Thursday, February 14, 2008 [[Page D143]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 293, Adjournment Resolution. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S993-S1086 Measures Introduced: Eighteen bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2637-2654, and S. Res. 454-457. Pages S1054-55 Measures Passed: K.T. Safety Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1216, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to reduce the incidence of child injury and death occurring inside or outside of light motor vehicles, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S1083 United States and the Republic of Korea: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 444, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the strong alliance that has been forged between the United States and the Republic of Korea and congratulating Myung-Bak Lee on his election to the presidency of the Republic of Korea, and the resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S1083 Reid (for Biden) Amendment No. 4084, to modify the description of the economic relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Page S1083 NATO Membership Action Plan with Georgia and Ukraine: Senate agreed to S. Res. 439, expressing the strong support of the Senate for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to enter into a Membership Action Plan with Georgia and Ukraine. Pages S1083-84 Chinese New Year: Senate agreed to S. Res. 457, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. Pages S1084-85 Adjournment Resolution: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 293, providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. Page S1085 Measures Considered: Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments: Senate continued consideration of S. 1200, to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend the Act, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S993-S1046 Adopted: By a unanimous vote of 95 yeas (Vote No. 24), Dorgan/Murkowski Amendment No. 4082 (to Amendment No. 3899), of a perfecting nature. Pages S1025-26 By a unanimous vote of 94 yeas (Vote No. 27), Coburn Amendment No. 4032 (to Amendment No. 3899), to protect rape and sexual assault victims from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Pages S996, S997, S1028, S1032-33 Brownback Modified Amendment No. 3893 (to Amendment No. 3899), to acknowledge a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies by the Federal Government regarding Indian tribes and offer an apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States. Pages S994, S1037-38 Mikulski Amendment No. 4023 (to Amendment No. 3899), to temporarily delay application of proposed changes to Medicaid payment rules for case management and targeted case management services. Pages S1008-13, S1038 Murkowski (for Martinez) Modified Amendment No. 3906 (to Amendment No. 3899), to amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide increased civil and criminal penalties for acts involving fraud and abuse under the Medicare program. Pages S1013-26, S1026 Bingaman/Thune Amendment No. 4083 (to Amendment No. 3899), to require the Comptroller [[Page D144]] General of the United States to conduct a study on payments for contract health services. Page S1040 Barrasso Amendment No. 3898 (to Amendment No. 3899), to require the Comptroller General to report on the effectiveness of coordination of health care services provided to Indians using Federal, State, local, and tribal funds. Pages S994, S1040 Dorgan (for Coburn) Modified Amendment No. 4078 (to Amendment No. 3899), to determine the factors leading to significant tobacco-related disease and disproportionate health effects on tribal populations. Page S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4029 (to Amendment No. 3899), to require a study of membership criteria for federally recognized Indian tribes. Pages S992, S997, S1040 Murkowski (for Vitter) Amendment No. 4038 (to Amendment No. 3899), of a perfecting nature. Pages S1030-32 Rejected: By 28 yeas to 67 nays (Vote No. 25), Coburn Amendment No. 4034 (to Amendment No. 3899), to allow tribal members to make their own health care choices. Pages S996, S998, S1020-22, S1026-27 By 21 yeas to 73 nays (Vote No. 26), Coburn Amendment No. 4036 (to Amendment No. 3899), to prioritize scarce resources to basic medical services for Indians. Pages S996, S998, S1027-30, S1032 Withdrawn: Bingaman/Thune Amendment No. 3894 (to Amendment No. 3899), to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a limitation on the charges for contract health services provided to Indians by Medicare providers. Pages S993, S1010 Sanders Amendment No. 3900 (to Amendment No. 3899), to provide for payments under subsections (a) through (e) of section 2604 of the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Pages S994, S1013 Coburn Amendment No. 4024 (to Amendment No. 3899), to ensure that tribal members receive scientifically effective health promotion services. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4025 (to Amendment No. 3899), to clarify the absence of authorization of racial preference in employment. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4026 (to Amendment No. 3899), to modify a provision relating to child sexual abuse and prevention treatment programs. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4027 (to Amendment No. 3899), to clarify the effect of a title. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4028 (to Amendment No. 3899), to provide a blood quantum requirement for Federal recognition of Indian tribes. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4030 (to Amendment No. 3899), to ensure tribal members have access to the highest levels of quality and safety in the Service. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4031 (to Amendment No. 3899), to promote transparency and quality in the Service. Pages S996, S997, S1040 Coburn/DeMint Amendment No. 4033 (to Amendment No. 3899), to allow tribal members to make their own health care choices. Pages S996, S997-98, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4035 (to Amendment No. 3899), to prioritize patient care over administrative overhead. Pages S996, S998, S1040 Coburn Amendment No. 4037 (to Amendment No. 3899), to prioritize scarce resources to basic medical services for Indians. Pages S996, S998-99, S1040 Pending: Vitter Amendment No. 3896 (to Amendment No. 3899), to modify a section relating to limitation on use of funds appropriated to the Service. Page S993 Dorgan Amendment No. 3899, in the nature of a substitute. Page S994 Smith Amendment No. 3897 (to Amendment No. 3899), to modify a provision relating to development of innovative approaches. Pages S1004-06 Murkowski (for DeMint) Amendment No. 4015 (to Amendment No. 3899), to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Indian health savings account demonstration project. Pages S1030-32 Murkowski (for DeMint) Amendment No. 4066 (to Amendment No. 3899), of a perfecting nature. Pages S1030-32 Murkowski (for DeMint) Amendment No. 4070 (to Amendment No. 3899), of a perfecting nature. Pages S1030-32 Murkowski (for DeMint) Amendment No. 4073 (to Amendment No. 3899), of a perfecting nature. Pages S1030-32 DeMint Amendment No. 4080 (to Amendment No. 4070), to rescind funds appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, for the City of Berkeley, California, and any entities located in such city, and to provide that such funds shall be transferred to the Operations and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense for the purposes of recruiting. Pages S1037-38 During consideration of this measure today, the following action also occurred: [[Page D145]] DeMint Amendment No. 4067 (to Amendment No. 3894), to rescind funds appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, for the City of Berkeley, California, and any entities located in such city, and to provide that such funds shall be transferred to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense for the purposes of recruiting, fell when Bingaman/Thune Amendment No. 3894 (to Amendment No. 3899) (listed above) was withdrawn. Pages S1006-08, S1022-24 Gregg Amendment No. 4022 (to Amendment No. 3900), to provide funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in a fiscally responsible manner, fell when Sanders Amendment No. 3900 (to Amendment No. 3899) (listed above) was withdrawn. Page S994 A motion was entered to close further debate on Dorgan Amendment No. 3899 (listed above), and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, February 14, 2008, a vote on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, February 25, 2008. Page S1045 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, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, February 14, 2008, a vote on cloture will occur on Monday, February 25, 2008. Page S1045 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill after the traditional reading of Washington's Farewell Address, on Monday, February 25, 2008, and that the cloture vote on Dorgan Amendment No. 3899 (listed above), occur at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, February 25, 2008; that if cloture is invoked on Dorgan Amendment No. 3899, all post-cloture time be yielded back except for the times specified in this agreement, that the Managers each have 10 minutes of debate for their use, and that all debate time be equally divided and controlled in the usual form; that Senator DeMint be recognized for up to 1 hour to speak with respect to any of his pending germane amendments; that with respect to Vitter Amendment No. 3896 (to Amendment No. 3899) (listed above), and a first-degree germane amendment from the Majority on the subject matter of Vitter Amendment No. 3896, that debate time on these two amendments be limited to 60 minutes each; that Smith Amendment No. 3897 (to Amendment No. 3899) (listed above) be limited to 20 minutes of debate; that no further amendments be in order and that upon the use of time with respect to the DeMint amendments, Senate vote on or in relation to the amendments; that the vote sequence occur in the order in which the amendments are listed in this agreement, except that the Majority amendment with respect to Vitter Amendment No. 3896 (to Amendment No. 3899) (listed above) would occur first; that there be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote; provided further, that upon the disposition of all pending amendments, Dorgan Amendment No. 3899 (listed above), as amended be agreed to, and the bill be read a third time, and Senate then vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill and that if cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time be yielded back, the Committee on Indian Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1328, the House of Representatives companion measure, and Senate then begin its consideration, that all after the enacting clause be stricken and the text of S. 1200, as amended, be inserted in lieu thereof, that the bill be advanced to third reading, passed, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; that upon passage of H.R. 1328, S. 1200 be returned to the calendar, and the mandatory quorum be waived; and that if cloture is not invoked, this agreement is null and void. Pages S1045-46, S1082 NEW DIRECTION FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 3221, moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation. A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of 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 Thursday, February 14, 2008, a vote on cloture will occur not prior to the votes on the motions to invoke cloture on the motions to proceed to consideration of S. 2633, to provide for the safe redeployment of United States troops from Iraq, and S. 2634, to require a report setting forth the global strategy of the United States to combat and defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates. Pages S1082-83 Subsequently, the motion to proceed was withdrawn. Appointments: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the appointment at the desk appear separately in the Congressional Record as if made by the [[Page D146]] Chair and replace the appointment made by the Chair on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. U.S.