Wednesday, February 28, 2007 [[Page D228]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S2287-S2435 Measures Introduced: Twenty-one bills and five resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 699-719, S. Res. 88-91, and S. Con. Res. 14. Page S2355 Measures Reported: S. Res. 89, authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2007, through September 30, 2007, and October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008, and October 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009. Page S2355 Measures Passed: Siblings Connection Day: Committee on Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 86, designating March 1, 2007, as ``Siblings Connection Day'', and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S2433-34 United States Senate Youth Program: Senate agreed to S. Res. 90, commending students who participated in the United States Senate Youth Program between 1962 and 2007. Page S2434 Read Across America Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 91, designating March 2, 2007, as ``Read Across America Day.'' Page S2434 Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act: Senate began consideration of S. 4, to make the United States more secure by implementing unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to fight the war on terror more effectively, to improve homeland security, withdrawing the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2292-S2348 Adopted: Lieberman (for Feinstein) Amendment No. 271 (to Amendment No. 275), to prohibit a foreign country with a visa refusal rate of more than 10 percent or that exceeds the maximum visa overstay rate from participating in the visa waiver program. Pages S2319-21 By 58 yeas to 37 nays (Vote No. 54), Inouye Amendment No. 285 (to Amendment No. 275), to specify the criminal offenses that disqualify an applicant from the receipt of a transportation security card. Pages S2343-45, S2345-46 By 94 yeas to 2 nays (Vote No. 55), DeMint Modified Amendment No. 279 (to Amendment No. 275), to specify the criminal offenses that disqualify an applicant from the receipt of a transportation security card. Pages S2327-29, S2339-41, S2346 Pending: Reid Amendment No. 275, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S2318-48 Collins Amendment No. 277 (to Amendment No. 275), to extend the deadline by which State identification documents shall comply with certain minimum standards. Pages S2321-27, S2329-39, S2341-43 Bingaman/Domenici Amendment No. 281 (to Amendment No. 275), to provide financial aid to local law enforcement officials along the Nation's borders. Pages S2346-48 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2007. Page S2434 Appointments: Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276d-276g, as amended, appointed the following Senator as Vice Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group conference during the 110th Congress: Senator Crapo. Page S2433 Mexico-U.S. Interparliamentary Group: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276h-276k, as amended, appointed the following Senator as Vice Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the Mexico-U.S. Interparliamentary Group conference during the 110th Congress: Senator Cornyn. Page S2433 NATO Parliamentary Assembly: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, in accordance with 22 [[Page D229]] U.S.C. 1928a-1928d, as amended, appointed the following Senator as Vice Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly during the 110th Congress: Senator Smith. Page S2433 British-American Interparliamentary Group: The Chair, on behalf of the President pro tempore, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2761, as amended, appointed the following Senator as Vice Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the British-American Interparliamentary Group conference during the 110th Congress: Senator Cochran. Page S2433 Messages From the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the continuation of the national emergency with respect to certain actions and policies intended to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM-8) Page S2353 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: Dabney Langhorne Friedrich, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for the remainder of the term expiring October 31, 2009 (Recess Appointment). Beryl A. Howell, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2011 (Recess Appointment). Pages S2433, S2434-35 Messages from the House: Pages S2353-54 Messages Referred: Page S2354 Executive Communications: Page S2354 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2355-57 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2357-59 Additional Statements: Pages S2352-53 Amendments Submitted: Pages S2379-S2432 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S2432 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S2432-33 Privileges of the Floor: Page S2433 Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--55) Page S2346 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 7:37 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thrusday, March 1, 2007. Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to provide an overview of the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 for defense-related matters, after receiving testimony from Gordon England, Deputy Secretary, and Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer, both of the Department of Defense; and Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. AMTRAK: 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine Amtrak 2008, after receiving testimony from Joseph H. Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, and David Tornquist, Assistant Inspector General, Competition and Economic Analysis, both of the Department of Transportation; Alex Kummant, National Railroad Passenger Corporation--Amtrak, and Edward Wytkind, AFL-CIO, both of Washington, D.C.; and Robert Serlin, RIM Services, LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MINE SAFETY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine improving mine safety, one year after the Sago and Alma coalmining disasters, after receiving testimony from Richard E. Stickler, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health; John Howard, Director, and Jeffery L. Kohler, Director, Office of Mine Safety and Health, both of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Health and Human Services; J. Davitt McAteer, Wheeling Jesuit University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia; Chris R. Hamilton, West Virginia Coal Association, Charleston; Cecil Roberts, United Mine Workers of America, Fairfax, Virginia; and Bruce Watzman, National Mining Association, Washington, D.C. SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Committee on Appropriations: On Monday, February 26, 2007, Committee adopted it rules of procedure and approved for reporting the following subcommittee assignments for the 110th Congress: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Senators Kohl (Chairman), Harkin, Dorgan, Feinstein, Durbin, Johnson, Nelson (NE), Reed, Bennett, [[Page D230]] Cochran, Specter, Bond, McConnell, Craig, and Brownback. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: Senators Mikulski (Chairman), Inouye, Leahy, Kohl, Harkin, Dorgan, Feinstein, Reed, Lautenberg, Shelby, Gregg, Stevens, Domenici, McConnell, Hutchison, Brownback, and Alexander. Subcommittee on Defense: Senators Inouye (Chairman), Byrd, Leahy, Harkin, Dorgan, Durbin, Feinstein, Mikulski, Kohl, Murray, Stevens, Cochran, Specter, Domenici, Bond, McConnell, Shelby, Gregg, and Hutchison. Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development: Senators Dorgan (Chairman), Byrd, Murray, Feinstein, Johnson, Landrieu, Inouye, Reed, Lautenberg, Domenici, Cochran, McConnell, Bennett, Craig, Bond, Hutchison, and Allard. Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government: Senators Durbin (Chairman), Murray, Landrieu, Lautenberg, Nelson (NE), Brownback, Bond, Shelby, and Allard. Subcommittee on Homeland Security: Senators Byrd (Chairman), Inouye, Leahy, Mikulski, Kohl, Murray, Landrieu, Lautenberg, Nelson (NE), Cochran, Gregg, Stevens, Specter, Domenici, Shelby, Craig, and Alexander. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Senators Feinstein (Chairman), Byrd, Leahy, Dorgan, Mikulski, Kohl, Johnson, Reed, Nelson (NE), Craig, Stevens, Cochran, Domenici, Bennett, Gregg, Allard, and Alexander. Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies: Senators Harkin (Chairman), Inouye, Kohl, Murray, Landrieu, Durbin, Reed, Lautenberg, Specter, Cochran, Gregg, Craig, Hutchison, Stevens, and Shelby. Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch: Senators Landrieu (Chairman), Durbin, Nelson (NE), Allard, and Alexander. Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies: Senators Johnson (Chairman), Inouye, Landrieu, Byrd, Murray, Reed, Nelson (NE), Hutchison, Craig, Brownback, Allard, McConnell, and Bennett. Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: Senators Leahy (Chairman), Inouye, Harkin, Mikulski, Durbin, Johnson, Landrieu, Reed, Gregg, McConnell, Specter, Bennett, Bond, Brownback, and Alexander. Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: Senators Murray (Chairman), Byrd, Mikulski, Kohl, Durbin, Dorgan, Leahy, Harkin, Feinstein, Johnson, Lautenberg, Bond, Shelby, Specter, Bennett, Hutchison, Brownback, Stevens, Domenici, Alexander, and Allard. Senators Byrd and Cochran are ex officio members of each of the subcommittees. TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE PROGRAM Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, after receiving testimony from Michael McRaith, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Chicago, on behalf of National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Charles Clarke, The Travelers Companies, Inc., Hartford, Connecticut, on behalf of American Insurance Association; Thomas Minkler, Clark-Mortenson Agency, Keane, New Hampshire, on behalf of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America; Michael J. Peninger, Assurant Employee Benefits, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, on behalf of American Council of Life Insurers; James H. Veghte, XL Reinsurance America, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut, on behalf of Reinsurance Association of America; Arthur M. Coppola, Macerich Company, Santa Monica, California, on behalf of Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism; Janno N. Lieber, World Trade Center Properties, on behalf of Silverstein Properties, and Don Bailey, Willis North America, on behalf of Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, both of New York, New York; and Travis B. Plunkett, Consumer Federation of America, Washington, D.C. VEHICLE SAFETY Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety concluded a hearing to examine vehicle safety for children, after receiving testimony from Ronald Medford, Senior Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; former New Hampshire State Representative W. Packy Campbell, Farmington; David McCurdy, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and Joan Claybrook, Public Citizen, both of Washington, D.C.; and Greg Gulbransen, Syosset, New York. NASA BUDGET Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2008 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), after receiving testimony from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. USDA FOREST SERVICE BUDGET Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's [[Page D231]] budget request for fiscal year 2008 for the Forest Service Department of Agriculture, after receiving testimony from Mark Rey, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, and Gail Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, both of the Department of Agriculture. