Wednesday, April 18, 2007 [[Page D514]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S4623-S4722 Measures Introduced: Nineteen bills and nine resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 1138-1156, S. Res. 154-161, and S. Con. Res. 28. Pages S4675-76 Measures Passed: Commending Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 156, commending the achievements of the Rutgers University women's basketball team and applauding the character and integrity of the players as student-athletes. Page S4717 Best Wishes to Governor Jon S. Corzine: Senate agreed to S. Res. 157, extending the best wishes of the Senate to New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine and expressing the Senate's hope for his speedy and complete recovery. Page S4717 National and Global Youth Service Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 158, designating April 20, 2007, as ``National and Global Youth Service Day''. Pages S4717-19 Commending the Association For Advanced Life Underwriting: Senate agreed to S. Res. 159, commending the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting on its 50th anniversary. Pages S4719-20 Recognizing Hot Springs National Park: Senate agreed to S. Res. 160, recognizing the importance of Hot Springs National Park on the 175th anniversary of the enactment of the Act that authorized the establishment of Hot Springs Reservation. Page S4720 Honoring Oliver White Hill: Senate agreed to S. Res. 161, honoring the life of Oliver White Hill, a pioneer in the field of American civil rights law, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Pages S4720-21 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 28, congratulating the City of Chicago for being chosen to represent the United States in the international competition to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and encouraging the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago as the site of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Page S4721 Commending General Peter J. Schoomaker: Committee on Armed Services was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 139, commending General Peter J. Schoomaker for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States. Pages S4721-22 Honoring the life of Ernest Gallo: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 88, honoring the life of Ernest Gallo. Page S4722 United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy Reauthorization: Senate passed H.R. 1003, to amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, clearing the measure for the President. Page S4722 Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act: Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 3, to amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for fair prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries. Pages S4634-36 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 55 yeas to 42 nays (Vote No. 132), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Page S4634 Subsequently, Reid motion to reconsider, the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 3, was entered. Page S4634 Court Security Improvement Act: Senate began consideration of S. 378, to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members, after agreeing to the motion to proceed, agreeing to the committee amendment, and taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4653-66 Adopted: Leahy/Specter Amendment No. 896, to make technical changes. Pages S4661-62, S4665 [[Page D515]] Rejected: Coburn Amendment No. 891, to express the sense of the Senate that Congress should offset the cost of new spending. (By 59 yeas and 38 nays (Vote No. 134), Senate tabled the amendment.) Pages S4662-65, S4665-66 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 93 yeas to 3 nays (Vote No. 133), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Page S4636 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 Friday, April 20, 2007. Page S4666 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 19, 2007. Page S4722 Appointments: Congressional Award Board: The Chair, on behalf of the Republican Leader, pursuant to Public Law 96-114, as amended, appointed the following individual to the Congressional Award Board: Senator Isakson. Page S4717 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Frederick B. Cook, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Central African Republic. Joseph Adam Ereli, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Richard Boyce Norland, of Iowa, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan. Jeffery Reuben III, of the District of Columbia, to be an Under Secretary of State (Economic, Energy, and Agricultural Affairs). Jeffery Reuben III, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Alternate Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of five years; United States Alternate Governor of the Inter American Development Bank for a term of five years; United States Alternate Governor of the African Development Bank for a term of five years; United States Alternate Governor of the African Development Fund; United States Alternate Governor of the Asian Development Bank; and United States Alternate Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Page S4722 Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nomination: Enrique J. Sosa, of Florida, to be a Member of the Reform Board (Amtrak) for a term of five years, which was sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007. Page S4722 Messages from the House: Page S4673 Measures Referred: Page S4674 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S4674 Executive Communications: Pages S4674-75 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S4675 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4676-78 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S4678-S4702 Additional Statements: Page S4673 Amendments Submitted: Pages S4702-16 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S4716 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S4716-17 Privileges of the Floor: Page S4717 Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. (Total--134) Pages S4634, S4636, S4666 Adjournment: Senate convened at 8:30 a.m., and adjourned at 7:24 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4722.