[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1117 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1117
To deepen the peaceful business and cultural engagement of the United
States and the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 25, 2005
Mr. Lieberman (for himself and Mr. Alexander) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To deepen the peaceful business and cultural engagement of the United
States and the People's Republic of China, 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 ``United States-
People's Republic of China Cultural Engagement Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings; purpose.
TITLE I--CHINESE LANGUAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Chinese language and cultural studies grants.
TITLE II--PUBLIC SCHOOL CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Elementary school and middle school Chinese language and
cultural studies instruction expansion.
Sec. 204. School language technology enhancement.
TITLE III--SECONDARY SCHOOL CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION EXPANSION
Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Sense of Congress regarding benefit of exposure to Chinese
language and culture.
Sec. 303. Programs for Chinese language and cultural studies
instruction.
TITLE IV--POSTSECONDARY EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. United States-People's Republic of China international
consortia exchange program.
Sec. 403. Expansion of Asian international business education center
programs.
Sec. 404. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE V--CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Cultural and entertainment awareness programs.
TITLE VI--EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC
OF CHINA
Sec. 601. Short title.
Subtitle A--Exchange Programs
Sec. 611. Definitions.
Sec. 612. Physical and virtual exchanges.
Sec. 613. Assistance to nongovernmental organizations.
Sec. 614. Exchanges under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange
Act of 1961.
Sec. 615. Local government officials.
Sec. 616. Rulemaking authority.
Subtitle B--Report on United States-People's Republic of China
Friendship Volunteers
Sec. 621. Report on United States-People's Republic of China Friendship
Volunteers in the People's Republic of
China.
TITLE VII--POLICIES FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Definitions.
Sec. 703. Sense of Congress regarding negotiating approved destination
status.
Sec. 704. Consular services in the People's Republic of China.
Sec. 705. Information regarding visa procedures.
Sec. 706. Feasibility study programs.
Sec. 707. Visa requirements for secondary school exchanges.
TITLE VIII--UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA COMMERCIAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Sec. 801. Short title.
Sec. 802. Commercial service staffing increase.
Sec. 803. Export assistance center.
Sec. 804. Trade outreach at Lead Small Business Development Centers.
TITLE IX--UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
COUNCIL
Sec. 901. United States-People's Republic of China Engagement Strategy
Council.
Sec. 902. Duties of the Council.
Sec. 903. Powers.
Sec. 904. Council personnel matters.
Sec. 905. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The relationship between the United States and the
People's Republic of China will dominate worldwide economic and
noneconomic policies in the 21st century.
(2) The People's Republic of China, having a vast consumer
market and a productive, entrepreneurial labor force, offers
the United States a unique investment opportunity to secure
future economic growth and world security.
(3) It is in the best interests of the People's Republic of
China and the United States to increase the number of economic
and cultural exchanges between the countries for the purpose of
maintaining a stable relationship and providing a greater
opportunity for economic growth for both nations.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to expand academic,
cultural, and business outreach activities to increase the knowledge
and expertise of Chinese language and culture so as to create a
reservoir of individuals with the cultural erudition to constructively
engage the People's Republic of China as it becomes more influential in
world affairs. The enactment of this Act will be the beginning of a
stronger and more enduring friendship between the United States and the
People's Republic of China.
(c) Implementation.--This Act shall be administered under the
framework agreed to in the Joint Communique of the United States of
America and the People's Republic of China, issued at Shanghai February
28, 1972, the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic
Relations Between the United States of America and the People's
Republic of China, issued January 1, 1979, and the Joint Communique of
the United States and the People's Republic of China, issued August 17,
1982.
(d) Background for Including the Names of Famous Chinese
Trailblazers in Short Titles.--The purpose in providing the short
titles used in this Act is to honor famous Chinese and American
individuals by naming the programs established by this Act after those
individuals. The choice of these individuals is based on their
importance to the history of the People's Republic of China and its
relationship with the United States. These individuals include the
following:
(1) Du fu.--Du Fu, who lived during the Tang Dynasty, is
considered to be one of the greatest Chinese poets. He was a
keen observer of the political and social scene, a chronicler
of everyday life, a humanitarian and historian, a man with
infinite love for humanity who criticized injustice wherever he
found it. He wrote vivid and passionate portrayals of human
suffering and expressed bitterness in the face of corruption.
He championed other poverty-stricken scholars. He excelled in
all verse forms, transcending all rules and regulations in
prosody while conforming to and exploiting them.
