Wednesday, May 23, 2007 [[Page D732]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS House Committees ordered reported seventeen sundry measures. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S6495-S6575 Measures Introduced: Twenty-one bills were introduced, as follows: S. 36, 37, 38, 1453-1470. Page S6549 Measures Reported: Special Report entitled ``Economic Developments in Aging''. (S. Rept. No. 110-71) S. 495, to prevent and mitigate identity theft, to ensure privacy, to provide notice of security breaches, and to enhance criminal penalties, law enforcement assistance, and other protections against security breaches, fraudulent access, and misuse of personally identifiable information, with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 110-70) S. 231, to authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. Page S6548 Measures Passed: President Ford Commemorative Document: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 128, authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, Gerald Rudolph Ford. Page S6572 Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building: Senate passed S. 1352, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, as the ``Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building''. Page S6573 Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez Post Office Building: Senate passed H.R. 414, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 60 Calle McKinley, West in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as the ``Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez Post Office Building'', clearing the measure for the President. Page S6573 Lino Perez, Jr. Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 437, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande City, Texas, as the ``Lino Perez, Jr. Post Office'', clearing the measure for the President. Page S6573 Atanacio Haro-Marin Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 625, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4230 Maine Avenue in Baldwin Park, California, as the ``Atanacio Haro-Marin Post Office'', clearing the measure for the President. Page S6573 Lieutenant Todd Jason Bryant Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 988, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5757 Tilton Avenue in Riverside, California, as the ``Lieutenant Todd Jason Bryant Post Office'', clearing the measure for the President. Page S6573 Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Lecanto Post Office Building: Senate passed H.R. 1402, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South Lecanto Highway in Lecanto, Florida, as the ``Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Lecanto Post Office Building'', clearing the measure for the President. Page S6573 Measures Considered: Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Senate continued consideration of S. 1348, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform, and taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S6499-S6539 Adopted: By 74 yeas to 24 nays (Vote No. 175), Bingaman Amendment No. 1169 (to Amendment No. 1150), to reduce to 200,000 the number of certain non- immigrants permitted to be admitted during a fiscal year. Pages S6506-14 [[Page D733]] Graham Amendment No. 1173 (to Amendment No. 1150), to provide for minimum sentences for aliens who reenter the United States after removal. Pages S6514-18, S6522 Feinstein/Martinez Amendment No. 1146 (to Amendment No. 1150), to provide for the protection of unaccompanied alien children. Pages S6521-22, S6524 Gregg Amendment No. 1172 (to Amendment No. 1150), to ensure control of our Nation's borders and strengthen enforcement of our immigration laws. Pages S6522-24, S6524-28 Prior to its adoption, a unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the motion to table the amendment be withdrawn. Page S6527 Leahy Modified Amendment No. 1165 (to Amendment No. 1150), to clarify rules applicable to aliens employed as dairy workers. Page S6530 Graham (for Hutchison) No. 1168 (to Amendment No. 1150), to provide local officials and the Secretary of Homeland Security greater involvement in decisions regarding the location of border fencing. Pages S6530-31 Pending: Reid (for Kennedy/Specter) Amendment No. 1150, in the nature of a substitute. Page S6499 Grassley/DeMint Amendment No. 1166 (to Amendment No. 1150), to clarify that the revocation of an alien's visa or other documentation is not subject to judicial review. Pages S6499-S6506 Cornyn Amendment No. 1184 (to Amendment No. 1150), to establish a permanent bar for gang members, terrorists, and other criminals. Pages S6529-30, S6531-35 Coleman/Bond Amendment No. 1158 (to Amendment No. 1150), to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to facilitate information sharing between federal and local law enforcement officials related to an individual's immigration status. Pages S6536-37 Akaka Amendment No. 1186 (to Amendment No. 1150), to exempt children of certain Filipino World War II veterans from the numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Pages S6537-39 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 24, 2007. Page S6573 Stevens Tributes--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the deadline for Senators to submit tributes on Senator Stevens for the Congressional Record be extended until close of business on Monday, June 4, 2007. Page S6572 Message from the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States on Friday, May 18, 2007: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the continuation of the national emergency with respect to Iraq as declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, as received during the recess of the Senate on May 18, 2007; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM 15) Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Ondray T. Harris, of Virginia, to be Director, Community Relations Service, for a term of four years. 