Tuesday, October 2, 2007 [[Page D1302]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S12389-S12451 Measures Introduced: Four bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2125-2128, S. Res. 341-343, and S. Con. Res. 48. Page S12433 Measures Passed: Hispanic Heritage Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 342, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans and their immense contributions to the Nation. Page S12447 National Mammography Week: Senate agreed to S. Res. 343, designating October 19, 2007, as ``National Mammography Day''. Pages S12447-48 United States Transportation Command Anniversary: Committee on Armed Services was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 319, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the United States Transportation Command on its 20th anniversary, and the resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S12448-49 Brown (for Durbin) Amendment No. 3138, of a technical nature. Page S12449 International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding: Senate passed S.J. Res. 13, granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding. Pages S12449-50 Measures Considered: Department of Defense Appropriations Act: Senate began consideration of H.R. 3222, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, which will be considered as original text for the purpose of further amendment, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S12393-S12417 Adopted: Inouye (for Baucus) Amendment No. 3120, to make available from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army, $1,000,000 for the Smart Data Project: Real Time Geospatial Video Sensor Intelligence program. Pages S12415, S12416 Inouye (for Roberts) Amendment No. 3125, to make available from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force, $1,000,000 for Materials Integrity Management Research for Air Force Systems. Pages S12415, S12416 Inouye (for Kohl/Kennedy) Amendment No. 3128, to make available from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Navy, $2,000,000 for the DDG-51 Class Modernization-Hybrid Propulsion Permanent Magnet Drive System. Pages S12415-16 Inouye (for Lott) Modified Amendment No. 3124, to make funds available from Other Procurement, Air Force, to accelerate the deployment of the Associate Intermodal Platform pallet system. Page S12416 Rejected: Boxer Modified Amendment No. 3126, to prohibit waivers for enlistment in the Armed Forces of individuals with certain felony offenses. (By 53 yeas and 41 nays (Vote No. 360), Senate tabled the amendment.) Pages S12408-15 Pending: Graham Amendment No. 3117, to improve the security of United States borders. Pages S12406-07 Gregg Amendment No. 3119 (to Amendment No. 3117), to change the effective date. Pages S12407-08 Sanders Amendment No. 3130, to increase, with an offset, the amount appropriated for Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard, by $10,000,000. Page S12414 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 Thursday, October 4, 2007. Pages S12416-17 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 3, 2007; provided that there be 30 minutes of debate prior to a vote on or in relation to Graham Amendment No. 3117 (listed above); provided further, that the second-degree amendment be withdrawn, no other amendment be in order to the amendment [[Page D1303]] prior to the vote, and that the time be equally divided and controlled between Senators Graham and Inouye, or their designees; that upon the use or yielding back of time, Senate vote on or in relation to the amendment. Page S12451 Messages from the House: Page S12432 Measures Referred: Page S12432 Measures Read the First Time: Pages S12432, S12450-51 Executive Communications: Pages S12432-33 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S12433 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S12433-35 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S12435-43 Additional Statements: Pages S12431-32 Amendments Submitted: Pages S12443-46 Notices of Intent: Page S12446 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S12446 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S12446-47 Privileges of the Floor: Page S12447 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--360) Page S12415 Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:16 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S12451.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the National Flood Insurance Program, focusing on the National Flood Insurance Program's financial structure, the extent of compliance with mandatory requirements, the status of map modernization efforts and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s oversight of the program, after receiving testimony from David I. Maurstad, Assistant Administrator and Federal Insurance Administrator, Mitigation Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security; Orice Williams, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investments, Government Accountability Office; Chad Berginnis, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Columbus, on behalf of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc., Donald L. Griffin, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, Des Plaines, Illinois; Gerald E. Galloway, University of Maryland, College Park; J. Robert Hunter, Consumer Federation of America, Washington, D.C.; Mark Davey, Fidelity National Property and Casualty Insurance Group, Jacksonville, Florida; and Vince Malta, Malta and Co., Inc, San Francisco, California, on behalf of the National Association of Realtors. NOMINATIONS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Andrew R. Cochran, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Environmental Protection Agency, John S. Bresland, of New Jersey, to be Chairperson and a Member, and Charles Russell Horner Shearer, of Delaware, to be a Member, each of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, and Thomas C. Gilliland, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority, who was introduced by Senators Chambliss and Isakson, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. Also, Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of William H. Graves, of Tennessee, and Susan Richardson Williams, of Tennessee, each to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. PREPARING THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION FOR A PANDEMIC Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia concluded a hearing to examine preparing the national capital region for a pandemic, after receiving testimony from Kevin Yeskey, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Director, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services; Christopher T. Geldart, Director, Office of National Capital Region Coordination, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security; Colonel Robert P. Mauskapf, USMC (Ret.), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Richmond; and Darrell L. Darnell, District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. MINE SAFETY Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues and challenges facing current mine safety, after receiving testimony from Kevin G. Stricklin, Administrator, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Department of [[Page D1304]] Labor; Jeffery Kohler, Associate Director, Mine Safety and Health Research, National Institute of Occupational Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Joseph Osterman, Managing Director, National Transportation Safety Board; Dennis O'Dell, United Workers of America, Fairfax, Virginia; Robert L. Ferriter, Colorado School of Mines, Golden; and Bruce Watzman, National Mining Association, Washington, D.C. PRESERVING THE RULE OF LAW Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine preserving the rule of law in the fight against terrorism, after receiving testimony from Jack Landman Goldsmith, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. NOMINATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of Paul J. Hutter, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 19 public bills, H.R. 3717- 3735; and 9 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 222-224; and H. Res. 699-700, 705-708 were introduced. Pages H11170-71 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H11171-72 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 1680, to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to regulate the sale of ammonium nitrate to prevent and deter the acquisition of ammonium nitrate by terrorists, with amendments (H. Rept. 110-357); H. Res. 701, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 928) to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General and to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (H. Rept. 110-358); H. Res. 702, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2740) to require accountability for contractors and contract personnel under Federal contracts (H. Rept. 110-359); H. Res. 703, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3648) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income (H. Rept. 110- 360); H. Res. 704, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3246) to amend title 40, United States Code, to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the Nation (H. Rept. 110- 361); H.R. 2895, to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-362); and H.R. 3002, to establish a demonstration program to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to guarantee obligations issued by Indian tribes to finance community and economic development activities, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-363). Page H11170 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Cohen to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H11073 Recess: The House recessed at 9:13 a.m. and reconvened at 10 a.m. Page H11074 United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representative Miller (FL) to the United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to fill the existing vacancy thereon. Page H11078 Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 699, electing Representative McCarthy (CA) to the Committee on Financial Services. Pages H11081-85 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Awarding a congressional gold medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D.: S. 474, to award a congressional gold medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D.--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H11078-81 Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin: H. [[Page D1305]] Res. 657, amended, to express heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin; Pages H11081-85 International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act: S. 1612, to amend the penalty provisions in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H11085-87 Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith: H. Res. 635, amended, to recognize the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and to commend Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 376 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and with 42 voting ``present'', Roll No. 928; Pages H11087-90, H11126 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and expressing respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion, and for other purposes.''. Page H11126 Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability in Central America and supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central America to combat crime and violence: H. Res. 564, amended, to recognize that violence poses an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability in Central America and to support expanded cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central America to combat crime and violence; Pages H11090-92 Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran: H. Con. Res. 203, amended, to condemn the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas to 1 nay with 1 voting ``present,'' Roll No. 929; Pages H11092-93, H11126-27 Declaring that it shall continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability: H. Res. 676, to declare that it shall continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; Pages H11094-96 Providing compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998: H.R. 2828, amended, to provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 409 yeas to 12 nays, Roll No. 930; Pages H11096-99, H11127-28 Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007: H.R. 2003, amended, to encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia; Pages H11099-H11103 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007: H.R. 3432, amended, to establish the 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade; Pages H11103-07 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To establish the Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.''. Page H11107 Amending the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and permitting individuals appointed to such positions to serve one additional term: H.R. 3571, to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to such positions to serve one additional term; Pages H11107-08 Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform Act of 2007: H.R. 3068, amended, to prohibit the award of contracts to provide guard services under the contract security guard program of the Federal Protective Service to a business concern that is owned, controlled, or operated by an individual who has been convicted of a felony; Pages H11108-09 Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: H. Con. Res. 200, amended, to express the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 931; Pages H11109-16, H11128 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate [[Page D1306]] and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the severely deteriorating human rights situation in Burma.''