The 2011 Continuing Resolution is now in the U.S. Senate for consideration, facing a March 4 deadline. Most observers predict a showdown between the House and the Senate over the $61 billion in cuts the continuing resolution made in this year’s budget.
Following is a rundown of youth-related amendments to the bill that were passed last week in the House. These changes are in addition to the cuts we have already chronicled.
The House overwhelmingly approved an amendment offered by Rep. John Kline (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Labor and the Workforce Committee, that blocks the U.S. Department of Education from implementing any regulations regarding “gainful employment” for graduates as a requisite to participation in federal student loan programs. This is the roll call vote on the amendment, No. 214.
In other action, the House approved an amendment that increases Individuals with Disabilities Education Act educational grants to states for children with disabilities by $557 million. The money is designated to be taken from the School Improvement Grants and Teacher Quality Grants.
The House added $30 million to funding to carry out Title I of the PROTECT Our Children Act, which covers child trafficking and internet crime prosecutions. And it prohibited the Department of Education from enforcing the restrictions placed on Texas concerning federal education funds. The Texas-only bill would have required the state to use $830 million in federal funds to supplement state education funds rather than use them in lieu of state funds. It was passed after the state accepted $3.25 billion in stimulus funds for educational improvements – and then spent the money for other things.
The House also voted to prohibit the use of funds for the Community Connect broadband grant program administered by the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture. This will delay expansion of broadband service to rural areas.
And the House continuing resolution eliminates funding – for any purpose – for Planned Parenthood.