(2) Wang xizhi.--Wang Xizhi is considered by many to be one
of the greatest calligraphers in Chinese history. Also known as
the ``Sage of Calligraphy'', Wang is remembered for
revolutionizing the art form. Born in the Eastern Jin Dynasty
in 303, Wang started studying the most basic style of
calligraphy, zheng, at the age of seven. By the time he was 41,
Wang had developed his own style of writing called xing
calligraphy, which is characterized by its free-flowing and
nontraditional nature. With his new style, Wang was able to
more easily express his own emotions and moods through his
writing. Wang is now considered a model of Chinese diligence
and hard work. He is famous for being so absorbed by his work
that he would often go for days without eating or sleeping.
(3) Zheng he.--Zheng He lived during the Ming Dynasty.
Zheng He sailed to 37 countries in the South Pacific, Indian
Ocean, Taiwan, Persian Gulf, and Africa in 7 epic voyages from
1405 to 1433, some 80 years before Columbus. He sailed around
the tip of Africa into the Atlantic with a fleet larger than
the combined fleets of all of Europe. He built more than 1,600
ships and commanded a fleet of 300 ships with nearly 40,000
sailors. His ``treasury ship'' was a 9-masted vessel 400 feet
long, 6 times the size of Columbus' largest ship. Zheng's
journeys also stimulated a number of important maritime
inventions, including central rudders, watertight compartments
and various new types of sails.
(4) Sun yat-sen.--Sun Yat-Sen is recognized as the founder
of modern Chinese culture. Sun Yat-Sen was a physician,
revolutionary leader, and patriot. Born to a peasant family in
Southeast China in 1866, he lived in Hawaii, earned his medical
degree in Hong Kong, and was baptized as a Christian. He fought
the ruling Qing Dynasty, which failed to defend China against
foreign attack and occupation. He led several unsuccessful
insurrections against Qing's rule and lived in exile in Europe,
the United States, Canada, and Japan. When the Manchu Dynasty
finally collapsed in 1911, ending 5,000 years of imperial rule,
he was named the provisional President of the new Chinese
republic and established an elected National Assembly. Later he
was elected President of a national government in Guangdong
province in southern China. His 3 Principles of the People
focus on peace, freedom, and equality. He died in Beijing in
1925.
(5) Zhou xinfang.--Zhou Xinfang was born in 1895. He was a
Lao Sheng player in the Beijing Opera and the founder of the Qi
Style. His stage name, Unicorn Boy Qiling Tong, which means 7-
year-old, was given to him because he made his first stage
appearance at the age of 7. From then on he was the most famous
figure of the Beijing opera. He constantly upgraded his
performances by learning from other operas and developed a
style all his own that eventually won him a loyal following all
over China.
(6) Cai lun.--Cai Lun lived around 105 A.D. and is regarded
as the inventor of paper. He was born in Guiyang during the
Eastern Han Dynasty, and became a paperwork secretary of
Emperor Hedi. For papermaking, he tried materials like bark,
hemp, and even fishing net. His invention immediately became
widely used in China. In 751, some Chinese paper makers were
captured by Arabs after Tang troops were annihilated in the
Battle of Talas River. The techniques of paper making then
finally spread to the West.
(7) Ieoh ming pei.--Ieoh Ming Pei had a prestigious career
as an architect, built on the foundation of the beautiful,
inspiring, and practical structures he so effortlessly brought
to us. Pei was born in China in 1917. Once 17, he embarked on
his educational journey in the United States, receiving his
bachelor's degree in architecture from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology. He received many awards and merits for
his outstanding work. Years after graduating from the Harvard
Graduate School of Design he founded the I. M. Pei & Associates
partnership. Pei won the 1983 International Pritzker
Architecture Prize, one of the most prestigious individual
awards for an architect. Pei has lent his talents to many
projects around the world including the East Building of the
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Le Grand Louvre in
Paris, France, the Bank of China in Hong Kong, the John
Fitzgerald Kennedy Library near Boston, and the West Wing of
the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
(8) Wang wei.--Wang Wei is known for his delicate poems,
calligraphy, and paintings. Wang Wei used many forms of art to
depict his views of nature and the path to enlightenment. Wang,
who lived from 699 to 759 during the Tang era, was the first
master and founder of Southern Chinese landscape art, which is
characterized by strong brushstrokes contrasted with light ink
washes. He typically did not include any human presence in his
works, which often take a Buddhist perspective. As he longed
for inner-tranquility, 2 images found commonly in his works are
water and mist. After his wife's death in 730, Wang established
a Buddhist monastery on his own lands.
