Tuesday, March 8, 2005 [[Page D193]] Daily Digest Highlights House Committee ordered reported the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2005. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S2199-S2296 Measures Introduced: Twenty-six bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 544-569, S. Res. 73-75, and S. Con. Res. 15. Pages S2244-45 Measures Reported: S. 55, to adjust the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado. (S. Rept. No. 109-19) S. 57, to further the purposes of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2000. (S. Rept. No. 109-20) S. 276, to revise the boundary of the Wind Cave National Park in the State of South Dakota. (S. Rept. No. 109-21) S. 301, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance in implementing cultural heritage, conservation, and recreational activities in the Connecticut River watershed of the States of New Hampshire and Vermont, with an amendment. (S. Rept. No. 109-22) Page S2244 Measures Passed: International Women's Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 74, designating March 8, 2005, as ``International Women's Day''. Pages S2289-95 Greek Independence Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 75, designating March 25, 2005, as ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy''. Pages S2295-96 Bankruptcy Reform Act: Senate continued consideration of S. 256, a bill to amend title 11 of the United States Code, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2200-30 Rejected: By 46 yeas to 53 nays (Vote No. 28), Schumer Amendment No. 47, to prohibit the discharge, in bankruptcy, of a debt resulting from the debtor's unlawful interference with the provision of lawful goods or services or damage to property used to provide lawful goods or services. Pages S2203-15 By 41 yeas to 59 nays (Vote No. 30), Feingold Amendment No. 89, to strike certain small business related bankruptcy provisions in the bill. Pages S2200, S2221-23, S2228 Withdrawn: Pryor Amendment No. 40, to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit the use of any information in any consumer report by any credit card issuer that is unrelated to the transactions and experience of the card issuer with the consumer to increase the annual percentage rate applicable to credit extended to the consumer. Pages S2200, S2216 Durbin Amendment No. 111, to protect veterans and members of the armed forces on active duty or performing homeland security activities from means testing in bankruptcy. Pages S2200, S2228 Pending: Dorgan/Durbin Amendment No. 45, to establish a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. Page S2200 Reid (for Baucus) Amendment No. 50, to amend section 524(g)(1) of title 11, United States Code, to predicate the discharge of debts in bankruptcy by an vermiculite mining company meeting certain criteria on the establishment of a health care trust fund for certain individuals suffering from an asbestos related disease. Page S2200 Dodd Amendment No. 52, to prohibit extensions of credit to underage consumers. Page S2200 Dodd Amendment No. 53, to require prior notice of rate increases. Page S2200 Kennedy (for Leahy/Sarbanes) Amendment No. 83, to modify the definition of disinterested person in the Bankruptcy Code. Page S2200 Harkin Amendment No. 66, to increase the accrual period for the employee wage priority in bankruptcy. Page S2200 [[Page D194]] Dodd Amendment No. 67, to modify the bill to protect families. Pages S2200, S2223-28 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 68, to provide a maximum amount for a homestead exemption under State law. Page S2200 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 69, to amend the definition of current monthly income. Page S2200 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 70, to exempt debtors whose financial problems were caused by failure to receive alimony or child support, or both, from means testing. Page S2200 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 72, to ensure that families below median income are not subjected to means test requirements. Page S2200 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 71, to strike the provision relating to the presumption of luxury goods. Page S2200 Dodd (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 119, to amend section 502(b) of title 11, United States Code, to limit usurious claims in bankruptcy. Page S2200 Akaka Amendment No. 105, to limit claims in bankruptcy by certain unsecured creditors. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 87, to amend section 104 of title 11, United States Code, to include certain provisions in the triennial inflation adjustment of dollar amounts. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 88, to amend the plan filing and confirmation deadlines. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 90, to amend the provision relating to fair notice given to creditors. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 91, to amend section 303 of title 11, United States Code, with respect to the sealing and expungement of court records relating to fraudulent involuntary bankruptcy petitions. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 92, to amend the credit counseling provision. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 93, to modify the disclosure requirements for debt relief agencies providing bankruptcy assistance. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 94, to clarify the application of the term disposable income. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 95, to amend the provisions relating to the discharge of taxes under chapter 13. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 96, to amend the provisions relating to chapter 13 plans to have a 5-year duration in certain cases and to amend the definition of disposable income for purposes of chapter 13. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 97, to amend the provisions relating to chapter 13 plans to have a 5-year duration in certain cases and to amend the definition of disposable income for purposes of chapter 13. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 98, to modify the disclosure requirements for debt relief agencies providing bankruptcy assistance. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 99, to provide no bankruptcy protection for insolvent political committees. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 100, to provide authority for a court to order disgorgement or other remedies relating to an agreement that is not enforceable. Page S2200 Feingold Amendment No. 101, to amend the definition of small business debtor. Page S2200 Talent Amendment No. 121, to deter corporate fraud and prevent the abuse of State self-settled trust law. Page S2200 Schumer Amendment No. 129 (to Amendment No. 121), to limit the exemption for asset protection trusts. Page S2200 Durbin Amendment No. 110, to clarify that the means test does not apply to debtors below median income. Page S2200 Durbin Amendment No. 112, to protect disabled veterans from means testing in bankruptcy under certain circumstances. Page S2200 Boxer Amendment No. 62, to provide for the potential disallowance of certain claims. Pages S2228-29 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 69 yeas to 31 nays (Vote No. 29), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the bill. Page S2216 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 9, 2005, and that the Senate vote on, or in relation to, certain amendments. Page S2296 Appointments Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China: The Chair, on behalf of the President of the Senate, and after consultation with the Majority Leader, pursuant to Public Law 106-286, appointed the following Members to serve on the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China: Senators Hagel, Brownback, Smith, DeMint, and Martinez. Page S2289 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Daniel Fried, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European Affairs). 2 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. [[Page D195]] 2 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Page S2296 Messages From the House: Page S2242 Measures Placed on Calendar: Page S2242 Executive Communications: Pages S2242-44 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2245-46 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2246-76 Additional Statements: Pages S2240-42 Amendments Submitted: Pages S2276-88 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S2288 Authority for Committees to Meet: Pages S2288-89 Privilege of the Floor: Page S2289 Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. (Total--30) Pages S2215, S2216, S2228 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:45 a.m., and adjourned at 7:18 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 9, 2005. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S2296.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, after receiving testimony from Sharon Brown-Hruska, Acting Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Charles P. Carey, Chicago Board of Trade, Terrence A. Duffy, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and Satish Nandapurkar, Eurex US, all of Chicago, Illinois; James Newsome, New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc., and Frederick W. Schoenhut, New York Board of Trade, both of New York, New York; and John M. Damgard, Futures Industry Association, Washington, D.C. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Appropriations: On February 17, 2005, Committee adopted its rules of procedure for the 109th Congress. APPROPRIATIONS: NAVY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for defense wide and navy budget overview, after receiving testimony from Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary (Comptroller), and Philip W. Grone, Deputy Under Secretary (Installations and Environment), both of the Department of Defense; B.J. Penn, Assistant Secretary (Installations and Environment), and Rear Admiral Wayne G. Shears, Jr., Deputy Director, Ashore Readiness Division, both of the United States Navy; and Brigadier General Willie J. Williams, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), United States Marine Corps. DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded an open and closed hearing to examine military strategy and operational requirements in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2006, after receiving testimony from Admiral William J. Fallon, USN, Commander, United States Pacific Command; and General Leon J. LaPorte, USA, Commander, United Nations Command and Republic of Korea/United States Combined Forces Command Commander, United States Forces Korea. OPERATIONS IN IRAQ Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing to discuss current operations in Iraq from General George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Commanding General, Multi-National Force--Iraq; and Peter W. Rodman, Assistant of Defense for International Security Affairs. LAND BILLS Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 179, to provide for the exchange of land within the Sierra National Forest, California, S. 213, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land to Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, S. 267, to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, S. 305, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to recruit volunteers to assist with or facilitate the activities of various agencies and offices of the Department of the Interior, S. 476, to authorize the Boy Scouts of America to exchange certain land in the State of Utah acquired under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, and S. 485, to reauthorize and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, after receiving testimony from Senator Hatch; Mark Rey, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and the Environment; Christopher Kearney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Policy Management and Budget; Robert Douglas, Tehama County Schools, Red Bluff, California, on behalf