-Japan Interparliamentary Group: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, pursuant to Section 5 of Title I of Division H of Public Law 110-161, appointed the following Senator as Vice Chairman of the U.S.- Japan Interparliamentary Group conference for the 110th Congress: Senator Stevens. Page S1085 Federal Judicial Center Foundation Board: The Chair, on behalf of the President pro tempore, pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 100- 702, reappointed the following individual to the Federal Judicial Center Foundation Board: John B. White Jr., of South Carolina. Page S1085 Open World Leadership Center: The Chair, on behalf of the President pro tempore, pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. Sec. 1151, as amended, appointed the following individual to the Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Council: Senator Wicker. Page S1085 National Commission on Children and Disasters: The Chair, on behalf of the Democratic Leader, pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 110- 161, appointed the following individuals to serve as members of the National Commission on Children and Disasters: Mark Shriver of Maryland and Sheila Leslie of Nevada. Page S1085 Cloture Motions--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that on Monday, February 25, 2008, notwithstanding Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it be in order to move to proceed to consideration of the following bills in the order listed, that motions to invoke cloture be filed, and that once the motions have been made and the cloture motions filed, the motions to proceed be withdrawn; provided further, that the votes on the motions to invoke cloture occur on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, upon disposition of H.R. 1328, Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments, with two minutes of debate prior to each vote on the motion to invoke cloture specified in this agreement, equally divided and controlled between the Majority and Republican Leaders, or their designees: S. 2633, to provide for the safe redeployment of United States troops from Iraq. S. 2634, to require a report setting forth the global strategy of the United States to combat and defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates. Page S1085 Bills and Statements--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that, notwithstanding the Senate being in pro forma session on Friday, February 15, 2008, that the Congressional Record remain open until 12:00 noon for bill introductions and statements. Page S1085 Authority for Committees--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that, notwithstanding the adjournment of the Senate, all committees be authorized to file legislative and executive reports on Friday, February 22, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Page S1085 Authorizing Leadership to Make Appointments--Agreement: A unanimous- consent agreement was reached providing that, notwithstanding the adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President Pro Tempore, and the Majority and Minority Leader be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate. Page S1085 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Jeffrey Robert Brown, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years. David Gustafson, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years. Elizabeth Crewson Paris, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years. Joseph Evan LeBaron, of Oregon, to be Ambassador to the State of Qatar. Stephen James Nolan, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana. Samuel W. Speck, of Ohio, to be a Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. William T. Lawrence, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana. 1 Army nomination in the rank of general. 2 Marine Corps nominations in the rank of general. 25 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Pages S1085-86 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S1054 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S1055-56 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S1056-75 Additional Statements: Pages S1051-54 Amendments Submitted: Pages S1075-81 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S1081 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S1081-82 [[Page D147]] Privileges of the Floor: Page S1082 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--27) Pages S1026, S1027, S1032, S1032-33 Recess: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and recessed at 8:13 p.m., until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S1085.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) AFGHANISTAN STRATEGY Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded hearings to examine the strategy in Afghanistan, focusing on reports by the Afghanistan Study Group and the Atlantic Council of the United States, after receiving testimony from James J. Shinn, Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Lieutenant General John F. Sattler, USMC, Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, Joint Staff, both of the Department of Defense; Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs; General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.), Atlantic Council of the United States, and Karl F. Inderfurth, George Washington University, both of Washington, D.C. CURRENT U.S. ECONOMY Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the current state of the United States economy and financial matters, after receiving testimony from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury; former Representative Christopher Cox, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE REFORM Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine health care and the federal budget, focusing on information technology and health care reform, after receiving testimony from Valerie C. Melvin, Director, Human Capital and Management, Information Systems Issues, Government Accountability Office; Laura L. Adams, Rhode Island Quality