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine comprehensive immigration reform, focusing on gaining effective control of the border, building a robust interior enforcement program, establishing a Temporary Worker Program, and promoting assimilation of new immigrants into society, after receiving testimony from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce; and Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee ordered favorably reported an original resolution (S. Res. 89) authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2007, through September 30, 2007, October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008, and October 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUDGET Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2008 for the Small Business Administration, after receiving testimony from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration. AGING WORKFORCE Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the aging workforce, focusing on its meaning for businesses and the economy and engaging and retaining older workers, after receiving testimony from David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, Government Accountability Office; Donald L. Kohn, Vice Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes, Center on Aging and Work/Workplace Flexibility at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; Javon R. Bea, Mercy Health System, Janesville, Wisconsin; and Preston Pulliams, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 33 public bills, H.R. 1221- 1253; and 5 resolutions, H. Res. 201-202, 204-206, were introduced. Pages H2037-39 Additional Cosponsors: Page H2039 Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 203, providing for consideration of H.R. 800, to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations and to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts (H. Rept. 110-26). Page H2037 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Pastor to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H1979 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Tyrone Skinner, Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Altadena, California. Page H1979 National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 556, to ensure national security while promoting foreign investment and the creation and maintenance of jobs, to reform the process by which such investments are examined for any effect they may have on national security, and to establish the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, by a recorded vote of 423 ayes with none voting ``no'', Roll No. 110. Pages H1987-H2010 Rejected the Neugebauer motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Financial Services with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments, by a recorded vote of 193 ayes to 229 noes, Roll No. 109. Pages H2007-09 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 an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. Page H1994 Agreed to: Frank manager's amendment (No. 3 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that [[Page D232]] makes a number of technical and clarifying changes to the bill; Pages H1997-98 King (IA) amendment (No. 4 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that requires the President to consider the potential effects of a covered transaction on the efforts of the United States to curtail human smuggling; and Pages H1998-99 Barrow amendment (No. 12 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that includes in the reporting requirements Senators representing States and Members of Congress representing congressional districts that would be significantly affected by a covered transaction. Page H2000 Rejected: McCaul (TX) amendment (No. 5 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that sought to insert a new paragraph entitled Contents of Report Related to Barriers to Investment Into the United States relating to the effective rate of taxation on entrepreneurs and businesses and other sources of capital in the U.S. as compared to other countries (by a recorded vote of 198 ayes to 228 noes, Roll No. 106); Pages H2000-01, H2005-06 McCaul (TX) amendment (No. 6 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that sought to insert a new paragraph entitled Contents of Report Related to Barriers to Investment Into the United States relating to the amount of burdensome regulation in the United States as compared to other countries (by a recorded vote of 197 ayes to 231 noes, Roll No. 107); and Pages H2001-02, H2006 McCaul (TX) amendment (No. 7 printed in the Congressional Record of February 27, 2007) that sought to insert a new paragraph entitled Contents of Report Related to Barriers to Investment Into the United States relating to trend information on the number of jobs in the United States related to foreign investment resulting from covered transactions (by a recorded vote of 197 ayes to 231 noes, Roll No. 108). Pages H2002-05, H2006-07 H. Res. 195, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by voice vote after agreeing to order the previous question. Pages H1982-86 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure which was debated on Tuesday, February 27th: Supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month: H. Con. Res. 52, to support the goals and ideals of American Heart Month, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 412 yeas with none voting ``nay,'' Roll No. 111. Page H2010 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he notified Congress of the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-16). Page H2035 Recess: The House recessed at 5:54 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. Page H2036 Quorum Calls--Votes: One yea-and-nay vote and five recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H2005-06, H2006, H2006-07, H2008-09, H2009-10, and H2010. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Committee Meetings FARM BILL--SPECIALTY AND ORGANIC CROPS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the proposals of the Department of Agriculture for the 2007 Farm Bill with respect to specialty crops and organic agriculture. Testimony was heard from Chuck Conner, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FDA. Testimony was heard from the Department of Health and Human Services: Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA; John R. Dyer, Deputy Commissioner, Operations and Chief Operating Officer; and Norris W. Cochran, Director, Division of Discretionary Programs, Office of Budget. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Science Board. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Beering, Chairman, National Science Board. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Science Funding. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [[Page D233]] ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Energy Outlook--the Next Decade. Testimony was heard from Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Agency, Department of Energy; Jim Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman, Consumer Product Safety Commission; and public witnesses. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concluded hearings on the EPA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA: Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator; Marcus C. Peacock, Deputy Administrator; Lyon Gray, Chief Financial Officer; Roger R. Martella, Acting General Counsel; Bill Roderick, Acting Inspector General; Judith E. Ayers, Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs; William Wehrum, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation; George Gray, Assistant Administrator, Office of Research and Development; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water; Granta Y. Nakayama, Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; James B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Molly O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, Office of Environmental Information; and Luis A. Luna, Assistant Administrator, Office of Administration and Resource Management. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Health Resources and Services Administration. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth M. Duke, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Tina W. Jones, Under Secretary, Comptroller; and MG Brian I. Geehan, Director, Logistics, Central Command. TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Transportation and Housing: Trends and Challenges over the Next Decade. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Air Force. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael W. Wynne, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff. RESERVISTS G.I. BILL--IMPACT OF CHANGES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on the impact of changes to the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill. Testimony was heard from Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense; and Keith Wilson, Director of Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs. LONG TERM ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Fiscal Challenges and the Economy in the Long Term. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. IMPROVING HEAD START Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on Improving Head Start for America's Children. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [[Page D234]] NCAA COACHING AND LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled ``The Lack of Diversity in Leadership Positions in NCAA Collegiate Sports.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``A Review of the Administration's Energy Proposal for the Transportation Sector.'' Testimony was heard from Nicole Nason, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; and Edward P. Lazear, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers. CALLER ID MANIPULATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 251, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure. Testimony was heard from Kris Montieth, Chief, Enforcement Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses. KATRINA INSURANCE ISSUES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Insurance Claims Payment Processes in the Gulf Coast after the 2005 Hurricanes.'' Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor, Jefferson and Jindal; David Maurstad, Director and Federal Insurance Administrator, Mitigation Division, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Jim Hood, Attorney General, State of Mississippi; and a public witness. IRAQ AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraq and U.S. Foreign Policy. Testimony was heard from Richard C. Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and a public witness. NORTH KOREA: THE FEBRUARY 13TH AGREEMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on North Korea: The February 13th Agreement. Testimony was heard from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. FEMA REFORM Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled ``Reforming FEMA: Are We Making Progress?'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: R. David Paulison, Under Secretary, Federal Emergency Management, FEMA; George Foresman, Under Secretary, Preparedness; and Matt Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General. COMMITTEE FUNDING Committee on House Administration: Met to consider Committee funding requests for the following Committees: Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Financial Services; Homeland Security; Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services; Education and the Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Ways and Means; Small Business; Veterans' Affairs; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture, Science and Technology; Budget; Intelligence; Standards; and Natural Resources. JUDICIAL DISCLOSURE RESPONSIBILITY ACT; ESTABLISHED ANTITRUST TASK FORCE Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 1130, Judicial Disclosure Responsibility Act. The Committee also approved the following: a resolution establishing the Antitrust Task Force; and other pending Committee business. COMPETITION AND THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MUSIC Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on Competition and the Future of Digital Music. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--EVOLVING WEST Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Evolving West. Testimony was heard from Representatives Walden of Oregon, Nunes, Herger and Rehberg; Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana; former Representative Pat Williams of Montana; and public witnesses. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FUNDING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 180, Honoring the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy and expressing profound sorrow on his death; H. Res. 162, Recognizing the contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and their players; and H. [[Page D235]] Con. Res. 62, Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Children and Families Day, in order to encourage adults in the United States to support and listen to children and to help children throughout the Nation achieve their hopes and dreams. The Committee approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. The Committee also held a hearing entitled ``Reforming the Presidential Library Funding Disclosure Process.'' Testimony was heard from Sharon Fawcett, Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries, National Archives and Records Administration; and public witnesses. 9/11 FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing entitled ``9/11 Health Effects: Federal Monitoring and Treatment of Residents and Responders.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: John Agwunobi, M.D., Assistant Secretary of Health and Chair of HHS 9/11 Task Force; and John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute for Occupational Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator; the following officials of the City of New York: Linda I. Gibbs, Deputy Mayor, Health and Human Services; and Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor, Administration; and public witnesses. EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 in Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clause 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of CA, Representatives Andrews, McKeon, Kline, Price of GA, Boustany, Foxx, Davis of TN, Shays and Musgrave. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 85, amended, Energy Technology Transfer Act; H.R. 1068, To amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991; H.R. 1126, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; and H.R. 363, amended, Sowing the Seeds through Science and Engineering Research Act. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Small Business: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. VA INFORMATION AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Information and Security Management at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Gordon Mansfield, Deputy Secretary; Robert Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; James Bagian, M.D., Chief Patient Safety Officer; Maureen Regan, Counselor for the Inspector General; and Arnaldo Claudio, Oversight and Compliance Representative; Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Technology Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; ENERGY AND TAX POLICY Committee on Ways and Means: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. The Committee also held a hearing on Energy and Tax Policy, focusing on climate change. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2007 Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. [[Page D236]] Joint Meetings INCOME INSTABILITY Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine meeting the challenge of income instability, after receiving testimony from Peter Orszag, Director, Congressional Budget Office; Lael Brainard, Brookings Institution, and Bradley R. Schiller, American University, both of Washington, D.C.; Maurice Emsellem, National Employment Law Project, Oakland, California; and Lily Batchelder, New York University School of Law, New York, New York. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Commerce, 10 a.m., SD-192. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine Afghanistan, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2008 for defense and war costs, 10 a.m., SD-608. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine universal service, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine the Energy Information Administration's Annual Energy Outlook 2007, 9:30 a.m., SD-366. Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, to hold hearings to examine S. 380, to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, 2 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hearings to examine state, local, and regional government approaches to address global warming, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine Medicare payments for physician services, focusing on new approaches, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, to hold hearings to examine asbestos, focusing on efforts to better protect the health of American workers and their families, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security, to hold hearings to examine improving federal financial management, focusing on the progress that has been made and the challenges ahead, 3 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 236, to require reports to Congress on Federal agency use of data mining, S. 378, to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members, S. 442, to provide for loan repayment for prosecutors and public defenders, S. 261, to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting, S. 376, to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, S. Res. 78, designating April 2007 as ``National Autism Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to increase funding for research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism, S. Res. 81, recognizing the 45th anniversary of John Hershel Glenn, Jr.'s historic achievement in becoming the first United States astronaut to orbit the Earth, and the nominations of Thomas M. Hardiman, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, John Preston Bailey, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia, Otis D. Wright II, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, and George H. Wu, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, 10 a.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: closed business meeting and hearing regarding certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Agriculture, to consider Committee's Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget, 2 p.m., 1302 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on USDA's Inspector General, 10 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, on NSF, 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., 2237 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on Bureau of Reclamation, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn. Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on Financial Services for Disadvantaged Communities, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Meeting Boarder Patrol Training Needs, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/National Institute of Drug Abuse/National Institute of Mental Health/and National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism, 10 a.m., 2325 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Architect of the Capitol: Budget, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol. Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, on Global HIV/AID, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, on Department of Housing and Urban Development, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. [[Page D237]] Committee on Armed Services, on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Navy, 9:30 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Military Personnel, hearing on views of military advocacy and beneficiary groups, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces, hearing on integrated nuclear power systems for future Naval surface combatants, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to consider pending Committee business, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, hearing entitled ``The Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request,'' 10:30 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled ``Covering the Uninsured Through the Eyes of a Child,'' 2 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled ``Digital Future of the United States: Part I--The Future of the World Wide Web,'' 10:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, to consider the following: to consider Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget; and the Hurricane Katrina Housing Recovery Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, hearing on North Korean Human Rights: An Update, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, hearing on Overview of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, hearing entitled ``The Department of Homeland Security's Directorate: Goals and Objectives of the New Under Secretary,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, to mark up the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth. Committee on House Administration, to mark up Committee Funding resolution, 4 p.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, hearing on S. 1, To provide greater transparency in the legislative process, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request for the National Park Service, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Subcommittee on Water and Power, hearing on H.R. 24, San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives, oversight hearing on The Presidential Records Act, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Increasing Access to Capital for Our Nation's Small Businesses, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to consider the following: H.R. 1144, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Federal Match Relief Act of 2007; H. R. 1195, To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections; H.R. 735, To designate the Federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the ``Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building;'' H.R. 753, To redesignate the Federal building located at 167 North Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee, as the ``Clifford Davis/Odell Horton Federal Building;'' H.R. 1019, To designate the United States customhouse building located at 31 Gonzalez Clements Avenue in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as the ``Rafael Martinez Nadal United States Customhouse Building;'' H.R. 1045, To designate the Federal building located at 210 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the ``Neal Smith Federal Building;'' H.R. 1138, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the ``J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States Courthouse,'' H.R. 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007; GSA Courthouse Construction Resolution; the Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget; and other pending business, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's annual March report on Medicare payment policies, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, to mark up H.R. 1196, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007; and to approve release to the Department of Justice executive session material, 1 p.m., H-405 Capitol. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D238]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 1 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of S. 4, Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, March 1 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 800--Employee Free Choice Act. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Altmire, Jason, Pa., E422 Baca, Joe, Calif., E418 Bonner, Jo, Ala., E427 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E425 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E417, E419 Davis, Tom, Va., E425 Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E426 Edwards, Chet, Tex., E423 Ellison, Kieth, Minn., E416 Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E421 Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E425 Green, Al, Tex., E423 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E427 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E421 Hooley, Darlene, Ore., E419 Israel, Steve, N.Y., E420, E427 Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E426 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E426 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E415, E418 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E415, E429 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E422 Murphy, Patrick J., Pa., E428 Payne, Donald M., N.J., E428 Pearce, Stevan, N.M., E422 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E420 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E415, E417 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E416, E418, E420, E422 Serrano, Jose E., N.Y., E415, E417, E419, E421, E423, E425 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E416 Udall, Mark, Colo., E421 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E418, E424 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E416