article: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Commercial Driving Training and Technical Assistance Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) despite the availability of abundant natural resources on land under the jurisdiction of Indian tribes and the existence of a rich cultural legacy that accords great value to self-determination, self-reliance, and independence, Native Americans suffer higher rates of unemployment, poverty, poor health, substandard housing, and associated social problems than any other group in the United States; (2) the United States has an obligation to assist Native American communities in the establishment of appropriate economic and political conditions; (3) the economic success and material well-being of Indian communities depend on the combined efforts of the Federal Government, tribal governments, the private sector, and individuals; (4) commercial vehicle driving programs are currently offered at several tribal colleges and universities; (5) the American Trucking Association reports that at least until 2005, the trucking industry will need to hire 403,000 truck drivers each year to fill vacant positions; (6) according to the Federal Government Occupational Handbook, the commercial vehicle driving industry is expected to expand at the average rate of expansion for all occupations through the year 2008 because of economic growth and an increase in the quantity of freight carried by trucks; and (7) a career in commercial vehicle driving offers a competitive salary, employment benefits, job security, and a profession. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to foster and promote job creation and economic opportunities for Native Americans; and (2) to provide education, technical, and training assistance to Native Americans who are interested in commercial vehicle driving careers. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Commercial vehicle driving.--The term ``commercial vehicle driving'' means the driving of-- (A) a vehicle that is a tractor-trailer truck; or (B) any other vehicle (such as a bus or a vehicle used for the purpose of construction) the driving of which requires a commercial license. (2) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). (3) Native american.--The term ``Native American'' means an individual who is a member of-- (A) an Indian tribe; or (B) any people or culture that is indigenous to the United States, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. SEC. 4. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVING TRAINING PROGRAM. (a) Grants.--The Secretary may provide grants, on a competitive basis, to entities described in subsection (b) to support programs providing training and certificates leading to the licensing of Native Americans with respect to commercial vehicle driving. (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall-- (1) be a tribal college or university (as defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1059(b)(3)); and (2) prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Priority.--In providing grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to grant applications that-- (1) propose training that exceeds proposed minimum standards for training tractor-trailer drivers of the Department of Transportation; (2) propose training that exceeds the entry level truck driver certification standards set by the Professional Truck Driver Institute; and (3) propose an education partnership with a private trucking firm, trucking association, or similar entity in order to ensure the effectiveness of the grant program under this section. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act. Passed the Senate September 17, 2002. Attest: Secretary. 107th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1344 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To provide training and technical assistance to Native Americans who are interested in commercial vehicle driving careers.
summary: Native American Commercial Driving Training and Technical Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award grants to eligible entities (tribal colleges and universities) to support commercial vehicle (tractor-trailer truck) driving training programs.Requires the Secretary to give priority to grant applications that propose: (1) training that exceeds proposed minimum standards for training tractor-trailer drivers of the Department of Transportation; (2) training that exceeds the entry level truck driver certification standards set by the Professional Truck Driver Institute; and (3) education partnerships with private trucking firms, trucking associations, or similar entities.Authorizes appropriations.