of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition; and Michael A. Francis, Wilderness Society, Washington, D.C. [[Page D196]] POWER GENERATION RESOURCES Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine ways to encourage the diversification of power generation resources, focusing on renewable portfolio standards (RPS) efforts among states and the cost and benefits of a federal RPS program, and new approaches to promoting a variety of clean power resources, such as wind, solar, clean coal technology and nuclear power, after receiving testimony from David K. Garman, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Richard E. Morgan, Commissioner, District of Columbia Public Service Commission, on behalf of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners; Ryan H. Wiser, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California; Wayne Brunetti, Xcel Energy, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sonny Popowsky, Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, Harrisburg, on behalf of National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates; Donald N. Furman, PacifiCorp, Portland, Oregon; Kerry W. Bowers, Southern Company, Birmingham, Alabama; Alan Nogee, Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Brian O'Shaughnessy, Revere Copper Products, Rome, New York, on behalf of National Association of Manufacturers. PHYSICIAN-OWNED SPECIALITY HOSPITALS Committee on Finance: Committee held a hearing to examine physician- owned specialty hospitals, focusing on the effects that speciality hospitals have on community hospitals, receiving testimony from Thomas A. Gustafson, Deputy Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; Alan H. Pierrot, PSC Health, Inc., Fresno, California, on behalf of American Surgical Hospital Association; Larry Veitz, Lookout Memorial Hospital, Spearfish, South Dakota; and J. Andy Sullivan, Oklahoma University Medical Center, Oklahoma City. Hearing recessed subject to the call of the Chair. BLACK SEA AREA Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on European Affairs concluded a hearing to examine the current state of democracy in the Black Sea region and the prospects for further democratic evolution in the area, after receiving testimony from John F. Tefft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs; and Bruce P. Jackson, Project on Transitional Democracies, Vladimir Socor, Jamestown Foundation, and Zeyno Baran, The Nixon Center, all of Washington, D.C. NOMINATION Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Thomas B. Griffith, of Utah, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senators Hatch and Bennett, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. TERRORISM AND EMP THREAT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and Homeland Security concluded a hearing to examine terrorism and the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threat to homeland security, after receiving testimony from Peter M. Fonsah, Acting Deputy Manager, National Communications Systems, Department of Homeland Security; and Lowell Wood, Acting Chairman, and Peter V. Pry, both of the Congressional Commission to Assess the Threat to the U.S. from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack. 527 REFORM ACT Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 271, to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify when organizations described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must register as political committees, after receiving testimony from Senators Feingold and McCain; Scott E. Thomas, Chairman, and David M. Mason, Commissioner, both of the Federal Election Commission; Frances R. Hill, University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida; and Robert F. Bauer, Perkins Coie LLP, and Michael J. Malbin, Campaign Finance Institute, both of Washington, D.C. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence community. Committee recessed subject to call. [[Page D197]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Measures Introduced: 39 public bills, H.R. 1140-1178; 2 private bills, H.R. 1179-1180; and; 6 resolutions, H. Res. 138-143 were introduced. Pages H1023-25 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1025-26 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: Supplemental report on H.R. 3, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs (H. Rept. 109- 12, Pt. 2); H.R. 996, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the extension of highway-related taxes and trust funds, amended (H. Rept. 109-13); and H. Res. 140, providing for consideration of H.R. 3, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 109-14). Page H1022 Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Rev. E. Terri LaVelle, Program Director, The Faith and Politics Institute in Washington, DC. Page H995 Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by a yea and nay vote of 378 yeas to 29 nays, Roll No. 53. Pages H995, H1000-01 Recess: The House recessed at 1:08 p.m. and reconvened at 2 p.m. Page H995 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Providing amounts for continuing expenses of standing and select committees of the House for the month of April: H. Res. 133, amended, providing amounts from the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives for continuing expenses of standing and select committees of the House from April 1, 2005, through April 30, 2005, by a 2/3 yea and nay vote of 406 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 54; and Pages H996-97, H1001-02 Sense of the House regarding the study of languages and the designation of a Year of Languages: H. Res. 122, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the study of languages and supporting the designation of a Year of Languages, by a 2/3 yea and nay vote of 396 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 55. Pages H997-H1000, H1002 Canada--U.S. Interparliamentary Group--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Members of the House to the Canada--United States Interparliamentary Group: Representative Manzullo, Chairman; and Representative McCotter, Vice Chairman. Page H1000 Recess: The House recessed at 2:45 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 p.m. Page H1000 Supplemental Report: Agreed that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have until midnight on March 8 to file a supplemental report on H.R. 3, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs. Page H1000 Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 139, electing Representative Burton (IN) to the Committee on Veterans Affairs. Page H1002 Quorum Calls--Votes: Three yea and nay vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H1000-01, H1001-02, H1002. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 12:30 p.m. and adjourned at 10:03 p.m. Committee Meetings EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2005. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Administration for Children and Families/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Wade J. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families; and Duane Alexandria, Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. [[Page D198]] SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Director of the FBI. Testimony was heard from Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI, Department of Justice. BURDEN OF UNFUNDED MANDATES ON STATE, COUNTY, AND CITY GOVERNMENTS Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled ``Is Uncle Sam Still Passing the Buck? The Burden of Unfunded Mandates on State, County, and City Governments.'' Testimony was heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Gerry Connolly, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County, Virginia; Mick Cornett, Mayor, Oklahoma City, OK; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following resolutions: H. Res. 101, Urging the European Union to add Hezbollah to the European Union's wide-ranging list of terrorist organizations; and H. Res. 99, Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Madrid that occurred one year ago, on March 11, 2004, and expressing deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in those attacks and to the people of the Kingdom of Spain. DIGITAL MUSIC LICENSING Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing entitled ``Digital Music Licensing and Section 115 of the Copyright Act.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The rule provides two hours and twenty minutes of general debate, with two hours and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, including a final period of 10 minutes following consideration of the bill for amendment, and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The rule provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report which may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment or demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in part B. After disposition of the amendments printed in part B, the Committee shall rise without motion. No further consideration of the bill shall be in order except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young (AK), Representatives Petri, Graves, LaTourette, Kennedy (MN), Boozman, Osborne, Tom Davis (VA), Pitts, Flake, Burgess, Conaway, DeFazio, Menendez and Pascrell. SMALL BUSINESS PRIORITIES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Small Business Priorities for the 109th Congress, with discussion of H. Res. 22, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that American small businesses are entitled to a Small Business Bill of Rights. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PHYSICIAN-OWNED SPECIALTY HOSPITALS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Physician-Owned Specialty Hospitals. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; Tom Gustafson, Deputy Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. PRESIDENT'S PROPOSAL FOR SINGLE-EMPLOYER PENSION FUNDING REFORM Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on the President's Proposal for Single-Employer Pension Funding [[Page D199]] Reform. Testimony was heard from Bradley Belt, Executive Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; Mark Warshawsky, Assistant Secretary, Economic Policy, Department of the Treasury; Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. Joint Meetings HUMAN RIGHTS IN EUROPE Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission): Commission concluded a hearing to examine the challenges facing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2005, focusing on security and human rights, after receiving testimony from Dimitrij Rupel, Chairman, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Army, 10 a.m., SD-192. Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, to hold hearings to examine the Department of Defense science and technology budget and strategy, 9:30 a.m., SR-325. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: business meeting to consider the nomination of Ronald Rosenfeld, of Oklahoma, to be a Director of the Federal Housing Finance Board; to be followed by a hearing to examine the state of the securities industry, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on the Budget: business meeting to markup the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2006, 3 p.m., SD-608. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Patricia Lynn Scarlett, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, and Jeffrey Clay Sell, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, 10 a.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to consider S. 131, to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution through expansion of cap and trade programs, to provide an alternative regulatory classification for units subject to the cap and trade program, 9:30 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: business meeting to consider the Personal Responsibility and Individual Development for Everyone (PRIDE) Act, and the nominations of Harold Damelin, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of the Treasury, and Raymond Thomas Wagner, Jr., of Missouri, to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board, 10 a.m., SD-628. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: business meeting to consider S. 250, to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to improve the Act, S. 525, to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reauthorize the Act, to improve early learning opportunities and promote school preparedness, and S. 172, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of all contact lenses as medical devices, and the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Department of Homeland Security, 10 a.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: business meeting to consider S. 147, to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity; to be followed by an oversight hearing on trust reform, 9:30 a.m., SR-485. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 10 a.m., SH-216. Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed briefing on intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, to continue hearings on Reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 10 a.m., 1302 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Acting Commissioner for FDA, 9:30 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Defense, executive, on National Intelligence Program Budget, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol. Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland Security, on FEMA, 2 p.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, on NIH, 10:15 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on Secretary of Energy, 9 a.m., 2362B Rayburn. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on Fish and Wildlife Service, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, on Air Force Budget, 10 a.m., and on Navy/ Marine Corps Budget, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol. Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies, on Secretary of State, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. [[Page D200]] Committee on Armed Services, to continue hearings on the Fiscal Year National Defense Authorization budget request, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request for space activities, 3 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request on Department of Defense unmanned aerial vehicle and Joint Unmanned Combat Air System investment programs, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, to markup the Budget Resolution Fiscal Year 2006, 10:30 a.m., Cannon. Committee on Education and the Workforce, to markup H.R. 366, Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act, 11 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to markup H.R. 29, Spy Act, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``The Implementation of GEOSS: A Review of the All-Hazards Warning System and its Benefits to Public Health, Energy and the Environment,'' 2:30 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled ``GSE Reform and the Federal Home Loan Bank System,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee Management, Integration and Oversight, hearing entitled ``CBP and ICE: Does the Current Organizational Structure Best Serve U.S. Homeland Security Interests?'' 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn. Committee on International Relations, to markup the following measures: H. Con. Res. 18, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil liberties of the Syrian and Lebanese people by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic; H. Con. Res. 32, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the occupation of the Republic of Lebanon by the Syrian Arab Republic; H. Con. Res. 34, Honoring the life and contributions of Yogi Bhajan, a leader of Sikhs, and expressing condolences to the Sikh community on his passing; H. Con. Res. 81, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba; H. Con. Res. 82, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the arrest of Ayman Nour, the leader of the al-Ghad party, by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the support of Congress for continued progress toward democracy in Egypt; H. Res. 101, Urging the European Union to add Hezbollah to the European Union's wide-ranging list of terrorist organizations; H. Res. 120, Commending the outstanding efforts by members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development in response to the earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004; H. Res. 135, Providing for the establishment of a commission in the House of Representatives to assist parliaments in emerging democracies; H. Con. Res. 83, Urging the appropriate representative of the United States to the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to introduce a resolution calling upon the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its human rights violations in China; H. Res. 99, Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Madrid that occurred one year ago, on March 11, 2004, and expressing deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in those attacks and to the people of the Kingdom of Spain; and H. Res. 108, Commemorating the life of the late Zurab Zhvania, Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia, 10:15 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, hearing on Combating Human Trafficking: Achieving Zero Tolerance, 11 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats, hearing on Developments in U.S.