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This resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of International Education.

Higher Education Standards Improvement Act This bill requires states to take certain actions related to their oversight of institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, states must (1) evaluate each IHE to determine if it meets standards for facilities, equipment, program length, and other relevant factors for a student to receive a professional license from the state; (2) accept and report student complaints that present consistent allegations with respect to an IHE; and (3) establish policies and procedures to anticipate and respond to the closure of an IHE. Such policies and procedures shall include maintaining sufficient cash reserves to ensure the repayment of any required refunds, a plan to ensure custodial record-keeping of institutional records and student transcripts, and the maintenance of contact information to ensure direct communication between the state and each student in the event of an IHE closure.

Native American Indian Education Act This bill requires the Department of Education to pay Native American Indian-serving, nontribal institutions of higher education (IHEs) the tuition of their out-of-state Native American Indian students. The bill applies only to IHEs that are required to provide tuition-free education, with the support of their state, to Native American Indian students as a condition under which the IHE or state received its original grant of land and facilities from the federal government. Payments are treated as reimbursements to IHEs from their states.

This bill provides specified funds to the Department of the Treasury to establish a payroll loan facility that provides loans to small financial institutions. These loans must offer, to the maximum extent practicable, benefits and assistance similar to the Paycheck Protection Program created in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Treasury must also establish a loan forgiveness program for these loans.

Transparency for Confucius Institutes This bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to enter into a program participation agreement if a Confucius Institute operates on the IHE's campus. (Confucius Institutes are Chinese government-funded centers for language education and cultural programming at IHEs.) The agreement must be entered into with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (i.e., Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban) and be made publicly available online. Among other requirements, the Confucius Institute must be physically located apart from the IHE's own Chinese language, history, and cultural programs.

Transparency for Confucius Institutes This bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to enter into a program participation agreement if a Confucius Institute operates on the IHE's campus. (Confucius Institutes are Chinese government-funded centers for language education and cultural programming at IHEs.) The agreement must be entered into with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (i.e., Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban) and be made publicly available online. Among other requirements, the Confucius Institute must be physically located apart from the IHE's own Chinese language, history, and cultural programs.

Protecting American Technologies Act of 2019 This bill requires an institution of higher education or a research facility to obtain a deemed export license before allowing a foreign national affiliated with the institution or facility access to certain technology controlled for export to the foreign national's country.

Native American Indian Education Act This bill requires the Department of Education to pay, and provides annual funding beginning in FY2020 for such payments to, Native American Indian-serving, nontribal institutions of higher education (IHEs) for the tuition of their out-of-state Native American Indian students. The bill applies only to IHEs that are required to provide tuition-free education, with the support of their state, to Native American Indian students as a condition under which the IHE or state received its original grant of land and facilities from the federal government. Payments are treated as reimbursements to IHEs from their states.

This resolution addresses free speech issues at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, it recognizes that free speech zones and restrictive speech codes of institutions of higher education are inherently at odds with the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. In addition, the resolution urges (1) IHEs to facilitate and recommit themselves to protecting the free and open exchange of ideas; (2) the Department of Education to promote policies that foster debate, academic freedom, intellectual curiosity, and viewpoint diversity on campuses of public IHEs; and (3) the Department of Justice to defend and protect the First Amendment across public IHEs.

This bill expands existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs to include nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education. Specifically, the Federal Reserve Board must make these organizations eligible for the Main Street Lending Program, which is currently available to small- and mid-sized businesses. The board must create low-cost loan options for nonprofit organizations, as well offer loan forgiveness to certain nonprofit organizations that predominately serve low-income communities. The Main Street Lending Program must offer loans that do not have a minimum loan size and includes the ability to defer payments without capitalization of interest to small businesses, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education. The board must authorize community development financial institutions to be eligible lenders.

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that (1) the 130th year anniversary of the 1890 Land-Grant Educational Institutions should be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize the collective contributions that these 19 historically Black federal land-grant educational institutions have made to the United States, (2) the Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture should remain committed to supporting the goals of the Second Morrill Act and the Smith-Lever Act, and (3) the Second Morrill Act and the Smith-Lever Act have helped the United States develop agricultural leaders.

Child Care is Infrastructure Act This bill establishes grants for child care facilities and higher education loan repayment and scholarship programs for child care educators, among other provisions. The Administration for Children and Families must conduct long- and short-term assessments of child care infrastructure, including the effect of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on such facilities. The bill provides grants to (1) states to acquire, construct, or improve child care facilities, and (2) intermediary organizations with demonstrated experience in child care facilities financing to develop or finance child care facilities. The bill further provides for education loan repayments of up to $6,000 per year for up to five years for early childhood educators who agree to work for certain child care providers. Additionally, the bill establishes a program for institutions of higher education to award grants of up to $3,000 per academic year to individuals who are enrolled in early childhood educator programs and agree to serve in a state-licensed early learning program. Finally, the bill * modifies and reauthorizes through FY2026 supports for campus-based child care for low-income parents enrolled in institutions of higher education, * requires the Government Accountability Office to report about the impact of the tax credit for employer-provided child care, and * requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider early learning facilities in planning and implementation grants under the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.

Academic Institution Research Integrity Act This bill requires a nonprofit foundation or other entity affiliated with an institution of higher education (e.g., a research, endowment, or alumni foundation) to disclose to the Department of Education any gift from or contract with a foreign entity or individual valued at $250,000 or more.

