Thursday, June 26, 2008 [[Page D822]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate concurred in the amendments of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendment of the House to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2642, Supplemental Appropriations Act. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res 379, Adjournment Resolution. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S6173-S6307 Measures Introduced: Nineteen bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 3200-3218, S. Res. 603-605, and S. Con. Res. 92. Pages S6285-86 Measures Reported: H.R. 5690, To remove the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization for certain acts or events, provide relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding admissibility, with an amendment. S. Res. 594, designating September 2008 as ``Tay-Sachs Awareness Month''. S. 2979, to exempt the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization. Page S6283 Measures Passed: Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act: Senate passed H.R. 6327, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, clearing the measure for the President. Page S6176 African National Congress: Senate passed H.R. 5690, to remove the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization for certain acts or events, provide relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding admissibility, after agreeing to the committee amendment. Pages S6231-32 Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act: Senate passed S. 2565, to establish an awards mechanism to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by Federal, State, and Local law enforcement officers, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S6300-02 John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act: Senate passed H.R. 3986, to amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S6302-03 Maritime Pollution Prevention Act: Senate passed H.R. 802, to Prevent Pollution from Ships to implement MARPOL Annex VI, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S6303-04 Congratulating California State University, Fresno Baseball Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 604, congratulating the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs baseball team for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I College World Series. Pages S6304-05 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift: Senate agreed to S. Res. 605, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and honoring the veterans of Operation Vittles. Page S6305 Adjournment Resolution: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 379, providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. Pages S6305-06 Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Program: Senate passed S. 3218, to extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks. Page S6306 [[Page D823]] Measures Considered: FISA Amendments Act: Senate continued consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 6304, to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence. Pages S6177-S6207 A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, following consultation with the Republican Leader, all post- cloture time be yielded back, and the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill be agreed to; that the only amendments in order be the following: Dodd/Feingold/Leahy amendment to strike immunity, Specter amendment which is relevant, Bingaman amendment concerning staying court cases against telecom companies and that no other amendments be in order; that debate time on the Bingaman amendment be limited to 60 minutes, and 2 hours each with respect to the Dodd and Specter amendments, and that all time be equally divided and controlled in the usual form, except that 10 minutes of the Dodd time be under the control of Senator Leahy; that upon the use or yielding back of all time, Senate vote on the pending amendments, there be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote, and that after the first vote in a sequence, succeeding votes be limited to 10 minutes each; that the Specter and Bingaman amendments be subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold, and that if they do not achieve that threshold, they be withdrawn; if they achieve that threshold, they be agreed to and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that upon the disposition of all amendments, Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill; provided further, that prior to the cloture vote, there be 60 minutes plus the time specified below for debate time equally divided and controlled between the Majority and Republican Leaders, or their designees: 10 minutes under the control of Senator Leahy, with an additional 30 minutes under the control of Senator Feingold, with an additional 15 minutes under the control of Senator Dodd; provided further, that if cloture is invoked on the bill, then all post-cloture time be yielded back, and Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended; and that it be in order to the file the cloture motion on the bill at anytime prior to the cloture vote, with the mandatory quorum waived, notwithstanding rule XXII, if applicable, and that if applicable post-cloture time be charged during this agreement. Page S6224 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 Tuesday, July 8, 2008. Page S6224 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 6331, to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access. Pages S6225-31 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 58 yeas to 40 nays (Vote No.160), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Page S6231 Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill failed. Page S6231 Subsequently, the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill was withdrawn and the measure was returned to the Senate calendar. House Messages: Foreclosure Prevention Act: Senate began consideration of the motion to concur in the amendments of the House of Representatives, striking Title VI through XI, to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 3221, to provide needed housing reform. Pages S6224-25 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to concur in the amendments of the House of Representatives, striking Title VI through XI, to the amendment of the Senate to the bill and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of June 26, 2008, a vote on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2008, and that the post-cloture time count as if the vote had occurred at 5 p.m. Page S6224 Supplemental Appropriations Act: By 92 yeas to 6 nays (Vote No. 