``(b) General Authority.--
``(1) Authority of secretary.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this part, the Secretary shall maintain responsibility
for the development and promulgation of policy and regulations
relating to the programs of student financial assistance under
title IV. In the exercise of its functions, the PBO shall be
subject to the direction of the Secretary. The Secretary shall--
``(A) request the advice of, and work in cooperation with,
the Chief Operating Officer in developing regulations,
policies, administrative guidance, or procedures affecting the
information systems administered by the PBO, and other
functions performed by the PBO;
``(B) request cost estimates from the Chief Operating
Officer for system changes required by specific policies
proposed by the Secretary; and
``(C) assist the Chief Operating Officer in identifying
goals for the administration and modernization of the delivery
system for student financial assistance under title IV.
``(2) PBO functions.--Subject to paragraph (1), the PBO shall
be responsible for administration of the information and financial
systems that support student financial assistance programs
authorized under this title, excluding the development of policy
relating to such programs but including the following:
``(A) The administrative, accounting, and financial
management functions of the delivery system for Federal student
assistance, including--
``(i) the collection, processing and transmission of
applicant data to students, institutions and authorized
third parties, as provided for in section 483;
``(ii) design and technical specifications for software
development and systems supporting the delivery of student
financial assistance under title IV;
``(iii) all software and hardware acquisitions and all
information technology contracts related to the delivery
and management of student financial assistance under title
IV;
``(iv) all aspects of contracting for the information
and financial systems supporting student financial
assistance programs under this title; and
``(v) providing all customer service, training, and
user support related to systems that support those
programs.
``(B) Annual development of a budget for the operations and
services of the PBO, in consultation with the Secretary, and
for consideration and inclusion in the Department's annual
budget submission.
``(3) Additional functions.--The Secretary may allocate to the
PBO such additional functions as the Secretary and the Chief
Operating Officer determine are necessary or appropriate to achieve
the purposes of the PBO.
``(4) Independence.--Subject to paragraph (1), in carrying out
its functions, the PBO shall exercise independent control of its
budget allocations and expenditures, personnel decisions and
processes, procurements, and other administrative and management
functions.
``(5) Audits and review.--The PBO shall be subject to the usual
and customary Federal audit procedures and to review by the
Inspector General of the Department.
``(6) Changes.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary and the Chief Operating
Officer shall consult concerning the effects of policy, market,
or other changes on the ability of the PBO to achieve the goals
and objectives established in the performance plan described in
subsection (c).
``(B) Revisions to agreement.--The Secretary and the Chief
Operating Officer may revise the annual performance agreement
described in subsection (d)(4) in light of policy, market, or
other changes that occur after the Secretary and the Chief
Operating Officer enter into the agreement.
``(c) Performance Plan and Report.--
``(1) Performance plan.--
``(A) In general.--Each year, the Secretary and Chief
Operating Officer shall agree on, and make available to the
public, a performance plan for the PBO for the succeeding 5
years that establishes measurable goals and objectives for th
2000
e
organization.
``(B) Consultation.--In developing the 5-year performance
plan and any revision to the plan, the Secretary and the Chief
Operating Officer shall consult with students, institutions of
higher education, Congress, lenders, the Advisory Committee on
Student Financial Assistance, and other interested parties not
less than 30 days prior to the implementation of the
performance plan or revision.
``(C) Areas.--The plan shall include a concise statement of
the goals for a modernized system for the delivery of student
financial assistance under title IV and identify action steps
necessary to achieve such goals. The plan shall address the
PBO's responsibilities in the following areas:
``(i) Improving service.--Improving service to students
and other participants in student financial aid programs
authorized under this title, including making those
programs more understandable to students and their parents.
``(ii) Reducing costs.--Reducing the costs of
administering those programs.
``(iii) Improvement and integration of support
systems.--Improving and integrating the information and
delivery systems that support those programs.
``(iv) Delivery and information system.-- Developing an
open, common, and integrated delivery and information
system for programs authorized under this title.
``(v) Other areas.--Any other areas identified by the
Secretary.
``(2) Annual report.--Each year, the Chief Operating Officer
shall prepare and submit to Congress, through the Secretary, an
annual report on the performance of the PBO, including an
evaluation of the extent to which the PBO met the goals and
objectives contained in the 5-year performance plan described in
paragraph (1) for the preceding year. The annual report shall
include the following:
``(A) An independent financial audit of the expenditures of
both the PBO and programs administered by the PBO.
``(B) Financial and performance requirements applicable to
the PBO under the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990 and the
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.
``(C) The results achieved by the PBO during the year
relative to the goals established in the organization's
performance plan.
``(D) The evaluation rating of the performance of the Chief
Operating Officer and senior managers under subsections (d)(4)
and (e)(2), including the amounts of bonus compensation awarded
to these individuals.
``(E) Recommendations for legislative and regulatory
changes to improve service to students and their families, and
to improve program efficiency and integrity.
``(F) Other such information as the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget shall prescribe for performance based
organizations.
``(3) Consultation with stakeholders.--The Chief Operating
Officer, in preparing the report described in paragraph (2), shall
establish appropriate means to consult with borrowers,
institutions, lenders, guaranty agencies, secondary markets, and
others involved in the delivery system of student aid under this
title--
``(A) regarding the degree of satisfaction with the
delivery system; and
``(B) to seek suggestions on means to improve the delivery
system.
``(d) Chief Operating Officer.--
``(1) Appointment.--The management of the PBO shall be vested
in a Chief Operating Officer who shall be appointed by the
Secretary to a term of not less than 3 and not more than 5 years,
and compensated without regard to chapters 33, 51, and 53 of title
5, United States Code. The Secretary shall appoint the Chief
Operating Officer within 6 months after the date of enactment of
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The appointment shall be
made on the basis of demonstrated management ability and expertise
in information technology, including experience with financial
systems, and without regard to political affiliation or activity.
``(2) Reappointment.--The Secretary may reappoint the Chief
Operating Officer to subsequent terms of not less than 3 and not
more than 5 years, so long as the performance of the Chief
Operating Officer, as set forth in the performance agreement
described in paragraph (4), is satisfactory.
``(3) Removal.--The Chief Operating Officer may be removed by--
``(A) the President; or
``(B) the Secretary, for misconduct or failure to meet
performance goals set forth in the performance agreement in
paragraph (4).
The President or Secretary shall communicate the reasons for any
such removal to the appropriate committees of Congress.
``(4) Performance agreement.--
``(A) In general.--Each year, the Secretary and the Chief
Operating Officer shall enter into an annual performance
agreement, that shall set forth measurable organization and
individual goals for the Chief Operating Officer.
``(B) Transmittal.--The final agreement, and any revision
to the final agreement, shall be transmitted to the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate,
and made publicly available.
``(5) Compensation.--
``(A) In general.--The Chief Operating Officer is
authorized to be paid at an annual rate of basic pay not to
exceed the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive
Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code,
including any applicable locality-based comparability payment
that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(B) of such
title. The compensation of the Chief Operating Officer shall be
considered for purposes of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18,
United States Code, to be the equivalent of that described
under clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of such title.
``(B) Bonus.--In addition, the Chief Operating Officer may
receive a bonus in an amount that does not exceed 50 percent of
such annual rate of basic pay, based upon the Secretary's
evaluation of the Chief Operating Officer's performance in
relation to the goals set forth in the performance agreement
described in paragraph (2).
``(C) Payment.--Payment of a bonus under this subparagraph
(B) may be made to the Chief Operating Officer only to the
extent that such payment does not cause the Chief Operating
Officer's total aggregate compensation in a calendar year to
equal or exceed the amount of the President's salary under
section 102 of title 3, United States Code.
``(e) Senior Management.--
``(1) Appointment.--
``(A) In general.--The Chief Operating Officer may appoint
such senior managers as that officer determines necessary
without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service.
``(B) Compensation.--The senior managers described in
subparagraph (A) may be paid without regard to the provisions
of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
``(2) Performance agreement.--Each year, the Chief Operating
Officer and each senior manager appointed under this subsection
shall enter into an annual performance agreement that sets forth
measurable organization and individual goals
2000
. The agreement shall
be subject to review and renegotiation at the end of each term.
``(3) Compensation.--
``(A) In general.--A senior manager appointed under this
subsection may be paid at an annual rate of basic pay of not
more than the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior
Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States
Code, including any applicable locality-based comparability
payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of
such title. The compensation of a senior manager shall be
considered for purposes of section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18,
United States Code, to be the equivalent of that described
under clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of such title.
``(B) Bonus.--In addition, a senior manager may receive a
bonus in an amount such that the manager's total annual
compensation does not exceed 125 percent of the maximum rate of
basic pay for the Senior Executive Service, including any
applicable locality-based comparability payment, based upon the
Chief Operating Officer's evaluation of the manager's
performance in relation to the goals set forth in the
performance agreement described in paragraph (2).
``(4) Removal.--A senior manager shall be removable by the
Chief Operating Officer, or by the Secretary if the position of
Chief Operating Officer is vacant.
``(f) Student Loan Ombudsman.--
``(1) Appointment.--The Chief Operating Officer, in
consultation with the Secretary, shall appoint a Student Loan
Ombudsman to provide timely assistance to borrowers of loans made,
insured, or guaranteed under title IV by performing the functions
described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Public information.--The Chief Operating Officer shall
disseminate information about the availability and functions of the
Ombudsman to borrowers and potential borrowers, as well as
institutions of higher education, lenders, guaranty agencies, loan
servicers, and other participants in those student loan programs.
``(3) Functions of ombudsman.--The Ombudsman shall--
``(A) in accordance with regulations of the Secretary,
receive, review, and attempt to resolve informally complaints
from borrowers of loans described in paragraph (1), including,
as appropriate, attempts to resolve such complaints within the
Department of Education and with institutions of higher
education, lenders, guaranty agencies, loan servicers, and
other participants in the loan programs described in paragraph
(1)(A); and
``(B) compile and analyze data on borrower complaints and
make appropriate recommendations.
``(4) Report.--Each year, the Ombudsman shall submit a report
to the Chief Operating Officer, for inclusion in the annual report
under subsection (c)(2), that describes the activities, and
evaluates the effectiveness of the Ombudsman during the preceding
year.
``(g) Personnel Flexibility.--
``(1) Personnel ceilings.--The PBO shall not be subject to any
ceiling relating to the number or grade of employees.
``(2) Administrative flexibility.--The Chief Operating Officer
shall work with the Office of Personnel Management to develop and
implement personnel flexibilities in staffing, classification, and
pay that meet the needs of the PBO, subject to compliance with
title 5, United States Code.
``(3) Excepted service.--The Chief Operating Officer may
appoint, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, not more
than 25 technical and professional employees to administer the
functions of the PBO. These employees may be paid without regard to
the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay
rates.
``(h) Establishment of a Fair and Equitable System for Measuring
Staff Performance.--The PBO shall establish an annual performance
management system, subject to compliance with title 5, United States
Code and consistent with applicable provisions of law and regulations,
which strengthens the organizational effectiveness of the PBO by
providing for establishing goals or objectives for individual, group,
or organizational performance (or any combination thereof), consistent
with the performance plan of the PBO and its performance planning
procedures, including those established under the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993, and communicating such goals or
objectives to employees.
``(i) Report.--The Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer, not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998, shall report to Congress on the proposed budget and
sources of funding for the operation of the PBO.
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--The Secretary shall
allocate from funds made available under section 458 such funds as are
appropriate to the functions assumed by the PBO. In addition, there are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry
out the purposes of this part, including transition costs.
``SEC. 142. PROCUREMENT FLEXIBILITY.
``(a) Procurement Authority.--Subject to the authority of the
Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer of a PBO may exercise the
authority of the Secretary to procure property and services in the
performance of functions managed by the PBO. For the purposes of this
section, the term `PBO' includes the Chief Operating Officer of the PBO
and any employee of the PBO exercising procurement authority under the
preceding sentence.
``(b) In General.--Except as provided in this section, the PBO
shall abide by all applicable Federal procurement laws and regulations
when procuring property and services. The PBO shall--
``(1) enter into contracts for information systems supporting
the programs authorized under title IV to carry out the functions
set forth in section 141(b)(2); and
``(2) obtain the services of experts and consultants without
regard to section 3109 of title 5, United States Code and set pay
in accordance with such section.
``(c) Service Contracts.--
``(1) Performance-based servicing contracts.--The Chief
Operating Officer shall, to the extent practicable, maximize the
use of performance-based servicing contracts, consistent with
guidelines for such contracts published by the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy, to achieve cost savings and improve service.
``(2) Fee for service arrangements.--The Chief Operating
Officer shall, when appropriate and consistent with the purposes of
the PBO, acquire services related to the title IV delivery system
from any entity that has the capability and capacity to meet the
requirements for the system. The Chief Operating Officer is
authorized to pay fees that are equivalent to those paid by other
entities to an organization that provides an information system or
service that meets the requirements of the PBO, as determined by
the Chief Operating Officer.
``(d) Two-Phase Source-Selection Procedures.--
``(1) In general.--The PBO may use a two-phase process for
selecting a source for a procurement of property or services.
``(2) First phase.--The procedures for the first phase of the
process for a procurement are as follows:
``(A) Publication of notice.--The contracting officer for
the procurement shall publish a notice of the procurement in
accordance with section 18 of the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416) and subsections (e), (f), and (g) of
section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637), except
that the notice shall include only the following:
2000
``(i) A general description of the scope or purpose of
the procurement that provides sufficient information on the
scope or purpose for sources to make informed business
decisions regarding whether to participate in the
procurement.
``(ii) A description of the basis on which potential
sources are to be selected to submit offers in the second
phase.
``(iii) A description of the information that is to be
required under subparagraph (B).
``(iv) Any additional information that the contracting
officer determines appropriate.
``(B) Information submitted by offerors.--Each offeror for
the procurement shall submit basic information, such as
information on the offeror's qualifications, the proposed
conceptual approach, costs likely to be associated with the
proposed conceptual approach, and past performance of the
offeror on Federal Government contracts, together with any
additional information that is requested by the contracting
officer.
``(C) Selection for second phase.--The contracting officer
shall select the offerors that are to be eligible to
participate in the second phase of the process. The contracting
officer shall limit the number of the selected offerors to the
number of sources that the contracting officer determines is
appropriate and in the best interests of the Federal
Government.
``(3) Second phase.--
``(A) In general.--The contracting officer shall conduct
the second phase of the source selection process in accordance
with sections 303A and 303B of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253a and 253b).
``(B) Eligible participants.--Only the sources selected in
the first phase of the process shall be eligible to participate
in the second phase.
``(C) Single or multiple procurements.--The second phase
may include a single procurement or multiple procurements
within the scope, or for the purpose, described in the notice
pursuant to paragraph (2)(A).
``(4) Procedures considered competitive.--The procedures used
for selecting a source for a procurement under this subsection
shall be considered competitive procedures for all purposes.
``(e) Use of Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items.--Whenever
the PBO anticipates that commercial items will be offered for a
procurement, the PBO may use (consistent with the special rules for
commercial items) the special simplified procedures for the procurement
without regard to--
``(1) any dollar limitation otherwise applicable to the use of
those procedures; and
``(2) the expiration of the authority to use special simplified
procedures under section 4202(e) of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996
(110 Stat. 654; 10 U.S.C. 2304 note).
``(f) Flexible Wait Periods and Deadlines for Submission of Offers
of Noncommercial Items.--
``(1) Authority.--In carrying out a procurement, the PBO may--
``(A) apply a shorter waiting period for the issuance of a
solicitation after the publication of a notice under section 18
of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416)
than is required under subsection (a)(3)(A) of such section;
and
``(B) notwithstanding subsection (a)(3) of such section,
establish any deadline for the submission of bids or proposals
that affords potential offerors a reasonable opportunity to
respond to the solicitation.
``(2) Inapplicability to commercial items.--Paragraph (1) does
not apply to a procurement of a commercial item.
``(3) Consistency with applicable international agreements.--If
an international agreement is applicable to the procurement, any
exercise of authority under paragraph (1) shall be consistent with
the international agreement.
``(g) Modular Contracting.--
``(1) In general.--The PBO may satisfy the requirements of the
PBO for a system incrementally by carrying out successive
procurements of modules of the system. In doing so, the PBO may use
procedures authorized under this subsection to procure any such
module after the first module.
``(2) Utility requirement.--A module may not be procured for a
system under this subsection unless the module is useful
independently of the other modules or useful in combination with
another module previously procured for the system.
``(3) Conditions for use of authority.--The PBO may use
procedures authorized under paragraph (4) for the procurement of an
additional module for a system if--
``(A) competitive procedures were used for awarding the
contract for the procurement of the first module for the
system; and
``(B) the solicitation for the first module included--
``(i) a general description of the entire system that
was sufficient to provide potential offerors with
reasonable notice of the general scope of future modules;
``(ii) other information sufficient for potential
offerors to make informed business judgments regarding
whether to submit offers for the contract for the first
module; and
``(iii) a statement that procedures authorized under
this subsection could be used for awarding subsequent
contracts for the procurement of additional modules for the
system.
``(4) Procedures.--If the procurement of the first module for a
system meets the requirements set forth in paragraph (3), the PBO
may award a contract for the procurement of an additional module
for the system using any of the following procedures:
``(A) Sole source.--Award of the contract on a sole-source
basis to a contractor who was awarded a contract for a module
previously procured for the system under competitive procedures
or procedures authorized under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Adequate competition.--Award of the contract on the
basis of offers made by--
``(i) a contractor who was awarded a contract for a
module previously procured for the system after having been
selected for award of the contract under this subparagraph
or other competitive procedures; and
``(ii) at least one other offeror that submitted an
offer for a module previously procured for the system and
is expected, on the basis of the offer for the previously
procured module, to submit a competitive offer for the
additional module.
``(C) Other.--Award of the contract under any other
procedure authorized by law.
``(5) Notice requirement.--
``(A) Publication.--Not less than 30 days before issuing a
solicitation for offers for a contract for a module for a
system under procedures authorized under subparagraph (A) or
(B) of paragraph (4), the PBO shall publish in the Commerce
Business Daily a notice of the intent to use such procedures to
enter into the contract.
``(B) Exception.--Publication of a notice is not required
under this paragraph with respect to a use of procedures
authorized under paragraph (4) if the contractor referred to in
that subparagraph (who is to be solicited to submit an offer)
has previously provided a module for the system under a
contract that contained cost, schedule, and performance goals
and the contractor met those goals.
``(C) Content of notice.--A notice published under
subparagraph (A) with respect to a
2000
use of procedures described
in paragraph (4) shall contain the information required under
section 18(b) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act
(41 U.S.C. 416(b)), other than paragraph (4) of such section,
and shall invite the submission of any assertion that the use
of the procedures for the procurement involved is not in the
best interest of the Federal Government together with
information supporting the assertion.
``(6) Documentation.--The basis for an award of a contract
under this subsection shall be documented. However, a justification
pursuant to section 303(f) of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253(f)) or section
8(h) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(h)) is not required.
``(7) Simplified source-selection procedures.--The PBO may
award a contract under any other simplified procedures prescribed
by the PBO for the selection of sources for the procurement of
modules for a system, after the first module, that are not to be
procured under a contract awarded on a sole-source basis.
``(h) Use of Simplified Procedures for Small Business Set-Asides
for Services Other Than Commercial Items.--
``(1) Authority.--The PBO may use special simplified procedures
for a procurement of services that are not commercial items if--
``(A) the procurement is in an amount not greater than
$1,000,000;
``(B) the procurement is conducted as a small business set-
aside pursuant to section 15(a) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 644(a)); and
``(C) the price charged for supplies associated with the
services procured are items of supply expected to be less than
20 percent of the total contract price.
``(2) Inapplicability to certain procurements.--The authority
set forth in paragraph (1) may not be used for--
``(A) an award of a contract on a sole-source basis; or
``(B) a contract for construction.
``(i) Guidance for Use of Authority.--
``(1) Issuance by pbo.--The Chief Operating Officer of the PBO,
in consultation with the Administrator for Federal Procurement
Policy, shall issue guidance for the use by PBO personnel of the
authority provided in this section.
``(2) Guidance from ofpp.--As part of the consultation required
under paragraph (1), the Administrator for Federal Procurement
Policy shall provide the PBO with guidance that is designed to
ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the authority under
this section is exercised by the PBO in a manner that is consistent
with the exercise of the authority by the heads of the other
performance-based organizations.
``(3) Compliance with ofpp guidance.--The head of the PBO shall
ensure that the procurements of the PBO under this section are
carried out in a manner that is consistent with the guidance
provided for the PBO under paragraph (2).
``(j) Limitation on Multiagency Contracting.--No department or
agency of the Federal Government may purchase property or services
under contracts entered into or administered by a PBO under this
section unless the purchase is approved in advance by the senior
procurement official of that department or agency who is responsible
for purchasing by the department or agency.
``(k) Laws Not Affected.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to waive laws for the enforcement of civil rights or for the
establishment and enforcement of labor standards that are applicable to
contracts of the Federal Government.
``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Commercial item.--The term `commercial item' has the
meaning given the term in section 4(12) of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(12)).
``(2) Competitive procedures.--The term `competitive
procedures' has the meaning given the term in section 309(b) of the
Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C.
259(b)).
``(3) Sole-source basis.--The term `sole-source basis', with
respect to an award of a contract, means that the contract is
awarded to a source after soliciting an offer or offers from, and
negotiating with, only that source.
``(4) Special rules for commercial items.--The term `special
rules for commercial items' means the regulations set forth in the
Federal Acquisition Regulation pursuant to section 303(g)(1) of the
Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C.
253(g)(1)) and section 31 of the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 427).
``(5) Special simplified procedures.--The term `special
simplified procedures' means the procedures applicable to purchases
of property and services for amounts not greater than the
simplified acquisition threshold that are set forth in the Federal
Acquisition Regulation pursuant to section 303(g)(1)(B) of the
Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C.
253(g)(1)(A)) and section 31(a)(1) of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 427(a)(1)).
``SEC. 143. ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION OF STUDENT AID DELIVERY.
``(a) In General.--In order to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the student aid delivery system, the Secretary and the
Chief Operating Officer shall encourage and participate in the
establishment of voluntary consensus standards and requirements for the
electronic transmission of information necessary for the administration
of programs under title IV.
``(b) Participation in Standard Setting Organizations.--
``(1) The Chief Operating Officer shall participate in the
activities of standard setting organizations in carrying out the
provisions of this section.
``(2) The Chief Operating Officer shall encourage higher
education groups seeking to develop common forms, standards, and
procedures in support of the delivery of Federal student financial
assistance to conduct these activities within a standard setting
organization.
``(3) The Chief Operating Officer may pay necessary dues and
fees associated with participating in standard setting
organizations pursuant to this subsection.
``(c) Adoption of Voluntary Consensus Standards.--Except with
respect to the common financial reporting form under section 483(a),
the Secretary shall consider adopting voluntary consensus standards
agreed to by the organization described in subsection (b) for
transactions required under title IV, and common data elements for such
transactions, to enable information to be exchanged electronically
between systems administered by the Department and among participants
in the Federal student aid delivery system.
``(d) Use of Clearinghouses.--Nothing in this section shall
restrict the ability of participating institutions and lenders from
using a clearinghouse or servicer to comply with the standards for the
exchange of information established under this section.
``(e) Data Security.--Any entity that maintains or transmits
information under a transaction covered by this section shall maintain
reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards--
``(1) to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the
information; and
``(2) to protect against any reasonably anticipated security
threats, or unauthorized uses or disclosures of the information.
``(f) Definitions.--
``(1) Clearinghouse.--The term `clearinghouse' means a public
or private entity that processes or facilitates the processing of
nonstandard data elements into data elements conforming to
standards adopted under this section.
``(2) Standard setting organization.--The term `standard
setting organization' means an organization that--
``(A) is accredited by the American Nation
2000
al Standards
Institute;
``(B) develops standards for information transactions, data
elements, or any other standard that is necessary to, or will
facilitate, the implementation of this section; and
``(C) is open to the participation of the various entities
engaged in the delivery of Federal student financial
assistance.
``(3) Voluntary consensus standard.--The term `voluntary
consensus standard' means a standard developed or used by a
standard setting organization described in paragraph (2).''.
(b) Repeal of Old General Provisions.--Title XII (20 U.S.C. 1141 et
seq.) is repealed.
(c) Repeal of Title IV Definition.--Section 481 (20 U.S.C. 1088) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections
(a) through (c), respectively.
SEC. 102. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Conforming Amendments Correcting References to Section 1201.--
(1) Agriculture.--
(A) Student internship programs.--Section 922 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 2279c) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a)(1)(B)--
(I) by striking ``1201'' and inserting ``101''; and
(II) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141)''; and
(ii) in subsection (b)(1)--
(I) by striking ``1201'' and inserting ``101''; and
(II) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141)''.
(B) Agricultural sciences education.--Section 1417(j)(1)(A)
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(j)(1)(A)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(2) Armed forces.--
(A) Science and mathematics education improvement
program.--Section 2193(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code,
is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(B) Support of science, mathematics, and engineering
education.--Section 2199(2) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(C) Allowable costs under defense contracts.--Section
841(c)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal
year 1994 (10 U.S.C. 2324 note) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(D) Environmental restoration institutional grants for
training dislocated defense workers and young adults.--Section
1333(i)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal
year 1994 (10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(E) Environmental education opportunities program.--Section
1334(k)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal
year 1994 (10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(F) Environmental scholarship and fellowship programs.--
Section 4451(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for 1993 (10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(3) Application of antitrust laws to award of need-based
educational aid.--Section 568(c)(3) of the Improving America's
Schools Act of 1994 (15 U.S.C. 1 note) is amended--
(A) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(B) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(4) Omnibus parks and public lands management act of 1996.--
Section 1007(c)(5) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management
Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 698u-5) is amended by striking ``1201(a) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a))'' and
inserting ``101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965''.
(5) Restrictions on former officers, employees, and elected
officials of the executive and legislative branches.--Section
207(j)(2)(B) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(6) Education.--
(A) Higher education amendments of 1992.--Section 1(c) of
the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (20 U.S.C. 1001 note)
is amended by striking ``1201'' and inserting ``101''.
(B) Treatment of branches.--Section 498(j)(2) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099c(j)(2)) is amended by
striking ``1201(a)(2)'' and inserting ``101(a)(2)''.
(C) Disclosure requirements.--Section 429(d)(2)(B)(ii) of
the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.
1228c(d)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(D) Harry s. truman scholarships.--Section 3(4) of the
Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Act (20 U.S.C. 2002(4)) is
amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(E) Tech-prep education.--Section 347(2)(A) of the Carl D.
Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20
U.S.C. 2394e(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(F) Education for economic security.--Section 3(6) of the
Education for Economic Security Act (20 U.S.C. 3902(6)) is
amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(G) James madison memorial fellowships.--Section 815 of the
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Act (20 U.S.C. 4514) is
amended--
(i) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''; and
(ii) in paragraph (4), by striking ``1201(d) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965'' and inserting ``14101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965''.
(H) Barry goldwater scholarships.--Section 1403(4) of the
Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Act (20
U.S.C. 4702(4)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(I) Morris k. udall scholarships.--Section 4(6) of the
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National
Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 (20
U.S.C. 5602(6)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(J) Bilingual education, and language enhancement and
acquisition.--Section 7501(4) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7601(4)) is amended by
striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(K) General definitions.--Section 14101(17) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
8801(17)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting
``101''.
(L) National education statistics.--Section 402(c)(3) of
the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C.
9001(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting
``101''.
(7) Foreign relations.--
(A) Environment and sustainable development exchange
program.--Section 240(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization
Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 2452 note) is
amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(B) Samantha smith memorial ex
2000
change program.--Section
112(a)(8) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act
of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2460(a)(8)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(C) Soviet-eastern european training.--Section 803(1) of
the Soviet-Eastern European Research and Training Act of 1983
(22 U.S.C. 4502(1)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(D) Developing country scholarships.--Section 603(d) of the
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987
(22 U.S.C. 4703(d)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(8) Indians.--
(A) Snyder act.--The last paragraph of section 410 of the
Act entitled ``An Act authorizing appropriations and
expenditures for the administration of Indian Affairs, and for
other purposes'', approved November 2, 1921 (25 U.S.C. 13)
(commonly known as the Snyder Act) is amended by striking
``1201'' and inserting ``101''.
(B) Tribally controlled community college assistance.--
Section 2(a)(5) of the Tribally Controlled Community College
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 1801(a)(5)) is amended by striking
``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(C) Construction of new facilities.--Section 113(b)(2) of
the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 1813(b)(2)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(D) American indian teacher training.--Section
1371(a)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (25
U.S.C. 3371(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(9) Labor.--
(A) Rehabilitation definitions.--Section 6(23) of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705(23)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(B) Technology related assistance for individuals with
disabilities act of 1988.--Section 3(8) of the Technology
Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of
1988 (29 U.S.C. 2202(8)) is amended by striking ``1201(a) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a))'' and
inserting ``101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965''.
(10) Surface mining control.--Section 701(32) of the Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1291(32)) is
amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(11) Pollution prevention.--Section 112(a)(1) of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1262(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``1201'' and inserting ``101''.
(12) Postal service.--Section 3626(b)(3) of title 39, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(B) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(13) Public health and welfare.--
(A) Public health service act.--Section 705(a)(2)(C) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292d(a)(2)(C)) is amended
by striking ``section 481(a)'' and inserting ``section
102(a)''.
(B) Scientific and technical education.--Section 3(g) of
the Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C.
1862i(g)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (2)--
(I) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101'';
and
(II) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3)--
(I) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101'';
and
(II) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(C) Older americans.--Section 102(32) of the Older
Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002(32)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(D) Justice system improvement.--Section 901(17) of the
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
3791(17)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(E) Energy technology commercialization services program.--
Section 362(f)(5)(A) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6322(f)(5)(A)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(F) Environmental restoration and waste management.--
Section 3132(b)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (42 U.S.C. 7274e(b)(1)) is
amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(G) Head start.--Section 649(c)(3) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9844(c)(3)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(H) State dependent care development grants.--Section
670G(5) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 9877(5)) is amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and
inserting ``101''.
(I) Instructional activities for low-income youth.--The
matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section 682(b)(1) of the
Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9910c(b)(1)) is
amended by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(J) Drug abuse education.--Section 3601(7) of the Anti-Drug
Abuse Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 11851(7)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(K) National and community service.--Section 101(13) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12511(13)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(L) Civilian community corps.--Section 166(6) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12626(6))
is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(M) Cranston-gonzalez national affordable housing act.--
Section 457(9) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable
Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12899f(9)) is amended by striking
``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''.
(N) Community schools youth services and supervision grant
program.--The definition of public school in section 30401(b)
of the Community Schools Youth Services and Supervision Grant
Program Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13791(b)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(i))''.
(O) Police corps.--The definition of institution of higher
education in section 200103 of the Police Corps Act (42 U.S.C.
14092) is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(P) Law enforcement scholarship program.--The definition of
institution of higher education in section 200202 of the Law
Enforcement Scholarship and Recruitment Act (42 U.S.C. 14111)
is amended--
(i) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting `
2000
`101''; and
(ii) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(14) Telecommunications.--Section 223(h)(4) of the
Telecommunications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(h)(4)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``1201'' and inserting ``101''; and
(B) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141)''.
(15) War and national defense.--Section 808(3) of the David L.
Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 (50 U.S.C. 1908(3))
is amended--
(A) by striking ``1201(a)'' and inserting ``101''; and
(B) by striking ``(20 U.S.C. 1141(a))''.
(b) Internal Cross References.--The Act (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 402A(c)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11(c)(2)), by
striking ``1210'' and inserting ``118'';
(2) in section 435(a) (20 U.S.C. 1085(a)), by striking
``section 481'' and inserting ``section 102'';
(3) in section 485(f)(1)(I) (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(I)), by
striking ``1213'' and inserting ``120'';
(4) in section 487(d) (20 U.S.C. 1094(d)), by striking
``section 481'' and inserting ``section 102'';
(5) in subsections (j) and (k) of section 496 (20 U.S.C.
1099b), by striking ``section 481'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``section 102'';
(6) in section 498(i) (20 U.S.C. 1099c) is amended by striking
``section 481'' and inserting ``section 102'';
(7) in section 498(j) (20 U.S.C. 1099c(j))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``sections 481(b)(5) and
481(c)(3)'' and inserting ``sections 102(b)(1)(E) and
102(c)(1)(C)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``1201(a)(2)'' and
inserting ``101(a)(2)''; and
(8) in section 631(a)(8) (20 U.S.C. 1132(a)(8))--
(A) by striking ``section 1201(a)'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``section 101''; and
(B) by striking ``of 1201(a)'' and inserting ``of section
101''.
(c) Additional Conforming Amendments Correcting References to
Section 481.--
(1) School-to-work opportunities act of 1994.--Section 4 of
the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 6103) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (11)(B)(viii), by striking ``section
481(b)'' and inserting ``section 102(b)''; and
(B) in paragraph (12), by striking ``section 481'' and
inserting ``section 102''.
(2) National and community service act of 1990.-- Section
148(g) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12604(g)) is amended by striking ``section 481(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088(a))'' and inserting ``section
102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965''.
(d) Workforce Investment Act of 1998.--The Workforce Investment Act
of 1998 is amended--
(1) in section 101(35) (29 U.S.C. 2801(35)), by striking
``section 481 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1088)'' and inserting ``section 102 of the Higher Education Act of
1965''; and
(2) in section 203(11) (20 U.S.C. 9202(11)), by striking
``section 1201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1141)'' and inserting ``section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965''.
TITLE II--TEACHER QUALITY
SEC. 201. TEACHER QUALITY ENHANCEMENT GRANTS.
The Act is amended by inserting after title I (20 U.S.C. 1001 et
seq.) the following:
``TITLE II--TEACHER QUALITY ENHANCEMENT GRANTS FOR STATES AND
PARTNERSHIPS
``SEC. 201. PURPOSES; DEFINITIONS.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are to--
``(1) improve student achievement;
``(2) improve the quality of the current and future teaching
force by improving the preparation of prospective teachers and
enhancing professional development activities;
``(3) hold institutions of higher education accountable for
preparing teachers who have the necessary teaching skills and are
highly competent in the academic content areas in which the
teachers plan to teach, such as mathematics, science, English,
foreign languages, history, economics, art, civics, Government, and
geography, including training in the effective uses of technology
in the classroom; and
``(4) recruit highly qualified individuals, including
individuals from other occupations, into the teaching force.
``(b) Definitions.--In this title:
``(1) Arts and sciences.--The term `arts and sciences' means--
``(A) when referring to an organizational unit of an
institution of higher education, any academic unit that offers
1 or more academic majors in disciplines or content areas
corresponding to the academic subject matter areas in which
teachers provide instruction; and
``(B) when referring to a specific academic subject matter
area, the disciplines or content areas in which academic majors
are offered by the arts and science organizational unit.
``(2) High need local educational agency.--The term `high need
local educational agency' means a local educational agency that
serves an elementary school or secondary school located in an area
in which there is--
``(A) a high percentage of individuals from families with
incomes below the poverty line;
``(B) a high percentage of secondary school teachers not
teaching in the content area in which the teachers were trained
to teach; or
``(C) a high teacher turnover rate.
``(3) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' means the poverty
line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and
revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community
Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))) applicable to a
family of the size involved.
``SEC. 202. STATE GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--From amounts made available under section 210(1)
for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants under
this section, on a competitive basis, to eligible States to enable the
eligible States to carry out the activities described in subsection
(d).
``(b) Eligible State.--
``(1) Definition.--In this title, the term `eligible State'
means--
``(A) the Governor of a State; or
``(B) in the case of a State for which the constitution or
law of such State designates another individual, entity, or
agency in the State to be responsible for teacher certification
and preparation activity, such individual, entity, or agency.
``(2) Consultation.--The Governor and the individual, entity,
or agency designated under paragraph (1) shall consult with the
Governor, State board of education, State educational agency, or
State agency for higher education, as appropriate, with respect to
the activities assisted under this section.
``(3) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to negate or supersede the legal authority under State
law of any State agency, State entity, or State public official
over programs that are under the jurisdiction of the agency,
entity, or official.
``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an eligible State shall, at the time of the initial grant
application, submit an application to the Secretary that--
``(1) meets the requirement of this section;
``(2) includes a description of how the eligible State intends
to use funds provided under this section; and
``(3) contains such other information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--An eligible State that receives a grant under
this section shall use the grant funds to reform teacher preparation
requirements, and to ensure that current and future teachers possess
the necessary teaching skills and academic content knowledge in the
subject areas in which the t
2000
eachers are assigned to teach, by carrying
out 1 or more of the following activities:
``(1) Reforms.--Implementing reforms that hold institutions of
higher education with teacher preparation programs accountable for
preparing teachers who are highly competent in the academic content
areas in which the teachers plan to teach, and possess strong
teaching skills, which may include the use of rigorous subject
matter competency tests and the requirement that a teacher have an
academic major in the subject area, or related discipline, in which
the teacher plans to teach.
``(2) Certification or licensure requirements.--Reforming
teacher certification or licensure requirements to ensure that
teachers have the necessary teaching skills and academic content
knowledge in the subject areas in which teachers are assigned to
teach.
``(3) Alternatives to traditional preparation for teaching.--
Providing prospective teachers with alternatives to traditional
preparation for teaching through programs at colleges of arts and
sciences or at nonprofit educational organizations.
``(4) Alternative routes to state certification.-- Carrying out
programs that--
``(A) include support during the initial teaching
experience; and
``(B) establish, expand, or improve alternative routes to
State certification of teachers for highly qualified
individuals, including mid-career professionals from other
occupations, paraprofessionals, former military personnel and
recent college graduates with records of academic distinction.
``(5) Recruitment; pay; removal.--Developing and implementing
effective mechanisms to ensure that local educational agencies and
schools are able to effectively recruit highly qualified teachers,
to financially reward those teachers and principals whose students
have made significant progress toward high academic performance,
such as through performance-based compensation systems and access
to ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers and
administrators, and to expeditiously remove incompetent or
unqualified teachers consistent with procedures to ensure due
process for the teachers.
``(6) Social promotion.--Development and implementation of
efforts to address the problem of social promotion and to prepare
teachers to effectively address the issues raised by ending the
practice of social promotion.
``(7) Recruitment.--Activities described in section 204(d).
``SEC. 203. PARTNERSHIP GRANTS.
``(a) Grants.--From amounts made available under section 210(2) for
a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants under this
section, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships to enable the
eligible partnerships to carry out the activities described in
subsections (d) and (e).
``(b) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible partnerships.--In this title, the term `eligible
partnerships' means an entity that--
``(A) shall include--
``(i) a partner institution;
``(ii) a school of arts and sciences; and
``(iii) a high need local educational agency; and
``(B) may include a Governor, State educational agency, the
State board of education, the State agency for higher
education, an institution of higher education not described in
subparagraph (A), a public charter school, a public or private
elementary school or secondary school, a public or private
nonprofit educational organization, a business, a teacher
organization, or a prekindergarten program.
``(2) Partner institution.--In this section, the term `partner
institution' means a private independent or State-supported public
institution of higher education, the teacher training program of
which demonstrates that--
``(A) graduates from the teacher training program exhibit
strong performance on State-determined qualifying assessments
for new teachers through--
``(i) demonstrating that 80 percent or more of the
graduates of the program who intend to enter the field of
teaching have passed all of the applicable State
qualification assessments for new teachers, which shall
include an assessment of each prospective teacher's subject
matter knowledge in the content area or areas in which the
teacher intends to teach; or
``(ii) being ranked among the highest-performing
teacher preparation programs in the State as determined by
the State--
``(I) using criteria consistent with the
requirements for the State report card under section
207(b); and
``(II) using the State report card on teacher
preparation required under section 207(b), after the
first publication of such report card and for every
year thereafter; or
``(B) the teacher training program requires all the
students of the program to participate in intensive clinical
experience, to meet high academic standards, and--
``(i) in the case of secondary school candidates, to
successfully complete an academic major in the subject area
in which the candidate intends to teach or to demonstrate
competence through a high level of performance in relevant
content areas; and
``(ii) in the case of elementary school candidates, to
successfully complete an academic major in the arts and
sciences or to demonstrate competence through a high level
of performance in core academic subject areas.
``(c) Application.--Each eligible partnership desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the
Secretary may require. Each such application shall--
``(1) contain a needs assessment of all the partners with
respect to teaching and learning and a description of how the
partnership will coordinate with other teacher training or
professional development programs, and how the activities of the
partnership will be consistent with State, local, and other
education reform activities that promote student achievement;
``(2) contain a resource assessment that describes the
resources available to the partnership, the intended use of the
grant funds, including a description of how the grant funds will be
fairly distributed in accordance with subsection (f), and the
commitment of the resources of the partnership to the activities
assisted under this title, including financial support, faculty
participation, time commitments, and continuation of the activities
when the grant ends; and
``(3) contain a description of--
``(A) how the partnership will meet the purposes of this
title;
``(B) how the partnership will carry out the activities
required under subsection (d) and any permissible activities
under subsection (e); and
``(C) the partnership's evaluation plan pursuant to section
206(b).
``(d) Required Uses of Funds.--An eligible partnership that
receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry
out the following activities:
``(1) Reforms.--Implementing reforms within teacher preparation
programs to hold the programs accountable for preparing teachers
who are highly competent in the academic content areas in which the
teachers plan to teach, and for promoting strong teaching skills,
including working with a school of arts and sciences and
integrating reliable research-based teaching methods into the
curricu
2000
lum, which curriculum shall include programs designed to
successfully integrate technology into teaching and learning.
``(2) Clinical experience and interaction.--Providing sustained
and high quality preservice clinical experience including the
mentoring of prospective teachers by veteran teachers, and
substantially increasing interaction between faculty at
institutions of higher education and new and experienced teachers,
principals, and other administrators at elementary schools or
secondary schools, and providing support, including preparation
time, for such interaction.
``(3) Professional development.--Creating opportunities for
enhanced and ongoing professional development that improves the
academic content knowledge of teachers in the subject areas in
which the teachers are certified to teach or in which the teachers
are working toward certification to teach, and that promotes strong
teaching skills.
``(e) Allowable Uses of Funds.--An eligible partnership that
receives a grant under this section may use such funds to carry out the
following activities:
``(1) Teacher preparation and parent involvement.--Preparing
teachers to work with diverse student populations, including
individuals with disabilities and limited English proficient
individuals, and involving parents in the teacher preparation
program reform process.
``(2) Dissemination and coordination.--Broadly disseminating
information on effective practices used by the partnership, and
coordinating with the activities of the Governor, State board of
education, State higher education agency, and State educational
agency, as appropriate.
``(3) Managerial and leadership skills.--Developing and
implementing proven mechanisms to provide principals and
superintendents with effective managerial and leadership skills
that result in increased student achievement.
``(4) Teacher recruitment.--Activities described in section
204(d).
``(f) Special Rule.--No individual member of an eligible
partnership shall retain more than 50 percent of the funds made
available to the partnership under this section.
``(g) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
prohibit an eligible partnership from using grant funds to coordinate
with the activities of more than one Governor, State board of
education, State educational agency, local educational agency, or State
agency for higher education.
``SEC. 204. TEACHER RECRUITMENT GRANTS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts made available under
section 210(3) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award
grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible applicants to enable the
eligible applicants to carry out activities described in subsection
(d).
``(b) Eligible Applicant Defined.--In this title, the term
`eligible applicant' means--
``(1) an eligible State described in section 202(b); or
``(2) an eligible partnership described in section 203(b).
``(c) Application.--Any eligible applicant desiring to receive a
grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the
Secretary may require, including--
``(1) a description of the assessment that the eligible
applicant, and the other entities with whom the eligible applicant
will carry out the grant activities, have undertaken to determine
the most critical needs of the participating high-need local
educational agencies;
``(2) a description of the activities the eligible applicant
will carry out with the grant; and
``(3) a description of the eligible applicant's plan for
continuing the activities carried out with the grant, once Federal
funding ceases.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--Each eligible applicant receiving a grant
under this section shall use the grant funds--
``(1)(A) to award scholarships to help students pay the costs
of tuition, room, board, and other expenses of completing a teacher
preparation program;
``(B) to provide support services, if needed to enable
scholarship recipients to complete postsecondary education
programs; and
``(C) for followup services provided to former scholarship
recipients during the recipients first 3 years of teaching; or
``(2) to develop and implement effective mechanisms to ensure
that high need local educational agencies and schools are able to
effectively recruit highly qualified teachers.
``(e) Service Requirements.--The Secretary shall establish such
requirements as the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that recipients
of scholarships under this section who complete teacher education
programs subsequently teach in a high-need local educational agency,
for a period of time equivalent to the period for which the recipients
receive scholarship assistance, or repay the amount of the scholarship.
The Secretary shall use any such repayments to carry out additional
activities under this section.
``SEC. 205. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
``(a) Duration; One-Time Awards; Payments.--
``(1) Duration.--
``(A) Eligible states and eligible applicants.--Grants
awarded to eligible States and eligible applicants under this
title shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 3 years.
``(B) Eligible partnerships.--Grants awarded to eligible
partnerships under this title shall be awarded for a period of
5 years.
``(2) One-time award.--An eligible State and an eligible
partnership may receive a grant under each of sections 202, 203,
and 204 only once.
``(3) Payments.--The Secretary shall make annual payments of
grant funds awarded under this part.
``(b) Peer Review.--
``(1) Panel.--The Secretary shall provide the applications
submitted under this title to a peer review panel for evaluation.
With respect to each application, the peer review panel shall
initially recommend the application for funding or for disapproval.
``(2) Priority.--In recommending applications to the Secretary
for funding under this title, the panel shall--
``(A) with respect to grants under section 202, give
priority to eligible States serving States that--
``(i) have initiatives to reform State teacher
certification requirements that are designed to ensure that
current and future teachers possess the necessary teaching
skills and academic content knowledge in the subject areas
in which the teachers are certified or licensed to teach;
``(ii) include innovative reforms to hold institutions
of higher education with teacher preparation programs
accountable for preparing teachers who are highly competent
in the academic content area in which the teachers plan to
teach and have strong teaching skills; or
``(iii) involve the development of innovative efforts
aimed at reducing the shortage of highly qualified teachers
in high poverty urban and rural areas;
``(B) with respect to grants under section 203--
``(i) give priority to applications from eligible
partnerships that involve businesses; and
``(ii) take into consideration--
``(I) providing an equitable geographic
distribution of the grants throughout the United
States; and
``(II) the potential of the proposed activities for
creating improvement and positive change.
``(3) Secretarial selection.--The Secretary shall determine,
based on the peer review process, which application shall receive
funding and the amounts of the grants. In determining grant
amounts, the Secretary shall take into account the total am
2000
ount of
funds available for all grants under this title and the types of
activities proposed to be carried out.
``(c) Matching Requirements.--
``(1) State grants.--Each eligible State receiving a grant
under section 202 or 204 shall provide, from non-Federal sources,
an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant (in cash
or in kind) to carry out the activities supported by the grant.
``(2) Partnership grants.--Each eligible partnership receiving
a grant under section 203 or 204 shall provide, from non-Federal
sources (in cash or in kind), an amount equal to 25 percent of the
grant for the first year of the grant, 35 percent of the grant for
the second year of the grant, and 50 percent of the grant for each
succeeding year of the grant.
``(d) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--An eligible State or
eligible partnership that receives a grant under this title may not use
more than 2 percent of the grant funds for purposes of administering
the grant.
``(e) Teacher Qualifications Provided to Parents Upon Request.--Any
local educational agency or school that benefits from the activities
assisted under this title shall make available, upon request and in an
understandable and uniform format, to any parent of a student attending
any school served by the local educational agency, information
regarding the qualification of the student's classroom teacher with
regard to the subject matter in which the teacher provides instruction.
The local educational agency shall inform parents that the parents are
entitled to receive the information upon request.
``SEC. 206. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EVALUATION.
``(a) State Grant Accountability Report.--An eligible State that
receives a grant under section 202 shall submit an annual
accountability report to the Secretary, the Committee on Labor and
Human Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives. Such report shall include a
description of the degree to which the eligible State, in using funds
provided under such section, has made substantial progress in meeting
the following goals:
``(1) Student achievement.--Increasing student achievement for
all students as defined by the eligible State.
``(2) Raising standards.--Raising the State academic standards
required to enter the teaching profession, including, where
appropriate, through the use of incentives to incorporate the
requirement of an academic major in the subject, or related
discipline, in which the teacher plans to teach.
``(3) Initial certification or licensure.--Increasing success
in the pass rate for initial State teacher certification or
licensure, or increasing the numbers of highly qualified
individuals being certified or licensed as teachers through
alternative programs.
``(4) Core academic subjects.--
``(A) Secondary school classes.--Increasing the percentage
of secondary school classes taught in core academic subject
areas by teachers--
``(i) with academic majors in those areas or in a
related field;
``(ii) who can demonstrate a high level of competence
through rigorous academic subject area tests; or
``(iii) who can demonstrate competence through a high
level of performance in relevant content areas.
``(B) Elementary school classes.--Increasing the percentage
of elementary school classes taught by teachers--
``(i) with academic majors in the arts and sciences; or
``(ii) who can demonstrate competence through a high
level of performance in core academic subjects.
``(5) Decreasing teacher shortages.--Decreasing shortages of
qualified teachers in poor urban and rural areas.
``(6) Increasing opportunities for professional development.--
Increasing opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional
development that improves the academic content knowledge of
teachers in the subject areas in which the teachers are certified
or licensed to teach or in which the teachers are working toward
certification or licensure to teach, and that promotes strong
teaching skills.
``(7) Technology integration.--Increasing the number of
teachers prepared to integrate technology in the classroom.
``(b) Eligible Partnership Evaluation.--Each eligible partnership
receiving a grant under section 203 shall establish and include in the
application submitted under section 203(c), an evaluation plan that
includes strong performance objectives. The plan shall include
objectives and measures for--
``(1) increased student achievement for all students as
measured by the partnership;
``(2) increased teacher retention in the first 3 years of a
teacher's career;
``(3) increased success in the pass rate for initial State
certification or licensure of teachers; and
``(4) increased percentage of secondary school classes taught
in core academic subject areas by teachers--
``(A) with academic majors in the areas or in a related
field; and
``(B) who can demonstrate a high level of competence
through rigorous academic subject area tests or who can
demonstrate competence through a high level of performance in
relevant content areas;
``(5) increasing the percentage of elementary school classes
taught by teachers with academic majors in the arts and sciences or
who demonstrate competence through a high level of performance in
core academic subject areas; and
``(6) increasing the number of teachers trained in technology.
``(c) Revocation of Grant.--
``(1) Report.--Each eligible State or eligible partnership
receiving a grant under this title shall report annually on the
progress of the eligible State or eligible partnership toward
meeting the purposes of this title and the goals, objectives, and
measures described in subsections (a) and (b).
``(2) Revocation.--
``(A) Eligible states and eligible applicants.--If the
Secretary determines that an eligible State or eligible
applicant is not making substantial progress in meeting the
purposes, goals, objectives, and measures, as appropriate, by
the end of the second year of a grant under this title, then
the grant payment shall not be made for the third year of the
grant.
``(B) Eligible partnerships.--If the Secretary determines
that an eligible partnership is not making substantial progress
in meeting the purposes, goals, objectives, and measures, as
appropriate, by the end of the third year of a grant under this
title, then the grant payments shall not be made for any
succeeding year of the grant.
``(d) Evaluation and Dissemination.--The Secretary shall evaluate
the activities funded under this title and report the Secretary's
findings regarding the activities to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives. The Secretary shall broadly
disseminate successful practices developed by eligible States and
eligible partnerships under this title, and shall broadly disseminate
information regarding such practices that were found to be ineffective.
``SEC. 207. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE TEACHERS.
``(a) Development of Definitions and Reporting Methods.--Within 9
months of the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of
1998, the Commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics,
in consultation with States and institutions of higher education, shall
develop key definitions for terms, and uniform reporting methods
(including the key definitions for the consistent reporting of pass
rates), related to the performa
2000
nce of elementary school and secondary
school teacher preparation programs.
``(b) State Report Card on the Quality of Teacher Preparation.--
Each State that receives funds under this Act shall provide to the
Secretary, within 2 years of the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998, and annually thereafter, in a uniform and
comprehensible manner that conforms with the definitions and methods
established in subsection (a), a State report card on the quality of
teacher preparation in the State, which shall include at least the
following:
``(1) A description of the teacher certification and licensure
assessments, and any other certification and licensure
requirements, used by the State.
``(2) The standards and criteria that prospective teachers must
meet in order to attain initial teacher certification or licensure
and to be certified or licensed to teach particular subjects or in
particular grades within the State.
``(3) A description of the extent to which the assessments and
requirements described in paragraph (1) are aligned with the
State's standards and assessments for students.
``(4) The percentage of teaching candidates who passed each of
the assessments used by the State for teacher certification and
licensure, and the passing score on each assessment that determines
whether a candidate has passed that assessment.
``(5) The percentage of teaching candidates who passed each of
the assessments used by the State for teacher certification and
licensure, disaggregated and ranked, by the teacher preparation
program in that State from which the teacher candidate received the
candidate's most recent degree, which shall be made available
widely and publicly.
``(6) Information on the extent to which teachers in the State
are given waivers of State certification or licensure requirements,
including the proportion of such teachers distributed across high-
and low-poverty school districts and across subject areas.
``(7) A description of each State's alternative routes to
teacher certification, if any, and the percentage of teachers
certified through alternative certification routes who pass State
teacher certification or licensure assessments.
``(8) For each State, a description of proposed criteria for
assessing the performance of teacher preparation programs within
institutions of higher education in the State, including indicators
of teacher candidate knowledge and skills.
``(9) Information on the extent to which teachers or
prospective teachers in each State are required to take
examinations or other assessments of their subject matter knowledge
in the area or areas in which the teachers provide instruction, the
standards established for passing any such assessments, and the
extent to which teachers or prospective teachers are required to
receive a passing score on such assessments in order to teach in
specific subject areas or grade levels.
``(c) Initial Report.--
``(1) In general.--Each State that receives funds under this
Act, not later than 6 months of the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998 and in a uniform and comprehensible
manner, shall submit to the Secretary the information described in
paragraphs (1), (5), and (6) of subsection (b). Such information
shall be compiled by the Secretary and submitted to the Committee
on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives not
later than 9 months after the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998.
``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to require a State to gather information that is not in
the possession of the State or the teacher preparation programs in
the State, or readily available to the State or teacher preparation
programs.
``(d) Report of the Secretary on the Quality of Teacher
Preparation.--
``(1) Report card.--The Secretary shall provide to Congress,
and publish and make widely available, a report card on teacher
qualifications and preparation in the United States, including all
the information reported in paragraphs (1) through (9) of
subsection (b). Such report shall identify States for which
eligible States and eligible partnerships received a grant under
this title. Such report shall be so provided, published and made
available not later than 2 years 6 months after the date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and annually
thereafter.
``(2) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall report to
Congress--
``(A) a comparison of States' efforts to improve teaching
quality; and
``(B) regarding the national mean and median scores on any
standardized test that is used in more than 1 State for teacher
certification or licensure.
``(3) Special rule.--In the case of teacher preparation
programs with fewer than 10 graduates taking any single initial
teacher certification or licensure assessment during an academic
year, the Secretary shall collect and publish information with
respect to an average pass rate on State certification or licensure
assessments taken over a 3-year period.
``(e) Coordination.--The Secretary, to the extent practicable,
shall coordinate the information collected and published under this
title among States for individuals who took State teacher certification
or licensure assessments in a State other than the State in which the
individual received the individual's most recent degree.
``(f) Institutional Report Cards on the Quality of Teacher
Preparation.--
``(1) Report card.--Each institution of higher education that
conducts a teacher preparation program that enrolls students
receiving Federal assistance under this Act, not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998 and annually thereafter, shall report to the
State and the general public, in a uniform and comprehensible
manner that conforms with the definitions and methods established
under subsection (a), the following information:
``(A) Pass rate.--(i) For the most recent year for which
the information is available, the pass rate of the
institution's graduates on the teacher certification or
licensure assessments of the State in which the institution is
located, but only for those students who took those assessments
within 3 years of completing the program.
``(ii) A comparison of the program's pass rate with the
average pass rate for programs in the State.
``(iii) In the case of teacher preparation programs with
fewer than 10 graduates taking any single initial teacher
certification or licensure assessment during an academic year,
the institution shall collect and publish information with
respect to an average pass rate on State certification or
licensure assessments taken over a 3-year period.
``(B) Program information.--The number of students in the
program, the average number of hours of supervised practice
teaching required for those in the program, and the faculty-
student ratio in supervised practice teaching.