Institute, Providence; and Mary R. Grealy, Healthcare Leadership Council, Washington, D.C. USDA FOREST SERVICE BUDGET Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA), after receiving testimony from Mark Rey, Under Secretary, and Abigail Kimbell, Chief, USDA Forest Service, both of the Department of Agriculture. MARINE VESSEL EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1499, to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels, after receiving testimony from Bryan Wood-Thomas, Associate Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Barry R. Wallerstein, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Diamond Bar, California; Lisa P. Jackson, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton; Jennifer J. Mouton, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Assessment Division, Baton Rouge; John G. Miller, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), San Pedro, California; Richard Kassel, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York, New York; Joe Accardo, Jr., Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL), and Joel T. Chaisson, Port of South Louisiana, both of LaPlace; Ken Wells, Offshore Marine Service Association, Harahan, Louisiana; and Jonah Ramirez, San Bernardino, California. INTERNATIONAL CARBON CAP AND TRADE PROGRAM Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine international aspects of a carbon cap and trade program, focusing on experiences and implications for a United States cap-and-trade program, after receiving testimony from Senator Specter; Jennifer Haverkamp, Enviromental Defense Fund, and Kjell Olav Kristiansen, Point Carbon, both of Washington, D.C.; Abraham F. Breehey, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (AFL-CIO), Fairfax, Virginia; and Ruksana Mirza, Holcim (US), Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts. FEDERAL ACQUISITION WORKFORCE Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia concluded a hearing to examine ways to build and strengthen the Federal acquisition workforce, after receiving testimony from Paul A. Denett, Administrator, Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget; Frank J. Anderson, Jr., President, Defense Acquisition University, [[Page D148]] Office of the Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Department of Defense; and Karen A. Pica, Director, Federal Acquisition Institute, General Services Administration. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Homeland Security, after receiving testimony from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. DNI AUTHORITIES Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the authorities given to the Director of National Intelligence and personnel issues, after receiving testimony from J. Michael McConnell, Director of National Intelligence. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 37 public bills, H.R. 5437- 5473; and 9 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 297-299; and H. Res. 986-988, 990-992 were introduced. Pages H992-94 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H994-96 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 989, dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representatives from the Thirteenth Congressional District of Florida (H. Rept. 110-528). Page H992 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Monsignor Richard W. O'Keeffe, Immaculate Conception Church, Yuma, Arizona. Page H945 Speaker Pro Tempore: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Hoyer and Representative Van Hollen to act as Speaker pro tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions through February 25, 2008. Page H947 Recess: The House recessed at 10:18 a.m. and reconvened at 11:05 a.m. Page H947 Motion to Adjourn: Rejected the Lincoln Diaz-Balart motion to adjourn by a yea-and-nay vote of 2 yeas to 390 nays, Roll No. 58. Pages H947-48 Motion to Adjourn: Rejected the Lincoln Diaz-Balart motion to adjourn by a yea-and-nay vote of 2 yeas to 400 nays, Roll No. 59. Pages H958-61 Providing for the adoption of H. Res. 979 and for the adoption of H. Res. 980: The House agreed to H. Res. 982, providing for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 979) recommending that the House of Representatives find Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolten, Chief of Staff, White House, in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas duly issued by the Committee on the Judiciary and for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 980) authorizing the Committee on the Judiciary to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings to enforce certain subpoenas, by a recorded vote of 223 ayes to 32 noes, with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 60, after agreeing to order the previous question by voice vote. Pages H948-58, H961-62 Pursuant to the rule, H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980 are adopted. Page H962 Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Wednesday, February 13th: Honoring African American inventors, past and present, for their leadership, courage, and significant contributions to our national competitiveness: H. Res. 966, to honor African American inventors, past and present, for their leadership, courage, and significant contributions to our national competitiveness, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 387 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 61; Pages H962-63 National Ocean Exploration Program Act: H.R. 1834, amended, to authorize the national ocean exploration program and the national undersea research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 352 yeas to 49 nays, Roll No. 62; Pages H964-65 Agreed by unanimous consent that the text of H.R. 1834, as proposed to be adopted under suspension of the rules, be modified by an amendment placed at the desk. Pages H963-64 Making technical corrections to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act: S. 2571, to make technical corrections to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, by a 2/3 yea-and- nay vote of 400 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 