. Page H11128 Requiring the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq: H.R. 3087, amended, to require the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 377 yeas to 46 nays, Roll No. 927. Pages H11116-25 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress reports on the status of planning for the redeployment of the Armed Forces from Iraq and to require the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and appropriate senior officials of the Department of Defense to meet with Congress to brief Congress on the matters contained in the reports.''. Page H11125 Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Representative McCarthy (CA) wherein he resigned from the Committee on Natural Resources, effective today. Page H11099 Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Representative McCarthy (CA) wherein he resigned from the Committee on Agriculture, effective today. Page H11099 Recess: The House recessed at 1:33 p.m. and reconvened at 3 p.m. Page H11109 Quorum Calls--Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H11125, H11126, H11126-27 and H11128. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:20 p.m. Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Sub committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food Aid Programs. Testimony was heard from Thomas Melito, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; Mark Keenum, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA; Jim Kunder, Acting Deputy Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; Josette Sheeran, Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme; and public witnesses. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled `` Digital Future of the United States: Part VI: The Future of Telecommunications Competition.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FINANCIAL SYSTEM SYSTEMIC RISKS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``Systemic Risk: Examining Regulators' Ability to React to Threats in the Financial System.'' Testimony was heard from. public witnesses. CREDIT-BASED INSURANCE SCORES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Are They Fair?'' Testimony was heard from J. Thomas Rosch, Commissioner, FTC; J. P. Schmidt, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Hawaii; Mike Kreidler, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Washington; and public witnesses. ETHIOPIA DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, and Global Health held a hearing on Ethiopia and the State of Democracy: Effects on Human Rights and Humanitarian Conditions in the Ogaden and Somalia. Testimony was heard from Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. LEVERAGING REMITTANCES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Leveraging Remittances for Families and Communities. Testimony was heard from Paul J. Bonicelli, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CONTESTED ELECTION--13TH DISTRICT OF FLORIDA Committee on House Administration: Election Task Force received a briefing on the Status of the Investigation into FL-13 Congressional District Contested Election. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Nabajyoti Barkakati, Senior Level Technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering Applied Research and Methods; Gloria Jarmon, Congressional Relations; and Jan Montgomery, Office of the General Counsel. [[Page D1307]] U.S. TRUSTEE PROGRAM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the United States Trustee Program: Watchdog or Attack Dog? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts: A. Jay Cristol, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida; and Eugene R. Wedoff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois; Clifford J. White, III, Director, Executive Office for United States Trustees, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. FEDERAL GANG CRIME PREVENTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Gang Crime Prevention and the Need to Foster Innovative Solutions at the Federal Level. Testimony was heard from Representatives Schiff, Cummings, Baca, Lampson, McNerney, Dent and Reichert; Richard Roper, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Texas; and public witnesses. HARDROCK MINING AND MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Jim Hanlon, Director, Office of Wastewater Management, EPA; Tony L. Ferguson, Director, Minerals Geology Management, Forest Service, USDA; Greg Lind, State Senator, Montana; Salvatore Lazarri, Specialist in Public Finance, Resources, Science and Industry Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. BLACKWATER USA'S IRAQ MISSION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Private Security Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Ambassador M. Satterfield, Special Adviser, Coordinator for Irag; Ambassador Richard J. Griffin, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Director, Office of Foreign Missions; and William H. Moser, Assistant Secretary, Logistics Management; and Erik Prince, Chairman and CEO, Blackwater, USA. MORTGAGE FORGIVENESS DEBT RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule providing one hour of debate on H.R. 3648, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income, and for other purposes, 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 those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule considers as adopted the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, modified by the amendment printed in the committee report, and considers the bill, as amended, as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 3246, to amend title 40, United States Code, to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the Nation, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 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 amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 3246 with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of H.R. 3246, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar. THE IMPROVING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 928, to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors [[Page D1308]] General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. 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 Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, 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 Towns of New York and Tom Davis of Virginia. MEJA EXPANSION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 2740, to require accountability for contractors and contract personnel under Federal contracts, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. 