Tuesday, May 20, 2008 [[Page D629]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S4425-S4557 Measures Introduced: Ten bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 3035-3044, and S. Res. 571. Pages S4486-87 Measures Reported: S. 2191, to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 110-337) S. Res. 550, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding provocative and dangerous statements made by the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia. Page S4485 Measures Passed: Higher Education Act of 1965: Senate passed S. 3035, to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Pages S4425-26 Crazy Horse Memorial: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 496, honoring the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S4427-28 Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act: Senate passed H.R. 4008, to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to make technical corrections to the definition of willful noncompliance with respect to violations involving the printing of an expiration date on certain credit and debit card receipts before the date of the enactment of this Act, clearing the measure for the President. Pages S4439-40 National Day of the American Cowboy: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 482, designating July 26, 2008, as ``National Day of the American Cowboy'', and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S4443-44 Protecting Our Children Comes First Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2517, to amend the Missing Children's Assistance Act to authorize appropriations, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S4549 KIDS Act: Senate passed S. 431, to require convicted sex offenders to register online identifiers, after agreeing to the committee amendments, and the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S4549-54 Reid (for Schumer/McCain) Amendment No. 4798, of a perfecting nature. Pages S4553-54 100th birthday of late President Lyndon Baines Johnson: Senate agreed to S. Res. 571, recognizing the 100th birthday of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President, designer of the Great Society, politician, educator, and civil rights enforcer. Pages S4554-55 100th birthday of late President Lyndon Baines Johnson: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 354, recognizing the 100th birthday of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President, designer of the Great Society, politician, educator, and civil rights enforcer, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S4555 Congratulating and Saluting Focus: HOPE: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 79, congratulating and saluting Focus: HOPE on its 40th anniversary and for its remarkable commitment and contributions to Detroit, the State of Michigan, and the United States, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S4555-56 Measures Considered: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act: Senate began consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4444-71, S4475-76 Pending: Reid Motion to Concur in the House Amendment No. 2 to the Senate amendment to the bill with Amendment No. 4803, in the nature of a substitute. Page S4475 [[Page D630]] Reid Amendment No. 4804 (to Amendment No. 4803), in the nature of a substitute. Page S4475 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to concur in the House Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 2642, Military Construction And Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, with an amendment, Reid Amendment No. 4803 and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, May 22, 2008. Pages S4475-76 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Senator Menendez raised a point of order under Rule XVI, Paragraph 4, against the Reid motion to concur in the House Amendment with Amendment No. 4789 (to House Amendment No. 2 to the Senate Amendment to the bill), in the nature of a substitute. Page S4475 Chair sustained a point of order against the Reid Amendment No. 4789 as being in violation of Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, which prohibits legislation on an appropriation bill, and the motion thus fell. The following amendments fell when the motion to concur fell: Reid Amendment No. 4789 (to House Amendment No. 2 to the Senate Amendment to the bill), in the nature of a substitute. Page S4460 Reid Amendment No. 4790 (to Amendment No. 4789), in the nature of a substitute. A unanimous-consent was reached providing that at approximately 12:00 noon on Wednesday May 21, 2008, Senate continue consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2642. Page S4557 Johnson Tributes--Agreement: A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that the time from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, be reserved for Senators to make tributes to former President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, in honor of the centennial of his birth, with the time equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and Republican Leader, or their designees. Pages S4556-57 Message from the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the continuation of the national emergency that was originally declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, with respect to the stabilization of Iraq; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM-50) Page S4483 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 96 yeas (Vote No. EX. 136), G. Steven Agee, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit. Pages S4435-39, S4440-43 Michael G. McGinn, of Minnesota, to be United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota for the term of four years. Ralph E. Martinez, of Florida, to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for a term expiring September 30, 2010. Pages S4435-39, S4440-43 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Husein A. Cumber, of Florida, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2013. Asif J. Chaudhry, of Washington, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. Tina S. Kaidanow, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo. 1 Marine Corps nomination in the rank of general. A routine list in the Navy. Page S4557 Nominations Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nominations: Arlene