| HR 2770 IH
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2770
To amend part A of
title IV of the Social Security Act to reauthorize and improve the operation
of temporary assistance to needy families programs operated by Indian tribes,
and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 17, 2003
Mr. PALLONE introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition
to the Committees on Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education
and the Workforce, Agriculture, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to
be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To amend part A of
title IV of the Social Security Act to reauthorize and improve the operation
of temporary assistance to needy families programs operated by Indian tribes,
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 `American Indian Welfare Reform Act'.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS- The
table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table
of contents.
Sec. 3. Funding for tribal
TANF programs.
Sec. 4. Economic development.
Sec. 5. Tribal job training
programs.
Sec. 6. Child care and development
block grant funds for Indian tribes.
Sec. 7. Equitable access.
Sec. 8. Areas of Indian
country or Alaskan Native villages of high joblessness.
Sec. 9. Parity in treatment
of Alaskan Natives.
Sec. 10. Authority of Indian
tribes to receive Federal funds for foster care and adoption assistance.
Sec. 11. Demonstration program
to allow Indian tribes to determine eligibility for the food stamp, medicaid,
and State children's health insurance programs.
Sec. 12. Tribal child support
enforcement programs.
Sec. 13. Break the cycle
demonstration grants.
Sec. 14. Reservation of
funds under the Social Services Block Grant.
Sec. 15. Research on tribal
welfare programs and poverty among Indians.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following
findings:
(1) The Federal Government
bears a unique trust responsibility for American Indians.
(2) Despite this responsibility,
Indians remain remarkably impoverished. According to the Bureau of the
Census, 25.9 percent of American Indians live in poverty, more than twice
the national poverty rate. The average household income for Indians in
2000 was only 75 percent of that of the rest of Americans.
(3) In some States with
substantial Indian populations, the percentage of the welfare caseload
that is made up of Indians has increased since the enactment of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 because
some Indians face substantial barriers in moving from welfare to work.
(4) A General Accounting
Office review of data from the Bureau of the Census found that 25 of the
26 counties in the United States with a majority of American Indians had
poverty rates `significantly' higher than average.
(5) Many Indian tribes are
located in isolated rural areas that lack sufficient economic opportunities,
including jobs and economic development, transportation services, child
care, and other services necessary to ensure a successful transition from
welfare to work.
(6) Tribal temporary assistance
to needy families programs have demonstrated remarkable success in moving
Indians from welfare to work.
(7) Tribal governments,
unlike State governments, have not been afforded an opportunity to administer
and fully participate in the Federal entitlement program for foster care
and adoption assistance, a program Congress recognizes as an important
component of welfare services.
(8) Welfare reform has not
brought enough change to Indian Country. Welfare reform has not, and will
not, succeed unless it adequately addresses the unique barriers many Indians
face in moving from welfare to work.
SEC. 3. FUNDING FOR TRIBAL TANF
PROGRAMS.
(a) REAUTHORIZATION OF TRIBAL
FAMILY ASSISTANCE GRANTS- Section 412(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 612(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking `1997' and all that follows
through `2002' and inserting `2004 through 2008'.
(b) TRIBAL TANF IMPROVEMENT
FUND-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section
412(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 612(a)) is amended by striking
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
`(2) TRIBAL TANF IMPROVEMENT
GRANTS-
`(A) TRIBAL CAPACITY GRANTS-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Of the
amount appropriated under subparagraph (E) for the period of fiscal years
2004 through 2008, $185,000,000 of such amount shall be used by the Secretary
to award grants for tribal human services program infrastructure improvement
(as defined in clause (v)) to--
`(I) Indian tribes that
have applied for approval of a tribal family assistance plan and that meet
the requirements of clause (ii)(I);
`(II) Indian tribes with
an approved tribal family assistance plan and that meet the requirements
of clause (ii)(II);
`(III) Indian tribes that
have applied for approval of a foster care and adoption assistance program
under section 479B or that plan to enter into, or have in place, a tribal-State
cooperative agreement under section 479B(c) and that meet the requirements
of clause (ii)(III); and
`(IV) Indian tribes that
are conducting a tribal employment services program under a grant made
under paragraph (4) and that meet the requirements of clause (ii)(IV).
`(ii) PRIORITIES FOR AWARDING
OF GRANTS- The Secretary shall give priority in awarding grants under this
subparagraph as follows:
`(I) First, for grants to
Indian tribes that have applied for approval of a tribal family assistance
plan, that have not operated such a plan as of the date of enactment of
the American Indian Welfare Reform Act, that will have such plan approved,
and that include in the plan submission provisions for tribal human services
program infrastructure improvement and related management information systems
training.
`(II) Second, for Indian
tribes with an approved tribal family assistance plan that are not described
in subclause (I) and that submit an addendum to such plan that includes
provisions for tribal human services program infrastructure improvement
that includes implementing or improving management information systems
of the tribe (including management information systems training), as such
systems relate to the operation of the tribal family assistance plan.
`(III) Third, for Indian
tribes that have applied for approval of a foster care and adoption assistance
program under section 479B or that plan to enter into, or have in place,
a tribal-State cooperative agreement under section 479B(c) and that include
in the plan submission under section 471 (or in an addendum to such plan)
provisions for tribal human services program infrastructure improvement
and related management information systems training.
`(IV) Fourth, for Indian
tribes that are conducting a tribal employment services program under a
grant made under paragraph (4) and that provide the Secretary with a plan
for tribal human services program infrastructure improvement and related
management information systems training.
`(iii) OTHER REQUIREMENTS
FOR AWARDING GRANTS- In awarding grants under this subparagraph, the Secretary--
`(I) may not award an Indian
tribe more than 1 grant under this subparagraph per fiscal year;
`(II) shall award grants
in such a manner as to maximize the number of Indian tribes that receive
grants under this subparagraph; and
`(III) shall consult with
Indian tribes located throughout the United States.
`(iv) APPLICATION- An Indian
tribe desiring a grant under this subparagraph shall submit an application
to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require.
`(v) DEFINITION OF HUMAN
SERVICES PROGRAM INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT- In this subparagraph, the
term `human services program infrastructure improvement' includes (but
is not limited to) improvement of management information systems, management
information systems-related training, management training, equipping offices,
and renovating, but not constructing, buildings, as described in an application
for a grant under this subparagraph, and subject to approval by the Secretary.