63--clearing the measure for the President; Page H965 [[Page D149]] Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 99th anniversary: H. Con. Res. 289, to honor and praise the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 99th anniversary, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 403 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 64; Page H966 American Braille Flag Memorial Act: H.R. 4169, to authorize the placement in Arlington National Cemetery of an American Braille tactile flag in Arlington National Cemetery honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 396 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 65; Page H968 Commending the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington's veterans and encouraging residents of other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans: H. Res. 790, to commend the people of the State of Washington for showing their support for the needs of the State of Washington's veterans and encouraging residents of other States to pursue creative ways to show their own support for veterans, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 383 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 66; Page H969 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week: H. Res. 963, to support the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 384 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 67; and Pages H969-70 Supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day: H. Res. 972, to support the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 389 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 68. Pages H970-71 Point of Personal Privilege: Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart rose to a point of personal privilege and was recognized. Pages H966-68 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H948. Quorum Calls--Votes: Ten yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H947-48, H958-59, H961-62, H963, H964-65, H965-66, H966, H968-69, H969, H970, and H970-71. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural Resources Conservation Service. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army Readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, LT GEN James D. Thurman, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G3; LT GEN Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G8, and LT GEN Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Waste Development, and Related Agencies held an overview hearing on Vehicle Technology and Gas Prices. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Land Border Enforcement. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security: W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative; David Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; Michael Kostelnik, Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine; Thomas Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; and public witnesses. LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held an overview hearing on Opportunities Lost and Costs to Society: the Social and Economic Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Disability. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MILITARY READINESS AND STRATEGIC POSTURE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Implications for Our Strategic Posture. Testimony was heard from Sharon Pickup, Director, Defense Resources and Business Transformation Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. [[Page D150]] PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS REFORM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams: A Case for Interagency National Security Reform? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Ryan Henry, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Policy; and Barry Pavel, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities; and the following officials of the Department of State: Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; and Michael E. Hess, Assistant Administrator, Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance Bureau, U.S. Agency for International Development. BOND INSURANCE INDUSTRY Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the State of the Bond Insurance Industry. Testimony was heard from Eric R. Sirri, Director, Division of Trading and Markets, SEC; Patrick M. Parkinson, Deputy Director, Division of Research and Statistics, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the State of New York: Eliot Spitzer, Governor; and Eric R. Dinallo, Superintendent, Insurance Department; Thomas M. Leighton, Mayor, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and public witnesses. U.S. DEBT RECYCLING ASSISTANCE TO CAMBODIA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, The Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on an Overview of Cambodia and the Need for Debt Recycling: How can the U.S. be of Assistance? Testimony was heard from Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and W. Kirk Miller, Associate Administrator/General Sales Manager, Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA. HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled ``Homeland Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: the Office of Intelligence and Analysis' Vision for 2008.'' Testimony was heard from Charles E. Allen, Under Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security. STATE VIDEO TAX FAIRNESS ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 3679, State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Testimony was heard from Steven G. Bradbury, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice. UNIQUE INDUSTRIES PROTECTIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on Design Law--Are Special Provisions Needed to Protect Unique Industries? Testimony was heard from Representative Delahunt; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR DEPARTMENT BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009 Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior. Testimony was heard from Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. MEDICAID'S SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on One year later: Medicaid's Response to Systemic Problems Revealed by the death of Deamonte Driver. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEDERAL IT SECURITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement held a joint hearing on Federal IT Security: A Review of H.R. 4791, Federal Agency Data Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, OMB; Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, GAO; and public witnesses. DEFEATING AL QAEDA Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Six Years Later (Part III): Innovative Approaches to Defeating Al Qaeda. Testimony was heard from COL Michael J. Meese, USA, [[Page D151]] Professor and Head of the Social Sciences Department, U.S. Military Academy, West Point; and public witnesses. SCIENCE EDUCATION/RESEARCH BUDGET Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Funding for the America COMPETES Act in the Fiscal Year 2009 Administration Budget Request. Testimony was heard from James H. Marburger, III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. BUSINESS ACTIVITY TAXES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Business Activity Taxes and their Impact on Small Businesses,'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EPA BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Revitalization of the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program. Testimony was heard from Susan Parker Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA; and public witnesses. VA'S CLAIMS PROCESSING SYSTEM Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on Examining the VA's Claims Processing System. Testimony was heard from Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael Walcoff, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits; Diana Rubens, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Field Operations; and Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, both with the Veterans Benefits Administration; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. TRADE PREFERENCE EXTENSION ACT OF 2008; COMMITTEE'S VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 5264, Trade Preference Extension Act of 2008. The Committee also approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. MEDICARE BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009 Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the Medicare portions of the President's fiscal year 2009 budget. Testimony was heard from Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. BRIEFING--OVERHEAD Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Overhead. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. FIRE AND RAIN--HOW TROPICAL FORESTS' DESTRUCTION IS FUELING CLIMATE CHANGE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled ``Fire and Rain: How the Destruction of Tropical Forests is Fueling Climate Change.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D119) H.R. 5140, to provide economic stimulus through recovery rebates to individuals, incentives for business investment, and an increase in conforming and FHA loan limits. Signed on February 13, 2008. (Public Law 110-185) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled. House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, hearing on the status of the implementation of the Army's medical action plan and other services' support for wounded service members, 10 a.m., 2212 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 D152]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 10 a.m., Friday, February 15 Senate Chamber Program for Friday: Senate will meet in a pro forma session. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Friday, February 15 House Chamber Program for Friday: The House will meet in pro forma session. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Ackerman, Gary L., N.Y., E200 Alexander, Rodney, La., E191, E195 Baird, Brian, Wash., E198 Baldwin, Tammy, Wisc., E201 Berman, Howard L., Calif., E200 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E202 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E204 Boucher, Rick, Va., E197 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E202, E204, E206 Capito, Shelley Moore, W.Va., E203 Castle, Michael N., Del., E197 Costello, Jerry F., Ill., E192 Delahunt, William D., Mass., E189, E193 Ellison, Kieth, Minn., E203 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E196 Farr, Sam, Calif., E191 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E191, E195, E198, E199 Hayes, Robin, N.C., E202 Hinojosa, Ruben, Tex., E200 Hirono, Mazie K., Hawaii, E201 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E195 Hulshof, Kenny C., Mo., E190, E195 Jackson, Jesse L., Jr., Ill., E192 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E190, E194 Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E205 Jones, Walter B., N.C., E199 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E202 McGovern, James P., Mass., E201 McNulty, Michael R., N.Y., E201 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E196 Markey, Edward J., Mass., E199 Marshall, Jim, Ga., E193 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E196 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E197 Paul, Ron, Tex., E191, E195 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E202 Reichert, David G., Wash., E190, E194 Reynolds, Thomas M., N.Y., E193 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E203 Royce, Edward R., Calif., E196 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E204 Sanchez, Loretta, Calif., E198 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E197 Shimkus, John, Ill., E202 Shuler, Heath, N.C., E205 Sires, Albio, N.J., E192 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E196 Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E198 Spratt, John M., Jr., S.C., E193 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E195 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E190 Udall, Mark, Colo., E190, E194 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E201 Young, C.W. Bill, Fla., E205