``(C) Statement.--In States that approve or accredit
teacher education programs, a statement of whether the
institution's program is so approved or accredited.
``(D) Designation as low-performing.--Whether the program
has been designated as low-performing by the State under
section 208(a).
``(2) Requirement.--The information described in paragraph (1)
shall be reported through publications such as school
2000
catalogs and
promotional materials sent to potential applicants, secondary
school guidance counselors, and prospective employers of the
institution's program graduates.
``(3) Fines.--In addition to the actions authorized in section
487(c), the Secretary may impose a fine not to exceed $25,000 on an
institution of higher education for failure to provide the
information described in this subsection in a timely or accurate
manner.
``SEC. 208. STATE FUNCTIONS.
``(a) State Assessment.--In order to receive funds under this Act,
a State, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998, shall have in place a procedure to
identify, and assist, through the provision of technical assistance,
low-performing programs of teacher preparation within institutions of
higher education. Such State shall provide the Secretary an annual list
of such low-performing institutions that includes an identification of
those institutions at-risk of being placed on such list. Such levels of
performance shall be determined solely by the State and may include
criteria based upon information collected pursuant to this title. Such
assessment shall be described in the report under section 207(b).
``(b) Termination of Eligibility.--Any institution of higher
education that offers a program of teacher preparation in which the
State has withdrawn the State's approval or terminated the State's
financial support due to the low performance of the institution's
teacher preparation program based upon the State assessment described
in subsection (a)--
``(1) shall be ineligible for any funding for professional
development activities awarded by the Department of Education; and
``(2) shall not be permitted to accept or enroll any student
that receives aid under title IV of this Act in the institution's
teacher preparation program.
``(c) Negotiated Rulemaking.--If the Secretary develops any
regulations implementing subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall submit
such proposed regulations to a negotiated rulemaking process, which
shall include representatives of States, institutions of higher
education, and educational and student organizations.
``SEC. 209. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
``(a) Methods.--In complying with sections 207 and 208, the
Secretary shall ensure that States and institutions of higher education
use fair and equitable methods in reporting and that the reporting
methods protect the privacy of individuals.
``(b) Special Rule.--For each State in which there are no State
certification or licensure assessments, or for States that do not set
minimum performance levels on those assessments--
``(1) the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, collect
data comparable to the data required under this title from States,
local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or
other entities that administer such assessments to teachers or
prospective teachers; and
``(2) notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the
Secretary shall use such data to carry out requirements of this
title related to assessments or pass rates.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) Federal control prohibited.--Nothing in this title shall
be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any Federal
control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home school,
whether or not a home school is treated as a private school or home
school under State law. This section shall not be construed to
prohibit private, religious, or home schools from participation in
programs or services under this title.
``(2) No change in state control encouraged or required.--
Nothing in this title shall be construed to encourage or require
any change in a State's treatment of any private, religious, or
home school, whether or not a home school is treated as a private
school or home school under State law.
``(3) National system of teacher certification prohibited.--
Nothing in this title shall be construed to permit, allow,
encourage, or authorize the Secretary to establish or support any
national system of teacher certification.
``SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$300,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years, of which--
``(1) 45 percent shall be available for each fiscal year to
award grants under section 202;
``(2) 45 percent shall be available for each fiscal year to
award grants under section 203; and
``(3) 10 percent shall be available for each fiscal year to
award grants under section 204.''.
TITLE III--INSTITUTIONAL AID
SEC. 301. TRANSFERS AND REDESIGNATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended--
(1) by redesignating part D of title III (20 U.S.C. 1066 et
seq.) as part F of title III;
(2) by redesignating sections 351, 352, 353, 354, 356, 357,
358, and 360 (20 U.S.C. 1066, 1067, 1068, 1069, 1069b, 1069c,
1069d, and 1069f) as sections 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397,
and 399, respectively;
(3) by transferring part B of title VII (20 U.S.C. 1132c et
seq.) to title III to follow part C of title III (20 U.S.C. 1065 et
seq.), and redesignating such part B as part D;
(4) by redesignating sections 721 through 728 (20 U.S.C. 1132c
and 1132c-7) as sections 341 through 348, respectively;
(5) by transferring subparts 1 and 3 of part B of title X (20
U.S.C. 1135b et seq. and 1135d et seq.) to title III to follow part
D of title III (as redesignated by paragraph (3)), and
redesignating such subpart 3 as subpart 2;
(6) by inserting after part D of title III (as redesignated by
paragraph (3)) the following:
``PART E--MINORITY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM'';
(7) by redesignating sections 1021 through 1023 (20 U.S.C.
1135b and 1135b-2), and sections 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1046, and
1047 (20 U.S.C. 1135d, 1135d-1, 1135d-2, 1135d-3, 1135d-5, and
1135d-6) as sections 351 through 353, and sections 361, 362, 363,
364, 365, and 366, respectively; and
(8) by repealing section 366 (as redesignated by paragraph (7))
(20 U.S.C. 1135d-6).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 361 (as redesignated by
subsection (a)(7)) (20 U.S.C. 1135d) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(3) by striking paragraph (3).
(c) Cross References.--Title III (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in section 311(b) (20 U.S.C. 1057(b)), by striking
``360(a)(1)'' and inserting ``399(a)(1)'';
(2) in section 312 (20 U.S.C. 1058)--
(A) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking ``352(b)'' and
inserting ``392(b)''; and
(B) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``352(a)'' and
inserting ``392(a)'';
(3) in section 313(b) (20 U.S.C. 1059(b)), by striking
``354(a)(1)'' and inserting ``394(a)(1)'';
(4) in section 342 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(4)) (20
U.S.C. 1132c-1)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``723(b)'' and inserting
``343(b)'';
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``723'' and inserting
``343'';
(C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(5), by striking ``724(b)'' and inserting ``344(b)'';
(D) in paragraph (8), by striking ``725(1)'' and inserting
``345(1)''; and
(E) in paragraph (9), by striking ``727'' and inserting
``347'';
(5) in section 343 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(4)) (20
U.S.C. 1132c-2)--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``724'' and inserting
``344''; and
(
2000
B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``725(1) and 726'' and inserting ``345(1) and 346'';
(ii) in paragraph (10), by striking ``724'' and
inserting ``344''; and
(iii) in subsection (d), by striking ``723(c)(1)'' and
inserting ``343(c)(1)'';
(6) in section 345(2) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(4))
(20 U.S.C. 1132c-4(2)), by striking ``723'' and inserting ``343'';
(7) in section 348 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(4)) (20
U.S.C. 1132c-7), by striking ``725(1)'' and inserting ``345(1)'';
(8) in section 353(a) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(7))
(20 U.S.C. 1135b-2(a))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1046(6)'' and inserting
``365(6)'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``1046(7)'' and inserting
``365(7)'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1046(8)'' and inserting
``365(8)''; and
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``1046(9)'' and inserting
``365(9)'';
(9) in section 361(1) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(7))
(20 U.S.C. 1135d(1)), by striking ``1046(3)'' and inserting
``365(3)'';
(10) in section 362(a) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(7))
(20 U.S.C. 1135d-1(a))--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``1041'' and inserting ``361''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1021(b)'' and inserting
``351(b)''; and
(11) in section 391(b)(6) (as redesignated by subsection
(a)(2)), by striking ``357'' and inserting ``396''.
SEC. 302. FINDINGS.
Section 301(a) (20 U.S.C. 1051(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs
(4) through (8), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) in order to be competitive and provide a high-quality
education for all, institutions of higher education should improve
their technological capacity and make effective use of
technology;''.
SEC. 303. STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Grants.--Section 311 (20 U.S.C. 1057) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(c) Authorized Activities.--Grants awarded under this section
shall be used for 1 or more of the following activities:
``(1) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory
equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and
research purposes.
``(2) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in
classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional
facilities, including the integration of computer technology into
institutional facilities to create smart buildings.
``(3) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and
faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in the
field of instruction of the faculty.
``(4) Development and improvement of academic programs.
``(5) Purchase of library books, periodicals, and other
educational materials, including telecommunications program
material.
``(6) Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs
designed to improve academic success.
``(7) Funds management, administrative management, and
acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management.
``(8) Joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and
libraries.
``(9) Establishing or improving a development office to
strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private
sector.
``(10) Establishing or improving an endowment fund.
``(11) Creating or improving facilities for Internet or other
distance learning academic instruction capabilities, including
purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or
services.
``(12) Other activities proposed in the application submitted
pursuant to subsection (c) that--
``(A) contribute to carrying out the purposes of the
program assisted under this part; and
``(B) are approved by the Secretary as part of the review
and acceptance of such application.
``(d) Endowment Fund.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible institution may use not more
than 20 percent of the grant funds provided under this part to
establish or increase an endowment fund at such institution.
``(2) Matching requirement.--In order to be eligible to use
grant funds in accordance with paragraph (1), the eligible
institution shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources,
in an amount equal to or greater than the Federal funds used in
accordance with paragraph (1), for the establishment or increase of
the endowment fund.
``(3) Comparability.--The provisions of part C, regarding the
establishment or increase of an endowment fund, that the Secretary
determines are not inconsistent with this subsection, shall apply
to funds used under paragraph (1).''.
(b) Endowment Fund Definition.--Section 312 (as amended by section
301(c)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1058) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections
(d) through (g), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Endowment Fund.--For the purpose of this part, the term
`endowment fund' means a fund that--
``(1) is established by State law, by an institution of higher
education, or by a foundation that is exempt from Federal income
taxation;
``(2) is maintained for the purpose of generating income for
the support of the institution; and
``(3) does not include real estate.''.
(c) Duration of Grant.--Section 313 (20 U.S.C. 1059) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``subsection (c) and a
grant under'' before ``section 394(a)(1)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Wait-Out-Period.--Each eligible institution that received a
grant under this part for a 5-year period shall not be eligible to
receive an additional grant under this part until 2 years after the
date on which the 5-year grant period terminates.''.
(d) Applications.--Title III is amended by striking section 314 (20
U.S.C. 1059a) and inserting the following:
``SEC. 314. APPLICATIONS.
``Each eligible institution desiring to receive assistance under
this part shall submit an application in accordance with the
requirements of section 391.''.
(e) American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and
Universities.--Section 316 (20 U.S.C. 1059c) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 316. AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall provide grants and
related assistance to Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities to enable
such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Indian
students.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Indian.--The term `Indian' has the meaning given the term
in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University
Assistance Act of 1978.
``(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning
given the term in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or
University Assistance Act of 1978.
``(3) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal College
or University' has the meaning give the term `tribally controlled
college or university' in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled
College or University Assistance Act of 1978, and includes an
institution listed in the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status
Act of 1994.
``(4) Institution of higher education.--The term `institution
of higher education' means an institution of higher education as
defined in section 101(a), except that paragraph (2) of such
section shall not apply.
``(c) Authorized Activities.--
2000
``(1) In general.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
used by Tribal Colleges or Universities to assist such institutions
to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities to improve
and expand such institutions' capacity to serve Indian students.
``(2) Examples of authorized activities.--The activities
described in paragraph (1) may include--
``(A) purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or
laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including
instructional and research purposes;
``(B) construction, maintenance, renovation, and
improvement in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other
instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of
telecommunications technology equipment or services;
``(C) support of faculty exchanges, faculty development,
and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees
in the faculty's field of instruction;
``(D) academic instruction in disciplines in which Indians
are underrepresented;
``(E) purchase of library books, periodicals, and other
educational materials, including telecommunications program
material;
``(F) tutoring, counseling, and student service programs
designed to improve academic success;
``(G) funds management, administrative management, and
acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds
management;
``(H) joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and
libraries;
``(I) establishing or improving a development office to
strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private
sector;
``(J) establishing or enhancing a program of teacher
education designed to qualify students to teach in elementary
schools or secondary schools, with a particular emphasis on
teaching Indian children and youth, that shall include, as part
of such program, preparation for teacher certification;
``(K) establishing community outreach programs that
encourage Indian elementary school and secondary school
students to develop the academic skills and the interest to
pursue postsecondary education; and
``(L) other activities proposed in the application
submitted pursuant to subsection (d) that--
``(i) contribute to carrying out the activities
described in subparagraphs (A) through (K); and
``(ii) are approved by the Secretary as part of the
review and acceptance of such application.
``(3) Endowment fund.--
``(A) In general.--A Tribal College or University may use
not more than 20 percent of the grant funds provided under this
section to establish or increase an endowment fund at the
institution.
``(B) Matching requirement.--In order to be eligible to use
grant funds in accordance with subparagraph (A), the Tribal
College or University shall provide matching funds, in an
amount equal to the Federal funds used in accordance with
subparagraph (A), for the establishment or increase of the
endowment fund.
``(C) Comparability.--The provisions of part C regarding
the establishment or increase of an endowment fund, that the
Secretary determines are not inconsistent with this paragraph,
shall apply to funds used under subparagraph (A).
``(d) Application Process.--
``(1) Institutional eligibility.--To be eligible to receive
assistance under this section, a Tribal College or University shall
be an eligible institution under section 312(b).
``(2) Application.--Any Tribal College or University desiring
to receive assistance under this section shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, and in such manner, as
the Secretary may by regulation reasonably require. Each such
application shall include--
``(A) a 5-year plan for improving the assistance provided
by the Tribal College or University to Indian students,
increasing the rates at which Indian secondary school students
enroll in higher education, and increasing overall
postsecondary retention rates for Indian students; and
``(B) such enrollment data and other information and
assurances as the Secretary may require to demonstrate
compliance with paragraph (1).
``(3) Special rule.--For the purposes of this part, no Tribal
College or University that is eligible for and receives funds under
this section may concurrently receive other funds under this part
or part B.''.
(f) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.--Part A
of title III (20 U.S.C. 1057 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 317. ALASKA NATIVE AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall provide grants and
related assistance to Alaska Native-serving institutions and Native
Hawaiian-serving institutions to enable such institutions to improve
and expand their capacity to serve Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.
``(b) Definitions.--For the purpose of this section--
``(1) the term `Alaska Native' has the meaning given the term
in section 9308 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965;
``(2) the term `Alaska Native-serving institution' means an
institution of higher education that--
``(A) is an eligible institution under section 312(b); and
``(B) at the time of application, has an enrollment of
undergraduate students that is at least 20 percent Alaska
Native students;
``(3) the term `Native Hawaiian' has the meaning given the term
in section 9212 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965; and
``(4) the term `Native Hawaiian-serving institution' means an
institution of higher education which--
``(A) is an eligible institution under section 312(b); and
``(B) at the time of application, has an enrollment of
undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native
Hawaiian students.
``(c) Authorized Activities.--
``(1) Types of activities authorized.--Grants awarded under
this section shall be used by Alaska Native-serving institutions
and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions to assist such
institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and carry out activities
to improve and expand such institutions' capacity to serve Alaska
Natives or Native Hawaiians.
``(2) Examples of authorized activities.--Such programs may
include--
``(A) purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or
laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including
instructional and research purposes;
``(B) renovation and improvement in classroom, library,
laboratory, and other instructional facilities;
``(C) support of faculty exchanges, and faculty development
and faculty fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees
in the faculty's field of instruction;
``(D) curriculum development and academic instruction;
``(E) purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm,
and other educational materials;
``(F) funds and administrative management, and acquisition
of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;
``(G) joint use of facilities such as laboratories and
libraries; and
``(H) academic tutoring and counseling programs and student
support services.
``(d) Application Process.--
``(1) Institutional eligibility.--Each Alaska Native-serving
institution and Native Hawaiian-serving institution desiring to
receive assistance under this section shall submit to th
2000
e Secretary
such enrollment data as may be necessary to demonstrate that the
institution is an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native
Hawaiian-serving institution as defined in subsection (b), along
with such other information and data as the Secretary may by
regulation require.
``(2) Applications.--Any institution which is determined by the
Secretary to be an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native
Hawaiian-serving institution may submit an application for
assistance under this section to the Secretary. Such application
shall include--
``(A) a 5-year plan for improving the assistance provided
by the Alaska Native-serving institution or the Native
Hawaiian-serving institution to Alaska Native or Native
Hawaiian students; and
``(B) such other information and assurance as the Secretary
may require.
``(e) Special Rule.--For the purposes of this section, no Alaska
Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution which
is eligible for and receives funds under this section may concurrently
receive other funds under this part or part B.''.
SEC. 304. STRENGTHENING HBCU'S.
(a) Grants.--Section 323 (20 U.S.C. 1062) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Endowment Fund.--
``(1) In general.--An institution may use not more than 20
percent of the grant funds provided under this part to establish or
increase an endowment fund at the institution.
``(2) Matching requirement.--In order to be eligible to use
grant funds in accordance with paragraph (1), the eligible
institution shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources,
in an amount equal to or greater than the Federal funds used in
accordance with paragraph (1), for the establishment or increase of
the endowment fund.
``(3) Comparability.--The provisions of part C regarding the
establishment or increase of an endowment fund, that the Secretary
determines are not inconsistent with this subsection, shall apply
to funds used under paragraph (1).''; and
(3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by
striking paragraph (3).
(b) Professional or Graduate Institutions.--
(1) General authorization.--Section 326(a) (20 U.S.C. 1063b(a))
is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``in mathematics,
engineering, or the physical or natural sciences'' after
``graduate education opportunities''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) by striking ``$500,000'' and inserting
``$1,000,000''; and
(II) by striking ``except that'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``, except that no
institution shall be required to match any portion of
the first $1,000,000 of the institution's award from
the Secretary. After funds are made available to each
eligible institution under the funding rules described
in subsection (f), the Secretary shall distribute, on a
pro rata basis, any amounts which were not so made
available (by reason of the failure of an institution
to comply with the matching requirements of this
paragraph) among the institutions that have complied
with such matching requirement.''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``$500,000'' and
inserting ``$1,000,000''.
(2) Use of funds.--Section 326(c) (20 U.S.C. 1063b(c)) is
amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the
following:
``(1) purchase, rental or lease of scientific or laboratory
equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and
research purposes;
``(2) construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in
classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities,
including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology
equipment or services;
``(3) purchase of library books, periodicals, technical and
other scientific journals, microfilm, microfiche, and other
educational materials, including telecommunications program
materials;
``(4) scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance
for needy graduate and professional students to permit the
enrollment of the students in and completion of the doctoral degree
in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law, and the
doctorate degree in the physical or natural sciences, engineering,
mathematics, or other scientific disciplines in which African
Americans are underrepresented;
``(5) establish or improve a development office to strengthen
and increase contributions from alumni and the private sector;
``(6) assist in the establishment or maintenance of an
institutional endowment to facilitate financial independence
pursuant to section 331; and
``(7) funds and administrative management, and the acquisition
of equipment, including software, for use in strengthening funds
management and management information systems.''.
(3) Eligibility.--Section 326(e) (20 U.S.C. 1063b(e)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``include--'' and inserting ``are the
following'';
(ii) by inserting ``and other qualified graduate
programs'' before the semicolon at the end of subparagraphs
(E) through (J);
(iii) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(O); and
(iv) in subparagraph (P)--
(I) by inserting ``University'' after ``State'';
and
(II) by striking the period and inserting a
semicolon; and
(III) by adding at the end the following:
``(Q) Norfolk State University qualified graduate programs;
and
``(R) Tennessee State University qualified graduate
programs.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Qualified graduate program.--(A) For the purposes of this
section, the term `qualified graduate program' means a graduate or
professional program that provides a program of instruction in the
physical or natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or other
scientific discipline in which African Americans are
underrepresented and has students enrolled in such program at the
time of application for a grant under this section.
``(B) Notwithstanding the enrollment requirement contained in
subparagraph (A), an institution may use an amount equal to not
more than 10 percent of the institution's grant under this section
for the development of a new qualified graduate program.
``(3) Special rule.--Institutions that were awarded grants
under this section prior to October 1, 1998, shall continue to
receive such grants, subject to the availability of appropriated
funds, regardless of the eligibility of the institutions described
in subparagraphs (Q) and (R) of paragraph (1).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Institutional choice.--The president or chancellor of the
institution may decide which graduate or professional school or
qualified graduate program will receive funds under the grant in
any 1 fiscal year, if the allocation of funds among the schools or
programs is delineated in the application for funds submitted to
the Secretary under this section.''.
(4) Funding rule.--Section 326(f) (20 U.S.C. 1063b(f)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``Of t
2000
he amount appropriated'' and
inserting ``Subject to subsection (g), of the amount
appropriated'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``$12,000,000'' and inserting
``$26,600,000''; and
(ii) by striking ``(A) through (E)'' and inserting
``(A) through (P)'';
(C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) any amount in excess of $26,600,000, but not in excess of
$28,600,000, shall be available for the purpose of making grants to
institutions or programs described in subparagraphs (Q) and (R) of
subsection (e)(1); and
``(3) any amount in excess of $28,600,000, shall be made
available to each of the institutions or programs identified in
subparagraphs (A) through (R) pursuant to a formula developed by
the Secretary that uses the following elements:
``(A) The ability of the institution to match Federal funds
with non-Federal funds.
``(B) The number of students enrolled in the programs for
which the eligible institution received funding under this
section in the previous year.
``(C) The average cost of education per student, for all
full-time graduate or professional students (or the equivalent)
enrolled in the eligible professional or graduate school, or
for doctoral students enrolled in the qualified graduate
programs.
``(D) The number of students in the previous year who
received their first professional or doctoral degree from the
programs for which the eligible institution received funding
under this section in the previous year.
``(E) The contribution, on a percent basis, of the programs
for which the institution is eligible to receive funds under
this section to the total number of African Americans receiving
graduate or professional degrees in the professions or
disciplines related to the programs for the previous year.''.
(5) Hold harmless rule.--Section 326 is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Hold Harmless Rule.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3)
of subsection (f), no institution or qualified program identified in
subsection (e)(1) that received a grant for fiscal year 1998 and that
is eligible to receive a grant in a subsequent fiscal year shall
receive a grant amount in any such subsequent fiscal year that is less
than the grant amount received for fiscal year 1998, unless the amount
appropriated is not sufficient to provide such grant amounts to all
such institutions and programs, or the institution cannot provide
sufficient matching funds to meet the requirements of this section.''.
SEC. 305. ENDOWMENT CHALLENGE GRANTS.
Section 331(b) (20 U.S.C. 1065(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``360'' and inserting
``399''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and
inserting the following:
``(B) The Secretary may make a grant under this part to an eligible
institution in any fiscal year if the institution--
``(i) applies for a grant in an amount not exceeding $500,000;
and
``(ii) has deposited in the eligible institution's endowment
fund established under this section an amount which is equal to \1/
2\ of the amount of such grant.
``(C) An eligible institution of higher education that is awarded a
grant under subparagraph (B) shall not be eligible to receive an
additional grant under subparagraph (B) until 10 years after the date
on which the grant period terminates.''.
SEC. 306. HBCU CAPITAL FINANCING.
(a) Definition.--Section 342(5) (as redesignated by section
301(a)(4)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c-1(5)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as
subparagraphs (C), (G), and (H), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) a facility for the administration of an educational
program, or a student center or student union, except that not
more than 5 percent of the loan proceeds provided under this
part may be used for the facility, center or union if the
facility, center or union is owned, leased, managed, or
operated by a private business, that, in return for such use,
makes a payment to the eligible institution;'';
(3) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)),
insert ``technology,'' after ``instructional equipment'';
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by
paragraph (1)) the following:
``(D) a maintenance, storage, or utility facility that is
essential to the operation of a facility, a library, a
dormitory, equipment, instrumentation, a fixture, real property
or an interest therein, described in this paragraph;
``(E) a facility designed to provide primarily outpatient
health care for students or faculty;
``(F) physical infrastructure essential to support the
projects authorized under this paragraph, including roads,
sewer and drainage systems, and water, power, lighting,
telecommunications, and other utilities;''; and
(5) in subparagraph (H) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)), by
striking ``(C)'' and inserting ``(G)''.
(b) Responsibilities.--Section 343 (as redesignated by section
301(a)(4)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(8) (as redesignated by section 301(a)(4))
(20 U.S.C. 1132c-2(b)(8)), by striking ``10 percent'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``5 percent''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a qualified bond
guaranteed under this part may be sold to any party that offers terms
that the Secretary determines are in the best interest of the eligible
institution.''.
(c) Technical Assistance.--Section 345 (as redesignated by section
301(a)(4)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c-4) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) may, directly or by grant or contract, provide technical
assistance to eligible institutions to prepare the institutions to
qualify, apply for, and maintain a capital improvement loan,
including a loan under this part.''.
(d) Prohibition.--Section 346 (as redesignated by section
301(a)(4)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c-5) is repealed.
(e) Advisory Board.--Section 347 (as redesignated by section
301(a)(4)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c-6) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, or the
president's designee.'' after the period; and
(B) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``, or the designee
of the Association'' before the period; and
(2) by striking subsection (c).
SEC. 307. MINORITY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program
Findings.--Subpart 1 of part E of title III (as redesignated by
paragraphs (6) and (7) of section 301) (20 U.S.C. 1135b et seq.) is
amended by inserting after the subpart heading the following:
``SEC. 350. FINDINGS.
``Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) It is incumbent on the Federal Government to support the
technological and economic competitiveness of the United States by
improving and expanding the scientific and technological capacity
of the United States. More and better prepared scientists,
engineers, and technical experts are needed to improve and expand
such capacity.
``(2) As the Nation's population becomes more diverse, it is
important that the educational and training needs of all Americans
are met. Underrepresentation of minori
2000
ties in science and
technological fields diminishes our Nation's competitiveness by
impairing the quantity of well prepared scientists, engineers, and
technical experts in these fields.
``(3) Despite significant limitations in resources, minority
institutions provide an important educational opportunity for
minority students, particularly in science and engineering fields.
Aid to minority institutions is a good way to address the
underrepresentation of minorities in science and technological
fields.
``(4) There is a strong Federal interest in improving science
and engineering programs at minority institutions as such programs
lag behind in program offerings and in student enrollment compared
to such programs at other institutions of higher education.''.
(b) Eligibility for Grants.--Section 361 (as redesignated by
section 301(a)(7)) (20 U.S.C. 1135d) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 361. ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANTS.
``Eligibility to receive grants under this part is limited to--
``(1) public and private nonprofit institutions of higher
education that--
``(A) award baccalaureate degrees; and
``(B) are minority institutions;
``(2) public or private nonprofit institutions of higher
education that--
``(A) award associate degrees; and
``(B) are minority institutions that--
``(i) have a curriculum that includes science or
engineering subjects; and
``(ii) enter into a partnership with public or private
nonprofit institutions of higher education that award
baccalaureate degrees in science and engineering;
``(3) nonprofit science-oriented organizations, professional
scientific societies, and institutions of higher education that
award baccalaureate degrees, that--
``(A) provide a needed service to a group of minority
institutions; or
``(B) provide in-service training for project directors,
scientists, and engineers from minority institutions; or
``(4) consortia of organizations, that provide needed services
to one or more minority institutions, the membership of which may
include--
``(A) institutions of higher education which have a
curriculum in science or engineering;
``(B) institutions of higher education that have a graduate
or professional program in science or engineering;
``(C) research laboratories of, or under contract with, the
Department of Energy;
``(D) private organizations that have science or
engineering facilities; or
``(E) quasi-governmental entities that have a significant
scientific or engineering mission.''.
(c) Definitions.--Section 365(4) (as redesignated by section
301(a)(7)) (20 U.S.C. 1135d-5(4)) is amended by inserting
``behavioral,'' after ``physical,''.
(d) Conforming amendments.--The heading for subpart 1 of part E of
title III (as redesignated by paragraphs (6) and (7) of section 301(a))
is amended by inserting ``and Engineering'' before ``Improvement
Program''.
SEC. 308. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Applications for Assistance.--Subsection (a) of section 391(a)
(as redesignated by section 301(a)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1066(a)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(a) Applications.--
``(1) Applications required.--Any institution which is eligible
for assistance under this title shall submit to the Secretary an
application for assistance at such time, in such form, and
containing such information, as may be necessary to enable the
Secretary to evaluate the institution's need for the assistance.
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this
title, the Secretary may approve an application for assistance
under this title only if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the application meets the requirements of subsection
(b);
``(B) the applicant is eligible for assistance in
accordance with the part of this title under which the
assistance is sought; and
``(C) the applicant's performance goals are sufficiently
rigorous as to meet the purposes of this title and the
performance objectives and indicators for this title
established by the Secretary pursuant to the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993 and the amendments made by
such Act.
``(2) Preliminary applications.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Secretary may develop a preliminary application for use by
eligible institutions applying under part A prior to the submission
of the principal application.''.
(b) Applications.--Paragraph (1) of section 391(b) (as redesignated
by section 301(a)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1066(b)) is amended by inserting ``, D
or E'' after ``part C''.
(c) Contents of Applications.--Section 391(b)(6) (as redesignated
by section 301(a)(2)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, except that for purposes of section 316, paragraphs (2)
and (3) of section 396 shall not apply''.
(d) Waivers.--Section 392(a) (as redesignated by section 301(a)(2))
(20 U.S.C. 1067(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (5);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) that is a tribally controlled college or university as
defined in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or
University Assistance Act of 1978; or''.
(e) Application Review Process.--Section 393(a) (as redesignated by
section 301(a)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1068(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Native American colleges
and universities'' and inserting ``Tribal Colleges and
Universities''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Exclusion.--The provisions of this section shall not apply to
applications submitted under part D.''.
(f) Waivers.--Paragraph (2) of section 395(b) (as redesignated by
section 301(a)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1069b(b)) is amended by striking ``title
IV, VII, or VIII'' and inserting ``part D or title IV''.
(g) Continuation Awards.--Part F of title III is amended by
inserting after section 397 (as redesignated by section 301(a)(2)) (20
U.S.C. 1069d) the following:
``SEC. 398. CONTINUATION AWARDS.
``The Secretary shall make continuation awards under this title for
the second and succeeding years of a grant only after determining that
the recipient is making satisfactory progress in carrying out the
grant.''.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 399(a) (as
redesignated by section 301(a)(2)) (20 U.S.C. 1069f) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``$45,000,000 for fiscal
year 1993'' and inserting ``$10,000,000 for fiscal year
1999'';
(ii) by striking clause (ii); and
(iii) by striking ``(B)(i) There'' and inserting ``(B)
There''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
section 317, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may
be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$20,000,000 for
fiscal year 1993'' and inserting ``$35,000,000 for fiscal year
1999'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$50,000,000 for fiscal year
1993'' and inserting ``$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999'';
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Part d.--(A)
2000
There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out part D (other than section 345(7), but including section
347), $110,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be
necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
section 345(7), such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1999
and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``(5) Part e.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out part E, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may
be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''; and
(5) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e).
TITLE IV--STUDENT ASSISTANCE
PART A--GRANTS TO STUDENTS
SEC. 401. FEDERAL PELL GRANTS.
(a) Extension of Authority.--Section 401(a)(1) (20 U.S.C.
1070a(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary shall,
during the period beginning July 1, 1972, and ending September 30,
1998,'' and inserting ``For each fiscal year through fiscal year
2004, the Secretary shall''; and
(2) in the second sentence, by inserting ``until such time as
the Secretary determines and publishes in the Federal Register with
an opportunity for comment, an alternative payment system that
provides payments to institutions in an accurate and timely
manner,'' after ``pay eligible students''.
(b) Amount of Grant.--Paragraph (2)(A) of section 401(b) is amended
to read as follows:
``(2)(A) The amount of the Federal Pell Grant for a student
eligible under this part shall be--
``(i) $4,500 for academic year 1999-2000;
``(ii) $4,800 for academic year 2000-2001;
``(iii) $5,100 for academic year 2001-2002;
``(iv) $5,400 for academic year 2002-2003; and
``(v) $5,800 for academic year 2003-2004,
less an amount equal to the amount determined to be the expected family
contribution with respect to that student for that year.''.
(c) Relation of Maximum Grant to Tuition and Expenses.--Paragraph
(3) of section 401(b) is amended to read as follows:
``(3)(A) For any academic year for which an appropriation Act
provides a maximum basic grant in an amount in excess of $2,700, the
amount of a student's basic grant shall equal $2,700 plus--
``(i) one-half of the amount by which such maximum basic grant
exceeds $2,700; plus
``(ii) the lesser of--
``(I) the remaining one-half of such excess; or
``(II) the sum of the student's tuition and, if the student
has dependent care expenses (as described in section 472(8)) or
disability-related expenses (as described in section 472(9)),
an allowance determined by the institution for such expenses.
``(B) An institution that charged only fees in lieu of tuition as
of October 1, 1998, may include in the institution's determination of
tuition charged, fees that would normally constitute tuition.''.
(d) Regulations for Multiple Awards.--Section 401(b)(6) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i)
and (ii), respectively;
(2) by inserting ``(A)'' after the paragraph designation; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) The Secretary shall promulgate regulations implementing this
paragraph.''.
(e) Time Limit To Receive Grants.--Section 401(c) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may allow, on a
case-by-case basis, a student to receive a basic grant if the student--
``(A) is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time work
load for the course of study the student is pursuing, as determined
by the institution of higher education; and
``(B) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a
postbaccalaureate program that does not lead to a graduate degree,
and in courses required by a State in order for the student to
receive a professional certification or licensing credential that
is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary school or
secondary school in that State,
except that this paragraph shall not apply to a student who is enrolled
in an institution of higher education that offers a baccalaureate
degree in education.''.
(f) Institutional Ineligibility Based on Default Rates.--Section
401 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Institutional Ineligibility Based on Default Rates.--
``(1) In general.--No institution of higher education shall be
an eligible institution for purposes of this subpart if such
institution of higher education is ineligible to participate in a
loan program under part B or D as a result of a final default rate
determination made by the Secretary under part B or D after the
final publication of cohort default rates for fiscal year 1996 or a
succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Sanctions subject to appeal opportunity.--No institution
may be subject to the terms of this subsection unless the
institution has had the opportunity to appeal the institution's
default rate determination under regulations issued by the
Secretary for the loan program authorized under part B or D, as
applicable. This subsection shall not apply to an institution that
was not participating in the loan program authorized under part B
or D on the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of
1998, unless the institution subsequently participates in the loan
programs.''.
(g) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 400(a)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1070(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``basic educational opportunity grants'' and inserting
``Federal Pell Grants''.
(2) The heading of subpart 1 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C.
1070a et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subpart 1--Federal Pell Grants''.
(3) Section 401 is amended--
(A) in the heading of the section, by striking ``basic
educational opportunity'' and inserting ``federal pell'';
(B) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``Basic grants'' and
inserting ``Grants'';
(C) by striking ``basic grant'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``Federal Pell Grant''; and
(D) by striking ``basic grants'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``Federal Pell Grants''.
(4) Section 401(f)(3) is amended by striking ``Education and
Labor'' and inserting ``Education and the Workforce''.
(5) Section 452(c) (20 U.S.C. 1087b(c)) is amended by striking
``basic grants'' and inserting ``Federal Pell Grants''.
(6) Subsections (j)(2) and (k)(3) of section 455 (20 U.S.C.
1087e) are each amended by striking ``basic grants'' and inserting
``Federal Pell Grants''.
SEC. 402. FEDERAL TRIO PROGRAMS.
(a) Program Authority; Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Duration of grants.--Section 402A(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-
11(b)(2)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) grants under section 402H shall be awarded for a
period determined by the Secretary.''.
(2) Minimum grants.--Section 402A(b)(3) is amended to read as
follows:
``(3) Minimum grants.--Unless the institution or agency
requests a smaller amount, individual grants under this chapter
shall be no less than--
``(A) $170,000 for programs authorized by sections 402D and
402G;
``(B) $180,000 for programs authorized by sections 402B and
402F; and
``(C) $190,000 for programs authorized by sections 402C and
402E.''.
(3) Procedures for awarding grants and contracts.--Su
2000
bsection
(c) of section 402A is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Procedures for Awarding Grants and Contracts.--
``(1) Application requirements.--An eligible entity that
desires to receive a grant or contract under this chapter shall
submit an application to the Secretary in such manner and form, and
containing such information and assurances, as the Secretary may
reasonably require.
``(2) Prior experience.--In making grants under this chapter,
the Secretary shall consider each applicant's prior experience of
service delivery under the particular program for which funds are
sought. The level of consideration given the factor of prior
experience shall not vary from the level of consideration given
such factor during fiscal years 1994 through 1997, except that
grants made under section 402H shall not be given prior experience
consideration.
``(3) Order of awards; program fraud.--(A) Except with respect
to grants made under sections 402G and 402H and as provided in
subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall award grants and contracts
under this chapter in the order of the scores received by the
application for such grant or contract in the peer review process
required under paragraph (4) and adjusted for prior experience in
accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
``(B) The Secretary is not required to provide assistance to a
program otherwise eligible for assistance under this chapter, if
the Secretary has determined that such program has involved the
fraudulent use of funds under this chapter.
``(4) Peer review process.--(A) The Secretary shall ensure
that, to the extent practicable, members of groups underrepresented
in higher education, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native
Americans, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native American
Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians), are represented as
readers of applications submitted under this chapter. The Secretary
shall also ensure that persons from urban and rural backgrounds are
represented as readers.
``(B) The Secretary shall ensure that each application
submitted under this chapter is read by at least three readers who
are not employees of the Federal Government (other than as readers
of applications).
``(5) Number of applications for grants and contracts.--The
Secretary shall not limit the number of applications submitted by
an entity under any program authorized under this chapter if the
additional applications describe programs serving different
populations or campuses.
``(6) Coordination with other programs for disadvantaged
students.--The Secretary shall encourage coordination of programs
assisted under this chapter with other programs for disadvantaged
students operated by the sponsoring institution or agency,
regardless of the funding source of such programs. The Secretary
shall not limit an entity's eligibility to receive funds under this
chapter because such entity sponsors a program similar to the
program to be assisted under this chapter, regardless of the
funding source of such program. The Secretary shall permit the
Director of a program receiving funds under this chapter to
administer one or more additional programs for disadvantaged
students operated by the sponsoring institution or agency,
regardless of the funding sources of such programs.
``(7) Application status.--The Secretary shall inform each
entity operating programs under this chapter regarding the status
of their application for continued funding at least 8 months prior
to the expiration of the grant or contract. The Secretary, in the
case of an entity that is continuing to operate a successful
program under this chapter, shall ensure that the start-up date for
a new grant or contract for such program immediately follows the
termination of the preceding grant or contract so that no
interruption of funding occurs for such successful reapplicants.
The Secretary shall inform each entity requesting assistance under
this chapter for a new program regarding the status of their
application at least 8 months prior to the proposed startup date of
such program.''.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 402A(f) is
amended by striking ``$650,000,000 for fiscal year 1993'' and
inserting ``$700,000,000 for fiscal year 1999''.
(5) Waiver.--Section 402A(g) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(4) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the service requirements
in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (3) if the Secretary
determines the application of the service requirements to a veteran
will defeat the purpose of a program under this chapter.''.
(b) Talent Search.--Section 402B(b) (20 U.S.C. 1070a-12(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry,
entry to general educational development (GED) programs, other
alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts, or
postsecondary education;'';
(2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, or activities designed
to acquaint individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with careers
in which the individuals are particularly underrepresented'' before
the semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``parents'' and inserting
``families''; and
(4) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``or counselors'' after
``teachers''.
(c) Upward Bound.--Section 402C (20 U.S.C. 1070a-13) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``personal counseling''
and inserting ``counseling and workshops'';
(B) in paragraph (9)--
(i) by inserting ``or counselors'' after ``teachers'';
and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (12);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) work-study positions where youth participating in the
project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree;
``(11) special services to enable veterans to make the
transition to postsecondary education; and''; and
(E) in paragraph (12) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(C)), by striking ``(9)'' and inserting ``(11)''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``and not in excess of $40
per month during the remaining period of the year.'' and inserting
``except that youth participating in a work-study position under
subsection (b)(10) may be paid a stipend of $300 per month during
June, July, and August. Youths participating in a project proposed
to be carried out under any application may be paid stipends not in
excess of $40 per month during the remaining period of the year.''.
(d) Student Support Services.--Paragraph (6) of section 402D(c) (20
U.S.C. 1070a-14(c)(6)) is amended to read as follows:
``(6) consider, in addition to such other criteria as the
Secretary may prescribe, the institution's effort, and where
applicable past history, in--
``(A) providing sufficient financial assistance to meet the
full financial need of each student in the project; and
``(B) maintaining the loan burden of each such student at a
manageable level.''.
(e) Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.--Section 402E(e)(1) (20
U.S.C. 1070a-15(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``$2,400'' and inserting
``$2,800''.
(f) Staff Development Activities.--Section 402G (20 U.S.C. 1070a-
17) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``participating in,'' after
``leadership personnel employed in,''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting after paragraph (3) t
2000
he
following new paragraph:
``(4) The use of appropriate educational technology in the
operation of projects assisted under this chapter.''.
(g) Evaluation and Dissemination.--Section 402H (20 U.S.C. 1070a-
18) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 402H. EVALUATIONS AND GRANTS FOR PROJECT IMPROVEMENT AND
DISSEMINATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS.
``(a) Evaluations.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of improving the
effectiveness of the programs and projects assisted under this
chapter, the Secretary may make grants to or enter into contracts
with institutions of higher education and other public and private
institutions and organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the
programs and projects assisted under this chapter.
``(2) Practices.--The evaluations described in paragraph (1)
shall identify institutional, community, and program or project
practices that are particularly effective in enhancing the access
of low-income individuals and first-generation college students to
postsecondary education, the preparation of the individuals and
students for postsecondary education, and the success of the
individuals and students in postsecondary education. Such
evaluations shall also investigate the effectiveness of alternative
and innovative methods within Federal TRIO programs of increasing
access to, and retention of, students in postsecondary education.
``(b) Grants.--The Secretary may award grants to institutions of
higher education or other private and public institutions and
organizations, that are carrying out a program or project assisted
under this chapter prior to the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998, to enable the institutions and
organizations to expand and leverage the success of such programs or
projects by working in partnership with other institutions, community-
based organizations, or combinations of such institutions and
organizations, that are not receiving assistance under this chapter and
are serving low-income students and first generation college students,
in order to--
``(1) disseminate and replicate best practices of programs or
projects assisted under this chapter; and
``(2) provide technical assistance regarding programs and
projects assisted under this chapter.
``(c) Results.--In order to improve overall program or project
effectiveness, the results of evaluations and grants described in this
section shall be disseminated by the Secretary to similar programs or
projects assisted under this subpart, as well as other individuals
concerned with postsecondary access for and retention of low-income
individuals and first-generation college students.''.
SEC. 403. GEAR UP PROGRAM.
Chapter 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070a-21 et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``CHAPTER 2--GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READINESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
``SEC. 404A. EARLY INTERVENTION AND COLLEGE AWARENESS PROGRAM
AUTHORIZED.
``(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized, in
accordance with the requirements of this chapter, to establish a
program that--
``(1) encourages eligible entities to provide or maintain a
guarantee to eligible low-income students who obtain a secondary
school diploma (or its recognized equivalent), of the financial
assistance necessary to permit the students to attend an
institution of higher education; and
``(2) supports eligible entities in providing--
``(A) additional counseling, mentoring, academic support,
outreach, and supportive services to elementary school, middle
school, and secondary school students who are at risk of
dropping out of school; and
``(B) information to students and their parents about the
advantages of obtaining a postsecondary education and the
college financing options for the students and their parents.
``(b) Awards.--
``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 404H
for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make awards to eligible
entities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) to
enable the entities to carry out the program authorized under
subsection (a).
``(2) Priority.--In making awards to eligible entities
described in paragraph (c)(1), the Secretary shall--
``(A) give priority to eligible entities that--
``(i) on the day before the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998, carried out successful
educational opportunity programs under this chapter (as
this chapter was in effect on such day); and
``(ii) have a prior, demonstrated commitment to early
intervention leading to college access through
collaboration and replication of successful strategies;
``(B) ensure that students served under this chapter on the
day before the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998 continue to receive assistance through the
completion of secondary school.
``(c) Definition of Eligible Entity.--For the purposes of this
chapter, the term `eligible entity' means--
``(1) a State; or
``(2) a partnership consisting of--
``(A) one or more local educational agencies acting on
behalf of--
``(i) one or more elementary schools or secondary
schools; and
``(ii) the secondary schools that students from the
schools described in clause (i) would normally attend;
``(B) one or more degree granting institutions of higher
education; and
``(C) at least two community organizations or entities,
such as businesses, professional associations, community-based
organizations, philanthropic organizations, State agencies,
institutions or agencies sponsoring programs authorized under
subpart 4, or other public or private agencies or
organizations.
``SEC. 404B. REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Funding Rules.--
``(1) Continuation awards.--From the amount appropriated under
section 404H for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall continue to
award grants to States under this chapter (as this chapter was in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Higher
Education Amendments of 1998) in accordance with the terms and
conditions of such grants.
``(2) Distribution.--From the amount appropriated under section
404H that remains after making continuation awards under paragraph
(1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
``(A) make available--
``(i) not less than 33 percent of the amount to
eligible entities described in section 404A(c)(1); and
``(ii) not less than 33 percent of the amount to
eligible entities described in section 404A(c)(2); and
``(B) award the remainder of the amount to eligible
entities described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 404A(c).
``(3) Special rule.--The Secretary shall annually reevaluate
the distribution of funds described in paragraph (2)(B) based on
number, quality, and promise of the applications and adjust the
distribution accordingly.''.
``(b) Limitation.--Each eligible entity described in section
404A(c)(1), and each eligible entity described in section 404A(c)(2)
that conducts a scholarship component under section 404E, shall use not
less than 25 percent and not more than 50 percent of grant funds
received under this chapter for the early intervention component of an
eligible entity's program under this chapter, except that the Secretary
may waive the 50 percent limitation if the eligible entity demonstrates
that the eligible entity has another means of providing the students
with financial assistan
2000
ce that is described in the plan submitted under
section 404C.
``(c) Coordination.--Each eligible entity shall ensure that the
activities assisted under this chapter are, to the extent practicable,
coordinated with, and complement and enhance--
``(1) services under this chapter provided by other eligible
entities serving the same school district or State; and
``(2) related services under other Federal or non-Federal
programs.
``(d) Designation of Fiscal Agent.--An eligible entity described in
section 404A(c)(2) shall designate an institution of higher education
or a local educational agency as the fiscal agent for the eligible
entity.
``(e) Coordinators.--An eligible entity described in section
404A(c)(2) shall have a full-time program coordinator or a part-time
program coordinator, whose primary responsibility is a project under
section 404C.
``(f) Displacement.--An eligible entity described in 404A(c)(2)
shall ensure that the activities assisted under this chapter will not
displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school assisted under
this chapter, including a partial displacement such as a reduction in
hours, wages or employment benefits.
``(g) Cohort Approach.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require that eligible
entities described in section 404A(c)(2)--
``(A) provide services under this chapter to at least one
grade level of students, beginning not later than 7th grade, in
a participating school that has a 7th grade and in which at
least 50 percent of the students enrolled are eligible for free
or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Act (or,
if an eligible entity determines that it would promote the
effectiveness of a program, an entire grade level of students,
beginning not later than the 7th grade, who reside in public
housing as defined in section 3(b)(1) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937); and
``(B) ensure that the services are provided through the
12th grade to students in the participating grade level.
``(2) Coordination requirement.--In order for the Secretary to
require the cohort approach described in paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall, where applicable, ensure that the cohort approach
is done in coordination and collaboration with existing early
intervention programs and does not duplicate the services already
provided to a school or community.
``SEC. 404C. ELIGIBLE ENTITY PLANS.
``(a) Plan Required for Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--In order for an eligible entity to qualify
for a grant under this chapter, the eligible entity shall submit to
the Secretary a plan for carrying out the program under this
chapter. Such plan shall provide for the conduct of a scholarship
component if required or undertaken pursuant to section 404E and an
early intervention component required pursuant to section 404D.
``(2) Contents.--Each plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall be in such form, contain or be accompanied by such
information or assurances, and be submitted at such time as the
Secretary may require by regulation. Each such plan shall--
``(A) describe the activities for which assistance under
this chapter is sought; and
``(B) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary
determines necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements
of this chapter.
``(b) Matching Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not approve a plan
submitted under subsection (a) unless such plan--
``(A) provides that the eligible entity will provide, from
State, local, institutional, or private funds, not less than 50
percent of the cost of the program, which matching funds may be
provided in cash or in kind;
``(B) specifies the methods by which matching funds will be
paid; and
``(C) includes provisions designed to ensure that funds
provided under this chapter shall supplement and not supplant
funds expended for existing programs.
``(2) Special rule.--Notwithstanding the matching requirement
described in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary may by regulation
modify the percentage requirement described in paragraph (1)(A) for
eligible entities described in section 404A(c)(2).
``(c) Methods for Complying With Matching Requirement.--An eligible
entity may count toward the matching requirement described in
subsection (b)(1)(A)--
``(1) the amount of the financial assistance paid to students
from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this
chapter;
``(2) the amount of tuition, fees, room or board waived or
reduced for recipients of financial assistance under this chapter;
and
``(3) the amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term
mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of
nonschool organizations, including businesses, religious
organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational
institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other
organizations.
``(d) Peer Review Panels.--The Secretary shall convene peer review
panels to assist in making determinations regarding the awarding of
grants under this chapter.
``SEC. 404D. EARLY INTERVENTION.
``(a) Services.--
``(1) In general.--In order to receive a grant under this
chapter, an eligible entity shall demonstrate to the satisfaction
of the Secretary, in the plan submitted under section 404C, that
the eligible entity will provide comprehensive mentoring,
counseling, outreach, and supportive services to students
participating in programs under this chapter. Such counseling shall
include--
``(A) financial aid counseling and information regarding
the opportunities for financial assistance under this title;
and
``(B) activities or information regarding--
``(i) fostering and improving parent involvement in
promoting the advantages of a college education, academic
admission requirements, and the need to take college
preparation courses;
``(ii) college admissions and achievement tests; and
``(iii) college application procedures.
``(2) Methods.--The eligible entity shall demonstrate in
such plan, pursuant to regulations of the Secretary, the
methods by which the eligible entity will target services on
priority students described in subsection (c), if applicable.
``(b) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, by regulation,
establish criteria for determining whether comprehensive mentoring,
counseling, outreach, and supportive services programs may be used
to meet the requirements of subsection (a).
``(2) Permissible activities.--Examples of activities that meet
the requirements of subsection (a) include the following:
``(A) Providing eligible students in preschool through
grade 12 with a continuing system of mentoring and advising
that--
``(i) is coordinated with the Federal and State
community service initiatives; and
``(ii) may include such support services as after
school and summer tutoring, assistance in obtaining summer
jobs, career mentoring, and academic counseling.
``(B) Requiring each student to enter into an agreement
under which the student agrees to achieve certain academic
milestones, such as completing a prescribed set of courses and
maintaining satisfactory progress described in section 484(c),
in exchange for receiving tuition assistance for a period of
time to be established by each eligible entity.
``(C) Activities desi
2000
gned to ensure secondary school
completion and college enrollment of at-risk children, such as
identification of at-risk children, after school and summer
tutoring, assistance in obtaining summer jobs, academic
counseling, volunteer and parent involvement, providing former
or current scholarship recipients as mentor or peer counselors,
skills assessment, providing access to rigorous core courses
that reflect challenging academic standards, personal
counseling, family counseling and home visits, staff
development, and programs and activities described in this
subparagraph that are specially designed for students of
limited English proficiency.
``(D) Summer programs for individuals who are in their
sophomore or junior years of secondary school or are planning
to attend an institution of higher education in the succeeding
academic year that--
``(i) are carried out at an institution of higher
education that has programs of academic year supportive
services for disadvantaged students through projects
authorized under section 402D or through comparable
projects funded by the State or other sources;
``(ii) provide for the participation of the individuals
who are eligible for assistance under section 402D or who
are eligible for comparable programs funded by the State;
``(iii)(I) provide summer instruction in remedial,
developmental or supportive courses;
``(II) provide such summer services as counseling,
tutoring, or orientation; and
``(III) provide financial assistance to the individuals
to cover the individuals' summer costs for books, supplies,
living costs, and personal expenses; and
``(iv) provide the individuals with financial
assistance during each academic year the individuals are
enrolled at the participating institution after the summer
program.
``(E) Requiring eligible students to meet other standards
or requirements as the State determines necessary to meet the
purposes of this section.
``(c) Priority Students.--For eligible entities not using a cohort
approach, the eligible entity shall treat as priority students any
student in preschool through grade 12 who is eligible--
``(1) to be counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965;
``(2) for free or reduced price meals under the National School
Lunch Act; or
``(3) for assistance pursuant to part A of title IV of the
Social Security Act.
``(d) Allowable Providers.--In the case of eligible entities
described in section 404A(c)(1), the activities required by this
section may be provided by service providers such as community-based
organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, public and
private agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations,
businesses, institutions and agencies sponsoring programs authorized
under subpart 4, and other organizations the State deems appropriate.
``SEC. 404E. SCHOLARSHIP COMPONENT.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) States.--In order to receive a grant under this chapter,
an eligible entity described in section 404A(c)(1) shall establish
or maintain a financial assistance program that awards scholarships
to students in accordance with the requirements of this section.
The Secretary shall encourage the eligible entity to ensure that a
scholarship provided pursuant to this section is available to an
eligible student for use at any institution of higher education.
``(2) Partnerships.--An eligible entity described in section
404A(c)(2) may award scholarships to eligible students in
accordance with the requirements of this section.
``(b) Grant Amounts.--The maximum amount of a scholarship that an
eligible student shall be eligible to receive under this section shall
be established by the eligible entity. The minimum amount of the
scholarship for each fiscal year shall not be less than the lesser of--
``(1) 75 percent of the average cost of attendance for an in-
State student, in a 4-year program of instruction, at public
institutions of higher education in such State, as determined in
accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary; or
``(2) the maximum Federal Pell Grant funded under section 401
for such fiscal year.
``(c) Relation to Other Assistance.--Scholarships provided under
this section shall not be considered for the purpose of awarding
Federal grant assistance under this title, except that in no case shall
the total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a student
under this title exceed such student's total cost of attendance.
``(d) Eligible Students.--A student eligible for assistance under
this section is a student who--
``(1) is less than 22 years old at time of first scholarship
award under this section;
``(2) receives a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent on or after January 1, 1993;
``(3) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of
undergraduate instruction at an institution of higher education
that is located within the State's boundaries, except that, at the
State's option, an eligible entity may offer scholarship program
portability for recipients who attend institutions of higher
education outside such State; and
``(4) who participated in the early intervention component
required under section 404D.
``(e) Priority.--The Secretary shall ensure that each eligible
entity places a priority on awarding scholarships to students who will
receive a Federal Pell Grant for the academic year for which the
scholarship is awarded under this section.
``(f) Special Rule.--An eligible entity may consider students who
have successfully participated in programs funded under chapter 1 to
have met the requirements of subsection (d)(4).
``SEC. 404F. 21ST CENTURY SCHOLAR CERTIFICATES.
``(a) Authority.--The Secretary, using funds appropriated under
section 404H that do not exceed $200,000 for a fiscal year--
``(1) shall ensure that certificates, to be known as 21st
Century Scholar Certificates, are provided to all students
participating in programs under this chapter; and
``(2) may, as practicable, ensure that such certificates are
provided to all students in grades 6 through 12 who attend schools
at which at least 50 percent of the students enrolled are eligible
for a free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch
Act.
``(b) Information Required.--A 21st Century Scholar Certificate
shall be personalized for each student and indicate the amount of
Federal financial aid for college which a student may be eligible to
receive.
``SEC. 404G. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
``(a) Evaluation.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant under
this chapter shall biennially evaluate the activities assisted under
this chapter in accordance with the standards described in subsection
(b) and shall submit to the Secretary a copy of such evaluation. The
evaluation shall permit service providers to track eligible student
progress during the period such students are participating in the
activities and shall be consistent with the standards developed by the
Secretary pursuant to subsection (b).
``(b) Evaluation Standards.--The Secretary shall prescribe
standards for the evaluation described in subsection (a). Such
standards shall--
``(1) provide for input from eligible entities and service
providers; and
``(2) ensure that data protocols and procedures are consistent
and uniform.
``(c) Federal Evaluation.--In order to evaluate and improve the
impact of the activities assisted under this chapter, the Sec
2000
retary
shall, from not more than 0.75 percent of the funds appropriated under
section 404H for a fiscal year, award one or more grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements to or with public and private institutions and
organizations, to enable the institutions and organizations to evaluate
the effectiveness of the program and, as appropriate, disseminate the
results of the evaluation.