43 Army nominations in the rank of general. Page S6575 Nominations Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nominations: Michael E. Baroody, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of seven years from October 27, 2006, which was sent to the Senate on March 5, 2007. Michael E. Baroody, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which was sent to the Senate on March 5, 2007. Page S6575 Messages from the House: Page S6547 Measures Referred: Page S6547 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S6548 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S6548-49 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6549-51 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S6551-62 Additional Statements: Pages S6546-47 Amendments Submitted: Pages S6562-71 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S6571-72 Privileges of the Floor: Page S6572 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--175) Page S6514 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 8:26 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S6573.) [[Page D734]] Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) AUTHORIZATION--DEFENSE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces met in a closed session and approved for full committee consideration, those provisions which fall within the jurisdiction of the subcommittee, of the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. AUTHORIZATION--DEFENSE Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed session to make up proposed legislation authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, but did not complete action thereon, and will meet again on tomorrow. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported 142 nominations in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. U.S. ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on Security and International Trade and Finance concluded a hearing to examine United States economic relations with China, focusing on strategies and options on exchange rates and market access, after receiving testimony from Morris Goldstein, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Fairfax, Virginia; Robert S. Nichols, Financial Services Forum, and David A. Hartquist, China Currency Coalition, both of Washington, D.C.; Patrick A. Mulloy, George Mason University School of Law, Alexandria, Virginia, former Member, U.S China Economic and Security Review Commission; and John W. Nolan, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana. COMMUNICATIONS, TAXATION AND FEDERALISM Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine communications, taxation and federalism, focusing on the internet access tax moratorium and its impact on state and local government revenues, after receiving testimony from Senators Wyden and Enzi; Representative Eshoo; James R. White, Director, Tax Issues, Strategic Issues, Government Accountability Office; David C. Quam, National Governors Association, and Harley T. Duncan, Federation of Tax Administrators, both of Washington, D.C.; Annabelle Canning, Verizon Communications, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Jeff Dircksen, National Taxpayers Union, Alexandria, Virginia. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably reported the following items: S. Con. Res. 6, expressing the sense of Congress that the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson, Wyoming, should be designated as the ``National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States''; S. 126, to modify the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park, with an amendment; S. 175, 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, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 324, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of water resources in the State of New Mexico; S. 542, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies to address certain water shortages within the Snake, Boise, and Payette River systems in the State of Idaho; S. 553, 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; S. 580, to amend the National Trails System Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to update the feasibility and suitability studies of four national historic trails; S. 686, to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historical Trail; S. 797, to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia as a National Historic Trail, with amendments; S. 890, to provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, with amendments; S. 1037, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the planning, design, and construction of the Tumalo Irrigation District Water Conservation Project in Deschutes County, Oregon; S. 1110, to amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to provide for the conjunctive use of surface and ground water in Juab County, Utah; S. 1139, to establish the National Landscape Conservation System, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; [[Page D735]] S. 1152, to promote wildland firefighter safety, with an amendment; H.R. 161, to adjust the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial in Bainbridge Island, Washington, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 235, to allow for the renegotiation of the payment schedule of contracts between the Secretary of the Interior and the Redwood Valley County Water District; H.R. 247, to designate a Forest Service trail at Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest in the State of Oregon as a national recreation trail in honor of Jim Weaver, a former Member of the House of Representatives; H.R. 276, to designate the Piedras Blancas Light Station and the surrounding public land as an Outstanding Natural Area to be administered as a part of the National Landscape Conservation System; H.R. 376, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of including the battlefields and related sites of the First and Second Battles of Newtonia, Missouri, during the Civil War as part of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield or designating the battlefields and related sites as a separate unit of the National Park System; H.R. 482, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer ownership of the American River Pump Station Project; H.R. 497, to authorize the Marion Park Project, a committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia, and its environs to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion; H.R. 512, to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC; H.R. 658, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements to protect natural resources of units of the National Park System through collaborative efforts on land inside and outside of units of the National Park System; H.R. 839, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of enlarging the Arthur V. Watkins Dam Weber Basin Project, Utah, to provide additional water for the Weber Basin Project to fulfill the purposes for which that project was authorized; H.R. 866, to enhance ecosystem protection and the range of outdoor opportunities protected by statute in the Skykomish River valley of the State of Washington by designating certain lower-elevation Federal lands as wilderness; H.R. 902, to facilitate the use for irrigation