TITLE I--CHINESE LANGUAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Du Fu Chinese Language Education
Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 102. CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL STUDIES GRANTS.
Part A of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1121 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 602(a), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Award for chinese centers.--From amounts appropriated
under section 610A(b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall
award not less than 10 grants to establish and maintain centers
described in paragraph (1) that focus on Chinese language
instruction.'';
(2) in section 603, by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Awards for Chinese Center.--From amounts appropriated under
section 610A(b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award 1 grant to
establish and maintain a center described in subsection (a) that
focuses on Chinese language and Chinese cultural studies.'';
(3) by redesignating section 610 as section 610A;
(4) by inserting after section 609 the following:
``SEC. 610. CHINESE EDUCATION INSTRUCTION.
``(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts appropriated under section
610A(b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible
entities for the purpose of enabling the eligible entities to assist
elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher
education in the instruction of Chinese language and cultural studies.
``(b) Allotments.--The Secretary shall allot an equal amount of the
funds appropriated under section 610A(b) for a fiscal year to each
eligible entity that submits an application, as required under
subsection (c), that is approved by the Secretary.
``(c) Application.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and accompanied by such additional information as the
Secretary may require.
``(d) Authorized Activities.--An eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section may use the grant funds to carry out the following
activities:
``(1) Locating and acquiring instructors for Chinese
language and cultural studies.
``(2) Devising course curricula and daily lesson plans for
studies in Chinese language and culture.
``(3) Providing other Chinese language and cultural studies
instructional assistance, materials, and information as
necessary.
``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
necessary to carry out this section.
``(f) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity'
means a foreign language and area or international studies center
supported under section 602(a) or a national language resource and
training center supported under section 603.''; and
(5) in section 610A (as redesignated by paragraph (3))--
(A) by striking ``There are'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--There are'';
(B) by striking ``this part'' and inserting ``this
part (other than sections 602(a)(5), 603(d), and
610)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Additional Authorizations of Appropriations.--
``(1) Section 602(a)(5).--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 602(a)(5) $5,000,000 for
fiscal year 2006, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $3,000,000
for fiscal year 2008, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2009,
$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $1,000,000 for fiscal year
2011, and such sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal
year.
``(2) Section 603(d).--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 603(d) $2,000,000 for fiscal
year 2006, $1,800,000 for fiscal year 2007, $1,600,000 for
fiscal year 2008, $1,400,000 for fiscal year 2009, $1,200,000
for fiscal year 2010, $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such
sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
``(3) Section 610.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out section 610 $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$2,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $3,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as are necessary
for each succeeding fiscal year.
``(4) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available
pursuant to an authorization of appropriation in this
subsection shall remain available until expended.''.
TITLE II--PUBLIC SCHOOL CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Wang Xizhi Public School Chinese
Language Instruction Improvement Act''.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) In general.--The terms ``elementary school'', ``local
educational agency'', ``secondary school'', and ``State
educational agency'' have the meanings given such terms in
section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) Physical exchange.--The term ``physical exchange''
means an academic, professional, or cultural exchange between
the United States and the People's Republic of China that
involves international travel.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(4) Virtual exchange.--The term ``virtual exchange'' means
an academic, professional, or cultural exchange between the
United States and the People's Republic of China that does not
involve international travel.
SEC. 203. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CHINESE LANGUAGE AND
CULTURAL STUDIES INSTRUCTION EXPANSION.
(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts appropriated under subsection
(e) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants, on a
competitive basis, to State educational agencies and local educational
agencies to offer Chinese language and cultural studies for elementary
school and middle school students in the schools served by the State
educational agencies and local educational agencies.
(b) Application.--Each State educational agency or local
educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such additional information as the Secretary may
require.
(c) Use of Funds.--A State educational agency or local educational
agency receiving a grant under this section shall use the funds to
provide Chinese language and cultural studies for elementary school and
middle school students in the schools served by the State educational
agency or local educational agency.
(d) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
necessary to carry out this section.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $20,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as are necessary
for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 204. SCHOOL LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT.
(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts appropriated under subsection
(f) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible
educational agencies to acquire communication technology or equipment
to improve Chinese language instruction in middle schools or secondary
schools through computer-assisted instruction, distance learning, and
virtual exchanges.
(b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``eligible educational
agency'' means a State educational agency or local educational agency
that has been awarded, for the same fiscal year, a grant under section
203 enabling the State educational agency or local educational agency
to offer middle school Chinese language and cultural studies.
(c) Application.--Each eligible educational agency desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and accompanied by such additional information as
the Secretary may require.