``(d) Report.--The Secretary shall biennially report to Congress
regarding the activities assisted under this chapter and the
evaluations conducted pursuant to this section.
``SEC. 404H. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter
$200,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
SEC. 404. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIPS.
Chapter 3 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070a-31 et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``CHAPTER 3--ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
``SEC. 406A. SCHOLARSHIPS AUTHORIZED.
``The Secretary is authorized to award scholarships to students who
graduate from secondary school after May 1, 2000, to enable the
students to pay the cost of attendance at an institution of higher
education during the students first 2 academic years of undergraduate
education, if the students--
``(1) are eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants for the year
in which the scholarships are awarded; and
``(2) demonstrate academic achievement by graduating in the top
10 percent of their secondary school graduating class.
``SEC. 406B. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Amount of Award.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amount of a scholarship awarded under this chapter for any academic
year shall be equal to 100 percent of the amount of the Federal
Pell Grant for which the recipient is eligible for the academic
year.
``(2) Adjustment for insufficient appropriations.--If, after
the Secretary determines the total number of eligible applicants
for an academic year in accordance with section 406C, funds
available to carry out this chapter for the academic year are
insufficient to fully fund all awards under this chapter for the
academic year, the amount of the scholarship paid to each student
under this chapter shall be reduced proportionately.
``(b) Assistance Not To Exceed Cost of Attendance.--A scholarship
awarded under this chapter to any student, in combination with the
Federal Pell Grant assistance and other student financial assistance
available to such student, may not exceed the student's cost of
attendance.
``SEC. 406C. ELIGIBILITY OF SCHOLARS.
``(a) Procedures Established by Regulation.--The Secretary shall
establish by regulation procedures for the determination of eligibility
of students for the scholarships awarded under this chapter. Such
procedures shall include measures to prevent any secondary school from
certifying more than 10 percent of the school's students for
eligibility under this section.
``(b) Coordination.--In prescribing procedures under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall ensure that the determination of eligibility
and the amount of the scholarship is determined in a timely and
accurate manner consistent with the requirements of section 482 and the
submission of the financial aid form required by section 483. For such
purposes, the Secretary may provide that, for the first academic year
of a student's 2 academic years of eligibility under this chapter,
class rank may be determined prior to graduation from secondary school,
at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may specify in
regulations prescribed under this chapter.
``SEC. 406D. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) In General.--Each eligible student desiring a scholarship
under this chapter shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may reasonably require.
``(b) Continuing Eligibility.--In order for a student to continue
to be eligible to receive a scholarship under this chapter for the
second year of undergraduate education, the eligible student shall
maintain eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant for that year,
including fulfilling the requirements for satisfactory progress
described in section 484(c).
``SEC. 407E. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter
$200,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
SEC. 405. REPEALS.
Chapters 4 through 8 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C.
1070a-41 et seq. and 1070a-81 et seq.) are repealed.
SEC. 406. FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 413A(b)(1) (20 U.S.C.
1070b(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1999''.
(b) Use of Funds for Less-Than-Full-Time Students.--Subsection (d)
of section 413C (20 U.S.C. 1070b-2) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Use of Funds for Less-Than-Full-Time Students.--If the
institution's allocation under this subpart is directly or indirectly
based in part on the financial need demonstrated by students who are
independent students or attending the institution on less than a full-
time basis, then a reasonable proportion of the allocation shall be
made available to such students.''.
(c) Allocation of Funds.--
(1) Updating the base period.--Section 413D(a) (20 U.S.C.
1070b-3(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``received and used under
this part for fiscal year 1985'' and inserting ``received under
subsections (a) and (b) of this section for fiscal year 1999
(as such subsections were in effect with respect to allocations
for such fiscal year)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking ``1985''
each place the term appears and inserting ``1999''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``1986'' and
inserting ``2000''.
(2) Elimination of pro rata share.--Section 413D is further
amended--
(A) by striking subsection (b);
(B) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``three-quarters of
the remainder'' and inserting ``the remainder'';
(C) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(i), by striking ``subsection
(d)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)''; and
(D) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as
subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
(3) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply with respect to allocations of amounts appropriated
pursuant to section 413A(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for
fiscal year 2000 or any succeeding fiscal year.
(d) Carryover and Carryback Authority.--Subpart 3 of part A of
title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 413E. CARRYOVER AND CARRYBACK AUTHORITY.
``(a) Carryover Authority.--Of the sums made available to an
eligible institution under this subpart for a fiscal year, not more
than 10 percent may, at the discretion of the institution, remain
available for expenditure during the succeeding fiscal year to carry
out the program under this subpart.
``(b) Carryback Authority.--
``(1) In general.--Of the sums made available to an eligible
institution under this subpart for a fiscal year, not more than 10
percent may, at the discretion of the institution, be used by the
institution for expenditure for the fiscal year preceding the
fiscal year for which the sums were appropriated.
``(2) Use of carried-back funds.--An eligible institution may
make grants to students after the end of the academic year, but
prior to the beginning of the succeeding fiscal year, from such
2000
succeeding fiscal year's appropriations.''.
SEC. 407. LEVERAGING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Amendment to Subpart Heading.--
(1) In general.--The heading for subpart 4 of part A of title
IV (20 U.S.C. 1070c et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subpart 4--Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Subpart 4 of part A of title IV (20
U.S.C. 1070c et seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 415B(b) (20 U.S.C. 1070c-1(b)), by striking
``State student grant incentive'' and inserting ``leveraging
educational assistance partnership''; and
(B) in the heading for section 415C (20 U.S.C. 1070c-2), by
striking ``state student incentive grant'' and inserting
``leveraging educational assistance partnership''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 415A(b) (20 U.S.C.
1070c(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Reservation.--For any fiscal year for which the amount
appropriated under paragraph (1) exceeds $30,000,000, the excess
shall be available to carry out section 415E.''.
(c) Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership
Program.--Subpart 4 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070c et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating section 415E as 415F; and
(2) by inserting after section 415D the following:
``SEC. 415E. SPECIAL LEVERAGING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--From amounts reserved under section 415A(b)(2)
for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
``(1) make allotments among States in the same manner as the
Secretary makes allotments among States under section 415B; and
``(2) award grants to States, from allotments under paragraph
(1), to enable the States to pay the Federal share of the cost of
the authorized activities described in subsection (c).
``(b) Applicability Rule.--The provisions of this subpart which are
not inconsistent with this section shall apply to the program
authorized by this section.
``(c) Authorized Activities.--Each State receiving a grant under
this section may use the grant funds for--
``(1) increasing the dollar amount of grants awarded under
section 415B to eligible students who demonstrate financial need;
``(2) carrying out transition programs from secondary school to
postsecondary education for eligible students who demonstrate
financial need;
``(3) carrying out a financial aid program for eligible
students who demonstrate financial need and wish to enter careers
in information technology, or other fields of study determined by
the State to be critical to the State's workforce needs;
``(4) making funds available for community service work-study
activities for eligible students who demonstrate financial need;
``(5) creating a postsecondary scholarship program for eligible
students who demonstrate financial need and wish to enter teaching;
``(6) creating a scholarship program for eligible students who
demonstrate financial need and wish to enter a program of study
leading to a degree in mathematics, computer science, or
engineering;
``(7) carrying out early intervention programs, mentoring
programs, and career education programs for eligible students who
demonstrate financial need; and
``(8) awarding merit or academic scholarships to eligible
students who demonstrate financial need.
``(d) Maintenance of Effort Requirement.--Each State receiving a
grant under this section for a fiscal year shall provide the Secretary
an assurance that the aggregate amount expended per student or the
aggregate expenditures by the State, from funds derived from non-
Federal sources, for the authorized activities described in subsection
(c) for the preceding fiscal year were not less than the amount
expended per student or the aggregate expenditures by the State for the
activities for the second preceding fiscal year.
``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the
authorized activities described in subsection (c) for any fiscal year
shall be not more than 33\1/3\ percent.''.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Purpose.--Subsection (a) of section 415A (20 U.S.C.
1070c(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Purpose of Subpart.--It is the purpose of this subpart to
make incentive grants available to States to assist States in--
``(1) providing grants to--
``(A) eligible students attending institutions of higher
education or participating in programs of study abroad that are
approved for credit by institutions of higher education at
which such students are enrolled; and
``(B) eligible students for campus-based community service
work-study; and
``(2) carrying out the activities described in section 415F.''.
(2) Allotment.--Section 415B(a)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1070c-1(a)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``and not reserved under section 415A(b)(2)''
after ``415A(b)(1)''.
SEC. 408. SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES ARE ENGAGED IN
MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORK.
(a) Coordination.--Section 418A(d) (20 U.S.C. 1070d-2(d)) is
amended by inserting after ``contains assurances'' the following:
``that the grant recipient will coordinate the project, to the extent
feasible, with other local, State, and Federal programs to maximize the
resources available for migrant students, and''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 418A(g) is amended by
striking ``1993'' each place the term appears and inserting ``1999''.
(c) Data Collection.--Section 418A is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) (as amended by subsection
(b)) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Data Collection.--The National Center for Education
Statistics shall collect postsecondary education data on migrant
students.''.
(d) Technical Amendment.--Section 418A(e) is amended by striking
``authorized by subpart 4 of this part in accordance with section
417A(b)(2)'' and inserting ``in accordance with section 402A(c)(1)''.
SEC. 409. ROBERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) FAS Eligibility.--Section 419D (20 U.S.C. 1070d-34) is amended
by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(e) FAS Eligibility.--
``(1) Fiscal years 2000 through 2004.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this subpart, in the case of students from the
Freely Associated States who may be selected to receive a
scholarship under this subpart for the first time for any of the
fiscal years 2000 through 2004--
``(A) there shall be 10 scholarships in the aggregate
awarded to such students for each of the fiscal years 2000
through 2004; and
``(B) the Pacific Regional Educational Laboratory shall
administer the program under this subpart in the case of
scholarships for students in the Freely Associated States.
``(2) Termination of eligibility.--A student from the Freely
Associated States shall not be eligible to receive a scholarship
under this subpart after September 30, 2004.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 419K (20 U.S.C.
1070d-41) is amended by striking ``$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1993''
and inserting ``$45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999''.
SEC. 410. CHILD CARE ACCESS MEANS PARENTS IN SCHOOL.
Part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after subpart 6 (20 U.S.C. 1070d-31 et seq.) the following:
``Subpart 7--Child Care Access Means Parents in School
``SEC. 419N. CHILD CARE ACCESS MEANS PARENTS IN SCHOOL.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section
2000
is to support the
participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through
the provision of campus-based child care services.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary may award grants to
institutions of higher education to assist the institutions in
providing campus-based child care services to low-income students.
``(2) Amount of grants.--
``(A) In general.--The amount of a grant awarded to an
institution of higher education under this section for a fiscal
year shall not exceed 1 percent of the total amount of all
Federal Pell Grant funds awarded to students enrolled at the
institution of higher education for the preceding fiscal year.
``(B) Minimum.--A grant under this section shall be awarded
in an amount that is not less than $10,000.
``(3) Duration; renewal; and payments.--
``(A) Duration.--The Secretary shall award a grant under
this section for a period of 4 years.
``(B) Payments.--Subject to subsection (e)(2), the
Secretary shall make annual grant payments under this section.
``(4) Eligible institutions.--An institution of higher
education shall be eligible to receive a grant under this section
for a fiscal year if the total amount of all Federal Pell Grant
funds awarded to students enrolled at the institution of higher
education for the preceding fiscal year equals or exceeds $350,000.
``(5) Use of funds.--Grant funds under this section shall be
used by an institution of higher education to support or establish
a campus-based child care program primarily serving the needs of
low-income students enrolled at the institution of higher
education. Grant funds under this section may be used to provide
before and after school services to the extent necessary to enable
low-income students enrolled at the institution of higher education
to pursue postsecondary education.
``(6) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to prohibit an institution of higher education that receives grant
funds under this section from serving the child care needs of the
community served by the institution.
``(7) Definition of low-income student.--For the purpose of
this section, the term ``low-income student'' means a student who
is eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the fiscal year for
which the determination is made.
``(c) Applications.--An institution of higher education desiring a
grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as
the Secretary may require. Each application shall--
``(1) demonstrate that the institution is an eligible
institution described in subsection (b)(4);
``(2) specify the amount of funds requested;
``(3) demonstrate the need of low-income students at the
institution for campus-based child care services by including in
the application--
``(A) information regarding student demographics;
``(B) an assessment of child care capacity on or near
campus;
``(C) information regarding the existence of waiting lists
for existing child care;
``(D) information regarding additional needs created by
concentrations of poverty or by geographic isolation; and
``(E) other relevant data;
``(4) contain a description of the activities to be assisted,
including whether the grant funds will support an existing child
care program or a new child care program;
``(5) identify the resources, including technical expertise and
financial support, the institution will draw upon to support the
child care program and the participation of low-income students in
the program, such as accessing social services funding, using
student activity fees to help pay the costs of child care, using
resources obtained by meeting the needs of parents who are not low-
income students, and accessing foundation, corporate or other
institutional support, and demonstrate that the use of the
resources will not result in increases in student tuition;
``(6) contain an assurance that the institution will meet the
child care needs of low-income students through the provision of
services, or through a contract for the provision of services;
``(7) describe the extent to which the child care program will
coordinate with the institution's early childhood education
curriculum, to the extent the curriculum is available, to meet the
needs of the students in the early childhood education program at
the institution, and the needs of the parents and children
participating in the child care program assisted under this
section;
``(8) in the case of an institution seeking assistance for a
new child care program--
``(A) provide a timeline, covering the period from receipt
of the grant through the provision of the child care services,
delineating the specific steps the institution will take to
achieve the goal of providing low-income students with child
care services;
``(B) specify any measures the institution will take to
assist low-income students with child care during the period
before the institution provides child care services; and
``(C) include a plan for identifying resources needed for
the child care services, including space in which to provide
child care services, and technical assistance if necessary;
``(9) contain an assurance that any child care facility
assisted under this section will meet the applicable State or local
government licensing, certification, approval, or registration
requirements; and
``(10) contain a plan for any child care facility assisted
under this section to become accredited within 3 years of the date
the institution first receives assistance under this section.
``(d) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in awarding
grants under this section to institutions of higher education that
submit applications describing programs that--
``(1) leverage significant local or institutional resources,
including in-kind contributions, to support the activities assisted
under this section; and
``(2) utilize a sliding fee scale for child care services
provided under this section in order to support a high number of
low-income parents pursuing postsecondary education at the
institution.
``(e) Reporting Requirements; Continuing Eligibility.--
``(1) Reporting requirements.--
``(A) Reports.--Each institution of higher education
receiving a grant under this section shall report to the
Secretary 18 months, and 36 months, after receiving the first
grant payment under this section.
``(B) Contents.--The report shall include--
``(i) data on the population served under this section;
``(ii) information on campus and community resources
and funding used to help low-income students access child
care services;
``(iii) information on progress made toward
accreditation of any child care facility; and
``(iv) information on the impact of the grant on the
quality, availability, and affordability of campus-based
child care services.
``(2) Continuing eligibility.--The Secretary shall make the
third annual grant payment under this section to an institution of
higher education only if the Secretary determines, on the basis of
the 18-month report submitted under paragraph (1), that the
institution is making a good faith effort to ensure that low-income
students at the institution have access to affordable, quality
c
2000
hild care services.
``(f) Construction.--No funds provided under this section shall be
used for construction, except for minor renovation or repair to meet
applicable State or local health or safety requirements.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999
and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal
years.''.
SEC. 411. LEARNING ANYTIME ANYWHERE PARTNERSHIPS.
Subpart 8 of part A of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) is amended
to read as follows:
``Subpart 8--Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships
``SEC. 420D. FINDINGS.
``Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) The nature of postsecondary education delivery is
changing, and new technology and other related innovations can
provide promising education opportunities for individuals who are
currently not being served, particularly for individuals without
easy access to traditional campus-based postsecondary education or
for whom traditional courses are a poor match with education or
training needs.
``(2) Individuals, including individuals seeking basic or
technical skills or their first postsecondary experience,
individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, individuals
making the transition from welfare-to-work, and individuals who are
limited by time and place constraints can benefit from
nontraditional, noncampus-based postsecondary education
opportunities and appropriate support services.
``(3) The need for high-quality, nontraditional, technology-
based education opportunities is great, as is the need for skill
competency credentials and other measures of educational progress
and attainment that are valid and widely accepted, but neither need
is likely to be adequately addressed by the uncoordinated efforts
of agencies and institutions acting independently and without
assistance.
``(4) Partnerships, consisting of institutions of higher
education, community organizations, or other public or private
agencies or organizations, can coordinate and combine institutional
resources--
``(A) to provide the needed variety of education options to
students; and
``(B) to develop new means of ensuring accountability and
quality for innovative education methods.
``SEC. 420E. PURPOSE; PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subpart to enhance the
delivery, quality, and accountability of postsecondary education and
career-oriented lifelong learning through technology and related
innovations.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, from funds
appropriated under section 420J make grants to, or enter into
contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible partnerships
to carry out the authorized activities described in section
420G.
``(B) Duration.--Grants under this subpart shall be awarded
for periods that do not exceed 5 years.
``(2) Definition of eligible partnership.--For purposes of this
subpart, the term `eligible partnership' means a partnership
consisting of 2 or more independent agencies, organizations, or
institutions. The agencies, organizations, or institutions may
include institutions of higher education, community organizations,
and other public and private institutions, agencies, and
organizations.
``SEC. 420F. APPLICATION.
``(a) Requirement.--An eligible partnership desiring to receive a
grant under this subpart shall submit an application to the Secretary,
in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary may
require.
``(b) Contents.--Each application shall include--
``(1) the name of each partner and a description of the
responsibilities of the partner, including the designation of a
nonprofit organization as the fiscal agent for the partnership;
``(2) a description of the need for the project, including a
description of how the project will build on any existing services
and activities;
``(3) a listing of human, financial (other than funds provided
under this subpart), and other resources that each member of the
partnership will contribute to the partnership, and a description
of the efforts each member of the partnership will make in seeking
additional resources; and
``(4) a description of how the project will operate, including
how funds awarded under this subpart will be used to meet the
purpose of this subpart.
``SEC. 420G. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
``Funds awarded to an eligible partnership under this subpart shall
be used to--
``(1) develop and assess model distance learning programs or
innovative educational software;
``(2) develop methodologies for the identification and
measurement of skill competencies;
``(3) develop and assess innovative student support services;
or
``(4) support other activities that are consistent with the
purpose of this subpart.
``SEC. 420H. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
``Federal funds shall provide not more than 50 percent of the cost
of a project under this subpart. The non-Federal share of project costs
may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including services,
supplies, or equipment.
``SEC. 420I. PEER REVIEW.
``The Secretary shall use a peer review process to review
applications under this subpart and to make recommendations for funding
under this subpart to the Secretary.
``SEC. 420J. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
PART B--FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM
SEC. 411. LIMITATION REPEALED.
Section 421 (20 U.S.C. 1071) is amended by striking subsection (d).
SEC. 412. ADVANCES TO RESERVE FUNDS.
Section 422 (20 U.S.C. 1072) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``428(c)(10)(E)'' and
inserting ``428(c)(9)(E)'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (6)(B)(i), by striking ``written'' and
inserting ``written, electronic,'';
(B) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``during the
transition from the Federal Family Education Loan Program under
this part to the Federal Direct Student Loan Program under part
D of this title''; and
(C) in paragraph (7)(B), by striking ``428(c)(10)(F)(v)''
and inserting ``428(c)(9)(F)(v)'';
(3) in the first and second sentences of subsection (g)(1), by
striking ``or the program authorized by part D of this title'' each
place it appears; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Additional Recall of Reserves.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law
and subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary shall recall, from
reserve funds held in the Federal Student Loan Reserve Funds
established under section 422A by guaranty agencies--
``(A) $85,000,000 in fiscal year 2002;
``(B) $82,500,000 in fiscal year 2006; and
``(C) $82,500,000 in fiscal year 2007.
``(2) Deposit.--Funds recalled by the Secretary under this
subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury.
``(3) Required share.--The Secretary shall require each
guaranty agency to return reserve funds under paragraph (1) on the
basis of the agency's required share. For purposes of this
paragraph, a guaranty agency's required share shall be determined
as follows:
``(A) Equal percentage.--The Secretary shall require each
guaranty agency to return an amount representing an equal
percentage reduction in the amount of reserve funds held by the
agency on September 30, 1996.
2000
``(B) Calculation.--The equal percentage reduction shall be
the percentage obtained by dividing--
``(i) $250,000,000, by
``(ii) the total amount of all guaranty agencies'
reserve funds held on September 30, 1996, less any amounts
subject to recall under subsection (h).
``(C) Special rule.--Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and
(B), the percentage reduction under subparagraph (B) shall not
result in the depletion of the reserve funds of any agency
which charges the 1.0 percent insurance premium pursuant to
section 428(b)(1)(H) below an amount equal to the amount of
lender claim payments paid during the 90 days prior to the date
of the return under this subsection. If any additional amount
is required to be returned after deducting the total of the
required shares under subparagraph (B) and as a result of the
preceding sentence, such additional amount shall be obtained by
imposing on each guaranty agency to which the preceding
sentence does not apply, an equal percentage reduction in the
amount of the agency's remaining reserve funds.
``(4) Offset of required shares.--If any guaranty agency
returns to the Secretary any reserve funds in excess of the amount
required under this subsection or subsection (h), the total amount
required to be returned under paragraph (1) shall be reduced by the
amount of such excess reserve funds returned.
``(5) Definition of reserve funds.--The term `reserve funds'
when used with respect to a guaranty agency--
``(A) includes any reserve funds in cash or liquid assets
held by the guaranty agency, or held by, or under the control
of, any other entity; and
``(B) does not include buildings, equipment, or other
nonliquid assets.''.
SEC. 413. GUARANTY AGENCY REFORMS.
(a) Federal Student Loan Reserve Fund.--Part B of title IV is
amended by inserting after section 422 (20 U.S.C. 1072) the following
new section:
``SEC. 422A. FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN RESERVE FUND.
``(a) Establishment.--Each guaranty agency shall, not later than 60
days after the date of enactment of this section, deposit all funds,
securities, and other liquid assets contained in the reserve fund
established pursuant to section 422 into a Federal Student Loan Reserve
Fund (in this section and section 422B referred to as the `Federal
Fund'), which shall be an account of a type selected by the agency,
with the approval of the Secretary.
``(b) Investment of Funds.--Funds transferred to the Federal Fund
shall be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United
States or a State, or in other similarly low-risk securities selected
by the guaranty agency, with the approval of the Secretary. Earnings
from the Federal Fund shall be the sole property of the Federal
Government.
``(c) Additional Deposits.--After the establishment of the Federal
Fund, a guaranty agency shall deposit into the Federal Fund--
``(1) all amounts received from the Secretary as payment of
reinsurance on loans pursuant to section 428(c)(1);
``(2) from amounts collected on behalf of the obligation of a
defaulted borrower, a percentage amount equal to the complement of
the reinsurance percentage in effect when payment under the
guaranty agreement was made--
``(A) with respect to the defaulted loan pursuant to
sections 428(c)(6)(A) and 428F(a)(1)(B); and
``(B) with respect to a loan that the Secretary has repaid
or discharged under section 437;
``(3) insurance premiums collected from borrowers pursuant to
sections 428(b)(1)(H) and 428H(h);
``(4) all amounts received from the Secretary as payment for
supplemental preclaims activity performed prior to the date of
enactment of this section;
``(5) 70 percent of amounts received after such date of
enactment from the Secretary as payment for administrative cost
allowances for loans upon which insurance was issued prior to such
date of enactment; and
``(6) other receipts as specified in regulations of the
Secretary.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--Subject to subsection (f), the Federal Fund
may only be used by a guaranty agency--
``(1) to pay lender claims pursuant to sections 428(b)(1)(G),
428(j), 437, and 439(q); and
``(2) to pay into the Agency Operating Fund established
pursuant to section 422B (in this section and section 422B referred
to as the ``Operating Fund'') a default aversion fee in accordance
with section 428(l).
``(e) Ownership of Federal Fund.--The Federal Fund, and any
nonliquid asset (such as a building or equipment) developed or
purchased by the guaranty agency in whole or in part with Federal
reserve funds, regardless of who holds or controls the Federal reserve
funds or such asset, shall be considered to be the property of the
United States, prorated based on the percentage of such asset developed
or purchased with Federal reserve funds, which property shall be used
in the operation of the program authorized by this part, as provided in
subsection (d). The Secretary may restrict or regulate the use of such
asset only to the extent necessary to reasonably protect the
Secretary's prorated share of the value of such asset. The Secretary
may direct a guaranty agency, or such agency's officers or directors,
to cease any activity involving expenditures, use, or transfer of the
Federal Fund administered by the guaranty agency that the Secretary
determines is a misapplication, misuse, or improper expenditure of the
Federal Fund or the Secretary's share of such asset.
``(f) Transition.--
``(1) In general.--In order to establish the Operating Fund,
each guaranty agency may transfer not more than 180 days' cash
expenses for normal operating expenses (not including claim
payments) as a working capital reserve as defined in Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-87 (Cost Accounting Standards)
from the Federal Fund for deposit into the Operating Fund for use
in the performance of the guaranty agency's duties under this part.
Such transfers may occur during the first 3 years following the
establishment of the Operating Fund. However, no agency may
transfer in excess of 45 percent of the balance, as of September
30, 1998, of the agency's Federal Fund to the agency's Operating
Fund during such 3-year period. In determining the amount that may
be transferred, the agency shall ensure that sufficient funds
remain in the Federal Fund to pay lender claims within the required
time periods and to meet the reserve recall requirements of this
section and subsections (h) and (i) of section 422.
``(2) Special rule.--A limited number of guaranty agencies may
transfer interest earned on the Federal Fund to the Operating Fund
during the first 3 years after the date of enactment of this
section if the guaranty agency demonstrates to the Secretary that--
``(A) the cash flow in the Operating Fund will be negative
without the transfer of such interest; and
``(B) the transfer of such interest will substantially
improve the financial circumstances of the guaranty agency.
``(3) Repayment provisions.--Each guaranty agency shall begin
repayment of sums transferred pursuant to this subsection not later
than the start of the fourth year after the establishment of the
Operating Fund, and shall repay all amounts transferred not later
than 5 years from the date of the establishment of the Operating
Fund. With respect to amounts transferred from the Federal Fund,
the guaranty agency shall not be required to repay any interest on
the funds transferred and subsequently repaid. The guaranty agency
shall provide to the Secretary a reasonable schedule for repayment
2000
of the sums transferred and an annual financial analysis
demonstrating the agency's ability to comply with the schedule and
repay all outstanding sums transferred.
``(4) Prohibition.--If a guaranty agency transfers funds from
the Federal Fund in accordance with this section, and fails to make
scheduled repayments to the Federal Fund, the agency may not
receive any other funds under this part until the Secretary
determines that the agency has made such repayments. The Secretary
shall pay to the guaranty agency any funds withheld in accordance
with this paragraph immediately upon making the determination that
the guaranty agency has made all such repayments.
``(5) Waiver.--The Secretary may--
``(A) waive the requirements of paragraph (3), but only
with respect to repayment of interest that was transferred in
accordance with paragraph (2); and
``(B) waive paragraph (4);
for a guaranty agency, if the Secretary determines that there are
extenuating circumstances (such as State constitutional
prohibitions) beyond the control of the agency that justify such a
waiver.
``(6) Extension of repayment period for interest.--
``(A) Extension permitted.--The Secretary shall extend the
period for repayment of interest that was transferred in
accordance with paragraph (2) from 2 years to 5 years if the
Secretary determines that--
``(i) the cash flow of the Operating Fund will be
negative as a result of repayment as required by paragraph
(3);
``(ii) the repayment of the interest transferred will
substantially diminish the financial circumstances of the
guaranty agency; and
``(iii) the guaranty agency has demonstrated--
``(I) that the agency is able to repay all
transferred funds by the end of the 8th year following
the date of establishment of the Operating Fund; and
``(II) that the agency will be financially sound on
the completion of repayment.
``(B) Repayment of income on transferred funds.--All
repayments made to the Federal Fund during the 6th, 7th, and
8th years following the establishment of the Operating Fund of
interest that was transferred shall include the sums
transferred plus any income earned from the investment of the
sums transferred after the 5th year.
``(7) Investment of federal funds.--Funds transferred from the
Federal Fund to the Operating Fund for operating expenses shall be
invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
or a State, or in other similarly low-risk securities selected by
the guaranty agency, with the approval of the Secretary.
``(8) Special rule.--In calculating the minimum reserve level
required by section 428(c)(9)(A), the Secretary shall include all
amounts owed to the Federal Fund by the guaranty agency in the
calculation.''.
(b) Agency Operating Fund Established.--Part B of title IV is
further amended by inserting after section 422A (as added by subsection
(a)) the following new section:
``SEC. 422B. AGENCY OPERATING FUND.
``(a) Establishment.--Each guaranty agency shall, not later than 60
days after the date of enactment of this section, establish a fund
designated as the Operating Fund.
``(b) Investment of Funds.--Funds deposited into the Operating Fund
shall be invested at the discretion of the guaranty agency in
accordance with prudent investor standards.
``(c) Additional Deposits.--After the establishment of the
Operating Fund, the guaranty agency shall deposit into the Operating
Fund--
``(1) the loan processing and issuance fee paid by the
Secretary pursuant to section 428(f);
``(2) 30 percent of amounts received after the date of
enactment of this section from the Secretary as payment for
administrative cost allowances for loans upon which insurance was
issued prior to such date of enactment;
``(3) the account maintenance fee paid by the Secretary in
accordance with section 458;
``(4) the default aversion fee paid in accordance with section
428(l);
``(5) amounts remaining pursuant to section 428(c)(6)(B) from
collection on defaulted loans held by the agency, after payment of
the Secretary's equitable share, excluding amounts deposited in the
Federal Fund pursuant to section 422A(c)(2); and
``(6) other receipts as specified in regulations of the
Secretary.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Funds in the Operating Fund shall be used
for application processing, loan disbursement, enrollment and
repayment status management, default aversion activities (including
those described in section 422(h)(8)), default collection
activities, school and lender training, financial aid awareness and
related outreach activities, compliance monitoring, and other
student financial aid related activities, as selected by the
guaranty agency.
``(2) Special rule.--The guaranty agency may, in the agency's
discretion, transfer funds from the Operating Fund to the Federal
Fund for use pursuant to section 422A. Such transfer shall be
irrevocable, and any funds so transferred shall become the sole
property of the United States.
``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Default collection activities.--The term `default
collection activities' means activities of a guaranty agency
that are directly related to the collection of the loan on
which a default claim has been paid to the participating
lender, including the due diligence activities required
pursuant to regulations of the Secretary.
``(B) Default aversion activities.--The term `default
aversion activities' means activities of a guaranty agency that
are directly related to providing collection assistance to the
lender on a delinquent loan, prior to the loan's being legally
in a default status, including due diligence activities
required pursuant to regulations of the Secretary.
``(C) Enrollment and repayment status management.--The term
`enrollment and repayment status management' means activities
of a guaranty agency that are directly related to ascertaining
the student's enrollment status, including prompt notification
to the lender of such status, an audit of the note or written
agreement to determine if the provisions of that note or
agreement are consistent with the records of the guaranty
agency as to the principal amount of the loan guaranteed, and
an examination of the note or agreement to assure that the
repayment provisions are consistent with the provisions of this
part.
``(e) Ownership and Regulation of Operating Fund.--
``(1) Ownership.--The Operating Fund, with the exception of
funds transferred from the Federal Fund in accordance with section
422A(f), shall be considered to be the property of the guaranty
agency.
``(2) Regulation.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the
Secretary may not regulate the uses or expenditure of moneys in the
Operating Fund, but the Secretary may require such necessary
reports and audits as provided in section 428(b)(2).
``(3) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2),
during any period in which funds are owed to the Federal Fund as a
result of transfer under section 422A(f)--
``(A) moneys in the Operating Fund may only be used for
expenses related to the student loan programs authorized under
this part; and
``(B) the Secretary may regulate the uses or expenditure of
moneys in the Operatin
2000
g Fund.''.
SEC. 414. SCOPE AND DURATION OF FEDERAL LOAN INSURANCE PROGRAM.
Section 424(a) (20 U.S.C. 1074(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``October 1, 2002'' and inserting ``October 1,
2004''; and
(2) by striking ``September 30, 2006'' and inserting
``September 30, 2008''.
SEC. 415. LIMITATIONS ON INDIVIDUAL FEDERALLY INSURED LOANS AND FEDERAL
LOAN INSURANCE.
Section 425(a)(1)(A) (20 U.S.C. 1075(a)(1)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
subclause (I); and
(B) by striking subclauses (II) and (III) and inserting the
following:
``(II) if such student is enrolled in a program of
undergraduate education which is less than one academic
year, the maximum annual loan amount that such student may
receive may not exceed the amount that bears the same ratio
to the amount specified in subclause (I) as the length of
such program measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or
clock hours bears to one academic year;''; and
(2) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
clause (iii).
SEC. 416. APPLICABLE INTEREST RATES.
(a) Applicable Interest Rates.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 427A (20 U.S.C. 1077a) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections
(l) and (m), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
``(k) Interest Rates for New Loans on or After October 1, 1998, and
Before July 1, 2003.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (h) and subject
to paragraph (2) of this subsection, with respect to any loan made,
insured, or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made
pursuant to section 428B or 428C) for which the first disbursement
is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2003, the
applicable rate of interest shall, during any 12-month period
beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, be determined on the
preceding June 1 and be equal to--
``(A) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills
auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1; plus
``(B) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
``(2) In school and grace period rules.--Notwithstanding
subsection (h), with respect to any loan under this part (other
than a loan made pursuant to section 428B or 428C) for which the
first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003, the applicable rate of interest for interest which
accrues--
``(A) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of the
loan; or
``(B) during the period in which principal need not be paid
(whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by reason of a
provision described in section 427(a)(2)(C) or 428(b)(1)(M),
shall be determined under paragraph (1) by substituting `1.7
percent' for `2.3 percent'.
``(3) PLUS loans.--Notwithstanding subsection (h), with respect
to any loan under section 428B for which the first disbursement is
made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2003, the
applicable rate of interest shall be determined under paragraph
(1)--
``(A) by substituting `3.1 percent' for `2.3 percent'; and
``(B) by substituting `9.0 percent' for `8.25 percent'.
``(4) Consolidation loans.--With respect to any consolidation
loan under section 428C for which the application is received by an
eligible lender on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1,
2003, the applicable rate of interest shall be at an annual rate on
the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is equal to the
lesser of--
``(A) the weighted average of the interest rates on the
loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of
1 percent; or
``(B) 8.25 percent.
``(5) Consultation.--The Secretary shall determine the
applicable rate of interest under this subsection after
consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and shall publish
such rate in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after the
date of determination.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 428B(d)(4) (20 U.S.C. 1078-
2(d)(4)) is amended by striking ``section 427A(c)'' and inserting
``section 427A''.
(b) Special Allowances.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 438(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1087-1(b)(2)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(H) Loans disbursed on or after october 1, 1998, and
before july 1, 2003.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to paragraph (4) and clauses
(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this subparagraph, and except as
provided in subparagraph (B), the special allowance paid
pursuant to this subsection on loans for which the first
disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and
before July 1, 2003, shall be computed--
``(I) by determining the average of the bond
equivalent rates of 91-day Treasury bills auctioned for
such 3-month period;
``(II) by subtracting the applicable interest rates
on such loans from such average bond equivalent rate;
``(III) by adding 2.8 percent to the resultant
percent; and
``(IV) by dividing the resultant percent by 4.
``(ii) In school and grace period.--In the case of any
loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after
October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2003, and for which the
applicable rate of interest is described in section
427A(k)(2), clause (i)(III) of this subparagraph shall be
applied by substituting `2.2 percent' for `2.8 percent'.
``(iii) PLUS loans.--In the case of any loan for which
the first disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998,
and before July 1, 2003, and for which the applicable rate
of interest is described in section 427A(k)(3), clause
(i)(III) of this subparagraph shall be applied by
substituting `3.1 percent' for `2.8 percent', subject to
clause (v) of this subparagraph.
``(iv) Consolidation loans.--In the case of any
consolidation loan for which the application is received by
an eligible lender on or after October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003, and for which the applicable interest rate is
determined under section 427A(k)(4), clause (i)(III) of
this subparagraph shall be applied by substituting `3.1
percent' for `2.8 percent', subject to clause (vi) of this
subparagraph.
``(v) Limitation on special allowances for plus
loans.--In the case of PLUS loans made under section 428B
and first disbursed on or after October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003, for which the interest rate is determined
under section 427A(k)(3), a special allowance shall not be
paid for such loan during any 12-month period beginning on
July 1 and ending on June 30 unless, on the June 1
preceding such July 1--
``(I) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury
bills auctioned at the final auction held prior to such
June 1 (as determined by the Secretary for purposes of
such section); plus
``(II) 3.1 percent,
exceeds 9.0 percent.
``(vi) Limitation on special allowances for
consolidation loans.--In the case of consolidation loans
2000
made under section 428C and for which the application is
received on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1,
2003, for which the interest rate is determined under
section 427A(k)(4), a special allowance shall not be paid
for such loan during any 3-month period ending March 31,
June 30, September 30, or December 31 unless--
``(I) the average of the bond equivalent rate of
91-day Treasury bills auctioned for such 3-month
period; plus
``(II) 3.1 percent,
exceeds the rate determined under section 427A(k)(4).''.
(2) Consolidation loans.--Section 428C(c)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1078-
3(c)(1)) is amended by striking everything preceding subparagraph
(B) and inserting the following:
``(1) Interest rate.--(A) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (B) and
(C), with respect to any loan made under this section for which the
application is received by an eligible lender on or after October
1, 1998, and before July 1, 2003, the applicable interest rate
shall be determined under section 427A(k)(4).''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 438(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1087-
1(b)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(F), and (G)'' and
inserting ``(F), (G), and (H)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(iv), by striking ``(F), or (G)''
and inserting ``(F), (G), or (H)''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``subparagraph
(G)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (G) and (H)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part
B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for which the first
disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 1,
2003, except that such amendments shall apply with respect to any loan
made under section 428C of such Act for which the application is
received by an eligible lender on or after October 1, 1998, and before
July 1, 2003.
SEC. 417. FEDERAL PAYMENTS TO REDUCE STUDENT INTEREST COSTS.
(a) Federal Interest Subsidies.--
(1) Requirements to receive subsidy.--Section 428(a)(2) (20
U.S.C. 1078(a)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking subclauses (I),
(II), and (III) and inserting the following:
``(I) sets forth the loan amount for which the student
shows financial need; and
``(II) sets forth a schedule for disbursement of the
proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the
requirements of section 428G; and''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) For the purpose of clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), a
student shall qualify for a portion of an interest payment under
paragraph (1) if the eligible institution has determined and
documented the student's amount of need for a loan based on the
student's estimated cost of attendance, estimated financial
assistance, and, for the purpose of an interest payment pursuant to
this section, expected family contribution (as determined under
part F), subject to the provisions of subparagraph (D).'';
(C) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) For the purpose of subparagraph (B) and this paragraph--
``(i) a student's cost of attendance shall be determined
under section 472;
``(ii) a student's estimated financial assistance means,
for the period for which the loan is sought--
``(I) the amount of assistance such student will
receive under subpart 1 of part A (as determined in
accordance with section 484(b)), subpart 3 of part A, and
parts C and E;
``(II) any veterans' education benefits paid because of
enrollment in a postsecondary education institution,
including veterans' education benefits (as defined in
section 480(c), but excluding benefits described in
paragraph (2)(E) of such section); plus
``(III) other scholarship, grant, or loan assistance,
but excluding any national service education award or post-
service benefit under title I of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990; and
``(iii) the determination of need and of the amount of a
loan by an eligible institution under subparagraph (B) with
respect to a student shall be calculated in accordance with
part F.''; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (F).
(2) Duration of authority.--Section 428(a)(5) is amended--
(A) by striking ``September 30, 2002'' and inserting
``September 30, 2004''; and
(B) by striking ``September 30, 2006'' and inserting
``September 30, 2008''.
(b) Insurance Program Agreements.--
(1) Annual loan limits.--Section 428(b)(1)(A) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``, as
defined in section 481(a)(2),'' after ``academic year'';
(B) in clause (i)--
(i) in subclause (I), by striking ``length (as
determined under section 481);'' and inserting ``length;
and''; and
(ii) by striking subclauses (II) and (III) and
inserting the following:
``(II) if such student is enrolled in a program of
undergraduate education which is less than 1 academic
year, the maximum annual loan amount that such student
may receive may not exceed the amount that bears the
same ratio to the amount specified in subclause (I) as
the length of such program measured in semester,
trimester, quarter, or clock hours bears to 1 academic
year;'';
(C) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(D) in clause (v), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(E) by inserting before the matter following clause (v) the
following:
``(vi) in the case of a student enrolled in coursework
specified in sections 484(b)(3)(B) and 484(b)(4)(B)--
``(I) $2,625 for coursework necessary for
enrollment in an undergraduate degree or certificate
program, and, in the case of a student who has obtained
a baccalaureate degree, $5,500 for coursework necessary
for enrollment in a graduate or professional degree or
certification program; and
``(II) in the case of a student who has obtained a
baccalaureate degree, $5,500 for coursework necessary
for a professional credential or certification from a
State required for employment as a teacher in an
elementary school or secondary school;''.
(2) Selection of repayment plans.--Clause (ii) of section
428(b)(1)(D) is amended to read as follows: ``(ii) the student
borrower may annually change the selection of a repayment plan
under this part, and''.
(3) Repayment plans.--Subparagraph (E) of section 428(b)(1) is
amended to read as follows:
``(E) subject to subparagraphs (D) and (L), and except as
provided by subparagraph (M), provides that--
``(i) not more than 6 months prior to the date on which
the borrower's first payment is due, the lender shall offer
the borrower of a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under
this section or section 428H, the option of repaying the
loan in accordance with a standard, graduated, income-
sensitive, or extended repayment schedule (as described in
parag
2000
raph (9)) established by the lender in accordance with
regulations of the Secretary; and
``(ii) repayment of loans shall be in installments in
accordance with the repayment plan selected under paragraph
(9) and commencing at the beginning of the repayment period
determined under paragraph (7);'';
(4) Coinsurance.--Section 428(b)(1)(G) is amended by striking
``not less than''.
(5) Payment amounts.--Section 428(b)(1)(L)(i) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``except as otherwise provided by a
repayment plan selected by the borrower under clause (ii) or
(iii) of paragraph (9)(A),'' before ``during any''; and
(B) by inserting ``, notwithstanding any payment plan under
paragraph (9)(A)'' after ``due and payable''.
(6) Deferments.--Section 428(b)(1)(M) is amended--
(A) in clause (i)(I), by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, except that no borrower, notwithstanding the
provisions of the promissory note, shall be required to borrow
an additional loan under this title in order to be eligible to
receive a deferment under this clause''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, except that no borrower who provides evidence of
eligibility for unemployment benefits shall be required to
provide additional paperwork for a deferment under this
clause''.
(7) Limitation, suspension, and termination.--Section
428(b)(1)(U) is amended--
(A) by striking ``emergency action,,'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``emergency action,''; and
(B) in clause (iii)(I), by inserting ``that originates or
holds more than $5,000,000 in loans made under this title for
any lender fiscal year (except that each lender described in
section 435(d)(1)(A)(ii)(III) shall annually submit the results
of an audit required by this clause),'' before ``at least once
a year''.
(8) Additional insurance program requirements.-- Section
428(b)(1) is further amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (W);
(B) in subparagraph (X)--
(i) by striking ``428(c)(10)'' and inserting
``428(c)(9)''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and'';
(C) by adding at the end the following new sub- paragraph:
``(Y) provides that--
``(i) the lender shall determine the eligibility of a
borrower for a deferment described in subparagraph (M)(i)
based on receipt of--
``(I) a request for deferment from the borrower and
documentation of the borrower's eligibility for the
deferment;
``(II) a newly completed loan application that
documents the borrower's eligibility for a deferment;
or
``(III) student status information received by the
lender that the borrower is enrolled on at least a
half-time basis; and
``(ii) the lender will notify the borrower of the
granting of any deferment under clause (i)(II) or (III) of
this subparagraph and of the option to continue paying on
the loan.''.
(9) Restrictions on inducements.--Section 428(b)(3) is
amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) conduct unsolicited mailings of student loan
application forms to students enrolled in secondary school or a
postsecondary institution, or to parents of such students,
except that applications may be mailed to borrowers who have
previously received loans guaranteed under this part by the
guaranty agency; or''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``It shall not be a violation of this paragraph for a guaranty
agency to provide assistance to institutions of higher education
comparable to the kinds of assistance provided to institutions of
higher education by the Department of Education.''.
(10) Delay in commencement of repayment period.--Section
428(b)(7) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) There shall be excluded from the 6-month period that
begins on the date on which a student ceases to carry at least one-
half the normal full-time academic workload as described in
subparagraph (A)(i) any period not to exceed 3 years during which a
borrower who is a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces
named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code, is called
or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days (as
defined in section 101(d)(2) of such title). Such period of
exclusion shall include the period necessary to resume enrollment
at the borrower's next available regular enrollment period.''.
(11) Repayment plans.--Section 428(b) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(9) Repayment plans.--
``(A) Design and selection.--In accordance with regulations
promulgated by the Secretary, the lender shall offer a borrower
of a loan made under this part the plans described in this
subparagraph for repayment of such loan, including principal
and interest thereon. No plan may require a borrower to repay a
loan in less than 5 years unless the borrower, during the 6
months immediately preceding the start of the repayment period,
specifically requests that repayment be made over of a shorter
period. The borrower may choose from--
``(i) a standard repayment plan, with a fixed annual
repayment amount paid over a fixed period of time, not to
exceed 10 years;
``(ii) a graduated repayment plan paid over a fixed
period of time, not to exceed 10 years;
``(iii) an income-sensitive repayment plan, with
income-sensitive repayment amounts paid over a fixed period
of time, not to exceed 10 years, except that the borrower's
scheduled payments shall not be less than the amount of
interest due; and
``(iv) for new borrowers on or after the date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 who
accumulate (after such date) outstanding loans under this
part totaling more than $30,000, an extended repayment
plan, with a fixed annual or graduated repayment amount
paid over an extended period of time, not to exceed 25
years, except that the borrower shall repay annually a
minimum amount determined in accordance with paragraph
(1)(L)(i).
``(B) Lender selection of option if borrower does not
select.--If a borrower of a loan made under this part does not
select a repayment plan described in subparagraph (A), the
lender shall provide the borrower with a repayment plan
described in subparagraph (A)(i).''.
(c) Guarantee Agreements.--
(1) Reinsurance payments.--
(A) Amendments.--Section 428(c)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1078(c)(1))
is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``98 percent'' and
inserting ``95 percent'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``88 percent''
and inserting ``85 percent'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``78
percent'' and inserting ``75 percent'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``98 percent'' and
inserting ``95 percent'';
(II) in clause (ii), by
2000
striking ``88 percent'' and
inserting ``85 percent''; and
(III) in clause (iii), by striking ``78 percent''
and inserting ``75 percent''; and
(v) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``98 percent'' and
inserting ``95 percent'';
(II) in clause (ii), by striking ``88 percent'' and
inserting ``85 percent''; and
(III) in clause (iii), by striking ``78 percent''
and inserting ``75 percent''.
(B) Effective date.--The amendments made by subparagraph
(A) of this paragraph apply to loans for which the first
disbursement is made on or after October 1, 1998.
(2) Notice to institutions of defaults.--Section 428(c)(2) is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``proof that
reasonable attempts were made'' and inserting ``proof that the
institution was contacted and other reasonable attempts were
made''; and
(B) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``certifies to the
Secretary that diligent attempts have been made'' and inserting
``certifies to the Secretary that diligent attempts, including
contact with the institution, have been made''.
(3) Guaranty agency information to eligible institutions.--
Section 428(c)(2)(H)(ii) is amended to read as follows:
``(ii) the guaranty agency shall not require the
payment from the institution of any fee for such
information; and''.
(4) Forbearance.--Section 428(c)(3) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``written'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by inserting before the matter following subparagraph
(C) the following:
``(D) shall contain provisions that specify that--
``(i) forbearance for a period not to exceed 60 days
may be granted if the lender reasonably determines that
such a suspension of collection activity is warranted
following a borrower's request for deferment, forbearance,
a change in repayment plan, or a request to consolidate
loans, in order to collect or process appropriate
supporting documentation related to the request, and
``(ii) during such period interest shall accrue but not
be capitalized.''.
(5) Equitable share.--Paragraph (6) of section 428(c) is
amended to read as follows:
``(6) Secretary's equitable share.--For the purpose of
paragraph (2)(D), the Secretary's equitable share of payments made
by the borrower shall be that portion of the payments remaining
after the guaranty agency with which the Secretary has an agreement
under this subsection has deducted from such payments--
``(A) a percentage amount equal to the complement of the
reinsurance percentage in effect when payment under the
guaranty agreement was made with respect to the loan; and
``(B) an amount equal to 24 percent of such payments for
use in accordance with section 422B, except that, beginning on
October 1, 2003, this subparagraph shall be applied by
substituting `23 percent' for `24 percent'.''.
(6) Assignment.--Section 428(c)(8) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(A) If'' and inserting ``If''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B).
(7) Guaranty agency reserve level; agency termination.--Section
428(c)(9) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``maintain a current
minimum reserve level of at least .5 percent'' and inserting
``maintain in the agency's Federal Student Loan Reserve Fund
established under section 422A a current minimum reserve level
of at least 0.25 percent'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``80 percent pursuant to section
428(c)(1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``85 percent pursuant to
paragraph (1)(B)(i)'';
(ii) by striking ``, as appropriate,''; and
(iii) by striking ``30 working days'' and inserting
``45 working days'';
(C) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by inserting ``or'' at the end of clause (iv);
(ii) by striking ``; or'' at the end of clause (v) and
inserting a period; and
(iii) by striking clause (vi);
(D) in subparagraph (F)(vii), by striking ``to avoid
disruption'' and everything that follows and inserting ``and to
avoid disruption of the student loan program.'';
(E) in subparagraph (I), by inserting ``that, if commenced
after September 24, 1998, shall be on the record'' after ``for
a hearing''; and
(F) in subparagraph (K)--
(i) by striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and the
Workforce''; and
(ii) by striking everything after ``guaranty agency
system'' and inserting a period.
(d) Payment for Lender Referral Services; Income-Sensitive
Repayment.--Subsection (e) of section 428 is amended to read as
follows:
``(e) Notice of Availability of Income-Sensitive Repayment
Option.--At the time of offering a borrower a loan under this part, and
at the time of offering the borrower the option of repaying a loan in
accordance with this section, the lender shall provide the borrower
with a notice that informs the borrower, in a form prescribed by the
Secretary by regulation--
``(1) that all borrowers are eligible for income-sensitive
repayment, including through loan consolidation under section 428C;
``(2) the procedures by which the borrower may elect income-
sensitive repayment; and
``(3) where and how the borrower may obtain additional
information concerning income-sensitive repayment.''.
(e) Payment of Certain Costs.--Subsection (f) of section 428 is
amended to read as follows:
``(f) Payments of Certain Costs.--
``(1) Payment for certain activities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary--
``(i) for loans originated during fiscal years
beginning on or after October 1, 1998, and before October
1, 2003, and in accordance with the provisions of this
paragraph, shall, except as provided in subparagraph (C),
pay to each guaranty agency, a loan processing and issuance
fee equal to 0.65 percent of the total principal amount of
the loans on which insurance was issued under this part
during such fiscal year by such agency; and
``(ii) for loans originated during fiscal years
beginning on or after October 1, 2003, and in accordance
with the provisions of this paragraph, shall, except as
provided in subparagraph (C), pay to each guaranty agency,
a loan processing and issuance fee equal to 0.40 percent of
the total principal amount of the loans on which insurance
was issued under this part during such fiscal year by such
agency.
``(B) Payment.--The payment required by subparagraph (A)
shall be paid on a quarterly basis. The guaranty agency shall
be deemed to have a contractual right against the United States
to receive payments according to the provisions of this
paragraph. Payments shall be made promptly and without
administrative delay to any guaranty agency submitting an
accurate and complete application under this subparagraph.
``(C) Requirement for payment.--No payment may be made
under this paragraph for loans for which the di
2000
sbursement
checks have not been cashed or for which electronic funds
transfers have not been completed.''.
(f) Action on Agreements.--Section 428(g) is amended by striking
``and Labor'' and inserting ``and the Workforce''.
(g) Lenders-of-Last-Resort.--Paragraph (3) of section 428(j) is
amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``during transition
to direct lending'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``during the transition from the Federal
Family Education Loan Program under this part to the Federal
Direct Student Loan Program under part D of this title,'' and
inserting a comma;
(B) by inserting ``designated for a State'' after ``a
guaranty agency''; and
(C) by inserting ``subparagraph (C) and'' before ``section
422(c)(7),''; and
(3) by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(C) The Secretary shall exercise the authority described in
subparagraph (A) only if the Secretary determines that eligible
borrowers are seeking and are unable to obtain loans under this
part, and that the guaranty agency designated for that State has
the capability to provide lender-of-last-resort loans in a timely
manner, in accordance with the guaranty agency's obligations under
paragraph (1), but cannot do so without advances provided by the
Secretary under this paragraph. If the Secretary makes the
determinations described in the preceding sentence and determines
that it would be cost-effective to do so, the Secretary may provide
advances under this paragraph to such guaranty agency. If the
Secretary determines that such guaranty agency does not have such
capability, or will not provide such loans in a timely fashion, the
Secretary may provide such advances to enable another guaranty
agency, that the Secretary determines to have such capability, to
make lender-of-last-resort loans to eligible borrowers in that
State who are experiencing loan access problems.''.
(h) Default Aversion Assistance.--Subsection (l) of section 428 is
amended to read as follows:
``(l) Default Aversion Assistance.--
``(1) Assistance required.--Upon receipt of a complete request
from a lender received not earlier than the 60th day of
delinquency, a guaranty agency having an agreement with the
Secretary under subsection (c) shall engage in default aversion
activities designed to prevent the default by a borrower on a loan
covered by such agreement.
``(2) Reimbursement.--
``(A) In general.--A guaranty agency, in accordance with
the provisions of this paragraph, may transfer from the Federal
Student Loan Reserve Fund under section 422A to the Agency
Operating Fund under section 422B a default aversion fee. Such
fee shall be paid for any loan on which a claim for default has
not been paid as a result of the loan being brought into
current repayment status by the guaranty agency on or before
the 300th day after the loan becomes 60 days delinquent.
``(B) Amount.--The default aversion fee shall be equal to 1
percent of the total unpaid principal and accrued interest on
the loan at the time the request is submitted by the lender. A
guaranty agency may transfer such fees earned under this
subsection not more frequently than monthly. Such a fee shall
not be paid more than once on any loan for which the guaranty
agency averts the default unless--
``(i) at least 18 months has elapsed between the date
the borrower entered current repayment status and the date
the lender filed a subsequent default aversion assistance
request; and
``(ii) during the period between such dates, the
borrower was not more than 30 days past due on any payment
of principal and interest on the loan.
``(C) Definition.--For the purpose of earning the default
aversion fee, the term `current repayment status' means that
the borrower is not delinquent in the payment of any principal
or interest on the loan.''.
(i) Income Contingent Repayment.--Section 428(m) is amended by
striking ``shall require at least 10 percent of the borrowers'' and
inserting ``may require borrowers''.
(j) State Share of Default Costs.--Subsection (n) of section 428 is
repealed.
(k) Blanket Certificate of Guaranty.--Section 428 is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(n) Blanket Certificate of Loan Guaranty.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any guaranty
agency that has entered into or enters into any insurance program
agreement with the Secretary under this part may--
``(A) offer eligible lenders participating in the agency's
guaranty program a blanket certificate of loan guaranty that
permits the lender to make loans without receiving prior
approval from the guaranty agency of individual loans for
eligible borrowers enrolled in eligible programs at eligible
institutions; and
``(B) provide eligible lenders with the ability to transmit
electronically data to the agency concerning loans the lender
has elected to make under the agency's insurance program via
standard reporting formats, with such reporting to occur at
reasonable and standard intervals.
``(2) Limitations on blanket certificate of guaranty.--(A) An
eligible lender may not make a loan to a borrower under this
section after such lender receives a notification from the guaranty
agency that the borrower is not an eligible borrower.
``(B) A guaranty agency may establish limitations or
restrictions on the number or volume of loans issued by a lender
under the blanket certificate of guaranty.