162), Senate concurred in the amendments of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendment of the House to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. Pages S6234-67 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: [[Page D824]] By 77 yeas to 21 nays (Vote No. 161), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to waive section 204 of S. Con. Res. 21, FY08 Congressional Budget Resolution, with respect to the emergency designation provision in the bill. The point of order that the provision was in violation of section 204 of S. Con. Res. 21, FY08 Congressional Budget Resolution, was not sustained. Pages S6238-39 Message from the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the issuance of an Executive Order continuing certain restrictions on North Korea and North Korean nationals imposed under the Trading with the Enemy Act; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM-55) Page S6281 Executive Reports of Committees: Senate received the following executive report of a committee: Report to accompany Protocol of Amendments to Convention on International Hydrographic Organization (Treaty Doc. 110-9) (Ex. Rept. 110-10). Page S6283 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 97 yeas (Vote No. EX. 159), William T. Lawrence, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana. Pages S6207-11, S6307 G. Murray Snow, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. Pages S6211, S6307 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Mark Everett Keenum, of Mississippi, to be a Member of the Farm Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration for a term expiring May 21, 2014. Joseph F. Bader, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2012. Richard A. Anderson, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board for a term expiring September 14, 2013. Matthew A. Reynolds, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Legislative Affairs). Mary Lucille Jordan, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term of six years expiring August 30, 2014. Peter Robert Kann, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2010. Michael Meehan, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2010. Routine lists in the Air Force, Marine Corps. Page S6306 Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nomination: D. Jeffrey Hirschberg, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2007, which was sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007. Page S6307 Messages from the House: Page S6281 Measures Referred: Page S6281 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S6282 Measures Read the First Time: Page S6282 Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S6282 Executive Communications: Pages S6282-83 Petitions and Memorials: Page S6283 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S6283-85 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6286-87 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S6287-98 Additional Statements: Pages S6279-80 Amendments Submitted: Pages S6298-99 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S6299 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S6299-S6300 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--162) Pages S6210-11, S6231, S6238-39, S6267 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 10:58 p.m., until 9:45 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S6306.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Appropriations: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. NOMINATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Nelson M. Ford, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of the [[Page D825]] Army, Joseph A. Benkert, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary, Sean Joseph Stackley, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Frederick S. Celec, of Virginia, to be Assistant to the Secretary for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, all of the Department of Defense, after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf. NOMINATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of General David H. Petraeus, USA, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States Central Command, Lieutenant General Raymond T. Odierno, USA, for appointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq, and 2,121 nominations in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. INTERNATIONAL TAX REFORM Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the foundation of international tax reform, focusing on worldwide, territorial, and related corporate tax issues, after receiving testimony from James R. Hines, Jr., University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor; Stephen E. Shay, Ropes and Gray, Boston, Massachusetts; and Robert H. Dilworth, McDermott, Will, and Emery, LLP, Washington, D.C. TERRORIST ATTACK AFTERMATH Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on the federal response for providing medical care and meeting basic needs in the aftermath of an attack, after receiving testimony from R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security; Rear Admiral W. Craig Vanderwagen, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Preparedness and Response; Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs; and James H. Schwartz, Arlington County Fire Department, Arlington, Virginia, on behalf of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. NATION'S FINANCIAL CHALLENGES Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security concluded a hearing to examine addressing the nation's financial challenges, focusing on reliable, useful, and timely financial and performance information in developing and implementing strategies to control the current and future spending of federal government programs and polices, after receiving testimony from Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States, Government Accountability Office; Daniel I. Werfel, Deputy Controller, Office of Management and Budget; Kenneth E. Carfine, Fiscal Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury; and David M. Walker, former Comptroller General of the United States, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Robert L. Bixby, Concord Coalition, James Horney, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Maurice P. McTigue, George Mason University Mercatus Center, all of Washington, D.C. CAPTA Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Children and Families concluded a hearing to examine reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (Public Law 93- 247), focusing on protecting children and strengthening families, after receiving testimony from