`(B) ADJUSTED TRIBAL TANF
GRANTS-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Of the
amount appropriated under subparagraph (E) for the period of fiscal years
2005 through 2008, $140,000,000 of such amount shall be used by the Secretary
to make supplemental grants for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2008
to each Indian tribe that--
`(I) has an approved tribal
family assistance plan; and
`(II) demonstrates that
the number of Indian families receiving cash assistance under the tribal
family assistance plan as of the first quarter of the third year of the
operation of such plan has increased by at least 20 percent over such number
for the first quarter of the first year of the operation of such plan.
`(ii) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS-
The Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes with approved tribal
family assistance plans, shall determine a formula for the allocation of
$35,000,000 of the funds described in clause (i) for each fiscal year described
in that clause in a manner that is proportionate to the size, service population,
and percentage increase in the number of Indian families served by each
Indian tribe eligible for an adjusted grant under this subparagraph for
that fiscal year. If the amount available for allocation for a fiscal year
is less than the total amount of funds requested for allocation among the
Indian tribes for that fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate the funds
among such tribes on a pro rata basis.
`(C) INCENTIVE GRANTS TO
STATES THAT PROVIDE MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT SUPPORT TO INDIAN TRIBES-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Subject
to clause (ii), of the amount appropriated under subparagraph (E), $40,000,000
of such amount for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2008 shall be used
by the Secretary to pay a State an amount equal to 50 percent of the total
amount of qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i))
incurred by the State for each such fiscal year for support of tribal family
assistance plans.
`(ii) PRO RATA REDUCTIONS-
If the amount available for making payments under clause (i) for a fiscal
year is less than the total amount of payments otherwise required to be
made under clause (i) for the fiscal year, then the amount otherwise payable
to any State for the fiscal year under clause (i) shall be reduced by a
percentage equal to the amount available divided by the total amount of
payments required for that fiscal year.
`(D) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Of the
amount appropriated under subparagraph (E) for the period of fiscal years
2004 through 2008, $15,000,000 shall be used by the Secretary to provide
technical assistance to Indian tribes--
`(I) considering applying
for or carrying out a grant made under this paragraph;
`(II) considering applying
for or carrying out a tribal family assistance plan under this section;
or
`(III) related to best practices
and approaches for State and tribal coordination on the transfer of the
administration of social services programs to Indian tribes.
`(ii) RESERVATION OF FUNDS-
Not less than--
`(I) $5,000,000 of the amount
described in clause (i) shall be used by the Secretary to support through
grants or contracts peer-learning programs among tribal administrators;
and
`(II) $5,000,000 of such
amount shall be used by the Secretary for making grants to Indian tribes
to conduct feasibility studies of the capacity of Indian tribes to operate
tribal family assistance plans under this part.
`(E) APPROPRIATION- Out
of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated,
there are appropriated $500,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2004
through 2008 to carry out this paragraph. Amounts appropriated under this
subparagraph shall remain available until expended.'.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT-
Section 405(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 605(a)) is amended
by striking `section 403' and inserting `sections 403 and 412(a)(2)(C)'.
(c) ELIGIBILITY FOR HIGH
PERFORMANCE BONUS AND CONTINGENCY FUND-
(1) BONUS TO REWARD HIGH
PERFORMANCE-
(A) REAUTHORIZATION OF BONUS-
Section 403(a)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(4)) is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (E)(i),
by striking `1999' and all that follows through `2003' and inserting `2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009'; and
(ii) in subparagraph (F)
by striking `1999 through 2003' and inserting `2005 through 2009'.
(B) RESERVATION FOR DISTRIBUTION
TO INDIAN TRIBES- Section 403(a)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
603(a)(4)) is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (A),
by striking `The' and inserting `Subject to subparagraph (G), the'; and
(ii) by adding at the end
the following:
`(G) RESERVATION OF FUNDS
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO INDIAN TRIBES-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Of the
amount available for grants under this paragraph for a bonus year, the
Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 3 percent of such amount to
make grants pursuant to this subparagraph to each Indian tribe with an
approved tribal family assistance plan that is a high performing Indian
tribe for that bonus year.
`(ii) CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING
TRIBAL PERFORMANCE-
`(I) IN GENERAL- Subject
to subclause (II), the Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes with
approved tribal family assistance plans located throughout the United States,
shall determine the criteria for determining which such tribes are high
performing Indian tribes with respect to a bonus year.
`(II) INCLUSION OF CERTAIN
FACTORS- Such criteria shall include factors related to the employment
of recipients of assistance under a tribal family assistance plan and to
moving such recipients to self-sufficiency.'.
(2) ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINGENCY
FUND-
(A) REAUTHORIZATION OF CONTINGENCY
FUND- Section 403(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(b)), as
amended by section 617 of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of
2002 (Public Law 107-147), is amended--
(i) in paragraph (2), by
striking `fiscal years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002' and inserting
`the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2008'; and
(ii) in paragraph (3)(C)(ii),
by striking `1997 through 2002' and inserting `2004 through 2008'.
(B) RESERVATION OF FUNDS
FOR TRIBAL PROGRAMS- Section 403(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
603(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(D) PAYMENTS TO INDIAN
TRIBES-
`(i) IN GENERAL- Of the
total amount appropriated pursuant to paragraph (2), $50,000,000 of such
amount shall be reserved for making payments to Indian tribes with approved
tribal family assistance plans that are operating in situations of increased
economic hardship.
`(ii) DETERMINATION OF CRITERIA
FOR TRIBAL ACCESS-
`(I) IN GENERAL- Subject
to subclause (II), the Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes with
approved tribal family assistance plans, shall determine the criteria for
access by Indian tribes to the amount reserved under clause (i).
`(II) INCLUSION OF CERTAIN
FACTORS- Such criteria shall include factors related to increases in unemployment,
loss of employers, and loss of qualified State expenditures (as defined
in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) in support of tribal family assistance plans.
`(iii) APPLICATION OF REQUIREMENTS
FOR PAYMENTS TO STATES- The Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes
with approved tribal family assistance plans located throughout the United
States, shall determine the extent to which requirements of States for
payments from the Fund shall apply to Indian tribes receiving payments
under this subparagraph.'.
(3) CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY
OF STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES TO USE TANF FUNDS CARRIED OVER FROM PRIOR YEARS
TO PROVIDE TANF BENEFITS AND SERVICES- Section 404(e) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 604(e)) is amended--
(A) in the subsection heading,
by striking `Assistance' and inserting `Benefits or Services'; and
(B) by striking `assistance'
and inserting `any benefit or service that may be provided'.
