Wednesday, July 11, 2007 [[Page D953]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S8967-S9067 Measures Introduced: Nine bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 1763-1771, and S. Res. 268. Page S9019 Measures Passed: National Homeless Youth Awareness Month: Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 226, recognizing the month of November 2007 as ``National Homeless Youth Awareness Month'', and the resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Reid (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 2128, of a perfecting nature. Reid (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 2129, to amend the title. Page S9057 National Save for Retirement Week: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 240, designating October 21 through October 27, 2007, as ``National Save for Retirement Week'', and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S9057 Measures Considered: National Defense Authorization Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S8972-S9013 Adopted: By a unanimous vote of 97 yeas (Vote No. 242), Lieberman Modified Amendment No. 2073 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on support provided by the Government of Iran for attacks against coalition forces in Iraq. Pages S8981-S9002 Withdrawn: Webb Amendment No. 2012 (to Amendment No. 2011), to specify minimum periods between deployment of units and members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Pages S8972-80 By 52 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 243), Hagel/Levin Amendment No. 2032 (to Amendment No. 2011), to limit the length of deployment of members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Wednesday, July 11, 2007, requiring 60 votes for the adoption of the amendment, it is withdrawn, having failed to achieve 60 votes in the affirmative. Pages S9003-06, S9010 By 41 yeas to 55 nays (Vote No. 244), Graham Modified Amendment No. 2078 (to Amendment No, 2011), to express the sense of Congress on length of time between deployments for members of the Armed Forces. Pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Wednesday, July 11, 2007, requiring 60 votes for the adoption of the amendment, it is withdrawn, having failed to achieve 60 votes in the affirmative. Pages S9006-10 Pending: Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, in the nature of a substitute. Page S8972 Nelson (FL) Amendment No. 2013 (to Amendment No. 2012), to change the enactment date. Page S8972 Levin Amendment No. 2087 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for a reduction and transition of United States forces in Iraq. Pages S8980-81 Reed Amendment No. 2088 (to Amendment No. 2087), to change the enactment date. Pages S8980-81 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 56 yeas to 41 nays (Vote No. 241), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Webb Amendment No. 2012 (to Amendment No. 2011) (listed above). Page S8980 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2007, and that Senator McCain, or his designee, be recognized to offer a relevant first-degree amendment, and that Senator Levin then be recognized to offer a relevant second-degree amendment. Pages S9057-58 [[Page D954]] Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: John S. Bresland, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years. John S. Bresland, of New Jersey, to be Chairperson of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years. Charles Russell Horner Shearer, of Delaware, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years. Thomas C. Gilliland, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for the remainder of the term expiring May 18, 2011. William H. Graves, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2012. Susan Richardson Williams, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2012. Diane D. Rath, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Family Support, Department of Health and Human Services. Daniel D. Heath, of New Hampshire, to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund for a term of two years. Mark Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs). Robin Renee Sanders, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Gene Allan Cretz, of New York, to be Ambassador to Libya. Donald M. Kerr, of Virginia, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. 26 Army nominations in the rank of general. 3 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Pages S9066-67 Messages from the House: Page S9017 Measures Referred: Page S9017 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S9017 Executive Communications: Pages S9017-19 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S9019-21 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S9021-26 Additional Statements: Page S9015 Amendments Submitted: Pages S9026-56 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S9056-57 Privileges of the Floor: Page S9057 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--244) Pages S8980, S9002, S9010 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 9:12 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S9057- 58.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NOMINATIONS Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Bijan Rafiekian, of California, and Diane G. Farrell, of Connecticut, both to be Members of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and William Herbert Heyman, of New York, William S. Jasien, of Virginia, and Mark S. Shelton, of Kansas, all to be Directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. UNITED STATES WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITES Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine United States weather and environmental satellites, focusing on their readiness for the 21st century, after receiving testimony from Mary Kicza, Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce; Michael H. Freilich, Director, Earth and Science Division, Science Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, Government Accountability Office; Antonio J. Busalacchi, Jr., University of Maryland Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, College Park; and Greg J. Holland, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Boulder, Colorado. OZONE NAAQS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety concluded a hearing to examine the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed revision to the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), after receiving testimony from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; James D. Werner, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Dover; Mayor George L. Grace, Saint Gabriel, Louisiana, on behalf of the National Conference of Black Mayors; Michelle L. Bell, Yale University School of Forestry [[Page D955]] and Environmental Studies, New Haven, Connecticut; Vickie Patton, Environmental Defense, Boulder, Colorado; and Roger O. McClellan, Albuquerque, New Mexico. CARRIED INTERESTS Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the federal income tax treatment of carried interests, the right to receive a