(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to eligible educational agencies that will use
grant funds to acquire communication technology or equipment for the
purpose of conducting virtual exchanges involving secondary school
students served by the eligible educational agencies.
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible educational agency receiving a grant
under this section shall use grant funds to acquire communication
technology or equipment that shall be used primarily--
(1) for collaborative ventures and to communicate with--
(A) foreign language and area or international
studies centers supported under section 602(a) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1122(a)); or
(B) national language resource and training centers
supported under section 603 of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1123); or
(2) to conduct virtual exchanges with schools or other
educational institutions in the People's Republic of China.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2010,
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such sums as are
necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
TITLE III--SECONDARY SCHOOL CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION EXPANSION
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Zheng He Chinese Language
Instruction Act''.
SEC. 302. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING BENEFIT OF EXPOSURE TO CHINESE
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.
It is the sense of Congress that an increase in the number of
students who received substantial exposure to Chinese language and
culture instruction before graduating from secondary school would be a
great potential benefit to the United States.
SEC. 303. PROGRAMS FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL STUDIES
INSTRUCTION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) In general.--The terms ``elementary school'', ``local
educational agency'', ``professional development'', ``secondary
school'', and ``State educational agency'' have the meanings
given such terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) Physical exchange.--The term ``physical exchange''
means an academic, professional, or cultural exchange between
the United States and the People's Republic of China that
involves international travel.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(b) Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to make
grants, on a competitive basis, to State educational agencies
or local educational agencies to carry out innovative model
programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or
expansion of Chinese language and cultural studies instruction
for elementary school and secondary school students.
(2) Duration.--Each grant under paragraph (1) shall be
awarded for a period of 3 years.
(c) Requirements.--
(1) Grants to state educational agencies.--In awarding a
grant under subsection (b) to a State educational agency, the
Secretary shall support programs that promote systemic
approaches to improving Chinese language learning in the State.
(2) Grants to local educational agencies.--In awarding a
grant under subsection (b) to a local educational agency, the
Secretary shall support programs that--
(A) demonstrate approaches that can be disseminated
and duplicated in other local educational agencies; and
(B) may include a professional development
component.
(d) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than .05
percent of funds made available under subsection (f) to evaluate the
efficacy of the programs funded under this section.
(e) Applications.--
(1) In general.--Any State educational agency or local
educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such
manner, and accompanied by such additional information as the
Secretary may require.
(2) Special consideration.--In awarding grants under this
section, the Secretary shall give special consideration to
applications describing programs that--
(A) include intensive summer Chinese language
programs for professional development, especially such
programs that include physical exchanges;
(B) link speakers in the community who are
bilingual in English and Chinese with the schools in
order to promote 2-way language learning;
(C) promote the sequential study of Chinese
language for students, beginning in elementary schools;
(D) make effective use of technology, such as
computer-assisted instruction, language laboratories,
or distance learning, to promote Chinese language
study;
(E) promote innovative activities, such as Chinese
language immersion, partial Chinese language immersion,
or content-based instruction; and
(F) are carried out through a consortium comprised
of the agency receiving the grant and an elementary
school or secondary school.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as are necessary
for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
TITLE IV--POSTSECONDARY EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Sun Yat-Sen Postsecondary Exchange
Act''.
SEC. 402. UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA INTERNATIONAL
CONSORTIA EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
Part B of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1138 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 745 as section 746;
(2) by inserting after section 744 the following:
``SEC. 745. UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA INTERNATIONAL
CONSORTIA EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts appropriated under section
746(b) for a fiscal year, the Director shall make grants to
institutions of higher education, or consortia of institutions of
higher education, to establish and maintain international consortia
exchange programs between postsecondary educational institutions in the
People's Republic of China and the United States.
``(b) Application.--Each institution of higher education or
consortium desiring a grant under this section shall submit an
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such additional information as the Director may require.
``(c) Use of Funds.--An institution of higher education or
consortium receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant
funds to foster exchanges with the People's Republic of China within
the context of multilateral curricular development and training in a
wide range of instructional disciplines.
``(d) Applicability of Regulations.--An institution of higher
education or consortium receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall be
subject to the same requirements and regulations that apply to
recipients of grants under section 744 who carry out student exchange
programs.