SEC. 4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
(a) TEMPORARY EXPANSION
OF AUTHORITY FOR INDIAN TRIBES TO ISSUE TAX-EXEMPT PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section
7871(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional requirements
for tax-exempt bonds) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
`(4) EXCEPTION FOR QUALIFIED
INDIAN PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS-
`(A) IN GENERAL- In the
case of any qualified Indian private activity bond--
`(i) paragraph (2) shall
not apply,
`(ii) such bond shall be
treated as a qualified bond under section 141(e), and
`(iii) section 146 shall
not apply.
`(B) QUALIFIED INDIAN PRIVATE
ACTIVITY BOND- For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified Indian
private activity bond' means any bond which--
`(i) is issued by a qualified
Indian tribal government--
`(I) as part of an issue
95 percent or more of the net proceeds of which are to be used to provide
qualified residential rental projects (as defined in section 142(d), except
that for purposes of such section, statewide median gross income shall
be used to determine tenant income),
`(II) as part of a qualified
mortgage issue (as defined in section 143(a)(2)),
`(III) as part of an issue
95 percent or more of the net proceeds of which are to be used to provide
any facility described in section 1394(b)(1) for any business that would
qualify as an enterprise zone business if the Indian reservation (as defined
in section 168(j)(6)) over which the qualified Indian tribal government
exercises general governmental authority were treated as an empowerment
zone, or
`(IV) as part of an issue
to be used for more than 1 of the purposes described in the preceding subclauses,
and
`(ii) meets the requirements
of subparagraphs (D) and (E).
`(C) QUALIFIED INDIAN TRIBAL
GOVERNMENT- For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified Indian
tribal government' means an Indian tribal government which exercises general
governmental authority over an Indian reservation (as so defined) with
a joblessness rate among members of the tribe of at least 20 percent for
the most recent calendar year preceding the issuance of a bond under this
section (as determined under the report for such year published by the
Bureau of Indian Affairs under section 17(a) of the Indian Employment,
Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3416(a))).
`(D) DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS-
A bond meets the requirements of this subparagraph if it is issued as part
of an issue designated as a qualified Indian private activity bond for
a purpose described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of subparagraph (B)(i)
by the qualified Indian tribal government.
`(E) VOLUME REQUIREMENTS-
A bond issued as part of an issue meets the requirements of this subparagraph
if such bond is issued after December 31, 2003, and before January 1, 2009,
and the aggregate face amount of the bonds issued pursuant to such issue,
when added to the aggregate face amount of qualified Indian private activity
bonds previously issued by such qualified Indian tribal government, does
not exceed $10,000,000 (excluding bonds issued under paragraph (3)).
`(F) APPLICATION OF SECTION
42 TO RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROJECTS FINANCED BY BONDS UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH-
In the case of bonds described in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), issuance under
the requirements of subparagraph (E) shall be treated as issuance under
the requirements of section 146 for purposes of determining the application
of section 42 to projects financed by the net proceeds of such bonds.
`(G) SPECIAL RULE FOR DETERMINING
ENTERPRISE ZONE BUSINESS- For purposes of subparagraph (B)(i)(III), an
enterprise zone business shall not include any facility a principal business
of which is the sale of tobacco products or highway motor fuels.
`(H) BOND INTEREST NOT AN
AMT PREFERENCE ITEM- For purposes of section 57(a)(5), a bond designated
under subparagraph (D) as a qualified Indian private activity bond shall
not be treated as a specified private activity bond.
`(I) REPORT- The Secretary
shall compile necessary data from reports relating to the issuance of bonds
under this paragraph and shall report to Congress not later than September
30 of any year following the calendar year in which Indian tribal governments
issued bonds under this paragraph and the activities for which such bonds
were issued.'.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
(A) Section 7871(c)(2) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking `paragraph (3)'
and inserting `paragraphs (3) and (4)'.
(B) Section 7871 of such
Code is amended--
(i) by striking clause (iii)
of subsection (c)(3)(E), and
(ii) by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
`(f) NET PROCEEDS- For purposes
of this section, the term `net proceeds' has the meaning given such term
by section 150(a)(3).'.
(3) EFFECTIVE DATE- The
amendments made by this subsection shall apply to bonds issued after December
31, 2003.
(b) TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS-
(1) AUTHORITY TO AWARD GRANTS-
(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary
of Health and Human Services (in this subsection referred to as the `Secretary'),
through the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, shall
award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations
to enable such tribes and organizations to provide technical assistance
to Indian tribes and tribal organizations in any or all of the following
areas:
(i) The development and
improvement of uniform commercial codes.
(ii) The creation or expansion
of small business or micro-enterprise programs.
(iii) The development and
improvement of tort liability codes.
(iv) The creation or expansion
of tribal marketing efforts.
(v) The creation or expansion
of for-profit collaborative business networks.
(vi) The development of
innovative uses of telecommunications to assist with distance learning
or telecommuting.
(B) REQUIREMENTS- In awarding
grants under this subsection the Secretary shall--
(i) give priority to awarding
grants to Indian tribes; and
(ii) consult with other
Federal agencies with expertise in the areas described in subparagraph
(A).
(C) APPLICATION- An Indian
tribe, tribal organization, or nonprofit organization desiring a grant
under this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
(2) APPROPRIATION- Out of
any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated,
there are appropriated $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2004
through 2008 to make the grants authorized under this subsection.
(c) JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE
COMMUTE GRANTS- Section 3037 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century (49 U.S.C. 5309 note) is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (A),
by striking `and' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B),
by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(iii) by adding at the end
the following:
`(C) an Indian tribe or
a tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).'; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by
inserting `or tribal' after `State';
(2) in subsection (c), by
adding at the end the following:
`(3) GRANTS TO INDIAN TRIBES
AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- The Secretary--
`(A) may modify the requirements
applicable to grants made under this section in the case of a grant made
to a qualified entity described in subsection (b)(4)(C); and
`(B) shall, with respect
to the nongovernmental share of the total cost of an eligible project,
permit such share to be derived from Federal funds (other than funds provided
under this section) or in-kind resources, fairly valued, including facilities,
equipment, or services.';
(3) in subsection (f), by
striking `In awarding' and inserting `Subject to subsection (c)(3), in
awarding'; and
(A) in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), by inserting `(after the application
of paragraph (4))' after `fiscal year'; and
(B) by adding at the end
the following:
`(4) SET-ASIDE FOR GRANTS
TO INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- Of the amounts made available
by or appropriated under paragraph (1) to carry out this section for a
fiscal year, not less than 3 percent of such amounts shall be used to make
grants to qualified entities described in subsection (b)(4)(C).'.