Cheryl Anne Boyce, Chief, Child Abuse and Neglect Program, Division of Development Translational Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services; Karen Foley-Schain, Connecticut Children's Trust Fund, Hartford; Tanya Long, Parents Anonymous, Inc., Columbus, Ohio; and Caren Kaplan, American Humane Association, Denver, Colorado. INDIAN COUNTRY HEALTH SERVICES Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine access to contract health services in Indian country, after receiving testimony from Robert G. McSwain, Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; H. Sally Smith, National Indian Health Board, Washington, D.C.; Marlene Krein, Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, North Dakota; Stacy Dixon, Susanville Indian Rancheria, Susanville, California; Jefferson Keel, Chickasaw Nation, Ada, Oklahoma, on behalf of the National Congress of American Indians; Linda Holt, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, Oregon; and Brenda E. Shore, United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S. 2979, to exempt the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization; H.R. 5690, to remove the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization for [[Page D826]] certain acts or events, provide relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding admissibility, with an amendment; S. 2892, to promote the prosecution and enforcement of frauds against the United States by suspending the statute of limitations during times when Congress has authorized the use of military force; S. 1211, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide enhanced penalties for marketing controlled substances to minors, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. Res. 594, designating September 2008 as ``Tay-Sachs Awareness Month''; and The nominations of Paul G. Gardephe, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Kiyo A. Matsumoto, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, Cathy Seibel, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Glenn T. Suddaby, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, Kelly Harrison Rankin, to be United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, and Clyde R. Cook, Jr., to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S. 2969, to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain nurses and other critical health-care professionals; S. 3023, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations relating to the notice to be provided claimants with the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the substantiation of claims, with amendments; S. 2617, to increase, effective as of December 1, 2008, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans; and An original bill to provide technical corrections to S. 22, the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007. NOMINATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Christine O. Hill, to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Congressional Affairs, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Dole, testified and answered questions in her own behalf. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 52 public bills, H.R. 6376- 6427; and 18 resolutions, H.J. Res. 96-97; H. Con. Res. 383-387; and H. Res. 1306-1316, were introduced. Pages H6173-76 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H6177-78 Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today. Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure: Directing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to utilize all its authority, including its emergency powers, to curb immediately the role of excessive speculation in any contract market within the jurisdiction and control of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, on or through which energy futures or swaps are traded: H.R. 6377, to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to utilize all its authority, including its emergency powers, to curb immediately the role of excessive speculation in any contract market within the jurisdiction and control of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, on or through which energy futures or swaps are traded, and to eliminate excessive speculation, price distortion, sudden or unreasonable fluctuations or unwarranted changes in prices, or other unlawful activity that is causing major market disturbances that prevent the market from accurately reflecting the forces of supply and demand for energy commodities, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 402 yeas to 19 nays, Roll No. 468. Pages H6103-10, H6143-44 Order of Procedure: The House agreed by unanimous consent that the motions to suspend the rules relating to the following measures be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, June 24th: [[Page D827]] Supporting the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week: H. Res. 1294, to support the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week; Page H6121 Expressing the sense of Congress in support of further research and activities to increase public awareness, professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus: H. Con. Res. 163, amended, to express the sense of Congress in support of further research and activities to increase public awareness, professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus; Page H6121 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be an increased Federal commitment supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment: H. Res. 353, amended, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be an increased Federal commitment supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment; Page H6121 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be an increased commitment supporting the development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment.''