percentage of private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, or similar investment profits without an obligation to contribute capital to the fund, focusing on current taxation of carried interests, the use of carried interests by both small and large partnerships in industries as diverse as real estate and natural resources, and the similarity of the current tax treatment for carried interests and other analogous areas, after receiving testimony from Eric Solomon, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy; Peter R. Orszag, Director, Congressional Budget Office; Andrew J. Donohue, Director, Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Kate D. Mitchell, Scale Venture Partners, Foster City, California; and Mark P. Gergen, University of Texas School of Law, Austin. INSPECTORS GENERAL Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine ways to strengthen the unique role of the Nation's Inspectors General, after receiving testimony from Clay Johnson III, Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget; Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Department of Justice; Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General, Department of the Interior; Eleanor Hill, King and Spalding, LLP; and Danielle Brian, Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Washington, D.C. PRESERVING PROSECUTORIAL INDEPENDENCE (PART VI) Committee on the Judiciary: Committee continued hearings to examine the Department of Justice politicizing the hiring and firing of United States Attorneys, focusing on preserving prosecutorial independence (Part VI), receiving testimony from Sara M. Taylor, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Political Affairs for the White House. Hearing recessed subject to the call. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence community. Committee recessed subject to the call. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 20 public bills, H.R. 2989- 3008; and 5 resolutions, H. Res. 535-539, were introduced. Pages H7655-56 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H7656-57 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 2900, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices and to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs (H. Rept. 110-225); H. Res. 533, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2956) to require the Secretary of Defense to commence the reduction of the number of United States Armed Forces in Iraq to a limited presence by April 1, 2008 (H. Rept. 110-226); H. Res. 534, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1851) to reform the housing choice voucher program under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (H. Rept. 110-227); H.R. 1144, to waive the non-Federal share of the cost of certain disaster assistance provided in connection with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, with amendments (H. Rept. 110-228); H.R. 781, to redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24, 1946, as the ``Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam'' (H. Rept. 110-229); and H.R. 735, to designate the Federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the ``Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building'' (H. Rept. 110-230). Page H7654 [[Page D956]] Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Dr. Calvin V. French, Pastor Emeritus, Community of Christ Church, Washington, DC. Page H7493 Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, July 10th: Supporting home ownership and responsible lending: H. Res. 526, to support home ownership and responsible lending, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 411 yeas to 7 nays, Roll No. 609; Page H7505 Providing for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through the end of fiscal year 2007: S. 1701, to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through the end of fiscal year 2007, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 291 yeas to 126 nays, Roll No. 610--clearing the measure for the President; and Pages H7505-06 Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007: Concur in Senate amendment to H.R. 556, to ensure national security while promoting foreign investment and the creation and maintenance of jobs, to reform the process by which such investments are examined for any effect they may have on national security, and to establish the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, by a \2/3\ yea- and-nay vote of 370 yeas to 45 nays, Roll No. 614--clearing the measure for the President. Pages H7558-59 Suspensions--Failed: The House failed to agree to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, July 10th: Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act: H.R. 986, amended, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 239 yeas to 173 nays, Roll No. 615 and Pages H7627-28 Providing for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and cities served by the District: H.R. 1337, amended, to provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and cities served by the District, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 208 yeas to 211 nays, Roll No. 616. Page H7628 College Cost Reduction Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 2669, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008, by a recorded vote of 273 ayes to 149 noes, Roll No. 613. Pages H7506-58 Rejected the Roskam motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Education and Labor with instructions to report the same back to the House promptly with an amendment, by a recorded vote of 199 ayes to 223 noes, Roll No. 612. Pages H7555-58 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of H. Rept. 110-224, shall be considered as adopted. Page H7517 Rejected: McKeon amendment in the nature of a substitute (printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-224) that sought to reduce subsidies in the loan programs and to invest the majority of the savings in the Pell Grant program by providing increases of $350 in 2008 and $100 each year thereafter. The amendment also provided a plan for improved consumer information and public accountability with respect to college costs (by a yea-and-nay vote of 189 yeas to 231 nays, Roll No. 611). Pages H7545-55 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Page H7559 H. Res. 531, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 222 yeas to 197 nays, Roll No. 608, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 198 nays, Roll No. 607. Pages H7496-H7505 National Historical Publications and Records Commission--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representative Larson (CT) to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Page H7559 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act: H.R. 2608, to amend section 402 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide, in fiscal years 2008 through 2010, extensions of supplemental security income for refugees, asylees, and certain other humanitarian immigrants, and to amend the Internal Revenue Code to collect unemployment compensation debts resulting from fraud; Pages