(d) GRANTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS
TO TRANSPORTATION- Section 412(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
612(a)), as amended by section 5(a), is amended by adding at the end the
following:
`(5) GRANTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS
TO TRANSPORTATION-
`(A) PURPOSES- The purposes
of this paragraph are to--
`(i) assist Indian families
with children obtain dependable, affordable automobiles to improve their
employment opportunities and access to training; and
`(ii) provide incentives
to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, States, local governments, and
nonprofit entities to develop and administer programs that provide assistance
with automobile ownership for Indian families with children.
`(B) DEFINITIONS- In this
paragraph:
`(i) LOCALITY- The term
`locality' means a municipality that does not administer a State program
funded under this part.
`(ii) INDIAN FAMILY WITH
CHILDREN- The term `Indian family with children' means a household that
is eligible for benefits or services funded under a tribal family assistance
plan, the State program funded under this part, or under a program funded
with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)).
`(iii) NONPROFIT ENTITY-
The term `nonprofit entity' means a school, local agency, organization,
or institution owned and operated by 1 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.
`(C) AUTHORITY TO AWARD
GRANTS-
`(i) IN GENERAL- The Secretary
may award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, States, counties,
localities, and nonprofit entities to promote improving access to dependable,
affordable automobiles by Indian families with children.
`(I) PRIORITY FOR INDIAN
TRIBES- In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give
priority to awarding grants to Indian tribes.
`(II) CONSULTATION- The
Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes regarding the establishment
of criteria for giving priority to Indian tribes under subclause (I) and
the grant approval criteria under subparagraph (D).
`(D) GRANT APPROVAL CRITERIA-
The Secretary shall establish criteria for approval of an application for
a grant under this paragraph that include consideration of--
`(i) the extent to which
the proposal, if funded, is likely to improve access to training and employment
opportunities and child care services by Indian families with children
by means of car ownership;
`(ii) the level of innovation
in the applicant's grant proposal; and
`(iii) any partnerships
between the public and private sector in the applicant's grant proposal.
`(i) IN GENERAL- A grant
awarded under this paragraph shall be used to administer programs that
assist Indian families with children with dependable automobile ownership,
and maintenance of, or insurance for, the purchased automobile.
`(ii) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT-
Funds provided to an Indian tribe, tribal organization, State, county,
locality, or nonprofit entity under a grant awarded under this paragraph
shall be used to supplement and not supplant other tribal, State, county,
or local public funds expended for car ownership programs.
`(F) APPLICATION- Each applicant
desiring a grant under this paragraph shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
`(G) REVERSION OF FUNDS-
Any funds not expended by a grantee within 3 years after the date the grant
is awarded under this paragraph shall be available for redistribution among
other grantees in such manner and amount as the Secretary may determine,
unless the Secretary extends by regulation the time period to expend such
funds.
`(H) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE
COSTS OF THE SECRETARY- Not more than an amount equal to 5 percent of the
funds appropriated to make grants under this paragraph for a fiscal year
shall be expended for administrative costs of the Secretary in carrying
out this paragraph.
`(I) EVALUATION- The Secretary
shall, by grant, contract, or interagency agreement, conduct an evaluation
of the programs administered with grants awarded under this paragraph.
`(J) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to make grants
under this paragraph, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through
2008.'.
SEC. 5. TRIBAL JOB TRAINING
PROGRAMS.
(a) TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
PROGRAMS-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section
412(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 612(a)), as amended by section
3, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(4) GRANTS FOR TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES PROGRAMS-
`(A) PURPOSE- The purpose
of this paragraph is to support comprehensive services to enable Indian
and Alaska Native individuals to support themselves through employment
without requiring cash benefits from public assistance programs for themselves
or their families.
`(B) STATEMENT OF POLICY-
The programs funded under grants made under this paragraph shall be administered
in a manner consistent with the principles of the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) and the government-to-government
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribal governments.
`(C) DEFINITIONS- In this
paragraph:
`(i) ALASKA NATIVE ORGANIZATION-
The term `Alaska Native organization' means an Indian tribe or tribal organization
in Alaska or an Alaska Native-controlled entity serving Alaska Natives
at the Regional level (as Regions are defined for purposes of the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)).
`(ii) DEPARTMENT- Unless
otherwise specified, the term `Department' means the Department of Labor.
`(iii) ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARY-
The term `eligible beneficiary' means--
`(I) an individual who is
an Indian or Alaska Native receiving or eligible to receive cash benefits
for the individual or the individual's family under the State program funded
under this part, a tribal family assistance program under this section,
or the General Assistance program;
`(II) an individual who
is an Indian or Alaska Native transitioning from receipt of cash benefits
under any such programs to employment;
`(III) an individual who
is an Indian or Alaska Native with a history of long-term dependence (as
defined in clause (vi)) on cash benefits under any such programs or under
the aid for families with dependent children program under this part (as
in effect before August 22, 1996);
`(IV) an individual who
is an Indian or Alaska Native who is a non-custodial parent of a minor
child receiving, eligible to receive, or with a history of receiving cash
benefits under any such programs, or an individual who has an obligation
to provide support for such children; or
`(V) an individual who is
an Indian or Alaska Native and is a member of a family who is at risk of
becoming dependent on cash benefits under any such programs or who has
exhausted eligibility for such benefits because of the application of time
limits on benefits.
`(iv) GENERAL ASSISTANCE-
The term `General Assistance' means the General Assistance program supported
through the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.
`(v) LONG-TERM DEPENDENCE-
The term `long-term dependence' means receipt of cash benefits under a
program referred to in clause (ii)(III) for at least 24 months, which need
not be consecutive.
`(vi) SECRETARY- Unless
otherwise specified, the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Labor.
`(D) AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS-
`(i) DIRECT SERVICES- The
Secretary shall make grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and
Alaska Native organizations on the basis of a formula determined in accordance
with subparagraph (H)(ii) to carry out the activities described in subparagraph
(E).
`(ii) PROGRAM SUPPORT- The
Secretary shall, through grants or contracts with entities, or interagency
agreements, carry out the activities described in subparagraph (F).
`(I) IN GENERAL- Out of
any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated,
there are appropriated $37,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through
2008 to carry out this paragraph.
