Wednesday, July 23, 2008 [[Page D931]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S7089-S7201 Measures Introduced: Fourteen bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 3309-3322, S.J. Res. 45, and S. Res. 620- 621. Pages S7148-49 Measures Reported: S.J. Res. 41, approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Page S7148 Measures Passed: Commemorating the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut: Senate agreed to S. Res. 621, honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998, and expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the Senate for the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police. Pages S7197 Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act: Senate passed H.R. 4841, to approve, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement entered into to resolve claims by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians relating to alleged interferences with the water resources of the Tribe, to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to execute and perform the Settlement Agreement and related waivers, clearing the measure for the President. Pages S7197-98 Measures Considered: Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act: Senate began consideration of S. 3268, to amend the Commodity Exchange Act, to prevent excessive price speculation with respect to energy commodities, after agreeing to the motion to proceed to its consideration, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Page S7095-S7124, S7124-29 Pending: Reid Amendment No. 5098, to establish the enactment date. Page S7129 Reid Amendment No. 5099 (to Amendment No. 5098), to change the enactment date. Pages S7129-30 Reid Motion to commit the bill to the Committee on Agricultural, Nutrition, and Forestry with instructions to report back forthwith, with Reid Amendment No. 5100, to establish the effective date. Page S7130 Reid Amendment No. 5101 (to the instructions of the motion to commit), to change the enactment date. Page S7130 Reid Amendment No. 5102 (to Amendment No. 5101), to change the enactment date. A motion was entered to close further debate on the bill, after agreeing to the motion to proceed and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, July 25, 2008. Page S7130 Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 3186, to provide funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Page S7131-40 A motion was entered to close further debate on the bill, after agreeing to the motion to proceed and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, July 25, 2008. Page S7130 A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 24, 2008, and that the time until 10:30 a.m. be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees, and that the Majority control the first half of the time and the Republicans control the final half; provided further, that the time from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees; and the time controlled in 30-minute alternating blocks of time, with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes. Page S7190 House Messages: Foreclosure Prevention Act: Senate began consideration of the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendments of the House to the amendment of the [[Page D932]] Senate to H.R. 3221, to provide needed housing reform. Page S7130 Pending: Senator Reid entered a motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendments of the House to the amendment of the Senate to the bill. Pages S7130-31 Senator Reid entered a motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendments of the House to the amendment of the Senate to the bill, with Amendment No. 5103, to establish the effective date. Page S7131 Reid Amendment No. 5104 (to Amendment No. 5103), to change the enactment date. Page S7131 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to the amendments of the House to the Senate amendment to the bill and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, July 25, 2008. Page S7131 Moment of Silence--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2008, that there be a moment of silence in remembrance of the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police. Page S7089 Message 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 Emergency Regarding Export Control Regulations under the authority of Executive Order 13222 dated August 17, 2001; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM-59) Page S7146 Removal of Injunction of Secrecy: The injunction of secrecy was removed from the following treaty: Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on Accession of Albania and Croatia (Treaty Doc. No. 110-20). The treaty was transmitted to the Senate today, considered as having been read for the first time, and referred, with accompanying papers, to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed. Page S7198 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: Nelson M. Ford, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of the Army. Joseph A. Benkert, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. Sean Joseph Stackley, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Frederick S. Celec, of Virginia, to be Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. 4 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. 11 Army nominations in the rank of general. 12 Marine Corps nominations in the rank of general. 4 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy. Pages S7198-99, S7200-01 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Mark J. Gerencser, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years. David H. McIntyre, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Security Education Board for a term of four years. Ambrose L. Schwallie, of South Carolina, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 2013. Maria Cino, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2010. Eric F. Melgren, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas. Marco A. Hernandez, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon. 22 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. Routine lists in the Air Force, Army. Pages S7199-S7200 Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nomination: Carol Dillon Kissal, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Small Business Administration, which was sent to the Senate on February 25, 2008. Page S7201 Messages from the House: Pages S7146-47 Measures Referred: Page S7147 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S7147 Executive Communications: Page S7147 Petitions and Memorials: Pages S7147-48 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S7149-50 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S7150-79 Additional Statements: Pages S7145-46 Amendments Submitted: Pages S7179-96 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S7196 [[Page D933]] Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S7196-97 Privileges of the Floor: Page S7197 Recess: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and recessed at 8:05 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S7199.