Wednesday, May 14, 2008 [[Page D597]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS The House agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. House Committees ordered reported 13 measures, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S4123-S4210 Measures Introduced: Five bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 3015-3019, and S. Res. 564-566. Pages S4181-82 Measures Passed: Temporary Extension of Programs: Senate passed H.R. 6051, to amend Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of programs authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 16, 2008, clearing the measure for the President. Page S4202 Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Senate passed H.R. 6022, to suspend the acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, clearing the measure for the President. Page S4202 Military Kids Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 565, designating May 15, 2008 as Military Kids Day. Page S4202 National Aphasia Awareness Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 566, designating June 2008 as ``National Aphasia Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to increase awareness of aphasia. Page S4202 Measures Considered: Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 980, to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions, and taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4130-50 Rejected: Graham Amendment No. 4763 (to the text of the bill proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 4751), to improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces. (By 55 yeas to 42 nays (Vote No. 127), Senate tabled the amendment). Page S4135 Pending: Reid (for Gregg/Kennedy) Amendment No. 4751, in the nature of a substitute. Page S4130 Hatch Amendment No. 4755 (to Amendment No. 4751), to provide for a public safety officer bill of rights. Page S4130 Alexander Amendment No. 4760 (Amendment No. 4751), to guarantee public safety and local control of taxes and spending. Page S4130 Leahy Amendment No. 4759 (to Amendment No. 4751), to reauthorize the bulletproof vest partnership grant and provide a waiver for hardship for the matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests. Page S4130 Corker Amendment No. 4761 (to Amendment No. 4751), to permit States to pass laws to exempt such States from the provisions of this Act. Page S4130 A motion was entered to close further debate on the Graham Amendment No. 4763 (listed above) and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, May 16, 2008. Page S4135 A motion was entered to close further debate on the Reid (for Gregg/ Kennedy) Amendment No. 4751 (listed above) and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, May 16, 2008. Page S4150 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, May 16, 2008. Page S4150 [[Page D598]] During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Subsequently, McConnell Amendment No. 4764 (to Amendment No. 4763), to improve educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in order to enhance recruitment and retention for the Armed Forces, fell when Graham Amendment No. 4763 (to the text of the bill proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 4751) (listed above) was tabled. Page S4135 The motion to invoke cloture on Graham Amendment No. 4763 (to Amendment No. 4751) (listed above), was rendered moot when the amendment was tabled (listed above). Page S4135 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Members have until 1:00 on Thursday, May 15, 2008, to file first-degree amendments. Page S4210 Conference Reports: Food, Conservation, and Energy Act--Conference Report: Senate began consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012. Pages S4150-72, S4202-10 Senator Gregg raised a point of order under Section 203 of S. Con. Res. 21, FY08 Congressional Budget Resolution that the conference report would cause an increase in the deficit in excess of levels permitted by S. Con. Res. 21. Page S4160 Senator Conrad made a motion to waive Section 203 of S. Con. Res. 21, FY08 Congressional Budget Resolution for the conference report. Page S4160 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the conference report at approximately 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 15, 2008, and that there be 90 minutes of debate, with the time equally divided and controlled between the Majority Leader and Republican Leader, or their designees; provided further, that if any motions to waive are made in response to points of order, that those votes occur in the order in which made prior to the vote on adoption of the conference report on Thursday, May 15, 2008, and that Senate vote on adoption of the conference report. Page S4150 Messages from the House Page S4178 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Pages S4123, S4179 Executive Communications: Pages S4179-81 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4182-83 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S4183-86 Additional Statements: Pages S4177-78 Amendments Submitted: Pages S4186-S4201 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S4201 Privileges of the Floor: Page S4202 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--127) Pages S4137-38 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 10:45 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4210.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009, after receiving testimony in behalf of funds for their respective activities from Lieutenant General John A. Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Vice Admiral John G. Cotton, Chief of Navy Reserve, Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Commander of Army Reserve, Lieutenant General Jack W. Bergman, United States Marine Corps Reserve, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, Chief, National Guard Bureau, Lieutenant General Clyde Vaughn, Director of the Army National Guard, and Lieutenant General Craig McKinley, Director of the Air National Guard, all of the Department of Defense. APPROPRIATIONS: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Federal Trade Commission, after receiving testimony from William E. Kovacic, Chairman, and Jon Leibowitz, Commissioner, both of the Federal Trade Commission. PLASTIC ADDITIVES IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety concluded a hearing to examine plastic additives in consumer products, focusing on bisphenol-A and phthalates, after receiving testimony from Senator Schumer; Norris Alderson, Associate Commissioner for Science, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; Marilyn Wind, Deputy Associate Executive, Director for Health Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission; J.P. Myers, Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, Virginia; Elizabeth [[Page D599]] Hitchcock, United States Public Interest Research Group, Washington, D.C.; and Steven G. Hentges, American Chemistry Council, Arlington, Virginia. GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine responding to the global food crisis, after receiving testimony from Henrietta