`(II) RESERVATION OF FUNDS
FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT- The Secretary may reserve an amount equal to not more
than 1.5 percent of the amount appropriated under subclause (I) for a fiscal
year to make grants or enter into contracts under clause (ii).
`(E) DIRECT SERVICE ACTIVITIES-
`(i) IN GENERAL- A recipient
of a grant made under subparagraph (D)(i) shall use the funds provided
under the grant to provide any services which may be useful in preparing
eligible beneficiaries to enter or reenter the workforce, to retain employment
or to advance to positions which may enable the eligible beneficiary and
the beneficiary's family to become economically self-sufficient.
`(ii) SERVICES PERMITTED-
Services provided with funds made available under a grant made under subparagraph
(D)(i) may include--
`(III) job readiness and
placement;
`(IV) occupational training
(including on-the-job training);
`(VIII) job creation specifically
for eligible beneficiaries;
`(XI) supportive services,
including (but not limited to) child care, transportation, mental health
and substance abuse treatment and prevention services important to employability;
and
`(XII) counseling and other
services to promote marriage, discourage teen pregnancies, assist in the
formation and stabilization of 2-parent families, and address situations
involving domestic violence.
`(iii) RETENTION OF ELIGIBILITY
FOR OTHER SERVICES- An eligible beneficiary who receives services under
subparagraph (D)(i) shall not be precluded from receiving other services
from any State, local or tribal government agency or any other entity.
`(iv) DISREGARD- Income
or services received by an eligible beneficiary under this paragraph shall
be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under
any means-tested program for which the eligibility requirements are established
under Federal law.
`(F) PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTIVITIES-
`(i) IN GENERAL- In order
to improve the effectiveness of services provided by Indian tribes, tribal
organizations, and Alaska Native organizations under grants made under
this paragraph, the Secretary shall, through grants, contracts, or interagency
agreements, support activities that--
`(I) enhance the capacity
of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native organizations
under this section to deliver the services authorized under subparagraph
(D); and
`(II) test or demonstrate
new or improved methods of providing such services.
`(ii) PREFERENCE- In awarding
grants or contracts under subparagraph (D)(ii) to carry out this subparagraph,
the Secretary shall implement a preference policy consistent with the terms
of section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)).
`(G) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS-
`(i) DIRECT SERVICE ACTIVITIES-
`(I) AUTHORITY TO CONSOLIDATE
FUNDS- An Indian tribe, tribal organization, or Alaska Native organization
receiving a grant under subparagraph (D)(i) may consolidate funds received
under the grant with assistance received from other programs in accordance
with the provisions of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services
Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.) or the provisions of
the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 458aa et seq.).
`(II) OPTION TO EXCLUDE
PARTICIPANTS FROM DETERMINATION OF WORK PARTICIPATION RATES- A State, Indian
tribe, or tribal organization may exclude individuals participating in
a direct services program funded under a grant made under subparagraph
(D)(i) for a month from the calculation of the work participation rate
for the State or tribe for such month.
`(ii) APPLICABLE RULES-
Any amount paid to an Indian tribe or tribal organization under this part
that is used to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (E)
or (F) shall not be subject to the requirements of this part, but shall
be subject to the requirements specified in the regulations required under
subparagraph (H)(iii), and the expenditure of any amount so used shall
not be considered to be an expenditure under this part.
`(iii) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS-
Funds provided to a recipient of a grant or contract under subparagraph
(D)(ii) shall remain available for obligation for 2 succeeding fiscal years
after the fiscal year in which the grant is made or the contract is entered
into.
`(H) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION-
`(i) DESIGNATION OF OFFICE
WITH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY- The Secretary shall designate a single organizational
unit within the Department that shall have as its primary responsibility
the administration of the activities authorized under this paragraph and
of any related Indian programs administered by the Department.
`(I) IN GENERAL- The Secretary
shall consult with Indian tribes and tribal organizations located throughout
the United States and Alaska Native organizations on all aspects of the
operation and administration of the activities authorized under this paragraph,
including the promulgation of regulations, the design of a formula for
the allocation of funds among Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and
Alaska Native organizations, and the implementation of program support
activities described in subparagraph (F).
`(II) ADVISORY COMMITTEE-
The Secretary may utilize a broadly based advisory committee whose members
are nominated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native
organizations as part of the consultation required under subclause (I),
except that the consultation process shall not be limited to discussions
with such committee.
`(iii) REGULATIONS- The
Secretary may issue regulations for the conduct of activities under this
paragraph. All requirements imposed by such regulations, including reporting
requirements, shall take into full consideration tribal circumstances and
conditions.'.
(2) TRANSITION FROM OTHER
TANF INDIAN EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS-
(A) IN GENERAL- Subject
to subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide
for an orderly close-out of activities under the work program authorized
in section 412(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 612(a)(2)) (commonly
referred to as `the Native Employment Works program' or the `NEW' program)
as such section is in effect on September 30, 2003.
(B) REQUIREMENT- In closing
out the activities referred to in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Health
and Human Services shall provide that grantees under a program referred
to in that subparagraph shall be permitted to provide services through
June 30, 2004, and shall be permitted to spend funds on administrative
activities related to the close-out of grants under programs for up to
6 months after that date.
(b) APPLICATION OF INDIAN
EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, AND RELATED SERVICES DEMONSTRATION ACT OF 1992- Section
412(a)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 612(a)), as added by subsection
(a), is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(I) APPLICATION OF INDIAN
EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, AND RELATED SERVICES DEMONSTRATION ACT OF 1992- Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, if an Indian tribe elects to incorporate the
services it provides under this paragraph into a plan under section 6 of
the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act
of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3405), the programs authorized to be conducted with
grants made under this paragraph shall be--
`(i) considered to be programs
subject to section 5 of the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services
Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3404); and
`(ii) subject to the single
plan and single budget requirements of section 6 of that Act (25 U.S.C.
3405) and the single report format required under section 11 of that Act
(25 U.S.C. 3410).'.
SEC. 6. CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FOR INDIAN TRIBES.
(a) INCREASE IN RESERVATION-
Section 658O(a)(2) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858m(a)(2)) is amended by striking `1 percent, and not
more than 2 percent,' and inserting `5 percent'.
