§ 254q. Authorization of appropriations

(a) Authorization of appropriations
For the purposes of carrying out this subpart, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1) for fiscal year 2008, $131,500,000;
(2) for fiscal year 2009, $143,335,000;
(3) for fiscal year 2010, $156,235,150;
(4) for fiscal year 2011, $170,296,310; and
(5) for fiscal year 2012, $185,622,980.
(b) Scholarships for new participants
Of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) of this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall obligate not less than 10 percent for the purpose of providing contracts for—
(1) scholarships under this subpart to individuals who have not previously received such scholarships; or
(2) scholarships or loan repayments under the Loan Repayment Program under section 254l–1 of this title to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
(c) Scholarships and loan repayments
With respect to certification as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or physician assistant, the Secretary shall, from amounts appropriated under subsection (a) of this section for a fiscal year, obligate not less than a total of 10 percent for contracts for both scholarships under the Scholarship Program under section 254l of this title and loan repayments under the Loan Repayment Program under section 254l–1 of this title to individuals who are entering the first year of a course of study or program described in section 254l (b)(1)(B) of this title that leads to such a certification or individuals who are eligible for the loan repayment program as specified in section 254l–1 (b) of this title for a loan related to such certification.