H. Fore, Director, United States Foreign Assistance and Administrator, United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Edward P. Lazear, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers; Josette Sheeran, United Nations World Food Programme, Rome, Italy; and Peter McPherson, National Association of State Universities and Land- Grant Colleges, former Administrator of USAID, and James R. Lyons, Oxfam America, both of Washington, D.C. NOMINATION Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf. NATIONAL ARCHIVES Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security concluded an oversight hearing to examine the National Archives, focusing on protecting the history of the United States for future generations, after receiving testimony from Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States, and Paul Brachfeld, Inspector General, both of the National Archives and Records Administration; Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues, Government Accountability Office; Patrice McDermott, OpenTheGovernment.org, Thomas Blanton, George Washington University National Security Archive, and Martin J. Sherwin, George Mason University, on behalf of the National Coalition for History, all of Washington, D.C.; and James S. Henderson, Society of American Archivists, Portland, Maine. FOOD ALLERGIES IN CHILDREN Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Children and Families concluded a hearing addressing the challenge of children with food allergies, after receiving testimony from Anthony S. Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services; Hugh A. Sampson, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, New York, New York, on behalf of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; Donna Kosiorowski, West Haven School District, Shelton, Connecticut, on behalf of the National Association of School Nurses; Colene Birchfield, Ooltewah, Tennessee; and Teresa Walters, Aurora, Colorado. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the future of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on current medical breakthroughs and challenges, after receiving testimony from former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, both of the Alzheimer's Study Group, Washington, D.C.; Rudolph E. Tanzi, Massachusetts General Hospital Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Hull; Chuck Jackson, Albany, Oregon; and Suzanne Carbone, Silver Spring, Maryland. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 18 public bills, H.R. 6047- 6061; and 10 resolutions, H.J. Res. 84-85; H. Con. Res. 349-350; and H. Res. 1194-1196, 1198-1200 were introduced. Page H3884 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H3885-86 Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 1197, providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2642) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 (H. Rept. 110-636). Page H3884 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Hank Wilkins, IV, St. James United Methodist Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Page H3779 Calendar Wednesday: On a call of committees pursuant to the Calendar Wednesday rule, no bills were called up for consideration. Page H3779 [[Page D600]] Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, May 13th: Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month: H. Res. 1134, to support the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month, by a \2/3\ yea- and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 312; Pages H3799-H3800 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day: H. Res. 1176, to support the goals and ideals of National Train Day, by a \2/3\ yea- and-nay vote of 415 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 313; Page H3800 Congratulating Winona State University on winning the 2008 Division II men's basketball championships: H. Res. 1133, amended, to congratulate Winona State University on winning the 2008 Division II men's basketball championships, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 316; Page H3823 Recognizing AmeriCorps Week: H. Res. 1173, to recognize AmeriCorps Week, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 344 yeas to 69 nays, Roll No. 319; and Pages H3846-47 Honoring public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities providing services for foster children: H. Res. 789, amended, to honor public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities providing services for foster children, by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 414 ayes with none voting ``no'', Roll No. 322. Page H3857 Committee Elections: The House agreed to H. Res. 1196, electing the following Member to serve on certain standing committees of the House of Representatives: Committee on Natural Resources: Representative Scalise and Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Representative Scalise. Page H3801 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008--Conference Report: The House agreed to the conference report on H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, by a recorded vote of 318 ayes to 106 noes, Roll No. 315. Pages H3784-99, H3801-22 Rejected the Cantor motion to recommit the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419 to the committee on conference with instructions, by a yea-and-nay vote of 193 yeas to 230 nays, Roll No. 314. Pages H3821-22 H. Res. 1189, the rule providing for consideration of the conference report, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 193 nays, Roll No. 311, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea- and-nay vote of 232 yeas to 188 nays, Roll No. 310. Pages H3784-99 A point of order was raised against the consideration of H. Res. 1189 and it was agreed by voice vote to proceed with consideration of the resolution. Pages H3784-86 Subsequently, a second point of order was raised against the consideration of H. Res. 1189 and it was agreed by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 189 nays, Roll No. 309, to proceed with consideration of the resolution. Pages H3786-89 Amending Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of programs authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 16, 2008: The House agreed to discharge from committee and agree to H.R. 6051, to amend Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of programs authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 16, 2008. Pages H3823-24 Clerk Designations: Read a letter from the Clerk wherein she designated Ms. Deborah M. Spriggs, Deputy Clerk, and Mr. Robert F. Reeves, Deputy Clerk, to sign any and all papers and do all other acts for her under the name of the Clerk of the House which they would be authorized to do by virtue of this designation, except such as are provided by statute, in case of her temporary absence or disability. This designation shall remain in effect for the 110th Congress or until modified by the Clerk. Page H3824 Budget resolution for FY2009: The House passed H. Res. 1190, providing for the adoption of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 70) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013, by