(b) PAYMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT
OF INDIAN CHILDREN-
(1) HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS-
Section 658O(c)(2) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858m(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(D) HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS-
The applicant will establish requirements designed to protect the health
and safety of children, which shall--
`(i) be stated in the application;
and
`(ii) notwithstanding any
other provision of law, including subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section
658E(c)(2), be the health and safety requirements applicable to child care
providers that receive funds from the applicant to provide services under
this subchapter.'.
(2) NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING-
Section 658O(c) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 9858m(c)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs
(4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph
(3) the following:
`(4) NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING-
In determining the base amount provided to Indian tribes and tribal organizations
under this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct a negotiated rulemaking.
The Secretary shall include in the negotiated rulemaking committee representatives
of the Indian tribes and tribal organizations that the Secretary determines
to be eligible to receive grants or contracts under this subsection. The
Secretary shall conduct the negotiated rulemaking in accordance with subchapter
III of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, as in effect on November
28, 1996.'.
(3) CONSTRUCTION OR RENOVATION-
Paragraph (7)(C) of section 658O(c) of the Child Care and Development Block
Grant Act of 1990 (as redesignated in paragraph (2)(A)) is amended--
(A) by striking `The' and
inserting the following:
`(i) IN GENERAL- Except
as provided in clause (ii), the'; and
(B) by adding at the end
the following:
`(ii) TEMPORARY DECREASE-
The Secretary may permit an Indian tribe or tribal organization to use
amounts provided under this subsection for construction or renovation even
if such use will result in a temporary decrease described in clause (i),
if--
`(I) the Secretary determines
that the construction or renovation will enable the tribe or organization
to increase, in fiscal years subsequent to the year for which the determination
under subparagraph (B) is made, the level of child care services provided
by the tribe or organization as compared to the level of such services
provided by the tribe or organization in the fiscal year for which the
determination is made; and
`(II) the tribe or organization
submits to the Secretary, and obtains approval of, a multiyear plan for
the construction or renovation.'.
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT-
Section 658F(b)(1) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858d(b)(1)) is amended by striking `658O(c)(6)' and inserting
`658O(c)(7)'.
SEC. 7. EQUITABLE ACCESS.
(a) ENSURING EQUITABLE ACCESS-
(1) STATE PLAN REQUIREMENT-
Section 402(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(v) The document shall
describe how the State will ensure equitable access to benefits and services
provided under the program for each member of an Indian tribe or tribal
organization, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for assistance
under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section 412.'.
(2) TRIBAL FAMILY ASSISTANCE
PLAN REQUIREMENT- Section 412(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
612(b)(1)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (E),
by striking `and' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (F),
by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(C) by adding at the end
the following:
`(G) describes how the Indian
tribe will ensure equitable access to benefits and services provided under
the plan for each member of the population to be served by the plan.'.
(3) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS-
(A) INCLUSION OF INFORMATION
ON INDIANS SERVED BY STATE PROGRAMS- Section 411(b) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 611(b)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (3), by
striking `and' at the end;
(ii) in paragraph (4), by
striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(iii) by adding at the end
the following:
`(5) State specific information
on the demographics and caseload characteristics of Indians served by each
State program funded under this part.'.
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
Section 411(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 611(a)) is amended--
(i) by redesignating paragraph
(7) as paragraph (8); and
(ii) by inserting after
paragraph (6), the following:
`(7) REPORT ON INDIANS SERVED
BY THE STATE PROGRAM- The report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal
quarter shall include information on the demographics and caseload characteristics
of Indians served by the State program during the quarter.'.
(b) CONSULTATION BETWEEN
STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES OR OTHER INDIANS RESIDING ON A RESERVATION-
(1) STATE PLAN REQUIREMENT-
Section 402(a)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(5)) is amended
by striking `will' and all that follows through the period and inserting
`will--
`(A) consult with each Indian
tribe located within the State regarding the State plan in order to ensure
equitable access to benefits and services provided under the plan for any
member of such a tribe who is not eligible for assistance under a tribal
family assistance plan approved under section 412; and
`(B) provide each member
of an Indian tribe, who is domiciled in the State and is not eligible for
assistance under a tribal family assistance plan approved under section
412, with equitable access to assistance under the State program funded
under this part attributable to funds provided by the Federal Government.'.
(2) TRIBAL FAMILY ASSISTANCE
PLAN REQUIREMENT- Section 412(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
612(b)(1)), as amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (F),
by striking `and' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (G),
by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(C) by adding at the end
the following:
`(H) provides that the Indian
tribe will consult with each State in which a service area of the plan
is located on the operation of the plan and the provision of assistance
or services to families under the plan.'.
(c) ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
THE STATUS OF INDIANS WHO DO NOT RESIDE IN INDIAN COUNTRY-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary
of Health and Human Services shall convene an advisory committee on the
status of Indians who do not reside in Indian country (as defined in section
1151 of title 18, United States Code).
(2) DUTIES- The committee
established under paragraph (1) shall make recommendations regarding how
to ensure that Indians who do not reside in Indian country (as so defined)
receive equitable access to benefits and services under the temporary assistance
to needy families program under part A of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and other publicly funded assistance programs.
(A) IN GENERAL- The committee
established under paragraph (1) shall include representatives of--
(i) Federal, State, and
tribal governments; and
(ii) Indians who do not
reside in Indian country (as so defined).
(B) MAJORITY- A majority
of the members of such committee shall be representatives of Indians who
do not reside in Indian country (as so defined).
(d) GAO STUDY AND REPORT-
(1) STUDY- The Comptroller
General of the United States shall conduct a study of the demographics
of Indians who do not reside in Indian country (as defined in section 1151
of title 18, United States Code) that includes economic and health information,
as well as information regarding the access of such Indians to benefits
or services available under publicly funded programs.
(2) REPORT- Not later than
June 30, 2004, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report
on the study conducted under paragraph (1).
SEC. 8. AREAS OF INDIAN COUNTRY
OR ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES OF HIGH JOBLESSNESS.
(a) TIME LIMIT FOR RECEIPT
OF ASSISTANCE- Section 408(a)(7)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
608(a)(7)(D)) is amended--
(1) in the subparagraph
heading, by striking `by adult' and all that follows through `unemployment'
and inserting `in areas of Indian country or an Alaskan Native village
with high joblessness';
(2) by striking clause (i)
and inserting the following:
`(i) IN GENERAL- Subject
to clause (ii), in determining the number of months for which an adult
has received assistance under a State or tribal program funded under this
part, the State or tribe shall disregard any month during which the adult
lived in Indian country or an Alaskan Native village if the most reliable
data available (or such other data submitted by a State or tribal program
as the Secretary may approve) with respect to the month (or a period including
the month) indicate that at least 20 percent of the adult recipients who
were living in Indian country or in the village were jobless.';
(3) by redesignating clause
(ii) as clause (iii); and
(4) by inserting after clause
(i), the following:
`(ii) REQUIREMENT- A month
may only be disregarded under clause (i) with respect to an adult recipient
described in that clause if the adult is in compliance with program requirements.'.
