The Obama administration’s request for $10 million in planning grant money appears to be rolling along. The $10 million is included in both the House and Senate versions of the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill (HR 3293).
The full House approved their version of the bill on July 24. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved their version on July 30, but it is awaiting action on the Senate floor. The House version includes some interesting additional language on the program:
The Committee directs that these grants be made on a competitive basis, after a rigorous peer review. In addition, the Committee directs that the Department provide a briefing to the Committee on the planned use of these funds not less than 15 days prior to the release of a request for proposals.
At this time, it appears the money will be passed as requested, though the timing of final enactment is unknown. The federal fiscal year begins October 1.