``(e) Goal.--The Director shall administer this section with the
goal of having as many students enrolled in the exchange program under
this section as the total number of students in all of the student
exchange programs authorized under section 744.''; and
(3) in section 746 (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
(A) by striking ``There are'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--There are'';
(B) by inserting ``(other than section 745)'' after
``this part''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Section 745.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out section 745 $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$6,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $7,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as are necessary
for each succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available
pursuant to an authorization of appropriation in this
subsection shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 403. EXPANSION OF ASIAN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EDUCATION CENTER
PROGRAMS.
Section 612(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1130-
1(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Centers for asian business education.--Subject to
funds being made available through appropriation Acts, the
Secretary shall award grants under paragraph (1) to establish
and maintain not less than 100 centers, including 72 centers
for international business education that focus on commercial
connections with Asia.''.
SEC. 404. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 614(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1130b(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Education.--There are'' and inserting
``Education.--
``(1) In general.--There are'';
(2) by striking ``612.'' and inserting ``612 (other than
subsection (a)(3)).''; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
``(2) Centers for asian business education.--
``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the grants for centers for
Asian business education described in section 612(a)(3)
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $6,000,000 for fiscal
year 2007, $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008
through 2011, and such sums as are necessary for each
succeeding fiscal year.
``(B) Availability of funds.--Amounts made
available pursuant to an authorization of appropriation
in this paragraph shall remain available until
expended.''.
TITLE V--CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARENESS PROGRAMS
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Zhou Xinfang Artists Awareness
Act''.
SEC. 502. CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARENESS PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State is authorized to establish,
through the office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and
Public Affairs and within the CultureConnect program, a program to
allow individuals or organizations, from the United States or the
People's Republic of China, to travel to the People's Republic of China
or the United States (as the case may be) to study the culture of the
country or to perform for entertainment purposes.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of State to carry out this section
$4,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2007,
$8,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009,
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and
such sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year. Amounts
made available pursuant to an authorization of appropriation in this
paragraph shall remain available until expended.
TITLE VI--EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC
OF CHINA
SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Cai Lun Exchange Program Act''.
Subtitle A--Exchange Programs
SEC. 611. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has
the meaning given that term in section 9101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) Secretary.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subtitle, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of State.
SEC. 612. PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL EXCHANGES.
(a) Physical Exchanges.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants
through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to
eligible students for physical student exchanges between the
United States and the People's Republic of China. Such
exchanges that permit a student in the United States to visit
the People's Republic of China shall be known as the S. Welles
Williams Exchange and such exchanges that permit a student in
the People's Republic of China to visit the United States shall
be known as the Xu Jiyu Exchange. Such exchanges shall--
(A) in the case of the S. Welles Williams Exchange,
be for a period not to exceed 1 year; and
(B) in the case of the Xu Jiyu Exchange, be for a
period not to exceed 90 days.
(2) Eligible student.--A student is eligible to receive a
grant under paragraph (1) if the student--
(A) is a secondary school student; and
(B) is a citizen of--
(i) the United States; or
(ii) the People's Republic of China.
(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall carry out the
student exchanges authorized by paragraph (1) in coordination
with an international exchange facilitation organization or a
State educational agency.
(4) Use of funds.--A grant awarded under paragraph (1)
shall be used to pay for the travel and educational expenses of
a student participating in a physical student exchange under
this section. The Secretary is authorized to limit the amount
of such grant that may be used to pay for the visa fees of a
student.
(5) Award of grants.--The Secretary shall award grants
under paragraph (1) in a manner so that the number of students
in the United States who participate in a physical student
exchange is approximately equal to the number of students in
the People's Republic of China who participate in such an
exchange.
(6) Preference for cost sharing.--The Secretary shall give
priority to awarding grants to individuals who have
contributions of non-Federal funds to use for the cost of such
individual's participation in the physical student exchange
under this section.
(7) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
subsection $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $25,000,000 for each
of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as
are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(B) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available
pursuant to the authorization of appropriation in this
paragraph shall remain available until expended.
(b) Virtual Exchanges.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants
to organizations that facilitate virtual exchange programs.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of grants authorized in paragraph
(1) is to build relationships between students enrolled in
secondary schools in the United States or in the People's
Republic of China through academic or cultural exchanges that
do not involve international travel.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, and $20,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, and such
sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(B) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available
pursuant to the authorization of appropriation in this
paragraph shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 613. ASSISTANCE TO NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to provide, through the
Office of Citizen Exchanges, assistance to nongovernmental
organizations that facilitate academic, professional, or cultural
exchanges between--
(1) the United States and the People's Republic of China;
and
(2) the People's Republic of China and organizations that
publish studies or reports on the national and international
political strategy of the People's Republic of China.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--The are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to carry out this section $12,000,000 for fiscal
year 2006, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $10,000,000 for
fiscal year 2008, $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $8,000,000
for fiscal year 2010, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such
sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to the authorization of appropriation in this paragraph shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 614. EXCHANGES UNDER THE MUTUAL EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1961.