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 amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. Such amendments may be offered only in the order printed in the report, only offered by the Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cohen, Filner, Schakowsky, Forbes and Brown-Waite of Florida. NANOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Nanotechnology Education. Testimony was heard from David Ucko, Deputy Division Director, Education and Human Resources Division on Research Learning, NSF; and public witnesses. FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization: Addressing the Priorities of the Nation's Fire Service. Testimony was heard from Gregory B. Cade, Fire Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Shyam- Sunder, Director, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on The Federal Safe Routes to School Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFING--IRAN Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Iran. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. CIA ACTIVITY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold hearing on CIA Activity, Part I. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. [[Page D1309]] NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D1297) H.R. 3668, to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program. Signed on September 29, 2007. (Public Law 110-90) H.J. Res. 43, increasing the statutory limit on the public debt. Signed on September 29, 2007. (Public Law 110-91) H.J. Res. 52, making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008. Signed on September 29, 2007. (Public Law 110-92) H.R. 3625, to make permanent the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Signed on September 30, 2007. (Public Law 110-93) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine combating genocide in Darfur, focusing on the role of divestment and other policy tools, 9:30 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, to hold hearings to examine the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's reactor oversight process, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Gail Dennise Mathieu, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia, William Raymond Steiger, of Wisconsin, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique, Dan Mozena, of Iowa, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Angola, and Eunice S. Reddick, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, 9 a.m., SD-419. Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to hold hearings to examine Burma's saffron revolution, 2:30 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, to hold hearings to examine pandemic influenza, focusing on state and local government efforts to prepare, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hearings to examine S. 772, to amend the Federal antitrust laws to provide expanded coverage and to eliminate exemptions from such laws that are contrary to the public interest with respect to railroads, 10:30 a.m., SD-226. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine veterans health, focusing on ensuring the care of aging heroes, 10 a.m., SR- 325. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, hearing to examine the joint performance of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security in protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests and diseases, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on Mine Safety: The Perspective of the Families at Crandall Canyon, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on H.R. 1108, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, hearing entitled ``The Fight against Global Poverty and Inequality: The World Bank's Approach to Core Labor Standards and Employment Creation,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled ``Need for Insurance Regulatory Reform,'' 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe, hearing on America's Role in Addressing Outstanding Holocaust Issues, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, hearing entitled ``Practicing Like We Play: Examining Homeland Security Exercises,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on House Administration, hearing on The Importance of Poll Workers: Best Practices and Recommendations, 2 p.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on Natural Resources, hearing on H.R. 2837, Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on Energy Storage Technologies: State of Development for Stationary and Vehicular Applications, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing on Internet Tax Moratorium, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, hearing on Funding the VA of the Future, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counter Intelligence, executive, briefing on Hot Spots, 8:45 a.m., H-405 Capitol. 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 D1310]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 3 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 3222, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, and after a period of debate, vote on or in relation to the Graham Amendment No. 3117. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 3 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. 928--Improving Government Accountability Act (Subject to a Rule) and H.R. 2740--MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Allen, Thomas H., Me., E2041 Altmire, Jason, Pa., E2045 Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E2050 Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E2044 Capito, Shelley Moore, W. Va., E2044 Davis, Tom, Va., E2039, E2039 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E2042 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E2041, E2048 Graves, Sam, Mo., E2039, E2039 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E2044 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E2042 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E2043 Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E2042 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E2043 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E2039, E2040 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E2046 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E2050 McCarthy, Kevin, Calif., E2051 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E2048 McDermott, Jim, Wash., E2047 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E2040, E2046 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E2040 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E2045 Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E2051 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E2047, E2048 Schwartz, Allyson Y., Pa., E2043 Scott, David, Ga., E2050 Souder, Mark E., Ind., E2043 Tauscher, Ellen O., Calif., E2041 Udall, Tom, N.M., E2042 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E2051 Wasserman Schultz, Debbie, Fla., E2050 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E2041