Wednesday, September 26, 2007 [[Page D1265]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S12077-S12187 Measures Introduced: Ten bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2094-2103, and S. Res. 332-333. Page S12141 Measures Reported: S. 1671, to reauthorize and improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 110-185) H.R. 835, to reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians. H.R. 2467, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 69 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the ``Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building''. H.R. 2587, A Bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 555 South 3rd Street Lobby in Memphis, Tennessee, as the ``Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 2654, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 South Dumont Avenue in Woonsocket, South Dakota, as the ``Eleanor McGovern Post Office Building''. H.R. 2765, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 44 North Main Street in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, as the ``Master Sergeant Sean Michael Thomas Post Office''. H.R. 2778, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle, New York, as the ``Robert Merrill Postal Station''. H.R. 2825, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 326 South Main Street in Princeton, Illinois, as the ``Owen Lovejoy Princeton Post Office Building''. H.R. 3052, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 954 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio, as the ``John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 3106, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Main Street in Ferdinand, Indiana, as the ``Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office''. S. 2023, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Main Street in Ferdinand, Indiana, as the ``Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office''. Pages S12140-41 Measures Passed: Authorizing Production of Records: Senate agreed to S. Res. 333, to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Pages S12186-87 Measures Considered: National Defense Authorization Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S12092-12122 Adopted: By 75 yeas and 23 nays (Vote No. 348), Biden Modified Amendment No. 2997 (to Amendment No. 2011), to express the sense of Congress on federalism in Iraq. (A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the amendment, having achieved 60 affirmatives votes, be agreed to). Pages S12093-95 By 76 yeas and 22 nays (Vote No. 349), Kyl/Lieberman Modified Amendment No. 3017 (to Amendment No. 2011), to express the sense of the Senate regarding Iran. (A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the amendment, having achieved 60 affirmatives votes, be agreed to). Pages S12093, S12095-96 McCaskill (for Hatch/Bennett) Amendment No. 3016 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on the solid rocket motor industrial base. Page S12110 McCaskill Amendment No. 3010 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on the size and mix of the Air Force intertheater airlift force. Pages S12110-11 [[Page D1266]] McCaskill (for Biden) Amendment No. 3043 (to Amendment No. 2011), to strengthen the nuclear forensics capabilities of the United States. Pages S12110-11 McCaskill (for Levin/McCain) Modified Amendment No. 3009 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to carry out a certain fiscal year 2005 military construction project. Pages S12110-12 McCaskill (for Bond) Amendment No. 3046 (to Amendment No. 2011), to improve and streamline the security clearance process. Pages S12110, S12112 McCaskill (for Levin/McCain) Modified Amendment No. 3008 (to Amendment No. 2011), to increase the military construction project authorization for Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Maintenance Pier, Bremerton, Washington. Pages S12110, S12112 McCaskill (for Levin) Modified Amendment No. 3006 (to Amendment No. 2011), to transfer administrative jurisdiction of the former Nike missile site, Grosse Ile, Michigan. Pages S12110, S12112 McCaskill (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 2251 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism. Pages S12110, S12112-13 McCaskill (for Conrad) Amendment No. 2172 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify limitations on the retirement of B-52 bomber aircraft. Pages S12110, S12113 Pending: Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, in the nature of a substitute. Page S12093 Warner (for Graham/Kyl) Amendment No. 2064 (to Amendment No. 2011), to strike section 1023, relating to the granting of civil rights to terror suspects. Page S12093 Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No. 3035 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 2064), to provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes. Pages S12093, S12103-04, S12108, S12109-10, S12119-20, S12122 Motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Armed Services, with instructions to report back forthwith, with Reid Amendment No. 3038, to change the enactment date. Page S12093 Reid Amendment No. 3039 (to the instructions of the motion to recommit), of a technical nature. Page S12093 Reid Amendment No. 3040 (to Amendment No. 3039), of a technical nature. Page S12093 Casey (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3047 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require comprehensive study and support for criminal investigations and prosecutions by State and local law enforcement officials. Page S12093 Coburn Amendment No. 2196 (to Amendment No. 2011), to eliminate wasteful spending and improve the management of counter-drug intelligence. Pages S12096, S12100-03, S12107-08, S12108-09, S12113-15 McCaskill (for Webb) Modified Amendment No. 2999 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for the study and investigation of wartime contracts and contracting processes in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Pages S12096-S12100, S12103, S12104-07, S12109 A motion was entered to close further debate on Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, September 28, 2007. Page S12122 A motion was entered to close further debate on the bill, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, September 28, 2007. Pages S12123-26 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 9 a.m., on Thursday, September 27, 2007, provided that, there be 2 hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, prior to the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No 3035 (to Levin Amendment No. 2011) (listed above), and that upon completion of that time, Senate vote on the cloture motion relative to that amendment; provided further, that if cloture is invoked there be 2 minutes for debate, equally divided in the usual form, followed by a vote on Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No 3035 (to Levin Amendment No. 2011), and that if cloture is not invoked the amendment be withdrawn; provided further, that there then be 2 minutes for debate prior to the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Casey (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3047 (to