(a) Increase in Existing Exchange Programs.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Requirement.--Subject to funds being made
available through appropriations Acts, the Secretary
shall provide assistance to students under the Mutual
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2451 et seq.) for the purpose described in
paragraph (2).
(B) Students.--
(i) Numerical requirement.--The Secretary
shall provide the assistance described in
subparagraph (A) to a number of students that
is not less than 110 percent of the number of
student that received assistance from the
Secretary under the Mutual Educational and
Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to participate in
educational activities in the People's Republic
of China during fiscal year 2004.
(ii) Citizenship requirement.--The
Secretary shall provide the assistance
described in subparagraph (A) to students who
are United States citizens.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the assistance provided under
paragraph (1) is to assist students in participating in
educational activities in the People's Republic of China, with
a priority of providing such assistance to students who will
participate in educational activities related to the following
areas:
(A) Rule of law, including civil rights, tort, and
contract law.
(B) Extraction and utilization of energy resources.
(C) Environmental protection and hazardous waste
management.
(D) Financial services.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) In general.--In addition to any amounts
otherwise appropriated, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
subsection $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $8,000,000
for fiscal year 2007, $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2008,
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $10,000,000 for
fiscal year 2010, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and
such sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal
year.
(B) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available
pursuant to the authorization of appropriation in this
paragraph shall remain available until expended.
(b) Chinese Doctoral Research Abroad Grant Program.--
(1) Authority.--Section 102(b) of the Mutual Educational
and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2452(b)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(13) visits to, and study in, the People's Republic of
China by postgraduate students of a wide range of disciplines,
including journalism, law, hospital administration, health
care, medicine, environmental studies, political science,
education, art, science, farming, ranching, energy, banking,
finance, and intellectual property, from United States schools,
colleges, and universities.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendments.--Such section
102(b), as amended by paragraph (1), is further amended--
(A) in paragraph (11), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon; and
(B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 105 of such
Act (22 U.S.C. 2455) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(h)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, there are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 102(b)(13)
$2,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2007,
$4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such
sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant to
the authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall remain
available until expended.''.
SEC. 615. LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants for
cultural exchange partnerships between local or provincial government
officials of the United States and of the People's Republic of China.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary to carry out this section $2,000,000 for fiscal
year 2006, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $4,000,000 for each
of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011, and such sums as are
necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to the authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 616. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as the Secretary
determines are necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
Subtitle B--Report on United States-People's Republic of China
Friendship Volunteers
SEC. 621. REPORT ON UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA FRIENDSHIP
VOLUNTEERS IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Director of the Peace Corps shall submit to Congress a report on
increasing the number of United States-People's Republic of China
Friendship Volunteers serving in the People's Republic of China.
TITLE VII--POLICIES FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``I. M. Pei Travel Policy Act''.
SEC. 702. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Commercial service.--The term ``Commercial Service''
has the meaning given that term under section 2301(j)(2) of the
Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721(j)(2)).
(2) Consular officer.--The term ``consular officer'' has
the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)).
(3) Secretary.--Except as otherwise provided in this title,
the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of State.
SEC. 703. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING NEGOTIATING APPROVED DESTINATION
STATUS.
It is the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate
with the appropriate officials of the Government of the People's
Republic of China to encourage such officials to award approved
destination status to the United States in a manner that is consistent
with the laws of the United States.
SEC. 704. CONSULAR SERVICES IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized--
(1) to establish facilities, that meet the requirements for
personal safety and security, for an additional 2 United States
Consulates in locations in the People's Republic of China where
no consulates are located on the date of enactment of this Act;
(2) to negotiate with the appropriate officials of the
Government of the People's Republic of China for the
establishment of such facilities; and
(3) to hire additional consular officers to staff the new
consulates.
(b) Appropriations.--Of the amounts appropriated to the Secretary
for the administration of foreign affairs account, the following
amounts may be made available to carry out the provisions of this
section:
(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
(3) $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through
2010.
(4) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
(5) Such sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal
year.
SEC. 705. INFORMATION REGARDING VISA PROCEDURES.
(a) Information Regarding Visa Procedures.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to increase the
number of individuals who respond to inquiries from individuals
in the People's Republic of China regarding the process for
obtaining a visa to enter the United States and is authorized
to charge a fee to persons making such visa inquiries.