``(3) Participation level.--During fiscal years 1999 and 2000,
the Secretary may permit, on a pilot basis, a limited number of
guaranty agencies to offer blanket certificates of guaranty under
this subsection. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, any guaranty agency
that has an insurance program agreement with the Secretary may
offer blanket certificates of guaranty under this subsection.
``(4) Report required.--The Secretary shall, at the conclusion
of the pilot program under paragraph (3), provide a report to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of
the Senate on the impact of the blanket certificates of guaranty on
program efficiency and integrity.''.
SEC. 418. VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE AGREEMENTS WITH GUARANTY AGENCIES.
Part B of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 428 (20 U.S.C. 1078) the following:
``SEC. 428A. VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE AGREEMENTS WITH GUARANTY AGENCIES.
``(a) Voluntary Agreements.--
``(1) Authority.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may
enter into a voluntary, flexible agreement with a guaranty agency
under this section, in lieu of agreements with a guaranty agency
under subsections (b) and (c) of section 428. The Secretary may
waive or modify any requirement under such subsections, except that
the Secretary may not waive--
``(A) any statutory requirement pertaining to the terms and
conditions attached to student loans or default claim payments
made to lenders; or
``(B) the prohibitions on inducements contained in section
428(b)(3) unless the Secretary determines that such a waiver is
consistent with the purposes of this section and is limited to
activities of the guaranty agency within the State or States
for which the guaranty agency serves as the designated
guarantor.
``(2) Special rule.--If the Secretary grants
2000
a waiver pursuant
to paragraph (1)(B), any guaranty agency doing business within the
affected State or States may request, and the Secretary shall
grant, an identical waiver to such guaranty agency under the same
terms and conditions (including service area limitations) as govern
the original waiver.
``(3) Eligibility.--During fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001,
the Secretary may enter into a voluntary, flexible agreement with
not more than 6 guaranty agencies that had 1 or more agreements
with the Secretary under subsections (b) and (c) of section 428 as
of the day before the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998. Beginning in fiscal year 2002, any guaranty
agency or consortium thereof may enter into a voluntary flexible
agreement with the Secretary.
``(4) Report required.--Not later than September 30, 2001, the
Secretary shall report to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives regarding the impact that
the voluntary flexible agreements have had upon program integrity,
program and cost efficiencies, and the availability and delivery of
student financial aid. Such report shall include--
``(A) a description of each voluntary flexible agreement
and the performance goals established by the Secretary for each
agreement;
``(B) a list of participating guaranty agencies and the
specific statutory or regulatory waivers provided to each
guaranty agency and any waivers provided to other guaranty
agencies under paragraph (2);
``(C) a description of the standards by which each agency's
performance under the agency's voluntary flexible agreement was
assessed and the degree to which each agency achieved the
performance standards; and
``(D) an analysis of the fees paid by the Secretary, and
the costs and efficiencies achieved under each voluntary
agreement.
``(b) Terms of Agreement.--An agreement between the Secretary and a
guaranty agency under this section--
``(1) shall be developed by the Secretary, in consultation with
the guaranty agency, on a case-by-case basis;
``(2) may only include provisions--
``(A) specifying the responsibilities of the guaranty
agency under the agreement, with respect to--
``(i) administering the issuance of insurance on loans
made under this part on behalf of the Secretary;
``(ii) monitoring insurance commitments made under this
part;
``(iii) default aversion activities;
``(iv) review of default claims made by lenders;
``(v) payment of default claims;
``(vi) collection of defaulted loans;
``(vii) adoption of internal systems of accounting and
auditing that are acceptable to the Secretary, and
reporting the result thereof to the Secretary in a timely
manner, and on an accurate, and auditable basis;
``(viii) timely and accurate collection and reporting
of such other data as the Secretary may require to carry
out the purposes of the programs under this title;
``(ix) monitoring of institutions and lenders
participating in the program under this part; and
``(x) informational outreach to schools and students in
support of access to higher education;
``(B) regarding the fees the Secretary shall pay, in lieu
of revenues that the guaranty agency may otherwise receive
under this part, to the guaranty agency under the agreement,
and other funds that the guaranty agency may receive or retain
under the agreement, except that in no case may the cost to the
Secretary of the agreement, as reasonably projected by the
Secretary, exceed the cost to the Secretary, as similarly
projected, in the absence of the agreement;
``(C) regarding the use of net revenues, as described in
the agreement under this section, for such other activities in
support of postsecondary education as may be agreed to by the
Secretary and the guaranty agency;
``(D) regarding the standards by which the guaranty
agency's performance of the agency's responsibilities under the
agreement will be assessed, and the consequences for a guaranty
agency's failure to achieve a specified level of performance on
1 or more performance standards;
``(E) regarding the circumstances in which a guaranty
agency's agreement under this section may be ended in advance
of the agreement's expiration date;
``(F) regarding such other businesses, previously purchased
or developed with reserve funds, that relate to the program
under this part and in which the Secretary permits the guaranty
agency to engage; and
``(G) such other provisions as the Secretary may determine
to be necessary to protect the United States from the risk of
unreasonable loss and to promote the purposes of this part;
``(3) shall provide for uniform lender participation with the
guaranty agency under the terms of the agreement; and
``(4) shall not prohibit or restrict borrowers from selecting a
lender of the borrower's choosing, subject to the prohibitions and
restrictions applicable to the selection under this Act.
``(c) Public Notice.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall publish in the Federal
Register a notice to all guaranty agencies that sets forth--
``(A) an invitation for the guaranty agencies to enter into
agreements under this section; and
``(B) the criteria that the Secretary will use for
selecting the guaranty agencies with which the Secretary will
enter into agreements under this section.
``(2) Agreement notice.--The Secretary shall notify the
Chairperson and the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives not
later than 30 days prior to concluding an agreement under this
section. The notice shall contain--
``(A) a description of the voluntary flexible agreement and
the performance goals established by the Secretary for the
agreement;
``(B) a list of participating guaranty agencies and the
specific statutory or regulatory waivers provided to each
guaranty agency;
``(C) a description of the standards by which each guaranty
agency's performance under the agreement will be assessed; and
``(D) a description of the fees that will be paid to each
participating guaranty agency.
``(3) Waiver notice.--The Secretary shall notify the
Chairperson and the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives not
later than 30 days prior to the granting of a waiver pursuant to
subsection (a)(2) to a guaranty agency that is not a party to a
voluntary flexible agreement.
``(4) Public availability.--The text of any voluntary flexible
agreement, and any subsequent revisions, and any waivers related to
section 428(b)(3) that are not part of such an agreement, shall be
readily available to the public.
``(5) Modification notice.--The Secretary shall notify the
Chairperson and the Ranking Minority Members of the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives 30 days
prior
2000
to any modifications to an agreement under this section.
``(d) Termination.--At the expiration or early termination of an
agreement under this section, the Secretary shall reinstate the
guaranty agency's prior agreements under subsections (b) and (c) of
section 428, subject only to such additional requirements as the
Secretary determines to be necessary in order to ensure the efficient
transfer of responsibilities between the agreement under this section
and the agreements under subsections (b) and (c) of section 428, and
including the guaranty agency's compliance with reserve requirements
under sections 422 and 428.''.
SEC. 419. FEDERAL PLUS LOANS.
Section 428B (20 U.S.C. 1078-2) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Authority To Borrow.--
``(1) Authority and eligibility.--Parents of a dependent
student shall be eligible to borrow funds under this section in
amounts specified in subsection (b), if--
``(A) the parents do not have an adverse credit history as
determined pursuant to regulations promulgated by the
Secretary; and
``(B) the parents meet such other eligibility criteria as
the Secretary may establish by regulation, after consultation
with guaranty agencies, eligible lenders, and other
organizations involved in student financial assistance.
``(2) Terms, conditions, and benefits.--Except as provided in
subsections (c), (d), and (e), loans made under this section shall
have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as all other loans
made under this part.
``(3) Special rule.--Whenever necessary to carry out the
provisions of this section, the terms `student' and `borrower' as
used in this part shall include a parent borrower under this
section.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Verification of Immigration Status and Social Security
Number.--A parent who wishes to borrow funds under this section shall
be subject to verification of the parent's--
``(1) immigration status in the same manner as immigration
status is verified for students under section 484(g); and
``(2) social security number in the same manner as social
security numbers are verified for students under section 484(p).''.
SEC. 420. FEDERAL CONSOLIDATION LOANS.
(a) Definition of Eligible Borrower.--Section 428C(a)(3) (20 U.S.C.
1078-3(a)(3)) is amended by striking everything preceding subparagraph
(C) and inserting the following:
``(3) Definition of eligible borrower.--(A) For the purpose of
this section, the term `eligible borrower' means a borrower who--
``(i) is not subject to a judgment secured through
litigation with respect to a loan under this title or to an
order for wage garnishment under section 488A; and
``(ii) at the time of application for a consolidation
loan--
``(I) is in repayment status;
``(II) is in a grace period preceding repay- ment; or
``(III) is a defaulted borrower who has made
arrangements to repay the obligation on the defaulted loans
satisfactory to the holders of the defaulted loans.
``(B)(i) An individual's status as an eligible borrower under
this section terminates upon receipt of a consolidation loan under
this section, except that--
``(I) an individual who receives eligible student loans
after the date of receipt of the consolidation loan may receive
a subsequent consolidation loan;
``(II) loans received prior to the date of the
consolidation loan may be added during the 180-day period
following the making of the consolidation loan;
``(III) loans received following the making of the
consolidation loan may be added during the 180-day period
following the making of the consolidation loan; and
``(IV) loans received prior to the date of the first
consolidation loan may be added to a subsequent consolidation
loan.''.
(b) Definition of Eligible Student Loan.--Section 428C(a)(4) is
amended by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
``(C) made under part D of this title;''.
(c) Contents of Agreements.--Section 428C(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by inserting ``except that this
clause shall not apply in the case of a borrower with multiple
holders of loans under this part,'' after ``under this section,'';
(2) in paragraph (4)(C)(ii)--
(A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting
``during any such period'' after ``and be paid'';
(B) in subclause (I), by striking ``, or on or after
October 1, 1998,''; and
(C) in subclause (II), by striking ``and before October 1,
1998,'';
(3) in paragraph (6)(A), by inserting before the semicolon at
the end the following: ``, except that a lender is not required to
consolidate loans described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of
subsection (a)(4) or subsection (d)(1)(C)(ii)''.
(d) Extension of Authority.--Section 428C(e) is amended by striking
``September 30, 2002'' and inserting ``September 30, 2004''.
(e) Special Rule.--Section 428C(f) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Special rule.--For consolidation loans based on
applications received during the period from October 1, 1998
through January 31, 1999, inclusive, the rebate described in
paragraph (1) shall be equal to 0.62 percent of the principal plus
accrued unpaid interest on such loan.''.
SEC. 421. DEFAULT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
The heading for subsection (b) of section 428F (20 U.S.C. 1078-6)
is amended by striking ``Special Rule'' and inserting ``Satisfactory
Repayment Arrangements To Renew Eligibility''.
SEC. 422. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISBURSEMENTS OF STUDENT LOANS.
(a) Special Rule.--Section 428G(a) (20 U.S.C. 1078-7(a)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Special rule.--An institution whose cohort default rate
(as determined under section 435(m)) for each of the 3 most recent
fiscal years for which data are available is less than 10 percent
may disburse any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part
in a single installment for any period of enrollment that is not
more than 1 semester, 1 trimester, 1 quarter, or 4 months.''.
(b) Disbursement.--Section 428G(b)(1) is amended by adding at the
end the following new sentence: ``An institution whose cohort default
rate (as determined under section 435(m)) for each of the three most
recent fiscal years for which data are available is less than 10
percent shall be exempt from the requirements of this paragraph.''.
(c) Exclusions.--Section 428G(e) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or made'' and inserting ``, made''; and
(2) by inserting ``, or made to a student to cover the cost of
attendance in a program of study abroad approved by the home
eligible institution if the home eligible institution has a cohort
default rate (as calculated under section 435(m)) of less than 5
percent'' before the period.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall be effective during the period beginning on October 1, 1998, and
ending on September 30, 2002.
SEC. 423. UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS.
(a) Eligible Borrowers.--Subsection (b) of section 428H (20 U.S.C.
1078-8(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Eligible Borrowers.--Any student meeting the requirements for
student eligibility under section 484 (including graduate and
professional students as defined in regulations promulgated by the
Secretary) shall be entitled to borrow an unsubsidized Federal Stafford
Loan if the eligible institution at which the student has been accepted
for enrollment, or
2000
at which the student is in attendance, has--
``(1) determined and documented the student's need for the loan
based on the student's estimated cost of attendance (as determined
under section 472) and the student's estimated financial
assistance, including a loan which qualifies for interest subsidy
payments under section 428; and
``(2) provided the lender a statement--
``(A) certifying the eligibility of the student to receive
a loan under this section and the amount of the loan for which
such student is eligible, in accordance with subsection (c);
and
``(B) setting forth a schedule for disbursement of the
proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the
requirements of section 428G.''.
(b) Loan Limits.--Section 428H(d) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``(as defined in section 481(a)(2))''
after ``academic year''; and
(ii) by striking ``or in any period of 7 consecutive
months, whichever is longer,'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``length (as determined
under section 481);'' and inserting ``length; and''; and
(ii) by striking clauses (ii) and (iii) and inserting
the following:
``(ii) if such student is enrolled in a program of
undergraduate education which is less than one academic
year, the maximum annual loan amount that such student may
receive may not exceed the amount that bears the same ratio
to the amount specified in clause (i) as the length of such
program measured in semester, trimester, quarter, or clock
hours bears to one academic year;''.
(C) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(D) by inserting before the matter following subparagraph
(C) the following:
``(D) in the case of a student enrolled in coursework
specified in sections 484(b)(3)(B) and 484(b)(4)(B)--
``(i) $4,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in
an undergraduate degree or certificate program, and, in the
case of a student who has obtained a baccalaureate degree,
$5,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a
graduate or professional program; and
``(ii) in the case of a student who has obtained a
baccalaureate degree, $5,000 for coursework necessary for a
professional credential or certification from a State
required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or
secondary school;''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following:
``Interest capitalized shall not be deemed to exceed such maximum
aggregate amount.''.
(c) Capitalization of Interest.--Paragraph (2) of section 428H(e)
is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Capitalization of interest.--(A) Interest on loans made
under this section for which payments of principal are not required
during the in-school and grace periods or for which payments are
deferred under sections 427(a)(2)(C) and 428(b)(1)(M) shall, if
agreed upon by the borrower and the lender--
``(i) be paid monthly or quarterly; or
``(ii) be added to the principal amount of the loan by the
lender only--
``(I) when the loan enters repayment;
``(II) at the expiration of a grace period, in the case
of a loan that qualifies for a grace period;
``(III) at the expiration of a period of deferment or
forbearance; or
``(IV) when the borrower defaults.
``(B) The capitalization of interest described in subparagraph
(A) shall not be deemed to exceed the annual insurable limit on
account of the student.''.
(d) Extended Repayment Plan.--Section 428H(e)(6) is amended by
striking ``10 year repayment period under section 428(b)(1)(D)'' and
inserting ``repayment period under section 428(b)(9)''.
(e) Qualification.--Section 428H(e) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(7) Qualification for forbearance.--A lender may grant the
borrower of a loan under this section a forbearance for a period
not to exceed 60 days if the lender reasonably determines that such
a forbearance from collection activity is warranted following a
borrower's request for forbearance, deferment, or a change in
repayment plan, or a request to consolidate loans in order to
collect or process appropriate supporting documentation related to
the request. During any such period, interest on the loan shall
accrue but not be capitalized.''.
(f) Repeal.--Subsection (f) of section 428H is repealed.
SEC. 424. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR TEACHERS.
Section 428J (20 U.S.C. 1078-10) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 428J. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR TEACHERS.
``(a) Statement of Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to
encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession.
``(b) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall carry out a program,
through the holder of the loan, of assuming the obligation to repay a
qualified loan amount for a loan made under section 428 or 428H, in
accordance with subsection (c), for any new borrower on or after
October 1, 1998, who--
``(1) has been employed as a full-time teacher for 5
consecutive complete school years--
``(A) in a school that qualifies under section 465(a)(2)(A)
for loan cancellation for Perkins loan recipients who teach in
such schools;
``(B) if employed as a secondary school teacher, is
teaching a subject area that is relevant to the borrower's
academic major as certified by the chief administrative officer
of the public or nonprofit private secondary school in which
the borrower is employed; and
``(C) if employed as an elementary school teacher, has
demonstrated, as certified by the chief administrative officer
of the public or nonprofit private elementary school in which
the borrower is employed, knowledge and teaching skills in
reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of the
elementary school curriculum; and
``(2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks
forgiveness.
``(c) Qualified Loans Amount.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall repay not more than
$5,000 in the aggregate of the loan obligation on a loan made under
section 428 or 428H that is outstanding after the completion of the
fifth complete school year of teaching described in subsection
(b)(1). No borrower may receive a reduction of loan obligations
under both this section and section 460.
``(2) Treatment of consolidation loans.--A loan amount for a
loan made under section 428C may be a qualified loan amount for the
purposes of this subsection only to the extent that such loan
amount was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under section 428
or 428H for a borrower who meets the requirements of subsection
(b), as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the
Secretary.
``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to issue such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
section.
``(e) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
authorize any refunding of any repayment of a loan.
``(f) List.--If the list of schools in which a teacher may perform
service pursuant to subsection (b) is not available before May 1 of any
year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year
for which the determin
2000
ation is made to make such service determination.
``(g) Additional Eligibility Provisions.--
``(1) Continued eligibility.--Any teacher who performs service
in a school that--
``(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) in any
year during such service; and
``(B) in a subsequent year fails to meet the requirements
of such subsection,
may continue to teach in such school and shall be eligible for loan
forgiveness pursuant to subsection (b).
``(2) Prevention of double benefits.--No borrower may, for the
same service, receive a benefit under both this subsection and
subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.).
``(h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `year',
where applied to service as a teacher, means an academic year as
defined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 425. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS.
Part B (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 428J (20 U.S.C. 1078-10) the following:
``SEC. 428K. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--
``(1) to bring more highly trained individuals into the early
child care profession; and
``(2) to keep more highly trained child care providers in the
early child care field for longer periods of time.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Child care facility.--The term `child care facility'
means a facility, including a home, that--
``(A) provides child care services; and
``(B) meets applicable State or local government licensing,
certification, approval, or registration requirements, if any.
``(2) Child care services.--The term `child care services'
means activities and services provided for the education and care
of children from birth through age 5 by an individual who has a
degree in early childhood education.
``(3) Degree.--The term `degree' means an associate's or
bachelor's degree awarded by an institution of higher education.
``(4) Early childhood education.--The term `early childhood
education' means education in the areas of early child education,
child care, or any other educational area related to child care
that the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(5) Institution of higher education.--Notwithstanding section
102, the term `institution of higher education' has the meaning
given the term in section 101.
``(c) Demonstration Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out a demonstration
program of assuming the obligation to repay, pursuant to subsection
(d), a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part or part D
(excluding loans made under sections 428B and 428C or comparable
loans made under part D) for any new borrower after the date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, who--
``(A) completes a degree in early childhood education;
``(B) obtains employment in a child care facility; and
``(C) has worked full time for the 2 consecutive years
preceding the year for which the determination is made as a
child care provider in a low-income community.
``(2) Low-income community.--For the purposes of this
subsection, the term `low-income community' means a community in
which 70 percent of households within the community earn less than
85 percent of the State median household income.
``(3) Award basis; priority.--
``(A) Award basis.--Subject to subparagraph (B), loan
repayment under this section shall be on a first-come, first-
served basis and subject to the availability of appropriations.
``(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in
providing loan repayment under this section for a fiscal year
to student borrowers who received loan repayment under this
section for the preceding fiscal year.
``(4) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to prescribe
such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of
this section.
``(d) Loan Repayment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assume the obligation to
repay--
``(A) after the second consecutive year of employment
described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (c)(1), 20
percent of the total amount of all loans made after date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, to a
student under this part or part D;
``(B) after the third consecutive year of such employment,
20 percent of the total amount of all such loans; and
``(C) after each of the fourth and fifth consecutive years
of such employment, 30 percent of the total amount of all such
loans.
``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to authorize the refunding of any repayment of a loan made under
this part or part D.
``(3) Interest.--If a portion of a loan is repaid by the
Secretary under this section for any year, the proportionate amount
of interest on such loan which accrues for such year shall be
repaid by the Secretary.
``(4) Special rule.--In the case where a student borrower who
is not participating in loan repayment pursuant to this section
returns to an institution of higher education after graduation from
an institution of higher education for the purpose of obtaining a
degree in early childhood education, the Secretary is authorized to
assume the obligation to repay the total amount of loans made under
this part or part D incurred for a maximum of two academic years in
returning to an institution of higher education for the purpose of
obtaining a degree in early childhood education. Such loans shall
only be repaid for borrowers who qualify for loan repayment
pursuant to the provisions of this section, and shall be repaid in
accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1).
``(5) Ineligibility of national service award recipients.--No
student borrower may, for the same volunteer service, receive a
benefit under both this section and subtitle D of title I of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et
seq.).
``(e) Repayment to Eligible Lenders.--The Secretary shall pay to
each eligible lender or holder for each fiscal year an amount equal to
the aggregate amount of loans which are subject to repayment pursuant
to this section for such year.
``(f) Application for Repayment.--
``(1) In general.--Each eligible individual desiring loan
repayment under this section shall submit a complete and accurate
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Conditions.--An eligible individual may apply for loan
repayment under this section after completing each year of
qualifying employment. The borrower shall receive forbearance while
engaged in qualifying employment unless the borrower is in
deferment while so engaged.
``(g) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct, by grant or
contract, an independent national evaluation of the impact of the
demonstration program assisted under this section on the field of
early childhood education.
``(2) Competitive basis.--The grant or contract described in
subsection (b) shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
``(3) Contents.--The evaluation described in this subsection
shall--
``(A) determine the number of individuals who were
encouraged by the demonstration program assisted under this
section to pursue early childhood education;
``(B) determine the number of individuals who remain
employed in a child care facil
2000
ity as a result of participation
in the program;
``(C) identify the barriers to the effectiveness of the
program;
``(D) assess the cost-effectiveness of the program in
improving the quality of--
``(i) early childhood education; and
``(ii) child care services;
``(E) identify the reasons why participants in the program
have chosen to take part in the program;
``(F) identify the number of individuals participating in
the program who received an associate's degree and the number
of such individuals who received a bachelor's degree; and
``(G) identify the number of years each individual
participates in the program.
``(4) Interim and final evaluation reports.--The Secretary
shall prepare and submit to the President and the Congress such
interim reports regarding the evaluation described in this
subsection as the Secretary deems appropriate, and shall prepare
and so submit a final report regarding the evaluation by January 1,
2002.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year
1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding
fiscal years.''.
SEC. 426. NOTICE TO SECRETARY AND PAYMENT OF LOSS.
The third sentence of section 430(a) (20 U.S.C. 1080(a)) is amended
by inserting ``the institution was contacted and other'' after ``submit
proof that''.
SEC. 427. LEGAL POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Audit of Financial Transactions.--Section 432(f)(1) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``section 435(d)(1) (D),
(F), or (H);'' and inserting ``section 435(d)(1); and'';
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and the
Workforce''; and
(B) by striking ``; and'' inserting a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (D).
(b) Program of Assistance.--Section 432(k)(3) is amended by
striking ``Within 1 year'' and everything that follows through ``1992,
the'' and inserting ``The''.
(c) Common Forms and Formats.--Section 432(m) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``a common application
form and promissory note'' and inserting ``common application
forms and promissory notes, or master promissory notes,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``The form'' and inserting ``The
forms'';
(ii) by striking clause (iii); and
(C) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) Free application form.--For academic year 1999-2000
and succeeding academic years, the Secretary shall prescribe
the form developed under section 483 as the application form
under this part, other than for loans under sections 428B and
428C.'';
(D) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
``(D) Master promissory note.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and
require the use of master promissory note forms for loans
made under this part and part D. Such forms shall be
available for periods of enrollment beginning not later
than July 1, 2000. Each form shall allow eligible borrowers
to receive, in addition to initial loans, additional loans
for the same or subsequent periods of enrollment through a
student confirmation process approved by the Secretary.
Such forms shall be used for loans made under this part or
part D as directed by the Secretary.
``(ii) Consultation.--In developing the master
promissory note under this subsection, the Secretary shall
consult with representatives of guaranty agencies, eligible
lenders, institutions of higher education, students, and
organizations involved in student financial assistance.
``(iii) Sale; assignment; enforceability.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each loan made
under a master promissory note under this subsection may be
sold or assigned independently of any other loan made under
the same promissory note and each such loan shall be
separately enforceable in all Federal and State courts on
the basis of an original or copy of the master promissory
note in accordance with the terms of the master promissory
note.
``(iv) Perfection of security interests in student
loans.--Notwithstanding the provisions of any State law to
the contrary, including the Uniform Commercial Code as in
effect in any State, a security interest in loans made
under this part created on behalf of any eligible lender as
defined in section 435(d) may be perfected either through
the taking of possession of such loans (which can be
through taking possession of an original or copy of the
master promissory note) or by the filing of notice of such
security interest in such loans in the manner provided by
such State law for perfection of security interests in
accounts.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Electronic forms.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit the development and use of electronic forms and
procedures.''.
(d) Default Reduction Management.--Section 432(n) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and Labor'' and inserting
``and the Workforce''.
(e) Reporting Requirement.--Section 432(p) is amended by striking
``State postsecondary reviewing entities designated under subpart 1 of
part H,''.
SEC. 428. STUDENT LOAN INFORMATION BY ELIGIBLE LENDERS.
(a) Required Disclosure Before Disbursement.--Section 433(a) (20
U.S.C. 1083(a)) is amended by amending the matter preceding paragraph
(1) to read as follows:
``(a) Required Disclosure Before Disbursement.--Each eligible
lender, at or prior to the time such lender disburses a loan that is
insured or guaranteed under this part (other than a loan made under
section 428C), shall provide thorough and accurate loan information on
such loan to the borrower in simple and understandable terms. Any
disclosure required by this subsection may be made by an eligible
lender by written or electronic means, including as part of the
application material provided to the borrower, as part of the
promissory note evidencing the loan, or on a separate written form
provided to the borrower. Each lender shall provide to each borrower a
telephone number, and may provide an electronic address, through which
additional loan information can be obtained. The disclosure shall
include--''.
(b) Required Disclosure Before Repayment.--Section 433(b) is
amended by amending the matter preceding paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(b) Required Disclosure Before Repayment.--Each eligible lender
shall, at or prior to the start of the repayment period of the student
borrower on loans made, insured, or guaranteed under this part,
disclose to the borrower by written or electronic means the information
required under this subsection in simple and understandable terms. Each
eligible lender shall provide to each borrower a telephone number, and
may provide an electronic address, through which additional loan
information can be obtained. For any loan made, insured, or guaranteed
under this part, other than a loan made under section 428B or 428C,
such disclosure required by this subsection shall be made not less than
30 days nor more than 240 days before the first payment on the loan is
due from the borrower. The disclosur
2000
e shall include--''.
SEC. 429. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Cohort Default Rate.--Section 435(a) (20 U.S.C. 1085(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (i);
(ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the
following:
``(ii) there are exceptional mitigating circumstances
within the meaning of paragraph (4); or
``(iii) there are, in the judgment of the Secretary, other
exceptional mitigating circumstances that would make the
application of this paragraph inequitable.''; and
(iii) by adding after the matter following clause (iii)
(as added by clause (ii)) the following:
``If an institution continues to participate in a program under
this part, and the institution's appeal of the loss of eligibility
is unsuccessful, the institution shall be required to pay to the
Secretary an amount equal to the amount of interest, special
allowance, reinsurance, and any related payments made by the
Secretary (or which the Secretary is obligated to make) with
respect to loans made under this part to students attending, or
planning to attend, that institution during the pendency of such
appeal.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``July 1, 1998,'' and
inserting ``July 1, 1999,'';
(2) in the matter following subparagraph (C) of para- graph
(3)--
(A) by inserting ``for a reasonable period of time, not to
exceed 30 days,'' after ``access''; and
(B) by striking ``of the affected guaranty agencies and
loan servicers for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed
30 days'' and inserting ``used by a guaranty agency in
determining whether to pay a claim on a defaulted loan or by
the Department in determining an institution's default rate in
the loan program under part D of this title''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(4) Definition of mitigating circumstances.--(A) For purposes
of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), an institution of higher education shall
be treated as having exceptional mitigating circumstances that make
application of that paragraph inequitable if such institution, in
the opinion of an independent auditor, meets the following
criteria:
``(i) For a 12-month period that ended during the 6 months
immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the cohort of
borrowers used to calculate the institution's cohort default
rate is determined, at least two-thirds of the students
enrolled on at least a half-time basis at the institution--
``(I) are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant
award that is at least equal to one-half the maximum
Federal Pell Grant award for which a student would be
eligible based on the student's enrollment status; or
``(II) have an adjusted gross income that when added
with the adjusted gross income of the student's parents
(unless the student is an independent student), of less
than the poverty level, as determined by the Department of
Health and Human Services.
``(ii) In the case of an institution of higher education
that offers an associate, baccalaureate, graduate or
professional degree, 70 percent or more of the institution's
regular students who were initially enrolled on a full-time
basis and were scheduled to complete their programs during the
same 12-month period described in clause (i)--
``(I) completed the educational programs in which the
students were enrolled;
``(II) transferred from the institution to a higher
level educational program;
``(III) at the end of the 12-month period, remained
enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward completion
of the student's educational programs; or
``(IV) entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the
United States.
``(iii)(I) In the case of an institution of higher
education that does not award a degree described in clause
(ii), had a placement rate of 44 percent or more with respect
to the institution's former regular students who--
``(aa) remained in the program beyond the point the
students would have received a 100 percent tuition refund
from the institution;
``(bb) were initially enrolled on at least a half-time
basis; and
``(cc) were originally scheduled, at the time of
enrollment, to complete their educational programs during
the same 12-month period described in clause (i).
``(II) The placement rate shall not include students who
are still enrolled and making satisfactory progress in the
educational programs in which the students were originally
enrolled on the date following 12 months after the date of the
student's last date of attendance at the institution.
``(III) The placement rate is calculated by determining the
percentage of all those former regular students who--
``(aa) are employed, in an occupation for which the
institution provided training, on the date following 12
months after the date of their last day of attendance at
the institution;
``(bb) were employed, in an occupation for which the
institution provided training, for at least 13 weeks before
the date following 12 months after the date of their last
day of attendance at the institution; or
``(cc) entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the
United States.
``(IV) The placement rate shall not include as placements a
student or former student for whom the institution is the
employer.
``(B) For purposes of determining a rate of completion and a
placement rate under this paragraph, a student is originally
scheduled, at the time of enrollment, to complete the educational
program on the date when the student will have been enrolled in the
program for the amount of time normally required to complete the
program. The amount of time normally required to complete the
program for a student who is initially enrolled full-time is the
period of time specified in the institution's enrollment contract,
catalog, or other materials, for completion of the program by a
full-time student. For a student who is initially enrolled less
than full-time, the period is the amount of time it would take the
student to complete the program if the student remained enrolled at
that level of enrollment throughout the program.
``(5) Reduction of default rates at certain minority
institutions.--
``(A) Beneficiaries of exception required to establish
management plan.--After July 1, 1999, any institution that has
a cohort default rate that equals or exceeds 25 percent for
each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are
available and that relies on the exception in subparagraph (B)
to continue to be an eligible institution shall--
``(i) submit to the Secretary a default management plan
which the Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, after
consideration of the institution's history, resources,
dollars in default, and targets for default reduction,
determines is acceptable and provides reasonable assurance
that the institution will, by July 1, 2002, have a cohort
default rate that is less than 25 percent;
``(ii) engage a
2000
n independent third party (which may be
paid with funds received under section 317 or part B of
title III) to provide technical assistance in implementing
such default management plan; and
``(iii) provide to the Secretary, on an annual basis or
at such other intervals as the Secretary may require,
evidence of cohort default rate improvement and successful
implementation of such default management plan.
``(B) Discretionary eligibility conditioned on
improvement.--Notwithstanding the expiration of the exception
in paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary may, in the Secretary's
discretion, continue to treat an institution described in
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph as an eligible institution
for each of the 1-year periods beginning on July 1 of 1999,
2000, and 2001, only if the institution submits by the
beginning of such period evidence satisfactory to the Secretary
that--
``(i) such institution has complied and is continuing
to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) such institution has made substantial
improvement, during each of the preceding 1-year periods,
in the institution's cohort default rate.
``(6) Participation rate index.--
``(A) In general.--An institution that demonstrates to the
Secretary that the institution's participation rate index is
equal to or less than 0.0375 for any of the 3 most recent
fiscal years for which data is available shall not be subject
to paragraph (2). The participation rate index shall be
determined by multiplying the institution's cohort default rate
for loans under part B or D, or weighted average cohort default
rate for loans under parts B and D, by the percentage of the
institution's regular students, enrolled on at least a half-
time basis, who received a loan made under part B or D for a
12-month period ending during the 6 months immediately
preceding the fiscal year for which the cohort of borrowers
used to calculate the institution's cohort default rate is
determined.
``(B) Data.--An institution shall provide the Secretary
with sufficient data to determine the institution's
participation rate index within 30 days after receiving an
initial notification of the institution's draft cohort default
rate.
``(C) Notification.--Prior to publication of a final cohort
default rate for an institution that provides the data
described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall notify the
institution of the institution's compliance or noncompliance
with subparagraph (A).''.
(b) Eligible Lender.--Section 435(d) (20 U.S.C. 1085(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) by striking ``or'' after ``1992,''; and
(ii) by inserting before the semicolon the following:
``, or (III) it is a bank (as defined in section 3(a)(1) of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(a)(1))
that is a wholly owned subsidiary of a nonprofit
foundation, the foundation is described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt
from taxation under section 501(1) of such Code, and the
bank makes loans under this part only to undergraduate
students who are age 22 or younger and has a portfolio of
such loans that is not more than $5,000,000'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (I);
(C) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (J)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(K) a consumer finance company subsidiary of a national
bank which, as of the date of enactment of this subparagraph,
through one or more subsidiaries: (i) acts as a small business
lending company, as determined under regulations of the Small
Business Administration under section 120.470 of title 13, Code
of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the
date of enactment of this subparagraph); and (ii) participates
in the program authorized by this part pursuant to subparagraph
(C), provided the national bank and all of the bank's direct
and indirect subsidiaries taken together as a whole, do not
have, as their primary consumer credit function, the making or
holding of loans made to students under this part.''; and
(2) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the following new
sentence:
``It shall not be a violation of this paragraph for a lender to
provide assistance to institutions of higher education comparable
to the kinds of assistance provided to institutions of higher
education by the Department of Education.''.
(c) Definition of Default.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 435(l) is amended--
(A) by striking ``180 days'' and inserting ``270 days'';
and
(B) by striking ``240 days'' and inserting ``330 days''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
apply with respect to loans for which the first day of delinquency
occurs on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Cohort Default Rate.--Section 435(m) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``insurance, and, in
considering appeals with respect to cohort default rates pursuant
to subsection (a)(3), exclude'' and inserting ``insurance. In
considering appeals with respect to cohort default rates pursuant
to subsection (a)(3), the Secretary shall exclude, from the
calculation of the number of students who entered repayment and
from the calculation of the number of students who default,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(C), by adding at the end the following:
``The Secretary may require guaranty agencies to collect data with
respect to defaulted loans in a manner that will permit the
identification of any defaulted loan for which (i) the borrower is
currently making payments and has made not less than 6 consecutive
on-time payments by the end of such following fiscal year, and (ii)
a guaranty agency has renewed the borrower's title IV eligibility
as provided in section 428F(b).''; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following:
``(D) The Secretary shall publish the report described in
subparagraph (C) by September 30 of each year.''.
SEC. 430. DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS.
Section 436 (20 U.S.C. 1086) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 436. DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS.
``(a) In General.--An eligible lender or guaranty agency that
contracts with another entity to perform any of the lender's or
agency's functions under this title, or otherwise delegates the
performance of such functions to such other entity--
``(1) shall not be relieved of the lender's or agency's duty to
comply with the requirements of this title; and
``(2) shall monitor the activities of such other entity for
compliance with such requirements.
``(b) Special Rule.--A lender that holds a loan made under part B
in the lender's capacity as a trustee is responsible for complying with
all statutory and regulatory requirements imposed on any other holder
of a loan made under this part.''.
SEC. 431. DISCHARGE.
Section 437(c)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1087(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) by inserting after ``falsely certified by the eligible
institution,'' the following: ``or if the institution failed to
make a refund of loan proceeds which the institution owed to such
student's lender,''; and
(2) by adding at the end t
2000
he following new sentences: ``In the
case of a discharge based upon a failure to refund, the amount of
the discharge shall not exceed that portion of the loan which
should have been refunded. The Secretary shall report to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of
the Senate annually as to the dollar amount of loan discharges
attributable to failures to make refunds.''.
SEC. 432. DEBT MANAGEMENT OPTIONS.
Section 437A (20 U.S.C. 1087-0) is repealed.
SEC. 433. SPECIAL ALLOWANCES.
(a) Deduction From Interest and Special Allowance Subsidies.--
Paragraph (1) of section 438(c) (20 U.S.C. 1087-1) is amended to read
as follows:
``(1) Deduction from interest and special allowance
subsidies.--(A) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the Secretary shall
collect the amount the lender is authorized to charge as an
origination fee in accordance with paragraph (2) of this
subsection--
``(i) by reducing the total amount of interest and special
allowance payable under section 428(a)(3)(A) and subsection (b)
of this section, respectively, to any holder; or
``(ii) directly from the holder of the loan, if the lender
fails or is not required to bill the Secretary for interest and
special allowance or withdraws from the program with unpaid
loan origination fees.
``(B) If the Secretary collects the origination fee under this
subsection through the reduction of interest and special allowance,
and the total amount of interest and special allowance payable
under section 428(a)(3)(A) and subsection (b) of this section,
respectively, is less than the amount the lender was authorized to
charge borrowers for origination fees in that quarter, the
Secretary shall deduct the excess amount from the subsequent
quarters' payments until the total amount has been deducted.''.
(b) Origination Fees.--Section 438(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``(other than'' and inserting ``(including
loans made under section 428H, but excluding''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``Except as provided in paragraph (8), a lender that charges an
origination fee under this paragraph shall assess the same fee
to all student borrowers.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a lender may
assess a lesser origination fee for a borrower demonstrating
greater financial need as determined by such borrower's adjusted
gross family income.''.
(c) Collection of Fees.--Paragraph (1) of section 438(d) is amended
to read as follows:
``(1) Deduction from interest and special allowance
subsidies.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the
Secretary shall collect a loan fee in an amount determined in
accordance with paragraph (2)--
``(i) by reducing the total amount of interest and
special allowance payable under section 428(a)(3)(A) and
subsection (b), respectively, to any holder of a loan; or
``(ii) directly from the holder of the loan, if the
lender--
``(I) fails or is not required to bill the
Secretary for interest and special allowance payments;
or
``(II) withdraws from the program with unpaid loan
fees.
``(B) Special rule.--If the Secretary collects loan fees
under this subsection through the reduction of interest and
special allowance payments, and the total amount of interest
and special allowance payable under section 428(a)(3)(A) and
subsection (b), respectively, is less than the amount of such
loan fees, then the Secretary shall deduct the amount of the
loan fee balance from the amount of interest and special
allowance payments that would otherwise be payable, in
subsequent quarterly increments until the balance has been
deducted.''.
(d) Lending From Proceeds of Tax-Exempt Obligations.--
(1) Amendment.--Subsection (e) of section 438 is amended to
read as follows:
``(e) Nondiscrimination.--In order for the holders of loans which
were made or purchased with funds obtained by the holder from an
Authority issuing obligations, the income from which is exempt from
taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to be eligible to
receive a special allowance under subsection (b)(2) on any such loans,
the Authority shall not engage in any pattern or practice which results
in a denial of a borrower's access to loans under this part because of
the borrower's race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age,
disability status, income, attendance at a particular eligible
institution within the area served by the Authority, length of the
borrower's educational program, or the borrower's academic year in
school.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
be effective as of the date the plan required by section 438(e)(1)
(as such section was in effect prior to such amendment) was
approved by the Secretary or the Governor (whichever was the case).
No Authority shall have a right or cause of action against the
Secretary for any amounts paid to or offset by the Secretary
pursuant to a final settlement agreement entered into prior to July
1, 1998, resolving any audit or program review findings alleging
violations of any provision of section 438(e) (as in effect prior
to such amendment).
SEC. 434. FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN INSURANCE FUND.
Any funds in the insurance fund, as established under section 431
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1081), on the date of
enactment of this Act shall be transferred to and deposited in the
Treasury. All funds received by the Secretary of Education under
subsection (a) of such section after the date of enactment of this Act
shall be deposited into the fund in accordance with such subsection.
PART C--FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS
SEC. 441. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; COMMUNITY SERVICES.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 441(b) (42 U.S.C.
2751(b)) is amended by striking ``$800,000,000 for fiscal year 1993''
and inserting ``$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1999''.
(b) Definition of Community Services.--Section 441(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(including child care
services provided on campus that are open and accessible to the
community)'' after ``child care''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, including students with
disabilities who are enrolled at the institution'' before the
semicolon.
SEC. 442. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
(a) Updating the Base Period.--Section 442(a) (20 U.S.C. 2752(a))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``received and used under
this part for fiscal year 1985'' and inserting ``received under
subsections (a) and (b) for fiscal year 1999 (as such subsections
were in effect with respect to allocations for such fiscal year)'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking ``1985'' each
place the term appears and inserting ``1999''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``1986'' and
inserting ``2000''.
(b) Elimination of Pro Rata Share.--Section 442 is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections
(b) through (e), respectively;
(3) in subsection (b)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)), by
striking ``three-quarters of'';
(4) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``subsection (d)'' and inserti
2000
ng ``subsection (c)'';
(5) in subsection (c)(3) (as so redesignated), by striking
``the Secretary, for academic year 1988-1989 shall use the
procedures employed for academic year 1986-1987, and, for any
subsequent academic years,''; and
(6) in subsection (d)(1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``10 percent'' and inserting ``5 percent'';
(B) by striking ``in community service'' and inserting ``in
tutoring in reading and family literacy activities''; and
(C) by striking ``subsection (c)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to allocations of amounts appropriated pursuant to
section 441(b) for fiscal year 2000 or any succeeding fiscal year.
SEC. 443. GRANTS FOR FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS.
(a) Eligible Employment.--Section 443(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 2753(b)(1))
is amended by inserting ``, including internships, practica, or
research assistantships as determined by the Secretary,'' after ``part-
time employment''.
(b) Community Service.--Section 443(b)(2)(A) is amended--
(1) by striking ``in fiscal year 1994 and succeeding fiscal
years,'' and inserting ``for fiscal year 1999,''; and
(2) by inserting ``(including a reasonable amount of time spent
in travel or training directly related to such community service)''
after ``community service''.
(c) Tutoring and Literacy Activities.--Section 443 is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) for fiscal year 2000 and succeeding fiscal years, an
institution shall use at least 7 percent of the total amount of
funds granted to such institution under this section for such
fiscal year to compensate students employed in community
service, and shall ensure that not less than 1 tutoring or
family literacy project (as described in subsection (d)) is
included in meeting the requirement of this subparagraph,
except that the Secretary may waive this subparagraph if the
Secretary determines that enforcing this subparagraph would
cause hardship for students at the institution; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Tutoring and Literacy Activities.--
``(1) Use of funds.--In any academic year to which subsection
(b)(2)(B) applies, an institution shall ensure that funds granted
to such institution under this section are used in accordance with
such subsection to compensate (including compensation for time
spent in training and travel directly related to tutoring in
reading and family literacy activities) students--
``(A) employed as reading tutors for children who are
preschool age or are in elementary school; or
``(B) employed in family literacy projects.
``(2) Priority for schools.--To the extent practicable, an
institution shall--
``(A) give priority to the employment of students in the
provision of tutoring in reading in schools that are
participating in a reading reform project that--
``(i) is designed to train teachers how to teach
reading on the basis of scientifically-based research on
reading; and
``(ii) is funded under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965; and
``(B) ensure that any student compensated with the funds
described in paragraph (1) who is employed in a school
participating in a reading reform project described in
subparagraph (A) receives training from the employing school in
the instructional practices used by the school.
``(3) Federal share.--The Federal share of the compensation of
work-study students compensated under this subsection may exceed 75
percent.''.
(d) Use of Funds for Independent and Less Than Full-Time
Students.--Paragraph (3) of section 443(b) is amended to read as
follows:
``(3) provide that in the selection of students for employment
under such work-study program, only students who demonstrate
financial need in accordance with part F and meet the requirements
of section 484 will be assisted, except that if the institution's
grant under this part is directly or indirectly based in part on
the financial need demonstrated by students who are (A) attending
the institution on less than a full-time basis, or (B) independent
students, a reasonable portion of the grant shall be made available
to such students;''.
(e) Federal Share.--Paragraph (5) of section 443(b) is amended to
read as follows:
``(5) provide that the Federal share of the compensation of
students employed in the work-study program in accordance with the
agreement shall not exceed 75 percent, except that--
``(A) the Federal share may exceed 75 percent, but not
exceed 90 percent, if, consistent with regulations of the
Secretary--
``(i) the student is employed at a nonprofit private
organization or a government agency that--
``(I) is not a part of, and is not owned, operated,
or controlled by, or under common ownership, operation,
or control with, the institution;
``(II) is selected by the institution on an
individual case-by-case basis for such student; and
``(III) would otherwise be unable to afford the
costs of such employment; and
``(ii) not more than 10 percent of the students
compensated through the institution's grant under this part
during the academic year are employed in positions for
which the Federal share exceeds 75 percent; and
``(B) the Federal share may exceed 75 percent if the
Secretary determines, pursuant to regulations promulgated by
the Secretary establishing objective criteria for such
determinations, that a Federal share in excess of such amounts
is required in furtherance of the purpose of this part;''.
(f) Availability of Employment.--Section 443(b)(6) is amended by
striking ``, and to make'' and all that follows through ``such
employment''.
(g) Academic Relevance.--Section 443(c)(4) is amended by inserting
before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, to the maximum
extent practicable''.
SEC. 444. FLEXIBLE USE OF FUNDS.
Section 445 (42 U.S.C. 2755) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(c) Flexible Use of Funds.--An eligible institution may, upon the
request of a student, make payments to the student under this part by
crediting the student's account at the institution or by making a
direct deposit to the student's account at a depository institution. An
eligible institution may only credit the student's account at the
institution for (1) tuition and fees, (2) in the case of
institutionally owned housing, room and board, and (3) other
institutionally provided goods and services.''.
SEC. 445. WORK COLLEGES.
Section 448 (42 U.S.C. 2756b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) coordinate and carry out joint projects and
activities to promote work service learning; and
``(F) carry out a comprehensive, longitudinal study of
student academic progress and academic and career outcomes,
relative to student self-sufficiency in financing their higher
e
2000
ducation, repayment of student loans, continued community
service, kind and quality of service performed, and career
choice and community service selected after graduation.''; and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''.
PART D--WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
SEC. 451. SELECTION OF INSTITUTIONS.
(a) General Authority.--Section 453(a) (20 U.S.C. 1087c(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Phase-In'' and everything that follows
through ``General authority.--'' and inserting ``General
Authority.--''; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).
(b) Selection Criteria.--Section 453(b)(2) is amended by striking
``prescribe,'' and everything that follows through the end of
subparagraph (B) and inserting ``prescribe.''.
(c) Origination.--Section 453(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Transition selection
criteria'' and inserting ``Selection criteria'';
(B) by striking ``For academic year 1994-1995, the
Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary'';
(C) by striking subparagraph (A);
(D) by striking subparagraph (E); and
(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (F), (G),
and (H) as subparagraphs (A) through (F), respectively; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``After
transition''; and
(B) by striking ``For academic year 1995-1996 and
subsequent academic years, the'' and inserting ``The''.
SEC. 452. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
(a) Direct Loan Interest Rates.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 455(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087e(b)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Interest rate provision for new loans on or after october
1, 1998, and before july 1, 2003.--
``(A) Rates for fdsl and fdusl.--Notwithstanding the
preceding paragraphs of this subsection, for Federal Direct
Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1,
1998, and before July 1, 2003, the applicable rate of interest
shall, during any 12-month period beginning on July 1 and
ending on June 30, be determined on the preceding June 1 and be
equal to--
``(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills
auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1;
plus
``(ii) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.
``(B) In school and grace period rules.--Notwithstanding
the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, with respect to
any Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made on or
after October 1, 1998, and before July 1, 2003, the applicable
rate of interest for interest which accrues--
``(i) prior to the beginning of the repayment period of
the loan; or
``(ii) during the period in which principal need not be
paid (whether or not such principal is in fact paid) by
reason of a provision described in section 428(b)(1)(M) or
427(a)(2)(C),
shall be determined under subparagraph (A) by substituting `1.7
percent' for `2.3 percent'.
``(C) PLUS loans.--Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs
of this subsection, with respect to Federal Direct PLUS Loan
for which the first disbursement is made on or after October 1,
1998, and before July 1, 2003, the applicable rate of interest
shall be determined under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) by substituting `3.1 percent' for `2.3 percent';
and
``(ii) by substituting `9.0 percent' for `8.25
percent'.
``(D) Consolidation loans.--Notwithstanding the preceding
paragraphs of this subsection, any Federal Direct Consolidation
loan for which the application is received on or after February
1, 1999, and before July 1, 2003, shall bear interest at an
annual rate on the unpaid principal balance of the loan that is
equal to the lesser of--
``(i) the weighted average of the interest rates on the
loans consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-
eighth of one percent; or
``(ii) 8.25 percent.
``(E) Temporary rules for consolidation loans.--
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection,
any Federal Direct Consolidation loan for which the application
is received on or after October 1, 1998, and before February 1,
1999, shall bear interest at an annual rate on the unpaid
principal balance of the loan that is equal to--
``(i) the bond equivalent rate of 91-day Treasury bills
auctioned at the final auction held prior to such June 1;
plus
``(ii) 2.3 percent,
except that such rate shall not exceed 8.25 percent.''.
(2) Limitation on consolidation loans during temporary interest
rate.--Notwithstanding section 455(g) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965, a borrower who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in
an institution of higher education may not consolidate loans under
such section during the period beginning October 1, 1998, and
ending February 1, 1999, unless the borrower certifies that the
borrower has no outstanding loans made, insured, or guaranteed
under title IV of such Act other than loans made under part D of
such title.
(b) Repayment Incentives.--Section 455(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087e(b)) is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Repayment incentives.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this part, the Secretary is authorized to prescribe by
regulation such reductions in the interest rate paid by a
borrower of a loan made under this part as the Secretary
determines appropriate to encourage on-time repayment of the
loan. Such reductions may be offered only if the Secretary
determines the reductions are cost neutral and in the best
financial interest of the Federal Government. Any increase in
subsidy costs resulting from such reductions shall be
completely offset by corresponding savings in funds available
for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program in that
fiscal year from section 458 and other administrative accounts.
``(B) Accountability.--Prior to publishing regulations
proposing repayment incentives, the Secretary shall ensure the
cost neutrality of such reductions. The Secretary shall not
prescribe such regulations in final form unless an official
report from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
to the Secretary and a comparable report from the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office to the Congress each certify
that any such reductions will be completely cost neutral. Such
reports shall be transmitted to the Committee on Labor and
Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education
and the Workforce of the House of Representatives not less than
60 days prior to the publication of regulations proposing such
reductions.''.
(c) Consolidation Loans.--The first sentence of section 455(g) is
amended by striking everything after ``section 428C(a)(4)'' and
inserting a period.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to any loan made under part D of title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 for which the first disbursement is made
on or after October 1, 1998, and before
2000
July 1, 2003, except that such
amendments shall apply with respect to a Federal Direct Consolidation
Loan for which the application is received on or after October 1, 1998,
and before July 1, 2003.
SEC. 453. CONTRACTS.
Section 456(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087f(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) by striking paragraph (4); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
SEC. 454. FUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
Section 458 (20 U.S.C. 1087h) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--Each fiscal year there shall be available to
the Secretary, from funds not otherwise appropriated, funds to be
obligated for--
``(A) administrative costs under this part and part B,
including the costs of the direct student loan programs under
this part; and
``(B) account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies
under part B and calculated in accordance with subsections (b)
and (c),
not to exceed (from such funds not otherwise appropriated)
$617,000,000 in fiscal year 1999, $735,000,000 in fiscal year 2000,
$770,000,000 in fiscal year 2001, $780,000,000 in fiscal year 2002,
and $795,000,000 in fiscal year 2003.
``(2) Account maintenance fees.--Account maintenance fees under
paragraph (1)(B) shall be paid quarterly and deposited in the
Agency Operating Fund established under section 422B.
``(3) Carryover.--The Secretary may carry over funds made
available under this section to a subsequent fiscal year.'';
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Calculation Basis.--Except as provided in subsection (c),
account maintenance fees payable to guaranty agencies under paragraph
(1)(B) shall be calculated--
``(1) for fiscal years 1999 and 2000, on the basis of 0.12
percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans on
which insurance was issued under part B; and
``(2) for fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003, on the basis of
0.10 percent of the original principal amount of outstanding loans
on which insurance was issued under part B.'';
(3) by striking subsection (d);
(4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(5) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Special Rules.--
``(1) Fee cap.--The total amount of account maintenance fees
payable under this section--
``(A) for fiscal year 1999, shall not exceed $177,000,000;
``(B) for fiscal year 2000, shall not exceed $180,000,000;
``(C) for fiscal year 2001, shall not exceed $170,000,000;
``(D) for fiscal year 2002, shall not exceed $180,000,000;
and
``(E) for fiscal year 2003, shall not exceed $195,000,000.
``(2) Insufficient funding.--
``(A) In general.--If the amounts set forth in paragraph
(1) are insufficient to pay the account maintenance fees
payable to guaranty agencies pursuant to subsection (b) for a
fiscal year, the Secretary shall pay the insufficiency by
requiring guaranty agencies to transfer funds from the Federal
Student Loan Reserve Funds under section 422A to the Agency
Operating Funds under section 422B.
``(B) Entitlement.--A guaranty agency shall be deemed to
have a contractual right against the United States to receive
payments according to the provisions of subparagraph (A).''.
SEC. 455. AUTHORITY TO SELL LOANS.
Part D of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``SEC. 459. AUTHORITY TO SELL LOANS.
``The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the
Treasury, is authorized to sell loans made under this part on such
terms as the Secretary determines are in the best interest of the
United States, except that any such sale shall not result in any cost
to the Federal Government. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the proceeds of any such sale may be used by the Secretary to offer
reductions in the interest rate paid by a borrower of a loan made under
this part as the Secretary determines appropriate to encourage on-time
repayment in accordance with section 455(b)(7). Such reductions may be
offered only if the Secretary determines the reductions are in the best
financial interests of the Federal Government.''.
SEC. 456. LOAN CANCELLATION FOR TEACHERS.
Part D of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.) is further amended by
adding after section 459 (as added by section 455) the following:
``SEC. 460. LOAN CANCELLATION FOR TEACHERS.
``(a) Statement of Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to
encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of
canceling the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount in
accordance with subsection (c) for Federal Direct Stafford Loans
and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made under this part
for any new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, who--
``(A) has been employed as a full-time teacher for 5
consecutive complete school years--
``(i) in a school that qualifies under section
465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for Perkins loan
recipients who teach in such schools;
``(ii) if employed as a secondary school teacher, is
teaching a subject area that is relevant to the borrower's
academic major as certified by the chief administrative
officer of the public or non-profit private secondary
school in which the borrower is employed; and
``(iii) if employed as an elementary school teacher,
has demonstrated, as certified by the chief administrative
officer of the public or nonprofit private elementary
school in which the borrower is employed, knowledge and
teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics and other
areas of the elementary school curriculum; and
``(B) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower
seeks forgiveness.
``(2) Special rule.--No borrower may obtain a reduction of loan
obligations under both this section and section 428J.
``(c) Qualified Loan Amounts.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall cancel not more than
$5,000 in the aggregate of the loan obligation on a Federal Direct
Stafford Loan or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that
is outstanding after the completion of the fifth complete school
year of teaching described in subsection (b)(1)(A).
``(2) Treatment of consolidation loans.--A loan amount for a
Federal Direct Consolidation Loan may be a qualified loan amount
for the purposes of this subsection only to the extent that such
loan amount was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under
section 428 or 428H, for a borrower who meets the requirements of
subsection (b), as determined in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Secretary.