. Page H6121 Supporting the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day and calling on the American people to recognize such a day: H. Res. 1231, to support the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day and calling on the American people to recognize such a day; Page H6121 Elwood ``Bud'' Link Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic Designation Act: H.R. 2245, to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Wenatchee, Washington, as the Elwood ``Bud'' Link Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic; Page H6121 Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center Designation Act: H.R. 4264, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury center in Tampa, Florida, as the ``Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center''; Page H6121 Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Designation Act: H.R. 4918, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Miami, Florida, as the ``Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''; Page H6121 Recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States: H. Res. 1271, to recognize National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States; Page H6121 Expressing support for designation of September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States: H. Con. Res. 370, to express support for designation of September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and to honor gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States; Page H6121 Expressing the sense of the Congress that a National Dysphagia Awareness Month should be established: H. Con. Res. 195, to express the sense of the Congress that a National Dysphagia Awareness Month should be established; Page H6121 Expressing support for designation of June 30 as ``National Corvette Day'': H. Res. 970, to express support for designation of June 30 as ``National Corvette Day''; and Page H6121 Honoring the life of Robert Mondavi: H. Con. Res. 365, to honor the life of Robert Mondavi. Page H6121 Meeting Hour: Agreed that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 379, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution. Page H6121 Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008: The House passed H.R. 6052, to promote increased public transportation use and to promote increased use of alternative fuels in providing public transportation, by a recorded vote of 322 ayes to 98 noes, Roll No. 467. Pages H6122-43 Rejected the Walden (OR) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with instructions to report the same back to the House promptly with amendments, by a recorded vote of 199 ayes to 221 noes, Roll No. 466. Pages H6140-43 Accepted: Oberstar amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-734) that adds a finding that public transportation stakeholders should engage local communities in promoting the importance of using public transportation; amends section 3 (grants to improve public transportation services) to clarify that transit agencies may use these new grants to offset the increased cost of fuel to transit agencies; clarifies that [[Page D828]] intercity bus service and acquiring facilities or equipment to improve fuel efficiency are eligible activities under the bill; and requires the Transportation Secretary to carry out consumer awareness programs on the benefits of alternative transportation; Pages H6133-34 McGovern amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-734) that amends section 5 (transportation fringe benefits) to authorize increasing the transit portion of the transportation fringe benefit so it is equal to the maximum limit of the parking portion of the transportation fringe benefit; Pages H6134-35 Reichert amendment (No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 110-734) that amends section 7 (federal share for fixed guideway stations) to create a 100% Federal share for park-and-ride lots that serve fixed route commuter bus routes of more than 20 miles in length; Pages H6137-39 Hodes amendment (No. 5 printed in H. Rept. 110-734) that allows funds authorized in section 3 of the bill (regarding grants to improve public transportation services) to be used by states to establish or expand commuter matching services to provide commuters with information about alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use; and Pages H6139-40 Mahoney (FL) amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 110-734) that provides an exception to section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (regarding procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels) by exempting contracts for generally available fuels that are not predominantly produced from noncontroversial petroleum sources if (1) the contract does not require the contractor to provide alternative fuels, (2) the purpose of the contract is not to obtain an alternative fuel, and (3) the contract does not provide incentives for a refinery upgrade or expansion to allow a refinery to use or increase its use of fuel from a nonconventional petroleum source (by a recorded vote of 421 ayes with none voting ``no'', Roll No. 465). Pages H6135-37, H6140 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Page H6145 H. Res. 1304, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 230 yeas to 196 nays, Roll No. 463, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 198 nays, Roll No. 462. Pages H6094-H6102 Suspension--Failed: The House failed to agree to suspend the rules and pass the following measure: Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act: H.R. 6251, amended, to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing new Federal oil and gas leases to holders of existing leases who do not diligently develop the lands subject to such existing leases or relinquish such leases, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 223 yeas to 195 nays, Roll No. 469. Pages H6110-21, H6144-45 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the following measure which was debated on Tuesday, June 24th: Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the American Veteran: H. Res. 1098, to support the goals and ideals of the Year of the American Veteran, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 409 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 470. Page H6145 Calendar Wednesday: Agreed to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, July 9th. Page H6146 Speaker Pro Tempore: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Hoyer and Representative Van Hollen to act as Speaker pro tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions through July 8, 2008. Page H6146 Removing the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization for certain acts or events and providing relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding admissibility: The House agreed to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5690, to remove the African National Congress from treatment as a terrorist organization for certain acts or events and to provide relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding admissibility--clearing the measure for the President. Pages H6171-72 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he issued an Executive Order continuing certain restrictions on North Korea and North Korean nationals imposed pursuant to the exercise of authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-128). Page H6103 Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate today appear on pages H6091, H6103, and H6171. Quorum Calls--Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes and three recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H6101, H6101-02, H6102-03, H6140, H6142-43, H6143, H6143-44, H6144-45, and H6145. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 9:44 p.m. [[Page D829]] Committee Meetings POLLINATOR HEALTH Committee on Agriculture:, Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the status of pollinator health including colony collapse disorder. Testimony was heard from Representative Hastings of Florida; Edward Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Services, USDA; and public witnesses. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION; AND AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Began consideration of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations, but no action was taken. PRE-K ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3289, PRE-K Act. WORKPLACE TRANSGENDER DISCRIMINATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions, hearing on An Examination of Discrimination Against Transgender Americans in the Workplace. Testimony was heard from Representatives Frank of Massachusetts, and Baldwin; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANCE COSTS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing on Climate Change: Costs of Inaction. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY DISCLOSURE ACT Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 6066, Extractive Industries Transparency Disclosure Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CREDIT CARDS PRACTICES AFFECTING STUDENTS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled ``Problem Credit Card Practices Affecting Students.'' Testimony was heard from Benjamin Lawsky, Deputy Counselor and Special Assistant to the Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General (New York); and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 263, amended, Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2007; H.R. 2490, amended, To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a pilot program for the mobile biometric identification in the maritime environment of aliens unlawfully attempting to enter the United States; H.R. 3815, amended, Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement Act of 2007; H.R. 4806, amended, Reducing Over- Classification Act of 2007; H.R. 5170, amended, Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy Officer Act of 2008; H.R. 5531, amended, Next Generation Radiation Screening Act of 2008; H.R. 5743, Scientific Transformations through Advancing Research (STAR) Act; H.R. 5935, American Steel First Act of 2008; H.R. 5983, amended, To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the information security of the Department of Homeland Security; H.R. 6098, amended, Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act; and H.R. 6193, amended, Improving Public Access to Documents Act of 2008. SUBPOENA--ATTORNEY GENERAL Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue a subpoena to Attorney General Michael Mukasey for certain documents previously requested. DETAINEE INTERROGATIONS RULES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a hearing on From the Department of Justice to Guantanamo Bay: Administration Lawyers and Administration Interrogation Rules, Part III. Testimony was heard from David Addington, Chief of Staff, Vice President of the United States, and public witnesses. PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4789, Performance Rights Act. PRIVATE PRISON INFORMATION ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 1889, Private Prison Information Act of 2007 (Part II). Testimony was heard from Representative Holden; and public witnesses. [[Page D830]] NONNATIVE WILDLIFE INVASION PREVENTION ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 6311, NonNative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Gary Frazer, Assistant Director, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Lori Williams, Executive Director, National Invasive Species Council; Nina Marano, D.M.V., Branch Chief, Geographic Medicine and Health Promotion Branch, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Domingo Cravalho, Jr., Inspection and Compliance Section Chief, Plant Quarantine Branch, Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaii; Lawrence M. Riley, Division Coordinator, Wildlife Management Division, Department of Game and Fish, State of Arizona; and public witnesses. RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Governance and Financial Accountability of Rural Electric Cooperatives: the Pedernales Experience. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the State of Texas: Troy Fraser, Chair, Business and Commerce Committee, State Senate; and Patrick Rose, member House of Representatives; and public witnesses. LOCALITY PAY EXAMINATION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on An Examination of Locality Pay. Testimony was heard from the following officials of OPM: Kathrene, Executive Director, Federal Executive Board; and Charles Grimes, Deputy Associate Director; Hank Kashden, Deputy Chief, Business Operations, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. HURRICANE RESEARCH STATUS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, and the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a joint hearing on The State of Hurricane Research and H.R. 2407, National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hastings of Florida and Ros-Lehtinen; John L. Hayes, Assistant Administrator, Weather Services and Director, National Weather Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. AIR TRANSPORTATION CRISIS IMPACTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Grounded: How the Air Transportation Crisis is Hurting Entrepreneurs and the Economy.