Holen, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term of six years expiring August 30, 2010, which was sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007. Hans von Spakovsky, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2011, which was sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007. A. Paul Anderson, of Florida, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 2012, which was sent to the Senate on August 2, 2007. Page S4557 Messages from the House: Page S4483 Measures Read the First Time: Pages S4483-84, S4556 Executive Communications: Pages S4484-85 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S4485-86 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4487-88 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S4488-95 Additional Statements: Pages S4478-83 Amendments Submitted: Pages S4495-S4548 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S4548 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S4548-49 Privileges of the Floor: Page S4549 [[Page D631]] Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--136) Page S4443 Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 8:07 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S4556- 57.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Defense, after receiving testimony from Robert M. Gates, Secretary, and Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, both of the Department of Defense. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: 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, with an amendment; An original bill entitled ``Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act''; and An original bill to make certain technical corrections to Title III of SAFETEA-LU. ECONOMIC IMPACTS Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine energy and related economic effects of global climate change legislation, including S. 1766, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of energy, and S. 2191, to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, focusing on containing the costs of a cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide emissions, after receiving testimony from Brent Yacobucci and Larry Parker, both Specialists in Energy and Environmental Policy, Resource, Science, and Industry Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; Brian J. McLean, Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency; and Peter R. Orszag, Director, Congressional Budget Office. TREATIES Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Agreement on Extradition between the United States of America and the European Union (EU), signed on June 25, 2003 at Washington, together with twenty-two bilateral instruments which subsequently were signed between the United States and each European Union Member State in order to implement the Agreement with the EU. The Agreement includes an explanatory note which is an integral part of the Agreement (Treaty Doc.109-14), Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Latvia, signed on December 7, 2005, at Riga (Treaty Doc.109-15), Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Estonia, signed on February 8, 2006, at Tallinn (Treaty Doc.109-16), Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of Malta, signed on May 18, 2006, at Valletta, that includes an exchange of letters that is an integral part of the treaty (Treaty Doc.109-17), Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Romania (the ``Extradition Treaty'' or the ``Treaty'') and the Protocol to the Treaty between the United States of America and Romania on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (the ``Protocol''), both signed at Bucharest on September 10, 2007 (Treaty Doc.110-11), Extradition Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria (the ``Extradition Treaty'' or the ``Treaty'') and the Agreement on Certain Aspects of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria (the ``MLA Agreement''), both signed at Sofia on September 19, 2007 (Treaty Doc.110-12), Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at Stockholm on December 17, 2001 (Treaty Doc.107-12), Mutual Legal Assistance between the United States of America and the European Union (EU), signed on June 25, 2003, at Washington, together with 25 bilateral instruments that subsequently were signed between the United States and each European Union Member State in order to implement the Agreement with the EU, and an explanatory note that is an integral part of the Agreement (Treaty Doc.109-13), and Treaty between the United States of America and Malaysia on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed on July 28, 2006, at Kuala Lumpur (Treaty Doc.109-22), after receiving testimony from Susan Biniaz, Deputy Legal Adviser, Department of State; [[Page D632]] and Bruce C. Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: H.R. 3913, to amend the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act to an entity other than a foreign government or international organization if certain conditions are met; S. Res. 550, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding provocative and dangerous statements made by the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia; S. 3024, to authorize grants to the Eurasia Foundation; and The nominations of Gillian Arlette Milovanovic, of Pennsylvania, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mali, Janice L. Jacobs, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary (Bureau of Consular Affairs), T. Vance McMahan, of Texas, to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, during his tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, William J. Burns, of the District of Columbia, to be an Under Secretary (Political Affairs), Robert Stephen Beecroft, of California, to be Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, James B. Cunningham, of New York, to be Ambassador to Israel, Richard E. Hoagland, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Joseph Evan LeBaron, of Oregon, to be Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Donald Gene Teitelbaum, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, of Louisiana, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, Patricia McMahon Hawkins, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Togolese Republic, Peter William Bodde, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi, Donald