``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to issue such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
section.
``(e) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
authorize any refunding of any canceled loan.
``(f) List.--If the list of schools in which a teacher may perform
service pursuant to subsection (b) is not available before May 1 of any
year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year
for which the determination is made to make such service determination.
``(g) Additional Eligibility Provisions.--
``(1) Continued eligibility.--Any teacher who performs service
in a
2000
school that--
``(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) in any
year during such service; and
``(B) in a subsequent year fails to meet the requirements
of such subsection, may continue to teach in such school and
shall be eligible for loan cancellation pursuant to subsection
(b).
``(2) Prevention of double benefits.--No borrower may, for the
same volunteer service, receive a benefit under both this section
and subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.).
``(h) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term `year'
where applied to service as a teacher means an academic year as defined
by the Secretary.''.
PART E--FEDERAL PERKINS LOANS
SEC. 461. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 461 (20 U.S.C. 1087aa) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``1997'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``2003''.
SEC. 462. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
(a) Changes in Allocation Formula.--
(1) Updating the base period.--Section 462(a) (20 U.S.C.
1087bb(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``the amount of the
Federal capital contribution allocated to such institution
under this part for fiscal year 1985'' and inserting ``the
amount received under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
for fiscal year 1999 (as such subsections were in effect with
respect to allocations for such fiscal year)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking ``1985''
each place the term appears and inserting ``1999''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``1986'' and
inserting ``2000''.
(2) Elimination of pro rata share.--Section 462 is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``subsection (f)''
and inserting ``subsection (e)'';
(ii) in the matter following paragraph (1)(B), by
striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsection
(f)'';
(iii) in paragraph (2)(D)(ii), by striking ``subsection
(f)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(iv) in the matter following paragraph (2)(D)(ii), by
striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsection
(f)'';
(B) by striking subsection (b);
(C) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``three-quarters of
the remainder'' and inserting ``the remainder'';
(D) in the matter following subsection (c)(2)(B), by
striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)'';
(E) in subsection (c)(3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (d)''
and inserting ``subsection (c)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``subsection
(f)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(iii) in the matter following subparagraph (C), by
striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsection
(f)'';
(F) in subsection (j)(1)(B)(i), by striking ``1985'' and
inserting ``1999'';
(G) in subsection (j)(2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``paragraph (3) of
subsection (c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(3)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subsection (c)
of section 462'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(H) by redesignating subsections (c) through (j) as
subsections (b) through (i), respectively.
(3) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply with respect to allocations of amounts appropriated
pursuant to section 461(b) for fiscal year 2000 or any succeeding
fiscal year.
(b) Self-Help Need.--The matter preceding subparagraph (A) of
section 462(c)(3) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)(G)) is amended
by striking ``the Secretary, for'' and all that follows through
``years,''.
(c) Default Penalties.--Subsections (e) and (f) of section 462 (as
redesignated by subsection (a)(2)(G)) are amended to read as follows:
``(e) Default Penalties.--
``(1) Years preceding fiscal year 2000.--For any fiscal year
preceding fiscal year 2000, any institution with a cohort default
rate that--
``(A) equals or exceeds 15 percent, shall establish a
default reduction plan pursuant to regulations prescribed by
the Secretary, except that such plan shall not be required with
respect to an institution that has a default rate of less than
20 percent and that has less than 100 students who have loans
under this part in such academic year;
``(B) equals or exceeds 20 percent, but is less than 25
percent, shall have a default penalty of 0.9;
``(C) equals or exceeds 25 percent, but is less than 30
percent, shall have a default penalty of 0.7; and
``(D) equals or exceeds 30 percent shall have a default
penalty of zero.
``(2) Years following fiscal year 2000.--For fiscal year 2000
and any succeeding fiscal year, any institution with a cohort
default rate (as defined under subsection (g)) that equals or
exceeds 25 percent shall have a default penalty of zero.
``(3) Ineligibility.--
``(A) In general.--For fiscal year 2000 and any succeeding
fiscal year, any institution with a cohort default rate (as
defined in subsection (g)) that equals or exceeds 50 percent
for each of the 3 most recent years for which data are
available shall not be eligible to participate in a program
under this part for the fiscal year for which the determination
is made and the 2 succeeding fiscal years, unless, within 30
days of receiving notification from the Secretary of the loss
of eligibility under this paragraph, the institution appeals
the loss of eligibility to the Secretary. The Secretary shall
issue a decision on any such appeal within 45 days after the
submission of the appeal. Such decision may permit the
institution to continue to participate in a program under this
part if--
``(i) the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction
of the Secretary that the calculation of the institution's
cohort default rate is not accurate, and that recalculation
would reduce the institution's cohort default rate for any
of the 3 fiscal years below 50 percent; or
``(ii) there are, in the judgment of the Secretary,
such a small number of borrowers entering repayment that
the application of this subparagraph would be inequitable.
``(B) Continued participation.--During an appeal under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may permit the institution to
continue to participate in a program under this part.
``(C) Return of funds.--Within 90 days after the date of
any termination pursuant to subparagraph (A), or the conclusion
of any appeal pursuant to subparagraph (B), whichever is later,
the balance of the student loan fund established under this
part by the institution that is the subject of the termination
shall be distributed as follows:
``(i) The Secretary shall first be paid an amount which
bears the same ratio to such balance (as of the date of
such distribution) as the total amount of Federal capital
contributions to such fund by the Secretary under this part
bears to the sum of such Federal capital contributions and
2000
the capital contributions to such fund made by the
institution.
``(ii) The remainder of such student loan fund shall be
paid to the institution.
``(D) Use of returned funds.--Any funds returned to the
Secretary under this paragraph shall be reallocated to
institutions of higher education pursuant to subsection (i).
``(E) Definition.--For the purposes of subparagraph (A),
the term `loss of eligibility' shall be defined as the
mandatory liquidation of an institution's student loan fund,
and assignment of the institution's outstanding loan portfolio
to the Secretary.
``(f) Applicable Maximum Cohort Default Rate.--
``(1) Award years prior to 2000.--For award years prior to
award year 2000, the applicable maximum cohort default rate is 30
percent.
``(2) Award year 2000 and succeeding award years.--For award
year 2000 and subsequent years, the applicable maximum cohort
default rate is 25 percent.''.
(d) Cohort Default Rate Definition.--Section 462(g) (as
redesignated by subsection (a)(2)(G)) is amended--
(1) by striking the subsection heading and paragraphs (1) and
(2) and inserting the following:
``(g) Definition of Cohort Default Rate.--'';
(2) by striking ``(3)(A) For award year 1994 and any succeeding
award year, the term'' and inserting the following:
``(1)(A) The term'';
(3) in paragraph (1) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (E); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), (F), and (G)
as subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F), respectively;
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (D) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)) the following:
``(E) In determining the number of students who default before
the end of such award year, the institution, in calculating the
cohort default rate, shall exclude--
``(i) any loan on which the borrower has, after the time
periods specified in paragraph (2)--
``(I) voluntarily made 6 consecutive payments;
``(II) voluntarily made all payments currently due;
``(III) repaid in full the amount due on the loan; or
``(IV) received a deferment or forbearance, based on a
condition that began prior to such time periods;
``(ii) any loan which has, after the time periods specified
in paragraph (2), been rehabilitated or canceled; and
``(iii) any other loan that the Secretary determines should
be excluded from such determination.''; and
(4) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(2) For purposes of calculating the cohort default rate under
this subsection, a loan shall be considered to be in default--
``(A) 240 days (in the case of a loan repayable monthly),
or
``(B) 270 days (in the case of a loan repayable quarterly),
after the borrower fails to make an installment payment when due or
to comply with other terms of the promissory note.''.
(e) Conforming Amendments.--Section 462 (20 U.S.C. 1087bb) is
amended--
(1) in the matter following paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(D)(ii) of
subsection (a), by inserting ``cohort'' before ``default'' each
place the term appears;
(2) in the matter following paragraphs (2)(B) and (3)(C) of
subsection (b) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)(G)), by
inserting ``cohort'' before ``default'' each place the term
appears;
(3) in subsection (d)(2) (as redesignated by subsection
(a)(2)(G)), by inserting ``cohort'' before ``default''; and
(4) in subsection (g)(1)(F) (as redesignated by subsections
(a)(2)(G) and (d)(3)(B)), by inserting ``cohort'' before
``default''.
SEC. 463. AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) Contents of Agreements.--Section 463(a) (20 U.S.C. 1087cc(a))
is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) to read as
follows:
``(B) a capital contribution by an institution in an amount
equal to one-third of the Federal capital contributions
described in subparagraph (A);'';
(2) by striking paragraph (4); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (10) as paragraphs
(4) through (9);
(b) Agreements With Credit Bureaus.--Section 463(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``the Secretary shall'' and inserting ``the
Secretary and each institution of higher education
participating in the program under this part shall''; and
(B) by inserting ``and regarding loans held by the
Secretary or an institution'' after ``section 467'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``by the Secretary'' and all that follows through ``of--'' and
inserting ``by the Secretary or an institution, as the case may
be, to such organizations, with respect to any loan held by the
Secretary or the institution, respectively, of--'';
(B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) the date of disbursement and the amount of such loans
made to any borrower under this part at the time of
disbursement of the loan;'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by inserting ``the repayment and'' after
``concerning''; and
(ii) by striking ``any defaulted'' and inserting
``such''; and
(D) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, or upon
cancellation or discharge of the borrower's obligation on the
loan for any reason'' before the period;
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``or an institution'' after ``from the
Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking ``until--'' and inserting ``until the
loan is paid in full.''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(4) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an institution of
higher education, after consultation with the Secretary and pursuant to
the agreements entered into under paragraph (1), shall disclose at
least annually to any credit bureau organization with which the
Secretary has such an agreement the information set forth in paragraph
(2), and shall disclose promptly to such credit bureau organization any
changes to the information previously disclosed.
``(B) The Secretary may promulgate regulations establishing
criteria under which an institution of higher education may cease
reporting the information described in paragraph (2) before a loan is
paid in full.''; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Each institution of higher education shall notify the
appropriate credit bureau organizations whenever a borrower of a loan
that is made and held by the institution and that is in default makes 6
consecutive monthly payments on such loan, for the purpose of
encouraging such organizations to update the status of information
maintained with respect to that borrower.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 463(d) is amended by striking
``subsection (a)(10)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(9)''.
SEC. 464. TERMS OF LOANS.
(a) Terms and Conditions; Annual Limits.--Paragraph (2) of section
464(a) (20 U.S.C. 1087dd(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the total of loans
made to a student in any academic year or its equivalent by an
institution of higher education from a loan fund established pursuant
to an agreement under this part shall not exceed--
``(i) $4,000, in the case of a student who has not successfully
completed a program of und
2000
ergraduate education; or
``(ii) $6,000, in the case of a graduate or professional
student (as defined in regulations issued by the Secretary).
``(B) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the aggregate unpaid
principal amount for all loans made to a student by institutions of
higher education from loan funds established pursuant to agreements
under this part may not exceed--
``(i) $40,000, in the case of any graduate or professional
student (as defined by regulations issued by the Secretary, and
including any loans from such funds made to such person before such
person became a graduate or professional student);
``(ii) $20,000, in the case of a student who has successfully
completed 2 years of a program of education leading to a bachelor's
degree but who has not completed the work necessary for such a
degree (determined under regulations issued by the Secretary), and
including any loans from such funds made to such person before such
person became such a student; and
``(iii) $8,000, in the case of any other student.''.
(b) Need and Eligibility.--Section 464(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: ``A
student who is in default on a loan under this part shall not be
eligible for an additional loan under this part unless such loan
meets one of the conditions for exclusion under section
462(g)(1)(E).''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) If the institution's capital contribution under section 462
is directly or indirectly based in part on the financial need
demonstrated by students who are (A) attending the institution less
than full time, or (B) independent students, then a reasonable portion
of the loans made from the institution's student loan fund containing
the contribution shall be made available to such students.''.
(c) Contents of Loan Agreement.--Section 464(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(D)--
(A) by striking ``(i) 3 percent'' and all that follows
through ``or (iii)''; and
(B) by striking ``subparagraph (A)(i)'' and inserting
``paragraph (2)(A)(i)'';
(2) in the matter following clause (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), by
striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1)'';
(3) by adding at the end of paragraph (2) the following:
``(C) An individual with an outstanding loan balance who meets the
eligibility criteria for a deferment described in subparagraph (A) as
in effect on the date of enactment of this subparagraph shall be
eligible for deferment under this paragraph notwithstanding any
contrary provision of the promissory note under which the loan or loans
were made, and notwithstanding any amendment (or effective date
provision relating to any amendment) to this section made prior to the
date of such deferment.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) There shall be excluded from the 9-month period that begins
on the date on which a student ceases to carry at least one-half the
normal full-time academic workload (as described in paragraph (1)(A))
any period not to exceed 3 years during which a borrower who is a
member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named in section
10101 of title 10, United States Code, is called or ordered to active
duty for a period of more than 30 days (as defined in section 101(d)(2)
of such title). Such period of exclusion shall include the period
necessary to resume enrollment at the borrower's next available regular
enrollment period.''.
(d) Discharge; Rehabilitation; Incentive Repayment.-- Section 464
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Discharge.--
``(1) In general.--If a student borrower who received a loan
made under this part on or after January 1, 1986, is unable to
complete the program in which such student is enrolled due to the
closure of the institution, then the Secretary shall discharge the
borrower's liability on the loan (including the interest and
collection fees) and shall subsequently pursue any claim available
to such borrower against the institution and the institution's
affiliates and principals, or settle the loan obligation pursuant
to the financial responsibility standards described in section
498(c).
``(2) Assignment.--A borrower whose loan has been discharged
pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed to have assigned to the
United States the right to a loan refund in an amount that does not
exceed the amount discharged against the institution and the
institution's affiliates and principals.
``(3) Eligibility for additional assistance.--The period during
which a student was unable to complete a course of study due to the
closing of the institution shall not be considered for purposes of
calculating the student's period of eligibility for additional
assistance under this title.
``(4) Special rule.--A borrower whose loan has been discharged
pursuant to this subsection shall not be precluded, because of that
discharge, from receiving additional grant, loan, or work
assistance under this title for which the borrower would be
otherwise eligible (but for the default on the discharged loan).
The amount discharged under this subsection shall be treated as an
amount canceled under section 465(a).
``(5) Reporting.--The Secretary or institution, as the case may
be, shall report to credit bureaus with respect to loans that have
been discharged pursuant to this subsection.
``(h) Rehabilitation of Loans.--
``(1) Rehabilitation.--
``(A) In general.--If the borrower of a loan made under
this part who has defaulted on the loan makes 12 ontime,
consecutive, monthly payments of amounts owed on the loan, as
determined by the institution, or by the Secretary in the case
of a loan held by the Secretary, the loan shall be considered
rehabilitated, and the institution that made that loan (or the
Secretary, in the case of a loan held by the Secretary) shall
request that any credit bureau organization or credit reporting
agency to which the default was reported remove the default
from the borrower's credit history.
``(B) Comparable conditions.--As long as the borrower
continues to make scheduled repayments on a loan rehabilitated
under this paragraph, the rehabilitated loan shall be subject
to the same terms and conditions, and qualify for the same
benefits and privileges, as other loans made under this part.
``(C) Additional assistance.--The borrower of a
rehabilitated loan shall not be precluded by section 484 from
receiving additional grant, loan, or work assistance under this
title (for which the borrower is otherwise eligible) on the
basis of defaulting on the loan prior to such rehabilitation.
``(D) Limitations.--A borrower only once may obtain the
benefit of this paragraph with respect to rehabilitating a loan
under this part.
``(2) Restoration of eligibility.--If the borrower of a loan
made under this part who has defaulted on that loan makes 6 ontime,
consecutive, monthly payments of amounts owed on such loan, the
borrower's eligibility for grant, loan, or work assistance under
this title shall be restored to the extent that the borrower is
otherwise eligible. A borrower only once may obtain the benefit of
this paragraph with respect to restored eligibility.
``(i) Incentive Repayment Program.--
``(1) In general.--Each institution of higher education may
establish, with the approval of the Secretary, an incentive
repayment program designed to reduce default and to replenish
student loan funds established under this part. Each such incentive
repayment program may--
2000
``(A) offer a reduction of the interest rate on a loan on
which the borrower has made 48 consecutive, monthly repayments,
but in no event may the rate be reduced by more than 1 percent;
``(B) provide for a discount on the balance owed on a loan
on which the borrower pays the principal and interest in full
prior to the end of the applicable repayment period, but in no
event may the discount exceed 5 percent of the unpaid principal
balance due on the loan at the time the early repayment is
made; and
``(C) include such other incentive repayment options as the
institution determines will carry out the objectives of this
subsection.
``(2) Limitation.--No incentive repayment option under an
incentive repayment program authorized by this subsection may be
paid for with Federal funds, including any Federal funds from the
student loan fund, or with institutional funds from the student
loan fund.''.
SEC. 465. CANCELLATION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE.
Section 465 (20 U.S.C. 1087ee) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``section 676(b)(9)''
and inserting ``section 635(a)(10)'';
(B) in the last sentence of paragraph (2), by striking
``section 602(a)(1)'' and inserting ``section 602''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) An individual with an outstanding loan obligation under this
part who performs service of any type that is described in paragraph
(2) as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph shall be
eligible for cancellation under this section for such service
notwithstanding any contrary provision of the promissory note under
which the loan or loans were made, and notwithstanding any amendment
(or effective date provision relating to any amendment) to this section
made prior to the date of such service.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``To the extent feasible, the Secretary shall pay the
amounts for which any institution qualifies under this subsection
not later than 3 months after the institution files an
institutional application for campus-based funds.''.
SEC. 466. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS FROM STUDENT LOAN FUNDS.
Section 466 (20 U.S.C. 1087ff) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``1996'' and inserting ``2003''; and
(ii) by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2004''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1996'' and inserting
``2003'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2012''; and
(B) by striking ``1996'' and inserting ``2003''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``1997'' and inserting
``2004''.
SEC. 467. PERKINS LOAN REVOLVING FUND.
(a) Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 467 (20 U.S.C. 1087gg(c)) is
repealed.
(b) Transfer of Balance.--Any funds in the Perkins Loan Revolving
Fund on the date of enactment of this Act shall be transferred to and
deposited in the Treasury.
PART F--NEED ANALYSIS
SEC. 471. COST OF ATTENDANCE.
Section 472 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``personal expenses''
the following: ``, including a reasonable allowance for the
documented rental or purchase of a personal computer,'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``of not less than
$1,500'' and inserting ``determined by the institution''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``, except that the
amount may not be less than $2,500'';
(3) in paragraph (10), by striking everything after
``determining costs'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(4) in paragraph (11), by striking ``placed'' and inserting
``engaged''.
SEC. 472. DATA ELEMENTS.
Section 474(b)(3) (20 U.S.C. 1087nn(b)(3)) is amended by inserting
``, excluding the student's parents,'' after ``family of the student''.
SEC. 473. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR DEPENDENT STUDENTS.
(a) Parents' Contribution from Adjusted Available Income.--Section
475(b)(3) (20 U.S.C. 1087oo(b)(3)) is amended by inserting ``,
excluding the student's parents,'' after ``number of family members''.
(b) Student Contribution From Available Income.--Section 475(g) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``$1,750; and'' and
inserting ``$2,200 (or a successor amount prescribed by the
Secretary under section 478);'';
(B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) an allowance for parents' negative available income,
determined in accordance with paragraph (6).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Allowance for parents' negative available income.--The
allowance for parents' negative available income is the amount, if
any, by which the sum of the amounts deducted under subparagraphs
(A) through (F) of subsection (c)(1) exceeds the sum of the
parents' total income (as defined in section 480) and the parents'
contribution from assets (as determined in accordance with
subsection (d)).''.
(c) Adjustments to Student's Contribution for Enrollment Periods
Other Than Nine Months.--Section 475 is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(j) Adjustments to Student's Contribution for Enrollment Periods
of Less Than Nine Months.--For periods of enrollment of less than 9
months, the student's contribution from adjusted available income (as
determined under subsection (g)) is determined, for purposes other than
subpart 2 of part A, by dividing the amount determined under such
subsection by 9, and multiplying the result by the number of months in
the period of enrollment.''.
SEC. 474. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR INDEPENDENT STUDENTS WITHOUT
DEPENDENTS OTHER THAN A SPOUSE.
(a) Adjustments for Enrollment Periods of Less Than Nine Months.--
Section 476(a) (20 U.S.C. 1087pp(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1)(B);
(2) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
paragraph (2); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) for periods of enrollment of less than 9 months, for
purposes other than subpart 2 of part A--
``(A) dividing the quotient resulting under paragraph (2)
by 9; and
``(B) multiplying the result by the number of months in the
period of enrollment;''.
(b) Contribution from Available Income.--Section 476(b)(1)(A)(iv)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``allowance of--'' and inserting ``allowance of
the following amount (or a successor amount prescribed by the
Secretary under section 478)--'';
(2) in subclauses (I) and (II), by striking ``$3,000'' each
place the term appears and inserting ``$5,000''; and
(3) in subclause (III), by striking ``$6,000'' and inserting
``$8,000''.
SEC. 475. FAMILY CONTRIBUTION FOR INDEPENDENT STUDENTS WITH DEPENDENTS
OTHER THAN A SPOUSE.
Section 477(a) (20 U.S.C. 1087qq(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
(2) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of
paragraph (3); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4) for periods of enrollment of less than 9 months, for
purposes other than subpart 2 of part A--
``(A) dividing the quotient resulting under paragraph (3)
by 9; and
``(B) multiplying the result by the num
2000
ber of months in the
period of enrollment;''.
SEC. 476. REGULATIONS; UPDATED TABLES AND AMOUNTS.
Section 478(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087rr(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``For each academic year'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) Revised tables.--For each academic year''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Revised amounts.--For each academic year after academic
year 2000-2001, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register
revised income protection allowances for the purpose of sections
475(g)(2)(D) and 476(b)(1)(A)(iv). Such revised allowances shall be
developed by increasing each of the dollar amounts contained in
such section by a percentage equal to the estimated percentage
increase in the Consumer Price Index (as determined by the
Secretary) between December 1999 and the December next preceding
the beginning of such academic year, and rounding the result to the
nearest $10.''.
SEC. 477. SIMPLIFIED NEEDS TEST; ZERO EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION.
Section 479 (20 U.S.C. 1087ss) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``this paragraph'' and inserting ``this subsection, or
subsection (c), as the case may be,'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end
thereof;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) a form 1040 (including any prepared or electronic
version of such form) required pursuant to the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, except that such form shall be considered a
qualifying form only if the student or family files such form
in order to take a tax credit under section 25A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and would otherwise be eligible to file a
form described in subparagraph (A); or'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1)(A) to read as follows:
``(A) the student's parents file, or are eligible to file,
a form described in subsection (b)(3), or certify that the
parents are not required to file an income tax return and the
student files, or is eligible to file, such a form, or
certifies that the student is not required to file an income
tax return; and''; and
(B) by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows:
``(A) the student (and the student's spouse, if any) files,
or is eligible to file, a form described in subsection (b)(3),
or certifies that the student (and the student's spouse, if
any) is not required to file an income tax return; and''.
SEC. 478. DISCRETION OF STUDENT FINANCIAL AID ADMINISTRATORS.
Section 479A (20 U.S.C. 1087tt) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting after the second sentence
the following: ``Special circumstances may include tuition expenses
at an elementary or secondary school, medical or dental expenses
not covered by insurance, unusually high child care costs, recent
unemployment of a family member, the number of parents enrolled at
least half-time in a degree, certificate, or other program leading
to a recognized educational credential at an institution with a
program participation agreement under section 487, or other changes
in a family's income, a family's assets, or a student's status.'';
and
(2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Refusal or Adjustment of Loan Certifications.--On a case-by-
case basis, an eligible institution may refuse to certify a statement
that permits a student to receive a loan under part B or D, or may
certify a loan amount or make a loan that is less than the student's
determination of need (as determined under this part), if the reason
for the action is documented and provided in written form to the
student. No eligible institution shall discriminate against any
borrower or applicant in obtaining a loan on the basis of race,
national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, or disability
status.''.
SEC. 479. TREATMENT OF OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 480(j) (20 U.S.C. 1087vv(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the end
the following: ``, and national service educational awards or post-
service benefits under title I of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.)'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
SEC. 480. CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Amount of Need.--Section 471 (20 U.S.C. 1087kk) is amended by
striking ``or 4'' and inserting ``or 2''.
(b) Family Contribution.--Section 473 (20 U.S.C. 1087mm) is amended
by striking ``subpart 4'' and inserting ``subpart 2''.
SEC. 480A. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
amendments made by this part are effective on the date of enactment of
this Act.
(b) Provisions Effective for Academic Year 2000-2001, and
Thereafter.--The amendments made by sections 472, 473, 474, and 475
shall apply with respect to determinations of need under part F of
title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for academic years
beginning on or after July 1, 2000.
PART G--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 481. MASTER CALENDAR.
(a) Required Schedule.--Section 482(a) (20 U.S.C. 1089(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, notify
eligible institutions, guaranty agencies, lenders, interested
software providers, and, upon request, other interested parties, by
December 1 prior to the start of an award year of minimal hardware
and software requirements necessary to administer programs under
this title.
``(4) The Secretary shall attempt to conduct training
activities for financial aid administrators and others in an
expeditious and timely manner prior to the start of an award year
in order to ensure that all participants are informed of all
administrative requirements.''.
(b) Delay of Effective Date of Late Publications.--Subsection (c)
of section 482 is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Delay of Effective Date of Late Publications.--(1) Except as
provided in paragraph (2), any regulatory changes initiated by the
Secretary affecting the programs under this title that have not been
published in final form by November 1 prior to the start of the award
year shall not become effective until the beginning of the second award
year after such November 1 date.
``(2)(A) The Secretary may designate any regulatory provision that
affects the programs under this title and is published in final form
after November 1 as one that an entity subject to the provision may, in
the entity's discretion, choose to implement prior to the effective
date described in paragraph (1). The Secretary may specify in the
designation when, and under what conditions, an entity may implement
the provision prior to that effective date. The Secretary shall publish
any designation under this subparagraph in the Federal Register.
``(B) If an entity chooses to implement a regulatory provision
prior to the effective date described in paragraph (1), as permitted by
subparagraph (A), the provision shall be effective with respect to that
entity in accordance with the terms of the Secretary's designation.''.
SEC. 482. FORMS AND REGULATIONS.
(a) Common Financial Aid Form Development.--Section 483(a) (20
U.S.C. 1090(a)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Form'' and
inserting ``Form Development'';
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``A, C, D, and E'' and inserting ``A
through E'';
(B) by striking ``and to determine
2000
the need of a student
for the purpose of part B of this title'';
(C) by striking the second sentence and inserting the
following: ``The Secretary shall include on the form developed
under this subsection such data items as the Secretary
determines are appropriate for inclusion. Such items shall be
selected in consultation with States to assist in the awarding
of State financial assistance. In no case shall the number of
such data items be less than the number included on the form on
the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of
1998.''; and
(D) by striking the last sentence;
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``A, C, D, and E'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``A through E'';
(B) by striking ``and the need of a student for the purpose
of part B of this title,''; and
(C) by striking ``or have the student's need established
for the purpose of part B of this title'';
(4) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Distribution of data.--Institutions of higher education,
guaranty agencies, and States shall receive, without charge, the
data collected by the Secretary using the form developed pursuant
to this section for the purposes of processing loan applications
and determining need and eligibility for institutional and State
financial aid awards. Entities designated by institutions of higher
education, guaranty agencies, or States to receive such data shall
be subject to all the requirements of this section, unless such
requirements are waived by the Secretary.'';
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Electronic forms.--(A) The Secretary, in cooperation with
representatives of agencies and organizations involved in student
financial assistance, including private computer software
providers, shall develop an electronic version of the form
described in paragraph (1). As permitted by the Secretary, such an
electronic version shall not require a signature to be collected at
the time such version is submitted, if a signature is subsequently
submitted by the applicant. The Secretary shall prescribe such
version not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
``(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit
the use of the form developed by the Secretary pursuant to
subparagraph (A) by an eligible institution, eligible lender,
guaranty agency, State grant agency, private computer software
providers, a consortium thereof, or such other entities as the
Secretary may designate.
``(C) No fee shall be charged to students in connection with
the use of the electronic version of the form, or of any other
electronic forms used in conjunction with such form in applying for
Federal or State student financial assistance.
``(D) The Secretary shall ensure that data collection complies
with section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and that any
entity using the electronic version of the form developed by the
Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall maintain reasonable
and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards
to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the information, and
to protect against security threats, or unauthorized uses or
disclosures of the information provided on the electronic version
of the form. Data collected by such version of the form shall be
used only for the application, award, and administration of aid
awarded under this title, State aid, or aid awarded by eligible
institutions or such entities as the Secretary may designate. No
data collected by such version of the form shall be used for making
final aid awards under this title until such data have been
processed by the Secretary or a contractor or designee of the
Secretary.
``(6) Third party servicers and private software providers.--To
the extent practicable and in a timely manner, the Secretary shall
provide, to private organizations and consortia that develop
software used by eligible institutions for the administration of
funds under this title, all the necessary specifications that the
organizations and consortia must meet for the software the
organizations and consortia develop, produce, and distribute
(including any diskette, modem, or network communications) which
are so used. The specifications shall contain record layouts for
required data. The Secretary shall develop in advance of each
processing cycle an annual schedule for providing such
specifications. The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall use
means of providing such specifications, including conferences and
other meetings, outreach, and technical support mechanisms (such as
training and printed reference materials). The Secretary shall,
from time to time, solicit from such organizations and consortia
means of improving the support provided by the Secretary.
``(7) Parent's social security number and birth date.--The
Secretary is authorized to include on the form developed under this
subsection space for the social security number and birth date of
parents of dependent students seeking financial assistance under
this title.''.
(b) Streamlined Reapplication Process.--Section 483(b)(1) is
amended by striking ``, within 240 days'' and all that follows through
``of 1992,''.
(c) Information to Committees.--Section 483(c) is amended by
striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and the Workforce''.
(d) Toll-Free Information.--Section 483(d) is amended by striking
``section 633(c)'' and inserting ``section 685(d)(2)(C)''.
(e) Repeal.--Subsection (f) of section 483 is repealed.
SEC. 483. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY.
(a) In General.--Section 484(a) (20 U.S.C. 1091(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the institution'' and
everything that follows through ``lender), a document'' and
inserting ``the Secretary, as part of the original financial aid
application process, a certification,''; and
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``or a permanent resident of
the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Guam, or the Northern
Mariana Islands'' and inserting ``a citizen of any one of the
Freely Associated States''.
(b) Home-Schooled Students.--Section 484(d) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``either''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) The student has completed a secondary school education in
a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private
school under State law.''.
(c) Termination of Eligibility.--Section 484(j) is amended to read
as follows:
``(j) Assistance Under Subparts 1 and 3 of Part A, and Part C.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a student shall be eligible
until September 30, 2004, for assistance under subparts 1 and 3 of part
A, and part C, if the student is otherwise qualified and--
``(1) is a citizen of any one of the Freely Associated States
and attends an institution of higher education in a State or a
public or nonprofit private institution of higher education in the
Freely Associated States; or
``(2) meets the requirements of subsection (a)(5) and attends a
public or nonprofit private institution of higher education in any
one of the Freely Associated States.''.
(d) Correspondence Courses.--Paragraph (1) of section 484(l) is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) Relation to correspondence courses.--
``(A) In general.--A student enrolled in a course of
instruction at an institution of higher education that is
offered in whole or in part through telecommunicati
2000
ons and
leads to a recognized certificate for a program of study of 1
year or longer, or a recognized associate, baccalaureate, or
graduate degree, conferred by such institution, shall not be
considered to be enrolled in correspondence courses unless the
total amount of telecommunications and correspondence courses
at such institution equals or exceeds 50 percent of the total
amount of all courses at the institution.
``(B) Requirement.--An institution of higher education
referred to in subparagraph (A) is an institution of higher
education--
``(i) that is not an institute or school described in
section 521(4)(C) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and
Applied Technology Education Act; and
``(ii) for which at least 50 percent of the programs of
study offered by the institution lead to the award of a
recognized associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree.''.
(e) Verification of Income Data.--Section 484 is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(q) Verification of Income Data.--
``(1) Confirmation with irs.--The Secretary of Education, in
cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury, is authorized to
confirm with the Internal Revenue Service the adjusted gross
income, Federal income taxes paid, filing status, and exemptions
reported by applicants (including parents) under this title on
their Federal income tax returns for the purpose of verifying the
information reported by applicants on student financial aid
applications.
``(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall establish procedures
under which an applicant is notified that the Internal Revenue
Service will disclose to the Secretary tax return information as
authorized under section 6103(l)(13) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.''.
(f) Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 484 is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following:
``(r) Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses.--
``(1) In general.--A student who has been convicted of any
offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or
sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any
grant, loan, or work assistance under this title during the period
beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the
interval specified in the following table:
``If convicted of an offense involving:
The possession of a con-
trolled substance:
Ineligibility period is:
First offense
1 year
Second offense
2 years
Third offense
Indefinite.
The sale of a controlled
substance:
Ineligibility period is:
First offense
2 years
Second offense
Indefinite.
``(2) Rehabilitation.--A student whose eligibility has been
suspended under paragraph (1) may resume eligibility before the end
of the ineligibility period determined under such paragraph if--
``(A) the student satisfactorily completes a drug
rehabilitation program that--
``(i) complies with such criteria as the Secretary
shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this
paragraph; and
``(ii) includes two unannounced drug tests; or
``(B) the conviction is reversed, set aside, or otherwise
rendered nugatory.
``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the term `controlled
substance' has the meaning given the term in section 102(6) of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)).''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1),
regarding suspension of eligibility for drug-related offenses,
shall apply with respect to financial assistance to cover the costs
of attendance for periods of enrollment beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 484. STATE COURT JUDGMENTS.
Section 484A (20 U.S.C. 1091a) is amended--
(1) in the heading of the section by inserting ``, and state
court judgments'' after ``limitations''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) State Court Judgments.--A judgment of a State court for the
recovery of money provided as grant, loan, or work assistance under
this title that has been assigned or transferred to the Secretary under
this title may be registered in any district court of the United States
by filing a certified copy of the judgment and a copy of the assignment
or transfer. A judgment so registered shall have the same force and
effect, and may be enforced in the same manner, as a judgment of the
district court of the district in which the judgment is registered.''.
SEC. 485. INSTITUTIONAL REFUNDS.
Section 484B (20 U.S.C. 1091b) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 484B. INSTITUTIONAL REFUNDS.
``(a) Return of Title IV Funds.--
``(1) In general.--If a recipient of assistance under this
title withdraws from an institution during a payment period or
period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the
amount of grant or loan assistance (other than assistance received
under part C) to be returned to the title IV programs is calculated
according to paragraph (3) and returned in accordance with
subsection (b).
``(2) Leave of absence.--
``(A) Leave not treated as withdrawal.--In the case of a
student who takes a leave of absence from an institution for
not more than a total of 180 days in any 12-month period, the
institution may consider the student as not having withdrawn
from the institution during the leave of absence, and not
calculate the amount of grant and loan assistance provided
under this title that is to be returned in accordance with this
section if--
``(i) the institution has a formal policy regarding
leaves of absence;
``(ii) the student followed the institution's policy in
requesting a leave of absence; and
``(iii) the institution approved the student's request
in accordance with the institution's policy.
``(B) Consequences of failure to return.--If a student does
not return to the institution at the expiration of an approved
leave of absence that meets the requirements of subparagraph
(A), the institution shall calculate the amount of grant and
loan assistance provided under this title that is to be
returned in accordance with this section based on the day the
student withdrew (as determined under subsection (c)).
``(3) Calculation of amount of title iv assistance earned.--
``(A) In general.--The amount of grant or loan assistance
under this title that is earned by the recipient for purposes
of this section is calculated by--
``(i) determining the percentage of grant and loan
assistance under this title that has been earned by the
student, as described in subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) applying such percentage to the total amount of
such grant and loan assistance that was disbursed (and that
could have been disbursed) to the student, or on the
student's behalf, for the payment period or period of
enrollment for which the assistance was awarded, as of the
day the student withdrew.
``(B) Percentage earned.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A)(i), the percentage of grant or loan assistance under this
title that has been earned by the student is--
``(i) equal to the percentage of the payment period or
period of enrollment for which assistance was awarded that
was completed (as determined in accordance with subsection
(d))
2000
as of the day the student withdrew, provided that such
date occurs on or before the completion of 60 percent of
the payment period or period of enrollment; or
``(ii) 100 percent, if the day the student withdrew
occurs after the student has completed 60 percent of the
payment period or period of enrollment.
``(C) Percentage and amount not earned.--For purposes of
subsection (b), the amount of grant and loan assistance awarded
under this title that has not been earned by the student shall
be calculated by--
``(i) determining the complement of the percentage of
grant or loan assistance under this title that has been
earned by the student described in subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) applying the percentage determined under clause
(i) to the total amount of such grant and loan assistance
that was disbursed (and that could have been disbursed) to
the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment
period or period of enrollment, as of the day the student
withdrew.
``(4) Differences between amounts earned and amounts
received.--
``(A) In general.--If the student has received less grant
or loan assistance than the amount earned as calculated under
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), the institution of higher
education shall comply with the procedures for late
disbursement specified by the Secretary in regulations.
``(B) Return.--If the student has received more grant or
loan assistance than the amount earned as calculated under
paragraph (3)(A), the unearned funds shall be returned by the
institution or the student, or both, as may be required under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), to the programs under
this title in the order specified in subsection (b)(3).
``(b) Return of Title IV Program Funds.--
``(1) Responsibility of the institution.--The institution shall
return, in the order specified in paragraph (3), the lesser of--
``(A) the amount of grant and loan assistance awarded under
this title that has not been earned by the student, as
calculated under subsection (a)(3)(C); or
``(B) an amount equal to--
``(i) the total institutional charges incurred by the
student for the payment period or period of enrollment for
which such assistance was awarded; multiplied by
``(ii) the percentage of grant and loan assistance
awarded under this title that has not been earned by the
student, as described in subsection (a)(3)(C)(i).
``(2) Responsibility of the student.--
``(A) In general.--The student shall return assistance that
has not been earned by the student as described in subsection
(a)(3)(C)(ii) in the order specified in paragraph (3) minus the
amount the institution is required to return under paragraph
(1).
``(B) Special rule.--The student (or parent in the case of
funds due to a loan borrowed by a parent under part B or D)
shall return or repay, as appropriate, the amount determined
under subparagraph (A) to--
``(i) a loan program under this title in accordance
with the terms of the loan; and
``(ii) a grant program under this title, as an
overpayment of such grant and shall be subject to--
``(I) repayment arrangements satisfactory to the
institution; or
``(II) overpayment collection procedures prescribed
by the Secretary.
``(C) Requirement.--Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and
(B), a student shall not be required to return 50 percent of
the grant assistance received by the student under this title,
for a payment period or period of enrollment, that is the
responsibility of the student to repay under this section.
``(3) Order of return of title iv funds.--
``(A) In general.--Excess funds returned by the institution
or the student, as appropriate, in accordance with paragraph
(1) or (2), respectively, shall be credited to outstanding
balances on loans made under this title to the student or on
behalf of the student for the payment period or period of
enrollment for which a return of funds is required. Such excess
funds shall be credited in the following order:
``(i) To outstanding balances on loans made under
section 428H for the payment period or period of enrollment
for which a return of funds is required.
``(ii) To outstanding balances on loans made under
section 428 for the payment period or period of enrollment
for which a return of funds is required.
``(iii) To outstanding balances on unsubsidized loans
(other than parent loans) made under part D for the payment
period or period of enrollment for which a return of funds
is required.
``(iv) To outstanding balances on subsidized loans made
under part D for the payment period or period of enrollment
for which a return of funds is required.
``(v) To outstanding balances on loans made under part
E for the payment period or period of enrollment for which
a return of funds is required.
``(vi) To outstanding balances on loans made under
section 428B for the payment period or period of enrollment
for which a return of funds is required.
``(vii) To outstanding balances on parent loans made
under part D for the payment period or period of enrollment
for which a return of funds is required.
``(B) Remaining excesses.--If excess funds remain after
repaying all outstanding loan amounts, the remaining excess
shall be credited in the following order:
``(i) To awards under subpart 1 of part A for the
payment period or period of enrollment for which a return
of funds is required.
``(ii) To awards under subpart 3 of part A for the
payment period or period of enrollment for which a return
of funds is required.
``(iii) To other assistance awarded under this title
for which a return of funds is required.
``(c) Withdrawal Date.--
``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `day the student
withdrew'--
``(A) is the date that the institution determines--
``(i) the student began the withdrawal process
prescribed by the institution;
``(ii) the student otherwise provided official
notification to the institution of the intent to withdraw;
or
``(iii) in the case of a student who does not begin the
withdrawal process or otherwise notify the institution of
the intent to withdraw, the date that is the mid-point of
the payment period for which assistance under this title
was disbursed or a later date documented by the
institution; or
``(B) for institutions required to take attendance, is
determined by the institution from such attendance records.
``(2) Special rule.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the
institution determines that a student did not begin the withdrawal
process, or otherwise notify the institution of the intent to
withdraw, due to illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or
other such circumstances beyond the student's control, the
institution may determine the appropriate withdrawal date.
``
2000
(d) Percentage of the Payment Period or Period of Enrollment
Completed.--For purposes of subsection (a)(3)(B)(i), the percentage of
the payment period or period of enrollment for which assistance was
awarded that was completed, is determined--
``(1) in the case of a program that is measured in credit
hours, by dividing the total number of calendar days comprising the
payment period or period of enrollment for which assistance is
awarded into the number of calendar days completed in that period
as of the day the student withdrew; and
``(2) in the case of a program that is measured in clock hours,
by dividing the total number of clock hours comprising the payment
period or period of enrollment for which assistance is awarded into
the number of clock hours--
``(A) completed by the student in that period as of the day
the student withdrew; or
``(B) scheduled to be completed as of the day the student
withdrew, if the clock hours completed in the period are not
less than a percentage, to be determined by the Secretary in
regulations, of the hours that were scheduled to be completed
by the student in the period.
``(e) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section shall take
effect 2 years after the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998. An institution of higher education may choose to
implement such provisions prior to that date.''.
SEC. 486. INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR
STUDENTS.
(a) Information Dissemination Activities.--Section 485(a) (20
U.S.C. 1092(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``, through
appropriate publications and mailings, to all current students,
and to any prospective student upon request'' and inserting
``upon request, through appropriate publications, mailings, and
electronic media, to an enrolled student and to any prospective
student'';
(B) by inserting after the second sentence the following:
``Each eligible institution shall, on an annual basis, provide
to all enrolled students a list of the information that is
required to be provided by institutions to students by this
section and section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act
(also referred to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974), together with a statement of the procedures
required to obtain such information.'';
(C) by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
``(F) a statement of--
``(i) the requirements of any refund policy with which the
institution is required to comply;
``(ii) the requirements under section 484B for the return
of grant or loan assistance provided under this title; and
``(iii) the requirements for officially withdrawing from
the institution;''; and
(D) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (M);
(E) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (N)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(O) the campus crime report prepared by the institution
pursuant to subsection (f), including all required reporting
categories.'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) shall be made available by July 1 each year to enrolled
students and prospective students prior to the students enrolling
or entering into any financial obligation; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Each institution may provide supplemental information to
enrolled and prospective students showing the completion or graduation
rate for students described in paragraph (4) or for students
transferring into the institution or information showing the rate at
which students transfer out of the institution.''.
(b) Exit Counseling for Borrowers.--Section 485(b) (20 U.S.C.
1092(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``(individually or in
groups)''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit an
institution of higher education from utilizing electronic means to
provide personalized exit counseling.''.
(c) Departmental Publications.--Section 485(d) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(1) assist'' and inserting ``(A) assist'';
(2) by striking ``(2) assist'' and inserting ``(B) assist'';
(3) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary'' the first
place the term appears; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) The Secretary, to the extent the information is available,
shall compile information describing State and other prepaid tuition
programs and savings programs and disseminate such information to
States, eligible institutions, students, and parents in departmental
publications.
``(3) The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall update the
Department's Internet site to include direct links to databases that
contain information on public and private financial assistance
programs. The Secretary shall only provide direct links to databases
that can be accessed without charge and shall make reasonable efforts
to verify that the databases included in a direct link are not
providing fraudulent information. The Secretary shall prominently
display adjacent to any such direct link a disclaimer indicating that a
direct link to a database does not constitute an endorsement or
recommendation of the database, the provider of the database, or any
services or products of such provider. The Secretary shall provide
additional direct links to information resources from which students
may obtain information about fraudulent and deceptive practices in the
provision of services related to student financial aid.''.
(d) Disclosures.--Section 485(e) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``his parents, his guidance'' and inserting
``the student's parents, guidance''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``If the
institution is a member of a national collegiate athletic
association that compiles graduation rate data on behalf of the
association's member institutions that the Secretary determines
is substantially comparable to the information described in
paragraph (1), the distribution of the compilation of such data
to all secondary schools in the United States shall fulfill the
responsibility of the institution to provide information to a
prospective student athlete's guidance counselor and coach.'';
and
(2) by amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
``(9) The reports required by this subsection shall be due each
July 1 and shall cover the 1-year period ending August 31 of the
preceding year.''.
(e) Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics.--Section 485(f) (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
``(F) Statistics concerning the occurrence on campus, in or on
noncampus buildings or property, and on public property during the
most recent calendar year, and during the 2 preceding calendar
years for which data are available--
``(i) of the following criminal offenses reported to campus
security authorities or local police agencies:
``(I) murder;
``(II) sex offenses, forcible or nonforcible;
``(III) robbery;
``(IV) aggravated assault;
``(V) burglary;
``(VI) motor vehicle theft;
``(VII) manslaughter;
``(VIII) arson; and
``(IX) arrests or persons referred for campus
2000
disciplinary action for liquor law violations, drug-related
violations, and weapons possession; and
``(ii) of the crimes described in subclauses (I) through
(VIII) of clause (i), and other crimes involving bodily injury
to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected
because of the actual or perceived race, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim that
are reported to campus security authorities or local police
agencies, which data shall be collected and reported according
to category of prejudice.'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (H); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (H);
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``Upon request of the Secretary, each'' and
inserting ``On an annual basis, each'';
(B) by striking ``paragraphs (1)(F) and (1)(H)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1)(F)'';
(C) by striking ``and Labor'' and inserting ``and the
Workforce'';
(D) by striking ``1995'' and inserting ``2000'';
(E) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(F) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(G) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) make copies of the statistics submitted to the Secretary
available to the public; and'';
(3) by amending paragraph (5)(A) to read as follows:
``(5)(A) In this subsection:
``(i) The term `campus' means--
``(I) any building or property owned or controlled by an
institution of higher education within the same reasonably
contiguous geographic area of the institution and used by the
institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to,
the institution's educational purposes, including residence
halls; and
``(II) property within the same reasonably contiguous
geographic area of the institution that is owned by the
institution but controlled by another person, is used by
students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food
or other retail vendor).
``(ii) The term `noncampus building or property' means--
``(I) any building or property owned or controlled by a
student organization recognized by the institution; and
``(II) any building or property (other than a branch
campus) owned or controlled by an institution of higher
education that is used in direct support of, or in relation to,
the institution's educational purposes, is used by students,
and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic
area of the institution.
``(iii) The term `public property' means all public property
that is within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of
the institution, such as a sidewalk, a street, other thoroughfare,
or parking facility, and is adjacent to a facility owned or
controlled by the institution if the facility is used by the
institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the
institution's educational purposes.'';
(4) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``paragraphs (1)(F) and (1)(H)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1)(F)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``Such statistics
shall not identify victims of crimes or persons accused of
crimes.'';
(5) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as paragraphs
(5) through (8), respectively;
(6) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4)(A) Each institution participating in any program under this
title that maintains a police or security department of any kind shall
make, keep, and maintain a daily log, written in a form that can be
easily understood, recording all crimes reported to such police or
security department, including--
``(i) the nature, date, time, and general location of each
crime; and
``(ii) the disposition of the complaint, if known.
``(B)(i) All entries that are required pursuant to this paragraph
shall, except where disclosure of such information is prohibited by law
or such disclosure would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim,
be open to public inspection within two business days of the initial
report being made to the department or a campus security authority.
``(ii) If new information about an entry into a log becomes
available to a police or security department, then the new information
shall be recorded in the log not later than two business days after the
information becomes available to the police or security department.
``(iii) If there is clear and convincing evidence that the release
of such information would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation
or the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to flee or evade
detection, or result in the destruction of evidence, such information
may be withheld until that damage is no longer likely to occur from the
release of such information.''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance in complying
with the provisions of this section to an institution of higher
education who requests such assistance.
``(10) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the
reporting or disclosure of privileged information.
``(11) The Secretary shall report to the appropriate committees of
Congress each institution of higher education that the Secretary
determines is not in compliance with the reporting requirements of this
subsection.
``(12) For purposes of reporting the statistics with respect to
crimes described in paragraph (1)(F), an institution of higher
education shall distinguish, by means of separate categories, any
criminal offenses that occur--
``(A) on campus;
``(B) in or on a noncampus building or property;
``(C) on public property; and
``(D) in dormitories or other residential facilities for
students on campus.
``(13) Upon a determination pursuant to section 487(c)(3)(B) that
an institution of higher education has substantially misrepresented the
number, location, or nature of the crimes required to be reported under
this subsection, the Secretary shall impose a civil penalty upon the
institution in the same amount and pursuant to the same procedures as a
civil penalty is imposed under section 487(c)(3)(B).
``(14)(A) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to--
``(i) create a cause of action against any institution of
higher education or any employee of such an institution for any
civil liability; or
``(ii) establish any standard of care.
``(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, evidence
regarding compliance or noncompliance with this subsection shall not be
admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board,
or other entity, except with respect to an action to enforce this
subsection.
``(15) This subsection may be cited as the `Jeanne Clery Disclosure
of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act'.''.
(f) Data Required.--Section 485(g) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``(I)(i) The total revenues, and the revenues from
football, men's basketball, women's basketball, all other men's
sports combined and all other women's sports combined, derived
by the institution from the institution's intercollegiate
athletics activities.
``(ii) For the purpose of clause (i), revenues from
intercollegiate athletics activities allocable to a sport shall
include (without limitation) gate receipts, broadcast revenues,
appearance guarantees and options, concessions, and
advertising, but revenues such as student activities fees or
alumni contributions not so a
2000
llocable shall be included in the
calculation of total revenues only.
``(J)(i) The total expenses, and the expenses attributable
to football, men's basketball, women's basketball, all other
men's sports combined, and all other women's sports combined,
made by the institution for the institution's intercollegiate
athletics activities.
``(ii) For the purpose of clause (i), expenses for
intercollegiate athletics activities allocable to a sport shall
include (without limitation) grants-in-aid, salaries, travel,
equipment, and supplies, but expenses such as general and
administrative overhead not so allocable shall be included in
the calculation of total expenses only.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (5);
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Submission; report; information availability.--(A) On an
annual basis, each institution of higher education described in
paragraph (1) shall provide to the Secretary, within 15 days of the
date that the institution makes available the report under
paragraph (1), the information contained in the report.
``(B) The Secretary shall prepare a report regarding the
information received under subparagraph (A) and submit such report
to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of
the Senate by April 1, 2000. The report shall--
``(i) summarize the information and identify trends in the
information;
``(ii) aggregate the information by divisions of the
National Collegiate Athletic Association; and
``(iii) contain information on each individual institution
of higher education.
``(C) The Secretary shall ensure that the reports described in
subparagraph (A) and the report to Congress described in
subparagraph (B) are made available to the public within a
reasonable period of time.
``(D) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the Secretary shall notify
all secondary schools in all States regarding the availability of
the information reported under subparagraph (B) and the information
made available under paragraph (1), and how such information may be
accessed.''.
SEC. 487. NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM.
Section 485B(a) (20 U.S.C. 1092b(a)) is amended by inserting before
the period at the end of the third sentence the following: ``not later
than one year after the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998''.
SEC. 488. DISTANCE EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.
Section 486 (20 U.S.C. 1083) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 486. DISTANCE EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--
``(1) to allow demonstration programs that are strictly
monitored by the Department of Education to test the quality and
viability of expanded distance education programs currently
restricted under this Act;
``(2) to provide for increased student access to higher
education through distance education programs; and
``(3) to help determine--
``(A) the most effective means of delivering quality
education via distance education course offerings;
``(B) the specific statutory and regulatory requirements
which should be altered to provide greater access to high
quality distance education programs; and
``(C) the appropriate level of Federal assistance for
students enrolled in distance education programs.
``(b) Demonstration Programs Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--In accordance with the provisions of
subsection (d), the Secretary is authorized to select institutions
of higher education, systems of such institutions, or consortia of
such institutions for voluntary participation in a Distance
Education Demonstration Program that provides participating
institutions with the ability to offer distance education programs
that do not meet all or a portion of the sections or regulations
described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Waivers.--The Secretary is authorized to waive for any
institution of higher education, system of institutions of higher
education, or consortium participating in a Distance Education
Demonstration Program, the requirements of section 472(5) as the
section relates to computer costs, sections 481(a) and 481(b) as
such sections relate to requirements for a minimum number of weeks
of instruction, sections 102(a)(3)(A), 102(a)(3)(B), and 484(l)(1),
or one or more of the regulations prescribed under this part or
part F which inhibit the operation of quality distance education
programs.
``(3) Eligible applicants.--
``(A) Eligible institutions.--Except as provided in
subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), only an institution of higher
education that is eligible to participate in programs under
this title shall be eligible to participate in the
demonstration program authorized under this section.
``(B) Prohibition.--An institution of higher education
described in section 102(a)(1)(C) shall not be eligible to
participate in the demonstration program authorized under this
section.
``(C) Special rule.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an
institution of higher education that meets the requirements of
subsection (a) of section 102, other than the requirement of
paragraph (3)(A) or (3)(B) of such subsection, and that
provides a 2-year or 4-year program of instruction for which
the institution awards an associate or baccalaureate degree,
shall be eligible to participate in the demonstration program
authorized under this section.
``(D) Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this paragraph, Western Governors University shall be
considered eligible to participate in the demonstration program
authorized under this section. In addition to the waivers
described in paragraph (2), the Secretary may waive the
provisions of title I and parts G and H of this title for such
university that the Secretary determines to be appropriate
because of the unique characteristics of such university. In
carrying out the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall ensure
that adequate program integrity and accountability measures
apply to such university's participation in the demonstration
program authorized under this section.
``(c) Application.--
``(1) In general.--Each institution, system, or consortium of
institutions desiring to participate in a demonstration program
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Contents.--Each application shall include--
``(A) a description of the institution, system, or
consortium's consultation with a recognized accrediting agency
or association with respect to quality assurances for the
distance education programs to be offered;
``(B) a description of the statutory and regulatory
requirements described in subsection (b)(2) or, if applicable,
subsection (b)(3)(D) for which a waiver is sought and the
reasons for which the waiver is sought;
``(C) a description of the distance education programs to
be offered;
``(D) a description of the students to whom distance
education programs will be offered;
``(E) an assurance that the institution, system, or
consortium will offer full cooperation with t
2000
he ongoing
evaluations of the demonstration program provided for in this
section; and
``(F) such other information as the Secretary may require.
``(d) Selection.--
``(1) In general.--For the first year of the demonstration
program authorized under this section, the Secretary is authorized
to select for participation in the program not more than 15
institutions, systems of institutions, or consortia of
institutions. For the third year of the demonstration program
authorized under this section, the Secretary may select not more
than 35 institutions, systems, or consortia, in addition to the
institutions, systems, or consortia selected pursuant to the
preceding sentence, to participate in the demonstration program if
the Secretary determines that such expansion is warranted based on
the evaluations conducted in accordance with subsections (f) and
(g).
``(2) Considerations.--In selecting institutions to participate
in the demonstration program in the first or succeeding years of
the program, the Secretary shall take into account--
``(A) the number and quality of applications received;
``(B) the Department's capacity to oversee and monitor each
institution's participation;
``(C) an institution's--
``(i) financial responsibility;
``(ii) administrative capability; and
``(iii) program or programs being offered via distance
education; and
``(D) ensuring the participation of a diverse group of
institutions with respect to size, mission, and geographic
distribution.
``(e) Notification.--The Secretary shall make available to the
public and to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate
and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives a list of institutions, systems or consortia selected
to participate in the demonstration program authorized by this section.