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine economic challenges and opportunities facing American agricultural producers today, focusing on livestock, poultry and competition issues relating to the reenactment of the Farm Bill, after receiving testimony from Peter C. Carstensen, University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison; Lynn A. Hayes, Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc., Saint Paul, Minnesota; Mary K. Muth, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Eric Nelson, R-CALF USA, Moville, Iowa; John Queen, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Waynesville, North Carolina; Joy Philippi, National Pork Producers Council, Bruning, Nebraska; Ron Truex, Creighton Brothers, LLC, Warsaw, Indiana, on behalf of the United Egg Producers; Burdell Johnson, American Sheep Industry Association, Tuttle, North Dakota; William P. Roenigk, National Chicken Council, Washington, [[Page D516]] D.C. Tim Schmidt, Hawarden, Iowa; and Scott Hamilton, Phil Campbell, Alabama. APPROPRIATIONS: HEALTH PROGRAMS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for maternal and child health, and family planning and reproductive health after receiving testimony from Kent Hill, Assistant Administrator for Global Health, United States Agency International Development (USAID); Nils Daulaire, Global Health Council, and Laurie Garrett, Council on Foreign Relations, both of Washington, D.C.; and Helene Gayle, Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), Atlanta, Georgia. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Energy after receiving testimony from Thomas P. D'Agostino, Acting Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, United States Department of Energy. BUDGET: DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel with the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded a joint hearing to examine the readiness impact of quality of life and family support programs to assist families of Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2008 and the Future Years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Senator Chambliss; Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; Lynda C. Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Military Personnel Policy; John McLaurin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Human Resources; Lieutenant General Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters, United States Air Force; Joyce Wessel Raezer, National Military Family Association, Alexandria, Virginia; and certain other public witnesses. FREE TRADE Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism concluded a hearing to examine the impacts of current United States trade policy, after receiving testimony from Leo Hindery, Jr., InterMedia Partners, New York, New York; Lori Wallach, Public Citizen, Christopher Wenk, United States Chamber of Commerce, and Edward Gresser, all of Washington, D.C.; and John Johnston, Modern Metal Cutting, LLC, Akron, Ohio. COAST GUARD: BUDGET Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2008 for the United States Coast Guard, after receiving testimony from Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security. NOMINATION Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr. to be Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf. TAX GAP Committee on Finance: Committee held a hearing to examine the Administration's plan for addressing the issue of taxpayers' compliance with their federal tax obligations and the extent to which taxpayers do not file their tax returns and pay the correct tax on time, focusing on goals, benchmarks, and timetables for reducing noncompliance, receiving testimony from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. Hearing recessed subject to the call. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of R. Niels Marquardt, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Union of Comoros, Janet E. Garvey, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon, and Phillip Carter III, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of Gregory B. Cade, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: [[Page D517]] S.1082, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to reauthorize and amend the prescription drug user fee provisions, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and The nominations of Douglas G. Myers, of California, Jeffrey Patchen, of Indiana, Lotsee Patterson, of Oklahoma, all to be Members of the National Museum and Library Services Board, Stephen W. Porter, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts, and Cynthia Allen Wainscott, of Georgia, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability, and promotion lists for the Public Health Service. ELECTION EXPENDITURES Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1091, to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to repeal the limitation on party expenditures on behalf of candidates in general elections, after receiving testimony from John Samples, Cato Institute, Marc E. Elias, Perkins Coie LLP, Fred Wertheimer, Democracy 21, Thomas E. Mann, Brookings Institution, Gary Kalman, United States Public Interest Research Group, and Michael J. Malbin, Campaign Finance Institute, all of Washington, D.C. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT AND SMALL BUSINESS Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Public Law 107-204) and its impact on small public companies, after receiving testimony from Christopher Cox, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Mark W. Olson, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Washington, D.C.; Thomas R. Venables, Benjamin Franklin Bank, on behalf of the American Bankers Association, and Joseph Piche, Eikos, Inc., both of Franklin, Massachusetts; and Richard Wasielewski, Nortech Systems, Inc., Wayzata, Minnesota. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of Thomas E. Harvey, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Congressional Affairs). House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 32 public bills, H.R. 1905- 1936; and 4 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 116-119; and H. Res. 315-317, 320-321, were introduced. Pages H3559-61 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H3561-62 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 317, providing for consideration of H.R. 1905, to provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives and providing for consideration of H.R. 1906, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million (H. Rept. 110-98); H. Res. 318, providing for consideration of H.R. 363 to authorize appropriations for basic research and research infrastructure in science and engineering, and for support of graduate fellowships (H. Rept. 110-99); H. Res. 319, providing for consideration of H.R. 1495, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources and to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States (H. Rept. 110- 100); and H.R. 1281, to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain deceptive practices in Federal elections, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-101). Page H3559 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Eshoo to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H3481 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Ron Jackson, East Gaffney Baptist Church, Gaffney, South Carolina. Page H3481 Calendar Wednesday: On a call of committees pursuant to the Calendar Wednesday rule, no bills were called up for consideration. Page H3481 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the following measures: Offering heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families regarding the horrific violence at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, and to the students, faculty, administration and staff and their families who have been deeply affected by the [[Page D518]] tragic events that occurred there: H. Res. 306, to offer heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families regarding the horrific violence at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, and to the students, faculty, administration and staff and their families who have been deeply affected by the tragic events that occurred there, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 221; Pages H3486-92, H3510-11 Commending the achievements of the Rutgers University women's basketball team and applauding the character and integrity of their student-athletes: H. Res. 300, to commend the achievements of the Rutgers University women's basketball team and applauding the character and integrity of their student-athletes, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 416 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and 2 voting ``present'', Roll No. 226; and Pages H3492-94, H3527-28 Honoring the 53,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians that comprise the Nation's special operations forces community: H. Res. 305, to honor the 53,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and civilians that comprise the Nation's special operations forces community. Pages H3494-99 Relief for Entrepreneurs: Coordination of Objectives and Values for Effective Recovery Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 1361, to improve the disaster relief programs of the Small Business Administration, by a recorded vote of 267 ayes to 158 noes, Roll No. 225. Pages H3511-27 Rejected the McHenry motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Small Business with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a recorded vote of 204 ayes to 218 noes, Roll No. 224. Pages H3525-26 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Small Business now printed in the bill and modified by the amendment printed in part A of H. Rept. 110-97 shall be considered as adopted and shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. Page H3516 Agreed to: Jindal modified amendment (No. 3 printed in Part B of House Report 110-97) that adds a new section to the bill relating to a Gulf Coast disaster loan refinancing program. Pages H3522-23 Rejected: Chabot amendment (No. 1 printed in Part B of House Report 110-97) that sought to strike section 211, thereby requiring anyone receiving both a grant and a disaster loan to use the grant to repay the disaster loan thereby preventing the government from compensating the same person twice for the same disaster (by a recorded vote of 178 ayes to 246 noes, Roll No. 222) and Pages H3519-21, H3523-24 Chabot amendment (No. 2 printed in Part B of House Report 110-97) that sought to strike section 210, thereby eliminating the authority of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to offer grants to certain small businesses that were severely affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma but that were denied disaster loans (by a recorded vote of 174 ayes to 252 noes, Roll No. 223). Pages H3521-22, H3524 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Pages H3528-29 H. Res. 302, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous question. Pages H3506-08 Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of Jim Jontz, former Member of Congress. Page H3527 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the following measure which was debated on Tuesday, April 17th: Supporting the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week: H. Res. 293, to support the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 411 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 227. Page H3528 Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act: The House began consideration of H.R. 1257, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation. Further consideration is expected to continue Friday, April 20th. Pages H3530-50 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H3539 Agreed to: Bachus amendment (No. 1 printed in the Congressional Record of April 17, 2007) that makes technical changes to section 2 of the bill; Pages H3539-40 Roskam amendment (No. 12 printed in the Congressional Record of April 17, 2007) that adds clarifying language relating to special meetings of shareholders; and Page H3540 Frank modified amendment (No. 4 printed in the Congressional Record of April 17, 2007) that adds clarifying language to the bill. Page H3540 [[Page D519]] Withdrawn: Jackson-Lee amendment (No. 6 printed in the Congressional Record of April 17, 2007) that was offered and subsequently withdrawn that sought to add a new paragraph relating to the website disclosure of votes. Pages H3540-41 H. Res. 301, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 227 ayes to 195 noes, Roll No. 220, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 226 yeas to 199 nays, Roll No. 219. Pages H3499-H3506, H3508-10 Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and five recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3509, H3509-10, H3510, H3523-24, H3524, H3526, H3526-27, H3527-28, and H3528. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Committee Meetings ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the economic impacts of production, processing and marketing of organic agricultural products. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army Reset. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Army: LTG Stephen Speakes, G8; LTG Ann Dunwoody G4; and LTG William Mortensen, Army Material Command. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Army/Marine Corps Personnel Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1; and LTG Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Power. FINANCIAL SERVICE AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee n Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the GSA. Testimony was heard from Lurita A. Doan, Administrator, GSA. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearing. Testimony was heard from public witnesses (Native Americans). U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM William Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION FUELS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``Alternative Transportation Fuels: An Overview.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MEDICARE PROGRAM EFFICIENCY AND INTEGRITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled ``Medicare Program Efficiency and Integrity.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Stuart E. Wright, Deputy Inspector General, Evaluation and Inspections; Daniel S. Fridman, Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General and Special Counsel for Health Care Fraud, Department of Justice; and Mark E. Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. LEBANON'S POLITICAL SITUATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on the Political Situation in Lebanon. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. ISOLATING PROLIFERATORS AND SPONSORS OF TERROR Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, and the Subcommittee on Domestic, and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology of the Committee on Financial Services held a joint hearing on Isolating Proliferators and Sponsors of Terror: The Use of Sanctions and the International Financial System to Change Regime Behavior. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Daniel Glaser, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence; and Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control; [[Page D520]] the following officials of the Department of State: Paul E. Simons, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs; and Patricia McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation; Sarah Steelman, Treasurer, State of Missouri; and public witnesses. NATIONAL SECURITY AND MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled ``Can BioShield Effectively Procure Medical Countermeasures that Safeguard the Nation?'' Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Runge, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs (Acting) and Chief Medical Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Gerry Parker, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Jesse Goodman, M.D., Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA. SUBPOENAS REGARDING RECENT TERMINATION OF U.S. ATTORNEYS Committee on the Judiciary: Postponed consideration of the following: a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue a subpoena to Monica Goodling for testimony and related documents at a hearing before the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters; and a resolution directing the House General Counsel to apply to a United States district court for an order immunizing from use in prosecutions the testimony of, and related information provided by, Monica Goodling under compulsion at proceedings before or ancillary to the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters. The Committee also considered pending Committee business. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2006; and H.R. 65, Lumbee Recognition Act. Testimony was heard from Senator Dole; Representatives McIntryre, Moran of Virginia, Scott of Virginia, Wolf; Hayes, Jones of North Carolina, and McHenry; Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NATIONAL CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 401, National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007. ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Ensuring Fairness and Accuracy in Elections Involving Electronic Voting Systems. Testimony was heard from Gracia Hillman, Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Randolph Hite, Director, Information Technology Architecture and Systems, GAO; Robin Carnahan, Secretary of State, State of Missouri; and public witnesses. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007, 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 makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 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 except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, during consideration of H.R. 1495 in the House, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson, Welch of Vermont, Stupak, Blumenauer and Baker. SOWING THE SEEDS THROUGH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general [[Page D521]] debate on H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Science and Technology. 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 makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as an original bill and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment are waived except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of the bill the Chair may postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was head from Chairman Gordon and Representative Hall of Texas. DC HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT; AMEND INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO ADJUST ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT SAFE HARBOR BASED ON INCOME FOR PRECEDING YEAR IN THE CASE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME GREATER THAN $5 MILLION Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. With respect to H.R. 1905, the rule provides for 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1905, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act, 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 the bill and its consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1905 with or without instructions. With respect to H.R. 1906, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million, the rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1906 with or without instructions. The rule further provides that, if either bill fails of passage or fails to reach the question of passage by an order of recommittal, then both bills shall be laid upon the table. Otherwise, in the engrossment of H.R. 1905, the Clerk shall add the text of H.R. 1906 at the end and conform the resulting bill. H.R. 1906 and H.R. 1433 shall be laid upon the table. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of either H.R. 1905 or H.R. 1906, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Issa. OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE DOWNSIZING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held an oversight hearing on Proposals to Downsize the Federal Protective Service and Effects on the Protection of Federal Buildings. Testimony was heard from Representative Wu; Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security; the following employees of the Federal Protective Service: Inspector Michael J. Brown; Inspector Sterling Proctor, Jr.; Corporal Stanley Nowak; and Officer Jim Ward; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD DEEPWATER REQUIREMENTS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held an oversight hearing on Compliance with Requirements of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Contract. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security: Scott Sampson, Section Chief, Development Section, U.S. Coast Guard Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic in the Vessel Specifications Branch; Debu Ghosh, Naval Architect, Branch Chief, Boat Engineering Branch; Joe Michael, Assistant Deputy, Systems Implementation, Nationwide Automatic Identification System Project; LCDR Chad Jacoby, USCG, Program Manager, Scaleable Composite Vessel Prototype Program Science and Technology Directorate; Cathy Martindale, Contracting Office Chief, Engineering and Logistics Center; and RADM Gary T. Blore, USCG, Program Executive Officer, Integrated Deepwater System; VADM Paul E. Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, U.S. Navy; and public witnesses. VA HEALTHCARE ACCESS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported H.R. 1642, Homeless Veterans Housing at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Promotion Act. [[Page D522]] WWII MERCHANT MARINE BENEFITS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on H.R. 23, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; former Merchant Marine Combat Veterans; and representatives of U.S. Merchant Marine veterans organizations. VA HEALTH CARE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on access to VA Health Care: How Easy is it for Veterans? Addressing the Gaps. Testimony was heard from Marcia Brand, M.D., Associate Administrator, Rural Heath Policy, Health Resources Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; Gerald Cross, M.D., Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. ALL-SOURCE ANALYSIS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on All-Source Analysis. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS--RISING OIL DEPENDENCE AND GLOBAL WARMING Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled ``Geopolitical Implications of Rising Oil Dependence and Global Warming.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Joint Meetings BUSINESS MEETING Joint Committee on the Library: Committee adopted its rules of procedure for the 110th Congress. BUSINESS MEETING Joint Committee on Printing: Committee adopted its rules of procedure for the 110th Congress. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine rising highway fatalities, 10 a.m., SD-124. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., SD-192. Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for military construction for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, 10 a.m., SD-138. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to receive testimony on the Department of Defense's management of costs under the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract in Iraq, 9:30 a.m., SD-106. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the military space programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request and the Future Years Defense Program; with the possibility of a closed session in SR-222 following the open session, 2:30 p.m., SR-232A. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, to hold hearings to examine United States competitiveness through basic research, 10 a.m., SR- 253. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine grains, cane, and automobiles relating to tax incentives for alternative fuels and vehicles, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the impact of global warming on private and federal insurance, 9 a.m., SD-342. Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, to hold hearings to examine the current state of the Postal Service along with the efforts underway to implement the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Public Law 109-435), 2 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold oversight hearings to examine the Department of Justice, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., S-407, Capitol. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine bioidentical hormones, 10 a.m., SD-562. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research, hearing to review USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, 1 p.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Food Safety and Inspection Service, 10 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Defense, executive, on U.S. Special Operations-- Command, 1:30 a.m., H-140 Capitol. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on Members of Congress and Public Witnesses, 9:30 a.m., and on Public witnesses, 1:30 p.m., B-308 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on GAO, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol. [[Page D523]] Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, on Public Diplomacy and Broadcasting Programs, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, to continue hearings entitled ``Digital Future of the United States: Part III: Spectrum Opportunities and the Future of Wireless,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, hearing entitled ``The Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007: H.R. 1852, to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers; and related FHA Modernization Issues, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, to mark up the following resolutions: H.Res. 243, Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan, and other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience; H. Res. 272, Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade; and H. Con. Res. 7, Calling on the League of Arab States to acknowledge the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan and to step up their efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur; followed by a hearing on Current Situation in Darfur, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science Technology, hearing entitled ``Cyber Insecurity: Hackers are Penetrating Federal Systems and Critical Infrastructure,'' 1 p.m., 1539 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, hearing entitled ``Addressing the Department of Homeland Security's Morale Crisis,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure Protection, hearing entitled ``Airport Security: The Necessary Improvements to Secure America's Airports,'' 11:30 a.m., 340 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, oversight hearing on Federal Judicial Compensation, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, hearing on Shortfalls of 1986 Immigration Reform Legislation, 3 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on Renewable Energy Opportunities and Issues on Federal Lands: Review of Title II, Subtitle B--Geothermal Energy of EPAct; and other renewable programs and proposals for public resources, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, oversight hearing on Current Economic, Social and Security Conditions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Natural Parks, Forests and Public Lands, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 359, Cesar Estrada Chavez Study Act; H.R. 713, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, H.R. 1080, Grand Teton National Park Extension Act of 2007; H.R. 1100, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision Act of 2007; and a measure expressing the sense of Congress that the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located at 2820 Rungius Road, Jackson, Wyoming, shall be designated as the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. Subcommittee on Water and Power, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 487, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Amendments Act of 2007; H.R. 1114, Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007; and H.R. 1140, South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1870, Contractor Tax Enforcement Act; and H.R. 1865, to amend title 31, United States Code, to allow certain local tax debt to be collected through the reduction of Federal tax funds, 1 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Science, to mark up a measure to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the National Science Foundation, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, to mark up the Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Expanding Small Businesses' Access to Federal Contracts,'' 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, hearing on High-Speed Rail Systems, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, hearing on Nonpoint Source Pollution: The Impact of Agriculture on Water Quality, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on State Approving Agencies, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on Surgical Services at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, hearing on Energy and Tax Policy, 2 p.m., B-318 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, hearing on National Clandestine Service/Human Intelligence, 2 p.m., H-405 Capitol. 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 D524]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 19 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of S. 378, Court Security Improvement Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, April 19 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of the following bills: H.R. 1905-- District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act; H.R. 1906--Amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the Estimated Tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million; and H.R. 1495--Water Resources Development Act of 2007. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue. HOUSE Berman, Howard L., Calif., E773 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E781 Brown, Henry E., Jr., S.C., E777 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E778 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E770, E773 Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E783 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E779 Ellsworth, Brad, Ind., E783 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E776 Farr, Sam, Calif., E778 Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E770, E773 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E777, E778 Hinojosa, Ruben, Tex., E779 Jackson-Lee, Sheila, Tex., E783 Johnson, Sam, Tex., E781 Lamborn, Doug, Colo., E783 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E782 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E781 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E769, E773 McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E772 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E782 Michaud, Michael H., Me., E779 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E771 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E771 Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E777 Poe, Ted, Tex., E775 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E769, E772, E776, E778, E781 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E775 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E782 Rohrabacher, Dana, Calif., E771 Ross, Mike, Ark., E769, E772, E776 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E769, E772 Schwartz, Allyson Y., Pa., E770, E773 Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E777 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E775, E782 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E770 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E779