Amendment No. 2011) (listed above), and that if cloture is invoked, there be 2 minutes for debate prior to the vote on Casey (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3047 (to Amendment No. 2011), and that if cloture is not invoked the amendment be withdrawn; provided further, that Members have until 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 27, 2007, to file any germane second-degree amendments. Page S12187 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act: Senate began consideration of the amendments of the House to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: [[Page D1267]] Pending: Senator Reid entered a motion to concur in the amendments of the House to the amendments of the Senate to the bill. Pages S12122-23 Reid Amendment No. 3071 (to the House amendment to Senate amendment to the text of H.R. 976), to change the enactment date. Page S12123 Reid Amendment No. 3072 (to Amendment No. 3071), of a perfecting nature. Page S12123 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to the bill, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Tuesday, September 25, 2007, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Page S12123 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that on Thursday, September 27, 2007, upon disposition of Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No 3035 (to Levin Amendment No. 2011) and Casey (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3047 (to Amendment No. 2011), that there be 2 minutes for debate prior to the cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. 976. Page S12187 Messages from the House: Page S12139 Measures Referred: Page S12139 Executive Communications: Pages S12139-40 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S12141 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S12141-43 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S12143-56 Additional Statements: Pages S12137-39 Amendments Submitted: Pages S12156-86 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S12186 Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--349) Pages S12095, S12096 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 7:47 p.m., until 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S12187.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN Committee on Appropriations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the President's supplemental request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, after receiving testimony from Robert Gates, Secretary, Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer, and General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, all of the Department of Defense; and John Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State. SUBPRIME CREDIT MARKETS Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the role and impact of credit rating agencies on the subprime credit markets, after receiving testimony from Christopher Cox, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and John C. Coffee, Jr., Columbia University Law School, Michael Kanef, Moody's Investors Service, Vickie A. Tillman, Standard and Poor's Credit Market Services, and Lawrence J. White, New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business, all of New York, New York. GEOTHERMAL INITIATIVE Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1543, to establish a national geothermal initiative to encourage increased production of energy from geothermal resources, after receiving testimony from Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Mark D. Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Reykjavik; David R. Wunsch, New Hampshire Geological Survey, Concord, on behalf of the Association of American State Geologists; Susan Petty, AtlaRock Energy, Inc., Seattle, Washington; Lisa Shevenell, University of Nevada Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, Reno; and Kenneth H. Williamson, Santa Rosa, California. IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the impacts of global warming on the Chesapeake Bay, after receiving testimony from Senator Mikulski; Representative Gilchrest; Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine, Richmond; Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and William C. Baker, Chesapeake Bay [[Page D1268]] Foundation, both of Annapolis; Christopher R. Pyke, CTG Energetics, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia; Donald F. Boesch, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge; Dennis T. Avery, Hudson Institute, Churchville, Virginia; David W. Schnare, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Burke, Virginia; and Richard Edmund, United Methodist Church, Ewell, Maryland. OFFSHORE TAX ISSUES Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine offshore tax issues, focusing on reinsurance and hedge funds, after receiving testimony from Senator Dorgan; Jane G. Gravelle, Senior Specialist in Economic Policy, Congressional Research Service Library of Congress; William R. Berkley, W.R. Berkley Corporation, Greenwich, Connecticut, on behalf of sundry organizations; Donald Kramer, Ariel Reinsurance Company, Hamilton, Bermuda, on behalf of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR); Suzanne Ross McDowell, Steptoe and Johnson, LLP, and Lynne Munson, Center for College Affordability and Productivity, both of Washington, D.C.; and Daniel S. Shapiro, Schulte Roth and Zabel, LLP, London, England, on behalf of the Managed Funds Association. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: H.R. 2654, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 South Dumont Avenue in Woonsocket, South Dakota, as the ``Eleanor McGovern Post Office Building''; H.R. 2467, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 69 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the ``Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building''; H.R. 2587, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 555 South 3rd Street Lobby in Memphis, Tennessee, as the ``Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr. Post Office Building''; H.R. 2778, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle, New York, as the ``Robert Merrill Postal Station''; H.R. 2825, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 326 South Main Street in Princeton, Illinois, as the ``Owen Lovejoy Princeton Post Office Building''; H.R. 3052, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 954 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio, as the ``John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building''; H.R. 3106 and S. 2023, bills to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Main Street in Ferdinand, Indiana, as the ``Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office''; H.R. 2765, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 44 North Main Street in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, as the ``Master Sergeant Sean Michael Thomas Post Office''; and The nomination of Julie L. Myers, of Kansas, to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security. NOMINATION Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Michael J. Sullivan, of