(2) Employees and contractors.--The Secretary may utilize
employees of the Department of State or individuals providing
services on a contract basis to carry out the authority
described in paragraph (1).
(b) Authorization to Charge Visa Fees.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to use the fees, paid to
the United States by individuals in the People's Republic of China for
making visa inquiries and to pay any salaries or related expenses
necessary to carry out the authority described in subsection (a)(1).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--In addition to any amounts made available
under subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated
to the Secretary to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each
of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011, and such sums as are
necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to the authorization of appropriation in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 706. FEASIBILITY STUDY PROGRAMS.
(a) Feasibility Study for Expedited Visa Processing.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall undertake a study as
to the feasibility of establishing a program in which an
eligible individual in the People's Republic of China seeking
admission to the United States--
(A) shall be presumed to be seeking admission to
the United States on a temporary basis; and
(B) may be interviewed by an employee of the United
States who is not a member of the Foreign Service, if
an interview is required for such individual to enter
the United States.
(2) Eligible individual.--An individual is eligible to
participate in the program described in paragraph (1) if the
individual--
(A) is a citizen of the People's Republic of China;
and
(B) is a scientist.
(3) Schedule.--The feasibility study described in paragraph
(1) shall be completed not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Feasibility Study To Exempt Nationals of the People's Republic
of China From H1B Limitations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall undertake a study as
to the feasibility of establishing a program in which the
numerical limitations contained in section 214(g)(1)(A) of such
Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(A)) shall not apply to an alien who is
a national of the People's Republic of China and who is seeking
a visa or otherwise seeking status under section
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)).
(2) Schedule.--The feasibility study described in paragraph
(1) shall be implemented not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the
feasibility studies established under subsections (a) and (b) are
concluded, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
results of the studies.
SEC. 707. VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCHANGES.
(a) In General.--Section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(J)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(J) an alien having a residence in a foreign country
which the alien has no intention of abandoning who is a bona
fide student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research
assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized
knowledge or skill, or other person of similar description, who
is coming temporarily to the United States as a participant--
``(i) in a program designated by the Secretary of
State, for the purpose of teaching, instructing or
lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research,
consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving
training and who, if the alien is coming to the United
States to participate in a program under which the
alien will receive graduate medical education or
training, also meets the requirements of paragraphs (1)
and (2) of section 212(j), and the alien spouse and
minor children of the alien if accompanying or
following to join the alien; or
``(ii) in a secondary school exchange program
between the United States and the People's Republic of
China and who also meets the requirements of paragraph
(4) of section 212(j);''.
(b) Requirements for Secondary School Exchanges.--
(1) In general.--Section 212(j) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(j)) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(4) The additional requirements referred to in section
101(a)(15)(J)(ii) for an alien who is coming to the United States under
a secondary school exchange program are as follows:
``(A) The alien is enrolled in a school that is the
academic equivalent of a secondary school (as that term in
defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
``(B) The alien is a dependent minor under the age of 20.
``(C) The alien may not seek or acquire employment in the
United States while admitted to the United States under section
101(a)(15)(J)(ii).
``(D) The alien may not apply for any other visa
classification, immigration status, or extension while admitted
to the United States under such section.
``(E) The alien may not remain in the United States for a
secondary school exchange program for a period of more than 90
days.''.
(2) Technical amendment.--Section 212(j)(1) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(j)(1)) is
amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
``101(a)(15)(J)'' and inserting ``101(a)(15)(J)(i)''.
(c) Expedited Procedure and Report to Congress.--The Secretary of
State is authorized to establish such procedures as are necessary to
expedite approval of visas of students applying for visas pursuant to
section 212(j)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(j)(4)), as added by subsection (b), and shall submit a report to
Congress, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, on the procedures the Secretary has implemented to expedite
approval of those visas.
TITLE VIII--UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA COMMERCIAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Wang Wei Commercial Exchange
Improvement Act''.
SEC. 802. COMMERCIAL SERVICE STAFFING INCREASE.
(a) Increase in Commercial Service Officers.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, in addition to the full-time employees assigned
to the Commercial Service on the date of enactment of this Act at the
locations listed in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary of Commerce
is authorized to assign an additional 35 full-time employees to the
Commercial Service. Each additional employee shall be assigned to 1 of
the following:
(1) The United States Embassy in the People's Republic of
China.
(2) A United States Consulate in the People's Republic of
China that is in existence on the date of enactment of this
Act.
(3) A consular facility established pursuant to section
704(a)(1).