(b) STATE FLEXIBILITY TO
DEFINE WORK ACTIVITIES- Section 407(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 607(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(E) OPTIONAL MODIFICATION
OF WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR RECIPIENTS RESIDING IN AREAS OF INDIAN COUNTRY
OR AN ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGE WITH HIGH JOBLESSNESS- Notwithstanding paragraph
(1), if a State has included in the State plan a description of the State's
policies in areas of Indian country or an Alaskan Native village described
in section 408(a)(7)(D), the State may define the activities described
in subsection (d) that a recipient who resides in such an area and who
is participating in activities in accordance with an individual responsibility
plan under section 408(b) may engage in for purposes of satisfying work
requirements under the State program and for purposes of determining monthly
participation rates under subsection (b).'.
SEC. 9. PARITY IN TREATMENT
OF ALASKAN NATIVES.
(a) ELIMINATION OF SPECIAL
RULE- Section 412 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 612) is amended
by striking subsection (i).
(b) ELIMINATION OF SPECIAL
DEFINITION- Section 419(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 619(4))
is amended to read as follows:
`(4) INDIAN, INDIAN TRIBE,
AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATION- The terms `Indian', `Indian tribe', and `tribal
organization' have the meanings given such terms in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).'.
SEC. 10. AUTHORITY OF INDIAN
TRIBES TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE.
(a) CHILDREN PLACED IN TRIBAL
CUSTODY ELIGIBLE FOR FOSTER CARE FUNDING- Section 472(a)(2) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 672(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking `or (B)'
and inserting `(B)'; and
(2) by inserting before
the semicolon the following: `, or (C) an Indian tribe or tribal organization
(as defined in section 479B(e)) or an intertribal consortium if the Indian
tribe, tribal organization, or consortium is not operating a program pursuant
to section 479B and (i) has a cooperative agreement with a State pursuant
to section 479B(c) or (ii) submits to the Secretary a description of the
arrangements (jointly developed or developed in consultation with the State)
made by the Indian tribe, tribal organization, or consortium for the payment
of funds and the provision of the child welfare services and protections
required by this title'.
(b) PROGRAMS OPERATED BY
INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- Part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`SEC. 479B. PROGRAMS OPERATED
BY INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS.
`(a) APPLICATION- Except
as provided in subsection (b), this part shall apply to an Indian tribe
or tribal organization that elects to operate a program under this part
in the same manner as this part applies to a State.
`(b) MODIFICATION OF PLAN
REQUIREMENTS-
`(1) IN GENERAL- In the
case of an Indian tribe or tribal organization submitting a plan for approval
under section 471, the plan shall--
`(A) in lieu of the requirement
of section 471(a)(3), identify the service area or areas and population
to be served by the Indian tribe or tribal organization; and
`(B) in lieu of the requirement
of section 471(a)(10), provide for the approval of foster homes pursuant
to tribal standards and in a manner that ensures the safety of, and accountability
for, children placed in foster care.
`(2) DETERMINATION OF FEDERAL
SHARE-
`(i) IN GENERAL- For purposes
of determining the Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to
an Indian tribe or tribal organization under paragraphs (1) and (2) of
section 474(a), the calculation of an Indian tribe's or tribal organization's
per capita income shall be based upon the service population of the Indian
tribe or tribal organization as defined in its plan in accordance with
paragraph (1)(A).
`(ii) CONSIDERATION OF OTHER
INFORMATION- An Indian tribe or tribal organization may submit to the Secretary
such information as the Indian tribe or tribal organization considers relevant
to the calculation of the per capita income of the Indian tribe or tribal
organization, and the Secretary shall consider such information before
making the calculation.
`(B) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURES-
The Secretary shall, by regulation, determine the proportions to be paid
to Indian tribes and tribal organizations pursuant to section 474(a)(3),
except that in no case shall an Indian tribe or tribal organization receive
a lesser proportion than the corresponding amount specified for a State
in that section.
`(C) SOURCES OF NON-FEDERAL
SHARE- An Indian tribe or tribal organization may use Federal or State
funds to match payments for which the Indian tribe or tribal organization
is eligible under section 474.
`(3) MODIFICATION OF OTHER
REQUIREMENTS- Upon the request of an Indian tribe, tribal organization,
or a consortia of tribes or tribal organizations, the Secretary may modify
any requirement under this part if, after consulting with the Indian tribe,
tribal organization, or consortia of tribes or tribal organizations, the
Secretary determines that modification of the requirement would advance
the best interests and the safety of children served by the Indian tribe,
tribal organization, or consortia of tribes or tribal organizations.
`(4) CONSORTIUM- The participating
Indian tribes or tribal organizations of an intertribal consortium may
develop and submit a single plan under section 471 that meets the requirements
of this section.
`(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS-
An Indian tribe, tribal organization, or intertribal consortium and a State
may enter into a cooperative agreement for the administration or payment
of funds pursuant to this part. In any case where an Indian tribe, tribal
organization, or intertribal consortium and a State enter into a cooperative
agreement that incorporates any of the provisions of this section, those
provisions shall be valid and enforceable. Any such cooperative agreement
that is in effect as of the date of enactment of this section, shall remain
in full force and effect subject to the right of either party to the agreement
to revoke or modify the agreement pursuant to the terms of the agreement.
`(d) REGULATIONS- Not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall, in full consultation with Indian tribes and tribal organizations,
promulgate regulations to carry out this section.
`(e) DEFINITIONS OF INDIAN
TRIBE; TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- In this section, the terms `Indian tribe'
and `tribal organization' have the meanings given those terms in subsections
(e) and (l) of section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b), respectively.'.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The
amendments made by this section take effect on the date of enactment of
this Act without regard to regulations to implement such amendments being
promulgated by such date.
