View Content #1220
| Contentid | 1220 |
|---|---|
| Content Type | 1 |
| Title | JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Alert |
| Body | From: "coflt" Forwarded for information of all COFLT members. Bob Willner & Ray Verzasconi The Senate recently passed the Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act (S.589). To download a copy of the bill, please visit the JNCL-NCLIS website at www.languagepolicy.org. This bill is designed to strengthen national security by improving the federal government's recruitment and retention of employees with expertise in fields such as math, science, engineering, AND foreign languages. The bill targets the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, Energy, Treasury, and Justice along with the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency. The bill creates two programs of interest to foreign language professionals. The first is a pilot program that would repay existing student loans for these who agree to service in national security positions in the federal government for at least three years. Under this plan, the employee would receive $10,000 in loan repayments each year, with a maximum set at $60,000. The second would create a fellowship program for graduate students to enter federal service and a National Security Service Corps. Students receiving the fellowships would be required to work for the federal government for a minimum of three years in a national security area. Twenty percent of the fellowships will be set aside for current federal employees who are working in national security positions so they can further their education and training. The National Security Service Corp would provide mid-level employees in national security positions the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through exposure to other agencies. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) introduced S.589. Senator Akaka also co- sponsored a similar bill, S.1800, in the 107th Congress. A hearing was held highlighting the role that foreign language plays in national security and stressing the importance of building a federal workforce that meets the new demands of the 21st century. The Homeland Security Federal Workforce Act has been referred to the House Committee on Government Reform as well as the Education Committee. Please visit: www.languagepolicy.org for updates on this piece of legislation. |
| Source | www.languagepolicy.org |
| Inputdate | 2004-02-18 12:50:00 |
| Lastmodifieddate | 2004-02-18 12:50:00 |
| Expdate | Not set |
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| Active | 1 |
| Emailed | 1 |
| Isarchived | 1 |
