Wednesday, September 5, 2007 [[Page D1153]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to S. Res. 306, Honoring Senator Tim Johnson. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S11083-S11127 Measures Introduced: Two bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2018-2019, and S. Res. 306-308. Pages S11116-17 Measures Reported: S. 376, to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers. (S. Rept. No. 110-150) Page S11116 Measures Passed: Honoring Senator Tim Johnson: Senate agreed to S. Res. 306, concerning the return of Senator Tim Johnson. Pages S11095-97 Use of Capitol Rotunda and Grounds: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 196, authorizing the use of the rotunda and grounds of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Page S11125 Little League World Series: Senate agreed to S. Res. 308, congratulating the Warner Robins American Little League team of Warner Robins, Georgia, for winning the championship game of the Little League World Series. Pages S11125-26 Measures Considered: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2008: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, taking action on the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S11092-95, S11101-12 Adopted: Reed (for Feingold) Amendment No. 2661, to require a report from the Comptroller General on the adequacy of mental health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to female members of the Armed Forces and female veterans. Pages S11107-08 Reed (for Obama) Amendment No. 2658, to provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability. Page S11108 Reed (for McCaskill) Amendment No. 2660, to provide a mechanism by which individuals can report to the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs cases of waste, fraud, or abuse with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Page S11108 Reed (for Murray) Amendment No. 2677, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to train psychologists. Page S11108 Reed (for Landrieu) Amendment No. 2679, to require reports on the reconstruction of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Pages S11108-09 Reed (for Stabenow/Levin) Amendment No. 2680, to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located in Alpena, Michigan, as the ``Lieutenant Colonel Clement C. Van Wagoner Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic''. Page S11109 Reed (for Hutchison) Amendment No. 2681, to provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a major medical facility lease in fiscal year 2008 in an amount not to exceed $12,000,000 to implement the recommendations outlined in the August, 2007 Study of South Texas Veterans' Inpatient and Specialty Outpatient Health Care Needs. Page S11109 Reed (for Tester) Amendment No. 2669, to provide, with an offset, an additional $125,000,000 for the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program. Page S11109 [[Page D1154]] Reed (for Stevens) Amendment No. 2682, to require a report on access to medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who live in remote rural areas. Pages S11109-10 Reed (for Allard) Amendment No. 2688, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to modify certain instruments to allow the City of Aurora, State of Colorado, to convey to the United States certain non-Federal land to be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the construction of a veterans medical facility. Page S11110 Rejected: DeMint Amendment No. 2686, to strike section 225, relating to a prohibition on the disposal of Department of Veterans Affairs lands and improvements at West Los Angeles Medical Center, California. (By 66 yeas to 25 nays (Vote No. 312), Senate tabled the amendment.) Pages S11102-07 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007, that the following be the only first-degree amendments remaining in order to the bill, that they be subject to second-degree amendments which are relevant to the amendment to which it is offered: Sanders Amendment No. 2664, Salazar Amendment No. 2662, Brown Amendment No. 2673, a Coleman amendment relating to conventions, and McConnell Amendment No. 2666; that Senator Bunning be recognized to speak for up to 30 minutes; provided further, that there be 2 minutes of debate prior to a vote in relation to the Coleman amendment, with the time equally divided between Senators Coleman and Bunning, or their designees; provided further, that there be 2 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form prior to a vote in relation to all remaining amendments; that upon disposition of the Coleman amendment, the amendment vote sequence be the following: Sanders Amendment No. 2664, Salazar Amendment No. 2662, Brown Amendment No. 2673, a Coleman amendment relating to conventions, and McConnell Amendment No. 2666; provided further, that these amendments be disposed of with no further debate or motions in order, except for the debate specified above; provided further, that the previous order relating to points of order remaining in effect with respect to this bill; and that upon disposition of all amendments, the bill be read a third time, and Senate vote on passage of the bill; that upon passage, Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees; provided further, that upon disposition of the bill, Senate begin consideration of H.R. 2764, making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. Pages S11126-27 Migratory and Transboundary Fish Stocks--Referral Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the Committee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of S. J. Res. 17, directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean, and the bill then be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Justice. Page S11125 Messages from the House: Page S11113 Measures Referred: Page S11113 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S11113 Executive Communications: Pages S11113-16 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S11117-19 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S11119-20 Additional Statements: Pages S11112-13 Amendments Submitted: Pages S11120-24 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S11125 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S11125 Privileges of the Floor: Page S11125 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--312) Pages S11106-07 Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 7:59 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S11126.