(b) Commercial Service.--In this section, the term ``Commercial
Service'' has the meaning given that term under section 2301(j)(2) of
the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721(j)(2)).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce to carry out this section including
to hire support staff, and to procure materials, the following
sums:
(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(B) $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007
through 2011.
(C) Such sums as are necessary for each succeeding
fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriations in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 803. EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER.
(a) Establishment of State Export Center.--There is established
within the Department of Commerce a State Foreign Export Center Grant
Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program''). The Program
shall be administered by the Secretary of Commerce through the United
States and Foreign Commercial Service. The purpose of the Program shall
be to provide grants to States in an amount that does not exceed 33
percent of the start-up costs for constructing, operating, and
maintaining State offices that can provide export assistance and
outreach to United States businesses in the People's Republic of China.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall promulgate such
regulations as are necessary to carry out the Program.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Department of Commerce to carry out this section the
following sums:
(A) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(B) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
(C) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
(D) $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009
through 2011.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriations in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
SEC. 804. TRADE OUTREACH AT LEAD SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS.
(a) Increase in Small Business International Trade Staff.--The
Administrator of the Small Business Administration is authorized to
facilitate the hiring of 1 additional full-time export development
specialist in each of the 63 Lead Small Business Development Centers of
the Small Business Administration to--
(1) help carry out the export promotion efforts described
in section 22 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 649); and
(2) perform outreach services and help provide strategic
guidance to each Small Business Development Center with respect
to exporting services and products to the People's Republic of
China.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Small Business Administration to carry out this section the
following sums:
(A) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(B) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
(C) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
(D) $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009
through 2011.
(E) Such sums as are necessary for each succeeding
fiscal year.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available pursuant
to an authorization of appropriations in this subsection shall
remain available until expended.
TITLE IX--UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
COUNCIL
SEC. 901. UNITED STATES-PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the United States-People's
Republic of China Engagement Strategy Council (referred to in this
title as the ``Council'').
(b) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of the following
members:
(1) The Secretary of State, or the designee of the
Secretary of State.
(2) The Secretary of Education, or the designee of the
Secretary of Education.
(3) The Secretary of Commerce, or the designee of the
Secretary of Commerce.
(c) Chairperson.--
(1) Initial chairperson.--The Secretary of State or the
Secretary of State's designee on the Council (as the case may
be) shall serve as the chairperson of the Council for the 1
year period following the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Rotating basis.--After the period described in
paragraph (1), each of the individuals described in subsection
(b) shall serve as chairperson of the Council on a rotating
basis for a period not to exceed 1 year.
(d) Meetings.--
(1) Frequency.--The Council shall meet--
(A) not less than 6 times during the first year
after the date of enactment of this Act;
(B) not less than 4 times during the subsequent 2
year period; and
(C) not less than 1 time during each subsequent
year.
(2) Date and Agenda.--The Secretary of State or the
designee of the Secretary of State (as the case may be) shall,
with input from the other members of the Council, establish the
date of, and agenda for, each meeting of the Council.
SEC. 902. DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL.
(a) In General.--The Council shall--
(1) formulate a strategy for the coordination and
implementation of the programs and grants authorized pursuant
to this Act; and
(2) oversee the implementation of such strategy.
(b) Report.--
(1) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Council
shall report to Congress on the strategy of the Council to
implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act, and the
progress of the Council to implement such strategy.
(2) One-time report.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to the
President and Congress a report that contains--
(A) a detailed statement of the findings and
conclusions of the Council; and
(B) the recommendations of the Council for such
legislation and administrative actions as the Council
considers appropriate.
SEC. 903. POWERS.
(a) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Council may secure directly from a
Federal agency such information as the Council considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Provision of information.--On request of the Council,
the head of the agency shall provide the information to the
Council.
(b) Postal Services.--The Council may use the United States mails
in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of
the Federal Government.
(c) Gifts.--The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
SEC. 904. COUNCIL PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--All members of the Council shall
serve without compensation in addition to that received for their
services as officers or employees of the United States.
(b) Travel Expenses.--A member of the Council shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter
57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular
place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the
Council.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Council 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 Council to perform its duties. The
employment of an executive director shall be subject to
confirmation by the Council.
(2) Compensation.--The Council may fix the compensation of
the executive director and other personnel without regard to
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 Council without reimbursement, and such
detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or
privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Council may procure temporary and intermittent services under section
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which
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. 905. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011
and such sums as are necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts made available pursuant to an
authorization of appropriations in this section shall remain available
until expended.
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