(a) In generalThe Secretary is authorized to, on a competitive basis, make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, eligible entities to support the activities described in subsection (b).
(b) ActivitiesIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall support activities providing cultural experiences, through appropriate nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated proficiency in providing such activities, that—(1) enrich the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults;
(2) increase public awareness and understanding of deafness and of the artistic and intellectual achievements of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons; or
(3) promote the integration of hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing persons through shared cultural, educational, and social experiences.
(c) ApplicationsAn eligible entity that desires to receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement, under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(d) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
(Pub. L. 99–371, title I, § 121, as added Pub. L. 110–315, title IX, § 904(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3452.)
Editorial Notes
Prior ProvisionsA prior section 4341, Pub. L. 99–371, title III, § 301, Aug. 4, 1986, 100 Stat. 786, established Commission on Education of the Deaf, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–421, title I, §§ 101(a)(2), 161, Oct. 16, 1992, 106 Stat. 2151, 2164, effective Oct. 1, 1992.
A prior section 121 of Pub. L. 99–371 was classified to section 4321 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–421.
Prior sections 4342 to 4344 were repealed by Pub. L. 102–421, title I, §§ 101(a)(2), 161, Oct. 16, 1992, 106 Stat. 2151, 2164, effective Oct. 1, 1992.
Section 4342, Pub. L. 99–371, title III, § 302, Aug. 4, 1986, 100 Stat. 786; Pub. L. 101–476, title IX, § 901(a)(2), Oct. 30, 1990, 104 Stat. 1142, outlined duties of Commission and provided for reports to Congress.
Section 4343, Pub. L. 99–371, title III, § 303, Aug. 4, 1986, 100 Stat. 787, related to personnel of Commission, hearings, quorums, consultation with other entities, information and statistics, and agency cooperation.
Section 4344, Pub. L. 99–371, title III, § 304, Aug. 4, 1986, 100 Stat. 788, provided for compensation of members of Commission.