H7559-66 Recognizing the month of November as ``National Homeless Youth Awareness Month'': H. Res. 527, to recognize the month of November as ``National Homeless Youth Awareness Month''; Pages H7566-68 [[Page D957]] Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007: H.R. 2900, amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices and to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, by a \2/3\ yea-and- nay vote of 403 yeas to 16 nays, Roll No. 617; Pages H7568-H7606, H7629 Celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name ``America'': H. Res. 287, amended, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name ``America''; Pages H7607-09 Recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia: H. Res. 426, amended, to recognize 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia, and to offer support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully; Pages H7609-14 Condemning the decision by the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia: H. Res. 467, amended, to condemn the decision by the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 414 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and 2 voting ``present'', Roll No. 618; Pages H7614-16, H7629-30 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Condemning the decision by the leadership of the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia.''. Page H7630 Expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland: H. Res. 482, amended, to express support for the new power- sharing government in Northern Ireland, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas to 1 nay with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 619; Pages H7617-20, S7630-31 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in opposition to efforts by major natural gas exporting countries to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price or as an instrument of political pressure: H. Res. 500, amended, to express the sense of the House of Representatives in opposition to efforts by major natural gas exporting countries to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price or as an instrument of political pressure; Pages H7620-23 Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas: H. Res. 436, to recognize the 100th anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas; and Pages H7623-25 Commending the Appalachian State University football team for winning the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA Football Championship: H. Res. 210, amended, to commend the Appalachian State University football team for winning the 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA Football Championship. Pages H7625-27 Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of Lady Bird Johnson. Pages H7628-29 Commission on International Religious Freedom--Reappointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's reappointment of the following members on the part of the House to the Commission on International Religious Freedom: Ms. Felice Gaer of Paramus, New Jersey, for a two-year term ending May 14, 2009, to succeed herself and, upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader, Ms. Nina Shea of Washington, DC, for a two-year term ending May 14, 2009, to succeed herself. Page H7631 British-American Interparliamentary Group--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Members of the House of Representatives to the British-American Interparliamentary Group, in addition to Representative Chandler, Chairman, appointed on March 30, 2007: Representative Wu, Vice Chairman; Representatives Pomeroy, Clyburn, Etheridge, Davis (CA), Bishop (NY), Petri, Boozman, Boustany, Crenshaw, and Wilson (SC). Page H7638 Quorum Calls--Votes: Eleven yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H7504, H7504-05, H7505, H7506, H7555, H7557-58, H7558, H7558-59, H7627-28, H7628, H7629, H7629-30, and H7630-31. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at midnight. Committee Meetings LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES; TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the following appropriations for fiscal year [[Page D958]] 2008: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. GLOBAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on global security assessment. Testimony was heard from Thomas Fingar, Deputy Director, National Intelligence, Analysis, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and Robert Cardillo, Deputy Director, Analysis, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense. GLOBAL WAR AGAINST TERRORISTS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on Strategic Communications and Comparative Ideas: Winning the Hearts and Minds in the Global War Against Terrorists. Testimony was heard from Linton Wells II, Distinguished Research Fellow Force Transformation Chair; Frank Kramer, former Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1338, Paycheck Fairness Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WIRELESS INNOVATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing on Wireless Innovation and Consumer Protection. Testimony was heard from Tony Clark, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, State of North Dakota; and public witnesses. HEDGE FUNDS RISKS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Hedge Funds and Systemic Risk: Perspectives of The President's Working Group on Financial Markets. Testimony was heard from Kevin M. Warsh, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Robert Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Jim Overdahl, Chief Economist, CFTC; and Erik R. Sirri, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC. BANK CUSTOMER OVERDRAFT PROTECTION Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of a hearing entitled ``Overdraft Protection: Fair Practices for Consumers.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EFFECTS OF PASSPORT DELAYS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Passport Delays: Affecting Security and Disrupting Free Travel and Trade. Testimony was heard from Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and Paul Rosenzweig, Acting Assistant Secretary, Policy and Counselor to the Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Homeland Security. KYOTO PROTOCOL UPDATE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on the Kyoto Protocol: An Update. Testimony was heard from Harlan Watson, Special Representative and Senior Climate Negotiator, Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY--USE AND ABUSE Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the Use and Misuse of Presidential Clemency Power for Executive Branch Officials. Testimony was heard from Rogert C. Adams, Office of the Pardon Attorney, Department of Justice; former Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following measures: S. 375, To waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon; H.R. 1696, To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that Tribe; H.R. 2863, To authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe; and a measure To authorize the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interest in land owned by the Tribe. Testimony was heard from Representative Reyes; Michael R. Smith, Deputy Bureau Director, Field Operations, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. SMALL INVESTOR HEDGE FUND RISKS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on After Blackstone: Should Small Investors Be Exposed to Risks of Hedge Funds? Testimony was heard from [[Page D959]] Andrew Donahue, Director, Division of Investment Management, SEC; and public witnesses. SECTION 8 VOUCHER REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform 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 amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The further 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. 