SEC. 11. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
TO ALLOW INDIAN TRIBES TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FOOD STAMP, MEDICAID,
AND STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall conduct a demonstration
program under which, not more than 10 Indian tribes (as defined in section
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
450b)) with an approved tribal family assistance plan under part A of title
IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) (or the participating
Indian tribes of an intertribal consortium with such an approved plan)
shall be authorized to--
(1) determine the eligibility
of Indian families for--
(A) benefits under the food
stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
(B) medical assistance under
the medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396 et seq.); and
(C) child health assistance
under the State children's health insurance program under title XXI of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.);
(2) administer the provision
of benefits or assistance under any or all of such programs to Indian families;
or
(3) carry out both of the
activities described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
(1) CONSISTENCY WITH STATE
OPERATION OF PROGRAMS- Except as provided in paragraph (2), an activity
may not be authorized to be carried out by an Indian tribe (or consortium)
under subsection (a) unless the activity will be conducted in a manner
that is consistent with the operation of such activity by any State in
which the tribe (or consortium) is located.
(2) WAIVER OF MATCHING REQUIREMENTS-
The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture
may waive such applicable matching requirements under the programs referred
to in subsection (a)(1) as may be necessary for a tribe or consortium to
carry out an activity authorized under the demonstration program conducted
under this section.
(3) NO WAIVER OF PROGRAM
INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary of Health and Human Services and
the Secretary of Agriculture may not waive any requirement under a program
referred to in subsection (a)(1) that is related to ensuring the integrity
of an activity authorized under the demonstration program conducted under
this section, including any financial penalty for violation of such a requirement.
(c) REPORTS- The Secretary
of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture jointly shall
submit periodic reports to Congress on the demonstration program conducted
under this section.
SEC. 12. TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT
ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS.
Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall--
(1) promulgate final regulations
for making direct payments to Indian tribes and tribal organizations under
section 455(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 655(f)); and
(2) submit a report to Congress
on the most appropriate methods of including tribal child support programs
in the methodology used for child support incentive payments under section
458 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 658).
SEC. 13. BREAK THE CYCLE DEMONSTRATION
GRANTS.
(a) AUTHORITY TO AWARD GRANTS-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary
of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education,
shall award grants to up to 10 Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b))
to carry out the activities described in subsection (b).
(2) APPLICATION- An Indian
tribe desiring a grant under this section shall submit--
(A) an application to the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require; and
(B) a plan outlining how
the tribe intends to use funds made available under the grant to carry
out activities described in subsection (b) to help children of Indian families
receiving assistance under the temporary assistance to needy families program
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
(in this section referred to as `TANF') obtain a secondary school diploma
or its recognized equivalent.
(3) CRITERIA FOR AWARDING
GRANTS-
(A) CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN
TRIBES- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall consult with Indian
tribes regarding the establishment of criteria for awarding grants under
this section.
(B) PRIORITY- The criteria
established under subparagraph (A) shall require the Secretary of Health
and Human Services to give priority to awarding grants to those Indian
tribes applying that have the highest percentages of individuals that have
not obtained a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
(4) STATE PARTNERSHIPS-
An Indian tribe awarded a grant under this section may enter into a partnership
with a State, a local educational agency, or a private elementary or secondary
school to carry out the activities described in subsection (b).
(5) DEFINITION OF CHILD-
In this section, the term `child' means an individual who has not attained
age 21.
(b) ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED-
The activities described in this subsection include--
(1) mentoring activities;
(3) adjusting requirements
applicable to the child or family under TANF;
(4) teen pregnancy prevention
activities; and
(5) any other activities
approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services that are related
to achieving the purpose described in subsection (a)(2)(B).
(c) EVALUATION AND REPORT-
(1) IN GENERAL- Of the amount
appropriated under subsection (d) for fiscal year 2005, $1,000,000 shall
be reserved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the purpose
of conducting, through grant, contract, or interagency agreement, an evaluation
of the activities carried out under grants awarded under this section.
(2) REPORT- The Secretary
of Health and Human Services shall submit a report to Congress on the evaluation
conducted under paragraph (1).
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services to carry out this section, $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2005 through 2008.
SEC. 14. RESERVATION OF FUNDS
UNDER THE SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT.
(a) ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENTS-
Section 2002 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397a) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
`(g)(1) An Indian tribe
or tribal organization (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)) that
administers a social services program shall be eligible for payment under
this title for each fiscal year in which funds are reserved for such purposes
under section 2003(d), in an amount equal to the pro rata share of the
amount available for such payments for such fiscal year.
`(2) The Secretary, in consultation
with Indian tribes and tribal organizations (as so defined) located throughout
the United States, shall determine the extent to which the requirements
applicable to payments to States under this title shall apply to payments
made to Indian tribes and tribal organizations under paragraph (1).'.
(b) RESERVATION OF FUNDS-
Section 2003 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking `the total
amount' and inserting `(A) the total amount';
(B) by striking the period
and inserting `; and'; and
(C) by adding at the end
the following:
`(B) the amount reserved
in subsection (d) for that fiscal year.'; and
(2) by adding at the end
the following:
`(d)(1) For purposes of
subsection (b)(2)(B), the amount reserved in this subsection is, with respect
to any fiscal year in which the amount specified in subsection (c) exceeds
$2,400,000,000, the amount in excess of such amount, not to exceed the
sum of $10,000,000, plus the amount equal to 2 percent of the total amount
in excess of $2,400,000,000.
`(2) The amount reserved
under paragraph (1) shall be used to make payments to Indian tribes and
tribal organizations described in section 2002(g)(1).'.
SEC. 15. RESEARCH ON TRIBAL
WELFARE PROGRAMS AND POVERTY AMONG INDIANS.
Section 413 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 613) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(k) TRIBAL WELFARE PROGRAMS
AND EFFORTS TO REDUCE POVERTY AMONG INDIANS-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary,
directly or through grants, contracts, or interagency agreements, shall
conduct research on tribal family assistance programs conducted under section
412 and other tribal welfare programs and on efforts to reduce poverty
among Indians.
`(2) PRIORITY FOR CERTAIN
APPLICATIONS- With respect to applications for grants under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall give priority to applications to conduct research in
cooperation with tribal governments or tribally controlled colleges or
universities.
`(3) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE-
The Secretary may use funds appropriated under paragraph (4) to provide
technical assistance concerning data reporting and collection with respect
to research conducted under this subsection.
`(4) APPROPRIATION- Out
of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated,
there are appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 for the purpose
of carrying out this subsection.'.
SEC. 16. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Unless otherwise provided,
the amendments made by this Act take effect on October 1, 2003.
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