-Russia Relations, 1 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Middle East and Central Asia, hearing on U.S. Policy Toward the Palestinians in the Post-Arafat Era, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, hearing on The State of Democracy in Latin America, 1:30 p.m., 2255 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, to markup the following measures: S. 167, Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005; H.R. 683, amended, Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2005; H.R. 1037, To make technical corrections to title 17, United States Code; H.R. 1036, To amend title 17, United States Code, to make technical corrections relating to copyright royalty judges; H.R. 1038, Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2005; and H. Con. Res. 53, Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the issuance of the 500,000th design patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office; and to consider pending Committee business, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, oversight hearing on FY'06 President's Budget for the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Research, hearing on the NSF Budget and Management Challenges, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, hearing on the Future of Social Security, 10:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth. [[Page D201]] Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, briefing on the Budget, 12 p.m., and, executive, hearing on the Budget, 1:30 p.m., H-405 Capitol. Joint Meetings Joint Meetings: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 10 a.m., SH-216. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to hold hearings to examine the Russian-Syrian connection and threats to democracy in the Middle East and the great OSCE region, 1 p.m., SD-226. Joint Committee on Taxation: Organizational business meeting to consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures for committee operations and committee's rules of procedure for the 109th Congress, 5 p.m., S-219. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed at one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a  service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the  user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional  Record is published. The database includes both text and graphics  from the beginning of the 103d Congress, 2d session (January 1994)  forward. It is available through GPO Access at  www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess. Customers can also access this information  with WAIS client software, via telnet at swais.access.gpo.gov, or  dial-in using communications software and a modem at (202) 512ÿ091661.  Questions or comments regarding this database or GPO Access can be  directed to the GPO Access User Support Team at: E-Mail:  gpoaccess@gpo.gov; Phone 1ÿ09888ÿ09293ÿ096498 (toll-free), 202ÿ09512ÿ091530  (D.C. area); Fax: 202ÿ09512ÿ091262. The Team's hours of availability are  Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, except Federal holidays. ÿ1AThe Congressional Record paper and 24x  microfiche edition will be furnished by mail to subscribers, free of postage,  at the following prices: paper edition, $217.00 for six months,  $434.00 per year, or purchased for $6.00 per issue, payable in  advance; microfiche edition, $141.00 per year, or purchased for $1.50  per issue payable in advance. The semimonthly Congressional Record  Index may be purchased for the same per issue prices. To place an  order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online  Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of  Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250ÿ097954, or phone  orders to (866) 512ÿ091800 toll free, (202) 512ÿ091800 (D.C. Area), or  fax to (202) 512ÿ092250. Remit check or money order, made payable to  the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover,  American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. ÿ1AFollowing each session  of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed,  permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in  individual parts or by sets. ÿ1AWith the exception of copyrighted  articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material  from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402,   Along with the entire Mailing label from the last issue received. ``Periodicals'' postage is paid at Washington, D.C. [[Page D202]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 9 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any routine morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of S. 256, Bankruptcy Reform Act; and vote on, or in relation to, certain amendments. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 9 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Consideration of Suspensions: (1) H. Res. 41, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as ``National Tartan Day'' to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States; and (2) H. Res. 119, recognizing the contributions of the United States Marine Corps and other units of the United States Armed Forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Begin consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (subject to a rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Ackerman, Gary L., N.Y., E375, E377 Baca, Joe, Calif., E377 Blunt, Roy, Mo., E378 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E380 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E380, E381, E383, E385 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E379, E380, E381, E383, E383, E385, E385, E386, E387, E388 Davis, Susan A., Calif., E375 DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E384 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E376 Farr, Sam, Calif., E387 Gillmor, Paul E., Ohio, E380 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E378 Langevin, James R., R.I., E377 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E375 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E378, E383 McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E379 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E384, E388 Mack, Connie, Fla., E378 Millender-McDonald, Juanita, Calif., E388 Paul, Ron, Tex., E381 Portman, Rob, Ohio, E376 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E375 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E375 Shimkus, John, Ill., E380 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E385, E386 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E376 Terry, Lee, Nebr., E377 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E379