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PROTECTING AND RESTORING AMERICA'S WATERS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Protecting and Restoring America's Great Waters--Part 1: Coastal Estuaries. Testimony was heard from Representative Dicks; Craig Hooks, Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, EPA; David Kennedy, Director, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 6225, Injunctive Relief for Veterans Act of 2008; H.R. 6224, Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2008; H.R. 6221, Veterans-Owned Small Business Protection and Clarification Act of 2008; H.R. 6272, SMOCTA Reauthorization Act of 2008; H.R. 4255, amended, United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Program Act of 2007; H.R. 6070, Military Spouses Residency Relief Act; H.R. 2910, amended, Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007; H.R. 3298, amended, 21st Century Servicemembers Protection Act; and H.R. 2721, amended, To amend title 10, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop, and the Secretary of Defense to distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty, information in a compact disk read-only memory format that lists and explains the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. VETERANS HEALTHCARE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on heath care proposals. Testimony was heard from Gerald M. Cross, MD, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and representatives of veterans organizations. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on the role of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA's) in our retirement system. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kind and Hulshof; Barbara Bovbjerg, [[Page D831]] Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; Thomas Reeder, Benefits Tax Counsel, Office of Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; Bradford Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. BRIEFINGS--TREASURY UPDATE AND CIA PROGRAM Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive briefings on North Korea; Treasury Update and CIA Program. The committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. BRIEFINGS--NORTH KOREA AND NATIONAL APPLICATIONS OFFICE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive sessions to receive a briefing on National Applications Office. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. GASOLINE AND FUEL ECONOMY--AUTO INDUSTRY AT CROSSROADS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled ``$4 Gasoline and Fuel Economy: Auto Industry at a Crossroads.'' Testimony was heard from Tyler Duvall, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D783) H.R. 3179, to amend title 40, United States Code, to authorize the use of Federal supply schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain other related items by State and local governments. Signed on June 26, 2008. (Public Law 110-248) 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. Signed on June 26, 2008. (Public Law 110- 249) S. 1245, to reform mutual aid agreements for the National Capital Region. Signed on June 26, 2008. (Public Law 110-250) S. 2516, to assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining United States citizenship. Signed on June 26, 2008. (Public Law 110-251) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled. House No committee meetings are scheduled. 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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 D832]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:45 a.m., Friday, June 27 Senate Chamber Program for Friday: Senate will be in a period of morning business. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 8 House Chamber Program for Monday: To be announced. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Becerra, Xavier, Calif., E1384 Boustany, Charles W., Jr., La., E1379 Boyd, Allen, Fla., E1364 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E1385 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E1379 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E1372 Burton, Dan, Ind., E1373 Calvert, Ken, Calif., E1362 Cantor, Eric, Va., E1384 Capps, Lois, Calif., E1376 Chandler, Ben, Ky., E1381 Childers, Travis W., Miss., E1380 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E1372 Dingell, John D., Mich., E1386 Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E1376 Foster, Bill, Ill., E1384 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E1386 Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E1374 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E1360, E1374 Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E1370 Granger, Kay, Tex., E1360 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1381 Green, Al, Tex., E1371, E1383 Grijalva, Rau M., Ariz., E1386 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1371, E1381, E1385 Hodes, Paul W., N.H., E1375 Hoekstra, Peter, Mich., E1378 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E1379 Israel, Steve, N.Y., E1389 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E1377 Johnson, Henry C. ``Hank'', Jr., Ga., E1389 Kilpatrick, Carolyn C., Mich., E1377 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E1366 Klein, Ron, Fla., E1364 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E1374 Lampson, Nick, Tex., E1366 Larson, John B., Conn., E1369 Latham, Tom, Iowa, E1359, E1361, E1363, E1364, E1365, E1367, E1369, E1371, E1372, E1374 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1387 Lewis, John, Ga., E1370, E1377 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E1375 Mahoney, Tim, Fla., E1388 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E1360 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E1368 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E1375 Melancon, Charlie, La., E1365 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1367, E1375 Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E1380 Moran, Jerry, Kans., E1384 Murtha, John P., Pa., E1361 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E1361 Oberstar, James L., Minn., E1363 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E1383 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E1362, E1385 Pence, Mike, Ind., E1359, E1361, E1362, E1364, E1368, E1371, E1375, E1380 Poe, Ted, Tex., E1359 Pomeroy, Earl, N.D., E1377 Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E1371 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1359, E1362, E1363, E1365, E1369, E1376 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E1389 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E1380 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E1387 Shimkus, John, Ill., E1371 Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E1365 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E1382, E1383 Tanner, John S., Tenn., E1380 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E1374, E1379 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E1365, E1385 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E1388 Udall, Mark, Colo., E1388 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1384 Walberg, Timothy, Mich., E1360, E1363, E1367 Walden, Greg, Ore., E1387 Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E1382 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E1369 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E1376 Young, Don, Alaska, E1372, E1382