and other purposes of water produced in connection with development of energy resources, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 1047, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum located in St. Louis, Missouri, as a unit of the National Park System; and The nominations of Joseph Timothy Kelliher, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and R. Lyle Laverty, of Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife. FUNDING SOCIAL SECURITY'S ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS Committee on Finance: Committee concluded hearings to examine funding Social Security's administrative costs, focusing on disability benefits and the claims process, after receiving testimony from Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, Social Security Administration; Nancy G. Shor, National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey; Richard E. Warsinskey, National Council of Social Security Management Associations, Inc., Washington, DC; and Chuck Schimmels, National Association of Disability Examiners, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. VIOLENT CRIME Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs concluded a hearing to examine rising crime in the United States, focusing on the federal role in helping communities prevent and respond to violent crime, including S. 368, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program, after receiving testimony from Mark Epley, Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Trenton, New Jersey, on behalf of the United States Conference of Mayors; Ted Kamatchus, Marshall County, Marshalltown, Iowa, on behalf of the National Sheriffs' Association; Thomas J. Nee, National Association of Police Organizations, and James Alan Fox, Northeastern University, both of Boston, Massachusetts; Rick S. Gregory, New Castle County Police Department, New Castle, Delaware; and Russell B. Laine, Algonquin Police Department, Algonquin, Illinois, on behalf of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. [[Page D736]] WASHINGTON, DC: VOTER REPRESENTATION Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1257, to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives, and 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, focusing on ending taxation without representation, after receiving testimony from Representatives Cannon and Norton; John P. Elwood, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice; Patricia Wald, former Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; Kenneth R. Thomas, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Utah Attorney General Mark L. Shurtleff, Salt Lake City; Jonathan Turley, George Washington University Law School, and Richard B. Bress, Latham and Watkins LLP, both of Washington, DC9y008; and Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine health care legislation, after receiving testimony from Gerald M. Cross, Acting Principal Deputy, Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; Carl Blake, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Jerry Reed, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, and Dennis M. Cullinan, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, all of Washington, D.C.; Joy J. Ilem, Disabled American Veterans, Cold Spring, Kentucky; Shannon Middleton, American Legion, Indianapolis, Indiana; Bernard Edelman, Vietnam Veterans of America, Silver Spring, Maryland; Meredith Beck, Wounded Warrior Project, New York, New York; and John Booss, American Academy of Neurology, Saint Paul, Minnesota. BUSINESS MEETING Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill authorizing funds for fiscal year 2008 for the intelligence community. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: Will be in the next issue of the Record. (See next issue.) Additional Cosponsors: (See Next issue.) Reports Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H.R. 2199, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements in the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injuries, with amendments (H. Rept. 110-166). (See Next issue.) Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Chaplain Marc Unger, 1-184th Infantry, California Army National Guard, Exeter, California. Page H5625 Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy--Appointment: The Speaker announced her appointment of the following Members of the House of Representatives to the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy: Representatives Hinchey, Hall (NY), McHugh, and Tiahrt. Page H5625 Point of Personal Privilege: Representative Kucinich rose to a point of personal privilege and was recognized. Pages H5638-44 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act: H.R. 1252, amended, to protect consumers from price-gouging of gasoline and other fuels, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 284 yeas to 141 nays, Roll No. 404; Pages H5628-36, H5647 Amending title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements between two physicians during the period in which one of the physicians is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces: H.R. 2429, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an exception to the 60-day limit on Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements between two physicians during the period in which one of the physicians is ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, by a [[Page D737]] \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 422 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 405; Pages H5636-38, H5647-48 Urging Americans and people of all nationalities to visit the American Cemeteries, Memorials and Markers: H. Res. 392, to urge Americans and people of all nationalities to visit the American Cemeteries, Memorials and Markers; Pages H5654-56 Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007: H.R. 67, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 410; Pages H5656-60, H5680-81 Directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region: H.R. 1660, amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region; Pages H5660-62 Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007: H.R. 612, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf War or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 411; Pages H5662-64, H5681 Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act: H.R. 1470, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 412; Pages H5668-71, H5681-82 Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007: H.R. 2199, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements in the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injuries, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 413; and Pages H5671-78, H5682-83 Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act: H.R. 2239, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 414 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 414. Pages H5678-80, H5683 Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 1100, to revise the boundary of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in the State of North Carolina, by a recorded vote of 268 ayes to 150 noes, Roll No. 409. Pages H5648-54, H5664-68 Rejected the Pearce motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Natural Resources with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a recorded vote of 192 ayes to 228 noes, Roll No. 408. Pages H5666-67 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H5666 Rejected: Bishop (UT) amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-165) that sought to reduce the total amount of acreage which can be acquired for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site from 115 acres to 5 (for use as a visitor center and parking lot); Pages H5652-53 Bishop (UT) amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-165) that sought to delay the acquisition of any new land for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site until after deferred maintenance has been completed at the site (by a recorded vote of 185 yeas to 243 nays, Roll No. 406); and Pages H5651-52, H5664-65 Heller (NV) amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 110-165) that sought to eliminate the use of appropriated funds to acquire 110 acres of land for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, but still allows the land to be acquired by donation, purchase with donated funds, or by exchange with other lands (by a recorded vote of 183 yeas to 243 nays, Roll No. 407). Pages H5653-54, H5665-66 H. Res. 429, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 198 nays, Roll No. 403, after agreeing to order the previous question. Pages H5644-47 Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy-- Appointment: The Chair announced the Speakers appointment of the following Members of the House of Representatives to the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Representatives McCarthy (NV), and King (NV). Page H5693 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H5625. Senate Referrals: S. 375 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and S. 33 was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. Quorum Calls--Votes: Eight yea-and-nay votes and four recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H5646-47, H5647, [[Page D738]] H5648, H5665, H5665-66, H5667, H5667-68, H5680-81, H5681, H5682, H5682- 83, and H5683. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and at 11:50 p.m. stands in recess subject to the call of the Chair. Committee Meetings ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2008. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2008. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2347, amended, Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007; H.R. 1980, Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1982, amended, Rural Housing and Economic Development Act of 2007; H.R. 2139, amended, FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007. The Committee began mark up of H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 885, amended, International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act 2007; H.R. 2446, Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2007; H.R. 2420, amended, International Climate Cooperation Re- Engagement Act of 2007. The Committee also favorably considered the following resolutions and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: S. 676, To provide that the Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank or the Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank may serve on the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation; H. Con. Res. 21, amended, Calling on the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of the State of Israel; H. Con. Res. 80, amended, Calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and to recommence vital peace talks, and urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community; H. Con. Res. 151, amended, Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of dozens of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade, and calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with outside investigators in solving these murders; H. Con. Res. 152, Relating to the 40th anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem; H. Res. 137, amended, Honoring the life and six decades of public service of Jacob Birnbaum and especially his commitment freeing Soviet Jews from religious, cultural and communal extinction; H. Res. 226, amended, To recognize John Pehle for his contributions to the Nation in helping rescue Jews and other minorities from the Holocaust during World War II; H. Res. 233, amended, Recognizing over 200 years of sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and expressing support for efforts by the United States to continue to strengthen its relationship with that country; H. Res. 295, amended, Recognizing the strong alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States and expressing appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its efforts in the global war against terrorism; H. Res. 395, Supporting the ideals and values of the Olympic movement; H. Res. 397, amended, Condemning violence in Estonia and attacks on Estonia's embassies in 2007, and expressing solidarity with the Government and the people of Estonia; H. Res. 412, amended, Expressing gratitude to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for their State Visit to the United States and reaffirming the friendship that exists between the United States and the United Kingdom; H. Res. 418, Recognizing and welcoming the delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, D.C., and commending the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for holding the Conference on the Caribbean; H. Res. 222, Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan; and H. Res. 430, amended, Calling on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. [[Page D739]] U.S. AID TO PALESTINIANS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; LTG Keith W. Dayton, U.S. Security Coordinator; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. U.S. AGRICULTURE SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Reducing Threats to Our Nation's Agriculture: Authorizing a Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.'' Testimony was heard from John Vitko, M.D., Head, Chemical and Biological Division, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the USDA: Edward Knipling, M.D., Administrator, Agricultural Research Service; and Kevin Shea, Assistant Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. ATTORNEYS INVESTIGATION Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing to continue investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters. Testimony was heard from Monica Goodling, former Senior Counsel to the Attorney General and White House Liaison, Department of Justice. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law continued hearings on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Becoming Americans--U.S. Immigrant Integration. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ENERGY POLICY REFORM Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director, Mineral Management Service; and Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; Michael M. Simpson, Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Forest Service, USDA; Vickie VanZandt, Senior Vice President, Transmission Business Line, Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy; Timothy R. E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. CLIMATE PROTECTION OPPORTUNITIES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Achievements and Opportunities for Climate Protection under the Montreal Protocol. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WEAPONIZING SPACE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Weaponizing Space: Is Current U.S. Policy Protecting Our National Security? Testimony was heard from MG James B. Armor, Jr., USAF, Director, National Security Space Office, Department of Defense; Donald Mahley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Threat Reduction, Department of State; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 364, amended, To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy; H.R. 1467, 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act; H.R. 1716, amended, Green Energy Education Act of 2007; and H.R. 632, amended, H-Prize Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2359, SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007; H.R. 2366, SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007; H.R. 2284, To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; H.R. 2397, SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007; and H.R. 2389, Small Energy Efficient Businesses Act. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported H.R. 2011, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the ``George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' The Committee also approved the following: General Services Administration Capital Investment Resolutions, as amended; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions. IRS USE OF PRIVATE COLLECTION FIRMS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on IRS's Private Debt Collection. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer [[Page D740]] Advocate; and Kevin M. Brown, Acting Commissioner; Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; and public witnesses. 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. Joint Meetings U.S. PETROLEUM INDUSTRY Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded hearings to examine the United States petroleum industry, focusing on corporate mergers and other factors that influence gasoline prices, after receiving testimony from Thomas McCool, Director, Applied Research and Methods, Government Accountability Office; Michael A. Salinger, Director, Bureau of Economics, Federal Trade Commission; Diana L. Moss, American Antitrust Institute, Samantha Slater, Renewable Fuels Association, and Red Cavaney, American Petroleum Institute, all of Washington, D.C.; Dennis C. DeCota, California Service Station and Automotive Repair Association (CSSARA), Novato, California; and James L. Smith, Southern Methodist University, Department of Finance, Dallas, Texas. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: closed business meeting to mark up the proposed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, 10 a.m., SR-222. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Charles Darwin Snelling, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold an oversight hearing to examine opportunities and challenges associated with coal gasification, including coal-to-liquids and industrial gasification, 9:30 a.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hearings to examine potential impacts of global warming on recreation and the recreation industry, 10:30 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure, to hold hearings to examine energy efficiency, focusing on tax incentives for reducing consumption, 2 p.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: business meeting to consider S.392, to ensure payment of United States assessments for United Nations peacekeeping operations for the 2005 through 2008 time period, S. Res. 211, expressing the profound concerns of the Senate regarding the transgression against freedom of thought and expression that is being carried out in Venezuela, S. Con. Res. 25, condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society, S. Res. 110, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-United States dialogue and relationship, and the nominations of Phillip Carter, III, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, 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, Dell L. Dailey, of South Dakota, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and status of Ambassador at Large, Mark P. Lagon, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large, James K. Glassman, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, Cameron R. Hume, of New York, to be Ambassador of Indonesia, James R. Keith, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to Malaysia, Miriam K. Hughes, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Ravic Rolf Huso, of Hawaii, to be Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Hans G. Klemm, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and promotion lists in the Foreign Service, 11:30 a.m., S-116, Capitol. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, to hold hearings to examine federal real property, focusing on the property management problems highlighted in a recent Government Accountability Office report, 10 a.m., SD-342. Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery, to hold hearings to examine issues relative to residents of Louisiana affected by Hurricane Katrina or Rita, focusing on the goals, costs, management and impediments facing Louisiana's Road Home Program, 3 p.m., SD- 342. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 185, to restore habeas corpus for those detained by the United States, S. 1327, to create and extend certain temporary district court judgeships, H. Con. Res. 76, honoring the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year and its past contributions to space research, and looking forward to future accomplishments, and the nominations of Leslie Southwick, of Mississippi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, Janet T. Neff, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan, Paul Lewis Maloney, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan, and Liam O'Grady, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, and possible authorization of subpoenas in the connection with investigation into the replacement of U.S. attorneys, 10 a.m., SD-226. [[Page D741]] Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold hearings to examine terrorist ideology, 3:30 p.m., SD-106. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, to consider H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on training of development of the Iraqi police service, 9 a.m., 2212 Rayburn. Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, hearing on Workplace Safety: Why do Millions of Workers Remain Without OSHA Coverage? 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, hearing entitled ``Legislative Hearing on Discussion Drafts concerning Energy Efficiency, Smart Electricity Grid, Energy Policy Act of 2005 Title XVII Loan Guarantees, and Standby Loans for Coal- to-Liquids Projects,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, to continue mark up of H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on International Food Aid Programs: Options to Enhance Effectiveness; followed by a briefing on this subject, 2:30 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Europe, hearing on expanding the Visa Waiver Program, Enhancing Transatlantic Relations, 1 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, hearing on the Reauthorization of OPIC, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, hearing entitled ``Examining the Impact of Equipment Shortages on the National Guard's Readiness for Homeland Security Missions,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Labor Movement Perspectives, 9 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, joint oversight hearing on No Child Left Inside: Reconnecting Kids with the Outdoors, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Water and Power, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 31, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2007; and H.R. 1526, Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Authorization Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing on Invisible Casualties: The Incidence and Treatment of Mental Health Problems by the U.S. Military, 9:30 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, hearing on the NASA Administrator's Speech to Office of Inspector General Staff, the Subsequent Destruction of Video Records and Associated Matters, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Expanding Small Business Health Insurance Coverage Using the Private Reinsurance Market,'' 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, hearing on Public-Private Partnerships: State and User Perspectives, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, hearing on Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management, executive, briefing on DNI, 1 p.m., H-405 Capitol. Joint Meetings Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to hold hearings to examine Russia, focusing on the reemergence of Russia as a major political and economic power, 10 a.m., B318RHOB. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D742]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 24 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of S. 1348, Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, May 24 House Chamber Program for Thursday: H.R. 2316--Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (Subject to a Rule) and H.R. 2317--Lobbying Transparency Act of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Berkley, Shelley, Nev., E1138, E1139 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E1127 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E1142 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E1133 Burton, Dan, Ind., E1124 Capps, Lois, Calif., E1123 Cummings, Elijah E., Md., E1140 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E1143 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E1134 Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E1137 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E1135, E1137 Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E1134 Gordon, Bart, Tenn., E1134 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1142 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E1135 Hulshof, Kenny C., Mo., E1127 Jordan, Jim, Ohio, E1123 Knollenberg, Joe, Mich., E1132 LaHood, Ray, Ill., E1140 Lampson, Nick, Tex., E1141 Larson, John B., Conn., E1140 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E1137 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1136 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E1134 Moran, James P., Va., E1139 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E1137 Petri, Thomas E., Wisc., E1136 Pryce, Deborah, Ohio, E1131 Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E1143 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E1137 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E1140 Sanchez, Linda T., Calif., E1123, E1123 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E1130, E1142 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E1133 Shimkus, John, Ill., E1130 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E1128, E1129 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E1135 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E1141 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E1127, E1128, E1129, E1131, E1133, E1134, E1136, E1137, E1138 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E1135 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E1125, E1127, E1128, E1129, E1130, E1132 Udall, Mark, Colo., E1133 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E1138 Walsh, James T., N.Y., E1128, E1129 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E1133