Such notice shall include a listing of the specific statutory and
regulatory requirements being waived for each institution, system or
consortium and a description of the distance education courses to be
offered.
``(f) Evaluations and Reports.--
``(1) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall evaluate the
demonstration programs authorized under this section on an annual
basis. Such evaluations specifically shall review--
``(A) the extent to which the institution, system or
consortium has met the goals set forth in its application to
the Secretary, including the measures of program quality
assurance;
``(B) the number and types of students participating in the
programs offered, including the progress of participating
students toward recognized certificates or degrees and the
extent to which participation in such programs increased;
``(C) issues related to student financial assistance for
distance education;
``(D) effective technologies for delivering distance
education course offerings; and
``(E) the extent to which statutory or regulatory
requirements not waived under the demonstration program present
difficulties for students or institutions.
``(2) Policy analysis.--The Secretary shall review current
policies and identify those policies that present impediments to
the development and use of distance education and other
nontraditional methods of expanding access to education.
``(3) Reports.--
``(A) In general.--Within 18 months of the initiation of
the demonstration program, the Secretary shall report to the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives with respect to--
``(i) the evaluations of the demonstration programs
authorized under this section; and
``(ii) any proposed statutory changes designed to
enhance the use of distance education.
``(B) Additional reports.--The Secretary shall provide
additional reports to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives on an annual basis
regarding--
``(i) the demonstration programs authorized under this
section; and
``(ii) the number and types of students receiving
assistance under this title for instruction leading to a
recognized certificate, as provided for in section
484(l)(1), including the progress of such students toward
recognized certificates and the degree to which
participation in such programs leading to such certificates
increased.
``(g) Oversight.--In conducting the demonstration program
authorized under this section, the Secretary shall, on a continuing
basis--
``(1) assure compliance of institutions, systems or consortia
with the requirements of this title (other than the sections and
regulations that are waived under subsections (b)(2) and
(b)(3)(D));
``(2) provide technical assistance;
``(3) monitor fluctuations in the student population enrolled
in the participating institutions, systems or consortia; and
``(4) consult with appropriate accrediting agencies or
associations and appropriate State regulatory authorities.
``(h) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term
`distance education' means an educational process that is characterized
by the separation, in time or place, between instructor and student.
Such term may include courses offered principally through the use of--
``(1) television, audio, or computer transmission, such as open
broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite
transmission;
``(2) audio or computer conferencing;
``(3) video cassettes or discs; or
``(4) correspondence.''.
SEC. 489. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS.
(a) Required Content.--Section 487(a) (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``subsection (b)'' and
inserting ``subsection (c)'';
(3) in paragraph (9), by striking ``part B'' and inserting
``part B or D'';
(4) in paragraph (14)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``part B'' and
inserting ``part B or D''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``part B'' and
inserting ``part B or D''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) This paragraph shall not apply in the case of an
institution in which (i) neither the parent nor the subordinate
institution has a cohort default rate in excess of 10 percent, and
(ii) the new owner of such parent or subordinate institution does
not, and has not, owned any other institution with a cohort default
rate in excess of 10 percent.'';
(5) in paragraph (15), by striking ``State review entities''
and inserting ``the State agencies'';
(6) by amending paragraph (18) to read as follows:
``(18) The institution will meet the requirements established
pursuant to section 485(g).''; and
(7) by amending paragraph (21) to read as follows:
``(21) The institution will meet the requirements established
by the Secretary and accrediting agencies or associations, and will
provide evidence to the Secretary that the institution has the
authority to operate within a State.''.
(b) Provision of Voter Registration Forms.--
(1) Program participation requirement.--Section 487(a) (20
U.S.C.
2000
1094(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(23)(A) The institution, if located in a State to which
section 4(b) of the National Voter Registration Act (42 U.S.C.
1973gg-2(b)) does not apply, will make a good faith effort to
distribute a mail voter registration form, requested and received
from the State, to each student enrolled in a degree or certificate
program and physically in attendance at the institution, and to
make such forms widely available to students at the institution.
``(B) The institution shall request the forms from the State
120 days prior to the deadline for registering to vote within the
State. If an institution has not received a sufficient quantity of
forms to fulfill this section from the State within 60 days prior
to the deadline for registering to vote in the State, the
institution shall not be held liable for not meeting the
requirements of this section during that election year.
``(C) This paragraph shall apply to elections as defined in
section 301(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 431(1)), and includes the election for Governor or other
chief executive within such State).''.
(2) Regulation prohibited.--No officer of the executive branch
is authorized to instruct the institution in the manner in which
the amendment made by this subsection is carried out.
(c) Audits; Financial Responsibility.--Section 487(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) by striking ``clause (ii)'' and inserting ``clauses
(ii) and (iii)'';
(ii) by striking ``State review entities referred to
in'' and inserting ``appropriate State agency notifying the
Secretary under''; and
(iii) by striking ``or'' after the semicolon;
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or'' after the
semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) at the discretion of the Secretary, with regard to an
eligible institution (other than an eligible institution described
in section 102(a)(1)(C)) that has obtained less than $200,000 in
funds under this title during each of the 2 award years that
precede the audit period and submits a letter of credit payable to
the Secretary equal to not less than \1/2\ of the annual potential
liabilities of such institution as determined by the Secretary,
deeming an audit conducted every 3 years to satisfy the
requirements of clause (i), except for the award year immediately
preceding renewal of the institution's eligibility under section
498(g);'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``, after consultation with
each State review entity designated under subpart 1 of part H,'';
and
(3) in paragraph (5), by striking ``State review entities
designated'' and inserting ``State agencies notifying the
Secretary''.
SEC. 490. REGULATORY RELIEF AND IMPROVEMENT.
Section 487A (20 U.S.C. 1094a) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 487A. REGULATORY RELIEF AND IMPROVEMENT.
``(a) Quality Assurance Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to select
institutions for voluntary participation in a Quality Assurance
Program that provides participating institutions with an
alternative management approach through which individual schools
develop and implement their own comprehensive systems, related to
processing and disbursement of student financial aid, verification
of student financial aid application data, and entrance and exit
interviews, thereby enhancing program integrity within the student
aid delivery system.
``(2) Criteria and consideration.--The Quality Assurance
Program authorized by this section shall be based on criteria that
include demonstrated institutional performance, as determined by
the Secretary, and shall take into consideration current quality
assurance goals, as determined by the Secretary. The selection
criteria shall ensure the participation of a diverse group of
institutions of higher education with respect to size, mission, and
geographical distribution.
``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary is authorized to waive for any
institution participating in the Quality Assurance Program any
regulations dealing with reporting or verification requirements in
this title that are addressed by the institution's alternative
management system, and may substitute such quality assurance
reporting as the Secretary determines necessary to ensure
accountability and compliance with the purposes of the programs
under this title. The Secretary shall not modify or waive any
statutory requirements pursuant to this paragraph.
``(4) Determination.--The Secretary is authorized to
determine--
``(A) when an institution that is unable to administer the
Quality Assurance Program shall be removed from such program;
and
``(B) when institutions desiring to cease participation in
such program will be required to complete the current award
year under the requirements of the Quality Assurance Program.
``(5) Review and evaluation.--The Secretary shall review and
evaluate the Quality Assurance Program conducted by each
participating institution and, on the basis of that evaluation,
make recommendations regarding amendments to this Act that will
streamline the administration and enhance the integrity of Federal
student assistance programs. Such recommendations shall be
submitted to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the
Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives.
``(b) Regulatory Improvement and Streamlining Experiments.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may continue any experimental
sites in existence on the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998. Any activities approved by the Secretary prior
to such date that are inconsistent with this section shall be
discontinued not later than June 30, 1999.
``(2) Report.--The Secretary shall review and evaluate the
experience of institutions participating as experimental sites
during the period of 1993 through 1998 under this section (as such
section was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998), and shall submit a report
based on this review and evaluation to the Committee on Labor and
Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and
the Workforce of the House of Representatives not later than 6
months after the enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of
1998. Such report shall include--
``(A) a list of participating institutions and the specific
statutory or regulatory waivers granted to each institution;
``(B) the findings and conclusions reached regarding each
of the experiments conducted; and
``(C) recommendations for amendments to improve and
streamline this Act, based on the results of the experiment.
``(3) Selection.--
``(A) In general.--Upon the submission of the report
required by paragraph (2), the Secretary is authorized to
select a limited number of additional institutions for
voluntary participation as experimental sites to provide
recommendations to the Secretary on the impact and
effectiveness of proposed regulations or new management
initiatives.
``(B) Consultation.--Prior to approving any additional
experimental sites, the Secretary shall consult with the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and shall provide
2000
to such Committees--
``(i) a list of institutions proposed for participation
in the experiment and the specific statutory or regulatory
waivers proposed to be granted to each institution;
``(ii) a statement of the objectives to be achieved
through the experiment; and
``(iii) an identification of the period of time over
which the experiment is to be conducted.
``(C) Waivers.--The Secretary is authorized to waive, for
any institution participating as an experimental site under
subparagraph (A), any requirements in this title, or
regulations prescribed under this title, that will bias the
results of the experiment, except that the Secretary shall not
waive any provisions with respect to award rules, grant and
loan maximum award amounts, and need analysis requirements.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the term `current
award year' means the award year during which the participating
institution indicates the institution's intention to cease
participation.''.
SEC. 490A. GARNISHMENT REQUIREMENTS.
Section 488A (20 U.S.C. 1095a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) No Attachment of Student Assistance.--Except as authorized in
this section, notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State
law, no grant, loan, or work assistance awarded under this title, or
property traceable to such assistance, shall be subject to garnishment
or attachment in order to satisfy any debt owed by the student awarded
such assistance, other than a debt owed to the Secretary and arising
under this title.''.
SEC. 490B. ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.
Part G of title IV is further amended by inserting immediately
after section 490 (20 U.S.C. 1097) the following:
``SEC. 490A. ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS.
``(a) Authority.--To assist the Secretary in the conduct of
investigations of possible violations of the provisions of this title,
the Secretary is authorized to require by subpoena the production of
information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers,
and other documentary evidence pertaining to participation in any
program under this title. The production of any such records may be
required from any place in a State.
``(b) Enforcement.--In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a
subpoena issued to, any person, the Secretary may request the Attorney
General to invoke the aid of any court of the United States where such
person resides or transacts business for a court order for the
enforcement of this section.''.
SEC. 490C. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 491 (20 U.S.C. 1098) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``and
expenditures'' and inserting ``, expenditures and staffing
levels''; and
(B) by inserting after the third sentence the following:
``Reports, publications, and other documents of the Advisory
Committee, including such reports, publications, and documents
in electronic form, shall not be subject to review by the
Secretary.'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) No officers or full-time employees of the Federal Government
shall serve as members of the Advisory Committee.'';
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``(1) Members'' and all that
follows through ``of the United States may each'' and inserting
``Members of the Advisory Committee may each'';
(4) in subsection (h)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``determined'' after ``as may be''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Advisory
Committee may appoint not more than 1 full-time equivalent,
nonpermanent, consultant without regard to the provisions of
title 5, United States Code. The Advisory Committee shall not
be required by the Secretary to reduce personnel to meet agency
personnel reduction goals.'';
(5) in subsection (i), by striking ``$750,000'' and inserting
``$800,000'';
(6) by amending subsection (j) to read as follows:
``(j) Special Analyses and Activities.--The Advisory Committee
shall--
``(1) monitor and evaluate the modernization of student
financial aid systems and delivery processes, including the
implementation of a performance-based organization within the
Department, and report to Congress regarding such modernization on
not less than an annual basis, including recommendations for
improvement;
``(2) assess the adequacy of current methods for disseminating
information about programs under this title and recommend
improvements, as appropriate, regarding early needs assessment and
information for first-year secondary school students;
``(3) assess and make recommendations concerning the
feasibility and degree of use of appropriate technology in the
application for, and delivery and management of, financial
assistance under this title, as well as policies that promote use
of such technology to reduce cost and enhance service and program
integrity, including electronic application and reapplication,
just-in-time delivery of funds, reporting of disbursements and
reconciliation;
``(4) assess the implications of distance education on student
eligibility and other requirements for financial assistance under
this title, and make recommendations that will enhance access to
postsecondary education through distance education while
maintaining access, through on-campus instruction at eligible
institutions, and program integrity; and
``(5) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding redundant
or outdated provisions of and regulations under this Act,
consistent with the Secretary's requirements under section 498B.'';
(7) in subsection (k), by striking ``1998'' and inserting
``2004''; and
(8) by repealing subsection (l).
SEC. 490D. MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING.
(a) Meetings.--Section 492(a) (20 U.S.C. 1098a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``convene regional meetings to'';
(B) by striking ``parts B, G, and H of this title,'' and
inserting ``this title;''; and
(C) by striking ``Such meetings shall include'' and
inserting ``The Secretary shall obtain the advice of and
recommendations from''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``During such meetings the'' and inserting
``The'';
(B) by striking ``parts B, G, and H'' and inserting ``this
title'';
(C) by striking ``1992'' and inserting ``1998 through such
mechanisms as regional meetings and electronic exchanges of
information''; and
(D) by striking ``at such meetings'' and inserting
``through such mechanisms''.
(b) Draft Regulations.--Section 492(b) is amended--
(1) by striking ``After'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--After'';
(2) in paragraph (1) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
(A) by striking ``holding regional meetings'' and inserting
``obtaining the advice and recommendations described in
subsection (a)(1)'';
(B) by striking ``parts B, G, and H of this title'' and
inserting ``this title'';
(C) by striking ``1992'' and inserting ``1998'';
(D) by striking ``The Secretary shall follow the guidance
provided in sections 305.82-4 and 305.85-5 of chapter 1, Code
of Federal Regulations, and any successor recommendation,
2000
regulation, or law.'';
(E) by striking ``participating in the regional meetings'';
(F) by striking ``240-day'' and inserting ``360-day''; and
(G) by striking ``section 431(g)'' and inserting ``section
437(e)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Expansion of negotiated rulemaking.--All regulations
pertaining to this title that are promulgated after the date of
enactment of this paragraph shall be subject to a negotiated
rulemaking (including the selection of the issues to be
negotiated), unless the Secretary determines that applying such a
requirement with respect to given regulations is impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest (within the meaning
of section 553(b)(3)(B) of title 5, United States Code), and
publishes the basis for such determination in the Federal Register
at the same time as the proposed regulations in question are first
published. All published proposed regulations shall conform to
agreements resulting from such negotiated rulemaking unless the
Secretary reopens the negotiated rulemaking process or provides a
written explanation to the participants in that process why the
Secretary has decided to depart from such agreements. Such
negotiated rulemaking shall be conducted in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph (1), and the Secretary shall ensure that a
clear and reliable record of agreements reached during the
negotiations process is maintained.''.
SEC. 490E. YEAR 2000 REQUIREMENTS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Part G of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1088 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 493A. YEAR 2000 REQUIREMENTS AT THE DEPARTMENT.
``(a) Preparations for Year 2000.--In order to ensure that the
processing, delivery, and administration of grant, loan, and work
assistance provided under this title is not interrupted due to
operational problems related to the inability of computer systems to
indicate accurately dates after December 31, 1999, the Secretary of
Education shall--
``(1) take such actions as are necessary to ensure that all
internal and external systems, hardware, and data exchange
infrastructure administered by the Department that are necessary
for the processing, delivery, and administration of the grant,
loan, and work assistance are Year 2000 compliant by March 31,
1999, such that there will be no business interruption after
December 31, 1999;
``(2) ensure that the Robert T. Stafford Federal Student Loan
Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program are
equal in level of priority with respect to addressing, and that
resources are managed to equally provide for successful resolution
of, the Year 2000 computer problem in both programs by December 31,
1999;
``(3) work with the Department's various data exchange partners
under this title to fully test all data exchange routes for Year
2000 compliance via end-to-end testing, and submit a report
describing the parameters and results of such tests to the
Comptroller General not later than March 31, 1999;
``(4) ensure that the Inspector General of the Department (or
an external, independent entity selected by the Inspector General)
performs and publishes a risk assessment of the systems and
hardware under the Department's management, that has been reviewed
by an independent entity, and make such assessment publicly
available not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998;
``(5) not later than June 30, 1999, ensure that the Inspector
General (or an external, independent entity selected by the
Inspector General) conducts a review of the Department's Year 2000
compliance for the processing, delivery, and administration of
grant, loan, and work assistance, and submits a report reflecting
the results of that review to the Chairperson of the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Chairperson of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives;
``(6) develop a contingency plan to ensure the programs under
this title will continue to run uninterrupted in the event of
widespread disruptions in the flow of accurate computerized data,
which contingency plan shall include a prioritization of mission
critical systems and strategies to allow data partners to transfer
data through alternate means; and
``(7) alert Congress at the earliest possible time if mission
critical deadlines will not be met.
``(b) Postponement Authority for the Year 2000.--
``(1) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subsection to provide
the Secretary with the flexibility necessary to--
``(A) ensure that the resources and capabilities of
institutions, lenders, and guaranty agencies are not
overburdened by the combination of student aid processing and
delivery requirements added or modified by the amendments made
by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and by the changes
required to ensure that the systems of the institutions,
lenders and guaranty agencies are Year 2000 compliant; and
``(B) avoid the disruption of grant, loan, or work
assistance funds awarded to students because of Year 2000
compliance problems at a substantial number of institutions,
lenders, and guaranty agencies.
``(2) Authority to postpone.--The Secretary may postpone, for a
period of time described in paragraph (3), the implementation of
any requirements under part B, D, E, or G that are added or
modified by the amendments made by the Higher Education Amendments
of 1998 related to the processing or delivery of grant, loan, and
work assistance (which shall not include the determination of need
for such assistance) provided under this title, if the Secretary--
``(A) determines that--
``(i) implementation of such requirements would require
extensive changes to the existing systems of institutions,
lenders, or guaranty agencies; and
``(ii) postponement is necessary to avoid jeopardizing
the ability of a substantial number of institutions,
lenders, or guaranty agencies to ensure that all of the
systems of the institutions, lenders, or guaranty agencies
related to the processing or delivery of such assistance
function successfully after December 31, 1999; and
``(B) promptly publishes in the Federal Register a list of,
and notifies Congress of, any provisions, the implementation of
which the Secretary intends to postpone, with the reasons for
such postponement.
``(3) Exceptions to authority.--The Secretary may not postpone
the implementation of one or more provisions described in this
subsection longer than the earlier of--
``(A) the period of time that the Secretary determines
necessary to ensure that the processing and delivery systems of
the institutions, lenders, and guaranty agencies referred to in
paragraph (1)(A)(ii) are capable of functioning successfully
after December 31, 1999; or
``(B) one award year after the effective date applicable to
such provision under the Higher Education Amendments of
1998.''.
SEC. 490F. PROCEDURES FOR CANCELLATIONS AND DEFERMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE
DISABLED VETERANS.
Part G of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1088 et seq.) is amended by adding
after section 493A (as added by section 490E) the following:
``SEC. 493B. PROCEDURES FOR CANCELLATIONS AND DEFERMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE
DISABLED VETERANS.
``The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, shall develop and impl
2000
ement a procedure to permit Department
of Veterans Affairs physicians to provide the certifications and
affidavits needed to enable disabled veterans enrolled in the
Department of Veterans Affairs health care system to document such
veterans' eligibility for deferments or cancellations of student loans
made, insured, or guaranteed under this title. Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998,
the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly shall
report to Congress on the progress made in developing and implementing
the procedure.''.
PART H--PROGRAM INTEGRITY
SEC. 491. STATE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Part H of title IV (20 U.S.C. 1099a et seq.) is amended by--
(1) striking the heading of such part and inserting the
following:
``PART H--PROGRAM INTEGRITY'';
and
(2) by amending subpart 1 (20 U.S.C. 1099a et seq.) to read as
follows:
``Subpart 1--State Role
``SEC. 495. STATE RESPONSIBILITIES.
``(a) State Responsibilities.--As part of the integrity program
authorized by this part, each State, through one State agency or
several State agencies selected by the State, shall--
``(1) furnish the Secretary, upon request, information with
respect to the process for licensing or other authorization for
institutions of higher education to operate within the State;
``(2) notify the Secretary promptly whenever the State revokes
a license or other authority to operate an institution of higher
education; and
``(3) notify the Secretary promptly whenever the State has
credible evidence that an institution of higher education within
the State--
``(A) has committed fraud in the administration of the
student assistance programs authorized by this title; or
``(B) has substantially violated a provision of this title.
``(b) Institutional Responsibility.--Each institution of higher
education shall provide evidence to the Secretary that the institution
has authority to operate within a State at the time the institution is
certified under subpart 3.''.
SEC. 492. ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNITION.
(a) Recognition.--
(1) Subpart heading.--The heading of subpart 2 of part H is
amended by striking ``Approval'' and inserting ``Recognition''.
(2) Section 496 heading.--The heading of section 496 is amended
by striking ``approval'' and inserting ``recognition''.
(b) Standards.--Section 496(a) (20 U.S.C. 1099b(a)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Standards'' and
inserting ``Criteria'';
(2) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``standards'' each place the term appears and inserting
``criteria'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``at the institution'' and inserting
``offered by the institution''; and
(B) by inserting ``, including distance education courses
or programs,'' after ``higher education''; and
(4) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``of accreditation'' and inserting ``for
accreditation'';
(B) by striking subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J);
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) as
subparagraphs (B) through (H), respectively;
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (K) and (L) as
subparagraphs (I) and (J), respectively;
(E) by inserting before subparagraph (B) the following:
``(A) success with respect to student achievement in
relation to the institution's mission, including, as
appropriate, consideration of course completion, State
licensing examinations, and job placement rates;'';
(F) in subparagraph (H) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(C)), by striking ``program length and tuition and fees in
relation to the subject matters taught'' and inserting
``measures of program length'';
(G) in subparagraph (J) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(D))--
(i) by inserting ``record of'' before ``compliance'';
(ii) by striking ``Act, including any'' and inserting
``Act based on the most recent student loan default rate
data provided by the Secretary, the''; and
(iii) by inserting ``any'' after ``reviews, and''; and
(H) in the matter following subparagraph (J) (as
redesignated by subparagraph (D)), by striking ``(G), (H), (I),
(J), and (L)'' and inserting ``(A), (H), and (J)'';
(5) in paragraph (7), by striking ``State postsecondary review
entity'' and inserting ``State licensing or authorizing agency'';
and
(6) in paragraph (8), by striking ``State postsecondary'' and
everything that follows through ``is located'' and inserting
``State licensing or authorizing agency''.
(c) Operating Procedures.--Section 496(c) is amended--
(1) by striking ``approved by the Secretary'' and inserting
``recognized by the Secretary''; and
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(at least'' and everything
that follows through ``unannounced),'' and inserting ``(which may
include unannounced site visits)''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 496 is further amended--
(1) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``Approval'' in the heading of such
subsection and inserting ``Recognition''; and
(B) by striking ``approved'' and inserting ``recognized'';
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``approved'' and inserting
``recognized'';
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the heading of such subsection, by striking
``Standards'' and inserting ``Criteria''; and
(B) by striking ``standards'' the first place such term
appears and inserting ``criteria'';
(4) in subsection (k)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``section 481'' and inserting ``section 102''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``standards'' and
inserting ``criteria'';
(5) in subsection (l), by striking everything preceding
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(l) Limitation, Suspension, or Termination of Recognition.--(1)
If the Secretary determines that an accrediting agency or association
has failed to apply effectively the criteria in this section, or is
otherwise not in compliance with the requirements of this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) after notice and opportunity for a hearing, limit,
suspend, or terminate the recognition of the agency or association;
or
``(B) require the agency or association to take appropriate
action to bring the agency or association into compliance with such
requirements within a timeframe specified by the Secretary, except
that--
``(i) such timeframe shall not exceed 12 months unless the
Secretary extends such period for good cause; and
``(ii) if the agency or association fails to bring the
agency or association into compliance within such timeframe,
the Secretary shall, after notice and opportunity for a
hearing, limit, suspend, or terminate the recognition of the
agency or association.''; and
(6) in subsection (n)--
(A) by striking ``standards'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``criteria'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``approval process'' and inserting
``recognition process'';
(ii) by striking ``approval or disapproval'' and
inserting ``recognition or denial of recognition''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following: ``When the
Secretary decides to recognize an accrediting agency or
association, the Secretary shall determine the agency or
2000
association's scope of recognition. If the agency or
association reviews institutions offering distance
education courses or programs and the Secretary determines
that the agency or association meets the requirements of
this section, then the agency shall be recognized and the
scope of recognition shall include accreditation of
institutions offering distance education courses or
programs.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) The Secretary shall maintain sufficient documentation to
support the conclusions reached in the recognition process, and, if the
Secretary does not recognize any accreditation agency or association,
shall make publicly available the reason for denying recognition,
including reference to the specific criteria under this section which
have not been fulfilled.''.
SEC. 493. ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES.
(a) Single Application Form.--Section 498(b) (20 U.S.C. 1099c(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and capability'' and
inserting ``financial responsibility, and administrative
capability'';
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) requires--
``(A) a description of the third party servicers of an
institution of higher education; and
``(B) the institution to maintain a copy of any contract
with a financial aid service provider or loan servicer, and
provide a copy of any such contract to the Secretary upon
request;'';
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) provides, at the option of the institution, for
participation in one or more of the programs under part B or D.''.
(b) Financial Responsibility Standards.--Section 498(c) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``with respect to
operating losses, net worth, asset to liabilities ratios, or
operating fund deficits'' and inserting ``regarding ratios that
demonstrate financial responsibility,''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by inserting ``, public,''
after ``for profit'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``that the Secretary
determines are reasonable'' after ``guarantees''; and
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``ratio of current assets to current liabilities'' and
inserting ``criteria''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``current operating
ratio requirement'' and inserting ``criteria''.
(c) Financial Guarantees From Owners.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 498(e) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual
who--
``(A) the Secretary determines, in accordance with paragraph
(2), exercises substantial control over an institution
participating in, or seeking to participate in, a program under
this title;
``(B) is required to pay, on behalf of a student or borrower, a
refund of unearned institutional charges to a lender, or to the
Secretary; and
``(C) willfully fails to pay such refund or willfully attempts
in any manner to evade payment of such refund,
shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable to the
Secretary for the amount of the refund not paid, to the same extent
with respect to such refund that such an individual would be liable as
a responsible person for a penalty under section 6672(a) of Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the nonpayment of taxes.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
be effective with respect to any unpaid refunds that were first
required to be paid to a lender or to the Secretary on or after 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Applications and Site Visits.--Section 498(f) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``; Site Visits and
Fees'' and inserting ``and Site Visits'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``shall'' and inserting
``may'';
(3) in the third sentence--
(A) by striking ``may establish'' and insert ``shall
establish''; and
(B) by striking ``may coordinate'' and inserting ``shall,
to the extent practicable, coordinate''; and
(4) by striking the fourth sentence.
(e) Time Limitations on, and Renewal of, Eligibility.--Subsection
(g) of section 498 is amended to read as follows:
``(g) Time Limitations on, and Renewal of, Eligibility.--
``(1) General rule.--After the expiration of the certification
of any institution under the schedule prescribed under this section
(as this section was in effect prior to the enactment of the Higher
Education Act Amendments of 1998), or upon request for initial
certification from an institution not previously certified, the
Secretary may certify the eligibility for the purposes of any
program authorized under this title of each such institution for a
period not to exceed 6 years.
``(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify each
institution of higher education not later than 6 months prior to
the date of the expiration of the institution's certification.
``(3) Institutions outside the united states.--The Secretary
shall promulgate regulations regarding the recertification
requirements applicable to an institution of higher education
outside of the United States that meets the requirements of section
102(a)(1)(C) and received less than $500,000 in funds under part B
for the most recent year for which data are available.''.
(f) Provisional Certification.--Section 498(h)(2) is amended--
(1) by striking ``the approval'' and inserting ``the
recognition''; and
(2) by striking ``of approval'' and inserting ``of
recognition''.
(g) Change in Ownership.--Section 498(i) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(4)(A) The Secretary may provisionally certify an institution
seeking approval of a change in ownership based on the preliminary
review by the Secretary of a materially complete application that is
received by the Secretary within 10 business days of the transaction
for which the approval is sought.
``(B) A provisional certification under this paragraph shall expire
not later than the end of the month following the month in which the
transaction occurred, except that if the Secretary has not issued a
decision on the application for the change of ownership within that
period, the Secretary may continue such provisional certification on a
month-to-month basis until such decision has been issued.''.
(h) Treatment of Branches.--The second sentence of section
498(j)(1) is amended by inserting ``after the branch is certified by
the Secretary as a branch campus participating in a program under this
title,'' after ``2 years''.
SEC. 494. PROGRAM REVIEW AND DATA.
Section 498A (20 U.S.C. 1099c-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
(ii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) institutions with a significant fluctuation in
Federal Stafford Loan volume, Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan
volume, or Federal Pell Grant award volume, or any combination
thereof, in the year for which the determination is made,
compared to the year prior to such year, that are not accounted
for by changes in the Federal Stafford Loan program, the
Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan program, or the Pell Grant
program, or any co
2000
mbination thereof;'';
(iii) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
``(D) institutions reported to have deficiencies or
financial aid problems by the State licensing or authorizing
agency, or by the appropriate accrediting agency or
association;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``and'' after
the semicolon; and
(v) by striking subparagraphs (F) and (G) and inserting
the following:
``(F) such other institutions that the Secretary determines
may pose a significant risk of failure to comply with the
administrative capability or financial responsibility
provisions of this title; and''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``relevant'' after
``all''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Special Administrative Rules.--In carrying out paragraphs (1)
and (2) of subsection (a) and any other relevant provisions of this
title, the Secretary shall--
``(1) establish guidelines designed to ensure uniformity of
practice in the conduct of program reviews of institutions of
higher education;
``(2) make available to each institution participating in
programs authorized under this title complete copies of all review
guidelines and procedures used in program reviews;
``(3) permit the institution to correct or cure an
administrative, accounting, or recordkeeping error if the error is
not part of a pattern of error and there is no evidence of fraud or
misconduct related to the error;
``(4) base any civil penalty assessed against an institution of
higher education resulting from a program review or audit on the
gravity of the violation, failure, or misrepresentation; and
``(5) inform the appropriate State and accrediting agency or
association whenever the Secretary takes action against an
institution of higher education under this section, section 498, or
section 432.''.
SEC. 495. REVIEW OF REGULATIONS.
Part H of title IV is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 498B. REVIEW OF REGULATIONS.
``(a) Review Required.--The Secretary shall review each regulation
issued under this title that is in effect at the time of the review and
applies to the operations or activities of any participant in the
programs assisted under this title. The review shall include a
determination of whether the regulation is duplicative, or is no longer
necessary. The review may involve one or more of the following:
``(1) An assurance of the uniformity of interpretation and
application of such regulations.
``(2) The establishment of a process for ensuring that
eligibility and compliance issues, such as institutional audit,
program review, and recertification, are considered simultaneously.
``(3) A determination of the extent to which unnecessary costs
are imposed on institutions of higher education as a consequence of
the applicability to the facilities and equipment of such
institutions of regulations prescribed for purposes of regulating
industrial and commercial enterprises.
``(b) Regulatory and Statutory Relief for Small Volume
Institutions.--The Secretary shall review and evaluate ways in which
regulations under and provisions of this Act affecting institution of
higher education (other than institutions described in section
102(a)(1)(C)), that have received in each of the two most recent award
years prior to the date of the enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998 less than $200,000 in funds through this title, may
be improved, streamlined, or eliminated.
``(c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsections (a) and (b), the
Secretary shall consult with relevant representatives of institutions
participating in the programs authorized by this title.
``(d) Reports to Congress.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit, not later than 1
year after the date of the enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1998, a report to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives detailing the Secretary's
findings and recommendations based on the reviews conducted under
subsections (a) and (b), including a timetable for implementation
of any recommended changes in regulations and a description of any
recommendations for legislative changes.
``(2) Additional reports.--Not later than January 1, 2003, the
Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives detailing the Secretary's
findings and recommendations based on the review conducted under
subsection (a), including a timetable for implementation of any
recommended changes in regulations and a description of any
recommendations for legislative changes.''.
TITLE V--DEVELOPING INSTITUTIONS
SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW TITLE V.
Title V (20 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``TITLE V--DEVELOPING INSTITUTIONS
``PART A--HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS
``SEC. 501. FINDINGS; PURPOSE; AND PROGRAM AUTHORITY.
``(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) Hispanic Americans are at high risk of not enrolling or
graduating from institutions of higher education.
``(2) Disparities between the enrollment of non-Hispanic white
students and Hispanic students in postsecondary education are
increasing. Between 1973 and 1994, enrollment of white secondary
school graduates in 4-year institutions of higher education
increased at a rate two times higher than that of Hispanic
secondary school graduates.
``(3) Despite significant limitations in resources, Hispanic-
serving institutions provide a significant proportion of
postsecondary opportunities for Hispanic students.
``(4) Relative to other institutions of higher education,
Hispanic-serving institutions are underfunded. Such institutions
receive significantly less in State and local funding, per full-
time equivalent student, than other institutions of higher
education.
``(5) Hispanic-serving institutions are succeeding in educating
Hispanic students despite significant resource problems that--
``(A) limit the ability of such institutions to expand and
improve the academic programs of such institutions; and
``(B) could imperil the financial and administrative
stability of such institutions.
``(6) There is a national interest in remedying the disparities
described in paragraphs (2) and (4) and ensuring that Hispanic
students have an equal opportunity to pursue postsecondary
opportunities.
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to--
``(1) expand educational opportunities for, and improve the
academic attainment of, Hispanic students; and
``(2) expand and enhance the academic offerings, program
quality, and institutional stability of colleges and universities
that are educating the majority of Hispanic college students and
helping large numbers of Hispanic students and other low-income
individuals complete postsecondary degrees.
``(c) Program Authority.--The Secretary shall provide grants and
related assistance to Hispanic-serving institutions to enable such
institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic
students and other low-income individuals.
``SEC. 502. DEFINITIONS; ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) Definitions.--For the purpose of this title:
``(1) Educational and general expenditures.--The term
`educational and general expenditures' means the total amount
expended by an institution for instruction, res
2000
earch, public
service, academic support (including library expenditures), student
services, institutional support, scholarships and fellowships,
operation and maintenance expenditures for the physical plant, and
any mandatory transfers that the institution is required to pay by
law.
``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution'
means--
``(A) an institution of higher education--
``(i) that has an enrollment of needy students as
required by subsection (b);
``(ii) except as provided in section 512(b), the
average educational and general expenditures of which are
low, per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, in
comparison with the average educational and general
expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student
of institutions that offer similar instruction;
``(iii) that is--
``(I) legally authorized to provide, and provides
within the State, an educational program for which the
institution awards a bachelor's degree; or
``(II) a junior or community college;
``(iv) that is accredited by a nationally recognized
accrediting agency or association determined by the
Secretary to be reliable authority as to the quality of
training offered or that is, according to such an agency or
association, making reasonable progress toward
accreditation;
``(v) that meets such other requirements as the
Secretary may prescribe; and
``(vi) that is located in a State; and
``(B) any branch of any institution of higher education
described under subparagraph (A) that by itself satisfies the
requirements contained in clauses (i) and (ii) of such
subparagraph.
For purposes of the determination of whether an institution is an
eligible institution under this paragraph, the factor described
under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be given twice the weight of the
factor described under subparagraph (A)(ii).
``(3) Endowment fund.--The term `endowment fund' means a fund
that--
``(A) is established by State law, by a Hispanic-serving
institution, or by a foundation that is exempt from Federal
income taxation;
``(B) is maintained for the purpose of generating income
for the support of the institution; and
``(C) does not include real estate.
``(4) Full-time equivalent students.--The term `full-time
equivalent students' means the sum of the number of students
enrolled full time at an institution, plus the full-time equivalent
of the number of students enrolled part time (determined on the
basis of the quotient of the sum of the credit hours of all part-
time students divided by 12) at such institution.
``(5) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-serving
institution' means an institution of higher education that--
``(A) is an eligible institution;
``(B) at the time of application, has an enrollment of
undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25
percent Hispanic students; and
``(C) provides assurances that not less than 50 percent of
the institution's Hispanic students are low-income individuals.
``(6) Junior or community college.--The term `junior or
community college' means an institution of higher education--
``(A) that admits as regular students persons who are
beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in
which the institution is located and who have the ability to
benefit from the training offered by the institution;
``(B) that does not provide an educational program for
which the institution awards a bachelor's degree (or an
equivalent degree); and
``(C) that--
``(i) provides an educational program of not less than
2 years in duration that is acceptable for full credit
toward such a degree; or
``(ii) offers a 2-year program in engineering,
mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences,
designed to prepare a student to work as a technician or at
the semiprofessional level in engineering, scientific, or
other technological fields requiring the understanding and
application of basic engineering, scientific, or
mathematical principles of knowledge.
``(7) Low-income individual.--The term `low-income individual'
means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the
preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the
poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established
by the Bureau of the Census.
``(b) Enrollment of Needy Students.--For the purpose of this title,
the term `enrollment of needy students' means an enrollment at an
institution with respect to which--
``(1) at least 50 percent of the degree students so enrolled
are receiving need-based assistance under title IV in the second
fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination
is made (other than loans for which an interest subsidy is paid
pursuant to section 428); or
``(2) a substantial percentage of the students so enrolled are
receiving Federal Pell Grants in the second fiscal year preceding
the fiscal year for which determination is made, compared to the
percentage of students receiving Federal Pell Grants at all such
institutions in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year
for which the determination is made, unless the requirement of this
paragraph is waived under section 512(a).
``SEC. 503. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Types of Activities Authorized.--Grants awarded under this
title shall be used by Hispanic-serving institutions of higher
education to assist the institutions to plan, develop, undertake, and
carry out programs to improve and expand the institutions' capacity to
serve Hispanic students and other low-income students.
``(b) Authorized Activities.--Grants awarded under this section
shall be used for one or more of the following activities:
``(1) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory
equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and
research purposes.
``(2) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and improvement in
classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other instructional
facilities.
``(3) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development,
curriculum development, academic instruction, and faculty
fellowships to assist in attaining advanced degrees in the fellow's
field of instruction.
``(4) Purchase of library books, periodicals, and other
educational materials, including telecommunications program
material.
``(5) Tutoring, counseling, and student service programs
designed to improve academic success.
``(6) Funds management, administrative management, and
acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management.
``(7) Joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and
libraries.
``(8) Establishing or improving a development office to
strengthen or improve contributions from alumni and the private
sector.
``(9) Establishing or improving an endowment fund.
``(10) Creating or improving facilities for Internet or other
distance learning academic instruction capabilities, including
purchase or rental of telecommunications technology equipment or
services.
``(11) Establishing or enhancing a program of teacher education
designed to qualify students to teach in public elementary schools
and secondary scho
2000
ols.
``(12) Establishing community outreach programs that will
encourage elementary school and secondary school students to
develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue
postsecondary education.
``(13) Expanding the number of Hispanic and other
underrepresented graduate and professional students that can be
served by the institution by expanding courses and institutional
resources.
``(14) Other activities proposed in the application submitted
pursuant to section 504 that--
``(A) contribute to carrying out the purposes of this
title; and
``(B) are approved by the Secretary as part of the review
and acceptance of such application.
``(c) Endowment Fund Limitations.--
``(1) Portion of grant.--A Hispanic-serving institution may not
use more than 20 percent of the grant funds provided under this
title for any fiscal year for establishing or improving an
endowment fund.
``(2) Matching required.--A Hispanic-serving institution that
uses any portion of the grant funds provided under this title for
any fiscal year for establishing or improving an endowment fund
shall provide from non-Federal funds an amount equal to or greater
than the portion.
``(3) Comparability.--The provisions of part C of title III
regarding the establishment or increase of an endowment fund, that
the Secretary determines are not inconsistent with this subsection,
shall apply to funds used under paragraph (1).
``SEC. 504. DURATION OF GRANT.
``(a) Award Period.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may award a grant to a
Hispanic-serving institution under this title for 5 years.
``(2) Waitout period.--A Hispanic-serving institution shall not
be eligible to secure a subsequent 5-year grant award under this
title until 2 years have elapsed since the expiration of the
institution's most recent 5-year grant award under this title,
except that for the purpose of this subsection a grant under
section 514(a) shall not be considered a grant under this title.
``(b) Planning Grants.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the
Secretary may award a grant to a Hispanic-serving institution under
this title for a period of 1 year for the purpose of preparation of
plans and applications for a grant under this title.
``SEC. 505. SPECIAL RULE.
``No Hispanic-serving institution that is eligible for and receives
funds under this title may receive funds under part A or B of title III
during the period for which funds under this title are awarded.
``PART B--GENERAL PROVISIONS
``SEC. 511. ELIGIBILITY; APPLICATIONS.
``(a) Institutional Eligibility.--Each Hispanic-serving institution
desiring to receive assistance under this title shall submit to the
Secretary such enrollment data as may be necessary to demonstrate that
the institution is a Hispanic-serving institution as defined in section
502, along with such other data and information as the Secretary may by
regulation require.
``(b) Applications.--
``(1) Applications required.--Any institution which is eligible
for assistance under this title shall submit to the Secretary an
application for assistance at such time, in such form, and
containing such information, as may be necessary to enable the
Secretary to evaluate the institution's need for assistance.
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this
title, the Secretary may approve an application for a grant under
this title only if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the application meets the requirements of subsection
(b); and
``(B) the institution is eligible for assistance in
accordance with the provisions of this title under which the
assistance is sought.
``(2) Preliminary applications.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Secretary may develop a preliminary application for use by
Hispanic-serving institutions applying under this title prior to
the submission of the principal application.
``(c) Contents.--A Hispanic-serving institution, in the
institution's application for a grant, shall--
``(1) set forth, or describe how the institution will develop,
a comprehensive development plan to strengthen the institution's
academic quality and institutional management, and otherwise
provide for institutional self-sufficiency and growth (including
measurable objectives for the institution and the Secretary to use
in monitoring the effectiveness of activities under this title);
``(2) include a 5-year plan for improving the assistance
provided by the Hispanic-serving institution to Hispanic students
and other low-income individuals;
``(3) set forth policies and procedures to ensure that Federal
funds made available under this title for any fiscal year will be
used to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds
that would otherwise be made available for the purposes of section
501(b), and in no case supplant those funds;
``(4) set forth policies and procedures for evaluating the
effectiveness in accomplishing the purpose of the activities for
which a grant is sought under this title;
``(5) provide for such fiscal control and fund accounting
procedures as may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement of and
accounting for funds made available to the institution under this
title;
``(6) provide that the institution will comply with the
limitations set forth in section 516;
``(7) describe in a comprehensive manner any proposed project
for which funds are sought under the application and include--
``(A) a description of the various components of the
proposed project, including the estimated time required to
complete each such component;
``(B) in the case of any development project that consists
of several components (as described by the institution pursuant
to subparagraph (A)), a statement identifying those components
which, if separately funded, would be sound investments of
Federal funds and those components which would be sound
investments of Federal funds only if funded under this title in
conjunction with other parts of the development project (as
specified by the institution);
``(C) an evaluation by the institution of the priority
given any proposed project for which funds are sought in
relation to any other projects for which funds are sought by
the institution under this title, and a similar evaluation
regarding priorities among the components of any single
proposed project (as described by the institution pursuant to
subparagraph (A));
``(D) a detailed budget showing the manner in which funds
for any proposed project would be spent by the institution; and
``(E) a detailed description of any activity which involves
the expenditure of more than $25,000, as identified in the
budget referred to in subparagraph (D);
``(8) provide for making reports, in such form and containing
such information, as the Secretary may require to carry out the
Secretary's functions under this title, including not less than one
report annually setting forth the institution's progress toward
achieving the objectives for which the funds were awarded and for
keeping such records and affording such access to such records, as
the Secretary may find necessary to assure the correctness and
verification of such reports; and
``(9) include such other information as the Secretary may
prescribe.
``(d) Priority.--With respect to applications for assistance under
this section, the Secretary shall give priority to an application that
contains satisfactory evidence that the Hispanic-s
2000
erving institution
has entered into or will enter into a collaborative arrangement with at
least one local educational agency or community-based organization to
provide such agency or organization with assistance (from funds other
than funds provided under this title) in reducing dropout rates for
Hispanic students, improving rates of academic achievement for Hispanic
students, and increasing the rates at which Hispanic secondary school
graduates enroll in higher education.
``(e) Eligibility Data.--The Secretary shall use the most recent
and relevant data concerning the number and percentage of students
receiving need-based assistance under title IV in making eligibility
determinations and shall advance the base-year for the determinations
forward following each annual grant cycle.
``SEC. 512. WAIVER AUTHORITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
``(a) Waiver Requirements; Need-Based Assistance Students.--The
Secretary may waive the requirements set forth in section
502(a)(2)(A)(i) in the case of an institution--
``(1) that is extensively subsidized by the State in which the
institution is located and charges low or no tuition;
``(2) that serves a substantial number of low-income students
as a percentage of the institution's total student population;
``(3) that is contributing substantially to increasing higher
education opportunities for educationally disadvantaged,
underrepresented, or minority students, who are low-income
individuals;
``(4) which is substantially increasing higher educational
opportunities for individuals in rural or other isolated areas
which are unserved by postsecondary institutions; or
``(5) wherever located, if the Secretary determines that the
waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities
appropriate to the needs of Hispanic Americans.
``(b) Waiver Determinations; Expenditures.--
``(1) Waiver determinations.--The Secretary may waive the
requirements set forth in section 502(a)(2)(A)(ii) if the Secretary
determines, based on persuasive evidence submitted by the
institution, that the institution's failure to meet the
requirements is due to factors which, when used in the
determination of compliance with the requirements, distort such
determination, and that the institution's designation as an
eligible institution under part A is otherwise consistent with the
purposes of this title.
``(2) Expenditures.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress
every other year a report concerning the institutions that,
although not satisfying the requirements of section
502(a)(2)(A)(ii), have been determined to be eligible institutions
under part A. Such report shall--
``(A) identify the factors referred to in paragraph (1)
that were considered by the Secretary as factors that distorted
the determination of compliance with clauses (i) and (ii) of
section 502(a)(2)(A); and
``(B) contain a list of each institution determined to be
an eligible institution under part A including a statement of
the reasons for each such determination.
``SEC. 513. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS.
``(a) Review Panel.--All applications submitted under this title by
Hispanic-serving institutions shall be read by a panel of readers
composed of individuals who are selected by the Secretary and who
include individuals representing Hispanic-serving institutions. The
Secretary shall ensure that no individual assigned under this section
to review any application has any conflict of interest with regard to
the application that might impair the impartiality with which the
individual conducts the review under this section.
``(b) Instruction.--All readers selected by the Secretary shall
receive thorough instruction from the Secretary regarding the
evaluation process for applications submitted under this title that are
consistent with the provisions of this title, including--
``(1) an enumeration of the factors to be used to determine the
quality of applications submitted under this title; and
``(2) an enumeration of the factors to be used to determine
whether a grant should be awarded for a project under this title,
the amount of any such grant, and the duration of any such grant.
``(c) Recommendations of Panel.--In awarding grants under this
title, the Secretary shall take into consideration the recommendations
of the panel made under subsection (a).
``(d) Notification.--Not later than June 30 of each year, the
Secretary shall notify each Hispanic-serving institution making an
application under this title of--
``(1) the scores given the institution by the panel pursuant to
this section;
``(2) the recommendations of the panel with respect to such
application; and
``(3) the reasons for the decision of the Secretary in awarding
or refusing to award a grant under this title, and any
modifications, if any, in the recommendations of the panel made by
the Secretary.
``SEC. 514. COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary may make grants to
encourage cooperative arrangements with funds available to carry out
this title, between Hispanic-serving institutions eligible for
assistance under this title, and between such institutions and
institutions not receiving assistance under this title, for the
activities described in section 503 so that the resources of the
cooperating institutions might be combined and shared in order to
achieve the purposes of this title, to avoid costly duplicative
efforts, and to enhance the development of Hispanic-serving
institutions.
``(b) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to grants for
the purposes described under subsection (a) whenever the Secretary
determines that the cooperative arrangement is geographically and
economically sound or will benefit the applicant Hispanic-serving
institution.
``(c) Duration.--Grants to Hispanic-serving institutions having a
cooperative arrangement may be made under this section for a period
determined under section 505.
``SEC. 515. ASSISTANCE TO INSTITUTIONS UNDER OTHER PROGRAMS.
``(a) Assistance Eligibility.--Each Hispanic-serving institution
that the Secretary determines to be an institution eligible under this
title may be eligible for waivers in accordance with subsection (b).
``(b) Waiver Applicability.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to, and in accordance with,
regulations promulgated for the purpose of this section, in the
case of any application by a Hispanic-serving institution referred
to in subsection (a) for assistance under any programs specified in
paragraph (2), the Secretary is authorized, if such application is
otherwise approvable, to waive any requirement for a non-Federal
share of the cost of the program or project, or, to the extent not
inconsistent with other law, to give, or require to be given,
priority consideration of the application in relation to
applications from other institutions.
``(2) Programs.--The provisions of this section shall apply to
any program authorized by title IV or section 604.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not waive, under subsection
(b), the non-Federal share requirement for any program for applications
which, if approved, would require the expenditure of more than 10
percent of the appropriations for the program for any fiscal year.
``SEC. 516. LIMITATIONS.
``The funds appropriated under section 518 may not be used--
``(1) for a school or department of divinity or any religious
worship or sectarian activity;
``(2) for an activity that is inconsistent with a State plan
for desegregation of higher education applicable to a Hispanic-
serving institution;
``(3) for an activity that is inconsistent with a State plan of
higher education applicable to a Hispanic-serving institution; or
``(4) for purpo
2000
ses other than the purposes set forth in the
approved application under which the funds were made available to a
Hispanic-serving institution.
``SEC. 517. PENALTIES.
``Whoever, being an officer, director, agent, or employee of, or
connected in any capacity with, any recipient of Federal financial
assistance or grant pursuant to this title embezzles, willfully
misapplies, steals, or obtains by fraud any of the funds that are the
subject of such grant or assistance, shall be fined not more than
$10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
``SEC. 518. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Authorizations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this title $62,500,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as
may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``(b) Use of Multiple Year Awards.--In the event of a multiple year
award to any Hispanic-serving institution under this title, the
Secretary shall make funds available for such award from funds
appropriated for this title for the fiscal year in which such funds are
to be used by the institution.''.
TITLE VI--INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 601. INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES.
Part A of title VI (20 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended to read as
follows:
``PART A--INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES
``SEC. 601. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
``(1) The security, stability, and economic vitality of the
United States in a complex global era depend upon American experts
in and citizens knowledgeable about world regions, foreign
languages, and international affairs, as well as upon a strong
research base in these areas.
``(2) Advances in communications technology and the growth of
regional and global problems make knowledge of other countries and
the ability to communicate in other languages more essential to the
promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation among nations and
their peoples.
``(3) Dramatic post-Cold War changes in the world's
geopolitical and economic landscapes are creating needs for
American expertise and knowledge about a greater diversity of less
commonly taught foreign languages and nations of the world.
``(4) Systematic efforts are necessary to enhance the capacity
of institutions of higher education in the United States for--
``(A) producing graduates with international and foreign
language expertise and knowledge; and
``(B) research regarding such expertise and knowledge.
``(5) Cooperative efforts among the Federal Government,
institutions of higher education, and the private sector are
necessary to promote the generation and dissemination of
information about world regions, foreign languages, and
international affairs throughout education, government, business,
civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this part are--
``(1)(A) to support centers, programs, and fellowships in
institutions of higher education in the United States for producing
increased numbers of trained personnel and research in foreign
languages, area studies, and other international studies;
``(B) to develop a pool of international experts to meet
national needs;
``(C) to develop and validate specialized materials and
techniques for foreign language acquisition and fluency,
emphasizing (but not limited to) the less commonly taught
languages;
``(D) to promote access to research and training overseas; and
``(E) to advance the internationalization of a variety of
disciplines throughout undergraduate and graduate education;
``(2) to support cooperative efforts promoting access to and
the dissemination of international and foreign language knowledge,
teaching materials, and research, throughout education, government,
business, civic, and nonprofit sectors in the United States,
through the use of advanced technologies; and
``(3) to coordinate the programs of the Federal Government in
the areas of foreign language, area studies, and other
international studies, including professional international affairs
education and research.
``SEC. 602. GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE LANGUAGE AND AREA CENTERS AND
PROGRAMS.
``(a) National Language and Area Centers and Programs Authorized.--
``(1) Centers and programs.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized--
``(i) to make grants to institutions of higher
education, or combinations thereof, for the purpose of
establishing, strengthening, and operating comprehensive
foreign language and area or international studies centers
and programs; and
``(ii) to make grants to such institutions or
combinations for the purpose of establishing,
strengthening, and operating a diverse network of
undergraduate foreign language and area or international
studies centers and programs.
``(B) National resources.--The centers and programs
referred to in paragraph (1) shall be national resources for--
``(i) teaching of any modern foreign language;
``(ii) instruction in fields needed to provide full
understanding of areas, regions, or countries in which such
language is commonly used;
``(iii) research and training in international studies,
and the international and foreign language aspects of
professional and other fields of study; and
``(iv) instruction and research on issues in world
affairs that concern one or more countries.
``(2) Authorized activities.--Any such grant may be used to pay
all or part of the cost of establishing or operating a center or
program, including the cost of--
``(A) teaching and research materials;
``(B) curriculum planning and development;
``(C) establishing and maintaining linkages with overseas
institutions of higher education and other organizations that
may contribute to the teaching and research of the center or
program;
``(D) bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the center
to teach or to conduct research;
``(E) professional development of the center's faculty and
staff;
``(F) projects conducted in cooperation with other centers
addressing themes of world regional, cross-regional,
international, or global importance;
``(G) summer institutes in the United States or abroad
designed to provide language and area training in the center's
field or topic; and
``(H) support for faculty, staff, and student travel in
foreign areas, regions, or countries, and for the development
and support of educational programs abroad for students.
``(3) Grants to maintain library collections.--The Secretary
may make grants to centers described in paragraph (1) having
important library collections, as determined by the Secretary, for
the maintenance of such collections.
``(4) Outreach grants and summer institutes.--The Secretary may
make additional grants to centers described in paragraph (1) for
any one or more of the following purposes:
``(A) Programs of linkage or outreach between foreign
language, area studies, or other international fields, and
professional schools and colleges.
``(B) Programs of linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year
colleges and universities.
``(C) Programs of linkage or outreach with departments or
agencies of Federal and State governments.
``(D) Programs of linkage or outreach with the news media,
2000
business, professional, or trade associations.
``(E) Summer institutes in foreign area, foreign language,
and other international fields designed to carry out the
programs of linkage and outreach described in subparagraphs
(A), (B), (C), and (D).
``(b) Graduate Fellowships for Foreign Language and Area or
International Studies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants
to institutions of higher education or combinations of such
institutions for the purpose of paying stipends to individuals
undergoing advanced training in any center or program approved by
the Secretary.
``(2) Eligible students.--Students receiving stipends described
in paragraph (1) shall be individuals who are engaged in an
instructional program with stated performance goals for functional
foreign language use or in a program developing such performance
goals, in combination with area studies, international studies, or
the international aspects of a professional studies program,
including predissertation level studies, preparation for
dissertation research, dissertation research abroad, and
dissertation writing.
``(c) Special Rule With Respect to Travel.--No funds may be
expended under this part for undergraduate travel except in accordance
with rules prescribed by the Secretary setting forth policies and
procedures to assure that Federal funds made available for such travel
are expended as part of a formal program of supervised study.
``(d) Allowances.--Stipends awarded to graduate level recipients
may include allowances for dependents and for travel for research and
study in the United States and abroad.
``SEC. 603. LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTERS.
``(a) Language Resource Centers Authorized.--The Secretary is
authorized to make grants to and enter into contracts with institutions
of higher education, or combinations of such institutions, for the
purpose of establishing, strengthening, and operating a small number of
national language resource and training centers, which shall serve as
resources to improve the capacity to teach and learn foreign languages
effectively.