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 Chairman Frank and Representatives Rush, Biggert and Chabot. RESPONSIBLE REDEPLOYMENT FROM IRAQ ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule. The rule provides 4 hours of debate on H.R. 2956, Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, with 3 hours equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services and 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit. 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 Chairman Skelton and Representatives Wolf, Shays and English of Pennsylvania. GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2850, Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007. GREEN REVOLUTION--SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FOREFRONT Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Small Businesses at the Forefront of the Green Revolution: What More Needs to Be Done to Keep Them Here. Testimony was heard from the following Mayors: Marty Blum, Santa Barbara, California; and Adrian Fenty, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. HIGH RISK MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Motor Carrier Safety: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Oversight of High Risk Carriers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: John H. Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Deborah A. P. Hersman, member, National Transportation Safety Board; Susan A. Fleming, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. AMTRAK CAPITAL NEEDS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak Capital Needs. Testimony was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). VETERANS' HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2874, Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. [[Page D960]] COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: business meeting to mark up proposed legislation making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and H.R. 2829, making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, 2 p.m., SD-106. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment, to hold hearings to examine cross-border exchange mergers, focusing on the global view, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine telephone number portability, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Clarence H. Albright, of South Carolina, to be Under Secretary of Energy, Lisa E. Epifani, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and James L. Caswell, of Idaho, to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, 9:30 a.m., SD-366. Subcommittee on National Parks, to hold hearings to examine S. 488 and H.R. 1100, bills to revise the boundary of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in the State of North Carolina, S. 617, to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans, S. 824 and H.R. 995, bills to amend Public Law 106-348 to extend the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, S. 955, to establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, S. 1148, to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, S. 1380, to designate as wilderness certain land within the Rocky Mountain National Park and to adjust the boundaries of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Arapaho National Recreation Area of the Arapaho National Forest in the State of Colorado, and S. 1182, to amend the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 to increase the authorization of appropriations and modify the date on which the authority of the Secretary of the Interior terminates under the Act, and S. 1728, to amend the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to reauthorize the Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine airport airways trust fund, focusing on the future of aviation financing, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of James W. Holsinger, Jr., of Kentucky, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, subject to qualifications therefor as provided by law and regulations, and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, 10 a.m., SD-G50. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, to hold hearings to examine certain vulnerabilities in the government's procedures for licensing radiological materials, focusing on the effectiveness of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's materials licensing policies and procedures, and the vulnerability of those licenses to counterfeiting, 9 a.m., SD-342. Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, to continue hearings to examine the state of public-private collaboration in preparing for and responding to national catastrophes, 2 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hearing to examine transportation issues in Indian country, 9:30 a.m., SR-485. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 1060, to reauthorize the grant program for reentry of offenders into the community in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, to improve reentry planning and implementation, S. 1145, to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform, an original bill entitled, ``School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvements Act'', S. Res. 248, honoring the life and achievements of Dame Lois Browne Evans, Bermuda's first female barrister and Attorney General, and the first female Opposition Leader in the British Commonwealth, S. Res. 236, supporting the goals and ideals of the National Anthem Project, which has worked to restore America's voice by re-teaching Americans to sing the national anthem, S. Res. 261, expressing appreciation for the profound public service and educational contributions of Donald Jeffry Herbert, fondly known as ``Mr. Wizard'', and the nominations of William Lindsay Osteen, Jr., of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, Martin Karl Reidinger, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, Timothy D. DeGiusti, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma, Janis Lynn Sammartino, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez, of Puerto Rico, to be United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, and Joe W. Stecher, of Nebraska, to be United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, 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 Agriculture, Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, hearing to review trading of energy-based derivatives, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations, to consider the following appropriations for fiscal year 2008: supplemental Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; and the [[Page D961]] Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural; Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, to consider appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008, 3 p.