Massachusetts, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Kerry, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of Robert Charles Tapella, of Virginia, to be Public Printer. Also, Committee ordered reported the nominations of Steven T. Walther, of Nevada, Hans von Spakovsky, of Georgia, David M. Mason, of Virginia, and Robert D. Lenhard, of Maryland, all to be Members of the Federal Election Commission, without recommendation. IMPROVING INTERNET ACCESS Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine improving internet access to help small business compete in a global economy, after receiving testimony from Michael J. Copps, and Jonathan S. Adelstein, both Commissioners, Federal Communications Commission; Ben Scott, Free Press, on behalf of Consumers Union and the Consumer Federation of America, and Scott Wallsten, Progress and Freedom Foundation, both of Washington, D.C.; Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation, Inc., Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Douglas A. Levin, Black Duck Software, Waltham, Massachusetts. [[Page D1269]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 10 public bills, H.R. 3668- 3677; and 1 resolution, H. Res. 684 were introduced. Page H10939 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H10939-40 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 682, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3567) to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to expand opportunities for investments in small business (H. Rept. 110-350) and H. Res. 683, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3121) to restore the financial solvency of the national flood insurance program and to provide for such program to make available multiperil coverage for damage resulting from windstorms and floods (H. Rept. 110-351). Pages H10937-38, H10939 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008: The House agreed to H.J. Res. 52, to make continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, by a recorded vote of 404 ayes to 14 noes, Roll No. 911. Pages H10913-20 Agreed to the Lewis (CA) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 341 yeas to 79 nays, Roll No. 910. Subsequently, Representative Obey reported the bill back to the House with the amendment and the amendment was agreed to. Pages H10918-19 H. Res. 677, the rule providing for consideration of the resolution, was agreed to by voice vote after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 220 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 908. Pages H10910-12 Directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a standard regulating worker exposure to diacetyl: The House passed H.R. 2693, to direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a standard regulating worker exposure to diacetyl, by a yea-and- nay vote of 260 yeas to 154 nays with 2 voting ``present'', Roll No. 913. Pages H10920-32 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H10931 Accepted: Miller (CA) manager's amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-349) that clarifies that a standard will only be needed if diacetyl is still in use and clarifies that Section 4, calling for a NIOSH study, applies to potential substitutes for diacetyl. Pages H10928-29 Rejected: Wilson (SC) amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-349) that sought to require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to wait until the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) concludes there is sufficient data to support a recommended exposure limit and establishes such recommended exposure limit before issuing a final standard (by a recorded vote of 189 ayes to 233 noes, Roll No. 912). Pages H10929-31 H. Res. 678, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by voice vote after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 193 nays, Roll No. 909. Pages H10908-10, H10912-13 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure: Providing for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program: H.R. 3668, to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program. Pages H10932-35 Recess: The House recessed at 3:17 p.m. and reconvened at 6:25 p.m. Page H10937 Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H10912, H10912-13, H10918-19, H10919-20, H10931, and H10932. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:26 p.m. Committee Meetings COMMODITY EXCHANGE ACT REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review reauthorization of the Commodity Exchange Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ARMY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Army Strategic initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: [[Page D1270]] Pete Geren, Secretary; and GEN George Casey, USA, Chief of Staff. FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 3610, Food and Drug Safety Import Act. Testimony was heard from Randall L. Lutter, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3355, Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007; and H.R. 3524, HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: The Chairman asked Unanimous Consent to request consideration of the following measures in the House under suspension of the rules, and there was no objection: S. 1612, International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act; H. Res. 635, amended, Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commend Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith; H. Con. Res. 200, amended, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; H.R. 2003, amended, Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act; H.R. 2828, amended, to provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998; H. Res. 624, amended, Congratulating the State of Israel on chairing a United Nations committee for the first time in history; H. Res. 651, amended, Recognizing the warm friendship and expanding strategic relationship between the United States and Brazil, commending Brazil on successfully reducing its dependence on oil by finding alternative ways to satisfy its energy needs, and recognizing the importance of the March 9, 2007, United States-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on biofuels cooperation; H. Res. 676, Declaring that it should continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; H. Con. Res. 203, amended, Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran; H.R. 3432, amended, 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007; and H. Res. 405, as amended, Expressing the strong support of the House of Representatives for implementation of the July 8, 2006, United Nations- brokered agreement between President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus. NATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Beyond the Checklist: Addressing Shortfalls in National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.'' Testimony was heard from Bernice Steinhardt, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; B. Tilman Jolly, M.D., Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness, Office for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services; L. Anthony Cirillo, M.D., Chief, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Health, State of Rhode Island; Peter A. Shult, Director, Communicable Diseases Division, Laboratory of Hygiene, State of Wisconsin; Michael C. Caldwell M.D., Commissioner, Duchess County Health Department, Poughkeepsie, New York; and David L. Lakey, M.D., Commissioner, Center for Consumer and External Affairs, Department of State Health Services, Texas. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1483, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3058, Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act of 2007. MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACTING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Federal Contracting: Removing Hurdles from Minority-Owned Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from Calvin Jenkins, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA; Anthony Martoccio, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense; William B. Shear, Director, Office of Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; Preston Jay Waite, Deputy Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. [[Page D1271]] WALTER REED OVERSIGHT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled ``Third Walter Reed Oversight Hearing: Keeping the Nation's Promise to Our Wounded Soldiers.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of GAO: John Pendleton, Acting Director, Health Care; and Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security; MG Eric Schoomaker, USA, Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness), Department of Defense; Patrick W. Dunne, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs. FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM AND MODERNIZATION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3121, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of 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 further amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report. The further amendments made in order 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, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the further amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Waters, Cardoza, Castor, Arcuri, Taylor, Blumenauer, Biggert, Burton, Rohrabacher, and Miller of Michigan. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPANSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3567, Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order 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, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Velazquez and Representative Chabot. HEALTH IT INTEROPERABILITY/SECURITY Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on meeting the need for Interoperability and Information Security in Health IT. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY TAX INCENTIVES Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a hearing on Small Business Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Possibilities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AIRLINE DELAYS AND CONSUMER ISSUES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Airline Delays and Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Robert A. Sturgell, Deputy Administrator and Interim Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA; D. J. Gribbin, General Counsel; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. [[Page D1272]] FTA NEW STARTS/SMALL STARTS PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Federal Transit Administration's Proposed Rule on the New Starts and Small Starts Programs. Testimony was heard from James S. Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. VA IT REORGANIZATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on VA IT Reorganization: How Far Has VA Come? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Valerie Melvin, Director, Human Capital and Management Information Issues; and Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; Arnaldo Claudio, Executive Director, Office of IT Oversight and Compliance; Paul Tibbits, M.D., Deputy Chief Information Officer for Development, Office of Information and Technology; and J. Ben Davoren, M.D., Director, Clinical Informatics, San Francisco VA Medical Center. HOME MORTGAGE AID; MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3648, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. FORGING A GLOBAL SOLUTION FOR GLOBAL WARMING: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES Select Committee on Energy Independence: Held a briefing entitled ``Forging A Global Warming: International Perspectives.'' The Committee was briefed by the following officials of the UN Special Envoy on Climate Change: Gro Harlem Brundtland; Ricardo Lagos; and Han Seung- soo; and a public witness. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Gen. William E. Ward, United States Army, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Africa Command, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, to be General, United States Air Force, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Strategic Command, Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, United States Marine Corps, to be General and to be Commander, United States Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, and Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, for reappointment to the grade of Admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, to hold hearings to examine congestion and delays impacting travelers, focusing on possible solutions, 10:30 a.m., SR-253. Full Committee, business meeting to consider S. 1578, to amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements, S. 1889, to amend title 49, United States Code, to improve railroad safety by reducing accidents and to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, S. 1453, to extend the moratorium on taxes on Internet access and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce imposed by the Internet Tax Freedom Act, S. 1965, to protect children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators, to enhance efforts to identify and eliminate child pornography, and to help parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors, S.J. Res. 17, directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean, and S. Con. Res. 39, supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims, and a promotion list in the United States Coast Guard, 2:30 p.