a yea-and-nay vote of 214 yeas to 203 nays, Roll No. 318, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 225 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 317. Pages H3824-46, H3847-54 Pursuant to H. Res. 1190, S. Con. Res. 70 was taken from the Speaker's Table; the amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H. Con. Res. 312, as agreed to in the House, was considered as agreed to; and S. Con. Res. 70, as amended, was agreed to; and the House insists on its amendment and requests a conference with the Senate. Pursuant to H. Res. 1190, H. Con. Res. 312 was laid on the table. Pages H3824-28 Rejected the Ryan (WI) motion to instruct conferees on the resolution by a yea-and-nay vote of 185 yeas to 229 nays, Roll No. 321. Pages H3856-57 [[Page D601]] Later, the Chair appointed the following conferees: Representatives Spratt, DeLauro, Edwards, Ryan (WI), and Barrett (SC). Page H3857 Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act--Motion to go to Conference: The House disagreed to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 4040, to establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and agreed to a conference. Pages H3854-56 Agreed to the Whitfield (KY) motion to instruct conferees on the bill by a yea-and-nay vote of 405 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 320. Pages H3854-56 Later, the Chair appointed the following conferees: Representatives Dingell, Waxman, Rush, DeGette, Schakowsky, Barton (TX), Whitfield (KY), and Stearns. Page H3856 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the following measure: Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week H. Con. Res. 331, to support the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Pages H3858-59 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H3782. Quorum Calls--Votes: Twelve yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3788-89, H3798, H3799, H3799-H3800, H3800, H3821-22, H3822, H3823, H3827, H3828, H3846-47, H3855-56, H3856-57, H3857. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 11:18 p.m. Committee Meetings NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2744, Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act of 2008; and H.R. 5876, Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008. FDA MEDICAL DEVICE AND COSMETIC SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled ``Discussion Draft of the `Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act' Legislation: Device and Cosmetic Safety Provisions.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services: Stephen Sundlof, D.V.M., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; and Lillian Gill, Senior Associate Director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health; Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care, GAO; and public witnesses. GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``Contributing Factors and International Responses to the Global Food Crisis.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. LEAD-SAFE HOUSING FOR KIDS ACT; HOMES FOR HEROES ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3397, Lead-Safe Housing for Kinds Act of 2007; and H.R. 3329, Homes for Heroes Act of 2007. U.S.-CENTRAL AMERICA ANTI-DRUG TRAFFICKING Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6028, Merida Partnership to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Violence Authorization Act of 2008. The Committee also approved a motion urging the Chairman to request that the following resolutions be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 1194, Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora; and H. Res. 1195, Expressing the condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the massive earthquake centered in Sichaun Province VISIT WAIVER PROGRAM EXPANSION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on Improving America's Security, Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: An Update on the Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program. Testimony was heard from Richard Barth, Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Development, Department of Homeland Security; and Stephen A. Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State. [[Page D602]] U.S.-SOUTH ASIA AID Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Assistance to South Asia: Is there a strategy to go with all that money? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development. PUBLIC ALERTS/WARNINGS SYSTEMS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled ``Advancing Public Alert and Warning Systems to Build a More Resilient Nation.'' Testimony was heard from MG Martha Rainville, USAF (Ret.), Assistant Administrator, National Continuity Programs, FEMA. Department of Homeland Security; Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC; John R. Gibb, Director, Emergency Management Office, State of New York; and a public witness. FEDERAL-PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled ``Partnering with the Private Sector to Secure Critical Infrastructure: Has the Department of Homeland Security Abandoned the Resilience-Based Approach?'' Testimony was heard from COL Bob Stephan, USAF, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Kevin Stephens, M.D., Director, Department of Health, New Orleans, Louisiana; and public witnesses. ELECTION CONTINGENCY PLANS Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Election Contingency Plans: What Have We Learned and Is America Prepared? Testimony was heard from Rosemary Rodriguez, Chairwoman, U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Laura Beatty, Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Secretary of State, Ohio; Dawn K. Roberts, Assistant Secretary of State, Florida; Kevin J. Kennedy, Director, Government Accountability Board, Wisconsin; and Thomas Wilkey, former Executive Director, Board of Elections, State of New York. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5464, A Child is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 3480, amended, Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act of 2007; H.R. 5938, Former Vice President Protection Act of 2008; H.R. 4080, amended, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a separate nonimmigrant classification for fashion models; and private relief bills. The Committee began markup of the following bills: H.R. 2352, School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008; and H.R. 5057, Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008. FEDERAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE PROSECUTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Laws and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a joint hearing on Allegations of Selective Prosecution Part II: The Erosion of Public Confidence in Our Federal Justice System. Testimony was heard from Representative Hodes; and a public witness. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 554, Paleontological Resources Preservation Act; H.R. 3022, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 2632, Sabinoso Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 5680, To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3682, California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act. FDA'S DRUG/DEVICE STATE LAWSUIT PRE-EXEMPTION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Should FDA Drug and Medical Device Regulation Bar State Liability Claims? Testimony was heard from David A. Kessler, M.D., former Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. USDA CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAMS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Management of Civil Rights Programs at USDA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Margo McKay, Assistant Secretary, Civil Rights; and Phyllis Fong, Inspector General; Lisa Shames, Director, Agriculture and Food Safety, GAO; and public witnesses. [[Page D603]] PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2642-- SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 7 to 2, a rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642, the ``Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008.'' The rule would make in order a motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations that the House concur in the Senate amendment with each of the three amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against the motion except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The motion shall be debatable for two hours equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The Chair shall divide the question among each of the three House amendments. Notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule permits the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to insert in the Congressional Record dated May 15, 2008, such material as he may deem explanatory of the motion. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey, Representatives Lee, Waters, Woolsey, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Schakowsky, Lampson, Lewis of California, Culberson, and Shays. WATER SUPPLY CHALLENGES Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Water Supply Challenges for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Roger Pulwarty, Director, U.S. National Integrated Drought Information System and Physical Scientist, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Climate Program, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. SMALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER REGULATIONS Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and Trade held a hearing on the Impact of CMS Regulations and Programs on Small Health Care Providers. Testimony was heard from Timothy B. Hill, Chief Financial Officer, Director, Office of Financial Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses, AIRLINE CONSOLIDATION/DELTA- NORTHWEST MERGER Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Impact of Consolidation on the Aviation Industry, with a Focus on the Proposed Merger Between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Testimony was heard from James J. O'Connell, Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; Michael W. Reynolds, Deputy Assistant Department Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. AMTRAK REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); Frank Busalacchi, Secretary, Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin; and public witnesses. CONSUMER DRIVEN HEALTH CARE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health Savings Accounts and Consumer Driven Health Care: Cost Containment or Cost-Shift? Testimony was heard from John E. Dicken, Director, Health Care, GAO; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled ``Building Green, Saving Green: Construction Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Buildings.'' Testimony was heard from Gavin Newsom, Mayor, San Francisco, California; and public witnesses. REGARDING ROLL CALL VOTE 814 Select Committee To Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2008: Concluded hearings regarding Roll Call Vote 814. Testimony was heard from Catlin O'Neill and Jerry Hartz, both with the Office of the Speaker; and Jay Pierson, Office of the Minority Leader. Joint Meetings CREDIT CRISIS Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the credit crisis in the United States, focusing on ways the federal government can prevent unnecessary systemic risks in the future, [[Page D604]] after receiving testimony from Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and Douglas W. Elmendorf, Brookings Institution, Ellen Seidman, New America Foundation, and Alex J. Pollock, American Enterprise Institute, all of Washington, D.C. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D576) S. 2929, to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Signed on May 13, 2008. (Public Law 110-230) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: business meeting to mark up the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2008, 2 p.m., SD-106. Committee on Armed Services: business meeting to consider pending military nominations, 2:30 p.m., SR-222. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: business meeting to consider H.R. 634, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, S. 1100, to address the regulation of secondary mortgage market enterprises, and an original bill to make technical corrections to Title III of SAFETEA-LU, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine development of oil shale resources, 1:50 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine United States-China relations in the era of globalization, 2 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on providing medical care and meeting basic needs in an aftermath, 10 a.m., SD-342. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold hearings to examine the organizational structures of the State Department responsible for arms control, counterproliferation, and nonproliferation, focusing on the processes they have in place for optimizing national efforts, and how responsive those structures and processes are to the Executive Branch's nonproliferation and counterproliferation policies, 2 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold hearings to examine S. 1080, to develop a program to acquire interests in land from eligible individuals within the Crow Reservation in the State of Montana, 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, S. 2494, to provide for equitable compensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal land for the production of hydropower by the Grand Coulee Dam, 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, and S. 531, to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93-531, commonly known as the ``Bennett Freeze'', 9:30 a.m., SD-562. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 2511, to amend the grant program for law enforcement armor vests to provide for a waiver of or reduction in the matching funds requirement in the case of fiscal hardship, S. 2565, to establish an awards mechanism to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by Federal law enforcement officers, H.R. 4056, to establish an awards mechanism to honor Federal law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, S. 2774, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit and district judges, S. 1738, to establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, to improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and to make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators, S. 2913, to provide a limitation on judicial remedies in copyright infringement cases involving orphan works, S. 2756, to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a permanent background check system, S. 1515, to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims, S. 2942, to authorize funding for the National Advocacy Center, S. 2982, to amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations, and the nomination of G. Steven Agee, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, 10 a.m., SD-226. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, hearing to review the source of dramatic movements in community markets (agriculture and energy): A change in market fundamentals or influence of institutional investors? 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on H.R. 5998, Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Subcommittee Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``In the Hands of Strangers: Are Nursing Home Safeguards Working?'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, May 14, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, to consider the following measures: H.R. 3397, Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2007; and H.R. 3329, Homes for Heroes Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. [[Page D605]] Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, hearing on Our Forgotten Responsibility: What Can We Do To Help Victims of Agent Orange? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on U.N. Security Resolution 1325: Recognizing Women's Vital Roles in Achieving Peace and Security, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing on the Resilient Homeland: How DHS Intellligence Should Empower America To Prepare for, Prevent, and Withstand Terrorist Attacks, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws, hearing on H.R. 5546, Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008, 11 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, oversight hearing on the management of West Coast salmon fisheries, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing on Defense Base Act Insurance: Are Taxpayers Paying Too Much? ; followed by consideration of the following measures: H. Res. 1144, expressing support for designation of a ``Frank Sinatra Day'' on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp; H. Con. Res. 1152, Honoring Arnold Palmer for his distinguished career in the sport of golf and his commitment to excellence and sportsmanship; H. Res. 1153, Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; H. Con. Res. 138, Supporting National Men's Health Week; and H. Con. Res. 334, Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Food Prices and Small Businesses,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to mark up the following: the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008; H.R. 5788, Halting Airplane Noise to give US Peace Act of 2008; H.R. 2452, Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act; H.R. 5001, Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act of 2008; H.R. 1333, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007; H.R. 135, Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007; H.R. 5770, To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of potential impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality; H.R. 5599, To designate the Federal building located at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, Maryland, as the ``Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building;'' H. Res. 1137, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; H. Con. Res. 305, Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation; H. Con. Res 309, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H. Con. Res. 311, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 335, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; H. Res. 339, Supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolution; and other pending business, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, to mark up the Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008, 10:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth. 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 D606]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 15 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, and after a period of debate, vote on any motions that may be made and on adoption of the conference report. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, May 15 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2642--Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Abercrombie, Neil, Hawaii, E917 Baca, Joe, Calif., E920 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E920 Bonner, Jo, Ala., E913 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E918 Braley, Bruce L., Iowa, E912 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E911 Calvert, Ken, Calif., E907, E910, E912 Castle, Michael N., Del., E914 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E915 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E922 Costa, Jim, Calif., E923 Davis, Tom, Va., E922 Delahunt, William D., Mass., E912 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E922 Dingell, John D., Mich., E921 Dreier, David, Calif., E914 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E909, E910 Engel, Eliot L., N.Y., E917 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E911 Gilchrest, Wayne T., Md., E907, E909 Harman, Jane, Calif., E919 Hinojosa, Ruben, Tex., E921 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E925 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E913 Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E918, E920 Kennedy, Patrick J., R.I., E916 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E920, E922 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E924 McGovern, James P., Mass., E911 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E916 Mack, Connie, Fla., E916 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E925 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E919 Murtha, John P., Pa., E908, E910 Oberstar, James L., Minn., E923 Pickering, Charles W. ``Chip'', Miss., E914 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E915, E918 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E916 Reichert, David G., Wash., E907, E909 Ross, Mike, Ark., E909, E911 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E911 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E908, E910 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E913 Sestak, Joe, Pa., E921 Sires, Albio, N.J., E921 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E924 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E923 Upton, Fred, Mich., E918 Wexler, Robert, Fla., E921