``(b) Authorized Activities.--The activities carried out by the
centers described in subsection (a)--
``(1) shall include effective dissemination efforts, whenever
appropriate; and
``(2) may include--
``(A) the conduct and dissemination of research on new and
improved teaching methods, including the use of advanced
educational technology;
``(B) the development and dissemination of new teaching
materials reflecting the use of such research in effective
teaching strategies;
``(C) the development, application, and dissemination of
performance testing appropriate to an educational setting for
use as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in
all languages;
``(D) the training of teachers in the administration and
interpretation of performance tests, the use of effective
teaching strategies, and the use of new technologies;
``(E) a significant focus on the teaching and learning
needs of the less commonly taught languages, including an
assessment of the strategic needs of the United States, the
determination of ways to meet those needs nationally, and the
publication and dissemination of instructional materials in the
less commonly taught languages;
``(F) the development and dissemination of materials
designed to serve as a resource for foreign language teachers
at the elementary and secondary school levels; and
``(G) the operation of intensive summer language institutes
to train advanced foreign language students, to provide
professional development, and to improve language instruction
through preservice and inservice language training for
teachers.
``(c) Conditions for Grants.--Grants under this section shall be
made on such conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary to
carry out the provisions of this section.
``SEC. 604. UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE
PROGRAMS.
``(a) Incentives for the Creation of New Programs and the
Strengthening of Existing Programs in Undergraduate International
Studies and Foreign Language Programs.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants to
institutions of higher education, combinations of such
institutions, or partnerships between nonprofit educational
organizations and institutions of higher education, to assist such
institutions, combinations or partnerships in planning, developing,
and carrying out programs to improve undergraduate instruction in
international studies and foreign languages. Such grants shall be
awarded to institutions, combinations or partnerships seeking to
create new programs or to strengthen existing programs in foreign
languages, area studies, and other international fields.
``(2) Use of funds.--Grants made under this section may be used
for Federal share of the cost of projects and activities which are
an integral part of such a program, such as--
``(A) planning for the development and expansion of
undergraduate programs in international studies and foreign
languages;
``(B) teaching, research, curriculum development, faculty
training in the United States or abroad, and other related
activities, including--
``(i) the expansion of library and teaching resources;
and
``(ii) preservice and inservice teacher training;
``(C) expansion of opportunities for learning foreign
languages, including less commonly taught languages;
``(D) programs under which foreign teachers and scholars
may visit institutions as visiting faculty;
``(E) programs designed to develop or enhance linkages
between 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, or
baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate programs or institutions;
``(F) the development of undergraduate educational
programs--
``(i) in locations abroad where such opportunities are
not otherwise available or that serve students for whom
such opportunities are not otherwise available; and
``(ii) that provide courses that are closely related to
on-campus foreign language and international curricula;
``(G) the integration of new and continuing education
abroad opportunities for undergraduate students into curricula
of specific degree programs;
``(H) the development of model programs to enrich or
enhance the effectiveness of educational programs abroad,
including predeparture and postreturn programs, and the
integration of educational programs abroad into the curriculum
of the home institution;
``(I) the development of programs designed to integrate
professional and technical education with foreign languages,
area studies, and other international fields;
``(J) the establishment of linkages overseas with
institutions of higher education and organizations that
contribute to the educational programs assisted under this
subsection;
``(K) the conduct of summer institutes in foreign area,
foreign language, and other international fields to provide
faculty and curriculum development, including the integration
of professional and technical education with foreign area and
other international studies, and to provide foreign area and
other international knowledge or skills to government personnel
or private sector professionals in international activities;
2000
``(L) the development of partnerships between--
``(i) institutions of higher education; and
``(ii) the private sector, government, or elementary
and secondary education institutions,
in order to enhance international knowledge and skills; and
``(M) the use of innovative technology to increase access
to international education programs.
``(3) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the cost of
the programs assisted under this subsection--
``(A) may be provided in cash from the private sector
corporations or foundations in an amount equal to one-third of
the total cost of the programs assisted under this section; or
``(B) may be provided as an in-cash or in-kind contribution
from institutional and noninstitutional funds, including State
and private sector corporation or foundation contributions,
equal to one-half of the total cost of the programs assisted
under this section.
``(4) Special rule.--The Secretary may waive or reduce the
required non-Federal share for institutions that--
``(A) are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B
of title III or under title V; and
``(B) have submitted a grant application under this
section.
``(5) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to applications from institutions of
higher education, combinations or partnerships that require
entering students to have successfully completed at least 2 years
of secondary school foreign language instruction or that require
each graduating student to earn 2 years of postsecondary credit in
a foreign language (or have demonstrated equivalent competence in
the foreign language) or, in the case of a 2-year degree granting
institution, offer 2 years of postsecondary credit in a foreign
language.
``(6) Grant conditions.--Grants under this subsection shall be
made on such conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary
to carry out this subsection.
``(7) Application.--Each application for assistance under this
subsection shall include--
``(A) evidence that the applicant has conducted extensive
planning prior to submitting the application;
``(B) an assurance that the faculty and administrators of
all relevant departments and programs served by the applicant
are involved in ongoing collaboration with regard to achieving
the stated objectives of the application;
``(C) an assurance that students at the applicant
institutions, as appropriate, will have equal access to, and
derive benefits from, the program assisted under this
subsection; and
``(D) an assurance that each institution, combination or
partnership will use the Federal assistance provided under this
subsection to supplement and not supplant non-Federal funds the
institution expends for programs to improve undergraduate
instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
``(8) Evaluation.--The Secretary may establish requirements for
program evaluations and require grant recipients to submit annual
reports that evaluate the progress and performance of students
participating in programs assisted under this subsection.
``(b) Programs of National Significance.--The Secretary may also
award grants to public and private nonprofit agencies and
organizations, including professional and scholarly associations,
whenever the Secretary determines such grants will make an especially
significant contribution to improving undergraduate international
studies and foreign language programs.
``(c) Funding Support.--The Secretary may use not more than 10
percent of the total amount appropriated for this part for carrying out
the purposes of this section.
``SEC. 605. RESEARCH; STUDIES; ANNUAL REPORT.
``(a) Authorized Activities.--The Secretary may, directly or
through grants or contracts, conduct research and studies that
contribute to achieving the purposes of this part. Such research and
studies may include--
``(1) studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or
improved instruction in foreign language, area studies, or other
international fields, including the demand for foreign language,
area, and other international specialists in government, education,
and the private sector;
``(2) studies and surveys to assess the utilization of
graduates of programs supported under this title by governmental,
educational, and private sector organizations and other studies
assessing the outcomes and effectiveness of programs so supported;
``(3) evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under
this title that address national needs would not otherwise be
offered;
``(4) comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to
provide international capabilities at institutions of higher
education;
``(5) research on more effective methods of providing
instruction and achieving competency in foreign languages, area
studies, or other international fields;
``(6) the development and publication of specialized materials
for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international
fields, or for training foreign language, area, and other
international specialists;
``(7) studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign
language, area studies, and international studies programs;
``(8) studies and evaluations of effective practices in the
dissemination of international information, materials, research,
teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the
education community, including elementary and secondary schools;
and
``(9) the application of performance tests and standards across
all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use.
``(b) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall prepare, publish, and
announce an annual report listing the books and research materials
produced with assistance under this section.
``SEC. 606. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND COOPERATION FOR FOREIGN
INFORMATION ACCESS.
``(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants to
institutions of higher education, public or nonprofit private
libraries, or consortia of such institutions or libraries, to develop
innovative techniques or programs using new electronic technologies to
collect, organize, preserve, and widely disseminate information on
world regions and countries other than the United States that address
our Nation's teaching and research needs in international education and
foreign languages.
``(b) Authorized Activities.--Grants under this section may be
used--
``(1) to facilitate access to or preserve foreign information
resources in print or electronic forms;
``(2) to develop new means of immediate, full-text document
delivery for information and scholarship from abroad;
``(3) to develop new means of shared electronic access to
international data;
``(4) to support collaborative projects of indexing,
cataloging, and other means of bibliographic access for scholars to
important research materials published or distributed outside the
United States;
``(5) to develop methods for the wide dissemination of
resources written in non-Roman language alphabets;
``(6) to assist teachers of less commonly taught languages in
acquiring, via electronic and other means, materials suitable for
classroom use; and
``(7) to promote collaborative technology based projects in
foreign languages, area studies, and international studies among
grant recipients under this title.
``(c) Application.--Each institution or consortium desiring a grant
under thi
2000
s section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information and
assurances as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(d) Match Required.--The Federal share of the total cost of
carrying out a program supported by a grant under this section shall
not be more than 66\2/3\ percent. The non-Federal share of such cost
may be provided either in-kind or in cash, and may include
contributions from private sector corporations or foundations.''.
``SEC. 607. SELECTION OF CERTAIN GRANT RECIPIENTS.
``(a) Competitive Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants under
section 602 competitively on the basis of criteria that separately, but
not less rigorously, evaluates the applications for comprehensive and
undergraduate language and area centers and programs.
``(b) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall set criteria for
grants awarded under section 602 by which a determination of excellence
shall be made to meet the differing objectives of graduate and
undergraduate institutions.
``(c) Equitable Distribution of Grants.--The Secretary shall, to
the extent practicable, award grants under this part (other than
section 602) in such manner as to achieve an equitable distribution of
the grant funds throughout the United States, based on the merit of a
proposal as determined pursuant to a peer review process involving
broadly representative professionals.
``SEC. 608. EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN FUNDS.
``(a) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall make excellence the
criterion for selection of grants awarded under section 602.
``(b) Equitable Distribution.--To the extent practicable and
consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary shall award
grants under this part (other than section 602) in such a manner as
will achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the United
States.
``(c) Support for Undergraduate Education.--The Secretary shall
also award grants under this part in such manner as to ensure that an
appropriate portion of the funds appropriated for this part (as
determined by the Secretary) are used to support undergraduate
education.
``SEC. 609. AMERICAN OVERSEAS RESEARCH CENTERS.
``(a) Centers Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to make
grants to and enter into contracts with any American overseas research
center that is a consortium of institutions of higher education
(hereafter in this section referred to as a ``center'') to enable such
center to promote postgraduate research, exchanges and area studies.
``(b) Use of Grants.--Grants made and contracts entered into
pursuant to this section may be used to pay all or a portion of the
cost of establishing or operating a center or program, including--
``(1) the cost of faculty and staff stipends and salaries;
``(2) the cost of faculty, staff, and student travel;
``(3) the cost of the operation and maintenance of overseas
facilities;
``(4) the cost of teaching and research materials;
``(5) the cost of acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of
library collections;
``(6) the cost of bringing visiting scholars and faculty to a
center to teach or to conduct research;
``(7) the cost of organizing and managing conferences; and
``(8) the cost of publication and dissemination of material for
the scholarly and general public.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall only award grants to and
enter into contracts with centers under this section that--
``(1) receive more than 50 percent of their funding from public
or private United States sources;
``(2) have a permanent presence in the country in which the
center is located; and
``(3) are organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are exempt from taxation under
section 501(a) of such Code.
``(d) Development Grants.--The Secretary is authorized to make
grants for the establishment of new centers. The grants may be used to
fund activities that, within 1 year, will result in the creation of a
center described in subsection (c).
``SEC. 610. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
$80,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
SEC. 602. BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Amendment to Heading.--The heading for section 611 (20 U.S.C.
1130) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 611. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.''.
(b) Centers.--Section 612 (20 U.S.C. 1130-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``advanced''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``evening or
summer''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``foreign language
studies,'' after ``area studies,''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2)(G), by inserting ``, such as a
representative of a community college in the region served by the
center'' before the period.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 614 (20 U.S.C. 1130b)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1999''.
SEC. 603. INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY.
(a) Minority Foreign Service Professional Development Program.--
Section 621(e) (20 U.S.C. 1131(e)) is amended by striking ``one-
fourth'' and inserting ``one-half''.
(b) Institutional Development.--Part C of title VI (20 U.S.C. 1131
et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 622 through 627 (20 U.S.C. 1131a
through 1131f) as sections 623 through 628, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 621 (20 U.S.C. 1131) the
following:
``SEC. 622. INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Institute shall award grants, from amounts
available to the Institute for each fiscal year, to historically Black
colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally
Controlled Colleges or Universities, and minority institutions, to
enable such colleges, universities, and institutions to strengthen
international affairs programs.
``(b) Application.--No grant may be made by the Institute unless an
application is made by the college, university, or institution at such
time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the
Institute may require.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `historically Black college and university' has
the meaning given the term in section 322;
``(2) the term `Hispanic-serving institution' has the meaning
given the term in section 502;
``(3) the term `Tribally Controlled College or University' has
the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled
College or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801); and
``(4) the term `minority institution' has the meaning given the
term in section 365.''.
(c) Study Abroad Program.--Section 623 (as redesignated by
subsection(b)(1)) (20 U.S.C. 1131a)--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``junior year'' and
inserting ``study'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by inserting ``, or completing the third year of study
in the case of a summer abroad program,'' after ``study''; and
(B) by striking ``junior year'' and inserting ``study'';
and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``junior year'' and inserting ``study'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``junior year'' and
inserting ``study''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``one-half'' and inserting ``one-
third''; and
(ii) by striking ``junior year'' and inserting
``study''.
2000
(d) Internships.--Section 625 (as redesignated by subsection
(b)(1)) (20 U.S.C. 1132c)--
(1) by striking ``The Institute'' and inserting ``(a) In
General.--The Institute''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Postbaccalaureate Internships.--The Institute shall enter
into agreements with institutions of higher education described in the
first sentence of subsection (a) to conduct internships for students
who have completed study for a baccalaureate degree. The internship
program authorized by this subsection shall--
``(1) assist the students to prepare for a master's degree
program;
``(2) be carried out with the assistance of the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars;
``(3) contain work experience for the students designed to
contribute to the students' preparation for a master's degree
program; and
``(4) be assisted by the Interagency Committee on Minority
Careers in International Affairs established under subsection (c).
``(c) Interagency Committee on Minority Careers in International
Affairs.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the executive
branch of the Federal Government an Interagency Committee on
Minority Careers in International Affairs composed of not less than
7 members, including--
``(A) the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services of the Department of Agriculture, or the Under
Secretary's designee;
``(B) the Assistant Secretary and Director General, of the
United States and Foreign Commercial Service of the Department
of Commerce, or the Assistant Secretary and Director General's
designee;
``(C) the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness of the Department of Defense, or the Under
Secretary's designee;
``(D) the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education
in the Department of Education, or the Assistant Secretary's
designee;
``(E) the Director General of the Foreign Service of the
Department of State, or the Director General's designee;
``(F) the General Counsel of the Agency for International
Development, or the General Counsel's designee; and
``(G) the Associate Director for Educational and Cultural
Affairs of the United States Information Agency, or the
Associate Director's designee.
``(2) Functions.--The Interagency Committee established by this
section shall--
``(A) on an annual basis inform the Secretary and the
Institute regarding ways to advise students participating in
the internship program assisted under this section with respect
to goals for careers in international affairs;
``(B) locate for students potential internship
opportunities in the Federal Government related to
international affairs; and
``(C) promote policies in each department and agency
participating in the Committee that are designed to carry out
the objectives of this part.''.
(f) Conforming Amendment.--Section 627 (as redesignated by
subsection (b)(1)) (20 U.S.C. 1131e) is amended by striking ``625'' and
inserting ``626''.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 628 (as redesignated
by subsection (b)(1)) (20 U.S.C. 1131f), by striking ``1993'' and
inserting ``1999''.
SEC. 604. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 631(a) (20 U.S.C. 1132(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
``(9) the term `educational programs abroad' means programs of
study, internships, or service learning outside the United States
which are part of a foreign language or other international
curriculum at the undergraduate or graduate education levels.''.
(b) Repeal.--Section 632 (20 U.S.C. 1132-1) is repealed.
TITLE VII--GRADUATE AND POSTSECONDARY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
SEC. 701. REVISION OF TITLE VII.
Title VII (20 U.S.C. 1132a et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``TITLE VII--GRADUATE AND POSTSECONDARY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
``SEC. 700. PURPOSE.
``It is the purpose of this title--
``(1) to authorize national graduate fellowship programs--
``(A) in order to attract students of superior ability and
achievement, exceptional promise, and demonstrated financial
need, into high-quality graduate programs and provide the
students with the financial support necessary to complete
advanced degrees; and
``(B) that are designed to--
``(i) sustain and enhance the capacity for graduate
education in areas of national need; and
``(ii) encourage talented students to pursue scholarly
careers in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts;
and
``(2) to promote postsecondary programs.
``PART A--GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
``Subpart 1--Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program
``SEC. 701. AWARD OF JACOB K. JAVITS FELLOWSHIPS.
``(a) Authority and Timing of Awards.--The Secretary is authorized
to award fellowships in accordance with the provisions of this subpart
for graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences by
students of superior ability selected on the basis of demonstrated
achievement, financial need, and exceptional promise. The fellowships
shall be awarded to students who are eligible to receive any grant,
loan, or work assistance pursuant to section 484 and intend to pursue a
doctoral degree, except that fellowships may be granted to students
pursuing a master's degree in those fields in which the master's degree
is the terminal highest degree awarded in the area of study. All funds
appropriated in a fiscal year shall be obligated and expended to the
students for fellowships for use in the academic year beginning after
July 1 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the funds
were appropriated. The fellowships shall be awarded for only 1 academic
year of study and shall be renewable for a period not to exceed 4 years
of study.
``(b) Designation of Fellows.--Students receiving awards under this
subpart shall be known as `Jacob K. Javits Fellows'.
``(c) Interruptions of Study.--The institution of higher education
may allow a fellowship recipient to interrupt periods of study for a
period not to exceed 12 months for the purpose of work, travel, or
independent study away from the campus, if such independent study is
supportive of the fellowship recipient's academic program and shall
continue payments for those 12-month periods during which the student
is pursuing travel or independent study supportive of the recipient's
academic program.
``(d) Process and Timing of Competition.--The Secretary shall make
applications for fellowships under this part available not later than
October 1 of the academic year preceding the academic year for which
fellowships will be awarded, and shall announce the recipients of
fellowships under this section not later than March 1 of the academic
year preceding the academic year for which the fellowships are awarded.
``(e) Authority To Contract.--The Secretary is authorized to enter
into a contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer the program
assisted under this part if the Secretary determines that entering into
the contract is an efficient means of carrying out the program.
``SEC. 702. ALLOCATION OF FELLOWSHIPS.
``(a) Fellowship Board.--
``(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint a Jacob K.
Javits Fellows Program Fellowship Board (hereinafter in this
subpart referred to as the `Board') consisting of 9 individuals
representative of both public and private institutions of higher
education who are
2000
especially qualified to serve on the Board. In
making appointments, the Secretary shall give due consideration to
the appointment of individuals who are highly respected in the
academic community. The Secretary shall assure that individuals
appointed to the Board are broadly representative of a range of
disciplines in graduate education in arts, humanities, and social
sciences.
``(2) Duties.--The Board shall--
``(A) establish general policies for the program
established by this subpart and oversee the program's
operation;
``(B) establish general criteria for the award of
fellowships in academic fields identified by the Board, or, in
the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a
nongovernmental entity to administer the program assisted under
this subpart, by such nongovernmental entity;
``(C) appoint panels of academic scholars with
distinguished backgrounds in the arts, humanities, and social
sciences for the purpose of selecting fellows, except that, in
the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a
nongovernmental entity to administer the program, such panels
may be appointed by such nongovernmental entity; and
``(D) prepare and submit to the Congress at least once in
every 3-year period a report on any modifications in the
program that the Board determines are appropriate.
``(3) Consultations.--In carrying out its responsibilities, the
Board shall consult on a regular basis with representatives of the
National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the
Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and
representatives of institutions of higher education and
associations of such institutions, learned societies, and
professional organizations.
``(4) Term.--The term of office of each member of the Board
shall be 4 years, except that any member appointed to fill a
vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the
predecessor of the member was appointed. No member may serve for a
period in excess of 6 years.
``(5) Initial meeting; vacancy.--The Secretary shall call the
first meeting of the Board, at which the first order of business
shall be the election of a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson, who
shall serve until 1 year after the date of the appointment of the
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Thereafter each officer shall be
elected for a term of 2 years. In case a vacancy occurs in either
office, the Board shall elect an individual from among the members
of the Board to fill such vacancy.
``(6) Quorum; additional meetings.--(A) A majority of the
members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
``(B) The Board shall meet at least once a year or more
frequently, as may be necessary, to carry out the Board's
responsibilities.
``(7) Compensation.--Members of the Board, while serving on the
business of the Board, shall be entitled to receive compensation at
rates fixed by the Secretary, but not exceeding the rate of basic
pay payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule, including
travel time, and while so serving away from their homes or regular
places of business, the members may be allowed travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section
5703 of title 5, United States Code, for persons in Government
service employed intermittently.
``(b) Use of Selection Panels.--The recipients of fellowships shall
be selected in each designated field from among all applicants
nationwide in each field by distinguished panels appointed by the Board
to make such selections under criteria established by the Board, except
that, in the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a
nongovernmental entity to administer the program, such panels may be
appointed by such nongovernmental entity. The number of recipients in
each field in each year shall not exceed the number of fellows
allocated to that field for that year by the Board.
``(c) Fellowship Portability.--Each recipient shall be entitled to
use the fellowship in a graduate program at any accredited institution
of higher education in which the recipient may decide to enroll.
``SEC. 703. STIPENDS.
``(a) Award by Secretary.--The Secretary shall pay to individuals
awarded fellowships under this subpart such stipends as the Secretary
may establish, reflecting the purpose of this program to encourage
highly talented students to undertake graduate study as described in
this subpart. In the case of an individual who receives such
individual's first stipend under this subpart in academic year 1999-
2000 or any succeeding academic year, such stipend shall be set at a
level of support equal to that provided by the National Science
Foundation graduate fellowships, except such amount shall be adjusted
as necessary so as not to exceed the fellow's demonstrated level of
need determined in accordance with part F of title IV.
``(b) Institutional Payments.--
``(1) In general.--(A) The Secretary shall (in addition to
stipends paid to individuals under this subpart) pay to the
institution of higher education, for each individual awarded a
fellowship under this subpart at such institution, an institutional
allowance. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), such allowance
shall be, for 1999-2000 and succeeding academic years, the same
amount as the institutional payment made for 1998-1999 under
section 933(b) (as such section was in effect on the day before the
date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998)
adjusted for 1999-2000 and annually thereafter in accordance with
inflation as determined by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price
Index for the previous calendar year.
``(B) The institutional allowance paid under subparagraph (A)
shall be reduced by the amount the institution charges and collects
from a fellowship recipient for tuition and other expenses as part
of the recipient's instructional program.
``(2) Special rules.--(A) Beginning March 1, 1992, any
applicant for a fellowship under this subpart who has been notified
in writing by the Secretary that such applicant has been selected
to receive such a fellowship and is subsequently notified that the
fellowship award has been withdrawn, shall receive such fellowship
unless the Secretary subsequently makes a determination that such
applicant submitted fraudulent information on the application.
``(B) Subject to the availability of appropriations, amounts
payable to an institution by the Secretary pursuant to this
subsection shall not be reduced for any purpose other than the
purposes specified under paragraph (1).
``SEC. 704. FELLOWSHIP CONDITIONS.
``(a) Requirements for Receipt.--An individual awarded a fellowship
under the provisions of this subpart shall continue to receive payments
provided in section 703 only during such periods as the Secretary finds
that such individual is maintaining satisfactory proficiency in, and
devoting essentially full time to, study or research in the field in
which such fellowship was awarded, in an institution of higher
education, and is not engaging in gainful employment other than part-
time employment by such institution in teaching, research, or similar
activities, approved by the Secretary.
``(b) Reports From Recipients.--The Secretary is authorized to
require reports containing such information in such form and filed at
such times as the Secretary determines necessary from any person
awarded a fellowship under the provisions of this subpart. The reports
shall be accompanied by a certificate from an appropriate official at
the institution of higher education, library, archive, or other
research center approved by the Secretary, sta
2000
ting that such individual
is making satisfactory progress in, and is devoting essentially full
time to the program for which the fellowship was awarded.
``SEC. 705. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal
year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years to carry out this subpart.
``Subpart 2--Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
``SEC. 711. GRANTS TO ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS OF
INSTITUTIONS.
``(a) Grant Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to academic
departments, programs and other academic units of institutions of
higher education that provide courses of study leading to a
graduate degree in order to enable such institutions to provide
assistance to graduate students in accordance with this subpart.
``(2) Additional grants.--The Secretary may also make grants to
such departments, programs and other academic units of institutions
of higher education granting graduate degrees which submit joint
proposals involving nondegree granting institutions which have
formal arrangements for the support of doctoral dissertation
research with degree-granting institutions. Nondegree granting
institutions eligible for awards as part of such joint proposals
include any organization which--
``(A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and is exempt from tax under section
501(a) of such Code;
``(B) is organized and operated substantially to conduct
scientific and cultural research and graduate training
programs;
``(C) is not a private foundation;
``(D) has academic personnel for instruction and counseling
who meet the standards of the institution of higher education
in which the students are enrolled; and
``(E) has necessary research resources not otherwise
readily available in such institutions to such students.
``(b) Award and Duration of Grants.--
``(1) Awards.--The principal criterion for the award of grants
shall be the relative quality of the graduate programs presented in
competing applications. Consistent with an allocation of awards
based on quality of competing applications, the Secretary shall, in
awarding such grants, promote an equitable geographic distribution
among eligible public and private institutions of higher education.
``(2)Duration and Amount.--
``(A) Duration.--The Secretary shall award a grant under
this subpart for a period of 3 years.
``(B) Amount.--The Secretary shall award a grant to an
academic department, program or unit of an institution of
higher education under this subpart for a fiscal year in an
amount that is not less than $100,000 and not greater than
$750,000.
``(3) Reallotment.--Whenever the Secretary determines that an
academic department, program or unit of an institution of higher
education is unable to use all of the amounts available to the
department, program or unit under this subpart, the Secretary
shall, on such dates during each fiscal year as the Secretary may
fix, reallot the amounts not needed to academic departments,
programs and units of institutions which can use the grants
authorized by this subpart.
``(c) Preference To Continuing Grant Recipients.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make new grant awards
under this subpart only to the extent that each previous grant
recipient under this subpart has received continued funding in
accordance with subsection (b)(2)(A).
``(2) Ratable reduction.--To the extent that appropriations
under this subpart are insufficient to comply with paragraph (1),
available funds shall be distributed by ratably reducing the
amounts required to be awarded under subsection (b)(2)(A).
``SEC. 712. INSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) Eligibility Criteria.--Any academic department, program or
unit of an institution of higher education that offers a program of
postbaccalaureate study leading to a graduate degree in an area of
national need (as designated under subsection (b)) may apply for a
grant under this subpart. No department, program or unit shall be
eligible for a grant unless the program of postbaccalaureate study has
been in existence for at least 4 years at the time of application for
assistance under this subpart.
``(b) Designation of Areas of National Need.--After consultation
with appropriate Federal and nonprofit agencies and organizations, the
Secretary shall designate areas of national need. In making such
designations, the Secretary shall take into account the extent to which
the interest in the area is compelling, the extent to which other
Federal programs support postbaccalaureate study in the area concerned,
and an assessment of how the program could achieve the most significant
impact with available resources.
``SEC. 713. CRITERIA FOR APPLICATIONS.
``(a) Selection of Applications.--The Secretary shall make grants
to academic departments, programs and units of institutions of higher
education on the basis of applications submitted in accordance with
subsection (b). Applications shall be ranked on program quality by
review panels of nationally recognized scholars and evaluated on the
quality and effectiveness of the academic program and the achievement
and promise of the students to be served. To the extent possible
(consistent with other provisions of this section), the Secretary shall
make awards that are consistent with recommendations of the review
panels.
``(b) Contents of Applications.--An academic department, program or
unit of an institution of higher education, in the department, program
or unit's application for a grant, shall--
``(1) describe the current academic program of the applicant
for which the grant is sought;
``(2) provide assurances that the applicant will provide, from
other non-Federal sources, for the purposes of the fellowship
program under this subpart an amount equal to at least 25 percent
of the amount of the grant received under this subpart, which
contribution may be in cash or in kind, fairly valued;
``(3) set forth policies and procedures to assure that, in
making fellowship awards under this subpart, the institution will
seek talented students from traditionally underrepresented
backgrounds, as determined by the Secretary;
``(4) describe the number, types, and amounts of the
fellowships that the applicant intends to offer with grant funds
provided under this part;
``(5) set forth policies and procedures to assure that, in
making fellowship awards under this subpart, the institution will
make awards to individuals who--
``(A) have financial need, as determined under part F of
title IV;
``(B) have excellent academic records in their previous
programs of study; and
``(C) plan to pursue the highest possible degree available
in their course of study;
``(6) set forth policies and procedures to ensure that Federal
funds made available under this subpart for any fiscal year will be
used to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds
that would otherwise be made available for the purpose of this
subpart and in no case to supplant those funds;
``(7) provide assurances that, in the event that funds made
available to the academic department, program or unit under this
subpart are insufficient to provide the assistance due a student
under the commitment entered into between the academic department,
program or unit and the student, the academic department, program
or unit will, from any funds available to the department, program
or unit, fulfill the commi
2000
tment to the student;
``(8) provide that the applicant will comply with the
limitations set forth in section 715;
``(9) provide assurances that the academic department will
provide at least 1 year of supervised training in instruction for
students; and
``(10) include such other information as the Secretary may
prescribe.
``SEC. 714. AWARDS TO GRADUATE STUDENTS.
``(a) Commitments to Graduate Students.--
``(1) In general.--An academic department, program or unit of
an institution of higher education shall make commitments to
graduate students who are eligible students under section 484
(including students pursuing a doctoral degree after having
completed a master's degree program at an institution of higher
education) at any point in their graduate study to provide stipends
for the length of time necessary for a student to complete the
course of graduate study, but in no case longer than 5 years.
``(2) Special rule.--No such commitments shall be made to
students under this subpart unless the academic department, program
or unit has determined adequate funds are available to fulfill the
commitment from funds received or anticipated under this subpart,
or from institutional funds.
``(b) Amount of Stipends.--The Secretary shall make payments to
institutions of higher education for the purpose of paying stipends to
individuals who are awarded fellowships under this subpart. The
stipends the Secretary establishes shall reflect the purpose of the
program under this subpart to encourage highly talented students to
undertake graduate study as described in this subpart. In the case of
an individual who receives such individual's first stipend under this
subpart in academic year 1999-2000 or any succeeding academic year,
such stipend shall be set at a level of support equal to that provided
by the National Science Foundation graduate fellowships, except such
amount shall be adjusted as necessary so as not to exceed the fellow's
demonstrated level of need as determined under part F of title IV.
``(c) Treatment of Institutional Payments.--An institution of
higher education that makes institutional payments for tuition and fees
on behalf of individuals supported by fellowships under this subpart in
amounts that exceed the institutional payments made by the Secretary
pursuant to section 716(a) may count such excess toward the amounts the
institution is required to provide pursuant to section 714(b)(2).
``(d) Academic Progress Required.--Notwithstanding the provisions
of subsection (a), no student shall receive an award--
``(1) except during periods in which such student is
maintaining satisfactory progress in, and devoting essentially full
time to, study or research in the field in which such fellowship
was awarded; or
``(2) if the student is engaging in gainful employment other
than part-time employment involved in teaching, research, or
similar activities determined by the institution to be in support
of the student's progress towards a degree.
``SEC. 715. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR COST OF EDUCATION.
``(a) Institutional Payments.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall (in addition to stipends
paid to individuals under this subpart) pay to the institution of
higher education, for each individual awarded a fellowship under
this subpart at such institution, an institutional allowance.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), such allowance shall be, for
1999-2000 and succeeding academic years, the same amount as the
institutional payment made for 1998-1999 adjusted annually
thereafter in accordance with inflation as determined by the
Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for the previous
calendar year.
``(2) Reduction.--The institutional allowance paid under
paragraph (1) shall be reduced by the amount the institution
charges and collects from a fellowship recipient for tuition and
other expenses as part of the recipient's instructional program.
``(b) Use for Overhead Prohibited.--Funds made available pursuant
to this subpart may not be used for the general operational overhead of
the academic department or program.
``SEC. 716. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal
year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years to carry out this subpart.
``Subpart 3--Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity Program
``SEC. 721. LEGAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authority.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
to be known as the `Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity
Program' designed to provide low-income, minority, or disadvantaged
college students with the information, preparation, and financial
assistance to gain access to and complete law school study.
``(b) Eligibility.--A college student is eligible for assistance
under this section if the student is--
``(1) from a low-income family;
``(2) a minority; or
``(3) from an economically or otherwise disadvantaged
background.
``(c) Contract or Grant Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to
enter into a contract with, or make a grant to, the Council on Legal
Education Opportunity, for a period of not less than 5 years--
``(1) to identify college students who are from low-income
families, are minorities, or are from disadvantaged backgrounds
described in subsection (b)(3);
``(2) to prepare such students for study at accredited law
schools;
``(3) to assist such students to select the appropriate law
school, make application for entry into law school, and receive
financial assistance for such study;
``(4) to provide support services to such students who are
first-year law students to improve retention and success in law
school studies; and
``(5) to motivate and prepare such students with respect to law
school studies and practice in low-income communities.
``(d) Services Provided.--In carrying out the purposes described in
subsection (c), the contract or grant shall provide for the delivery of
services through prelaw information resource centers, summer
institutes, midyear seminars, and other educational activities,
conducted under this section. Such services may include--
``(1) information and counseling regarding--
``(A) accredited law school academic programs, especially
tuition, fees, and admission requirements;
``(B) course work offered and required for graduation;
``(C) faculty specialties and areas of legal emphasis; and
``(D) undergraduate preparatory courses and curriculum
selection;
``(2) tutoring and academic counseling, including assistance in
preparing for bar examinations;
``(3) prelaw mentoring programs, involving law school faculty,
members of State and local bar associations, and retired and
sitting judges, justices, and magistrates;
``(4) assistance in identifying preparatory courses and
material for the law school aptitude or admissions tests;
``(5) summer institutes for Thurgood Marshall Fellows that
expose the Fellows to a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes
abstract thinking, legal analysis, research, writing, and
examination techniques; and
``(6) midyear seminars and other educational activities that
are designed to reinforce reading, writing, and studying skills of
Thurgood Marshall Fellows.
``(e) Duration of the Provision of Services.--The services
described in subsection (d) may be provided--
``(1) prior to the period of law school study;
``(2) during the period of law school study; and
``(3) during the period following law school study and prior to
taking a bar examination.
``(f) Subcontracts and Subgrants.--For the purposes of planning,
d
2000
eveloping, or delivering one or more of the services described in
subsection (d), the Council on Legal Education Opportunity shall enter
into subcontracts with, and make subgrants to, institutions of higher
education, law schools, public and private agencies and organizations,
and combinations of such institutions, schools, agencies, and
organizations.
``(g) Stipends.--The Secretary shall annually establish the maximum
stipend to be paid (including allowances for participant travel and for
the travel of the dependents of the participant) to Thurgood Marshall
Fellows for the period of participation in summer institutes and
midyear seminars. A Fellow may be eligible for such a stipend only if
the Thurgood Marshall Fellow maintains satisfactory academic progress
toward the Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws degree, as determined by
the respective institutions.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999
and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``Subpart 4--General Provisions
``SEC. 731. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR SUBPARTS 1, 2, AND 3.
``(a) Coordinated Administration.--In carrying out the purpose
described in section 700(1), the Secretary shall provide for
coordinated administration and regulation of graduate programs assisted
under subparts 1, 2, and 3 with other Federal programs providing
assistance for graduate education in order to minimize duplication and
improve efficiency to ensure that the programs are carried out in a
manner most compatible with academic practices and with the standard
timetables for applications for, and notifications of acceptance to,
graduate programs.
``(b) Hiring Authority.--For purposes of carrying out subparts 1,
2, and 3, the Secretary shall appoint, without regard to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, that govern appointments in the
competitive service, such administrative and technical employees, with
the appropriate educational background, as shall be needed to assist in
the administration of such parts. The employees shall be paid without
regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53
of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay
rates.
``(c) Use for Religious Purposes Prohibited.--No institutional
payment or allowance under section 703(b) or 715(a) shall be paid to a
school or department of divinity as a result of the award of a
fellowship under subpart 1 or 2, respectively, to an individual who is
studying for a religious vocation.
``(d) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall evaluate the success of
assistance provided to individuals under subpart 1, 2, or 3 with
respect to graduating from their degree programs, and placement in
faculty and professional positions.
``(e) Continuation Awards.--The Secretary, using funds appropriated
to carry out subparts 1 and 2, and before awarding any assistance under
such parts to a recipient that did not receive assistance under part C
or D of title IX (as such parts were in effect prior to the date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998) shall continue to
provide funding to recipients of assistance under such part C or D (as
so in effect), as the case may be, pursuant to any multiyear award of
such assistance.
``PART B--FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
``SEC. 741. FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
``(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants to, or
enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education,
combinations of such institutions, and other public and private
nonprofit institutions and agencies, to enable such institutions,
combinations, and agencies to improve postsecondary education
opportunities by--
``(1) encouraging the reform, innovation, and improvement of
postsecondary education, and providing equal educational
opportunity for all;
``(2) the creation of institutions, programs, and joint efforts
involving paths to career and professional training, and
combinations of academic and experiential learning;
``(3) the establishment of institutions and programs based on
the technology of communications;
``(4) the carrying out, in postsecondary educational
institutions, of changes in internal structure and operations
designed to clarify institutional priorities and purposes;
``(5) the design and introduction of cost-effective methods of
instruction and operation;
``(6) the introduction of institutional reforms designed to
expand individual opportunities for entering and reentering
institutions and pursuing programs of study tailored to individual
needs;
``(7) the introduction of reforms in graduate education, in the
structure of academic professions, and in the recruitment and
retention of faculties; and
``(8) the creation of new institutions and programs for
examining and awarding credentials to individuals, and the
introduction of reforms in current institutional practices related
thereto.
``(b) Planning Grants.--The Secretary is authorized to make
planning grants to institutions of higher education for the development
and testing of innovative techniques in postsecondary education. Such
grants shall not exceed $20,000.
``SEC. 742. BOARD OF THE FUND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POSTSECONDARY
EDUCATION.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National Board of the
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (in this part
referred to as the `Board'). The Board shall consist of 15 members
appointed by the Secretary for overlapping 3-year terms. A majority of
the Board shall constitute a quorum. Any member of the Board who has
served for 6 consecutive years shall thereafter be ineligible for
appointment to the Board during a 2-year period following the
expiration of such sixth year.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate one of the
members of the Board as Chairperson of the Board. A majority of the
members of the Board shall be public interest representatives,
including students, and a minority shall be educational
representatives. All members selected shall be individuals able to
contribute an important perspective on priorities for improvement
in postsecondary education and strategies of educational and
institutional change.
``(2) Appointment of director.--The Secretary shall appoint the
Director of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
(hereafter in this part referred to as the `Director').
``(c) Duties.--The Board shall--
``(1) advise the Secretary and the Director on priorities for
the improvement of postsecondary education and make such
recommendations as the Board may deem appropriate for the
improvement of postsecondary education and for the evaluation,
dissemination, and adaptation of demonstrated improvements in
postsecondary educational practice;
``(2) advise the Secretary and the Director on the operation of
the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, including
advice on planning documents, guidelines, and procedures for grant
competitions prepared by the Fund; and
``(3) meet at the call of the Chairperson, except that the
Board shall meet whenever one-third or more of the members request
in writing that a meeting be held.
``(d) Information and Assistance.--The Director shall make
available to the Board such information and assistance as may be
necessary to enable the Board to carry out its functions.
``SEC. 743. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
``(a) Technical Employees.--The Secretary may appoint, for terms
not to exceed 3 years, without regard to the provisions of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service,
not more than 7 technical employees to administer this part who may be
paid withou
2000
t regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III
of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General
Schedule pay rates.
``(b) Procedures.--The Director shall establish procedures for
reviewing and evaluating grants and contracts made or entered into
under this part. Procedures for reviewing grant applications or
contracts for financial assistance under this section may not be
subject to any review outside of officials responsible for the
administration of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary
Education.
``SEC. 744. SPECIAL PROJECTS.
``(a) Grant Authority.--The Director is authorized to make grants
to institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, and such
other public agencies and nonprofit organizations as the Director deems
necessary for innovative projects concerning one or more areas of
particular national need identified by the Director.
``(b) Application.--No grant shall be made under this part unless
an application is made at such time, in such manner, and contains or is
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
``(c) Areas of National Need.--Areas of national need shall
initially include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
``(1) Institutional restructuring to improve learning and
promote productivity, efficiency, quality improvement, and cost and
price control.
``(2) Articulation between 2- and 4-year institutions of higher
education, including developing innovative methods for ensuring the
successful transfer of students from 2- to 4-year institutions of
higher education.
``(3) Evaluation and dissemination of model programs.
``(4) International cooperation and student exchange among
postsecondary educational institutions.
``SEC. 745. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
$30,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``PART C--URBAN COMMUNITY SERVICE
``SEC. 751. FINDINGS.
``The Congress finds that--
``(1) the Nation's urban centers are facing increasingly
pressing problems and needs in the areas of economic development,
community infrastructure and service, social policy, public health,
housing, crime, education, environmental concerns, planning and
work force preparation;
``(2) there are, in the Nation's urban institutions, people
with underutilized skills, knowledge, and experience who are
capable of providing a vast range of services toward the
amelioration of the problems described in paragraph (1);
``(3) the skills, knowledge and experience in these urban
institutions, if applied in a systematic and sustained manner, can
make a significant contribution to the solution of such problems;
and
``(4) the application of such skills, knowledge and experience
is hindered by the limited funds available to redirect attention to
solutions to such urban problems.
``SEC. 752. PURPOSE; PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this part to provide
incentives to urban academic institutions to enable such institutions
to work with private and civic organizations to devise and implement
solutions to pressing and severe problems in their communities.
``(b) Program Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to carry out
a program of providing assistance to eligible institutions to enable
such institutions to carry out the activities described in section 754
in accordance with the provisions of this part.
``SEC. 753. APPLICATION FOR URBAN COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANTS.
``(a) Application.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible institution seeking assistance
under this part shall submit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such form, and containing or accompanied by such
information and assurances as the Secretary may require by
regulation.
``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) describe the activities and services for which
assistance is sought; and
``(B) include a plan that is agreed to by the members of a
consortium that includes, in addition to the eligible
institution, one or more of the following entities:
``(i) A community college.
``(ii) An urban school system.
``(iii) A local government.
``(iv) A business or other employer.
``(v) A nonprofit institution.
``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the consortium
requirements described in paragraph (2) for any applicant who can
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the applicant
has devised an integrated and coordinated plan which meets the
purpose of this part.
``(b) Priority in Selection of Applications.--The Secretary shall
give priority to applications that propose to conduct joint projects
supported by other local, State, and Federal programs. In addition, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions submitting
applications that demonstrate the eligible institution's commitment to
urban community service.
``(c) Selection Procedures.--The Secretary shall, by regulation,
develop a formal procedure for the submission of applications under
this part and shall publish in the Federal Register an announcement of
that procedure and the availability of funds under this part.
``SEC. 754. ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES.
``Funds made available under this part shall be used to support
planning, applied research, training, resource exchanges or technology
transfers, the delivery of services, or other activities the purpose of
which is to design and implement programs to assist urban communities
to meet and address their pressing and severe problems, such as the
following:
``(1) Work force preparation.
``(2) Urban poverty and the alleviation of such poverty.
``(3) Health care, including delivery and access.
``(4) Underperforming school systems and students.
``(5) Problems faced by the elderly and individuals with
disabilities in urban settings.
``(6) Problems faced by families and children.
``(7) Campus and community crime prevention, including enhanced
security and safety awareness measures as well as coordinated
programs addressing the root causes of crime.
``(8) Urban housing.
``(9) Urban infrastructure.
``(10) Economic development.
``(11) Urban environmental concerns.
``(12) Other problem areas which participants in the consortium
described in section 753(a)(2)(B) concur are of high priority in
the urban area.
``(13)(A) Problems faced by individuals with disabilities
regarding accessibility to institutions of higher education and
other public and private community facilities.
``(B) Amelioration of existing attitudinal barriers that
prevent full inclusion by individuals with disabilities in their
community.
``(14) Improving access to technology in local communities.
``SEC. 755. PEER REVIEW.
``The Secretary shall designate a peer review panel to review
applications submitted under this part and make recommendations for
funding to the Secretary. In selecting the peer review panel, the
Secretary may consult with other appropriate Cabinet-level officials
and with non-Federal organizations, to ensure that the panel will be
geographically balanced and be composed of representatives from public
and private institutions of higher education, labor, business, and
State and local government, who have expertise in urban community
service or in education.
``SEC. 756. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS.
``(a) Multiyear Availability.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, grants under this part may be made on a multiyear
basis, except that no institution, individually or as a participant in
a consortiu
2000
m of such institutions, may receive such a grant for more
than 5 years.
``(b) Equitable Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary shall award
grants under this part in a manner that achieves an equitable
geographic distribution of such grants.
``(c) Matching Requirement.--An applicant under this part and the
local governments associated with the application shall contribute to
the conduct of the program supported by the grant an amount from non-
Federal funds equal to at least one-fourth of the amount of the grant,
which contribution may be in cash or in kind.
``SEC. 757. DESIGNATION OF URBAN GRANT INSTITUTIONS.
``The Secretary shall publish a list of eligible institutions under
this part and shall designate these institutions of higher education as
`Urban Grant Institutions'. The Secretary shall establish a national
network of Urban Grant Institutions so that the results of individual
projects achieved in one metropolitan area can then be generalized,
disseminated, replicated, and applied throughout the Nation. The
information developed as a result of this section shall be made
available to Urban Grant Institutions and to any other interested
institution of higher education by any appropriate means.
``SEC. 758. DEFINITIONS.
``As used in this part:
``(1) Urban area.--The term `urban area' means a metropolitan
statistical area having a population of not less than 350,000, or
two contiguous metropolitan statistical areas having a population
of not less than 350,000, or, in any State which does not have a
metropolitan statistical area which has such a population, the
eligible entity in the State submitting an application under
section 753, or, if no such entity submits an application, the
Secretary, shall designate one urban area for the purposes of this
part.
``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution'
means--
``(A) a nonprofit municipal university, established by the
governing body of the city in which it is located, and
operating as of the date of enactment of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1992 under that authority; or
``(B) an institution of higher education, or a consortium
of such institutions any one of which meets all of the
requirements of this paragraph, which--
``(i) is located in an urban area;
``(ii) draws a substantial portion of its undergraduate
students from the urban area in which such institution is
located, or from contiguous areas;
``(iii) carries out programs to make postsecondary
educational opportunities more accessible to residents of
such urban area, or contiguous areas;
``(iv) has the present capacity to provide resources
responsive to the needs and priorities of such urban area
and contiguous areas;
``(v) offers a range of professional, technical, or
graduate programs sufficient to sustain the capacity of
such institution to provide such resources; and
``(vi) has demonstrated and sustained a sense of
responsibility to such urban area and contiguous areas and
the people of such areas.
``SEC. 759. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for fiscal
year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years to carry out this part.
``PART D--DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO ENSURE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
RECEIVE A QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION
``SEC. 761. PURPOSES.
``It is the purpose of this part to support model demonstration
projects to provide technical assistance or professional development
for faculty and administrators in institutions of higher education in
order to provide students with disabilities a quality postsecondary
education.
``SEC. 762. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.
``(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may award
grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, on a competitive basis,
to institutions of higher education, of which at least two such grants
shall be awarded to institutions that provide professional development
and technical assistance in order for students with learning
disabilities to receive a quality postsecondary education.
``(b) Duration; Activities.--
``(1) Duration.--Grants under this part shall be awarded for a
period of 3 years.
``(2) Authorized activities.--Grants under this part shall be
used to carry out one or more of the following activities:
``(A) Teaching methods and strategies.--The development of
innovative, effective, and efficient teaching methods and
strategies to provide faculty and administrators with the
skills and supports necessary to teach students with
disabilities. Such methods and strategies may include inservice
training, professional development, customized and general
technical assistance, workshops, summer institutes, distance
learning, and training in the use of assistive and educational
technology.
``(B) Synthesizing research and information.--Synthesizing
research and other information related to the provision of
postsecondary educational services to students with
disabilities.
``(C) Professional development and training sessions.--
Conducting professional development and training sessions for
faculty and administrators from other institutions of higher
education to enable the faculty and administrators to meet the
postsecondary educational needs of students with disabilities.
``(3) Mandatory evaluation and dissemination.--Grants under
this part shall be used for evaluation, and dissemination to other
institutions of higher education, of the information obtained
through the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
``(c) Considerations in Making Awards.--In awarding grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the Secretary
shall consider the following:
``(1) Geographic distribution.--Providing an equitable
geographic distribution of such grants.
``(2) Rural and urban areas.--Distributing such grants to urban
and rural areas.
``(3) Range and type of institution.--Ensuring that the
activities to be assisted are developed for a range of types and
sizes of institutions of higher education.
``(4) Prior experience or exceptional programs.--Institutions
of higher education with demonstrated prior experience in, or
exceptional programs for, meeting the postsecondary educational
needs of students with disabilities.
``SEC. 763. APPLICATIONS.
``Each institution of higher education desiring to receive a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this part shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. Each
application shall include--
``(1) a description of how such institution plans to address
each of the activities required under this part;
``(2) a description of how the institution consulted with a
broad range of people within the institution to develop activities
for which assistance is sought; and
``(3) a description of how the institution will coordinate and
collaborate with the office that provides services to students with
disabilities within the institution.
``SEC. 764. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
``Nothing in this part shall be construed to impose any additional
duty, obligation, or responsibility on an institution of higher
education or on the institution's faculty, administrators, or staff
than are required by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
``SEC. 765. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
2000
``There are authorized to be appropriated for this part $10,000,000
for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the
4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
SEC. 702. REPEALS.
Except as otherwise provided in section 301(a), titles VIII (20
U.S.C. 1133 et seq.), IX (20 U.S.C. 1134 et seq.), X (20 U.S.C. 1135 et
seq.), XI (20 U.S.C. 1136), and XII (20 U.S.C. 1141) are repealed.
TITLE VIII--STUDIES, REPORTS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
PART A--STUDIES
SEC. 801. STUDY OF MARKET MECHANISMS IN FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General and the Secretary of
Education shall convene a study group including the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the
Director of the Congressional Budget Office, representatives of
entities making loans under part B of title IV of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, representatives of other entities in the financial
services community, representatives of other participants in the
student loan programs, and such other individuals as the Comptroller
General and the Secretary may designate. The Comptroller General and
Secretary, in consultation with the study group, shall design and
conduct a study to identify and evaluate means of establishing a market
mechanism for the delivery of loans made pursuant to such title IV.
(b) Design of Study.--The study required under this section shall
identify not fewer than 3 different market mechanisms for use in
determining lender return on student loans while continuing to meet the
other objectives of the programs under parts B and D of such title IV,
including the provision of loans to all eligible students.
Consideration may be given to the use of auctions and to the
feasibility of incorporating income-contingent repayment options into
the student loan system and requiring borrowers to repay through income
tax withholding.
(c) Evaluation of Market Mechanisms.--The mechanisms identified
under subsection (b) shall be evaluated in terms of the following
areas:
(1) The cost or savings of loans to or for borrowers, including
parent borrowers.
(2) The cost or savings of the mechanism to the Federal
Government.
(3) The cost, effect, and distribution of Federal subsidies to
or for participants in the program.
(4) The ability of the mechanism to accommodate the potential
distribution of subsidies to students through an income-contingent
repayment option.
(5) The effect on the simplicity of the program, including the
effect of the plan on the regulatory burden on students,
institutions, lenders, and other program participants.
(6) The effect on investment in human capital and resources,
loan servicing capability, and the quality of service to the
borrower.
(7) The effect on the diversity of lenders, including
community-based lenders, originating and secondary market lenders.
(8) The effect on program integrity.
(9) The degree to which the mechanism will provide market
incentives to encourage continuous improvement in the delivery and
servicing of loans.
(10) The availability of loans to students by region, income
level, and by categories of institutions.
(11) The proposed Federal and State role in the operation of
the mechanism.
(12) A description of how the mechanism will be administered
and operated.
(13) Transition procedures, including the effect on loan
availability during a transition period.
(14) Any other areas the study group may include.
(d) Preliminary Findings and Publication of Study.--Not later than
November 15, 2000, the study group shall make the group's preliminary
findings, including any additional or dissenting views, available to
the public with a 60-day request for public comment. The study group
shall review these comments and the Comptroller General and the
Secretary shall transmit a final report, including any additional or
dissenting views, to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of
the House of Representatives, the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate, and the Committees on the Budget of the House
of Representatives and the Senate not later than May 15, 2001.
SEC. 802. STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF ALTERNATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FOR DETERMINING LENDER YIELDS.
(a) Study Required.--The Comptroller General and the Secretary of
Education shall convene a study group including the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the
Director of the Congressional Budget Office, representatives of
entities making loans under part B of title IV of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, representatives of other entities in the financial
services community, representatives of other participants in the
student loan programs, and such other individuals as the Comptroller
General and the Secretary of Education may designate. The Comptroller
General and the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the study
group, shall evaluate the 91-day Treasury bill, 30-day and 90-day
commercial paper, and the 90-day London Interbank Offered Rate (in this
section referred to as ``LIBOR'') in terms of the following:
(1) The historical liquidity of the market for each, and a
historical comparison of the spread between: (A) the 30-day and 90-
day commercial paper rate, respectively, and the 91-day Treasury
bill rate; and (B) the spread between the LIBOR and the 91-day
Treasury bill rate.
(2) The historical volatility of the rates and projections of
future volatility.
(3) Recent changes in the liquidity of the market for each such
instrument in a balanced Federal budget environment and a low-
interest rate environment, and projections of future liquidity
assuming the Federal budget remains in balance.
(4) The cost or savings to lenders with small, medium, and
large student loan portfolios of basing lender yield on either the
30-day or 90-day commercial paper rate or the LIBOR while
continuing to base the borrower rate on the 91-day Treasury bill,
and the effect of such change on the diversity of lenders
participating in the program.
(5) The cost or savings to the Federal Government of basing
lender yield on either the 30-day or 90-day commercial paper rate
or the LIBOR while continuing to base the borrower rate on the 91-
day Treasury bill.
(6) Any possible risks or benefits to the student loan programs
under the Higher Education Act of 1965 and to student borrowers.
(7) Any other areas the Comptroller General and the Secretary
of Education agree to include.
(b) Report Required.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General and the Secretary shall
submit a final report regarding the findings of the study group to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the
Senate.
SEC. 803. STUDENT-RELATED DEBT STUDY REQUIRED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Education shall conduct a study
that analyzes the distribution and increase in student-related debt in
terms of--
(1) demographic characteristics, such as race or ethnicity, and
family income;
(2) type of institution and whether the institution is a public
or private institution;
(3) loan source, such as Federal, State, institutional or
other, and, if the loan source is Federal, whether the loan is or
is not subsidized;
(4) academic field of study;
(5) parent loans, and whether the parent loans are federally
guaranteed, private, or property-secured such as home equity loans;
and
(6) relation of student debt or anticipated debt to--
(A) students' decisions about whether and where to enroll
in college and whether or how mu
2000
ch to borrow in order to attend
college;
(B) the length of time it takes students to earn
baccalaureate degrees;
(C) students' decisions about whether and where to attend
graduate school;
(D) graduates' employment decisions;
(E) graduates' burden of repayment as reflected by the
graduates' ability to save for retirement or invest in a home;
and
(F) students' future earnings.
(b) Report.--After conclusion of the study required by subsection
(a), the Secretary of Education shall submit a final report regarding
the findings of the study to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources
of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
(c) Information.--After the study and report under this section are
concluded, the Secretary of Education shall determine which information
described in subsection (a) would be useful for families to know and
shall include such information as part of the comparative information
provided to families about the costs of higher education under the
provisions of part C of title I.
SEC. 804. STUDY OF TRANSFER OF CREDITS.
(a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Education shall conduct a
study to evaluate policies or practices instituted by recognized
accrediting agencies or associations regarding the treatment of the
transfer of credits from one institution of higher education to
another, giving particular attention to--
(1) adopted policies regarding the transfer of credits between
institutions of higher education which are accredited by different
agencies or associations and the reasons for such policies;
(2) adopted policies regarding the transfer of credits between
institutions of higher education which are accredited by national
agencies or associations and institutions of higher education which
are accredited by regional agencies and associations and the
reasons for such policies;
(3) the effect of the adoption of such policies on students
transferring between such institutions of higher education,
including time required to matriculate, increases to the student of
tuition and fees paid, and increases to the student with regard to
student loan burden;
(4) the extent to which Federal financial aid is awarded to
such students for the duplication of coursework already completed
at another institution; and
(5) the aggregate cost to the Federal Government of the
adoption of such policies.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Education shall submit a report to the
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Education and
the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate detailing the Secretary's
findings regarding the study conducted under subsection (a). The
Secretary's report shall include such recommendation with respect to
the recognition of accrediting agencies or associations as the
Secretary deems advisable.