E. Booth, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia, Marianne Matuzic Myles, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cape Verde, Stephen James Nolan, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, Richard A. Boucher, of Maryland, for the personal rank of Career Ambassador in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period, Anne Woods Patterson, of Virginia, for the personal rank of Career Ambassador in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period, and C. David Welch, of Virginia, for the personal rank of Career Ambassador in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period, all of the Department of State, and certain promotion lists in the Foreign Service. PAKISTAN Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs concluded a hearing to examine the terrorist threat in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), focusing on securing one of the world's most dangerous regions, after receiving testimony from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State; and Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General, Government Accountability Office. COMMODITY MARKETS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine financial speculation in commodity markets, focusing on whether institutional investors and hedge funds are contributing to food and energy price inflation, after receiving testimony from Jeffrey Harris, Chief Economist, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Michael W. Masters, Masters Capital Management, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia; Thomas Erickson, Commodity Markets Council, and Tom Buis, National Farmers Union, both of Washington, D.C.; and Benn Steil, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York. WORKERS RIGHTS/WARN ACT Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a hearing to examine plant closings, focusing on workers rights and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) (Public Law 100-379) Act's 20th anniversary, after receiving testimony from John C. Philo, Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice, Detroit, Michigan; Richard L. Trumka, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Washington, D.C.; Stefan Jan Marculewicz, Miles and Stockbridge, P.C., Baltimore, Maryland; and Joe Aguiar, Fall River, Massachusetts. GLOBAL INTERNET FREEDOM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law concluded a hearing to examine global internet freedom, focusing on corporate responsibility and the rule of law, after receiving testimony from Nicole Wong, Google, Inc., Mountain View, California; Michael Samway, Yahoo! Inc., Miami, Florida; Arvind Ganesan, Human Rights [[Page D633]] Watch, Washington, D.C.; Mark Chandler, Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, California; and Shiyu Zhou, Global Internet Freedom Consortium, Bethesda, Maryland. AMERICANS' RIGHT TO VOTE Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine protecting the constitutional right to vote for all Americans, after receiving testimony from J. Bradley King, Office of the Secretary of State of Indiana Election Division, Indianapolis; Jonah H. Goldman, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and Cleta Mitchell, Foley and Lardner, LLP, both of Washington, D.C.; Pamela S. Karlan, Stanford Law School, Stanford, California; and John Payton, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., New York, New York. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence community. Committee recessed subject to the call. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 19 public bills, H.R. 6084- 6102; 1 private bill, H.R. 6102; and 9 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 355- 359; and H. Res. 1210-1211, 1215-1216 were introduced. Pages H4320-21 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H4321-22 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 6049, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-658); Conference report on 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 (H. Rept. 110-659); Supplemental report on H.R. 5658, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009 (H. Rept. 110-652, Pt. 2); H. Res. 1212, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6049) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief (H. Rept. 110- 660); H. Res. 1213, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5658) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009 (H. Rept. 110-661); and H. Res. 1214, providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany 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 (H. Rept. 110-662). Pages H4217-78, H4297-98, H4320 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative McNulty to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H4155 Recess: The House recessed at 9:15 a.m. and reconvened at 10 a.m. Page H4157 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008: H.R. 6081, amended, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 403 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 331; Pages H4160-71, H4187-88 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should recognize the important contributions of Americans who serve as foster parents and, in doing so, unselfishly open their homes and family lives to children in need: H. Res. 1185, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should recognize the important contributions of Americans who serve as foster parents and, in doing so, unselfishly open their homes and family lives to children in need; Pages H4171-73 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and attention: H. Res. 1208, [[Page D634]] to express the sense of the House of Representatives that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and attention; Pages H4173-75 Honoring the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans: H. Res. 1054, amended, to honor the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans; Pages H4178-80 Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States: H. Res. 961, to commend the Alaska Army National Guard for its service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States; Pages H4180-82 Honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: H. Con. Res. 32, amended, to honor the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Pages H4182-83 Amending title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health: H.R. 2790, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; Pages H4183-85 Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008: H.R. 3681, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to advertise in the national media to promote awareness of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary; Pages H4185-87 Amending title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary: H.R. 3889, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary; Pages H4191-93 Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008: H.R. 5554, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs for substance use disorders; Pages H4193-96 Amending title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary: H.R. 5664, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary; Pages H4196-97 Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act: H.R. 5729, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spina Bifida; Pages H4197-98 Amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation: H.R. 6048, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation; Pages H4202-06 Providing for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958: S. 3029, to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H4206-09 Expressing 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 earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province: H. Res. 1195, amended, to express 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 earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province; and Pages H4209-13 Temporarily extending the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965: S. 3035, to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965--clearing the measure for the President. Pages H4278-79 Oath of Office--First Congressional District of Mississippi: Representative-elect Travis Childers presented himself in the well of the House and was administered the Oath of Office by the Speaker. Earlier, the Clerk of the House transmitted a facsimile copy of a letter from Ms. Linda Dixon Rigsby, Assistant Secretary of State for Elections, State of Mississippi, indicating that, according to the unofficial [[Page D635]] returns of the Special Election held on May 13, 2008, the Honorable Travis Childers was elected Representative to Congress for the First Congressional District, State of Mississippi. Pages H4188-89, H4319 Whole Number of the House: The Speaker announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Travis Childers, the whole number of the House is adjusted to 435. Page H4189 Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Monday, May 19th: Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008: H.R. 6074, to amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 324 yeas to 84 nays, Roll No. 332; Page H4189 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. Res. 1144, amended, to express support for designation of a ``Frank Sinatra Day'' on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 402 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 333; Pages H4189-90 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing support for the designation of a Frank Sinatra Day, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp.''. Page H4190 Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2008: H.R. 1464, amended, to assist in the conservation of rare felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 294 ayes to 119 noes, Roll No. 335; Pages H4280-81 Lake Hodges Surface Water Improvement and Reclamation Act of 2008: H.R. 2649, amended, to make amendments to the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 374 ayes to 39 noes, Roll No. 336; and Pages H4281-82 Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act: H.R. 2744, amended, to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to clarify the eligibility requirements with respect to airline flight crews, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 402 yeas to 9 nays, Roll No. 337. Page H4282 Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed: Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict: H. Res. 986, amended, to recognize the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and to call for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict; Pages H4175-78 Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007: H.R. 3819, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for such treatment until such veterans are transferred to Department facilities; Pages H4190-91 Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008: H.R. 5826, to increase, effective as of December 1, 2008, the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans; Pages H4198-99 Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008: H.R. 5856, to authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009; and Pages H4199-H4202 Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora: H. Res. 1194, to reaffirm the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Pages H4213-17 Calendar Wednesday: Agreed to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, May 21st. Page H4279 Adjournment Resolution: The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 355, providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate, by a yea-and-nay vote of 239 yeas to 175 nays, Roll No. 334. Pages H4279-80 [[Page D636]] Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of Lionel Van Deerlin, former Member of Congress. Page H4281 Supplemental Report: Agreed that the Committee on Armed Services be permitted to file a supplemental report on H.R. 5658, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009. Page H4283 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he notified Congress that the national emergency declared with respect to Iraq is to continue in effect beyond May 22, 2008--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-114). Pages H4282-83 Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate today appear on pages H4173, H4287. Senate Referrals: S. 3035 was held at the desk. Quorum Calls--Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H4187-88, H4189, H4189-90, H4279-80, H4280-81, H4281-82, and H4282. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:48 p.m. Committee Meetings IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT WORKPLACE RAIDS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee Workforce Protections held a hearing on ICE Workplace Raids: Their Impact on U.S. Children, Families, and Communities. Testimony was heard from James Spero, Acting Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE IMPORTS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing on H.R. 5632, To prohibit the importation of certain low-level radioactive waste into the United States. Testimony was heard from Margaret M. Doane, Director, Office of International Programs, NRC, Gene Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. CREDIT MONITORING CLARIFICATION ACT Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on examining the need for H.R. 2885, Credit Monitoring Clarification Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BURMA'S CYCLONE AFTERMATH Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Burma in the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis: Death, Displacement, and Humanitarian Aid. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Greg Gottlieb, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development; former Representative Thomas H. Andrews of Maine; and a public witness. GUANTANAMO BAY AND AMERICA'S IMAGE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on City on the Hill or Prison on the Bay? The Mistakes of Guantanamo and the Decline of America's Image, Part II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EXPORT COMPLIANCE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade held a hearing on Export Compliance: Ensuring Safety, Increasing Efficiency. Testimony was heard from Matthew S. Borman, Acting Assistant Secretary, Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce; Todd Owen, Executive Director, Office of Cargo and Conveyance Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, the following measures: H.R. 1333, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007; H.R. 2631, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act; H.R. 4179, Fast, Accurate, Secure and Timely Redress Act of 2007; H.R. 4749, National Bombing Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 5909, To amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals, including security screeners, of covert testing of security screening procedures for the purpose of enhancing transportation security at airports; H.R. 5982, Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008; and H. Res. 1150, Expressing the sense of the House of Representative that the Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission [[Page D637]] Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines. LOCAL CRIME AND JUSTICE GRANTS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 3546, To authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. Testimony was heard from Domingo Herraiz, Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MILITARY IMMIGRATION ISSUES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Immigration Needs of America's Fighting Men and Women, Testimony was heard from LTC Margaret Stock, Military Police Corps, USAR; Officer Karla Arambula de Rivera, E2 Officer, U. S. Navy; CDR Christine Navarro, KC-134 Aircraft Commander, USAF; and public witnesses. NATIONAL MALL's FUTURE Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on The Future of the National Mall. Testimony was heard from Representative Norton; Peggy O'Dell, Superintendent. National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Harriet Tregoning, Director, Office of Planning, District of Columbia; John V. Cogbill, III, Chairman, National Capital Planning Commission; and public witnesses. EPA'S NEW OZONE STANDARDS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on EPA's New Ozone Standards. Testimony was heard from Stephan L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA: Susan E. Dudley, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses. FEDERAL RETIREES PART-TIME RE-EMPLOYMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Part-Time Reemployment of Federal Annuitants. Testimony was heard from Nancy Kichak, Associate Director, OPM; Patrick Purcell, Specialist in Income Security, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FISCAL YEAR 2009 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule that waives all points of order against the conference report to accompany 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, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule provide one hour of debate on the conference report, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. Testimony was heard from Chairman Spratt and Representative Ryan of Wisconsin. ENERGY AND TAX EXTENDERS ACT OF 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. The rule provides one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives McDermott and Brady of Texas. DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2009 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the ``Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.'' The rule provides for two hours of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion [[Page D638]] after general debate. Finally, the rule prohibits further consideration of the bill except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton and Representative Hunter. NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics approved for full Committee action H.R. 6063, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. COAST GUARD/NTSB CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board Casualty Investigation Program. Testimony was heard from RADM James Watson, IV, USCG, Director, Prevention Policy, Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship; Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector General, Audits, both with the Department of Homeland Security; and Kathryn O'Leary Higgins, member, National Transportation Safety Board, Department of Transportation. PASSENGER RAIL INVESTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action H.R. 6003, Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Testimony was heard from Representative Doggett; and John J. Manfreda, Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury. BRIEFING--NIE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a follow-up briefing on National Intelligence Estimate. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. Joint Meetings BUDGET RESOLUTION Conferees agreed to file a conference report on the differences between the Senate and House adopted versions of 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. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D625) H.R. 6022, to suspend the acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Signed on May 19, 2008. (Public Law 110-232) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: to hold hearings to examine efforts to create jobs with climate solutions, focusing on the ways agriculture and forestry can help lower costs in a low-carbon economy, 2:30 p.m., SR-328A. Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation, done at Washington and London on June 21 and 26, 2007 (Treaty Doc.110-07), and treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation, done at Sydney, September 5, 2007 (Treaty Doc.110-10), 9:15 a.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: business meeting to consider the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Time to be announced, S-216, Capitol. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine the skyrocketing price of oil, 10 a.m., SD-106. Committee on Rules and Administration: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Cynthia L. Bauerly, of Minnesota, Caroline C. Hunter, of Florida, and Donald F. McGahn, of the District of Columbia, each to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission; to be followed by a business meeting to consider and vote on the nominations, 2:45 p.m., SR-301, 2 p.m., SR-301. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold hearings to examine pending health care legislation, 9:30 a.m., SR-418. House Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report: Foundations for Success, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1157, Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007; and [[Page D639]] H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007, 11 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``The Impact of Credit-Based Insurance Scoring on the Availability and Affordability of Insurance,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on the Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds: Impacts on U.S. Foreign Policy and Economic Interests, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, hearing on the U.S.-Israel-Egypt Trilateral Relationship: Shoring Up the Foundation of Regional Peace, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, hearing entitled ``Diversity at DHS: Keeping Pace or Missing the Mark? 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled ``Implications of Cyber Vulnerabilities on the Resiliency and Security of the Electric Grid,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on House Administration, hearing on Assessment of Administrative Compliance with Internal Controls, 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, oversight hearing on FBI Whistleblowers, 1:30 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, oversight hearing entitled `` The Danger of Deception: Do Endangered Species Have a Chance?'' 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. 5350, To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to sell or exchange certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration property located in Norfolk, Virginia; and H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing on Neighborhoods: the blameless victims of the subprime mortgage crisis, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources, joint hearing on Census Data: Special Issues Related to the U.S. Territories, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Rules, to consider H.R. 5658, Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, 4 p.m., H-313 Capitol. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2325 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight, hearing on EPA's Restructured IRIS System: Have Polluters and Politics Overwhelmed Science, 11 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship, hearing entitled ``Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water and Environment, hearing on Reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, 10 a.m., 2167 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 D640]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 21 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senators will make tributes in honor of the centennial of the birth of the late President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson from 11 a.m. to 12 noon; following which, Senate will continue consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2642, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 21 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. 6049--Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008 (Subject to a Rule), Conference Report on S. Con. Res. 70--Budget Resolution for 2009 (Subject to a Rule), and H.R. 5658--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Baldwin, Tammy, Wisc., E975 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E978 Bishop, Rob, Utah, E974 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E977 Chabot, Steve, Ohio, E980 Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E978 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E976 Drake, Thelma D., Va., E974 Fox, Virginia, N.C., E976 Hastings, Doc, Wash., E979 Hill, Baron P., Ind., E971 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E970 Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E970 Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E969, E971, E972 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E977 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E974 McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E969, E971 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E972, E977 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E980 Price, David E., N.C., E971 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E978 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E973 Royce, Edward R., Calif., E974 Scott, David, Ga., E975, E977 Sires, Albio, N.J., E979 Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E969, E970, E972, E974, E976, E978 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E969, E970 Tsongas, Niki, Mass., E970 Udall, Tom, N.M., E970 Walsh, James T., N.Y., E972 Weller, Jerry, Ill., E977 Wilson, Heather, N.M., E975 Young, C.W. Bill, Fla., E973