Monday, July 30, 2007 [[Page D1081]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S10209-S10338 Measures Introduced: Eight bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 1895-1902, and S. Res. 283-284. Page S10313 Measures Reported: S. 456, to increase and enhance law enforcement resources committed to investigation and prosecution of violent gangs, to deter and punish violent gang crime, to protect law-abiding citizens and communities from violent criminals, to revise and enhance criminal penalties for violent crimes, to expand and improve gang prevention programs, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Page S10313 Measures Passed: Senate Legal Representation: Senate agreed to S. Res. 284, to authorize testimony and legal representation in City and County of Denver v. Susan I. Gomez, Daniel R. Egger, and Carter Merrill. Page S10335 Deceased Member of the Armed Forces Death Gratuity Payment: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 175, expressing the sense of Congress that courts with fiduciary responsibility for a child of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who receives a death gratuity payment under section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, should take into consideration the expression of clear intent of the member regarding the distribution of funds on behalf of the child. Pages S10335-36 Genocide and Violence in Sudan: Senate agreed to S. Res. 203, calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S10336-38 Measures Considered: Small Business Tax Relief Act: Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses. Pages S10212-30, S10303-04 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By a unanimous vote of 80 yeas (Vote No. 285), 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 motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Pages S10226-27 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, all post-cloture time be considered as having been yielded back, the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 976 be agreed to, and Senate begin consideration of the bill; provided further, that the time during the recess, adjournment, and morning business count post-cloture. Page S10338 George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and United States Courthouse-- Referral Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2011, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the ``George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and United States Courthouse'', and the bill was then referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Page S10338 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: 2 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Page S10338 Messages from the House: Page S10312 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S10312 Executive Communications: Pages S10312-13 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S10313-15 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S10315-19 Additional Statements: Pages S10311-12 Amendments Submitted: Pages S10319-20 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S10320 [[Page D1082]] Privileges of the Floor: Page S10320 Text of H.R. 1538, as Previously Passed Pages S10320-35 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--285) Page S10227 Adjournment: Senate convened at 2 p.m. and adjourned at 7:24 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S10338.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) No committee meetings were held. [[Page D1083]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 9 public bills, H.R. 3220- 3221, 3223-3229; 2 private bills, H.R. 3230-3231; and 5 resolutions, H.J. Res. 47, and H. Res. 584-587, were introduced. Pages H8833-34 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H8834-35 Reports Filed: A report was filed on Friday, July 27th as follows: H.R. 23, to amend title 46, United States Code, to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II, with amendments (H. Rept. 110-269, Pt. 1). Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 2722, to restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-270); H.R. 673, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take lands in Yuma County, Arizona, into trust as part of the reservation of the Cocopah Indian Tribe, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-271); H.R. 1696, to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that Tribe (H. Rept. 110-272); H.R. 2120, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-273); H.R. 2863, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-274); H.R. 2952, to authorize the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-275); S. 375, to waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon (H. Rept. 110-276); H.R. 2347, to authorize State and local governments to direct divestiture from, and prevent investment in, companies with investments of $20,000,000 or more in Iran's energy sector, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-277, Pt. 1); H. Con. Res. 140, recognizing the low presence of minorities in the financial services industry and minorities and women in upper level positions of management, and expressing the sense of the Congress that active measures should be taken to increase the demographic diversity of the financial services industry, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110- 278, Pt. 1); and H.R. 3222, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 (H. Rept. 110-279). Page H8833 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Hinojosa to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H8823 Recess: The House recessed at 10:32 a.m. and reconvened at noon. Page H8823 Creating the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2107, to create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands, after discharging from committee. Pages H8824-25 Cocopah Lands Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 673, amended, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take lands in Yuma County, Arizona, into trust as part of the reservation of the Cocopah Indian Tribe. Pages H8825-26 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To direct the Secretary of the Interior to take lands in Yuma County, Arizona, into trust as part of the reservation of the Cocopah Tribe of Arizona, and for other purposes.''. Page H8826 Amending the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 1696, to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that Tribe. Page H8826 Directing the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2120, amended, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for [[Page D1084]] the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe. Pages H8826-27 Authorizing the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2863, amended, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe. Page H8827 Authorizing the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2952, amended, to authorize the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe. Pages H8827-28 Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2007: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2963, to transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, after discharging from committee. Pages H8828-29 Waiving application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 375, to waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon, after discharging from committee-- clearing the measure for the President. Page H8829 Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2007: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 31, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wildomar Service Area Recycled Water Distribution Facilities and Alberhill Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility Projects. Pages H8829-30 Recognizing Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River'': The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 16, to recognize Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River'', after discharging from committee. Page H8830 Amending chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to make individuals employed by the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission eligible to obtain Federal health insurance: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 1099, to amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to make individuals employed by the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission eligible to obtain Federal health insurance, after discharging from committee--clearing the measure for the President. Pages H8830-31 Honoring the 50th anniversary of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Con. Res. 143, amended, to honor the 50th anniversary of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Honoring National Historic Landmarks.''. (See next issue.) Master Sergeant Sean Michael Thomas Post Office Designation Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to 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'', after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 442, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Commending Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 501, to commend Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros for reaching 3,000 base hits as a Major League Baseball player and for his outstanding service to baseball and the Houston, Texas, region, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Dolph S. Briscoe, Jr., Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2688, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 South Getty Street in Uvalde, Texas, as the ``Dolph S. Briscoe, Jr., Post Office Building'', after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 South Getty Street in Uvalde, Texas, as the `Dolph Briscoe, Jr., Post Office Building'.'' (See next issue.) [[Page D1085]] Acknowledging the progress made and yet to be made to rebuild the Gulf Coast region after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 551, to acknowledge the progress made and yet to be made to rebuild the Gulf Coast region after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Honoring the 2007 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 490, to honor the 2007 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Congratulating the Detroit Tigers for winning the 2006 American League Pennant: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 488, to congratulate the Detroit Tigers for winning the 2006 American League Pennant and for bringing the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan their first trip to the World Series in 22 years, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr., Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 2309, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3916 Milgen Road in Columbus, Georgia, as the ``Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr., Post Office Building'', after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, on their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 471, to congratulate the National Hockey League Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, on their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Private First Class Shane R. Austin Post Office Designation Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 3034, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 South Elm Street in Gardner, Kansas, as the ``Private First Class Shane R. Austin Post Office'', after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Buck Owens Post Office Designation Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 1384, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 118 Minner Street in Bakersfield, California, as the ``Buck Owens Post Office'', after discharging from committee. (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 118 Minner Avenue in Bakersfield, California, as the `Buck Owens Post Office'.''. (See next issue.) Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan: H. Con. Res. 136, amended, to express the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan; (See next issue.) Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery: H. Res. 121, amended, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ``comfort women'', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II; (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as `comfort women', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.''. (See next issue.) Urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt: H. Res. 427, to urge the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt; (See next issue.) Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994: H. Con. Res. 188, amended, to condemn the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994; (See next issue.) Congratulating the Oregon State University Beavers baseball team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College World Series: H. Res. 515, to congratulate the Oregon State University Beavers baseball team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College World Series; (See next issue.) Congratulating the men's volleyball team of the University of California, Irvine, for winning the [[Page D1086]] 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball National Championship: H. Res. 511, to congratulate the men's volleyball team of the University of California, Irvine, for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball National Championship; (See next issue.) Reauthorizing the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program: H.R. 2707, amended, to reauthorize the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program; (See next issue.) Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007: H.R. 23, amended, to amend title 46, United States Code, to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II; (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.''. (See next issue.) Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2007: H.R. 1315, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the benefits provided to veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.''. (See next issue.) Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007: H.R. 2874, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the provision of health care to veterans; (See next issue.) Amending title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs: H.R. 2623, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs; (See next issue.) Authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality: H.R. 3184, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality; (See next issue.) Providing for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through December 15, 2007: H.R. 3206, to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through December 15, 2007; (See next issue.) Improving the use of a grant of a parcel of land to the State of Idaho for use as an agricultural college: H.R. 3006, to improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to the State of Idaho for use as an agricultural college; (See next issue.) U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007: S. 1716, to amend the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, to strike a requirement relating to forage producers--clearing the measure for the President; (See next issue.) Extending the designation of Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that Liberians can continue to be eligible for temporary protected status under that section: H.R. 3123, to extend the designation of Liberia under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that Liberians can continue to be eligible for temporary protected status under that section; (See next issue.) Granting the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate forest fire protection compact: S. 975, to grant the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate forest fire protection compact--clearing the measure for the President; (See next issue.) Small Public Housing Authority Act: H.R. 3067, amended, to amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 to exempt small public housing agencies from the requirement of preparing an annual public housing agency plan; (See next issue.) NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act: H.R. 2750, amended, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 402 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 758; (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.''. (See next issue.) [[Page D1087]] Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Purple Heart Recognition Day'': S. Con. Res. 27, to support the goals and ideals of ``National Purple Heart Recognition Day''; (See next issue.) Recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States: H. Con. Res. 49, amended, to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States; (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courage and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.''. (See next issue.) Honoring and expressing gratitude to the 1st Battalion of the 133rd Infantry (``Ironman Battalion'') of the Iowa National Guard: H. Res. 568, to honor and express gratitude to the 1st Battalion of the 133rd Infantry (``Ironman Battalion'') of the Iowa National Guard; and (See next issue.) Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building Designation Act: H.R. 735, to designate the Federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the ``Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building''. (See next issue.) Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007: The House began consideration of H.R. 2831, to amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice. Further consideration is expected to resume Tuesday, July 31st. (See next issue.) 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 adopted. (See next issue.) H. Res. 579, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 762, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 yeas to 190 nays, Roll No. 761. (See next issue.) Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act: The House began consideration of H.R. 986, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Further consideration is expected to resume Tuesday, July 31st. (See next issue.) Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in H. Rept. 110-264, shall be considered as adopted. (See next issue.) H. Res. 580, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 222 yeas to 184 nays, Roll No. 760, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 216 yeas to 188 nays, Roll No. 759. (See next issue.) Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed until Tuesday, July 31st: Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007: H.R. 180, amended, to require the identification of companies that conduct business operations in Sudan and to prohibit United States Government contracts with such companies; (See next issue.) Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007: H.R. 2347, amended, to authorize State and local governments to direct divestiture from, and prevent investment in, companies with investments of $20,000,000 or more in Iran's energy sector; (See next issue.) Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2007: H.R. 176, amended, to authorize assistance to the countries of the Caribbean to fund educational development and exchange programs; (See next issue.) Amending the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed: H.R. 957, amended, to amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed; and (See next issue.) Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act: H.R. 2722, amended, to restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program. (See next issue.) Amendments: Amendments ordered printed pursuant to the rule appear on pages H8835-36. Quorum Calls--Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and will appear in the next issue. There were no quorum calls. [[Page D1088]] Adjournment: The House met at 10:30 a.m. and adjourned at 11:59 p.m. Committee Meetings SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Special Reconnaissance Program (SRP). The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D990) H.R. 556, to ensure national security while promoting foreign investment and the creation and maintenance of jobs, to reform the process by which such investments are examined for any effect they may have on national security, to establish the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Signed on July 26, 2007. (Public Law 110-49) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General James E. Cartwright, USMC for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the possibility of a closed session in SR-222, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the state of the securities markets, 9:30 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Ronald Spoehel, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, William G. Sutton, Jr., of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Thomas J. Barrett, of Alaska, to be Deputy Secretary, and Paul R. Brubaker, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, both of the Department of Transportation, 10 a.m., SR-253. Full Committee, to hold and oversight hearing to examine telemarketing practices relating to H.R. 2885, to amend the Credit Repair Organizations Act to clarify the applicability of certain provisions to credit monitoring services, 2:30 p.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy, to hold an oversight hearing to examine renewable fuels infrastructure, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to consider S. 742, to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, S. 595, to amend the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 to strike a provision relating to modifications in reporting frequency, S. 1785, to amend the Clean Air Act to establish deadlines by which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue a decision on whether to grant certain waivers of preemption under that Act, S. 775, to establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States, H.R. 50, to reauthorize the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, S. 1429, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the provision of technical assistance to small public water systems, H.R. 465, to reauthorize the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, S. 1832, to reauthorize the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, and the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, S. 1498, to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species, and the nominations of R. Lyle Laverty, of Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, Department of the Interior, and Robert Boldrey, of Michigan, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, 9:30 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: to continue hearings to examine carried interest (Part II), 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine nuclear energy and nonproliferation challenges, focusing on safeguarding the atom, 9:30 a.m., SD-419. Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hearings to examine the impact of the Leegin decision, 10 a.m., SD-226. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the propriety and adequacy of the Oxycontin criminal settlement, 2:30 p.m., SD-226. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold hearings to examine Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense cooperation on the educational needs of returning service members, 9:30 p.m., SD-562. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Capitol Visitor Center, 9 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness, hearing on Use of In Lieu of, Ad Hoc and Augmentee Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, to continue hearings on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future, (Part 4), 1 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, hearing on the Costs of Military Operations and Reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 814, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; H.R. 1699, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 1721, Pool and Spa Safety [[Page D1089]] Act; and H.R. 2474, To provide for an increased maximum civil penalty for violations under the Consumer Product Safety Act, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, to continue markup of H.R. 2895, National Affordable Housing. Trust Fund Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, to mark up the following measures: H.R. 1302, Global Poverty Act of 2007; H.R. 1567, Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007; H.R. 2185, To amend the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 to provide debt relief to developing countries that take action to protect forests and coral reefs and associated coastal marine ecosystems, to reauthorize such Act through fiscal year 2010; H.R. 3096, Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2007; H.R. 3062, South Pacific Economic and Educational Development Act of 2007; H. Res. 32, Denouncing the practices of female genital mutilation, domestic violence, ``honor'' killings, acid burning, dowry deaths, and other gender-based persecutions and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that participation, protection, recognition, and independence of women is crucial to achieving a just, moral, and honorable society; H. Res. 34, Recognizing the 75th birthday of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; H. Res. 238, Commending the first democratic elections in Aceh, a province in Sumatra, Indonesia, and expressing support for the further democratic development and implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding; H. Res. 508, Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the Global war against terrorism; H. Res. 518, Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence; H. Res. 548, Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon; H. Res. 557, Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda; H. Res. 564, Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability in Central America and supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central America to combat crime and violence; H. Res. 575, Commending the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued commitment to holding elections and broadening participation; and a resolution Recognizing the remarkable example of Sir Nicholas Winton who organized the rescue of 669 Jewish Czechoslovakian children from Nazi death camps prior to the outbreak of World War II, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on the Case of Ramos and Compean: the Across-Border Context, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, hearing entitled ``Managing Risk and Increasing Efficiency: An Examination of the Implementation of the Registered Traveler Program,'' 1:30 p.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, hearing on Ensuring Artists Fair Compensation: Updating the Performance Right and Platform Parity for the 21st Century, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, oversight hearing on Crisis of Confidence: The Political Influence of the Bush Administration on Agency Science and Decision-Making, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing on FEMA Preparedness in 2007 and Beyond, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services, and the District of Columbia, hearings on Federal Compensation, Part I, Pay, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, hearing to review the Coast Guard Administration Law System, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 674, To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the provision of law requiring termination of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans as of December 31, 2009; H.R. 1273, To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restore plot allowance eligibility for veterans of any war and to restore the headstone or marker allowance for eligible persons; H.R. 1900, To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who receive an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war; H.R. 1901, To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations; H.R. 2346. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area; H.R. 2696, Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007; and H.R. 2697, To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management, hearing on DNI 100 Day Plan, 10 a.m., 2203 Rayburn. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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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. [[Page D1090]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 31 Senate Chamber Program for Tuesday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 976, Small Business Tax Relief Act. (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their respective party conferences.) Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 31 House Chamber Program for Tuesday: Complete consideration of H.R. 2831--Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007 and H.R. 986--Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act. Begin consideration of H.R. 3161--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E1650 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1647 Carson, Julia, Ind., E1648 Carter, John R., Tex., E1649 Clarke, Yvette D., N.Y., E1649 Cole, Tom, Okla., E1649 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1648, E1649 Culberson, John Abney, Tex., E1652 Davis, David, Tenn., E1651 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E1651 Larson, John B., Conn., E1648 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1651 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E1651 Pelosi, Nancy, Calif., E1647, E1647 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E1650 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E1650 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E1647 Tauscher, Ellen O., Calif., E1650 Udall, Tom, N.M., E1649 Wu, David, Ore., E1650