This bill extends the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances during periods when educational institutions are temporarily closed due to an emergency situation or executive order. Under the bill, the VA may only continue to pay educational assistance and subsistence allowances for up to eight weeks (currently four weeks) after the date of the temporary closure of the educational institution.

Expanding Educational Opportunities for Justice-Impacted Communities Act This bill provides incarcerated individuals with access to federal financial aid. Specifically, the bill authorizes participating institutions to award Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals, and it repeals a provision that denies eligibility to individuals convicted of certain drug-related offenses. The bill also requires the Department of Education to streamline the forms and processes for incarcerated individuals to apply for Pell Grants, and it prohibits any questions relating to whether applicants have convictions for drug-related offenses. Additionally, the bill requires that institutions offering Pell Grants to incarcerated individuals (1) make certain information available to prospective students, and (2) demonstrate that academic credits earned by incarcerated students are treated by the institution as equivalent to credits earned by non-incarcerated students.

Expanding Medical Education Act This bill authorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia of such institutions, to establish or expand schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine. In awarding these grants, HRSA shall prioritize minority-serving institutions or those that propose to establish or expand schools in medically underserved communities or areas with shortages of health professionals where no such schools exist. Grant recipients must use funds to recruit and retain students with backgrounds that are generally underrepresented in health care professions (i.e., members of racial or ethnic minority groups or first-generation college students) and for curriculum development that emphasizes care for rural and underserved populations. They may also use funds for other purposes, including constructing facilities, conducting activities to achieve accreditation, and hiring faculty.

Assistance for Rural Health, Safety and Educational Facilities Act This bill authorizes and provides funding for Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to rural hospital, health, public safety, and education facilities affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. USDA may (1) provide grants to such entities; (2) provide a zero or 1% interest loan, loan forgiveness, or loan modifications to such entities; and (3) reduce or eliminate any fee that would otherwise be required to be paid with respect to a loan guarantee provided to such entities. Such assistance may be provided to (1) ensure that such entities have the necessary resources to maintain public health, safety, or order; (2) address financial hardships of such entities due to COVID-19; and (3) promote the financial stability of such entities.

Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide states and tribal entities with grants to increase access to licensed child care services. The grants may be used to develop and expand the child care workforce or child care facilities in locations with insufficient available child care. Specifically, grants cover 50% of the cost of programs to support the education and training of caregivers or projects to build, expand, or renovate child care facilities in these areas.

Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide states and tribal entities with grants to increase access to licensed child care services. The grants may be used to develop and expand the child care workforce or child care facilities in locations with insufficient available child care. Specifically, grants cover 50% of the cost of programs to support the education and training of caregivers or projects to build, expand, or renovate child care facilities in these areas.

Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to (1) establish a master's degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. The VA shall give grant priority to institutions that have entered into a partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense. Aneligible institutionis an educational institution that is either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or that demonstrates an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if it receives a grant. The bill also requires the VA to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic research.

Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to (1) establish a master's degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. The VA shall give grant priority to institutions that have entered into a partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense. Aneligible institutionis an educational institution that is either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or that demonstrates an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if it receives a grant. The bill also requires the VA to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic research.

Coronavirus Relief Flexibility for Students and Institutions Act This bill allows additional uses for higher education emergency relief funds and requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to apply for such funds. Specifically, the bill permits IHEs to use emergency relief funds to defray expenses, including those related to lost revenue, incurred expenses, technology costs for distance education, faculty and staff training, and payroll. Currently, the use of such funds is limited to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19). Further, IHEs must apply to the Department of Education to receive such funds.

Reauthorization of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity Act This bill permanently authorizes the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, which advises the Department of Education on the college accreditation process and the eligibility of institutions of higher education to participate in federal student aid programs.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for * the Employment and Training Administration, * the Employee Benefits Security Administration, * the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, * the Wage and Hour Division, * the Office of Labor-Management Standards, * the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, * the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, * the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, * the Mine Safety and Health Administration, * the Bureau of Labor Statistics, * the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and * Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for * the Health Resources and Services Administration, * the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, * the National Institutes of Health, * the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, * the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, * the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, * the Administration for Children and Families, * the Administration for Community Living, and * the Office of the Secretary. The bill provides appropriations to the Department of Education for * Education for the Disadvantaged; * Impact Aid; * School Improvement Programs; * Indian Education; * Innovation and Improvement; * Safe Schools and Citizenship Education; * English Language Acquisition; * Special Education; * Rehabilitation Services; * Special Institutions for Persons with Disabilities; * Career, Technical, and Adult Education; * Student Financial Assistance; * Student Aid Administration; * Higher Education; * Howard University; * the College Housing and Academic Facilities Loan Program; * the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account; * the Institute of Education Sciences; and * Departmental Management. The bill provides appropriations to Related Agencies, including * the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, * the Corporation for National and Community Service, * the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, * the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, * the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, * the Institute of Museum and Library Services, * the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, * the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, * the National Council on Disability, * the National Labor Relations Board, * the National Mediation Board, * the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, * the Railroad Retirement Board, and * the Social Security Administration. The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Strengthen CTE in Higher Education Act This bill authorizes appropriations for greater cooperation and alignment between Perkins Career and Technical Education programs and educational institutions and employers, including outlying areas and tribally-controlled institutions. Specifically, entities offering these programs are eligible when partnering with a local educational agency or a consortia of local educational agencies, an area career and technical education school, a state or local workforce development system, and a four-year institution of higher education.