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Defense, executive, to consider appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008, 1 p.m., H-140 Capitol. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, hearing on mental health, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future, (Part 1), 3 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Readiness, hearing to receive testimony on emerging contaminants and environmental management at Department of Defense installations, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, joint hearing on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act: Overview and Perspectives, 2 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on Beyond Oil and Gas: African Growth and Opportunity Act's Benefits to Africa, 10:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, hearing on Ideals vs. Reality in Human Rights and U.S. Foreign Policy: The Cases of Azerbaijan, Cuba, and Egypt, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, hearing entitled ``Challenges Facing First Responders in Border Communities,'' 2 p.m., 1539 Longworth. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, hearing on the Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters, followed by consideration of issuing subpoena to the Republic National Committee, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, hearing on the Drug Enforcement Administration's Regulation of Medicine, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on H.R. 2010, National Offshore Aquaculture Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 105, Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study Act; H.R. 1083, To amend the Act establishing the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in order to include Butler County, Pennsylvania, within the boundaries of that heritage area; H.R. 1145, Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1297, Freedom's Way National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1815, To extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey; and H.R. 1885, Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services and the District of Columbia, hearing on Ensuring a Merit-Based Employment System: An Examination of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, hearing on Pakistan at the Crossroads; Afghanistan in the Balance, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing SBA's Microloan and Trade Programs, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, hearing on Transportation Worker Identification Card System, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, hearing on Reauthorization of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on Federal Procurement, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon. Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on issues facing Women and Minority Veterans, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, hearing on Children Who ``Age Out'' of the Foster Care System, 10 a.m., B-318 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management, executive, hearing on Intelligence Community Management, 1 p.m., H-405 Capitol. Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterterrorism, executive, hearing on Nuclear Terrorism, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol. Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, hearing entitled ``Plugging into Energy Independence with 150 MPG Vehicles,'' 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional Record is published. The database includes both text and graphics from the beginning of the 103d Congress, 2d session (January 1994) forward. It is available through GPO Access at www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess. Customers can also access this information with WAIS client software, via telnet at swais.access.gpo.gov, or dial-in using communications software and a modem at 202ÿ09512ÿ091661. Questions or comments regarding this database or GPO Access can be directed to the GPO Access User Support Team at: E-Mail: gpoaccess@gpo.gov; Phone 1ÿ09888ÿ09293ÿ096498 (toll-free), 202ÿ09512ÿ091530 (D.C. area); Fax: 202ÿ09512ÿ091262. The Team's hours of availability are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, except Federal holidays. The Congressional Record paper and 24x microfiche edition will be furnished by mail to subscribers, free of postage, at the following prices: paper edition, $252.00 for six months, $503.00 per year, or purchased as follows: less than 200 pages, $10.50; between 200 and 400 pages, $21.00; greater than 400 pages, $31.50, payable in advance; microfiche edition, $146.00 per year, or purchased for $3.00 per issue payable in advance. The semimonthly Congressional Record Index may be purchased for the same per issue prices. To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250ÿ097954, or phone orders to 866ÿ09512ÿ091800 (toll free), 202ÿ09512ÿ091800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202ÿ09512ÿ092250. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. 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 D962]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 12 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 30 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act, and certain Senators will be recognized to offer amendments. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, July 12 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 2956--Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act (Subject to a Rule). Possible consideration of H.R. 1851--Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Capps, Lois, Calif., E1485 Carnahan, Russ, Mo., E1483, E1484 Cole, Tom, Okla., E1486 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E1489 Cummings, Elijah E., Md., E1490 Ehlers, Vernon J., Mich., E1490 Harman, Jane, Calif., E1491 Hodes, Paul W., N.H., E1487 Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E1487 King, Peter T., N.Y., E1487 Lampson, Nick, Tex., E1491 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E1483, E1484 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E1490 McDermott, Jim, Wash., E1486 McGovern, James P., Mass., E1486 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1489 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E1488 Olver, John W., Mass., E1490 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1483, E1485, E1488 Sanchez, Linda T., Calif., E1486 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E1491 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E1485 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E1491 Wilson, Heather, N.M., E1489