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) UTAH MINE DISASTER Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine the Utah mine disaster, focusing on preventing future coal mining tragedies, after receiving testimony from Richard E. Stickler, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Administration; Cecil E. Roberts, United Mine Workers of America, Fairfax, Virginia; J. Davitt McAteer, Wheeling Jesuit University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia; and Bruce Watzman, National Mining Association, Washington, D.C. [[Page D1155]] NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing on the nominations of Nancy Goodman Brinker, of Florida, to be Chief of Protocol, and to have the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service, Harry K. Thomas, Jr., of New York, to be Director General of the Foreign Service, who was introduced by Representative Lantos and Senator Hutchison, Mark Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs), who was introduced by Senator Warner, and Ned L. Siegel, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, who was introduced by Senator Martinez, after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf. CIVIL RIGHTS ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and its continuing importance, after receiving testimony from Representative John Lewis (GA); Gail Heriot, Commissioner, United States Commission on Civil Rights; Wade Henderson, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Theodore M. Shaw, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., Peter A. Zamora, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and Robert N. Driscoll, Alston and Bird LLP, all of Washington, D.C.; and Robert P. Moses, Algebra Project, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts. ADVISING SENIORS ON FINANCIAL ISSUES Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the qualifications for those who advise seniors about financial issues, after receiving testimony from Christopher Cox, Chairman, United States Securities and Exchange Commission; Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, St. Paul; William Francis Galvin, Massachusetts Secretary of State, Boston; Joseph P. Borg, North America Securities Administrators Association, Inc., and Nicholas A. Nicolette, Financial Planning Association, both of Washington, D.C.; Sandy Praeger, Kansas Insurance Commissioner, Topeka, on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC); Gary Bhojwani, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Edwin J. Pittock, Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Denver, Colorado. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 7 public bills, H.R. 3473- 3479; and 5 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 203-204; and H. Res. 632, 634- 635, were introduced. Page H10156 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H10156-57 Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 633, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2786) to reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans (H. Rept. 110-316). Page H10156 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Dr. S. L. Roberson, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Page H10079 Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Members of the House of Representatives to the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Representative Delahunt, Chairman; Representatives Davis (AL) and Herseth Sandlin. Page H10082 Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007--Appointment: Read a letter from Representative Boehner, Minority Leader, in which he appointed the following Members of the House of Representatives to the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Representative Pence, Ranking Member; Representatives LaTourette and Hulshof. Page H10082 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Extending the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007: H. Res. 629, to extend the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 407 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 851; Pages H10082-84, H10112-13 [[Page D1156]] South Pacific Economic and Educational Development Act of 2007: H.R. 3062, amended, to authorize appropriations to provide for South Pacific exchanges, provide technical and other assistance to countries in the Pacific region through the United States Agency for International Development, and authorize appropriations to provide Fulbright Scholarships for Pacific Island students; Pages H10084-85 United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act of 2007: S. 377, to establish a United States-Poland parliamentary youth exchange program--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H10085-88 Recognizing the 75th birthday of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient: H. Res. 34, amended, to recognize the 75th birthday of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; Pages H10088-91 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Recognizing the life and accomplishments of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.''. Page H10091 Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the global war against terrorism: H. Res. 508, amended, to recognize the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the global war against terrorism, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 508 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 852; Pages H10091-93, H10113-14 Commending the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued commitment to holding elections and broadening political participation: H. Res. 575, amended, to commend the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued commitment to holding elections and broadening political participation; Pages H10093-95 Percy Sutton Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 954, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 365 West 125th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Percy Sutton Post Office Building''; Pages H10095-97 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Passport Month: H. Res. 554, to support the goals and ideals of National Passport Month; Pages H10097-98 Expressing the sympathy and pledging the support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on June 26, 2007: H. Res. 544, to express the sympathy and pledge the support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on June 26, 2007, by a \2/3\ yea- and-nay vote of 397 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 853; Pages H10098-H10100, H10114 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week: H. Con. Res. 165, to support the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week; Pages H10100-02 John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 3052, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 954 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio, as the ``John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building''; Pages H10102-04 Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office Designation Act: H.R. 3106, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Main Street in Ferdinand, Indiana, as the ``Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office''; Pages H10104-05 Cal Ripken Way Designation Act: H.R. 3218, to designate a portion of Interstate Route 395 located in Baltimore, Maryland, as ``Cal Ripken Way''; Pages H10105-07 Honoring the city of Minneapolis, first responders, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their valiant efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River Bridge: H. Res. 606, to honor the city of Minneapolis, first responders, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their valiant efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River Bridge; Pages H10107-11 Recognizing and commending all volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are deployed in service to the United States: H. Con. Res. 181, to recognize and commend all volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members of the Armed [[Page D1157]] Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are deployed in service to the United States; and Pages H10114-17 Honoring the sacrifice and courage of the six missing miners and three rescuers who were killed in the Crandall Canyon mine disaster in Utah, and recognizing the rescue crews for their outstanding efforts in the aftermath of the tragedies: H. Res. 631, to honor the sacrifice and courage of the six missing miners and three rescuers who were killed in the Crandall Canyon mine disaster in Utah, and to recognize the rescue crews for their outstanding efforts in the aftermath of the tragedies. Pages H10117-19 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure which was debated on Tuesday, September 4th: Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to remove barriers to United States financial services firms doing business in China: H. Res. 552, to call on the Government of the People's Republic of China to remove barriers to United States financial services firms doing business in China, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 401 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 850. Page H10111 In Memory of the late Honorable Paul Gillmor of Ohio: The House agreed to H. Res. 632, expressing the condolences of the House on the death of the Honorable Paul Gillmor, a Representative from the State of Ohio. Pages H10119-27 Whole Number of the House: The Chair announced to the House that, in light of the passing of Representative Gillmor, the whole number of the House is adjusted to 433. Page H10127 Amendments: Amendments ordered printed pursuant to the rule appear on pages H10157-59. Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H10111, H10112-13, H10113-14, and H10114. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and at 9:19 p.m., pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 632, it stands adjourned in memory of the late Honorable Paul Gillmor. Committee Meetings IRAQI GOVERNMENT'S RECORD OF PERFORMANCE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Comptroller General's assessment of the Iraqi government's record of performance. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. DOD'S ROLE IN PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS ROLE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the role of the Department of Defense in provincial reconstruction teams. Testimony was heard from Ginger Cruz, Deputy Inspector General, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction; and public witnesses. EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on H.R. 2015, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Frank of Massachusetts, Baldwin, and Cleaver; and public witnesses. CREDIT AND MORTGAGE MARKETS RECENT EVENTS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``Recent Events in the Credit and Mortgage Markets and Possible Implications for U.S. Consumers and the Global Economy.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Robert K. Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance; and John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; Sheila Bair, Chairman, FDIC; and Erik R. Sirri, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC. IRAQI BENCHMARKS: AN OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraqi Benchmarks: An Objective Assessment. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. SECURITY GAPS--HOLDING DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GAPS Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled ``Holding the Department of Homeland Security Accountable for Security Gaps.'' Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. TASK FORCE ON ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION POLICY; WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE; AND FISA Committee on the Judiciary: Agreed to a resolution establishing a Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy. The Committee also held a hearing on Warrantless Surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence [[Page D1158]] Surveillance Act: The Role of Checks and Balances in Protecting Americans' Privacy Rights. Testimony was heard from former Representative Bob Barr of Georgia; and public witnesses. NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 11-1, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2786, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. 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 bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides that any amendment to the bill must be preprinted in the Congressional Record. Each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his designee and shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. The rule tables H. Res. 595, H. Res. 596, H. Res. 613, and H. Res. 614. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representative Pearce. VOTER CONFIDENCE AND INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Brady and Representatives Lofgren, Holt, Ehlers, Conaway, and Fortuno, but action was deferred on H.R. 811, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007. LIQUID FUEL FROM COAL BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the Benefits and Challenges of Producing Liquid Fuel from Coal: The Role for Federal Research. Testimony was heard from Richard D. Boardman, the Secure Energy Initiative Head, Idaho National Laboratory, Department of Energy; Joseph Romm, former Acting Assistant Secretary, Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT BRIDGES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Structurally Deficient Bridges in the United States. Testimony was heard from Representative Ellison; the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Mary E. Peters, Secretary; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; from the following officials of the State of Minnesota: R.T. Rybak, Mayor, Minneapolis; and Robert J. McFarlin, Assistant to the Commissioner, Policy and Public Affairs, Department of Transportation; Kathleen Novak, Mayor, Northglenn, Colorado; Kirk T. Steudle, Director, Department of Transportation, State of Michigan; Malcolm T. Kerley, Chief Engineer, Department of Transportation, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. Joint Meetings COLLEGE COST REDUCTION ACT Conferees agreed to file a conference report on the differences between the Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 2669, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine a report on the findings of the Iraqi Security Forces Independent Assessment Commission, 10 a.m., SH-216. Full Committee, to receive a closed briefing to examine issues relating to the treatment of detainees, 5 p.m., SR-222. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hearings to examine the potential human health, water quality, and other impacts of the confined animal feeding operation industry, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: to continue hearings to examine carried interest (Part III), focusing on pension issues, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Charles E. F. Millard, of New York, to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 10 a.m., SD-628. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine a Department of Homeland Security status report, focusing on assessing challenges and measuring progress, 1:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 453, to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections, S. 1692, to grant a Federal charter to Korean War Veterans Association, Incorporated, S. 1845, to provide for limitations in certain communications between the Department of Justice and the White House Office relating to civil and criminal investigations, S. 772, to amend the Federal antitrust laws to provide expanded coverage [[Page D1159]] and to eliminate exemptions from such laws that are contrary to the public interest with respect to railroads, S. Res. 282, supporting the goals and ideals of a National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week to raise public awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease and to foster understanding of the impact polycystic kidney disease has on patients and future generations of their families, S. Res. 134, designating September 2007 as ``Adopt a School Library Month'', S. Res. 288, designating September 2007 as ``National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month'', S. Res. 292, designating the week beginning September 9, 2007, as ``National Assisted Living Week'', S. Res. 301, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, one of the most significant events in the American civil rights movement, and the nominations of Richard A. Jones, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, Sharion Aycock, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi, Jennifer Walker Elrod, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, Michael David Credo, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Esteban Soto III, of Maryland, to be United States Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico, 10 a.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the report of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq, 2:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, hearing on H.R. 2930, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, joint hearing on H.R. 3355, Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services, joint hearing on Beyond the September Report: What's Next for Iraq? 9 a.m., 345 Cannon. Committee on Homeland Security, hearing entitled ``Turning Spy Satellites on the Homeland: the Privacy and Civil Liberties Implications of the National Applications Office,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, hearing on American Workers in Crisis: Does the Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy Law Treat Employees and Retirees Fairly? 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, to mark up H.R. 2826, To amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes, 2 p.m., 2237 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, hearing on the Implementation of the ``Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-277) and Additional Legislative Efforts Aimed at Expanding the Authority to Carry Concealed Firearms, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, hearing on H.R. 1645, Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1464, Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2007; H.R. 1771, Crane Conservation Act of 2007; and H.R. 1913, Great Cats Conservation Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Rules, to consider H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act of 2007, 3 p.m., H-313 Capitol. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on NASA's Astronaut Health Care System--Results of an Independent Review, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing on the Small Business Administration's Investment and Surety Bond Programs, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on Veterans Preference, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, hearing on Fair and Equitable Tax Policy for America's Working Families, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive hearing on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol. Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, hearing entitled ``The Future of Coal Under Carbon Capture and Storage,'' 9:30 a.m., 2172 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 D1160]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 6 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 2642, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, and after a period of debate, vote on or in relation to certain amendments, and on final passage of the bill; following which, Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 2764, Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, September 6 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 2786--Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule) and H.R. 811--Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Baldwin, Tammy, Wisc., E1806 Bartlett, Roscoe G., Md., E1801 Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E1796, E1798 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E1807 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E1807 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E1806 Cramer, Robert E. (Bud), Jr., Ala., E1802 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E1805, E1806 Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E1796, E1798 Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E1801, E1804 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E1803 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1795, E1797, E1801 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1804 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E1795, E1797, E1799, E1802 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E1802 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E1795, E1797, E1798 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E1795, E1797, E1799 Levin, Sander M., Mich., E1801 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1805, E1806 McNulty, Michael R., N.Y., E1799 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E1796, E1798 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E1804 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E1802, E1804 Poe, Ted, Tex., E1796, E1798 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E1800 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E1800, E1805 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E1795, E1796, E1797, E1800, E1801 Taylor, Gene, Miss., E1802 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1799 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E1803 Wasserman Schultz, Debbie, Fla., E1802 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E1806 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E1800