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine hard-rock mining on federal lands, 9:30 a.m., SD-366. Subcommittee on National Parks, to hold hearings to examine S. 148, to establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park in the State of New Jersey, S. 189, to decrease the matching funds requirements and authorize additional appropriations for Keweenaw National Historical Park in the State of Michigan, S. 697, to establish the Steel Industry National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania, S. 1341, to provide for the exchange of certain Bureau of Land Management land in Pima County, Arizona, S. 128, to amend the Cache La Poudre River Corridor Act to designate a new management entity, make certain technical and conforming amendments, enhance private property protections, S. 1476, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources study of the Tule Lake Segregation Center in Modoc County, California, to determine suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Park System, S. 867 and H.R. 299, bills to adjust the boundary of Lowell National Historical Park, S. 1709 and H.R. 1239, bills to amend the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 to provide additional staff and oversight of funds to carry out the Act, S. 1808, to authorize [[Page D1273]] the exchange of certain land in Denali National Park in the State of Alaska, S. 1969, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites related to Alexander Hamilton's life on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands as a unit of the National Park System, and S. 1039, to extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the efficacy of national border security, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (T. Doc. 103-39), 2:30 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, to hold hearings to examine cost effective military strategic airlift requirements in the 21st century, 3:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: business meeting to consider pending calendar business; to be immediately followed by an oversight hearing to examine the prevalence of violence against Indian women, 9 a.m., SD-628. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine S. 2035, to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media, S.J. Res. 13, granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding, S. 980, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies, S. Con. Res. 45, commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month, S. Res. 258, recognizing the historical and educational significance of the Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Freedom Schooner Amistad, and expressing the sense of the Senate that preserving the legacy of the Amistad story is important in promoting multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation, and the nomination of James Russell Dedrick, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, 10 a.m., SD-226. Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hearings to examine the Google-DoubleClick merger and the online advertising industry, focusing on the risks for competition and privacy, 2:30 p.m., SD-226. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Paul J. Hutter, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, 9:30 a.m., SD-562. House Committee on Agriculture, hearing to review H.R. 1011, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007, 11 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 20, Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act; H.R. 2295, ALS Registry Act; H.R. 507, Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007; H.R. 1727, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act; H.R. 970, Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007; H.R. 814, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; H.R. 1699, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 2474, Product Safety Civil Penalties Improvement Act; and H.R. 1721, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, hearing entitled ``DEC Proxy Access Proposals: Implications for Investors,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled ``The Role of Credit Rating Agencies in the Structured Finance Market,'' 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk, hearing entitled ``The Way Forward with Fusion Centers: Challenges and Strategies for Change,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, hearing on H.R. 2128, Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, oversight hearing entitled ``Aquatic Nuisance Species and Activities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force,'' 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 830, Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 2094, To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission; and H.R. 3111, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, hearing on the National Security Implications of Climate Change, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing on Management and Authorization legislation, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, hearing on the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on VA Grant and Per Diem Program, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence, executive, briefing on Overview On CIA Activities, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol. Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007, to meet for organization purposes; to consider an Interim Report, required by H. Res. 611, Raising a question of the privileges of the House, to be filed with the House of Representatives by September 30, 2007, followed by a hearing on Voting in the House of Representatives, 9 a.m., H-313 Capitol. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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 one time. 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[[Page D1274]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9 a.m., Thursday, September 27 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act, and after a period of debate, vote on the motions to invoke cloture on certain amendments; following which, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. 976, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m. Thursday, September 27 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 3121--Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule) and H.R. 3567--Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E1985 Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E1991 Brown, Corrine, Fla., E1992 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E1989 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1993 Crenshaw, Ander, Fla., E1986 Ellison, Kieth, Minn., E1985 Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E1981, E1982, E1983, E1984 Ferguson, Mike, N.J., E1992 Green, Al, Tex., E1988, E1990 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1987 Herger, Wally, Calif., E1991 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E1991 Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E1990 Kline, John, Minn., E1992 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E1988 Larson, John B., Conn., E1987 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1991 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E1987 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1981, E1983 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E1990 McIntyre, Mike, N.C., E1983, E1985 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E1989 Moran, James P., Va., E1982, E1984 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E1982, E1984 Poe, Ted, Tex., E1989 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E1993 Rogers, Harold, Ky., E1990 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E1981, E1984 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E1986 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1985, E1988, E1992 Watson, Diane E., Calif., E1989 Weller, Jerry, Ill., E1990 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E1986