SEC. 805. STUDY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS
PROGRAMS.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the
opportunities for participation in intercollegiate athletics. The study
shall address issues including--
(1) the extent to which the number of--
(A) secondary school athletic teams has increased or
decreased in the 20 years preceding 1998 (in aggregate terms);
and
(B) intercollegiate athletic teams has increased or
decreased in the 20 years preceding 1998 (in aggregate terms)
at 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education;
(2) the extent to which participation by student-athletes in
secondary school and intercollegiate athletics has increased or
decreased in the 20 years preceding 1998 (in aggregate terms);
(3) over the 20-year period preceding 1998, a list of the men's
and women's secondary school and intercollegiate sports, ranked in
order of the sports most affected by increases or decreases in
levels of participation and numbers of teams (in the aggregate);
(4) all factors that have influenced campus officials to add or
discontinue sports teams at secondary schools and institutions of
higher education, including--
(A) institutional mission and priorities;
(B) budgetary pressures;
(C) institutional reforms and restructuring;
(D) escalating liability insurance premiums;
(E) changing student and community interest in a sport;
(F) advancement of diversity among students;
(G) lack of necessary level of competitiveness of the
sports program;
(H) club level sport achieving a level of competitiveness
to make the sport a viable varsity level sport;
(I) injuries or deaths; and
(J) conference realignment;
(5) the actions that institutions of higher education have
taken when decreasing the level of participation in intercollegiate
sports, or the number of teams, in terms of providing information,
advice, scholarship maintenance, counseling, advance warning, and
an opportunity for student-athletes to be involved in the
decisionmaking process;
(6) the administrative processes and procedures used by
institutions of higher education when determining whether to
increase or decrease intercollegiate athletic teams or
participation by student-athletes;
(7) the budgetary or fiscal impact, if any, of a decision by an
institution of higher education--
(A) to increase or decrease the number of intercollegiate
athletic teams or the participation of student-athletes; or
(B) to be involved in a conference realignment; and
(8) the alternatives, if any, institutions of higher education
have pursued in lieu of eliminating, or severely reducing the
funding for, an intercollegiate sport, and the success of such
alternatives.
(b) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit a report
regarding the results of the study to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 806. STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COHORT DEFAULT RATES FOR
INSTITUTIONS WITH FEW STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS.
(a) Study Required.--The Secretary of Education shall conduct a
study of the effectiveness of cohort default rates as an indicator of
administrative capability and program quality for institutions of
higher education at which less than 15 percent of students eligible to
borrow participate in the Federal student loan programs under title IV
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and fewer than 30 borrowers enter
repayment in any fiscal year. At a minimum, the study shall include--
(1) identification of the institutions included in the study
and of the student populations the institutions serve;
(2) analysis of cohort default rates as indicators of
administrative shortcomings and program quality at the
institutions;
(3) analysis of the effectiveness of cohort default rates as a
means to prevent fraud and abuse in the programs assisted under
such title;
(4) analysis of the extent to which the institutions with high
cohort default rates are no longer participants in the Federal
student loan programs under such title; and
(5) analysis of the costs incurred by the Department of
Education for the calculation, publication, correction, and appeal
of cohort default rates for the institutions in relation to any
benefits to taxpayers.
(b) Consultation.--In conducting the study described in subsection
(a), th
2000
e Secretary of Education shall consult with institutions of
higher education.
(c) Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Education shall report to
the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives not later than September 30, 1999, regarding the
results of the study described in subsection (a).
PART B--ADVANCED PLACEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
SEC. 810. ADVANCED PLACEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
(a) Program Established.--The Secretary of Education is authorized
to make grants to States having applications approved under subsection
(c) to enable the States to reimburse low-income individuals to cover
part or all of the cost of advanced placement test fees, if the low-
income individuals--
(1) are enrolled in an advanced placement class; and
(2) plan to take an advanced placement test.
(b) Information Dissemination.--The State educational agency shall
disseminate information regarding the availability of test fee payments
under this section to eligible individuals through secondary school
teachers and guidance counselors.
(c) Requirements for Approval of Applications.--In approving
applications for grants the Secretary of Education shall--
(1) require that each such application contain a description of
the advanced placement test fees the State will pay on behalf of
individual students;
(2) require an assurance that any funds received under this
section, other than funds used in accordance with subsection (d),
shall be used only to pay advanced placement test fees;
(3) contain such information as the Secretary may require to
demonstrate that the State will ensure that a student is eligible
for payments under this section, including the documentation
required by chapter 1 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq.); and
(4) consider the number of children eligible to be counted
under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 in the State in relation to the number of such children in
all the States in determining grant award amounts.
(d) Funding Rules.--
(1) Use of funds.--A State educational agency in a State in
which no eligible low-income individual is required to pay more
than a nominal fee to take advanced placement tests in core
subjects may use any grant funds provided to that State educational
agency, that remain after fees have been paid on behalf of all
eligible low-income individuals, for activities directly related to
increasing--
(A) the enrollment of low-income individuals in advanced
placement courses;
(B) the participation of low-income individuals in advanced
placement tests; and
(C) the availability of advanced placement courses in
schools serving high poverty areas.
(2) Supplement, not supplant, rule.--Funds provided under this
section shall supplement and not supplant other non-Federal funds
that are available to assist low-income individuals in paying
advanced placement test fees.
(e) Regulations.--The Secretary of Education shall prescribe such
regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(f) Report.--Each State annually shall report to the Secretary of
Education regarding--
(1) the number of low-income individuals in the State who
receive assistance under this section; and
(2) the activities described in subsection (d)(1), if
applicable.
(g) Definition.--In this section:
(1) Advanced placement test.--The term ``advanced placement
test'' includes only an advanced placement test approved by the
Secretary of Education for the purposes of this section.
(2) Low-income individual.--The term ``low-income individual''
has the meaning given the term in section 402A(g)(2) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11(g)(2)).
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $6,800,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be
necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years to carry out this
section.
PART C--COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP MOBILIZATION
SEC. 811. SHORT TITLE.
This part may be cited as the ``Community Scholarship Mobilization
Act''.
SEC. 812. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the local community, when properly organized and
challenged, is one of the best sources of academic support,
motivation toward achievement, and financial resources for aspiring
postsecondary students;
(2) local communities, working to complement or augment
services currently offered by area schools and colleges, can raise
the educational expectations and increase the rate of postsecondary
attendance of their youth by forming locally-based organizations
that provide both academic support (including guidance, counseling,
mentoring, tutoring, encouragement, and recognition) and tangible,
locally raised, effectively targeted, publicly recognized,
financial assistance;
(3) proven methods of stimulating these community efforts can
be promoted through Federal support for the establishment of
regional, State, or community program centers to organize and
challenge community efforts to develop educational incentives and
support for local students; and
(4) using Federal funds to leverage private contributions to
help students from low-income families attain educational and
career goals is an efficient and effective investment of scarce
taxpayer-provided resources.
SEC. 813. DEFINITIONS.
In this part:
(1) Regional, state, or community program center.--The term
``regional, State, or community program center'' means an
organization that--
(A) is a division or member of, responsible to, and
overseen by, a national organization; and
(B) is staffed by professionals trained to create, develop,
and sustain local entities in towns, cities, and neighborhoods.
(2) Local entity.--The term ``local entity'' means an
organization that--
(A) is a nonprofit organization that is described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code (or
shall meet this criteria through affiliation with the national
organization);
(B) is formed for the purpose of providing educational
scholarships and academic support for residents of the local
community served by such organization;
(C) solicits broad-based community support in its academic
support and fund-raising activities;
(D) is broadly representative of the local community in the
structures of its volunteer-operated organization and has a
board of directors that includes leaders from local
neighborhood organizations and neighborhood residents, such as
school or college personnel, parents, students, community
agency representatives, retirees, and representatives of the
business community;
(E) awards scholarships without regard to age, sex, marital
status, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, or
disability; and
(F) gives priority to awarding scholarships for
postsecondary education to deserving students from low-income
families in the local community.
(3) National organization.--The term ``national organization''
means an organization that--
(A) has the capacity to create, develop and sustain local
entities and affiliated regional, State, or community program
centers;
(B) has the capacity to sustain newly created local
entities in towns, cities, and neighborhoods through ongoing
trai
2000
ning support programs;
(C) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code;
(D) is a publicly supported organization within the meaning
of section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) of such Code;
(E) ensures that each of the organization's local entities
meet the criteria described in subparagraphs (C) and (D); and
(F) has a program for or experience in cooperating with
secondary and postsecondary institutions in carrying out the
organization's scholarship and academic support activities.
(4) High poverty area.--The term ``high poverty area'' means a
community with a higher percentage of children from low-income
families than the national average of such percentage and a lower
percentage of children pursuing postsecondary education than the
national average of such percentage.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Education.
(6) Students from low-income families.--The term ``students
from low-income families'' means students determined, pursuant to
part F of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087kk et seq.), to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under
subpart 1 of part A of title IV of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1070a).
SEC. 814. PURPOSE; ENDOWMENT GRANT AUTHORITY.
(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this part to establish and
support regional, State or community program centers to enable such
centers to foster the development of local entities in high poverty
areas that promote higher education goals for students from low-income
families by--
(1) providing academic support, including guidance, counseling,
mentoring, tutoring, and recognition; and
(2) providing scholarship assistance for the cost of
postsecondary education.
(b) Endowment Grant Authority.--From the funds appropriated
pursuant to the authority of section 816, the Secretary shall award an
endowment grant, on a competitive basis, to a national organization to
enable such organization to support the establishment or ongoing work
of regional, State or community program centers that foster the
development of local entities in high poverty areas to improve
secondary school graduation rates and postsecondary attendance through
the provision of academic support services and scholarship assistance
for the cost of postsecondary education.
SEC. 815. GRANT AGREEMENT AND REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award one or more endowment
grants described in section 814(b) pursuant to an agreement between the
Secretary and a national organization. Such agreement shall--
(1) require a national organization to establish an endowment
fund in the amount of the grant, the corpus of which shall remain
intact and the interest income from which shall be used to support
the activities described in paragraphs (2) and (3);
(2) require a national organization to use 70 percent of the
interest income from the endowment fund in any fiscal year to
support the establishment or ongoing work of regional, State or
community program centers to enable such centers to work with local
communities to establish local entities in high poverty areas and
provide ongoing technical assistance, training workshops, and other
activities to help ensure the ongoing success of the local
entities;
(3) require a national organization to use 30 percent of the
interest income from the endowment fund in any fiscal year to
provide scholarships for postsecondary education to students from
low-income families, which scholarships shall be matched on a
dollar-for-dollar basis from funds raised by the local entities;
(4) require that at least 50 percent of all the interest income
from the endowment be allocated to establish new local entities or
support regional, State or community program centers in high
poverty areas;
(5) require a national organization to submit, for each fiscal
year in which such organization uses the interest from the
endowment fund, a report to the Secretary that contains--
(A) a description of the programs and activities supported
by the interest on the endowment fund;
(B) the audited financial statement of the national
organization for the preceding fiscal year;
(C) a plan for the programs and activities to be supported
by the interest on the endowment fund as the Secretary may
require;
(D) an evaluation of the programs and activities supported
by the interest on the endowment fund as the Secretary may
require; and
(E) data indicating the number of students from low-income
families who receive scholarships from local entities, and the
amounts of such scholarships;
(6) contain such assurances as the Secretary may require with
respect to the management and operation of the endowment fund; and
(7) contain an assurance that if the Secretary determines that
such organization is not in substantial compliance with the
provisions of this part, then the national organization shall pay
to the Secretary an amount equal to the corpus of the endowment
fund plus any accrued interest on such fund that is available to
the national organization on the date of such determination.
(b) Returned Funds.--All funds returned to the Secretary pursuant
to subsection (a)(7) shall be available to the Secretary to carry out
any scholarship or grant program assisted under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
SEC. 816. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000.
PART D--GRANTS TO STATES FOR WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY TRANSITION
TRAINING FOR INCARCERATED YOUTH OFFENDERS
SEC. 821. GRANTS TO STATES FOR WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY TRANSITION
TRAINING FOR INCARCERATED YOUTH OFFENDERS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Over 150,000 youth offenders age 21 and younger are
incarcerated in the Nation's jails, juvenile facilities, and
prisons.
(2) Most youth offenders who are incarcerated have been
sentenced as first-time adult felons.
(3) Approximately 75 percent of youth offenders are high school
dropouts who lack basic literacy and life skills, have little or no
job experience, and lack marketable skills.
(4) The average incarcerated youth has attended school only
through grade 10.
(5) Most of these youths can be diverted from a life of crime
into productive citizenship with available educational, vocational,
work skills, and related service programs.
(6) If not involved with educational programs while
incarcerated, almost all of these youths will return to a life of
crime upon release.
(7) The average length of sentence for a youth offender is
about 3 years. Time spent in prison provides a unique opportunity
for education and training.
(8) Even with quality education and training provided during
incarceration, a period of intense supervision, support, and
counseling is needed upon release to ensure effective reintegration
of youth offenders into society.
(9) Research consistently shows that the vast majority of
incarcerated youths will not return to the public schools to
complete their education.
(10) There is a need for alternative educational opportunities
during incarceration and after release.
(b) Definition.--For purposes of this part, the term ``youth
offender'' means a male or female offender under the age of 25, who is
incarcerated in a State prison, including a prerelease facility.
(c) Grant Program.--The Secretary of Educatio
2000
n (in this section
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a program in
accordance with this section to provide grants to the State
correctional education agencies in the States, from allocations for the
States under subsection (i), to assist and encourage incarcerated
youths 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 while in prison, and employment counseling
and other related services which start during incarceration and
continue through prerelease and while on parole.
(d) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under this section, a
State correctional education agency shall submit to the Secretary a
proposal for a youth offender program that--
(1) identifies the scope of the problem, including the number
of incarcerated youths in need of postsecondary education and
vocational training;
(2) lists the accredited public or private educational
institution or institutions that will provide postsecondary
educational services;
(3) lists the cooperating agencies, public and private, or
businesses that will provide related services, such as counseling
in the areas of career development, substance abuse, health, and
parenting skills;
(4) describes the evaluation methods and performance measures
that the State correctional education agency will employ, which
methods and measures--
(A) shall be appropriate to meet the goals and objectives
of the proposal; and
(B) shall include measures of--
(i) program completion;
(ii) student academic and vocational skill attainment;
(iii) success in job placement and retention; and
(iv) recidivism;
(5) describes how the proposed programs are to be integrated
with existing State correctional education programs (such as adult
education, graduate education degree programs, and vocational
training) and State industry programs;
(6) addresses the educational needs of youth offenders who are
in alternative programs (such as boot camps); and
(7) describes how students will be selected so that only youth
offenders eligible under subsection (f) will be enrolled in
postsecondary programs.
(e) Program Requirements.--Each State correctional education agency
receiving a grant under this section shall--
(1) integrate activities carried out under the grant with the
objectives and activities of the school-to-work programs of such
State, including--
(A) work experience or apprenticeship programs;
(B) transitional worksite job training for vocational
education students that is related to the occupational goals of
such students and closely linked to classroom and laboratory
instruction;
(C) placement services in occupations that the students are
preparing to enter;
(D) employment-based learning programs; and
(E) programs that address State and local labor shortages;
(2) annually report to the Secretary and the Attorney General
on the results of the evaluations conducted using the methods and
performance measures contained in the proposal; and
(3) provide to each State for each student eligible under
subsection (f) 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, for
each eligible incarcerated youth.
(f) Student Eligibility.--A youth offender shall be eligible for
participation in a program receiving a grant under this section if the
youth offender--
(1) is eligible to be released within 5 years (including a
youth offender who is eligible for parole within such time); and
(2) is 25 years of age or younger.
(g) Length of Participation.--A State correctional education agency
receiving a grant under this section shall provide educational and
related services to each participating youth offender for a period not
to exceed 5 years, 1 year of which may be devoted to study in a
graduate education degree program or to remedial education services for
students who have obtained a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent. Educational and related services shall start during the
period of incarceration in prison or prerelease and may continue during
the period of parole.
(h) Education Delivery Systems.--State correctional education
agencies and cooperating institutions shall, to the extent practicable,
use high-tech applications in developing programs to meet the
requirements and goals of this section.
(i) Allocation of Funds.--From the funds appropriated pursuant to
subsection (j) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each
State an amount that bears the same relationship to such funds as the
total number of students eligible under subsection (f) in such State
bears to the total number of such students in all States.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1999
and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal
years.
PART E--GRANTS TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN ON CAMPUSES
SEC. 826. GRANTS TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN ON CAMPUSES.
(a) Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Attorney General is authorized to make
grants to institutions of higher education, for use by such
institutions or consortia consisting of campus personnel, student
organizations, campus administrators, security personnel, and
regional crisis centers affiliated with the institution, to develop
and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies to
combat violent crimes against women on campuses, and to develop and
strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes
against women on campuses, which may include partnerships with
local criminal justice authorities and community-based victim
services agencies.
(2) Award basis.--The Attorney General shall award grants and
contracts under this section on a competitive basis.
(3) Equitable participation.--The Attorney General shall make
every effort to ensure--
(A) the equitable participation of private and public
institutions of higher education in the activities assisted
under this section; and
(B) the equitable geographic distribution of grants under
this section among the various regions of the United States.
(b) Use of Grant Funds.--Grant funds awarded under this section may
be used for the following purposes:
(1) To provide personnel, training, technical assistance, data
collection, and other equipment with respect to the increased
apprehension, investigation, and adjudication of persons committing
violent crimes against women on campus.
(2) To train campus administrators, campus security personnel,
and personnel serving on campus disciplinary or judicial boards to
more effectively identify and respond to violent crimes against
women on campus, including the crimes of sexual assault, stalking,
and domestic violence.
(3) To implement and operate education programs for the
prevention of violent crimes against women.
(4) To develop, enlarge, or strengthen support services
programs, including medical or psychological counseling, for
victims of sexual offense crimes.
(5) To create, disseminate, or otherwise provide assistance and
information about victims' options on and off campus to bring
disciplinary or other legal action.
(6) To develop and implement more effective campus policies,
protocols, orders, and services specifi
2000
cally devoted to prevent,
identify, and respond to violent crimes against women on campus,
including the crimes of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic
violence.
(7) To develop, install, or expand data collection and
communication systems, including computerized systems, linking
campus security to the local law enforcement for the purpose of
identifying and tracking arrests, protection orders, violations of
protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions with respect to
violent crimes against women on campus, including the crimes of
sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence.
(8) To develop, enlarge, or strengthen victim services programs
for the campus and to improve delivery of victim services on
campus.
(9) To provide capital improvements (including improved
lighting and communications facilities but not including the
construction of buildings) on campuses to address violent crimes
against women on campus, including the crimes of sexual assault,
stalking, and domestic violence.
(10) To support improved coordination among campus
administrators, campus security personnel, and local law
enforcement to reduce violent crimes against women on campus.
(c) Applications.--
(1) In general.--In order to be eligible to be awarded a grant
under this section for any fiscal year, an institution of higher
education shall submit an application to the Attorney General at
such time and in such manner as the Attorney General shall
prescribe.
(2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) describe the need for grant funds and the plan for
implementation for any of the purposes described in subsection
(b);
(B) describe how the campus authorities shall consult and
coordinate with nonprofit and other victim services programs,
including sexual assault and domestic violence victim services
programs;
(C) describe the characteristics of the population being
served, including type of campus, demographics of the
population, and number of students;
(D) provide measurable goals and expected results from the
use of the grant funds;
(E) provide assurances that the Federal funds made
available under this section shall be used to supplement and,
to the extent practical, increase the level of funds that
would, in the absence of Federal funds, be made available by
the institution for the purposes described in subsection (b);
and
(F) include such other information and assurances as the
Attorney General reasonably determines to be necessary.
(3) Compliance with campus crime reporting required.--No
institution of higher education shall be eligible for a grant under
this section unless such institution is in compliance with the
requirements of section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
(d) General Terms and Conditions.--
(1) Nonmonetary assistance.--In addition to the assistance
provided under this section, the Attorney General may request any
Federal agency to use the agency's authorities and the resources
granted to the agency under Federal law (including personnel,
equipment, supplies, facilities, and managerial, technical, and
advisory services) in support of campus security, and investigation
and victim service efforts.
(2) Grantee reporting.--
(A) Annual report.--Each institution of higher education
receiving a grant under this section shall submit an annual
performance report to the Attorney General. The Attorney
General shall suspend funding under this section for an
institution of higher education if the institution fails to
submit an annual performance report.
(B) Final report.--Upon completion of the grant period
under this section, the institution shall file a performance
report with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education
explaining the activities carried out under this section
together with an assessment of the effectiveness of those
activities in achieving the purposes described in subsection
(b).
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the end
of the fiscal year for which grants are awarded under this section,
the Attorney General shall submit to the committees of the House of
Representatives and the Senate responsible for issues relating to
higher education and crime, a report that includes--
(A) the number of grants, and the amount of funds,
distributed under this section;
(B) a summary of the purposes for which the grants were
provided and an evaluation of the progress made under the
grant;
(C) a statistical summary of the persons served, detailing
the nature of victimization, and providing data on age, sex,
race, ethnicity, language, disability, relationship to
offender, geographic distribution, and type of campus; and
(D) an evaluation of the effectiveness of programs funded
under this part, including information obtained from reports
submitted pursuant to section 485(f) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965.
(4) Regulations or guidelines.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Attorney General, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall publish
proposed regulations or guidelines implementing this section. Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section,
the Attorney General shall publish final regulations or guidelines
implementing this section.
(f) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``domestic violence'' includes acts or threats of
violence, not including acts of self defense, committed by a
current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the
victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating
with or has cohabitated with the victim, by a person similarly
situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family
violence laws of the jurisdiction, or by any other person against a
victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic
or family violence laws of the jurisdiction;
(2) the term ``sexual assault'' means any conduct proscribed by
chapter 109A of title 18, United States Code, whether or not the
conduct occurs in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction
of the United States or in a Federal prison, including both
assaults committed by offenders who are strangers to the victim and
assaults committed by offenders who are known or related by blood
or marriage to the victim; and
(3) the term ``victim services'' means a nonprofit,
nongovernmental organization that assists domestic violence or
sexual assault victims, including campus women's centers, rape
crisis centers, battered women's shelters, and other sexual assault
or domestic violence programs, including campus counseling support
and victim advocate organizations with domestic violence, stalking,
and sexual assault programs, whether or not organized and staffed
by students.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this part, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for
fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
SEC. 827. STUDY OF INSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURES TO REPORT SEXUAL ASSAULTS.
(a) In General.--The Attorney General, in consultation with the
Secretary of Education, shall provide for a national study to examine
procedures undertaken after an institution of higher education receives
a report of sexual assault.
(b) Report.
2000
--The study required by subsection (a) shall include an
analysis of--
(1) the existence and publication of the institution of higher
education's and State's definition of sexual assault;
(2) the existence and publication of the institution's policy
for campus sexual assaults;
(3) the individuals to whom reports of sexual assault are given
most often and--
(A) how the individuals are trained to respond to the
reports; and
(B) the extent to which the individuals are trained;
(4) the reporting options that are articulated to the victim or
victims of the sexual assault regarding--
(A) on-campus reporting and procedure options; and
(B) off-campus reporting and procedure options;
(5) the resources available for victims' safety, support,
medical health, and confidentiality, including--
(A) how well the resources are articulated both
specifically to the victim of sexual assault and generally to
the campus at large; and
(B) the security of the resources in terms of
confidentiality or reputation;
(6) policies and practices that may prevent or discourage the
reporting of campus sexual assaults to local crime authorities, or
that may otherwise obstruct justice or interfere with the
prosecution of perpetrators of campus sexual assaults;
(7) policies and practices found successful in aiding the
report and any ensuing investigation or prosecution of a campus
sexual assault;
(8) the on-campus procedures for investigation and disciplining
the perpetrator of a sexual assault, including--
(A) the format for collecting evidence; and
(B) the format of the investigation and disciplinary
proceeding, including the faculty responsible for running the
disciplinary procedure and the persons allowed to attend the
disciplinary procedure; and
(9) types of punishment for offenders, including--
(A) whether the case is directed outside the institution
for further punishment; and
(B) how the institution punishes perpetrators.
(c) Submission of Report.--The report required by subsection (b)
shall be submitted to Congress not later than September 1, 2000.
(d) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``campus
sexual assaults'' means sexual assaults occurring at institutions of
higher education and sexual assaults committed against or by students
or employees of such institutions.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2000.
PART F--IMPROVING UNITED STATES UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING,
AND TECHNOLOGY IN EAST ASIA
SEC. 831. IMPROVING UNITED STATES UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE,
ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY IN EAST ASIA.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
is authorized, beginning in fiscal year 2000, to carry out an
interdisciplinary program of education and research on East Asian
science, engineering, and technology. The Director shall carry out the
interdisciplinary program in consultation with the Secretary of
Education.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program established under this
section shall be to--
(1) increase understanding of East Asian research, and
innovation for the creative application of science and technology
to the problems of society;
(2) provide scientists, engineers, technology managers, and
students with training in East Asian languages, and with an
understanding of research, technology, and management of
innovation, in East Asian countries;
(3) provide program participants with opportunities to be
directly involved in scientific and engineering research, and
activities related to the management of scientific and
technological innovation, in East Asia; and
(4) create mechanisms for cooperation and partnerships among
United States industry, universities, colleges, not-for-profit
institutions, Federal laboratories (within the meaning of section
4(6) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3703(6))), and government, to disseminate the results of the
program assisted under this section for the benefit of United
States research and innovation.
(c) Participation by Federal Scientists, Engineers, and Managers.--
Scientists, engineers, and managers of science and engineering programs
in Federal agencies and the Federal laboratories shall be eligible to
participate in the program assisted under this section on a
reimbursable basis.
(d) Requirement for Merit Review.--Awards made under the program
established under this section shall only be made using a competitive,
merit-based review process.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2000.
PART G--OLYMPIC SCHOLARSHIPS
SEC. 836. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION.
Section 1543(d) of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 is
amended by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1999''.
PART H--UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
SEC. 841. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAM.
(a) Program Established.--The Secretary of Education, in
consultation and cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, is
authorized to make grants to 1 or more nonprofit educational
organizations that are established to research, display, interpret, and
collect artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad.
(b) Grant Agreement.--Each nonprofit educational organization
awarded a grant under this section shall enter into an agreement with
the Secretary of Education. Each such agreement shall require the
organization--
(1) to establish a facility to house, display, and interpret
the artifacts related to the history of the Underground Railroad,
and to make the interpretive efforts available to institutions of
higher education that award a baccalaureate or graduate degree;
(2) to demonstrate substantial private support for the facility
through the implementation of a public-private partnership between
a State or local public entity and a private entity for the support
of the facility, which private entity shall provide matching funds
for the support of the facility in an amount equal to 4 times the
amount of the contribution of the State or local public entity,
except that not more than 20 percent of the matching funds may be
provided by the Federal Government;
(3) to create an endowment to fund any and all shortfalls in
the costs of the on-going operations of the facility;
(4) to establish a network of satellite centers throughout the
United States to help disseminate information regarding the
Underground Railroad throughout the United States, if such
satellite centers raise 80 percent of the funds required to
establish the satellite centers from non-Federal public and private
sources;
(5) to establish the capability to electronically link the
facility with other local and regional facilities that have
collections and programs which interpret the history of the
Underground Railroad; and
(6) to submit, for each fiscal year for which the organization
receives funding under this section, a report to the Secretary of
Education that contains--
(A) a description of the programs and activities supported
by the funding;
(B) the audited financial statement of the organization for
the preceding fiscal year;
(C) a plan for the programs and activities to be supported
by the funding as the Secretary may require; and
(D) an evaluation of the programs and activities supported
by the funding as the
2000
Secretary may require.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1999,
$6,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2001,
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
PART I--SUMMER TRAVEL AND WORK PROGRAMS
SEC. 846. AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER SUMMER TRAVEL AND WORK PROGRAMS.
The Director of the United States Information Agency is authorized
to administer summer travel and work programs without regard to
preplacement requirements.
PART J--WEB-BASED EDUCATION COMMISSION
SEC. 851. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--This part may be cited as the ``Web-Based
Education Commission Act''.
(b) Definitions.--In this part:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Web-Based
Education Commission established under section 852.
(2) Information technology.--The term ``information
technology'' has the meaning given that term in section 5002 of the
Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 (110 Stat.
679).
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several States
of the United States and the District of Columbia.
SEC. 852. ESTABLISHMENT OF WEB-BASED EDUCATION COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the Web-Based Education Commission.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 14
members, of which--
(A) three members shall be appointed by the President, from
among individuals representing the Internet technology
industry;
(B) three members shall be appointed by the Secretary, from
among individuals with expertise in accreditation, establishing
statewide curricula, and establishing information technology
networks pertaining to education curricula;
(C) two members shall be appointed by the Majority Leader
of the Senate;
(D) two members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader
of the Senate;
(E) two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives; and
(F) two members shall be appointed by the Minority Leader
of the House of Representatives.
(2) Date.--The appointments of the members of the Commission
shall be made not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment.
(d) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission
shall hold the Commission's first meeting.
(e) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson.
(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Commission shall select
a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members of the
Commission.
SEC. 853. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a thorough study
to assess the educational software available in retail markets for
secondary and postsecondary students who choose to use such
software.
(2) Public hearings.--As part of the study conducted under this
subsection, the Commission shall hold public hearings in each
region of the United States concerning the assessment referred to
in paragraph (1).
(3) Existing information.--To the extent practicable, in
carrying out the study under this subsection, the Commission shall
identify and use existing information related to the assessment
referred to in paragraph (1).
(b) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the first meeting of the
Commission, the Commission shall submit a report to the President and
Congress that shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and
conclusions of the Commission resulting from the study, together with
the Commission's recommendations--
(1) for such legislation and administrative actions as the
Commission considers to be appropriate; and
(2) regarding the appropriate Federal role in determining
quality educational software products.
(c) Facilitation of Exchange of Information.--In carrying out the
study under subsection (a), the Commission shall, to the extent
practicable, facilitate the exchange of information concerning the
issues that are the subject of the study among--
(1) officials of the Federal Government, and State governments
and political subdivisions of States; and
(2) educators from Federal, State, and local institutions of
higher education and secondary schools.
SEC. 854. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act
at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out the duties
of the Commission.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may request
from the head of any Federal agency or instrumentality such information
as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of
this part. Each such agency or instrumentality shall, to the extent
permitted by law and subject to the exceptions set forth in section 552
of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of
Information Act), furnish such information to the Commission upon
request.
(c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(d) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
SEC. 855. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
each member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the
Federal Government shall serve without compensation. All members of the
Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall
serve without compensation in addition to that received for their
services as officers or employees of the United States.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may, without
regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and
terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel
as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform the
Commission's duties. The employment of an executive director shall
be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
(2) Compensation.--The Chairperson of the Commission may fix
the compensation of the executive director and other personnel
without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III
of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to
classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except
that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel
may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temp
2000
orary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates
for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of such title.
SEC. 856. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate on the date that is 90 days after
the date on which the Commission submits the Commission's report under
section 853(b).
SEC. 857. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated $450,000
for fiscal year 1999 to the Commission to carry out this part.
(b) Availability.--Any sums appropriated under the authorization
contained in this section shall remain available, without fiscal year
limitation, until expended.
PART K--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 861. EDUCATION-WELFARE STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study of the effectiveness of educational approaches
(including vocational and post-secondary education approaches) and
rapid employment approaches to helping welfare recipients and other
low-income adults become employed and economically self-sufficient.
Such study shall include--
(1) a survey of the available scientific evidence and research
data on the subject, including a comparison of the effects of
programs emphasizing a vocational or postsecondary educational
approach to programs emphasizing a rapid employment approach, along
with research on the impacts of programs which emphasize a
combination of such approaches;
(2) an examination of the research regarding the impact of
postsecondary education on the educational attainment of the
children of recipients who have completed a postsecondary education
program; and
(3) information regarding short and long-term employment,
wages, duration of employment, poverty rates, sustainable economic
self-sufficiency, prospects for career advancement or wage
increases, access to quality child care, placement in employment
with benefits including health care, life insurance and retirement,
and related program outcomes.
(b) Report.--Not later than August 1, 1999, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall prepare and submit to the Committees on Ways
and Means and on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committees on Finance and on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate, a report that contains the finding of the
study required by subsection (a).
SEC. 862. RELEASE OF CONDITIONS, COVENANTS, AND REVERSIONARY INTERESTS,
GUAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONVEYANCE, BARRIGADA, GUAM.
(a) Release.--The Secretary of Education shall release all
conditions and covenants that were imposed by the United States, and
the reversionary interests that were retained by the United States, as
part of the conveyance of a parcel of Federal surplus property located
in Barrigada, Guam, consisting of approximately 314.28 acres and known
as Naval Communications Area Master Station, WESTPAC, parcel IN, which
was conveyed to the Guam Community College pursuant to--
(1) the quitclaim deed dated June 8, 1990, conveying 61.45
acres, between the Secretary, acting through the Administrator for
Management Services, and the Guam Community College, acting through
its Board of Trustees; and
(2) the quitclaim deed dated June 8, 1990, conveying 252.83
acres, between the Secretary, acting through the Administrator for
Management Services, and the Guam Community College, acting through
its Board of Trustees, and the Governor of Guam.
(b) Consideration.--The Secretary shall execute the release of the
conditions, covenants, and reversionary interests under subsection (a)
without consideration.
(c) Instrument of Release.--The Secretary shall execute and file in
the appropriate office or offices a deed of release, amended deed, or
other appropriate instrument effectuating the release of the
conditions, covenants, and reversionary interests under subsection (a).
SEC. 863. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING GOOD CHARACTER.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the future of our Nation and world will be determined by
the young people of today;
(2) record levels of youth crime, violence, teenage pregnancy,
and substance abuse indicate a growing moral crisis in our society;
(3) character development is the long-term process of helping
young people to know, care about, and act upon such basic values as
trustworthiness, respect for self and others, responsibility,
fairness, compassion, and citizenship;
(4) these values are universal, reaching across cultural and
religious differences;
(5) a recent poll found that 90 percent of Americans support
the teaching of core moral and civic values;
(6) parents will always be children's primary character
educators;
(7) good moral character is developed best in the context of
the family;
(8) parents, community leaders, and school officials are
establishing successful partnerships across the Nation to implement
character education programs;
(9) character education programs also ask parents, faculty, and
staff to serve as role models of core values, to provide
opportunities for young people to apply these values, and to
establish high academic standards that challenge students to set
high goals, work to achieve the goals, and persevere in spite of
difficulty;
(10) the development of virtue and moral character, those
habits of mind, heart, and spirit that help young people to know,
desire, and do what is right, has historically been a primary
mission of colleges and universities; and
(11) the Congress encourages parents, faculty, and staff across
the Nation to emphasize character development in the home, in the
community, in our schools, and in our colleges and universities.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that Congress
should support and encourage character building initiatives in schools
across America and urge colleges and universities to affirm that the
development of character is one of the primary goals of higher
education.
SEC. 864. EDUCATIONAL MERCHANDISE LICENSING CODES OF CONDUCT.
It is the sense of Congress that all American colleges and
universities should adopt rigorous educational merchandise licensing
codes of conduct to assure that university and college licensed
merchandise is not made by sweatshop and exploited adult or child labor
either domestically or abroad, and that such codes should include at
least the following:
(1) Public reporting of the code and the companies adhering to
the code.
(2) Independent monitoring of the companies adhering to the
code by entities not limited to major international accounting
firms.
(3) An explicit prohibition on the use of child labor.
(4) An explicit requirement that companies pay workers at least
the governing minimum wage and applicable overtime.
(5) An explicit requirement that companies allow workers the
right to organize without retribution.
(6) An explicit requirement that companies maintain a safe and
healthy workplace.
TITLE IX--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
PART A--EXTENSION AND REVISION OF INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 901. TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
(a) Reauthorization.--
(1) Amount of grants.--Section 108(a)(2) of the Tribally
Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1808(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``$5,820'' and inserting
``$6,000''.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) Title i.--Section 110(a) of the Tribally Controlled
Community College Assistan
2000
ce Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1810(a)) is
amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1993'' and
inserting ``1999'';
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$30,000,000 for
fiscal year 1993'' and inserting ``$40,000,000 for fiscal
year 1999'';
(iii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1993'' and
inserting ``1999''; and
(iv) in paragraph (4), by striking ``1993'' and
inserting ``1999''.
(B) Title iii.--Section 306(a) of the Tribally Controlled
Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1836(a)) is
amended by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1999''.
(C) Title iv.--Section 403 of the Tribal Economic
Development and Technology Related Education Assistance Act of
1990 (25 U.S.C. 1852) is amended by striking ``1993'' and
inserting ``1999''.
(b) Extension to Colleges and Universities.--The Tribally
Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in the first section (25 U.S.C. 1801 note), by striking
``Community College'' and inserting ``College or University'';
(2) in the heading for title I (25 U.S.C. 1802 et seq.), by
striking ``COMMUNITY COLLEGES'' and inserting ``COLLEGES OR
UNIVERSITIES'';
(3) in the heading for title III (25 U.S.C. 1831 et seq.), by
striking ``COMMUNITY COLLEGE'' and inserting ``COLLEGE OR
UNIVERSITY'';
(4) in the heading for section 107, by striking ``community
colleges'' and inserting ``colleges or universities'';
(5) in sections 2(a)(4), 2(a)(7), 2(b)(4), 102(b), 103, 105,
106(b), 107(a), 107(b), 108(a), 108(b)(3)(A), 108(b)(3)(B),
108(b)(4), 109(b)(2), 109(b)(3), 109(d), 113(a), 113(b), 113(c)(1),
113(c)(2), 302(b), 303, 304, 305(a), and 305(b) (25 U.S.C.
1801(a)(4), 1801(a)(7), 1801(b)(4), 1803(b), 1804, 1805, 1806(b),
1807(a), 1807(b), 1808(a), 1808(b)(3)(A), 1808(b)(3)(B),
1808(b)(4), 1809(b)(2), 1809(b)(3), 1809(d), 1813(a), 1813(b),
1813(c)(1), 1813(c)(2), 1832(b), 1833, 1834, 1835(a), and 1835(b)),
by striking ``community college'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``college or university'';
(6) in sections 101, 102(a), 104(a)(1), 107(a), 108(c)(2),
109(b)(1), 111(a)(2), 112(a), 112(a)(2), 112(c)(2)(B), 301, 302(a),
and 402(a) (25 U.S.C. 1802, 1803(a), 1804a(a)(1), 1807(a),
1808(c)(2), 1809(b)(1), 1811(a)(2), 1812(a), 1812(a)(2),
1812(c)(2)(B), 1831, 1832(a), and 1851(a)), by striking ``community
colleges'' each place the term appears and inserting ``colleges or
universities'';
(7) in sections 108(a)(1), 108(a), 113(b)(2), 113(c)(2),
302(a), 302(b), 302(b)(2)(B), 302(b)(4), 303, 304, 305(a), and
305(b) (25 U.S.C. 1808(a)(1), 1808(a), 1813(b)(2), 1813(c)(2),
1832(a), 1832(b), 1832(b)(2)(B), 1832(b)(4), 1833, 1834, 1835(a),
and 1835(b)), by striking ``such college'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``such college or university'';
(8) in sections 104(a)(2), 109(b)(1), and 111(a)(2) (25 U.S.C.
1804a(a)(2), 1809(b)(1), and 1811(a)(2)), by striking ``such
colleges'' and inserting ``such colleges or universities'';
(9) in section 2(b)(5) (25 U.S.C. 1801(b)(5)), by striking
``community college's'' and inserting ``college or university's'';
(10) in section 109(a) (25 U.S.C. 1809(a)), by inserting ``or
university'' after ``tribally controlled college'';
(11) in section 110(a)(4) (25 U.S.C. 1810(a)(4)), by striking
``Tribally Controlled Community Colleges'' and inserting ``tribally
controlled colleges or universities'';
(12) in sections 102(b), 109(d), 113(c)(2)(E), 302(b)(6), and
305(a) (25 U.S.C. 1803(b), 1809(d), 1813(c)(2)(E), 1832(b)(6), and
1835(a)), by striking ``the college'' and inserting ``the college
or university'';
(13) in section 112(c)(1) (25 U.S.C. 1812(c)(1)), by striking
``colleges'' and inserting ``colleges or universities'';
(14) in sections 302(b)(4) and 305(a) (25 U.S.C. 1832(b)(4) and
1835(a)), by striking ``that college'' and inserting ``that college
or university''; and
(15) in section 302(b)(4) (25 U.S.C. 1832(b)(4)), by striking
``other colleges'' and inserting ``other colleges or
universities''.
(c) Additional Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Recommended legislation.--The Secretary of Education shall
prepare and submit to Congress recommended legislation containing
technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by
subsection (b).
(2) Submission to congress.--Not later than 6 months after the
effective date of this title, the Secretary of Education shall
submit the recommended legislation referred to under paragraph (1).
(d) References.--Any reference to a section or other provision of
the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 shall
be deemed to be a reference to the Tribally Controlled College or
University Assistance Act of 1978.
(e) Clerical Amendment.--Section 109 of the Tribally Controlled
Colleges or University Act of 1978 (as renamed by subsection (b)(1))
(25 U.S.C. 1809) is amended by redesignating subsection (d) as
subsection (c).
SEC. 902. REAUTHORIZATION OF NAVAJO COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT.
Section 5(a)(1) of the Navajo Community College Act (25 U.S.C.
640c-1) is amended by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1999''.
PART B--EDUCATION OF THE DEAF
SEC. 911. SHORT TITLE.
This part may be cited as the ``Education of the Deaf Amendments of
1998''.
SEC. 912. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Section 104(b) of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4304(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C);
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(B)''; and
(B) by striking ``section 618(b)'' and inserting ``section
618(a)(1)(A)'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``intermediate educational
unit'' and inserting ``educational service agency'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``intermediate
educational unit'' and inserting ``educational service
agency''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``intermediate
educational units'' and inserting ``educational service
agencies''; and
(5) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) provide the child a free appropriate public education
in accordance with part B of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act and procedural safeguards in accordance with the
following provisions of section 615 of such Act:
``(i) Paragraphs (1), and (3) through (6) of subsection
(b).
``(ii) Subsections (c) through (g).
``(iii) Subsection (h), except for the matter in
paragraph (4) pertaining to transmission of findings and
decisions to a State advisory panel.
``(iv) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (i).
``(v) Subsection (j)--
``(I) except that such subsection shall not be
applicable to a decision by the University to refuse to
admit a child; or
``(II) to dismiss a child, except that, before
dismissing any child, the University shall give at
least 60 days written notice to the child's parents and
to the local educational agency in which the child
resid
2000
es, unless the dismissal involves a suspension,
expulsion, or other change in placement covered under
section 615(k).
``(vi) Subsections (k) through (m).''.
SEC. 913. AGREEMENT WITH GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY.
Section 105(a) of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4305(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``within 1 year after enactment of the
Education of the Deaf Act Amendments of 1992, a new'' and inserting
``and periodically update, an''; and
(2) by amending the second sentence to read as follows: ``The
Secretary or the University shall determine the necessity for the
periodic update described in the preceding sentence.''.
SEC. 914. AGREEMENT FOR THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF.
Paragraph (2) of section 112(a) of the Education of the Deaf Act of
1986 (20 U.S.C. 4332(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) The Secretary and the institution of higher education with
which the Secretary has an agreement under this section--
``(A) shall periodically assess the need for modification of
the agreement; and
``(B) shall periodically update the agreement as determined
necessary by the Secretary or the institution.''.
SEC. 915. DEFINITIONS.
Section 201 of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4351) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``Palau (but only until
the Compact of Free Association with Palau takes effect),''; and
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' after ``Virgin Islands,''; and
(B) by striking ``, and Palau (but only until the Compact
of Free Association with Palau takes effect)''.
SEC. 916. GIFTS.
Subsection (b) of section 203 of the Education of the Deaf Act of
1986 (20 U.S.C. 4353) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Independent Financial and Compliance Audit.--
``(1) In general.--Gallaudet University shall have an annual
independent financial and compliance audit made of the programs and
activities of the University, including the national mission and
school operations of the elementary and secondary education
programs at Gallaudet. The institution of higher education with
which the Secretary has an agreement under section 112 shall have
an annual independent financial and compliance audit made of the
programs and activities of such institution of higher education,
including NTID, and containing specific schedules and analyses for
all NTID funds, as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Compliance.--As used in paragraph (1), compliance means
compliance with sections 102(b), 105(b)(4), 112(b)(5), and 203(c),
paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 207(b), subsections (b)(2),
(b)(3), and (c) through (f), of section 207, and subsections (b)
and (c) of section 210.
``(3) Submission of audits.--A copy of each audit described in
paragraph (1) shall be provided to the Secretary within 15 days of
acceptance of the audit by the University or the institution
authorized to establish and operate the NTID under section 112(a),
as the case may be, but not later than January 10 of each year.''.
SEC. 917. REPORTS.
Section 204(3) of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4354(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``The annual'' and
inserting ``A summary of the annual''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the annual'' and
inserting ``a summary of the annual''.
SEC. 918. MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING.
Section 205(c) of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4355(c)) is amended by striking ``1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997''
and inserting ``1998 through 2003''.
SEC. 919. FEDERAL ENDOWMENT PROGRAMS.
Section 207 of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4357) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary
shall make payments to each Federal endowment fund in amounts equal to
sums contributed to the fund from non-Federal sources during the fiscal
year in which the appropriations are made available (excluding
transfers from other endowment funds of the institution involved).'';
and
(B) by striking paragraph (3);
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``the Federal
contribution of'' after ``shall invest'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``Beginning on October
1, 1992, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``prior'' and
inserting ``current''; and
(4) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1993 through 1997'' and
inserting ``1998 through 2003''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``1993 through 1997'' and
inserting ``1998 through 2003''.
SEC. 920. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 208 of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4358) is repealed.
SEC. 921. OVERSIGHT AND EFFECT OF AGREEMENTS.
Section 209 of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C.
4359) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Committee on Education and
Labor'' and inserting ``Committee on Education and the Workforce'';
and
(2) by redesignating such section as section 208.
SEC. 922. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.
(a) Amendment.--Section 210 of the Education of the Deaf Act of
1986 (20 U.S.C. 4359a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``10 percent'' and inserting ``15
percent''; and
(B) by inserting before the period the following: ``,
except that in any school year no United States citizen who is
qualified to be admitted to the University or NTID and applies
for admission to the University or NTID shall be denied
admission because of the admission of an international
student''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``surcharge of 75 percent
for the academic year 1993-1994 and 90 percent beginning with the
academic year 1994-1995'' and inserting ``surcharge of 100 percent
for the academic year 1999-2000 and any succeeding academic year''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 210 of such Act (20 U.S.C.
4359a) is amended by redesignating such section as section 209.
SEC. 923. RESEARCH PRIORITIES.
Title II of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 is amended by
striking section 211 (20 U.S.C. 4360) and inserting the following:
``SEC. 210. RESEARCH PRIORITIES.
``(a) Research Priorities.--Gallaudet University and the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf shall each establish and disseminate
priorities for their national mission with respect to deafness related
research, development, and demonstration activities, that reflect
public input, through a process that includes consumers, constituent
groups, and the heads of other federally funded programs. The
priorities for the University shall include activities conducted as
part of the University's elementary and secondary education programs
under section 104.
``(b) Research Reports.--The University and NTID shall each prepare
and submit an annual research report, to the Secretary, the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, not later than
January 10 of each year, that shall include--
``(1) a summary of the public input received as part of the
establishment and dissemination of priorities required by
subsection (a), and the University's and NTID's response to the
input; and
``(2) a summary description of the research undertaken by the
University and NTID, the start and projected end dates for each
research project, the projected cost and source or sources of
funding for each project, and any produc
2000
ts resulting from research
completed in the prior fiscal year.''.
SEC. 924. NATIONAL STUDY ON THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF.
The Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.) is
amended by adding after section 210 (as inserted by section 923) the
following:
``SEC. 211. NATIONAL STUDY ON THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF.
``(a) Conduct of Study.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a national study
on the education of the deaf, to identify education-related
barriers to successful postsecondary education experiences and
employment for individuals who are deaf, and those education-
related factors that contribute to successful postsecondary
education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf.
``(2) Definition.--In this section the term `deaf', when used
with respect to an individual, means an individual with a hearing
impairment, including an individual who is hard of hearing, an
individual deafened later in life, and an individual who is
profoundly deaf.
``(b) Public Input and Consultation.--
``(1) In general.--In conducting such study, the Secretary
shall obtain input from the public. To obtain such input, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) publish a notice with an opportunity for comment in
the Federal Register;
``(B) consult with individuals and organizations
representing a wide range of perspectives on deafness-related
issues, including organizations representing individuals who
are deaf, parents of children who are deaf, educators, and
researchers; and
``(C) take such other action as the Secretary deems
appropriate, which may include holding public meetings.
``(2) Structured opportunities.--The Secretary shall provide
structured opportunities to receive and respond to the viewpoints
of the individuals and organizations described in paragraph (1)(B).
``(c) Report.--The Secretary shall report to Congress not later
than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Education of the Deaf
Amendments of 1998 regarding the results of the study. The report shall
contain--
``(1) recommendations, including recommendations for
legislation, that the Secretary deems appropriate; and
``(2) a detailed summary of the input received under subsection
(b) and the ways in which the report addresses such input.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1999 and 2000 to
carry out the provisions of this section.''.
SEC. 925. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Title II of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C. 4351
et seq.) is amended by adding after section 211 (as inserted by section
924) the following:
``SEC. 212. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Gallaudet University.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years
1998 through 2003 to carry out the provisions of title I and this
title, relating to--
``(1) Gallaudet University;
``(2) Kendall Demonstration Elementary School; and
``(3) the Model Secondary School for the Deaf.
``(b) National Technical Institute for the Deaf.--There are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of
the fiscal years 1998 through 2003 to carry out the provisions of title
I and this title relating to the National Technical Institute for the
Deaf.''.
PART C--UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE
SEC. 931. AUTHORITIES OF THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE.
The United States Institute of Peace Act (22 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.)
is amended--
(1) in section 1705 (22 U.S.C. 4604)--
(A) in subsection (f), by inserting ``personal service and
other'' after ``may enter into''; and
(B) in subsection (o), by inserting after ``Services'' the
following: ``and use all sources of supply and services of the
General Services Administration'';
(2) in section 1710(a)(1) (22 U.S.C. 4609(a)(1))--
(A) by striking ``1993'' and inserting ``1999''; and
(B) by striking ``6'' and inserting ``4''; and
(3) in the second and third sentences of section 1712 (22
U.S.C. 4611), by striking ``shall'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``may''.
PART D--VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLANS
SEC. 941. VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLANS.
(a) In General.--Section 4 of the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 623) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(m) Notwithstanding subsection (f)(2)(B), it shall not be a
violation of subsection (a), (b), (c), or (e) solely because a plan of
an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965) offers employees who are serving under a
contract of unlimited tenure (or similar arrangement providing for
unlimited tenure) supplemental benefits upon voluntary retirement that
are reduced or eliminated on the basis of age, if--
``(1) such institution does not implement with respect to such
employees any age-based reduction or cessation of benefits that are
not such supplemental benefits, except as permitted by other
provisions of this Act;
``(2) such supplemental benefits are in addition to any
retirement or severance benefits which have been offered generally
to employees serving under a contract of unlimited tenure (or
similar arrangement providing for unlimited tenure), independent of
any early retirement or exit-incentive plan, within the preceding
365 days; and
``(3) any employee who attains the minimum age and satisfies
all non-age-based conditions for receiving a benefit under the plan
has an opportunity lasting not less than 180 days to elect to
retire and to receive the maximum benefit that could then be
elected by a younger but otherwise similarly situated employee, and
the plan does not require retirement to occur sooner than 180 days
after such election.''.
(b) Plans Permitted.--Section 4(i)(6) of the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 623(i)(6)) is amended by adding after
the word ``accruals'' the following: ``or it is a plan permitted by
subsection (m).''
(c) Construction.--Nothing in the amendment made by subsection (a)
shall affect the application of section 4 of the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 623) with respect to--
(1) any plan described in subsection (m) of section 4 of such
Act (as added by subsection (a)), for any period prior to enactment
of such Act;
(2) any plan not described in subsection (m) of section 4 of
such Act (as added by subsection (a)); or
(3) any employer other than an institution of higher education
(as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965).
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--This section shall take effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Effect on causes of action existing before date of
enactment.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply
with respect to any cause of action arising under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
PART E--GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT AMENDMENT
SEC. 951. AMENDMENT TO FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF
1974
Section 444(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.
1232g(b)), also known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (C) to read as
follows:
``(C)(i) authorized representatives of (I) the Comptroller
General of the United States, (II) the Secretary, or (III) State
educational authorities, under the conditions set forth in
paragraph (3), or (ii) aut
17c1
horized representatives of the Attorney
General for law enforcement purposes under the same conditions as
apply to the Secretary under paragraph (3);''; and
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(6)'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), as designated by subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph--
(i) by striking ``the results'' and inserting ``or a
nonforcible sex offense, the final results''; and
(ii) by striking ``such crime'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``such crime or offense''; and
(C) adding at the end thereof the following:
``(B) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an
institution of postsecondary education from disclosing the final
results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution
against a student who is an alleged perpetrator of any crime of
violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United
States Code), or a nonforcible sex offense, if the institution
determines as a result of that disciplinary proceeding that the student
committed a violation of the institution's rules or policies with
respect to such crime or offense.
``(C) For the purpose of this paragraph, the final results of any
disciplinary proceeding--
``(i) shall include only the name of the student, the violation
committed, and any sanction imposed by the institution on that
student; and
``(ii) may include the name of any other student, such as a
victim or witness, only with the written consent of that other
student.''.
SEC. 952. ALCOHOL OR DRUG POSSESSION DISCLOSURE.
Section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.
1232g) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Drug and Alcohol Violation Disclosures.--
``(1) In general.--Nothing in this Act or the Higher Education
Act of 1965 shall be construed to prohibit an institution of higher
education from disclosing, to a parent or legal guardian of a
student, information regarding any violation of any Federal, State,
or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution,
governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled
substance, regardless of whether that information is contained in
the student's education records, if--
``(A) the student is under the age of 21; and
``(B) the institution determines that the student has
committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or
possession.
``(2) State law regarding disclosure.--Nothing in paragraph (1)
shall be construed to supersede any provision of State law that
prohibits an institution of higher education from making the
disclosure described in subsection (a).''.
PART F--LIAISON FOR PROPRIETARY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
SEC. 961. LIAISON FOR PROPRIETARY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Title II of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C.
3411 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 219. LIAISON FOR PROPRIETARY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
``(a) Establishment.--There shall be in the Department a Liaison
for Proprietary Institutions of Higher Education, who shall be an
officer of the Department appointed by the Secretary.
``(b) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint, not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments
of 1998 a Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher Education who
shall be a person who--
``(1) has attained a certificate or degree from a proprietary
institution of higher education; or
``(2) has been employed in a proprietary institution setting
for not less than 5 years.
``(c) Duties.--The Liaison for Proprietary Institutions of Higher
Education shall--
``(1) serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary on
matters affecting proprietary institutions of higher education;
``(2) provide guidance to programs within the Department that
involve functions affecting proprietary institutions of higher
education; and
``(3) work with the Federal Interagency Committee on Education
to improve the coordination of--
``(A) the outreach programs in the numerous Federal
departments and agencies that administer education and job
training programs;
``(B) collaborative business and education partnerships;
and
``(C) education programs located in, and involving, rural
areas.''.
PART G--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER STATUTES
SEC. 971. NONDISCHAREABILITY OF CERTAIN CLAIMS FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
PROVIDED TO OBTAIN HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) Amendment.--Section 523(a)(8) of title 11, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``unless--'' and all that follows through ``(B)
excepting such debt'' and inserting ``unless excepting such debt''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply only with respect to cases commenced under title 11, United
States Code, after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 972. GNMA GUARANTEE FEE.
(a) In General.--Section 306(g)(3)(A) of the National Housing Act
(12 U.S.C. 1721(g)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``No fee or charge''
and all that follows through ``States)'' and inserting ``The
Association shall assess and collect a fee in an amount equal to nine
basis points''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2004.
PART H--REPEALS
SEC. 981. REPEALS.
Section 4122 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7132) is repealed.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
0