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) DEFENSE CONTRACTING IN IRAQ Committee on Appropriations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the adequacy of defense contracting oversight for Operation Iraqi Freedom, after receiving testimony from Gordon England, Deputy Secretary, Gordon S. Heddell, Acting Inspector General, and General Benjamin S. Griffin, Commanding Officer, United States Army Materiel Command, all of the Department of Defense. REDUCING GASOLINE DEMAND Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the status of existing federal programs targeted at reducing gasoline demand, focusing on additional proposals for near- term gasoline demand reductions, after receiving testimony from Steven G. Chalk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and David L. Greene, Corporate Fellow, Transportation Science and Energy Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, both of the Department of Energy; John A. Laitner, American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Washington, D.C.; Steve Winkelman, Center for Clean Air Policy, Port Chester, New York; and Edward R. Buiel, Axion Power International, Inc., New Castle, Pennsylvania. MIDWEST FLOODS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the recent floods in the Midwestern United States, focusing on ways to determine what happened and how to improve managing risk and responses in the future, after receiving testimony from Senators Grassley, Durbin, and McCaskill; and John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, and Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh, Division Commander, Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, both of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S.J. Res. 41, approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of James Christopher Swan, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Alan W. Eastham, Jr., of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo, W. Stuart Symington, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda, who was introduced by Senators Klobuchar and McCaskill, and John A. Simon, of Maryland, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador, all of the Department of State, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Tatiana C. Gfoeller-Volkoff, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Richard G. Olson, Jr., of New Mexico, to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, David D. Pearce, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, and Michele Jeanne Sison, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, all of the Department of State, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Democracy and Human Rights concluded a hearing to examine United Nations peacekeeping operations, focusing on opportunities and challenges for the administration of the next president of the United States, after receiving testimony from Brian Hook, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs; Brett D. Schaefer, Heritage Foundation Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, and William J. Durch, Henry L. Stimson Center, both of Washington, D.C.; and Nancy Soderberg, University of North Florida, Jacksonville. INFORMATION SHARING Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine information sharing, including the actions that have been taken to guide the design and implementation of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), and [[Page D934]] to report its progress, the characteristics of state and local fusion centers and the extent to which federal efforts are helping to address some of the challenges centers reported, and the progress made in developing streamlined policies and procedures for designating, marking, safeguarding, and disseminating sensitive but unclassified information, after receiving testimony from Eileen R. Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office; Charles E. Allen, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis, and Chief Intelligence Officer; James M. Thomas, Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Hartford; and Thomas E. McNamara, Information Sharing Environment, and Jeffrey H. Smith, Arnold and Porter LLP, both of Washington, D.C. NOMINATIONS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Carol A. Dalton, Anthony C. Epstein, and Heidi M. Pasichow, all of the District of Columbia, all to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, who were introduced by Representative Norton, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. CHILDHOOD OBESITY Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Children and Families concluded hearings to examine childhood obesity, focusing on the declining health of America's next generation (Part II), after receiving testimony from Joseph W. Thompson, Arkansas Surgeon General, Little Rock, on behalf of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity; Philip J. Dwyer, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, New Haven; Susan K. Neely, American Beverage Association, Washington, D.C.; and Jonathan Miller, Ypsilanti, Michigan. SUPREME COURT DECISIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the impact of Supreme Court decisions, focusing on recent decisions on corporate misconduct and laws regulating corporations, after receiving testimony from Elizabeth Bartholet, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Patricia Ann Millett, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, LLP, Washington, D.C.; and Osa Marie Schultz, Cordova, Alaska. NOMINATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of J. Patrick Rowan, of Maryland, and Jeffrey Leigh Sedgwick, of Massachusetts, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, and William B. Carr, Jr., of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES VA OUTREACH Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on responding to the needs of returning United States National Guard and Reserve members, after receiving testimony from Donald Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, and Major General Marianne Mathewson-Chapman, (Ret.) Army National Guard, Coordinator of National Guard, Reserve and Families, VHA OEF/OIF Outreach Office, Veterans Health Administration, both of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Joseph R. Scotti, West Virginia University, Morgantown; Colonel Bradley A. Livingston, Montana National Guard, Fort Harrison; Lieutenant Colonel John Boyd, Vermont Army National Guard, Colchester; Sergeant Roy Meredith, Maryland Army National Guard, Annapolis; and Major Cynthia M. Rasmussen, Combat Stress Officer, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, 88th Regional Readiness Command, Fort Snelling, Minnesota. NURSING HOME CARE Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine person-centered health care at nursing homes, focusing on reforming services and improving the quality of care, after receiving testimony from Bill Thomas, University of Maryland Baltimore Erickson School, Ithaca, New York; Robert Jenkens, GREEN HOUSE Project, Arlington, Virginia; Melinda Abrams, Commonwealth Fund, New York, New York; Eric A. Coleman, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center; Edna Hess, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Palmyra, Pennsylvania; Diana White, Portland State University Institute on Aging, Portland, Oregon; and Zoe Valentine Holland, Lincoln, Nebraska. H [[Page D935]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 19 public bills, H.R. 6544-6592; and 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 395; and H. Res. 1366, 1369-1372 were introduced. Pages H7057-58 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H7058-59 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 1367, providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules (H. Rept. 110-768) and H. Res. 1368, relating to the House procedures contained in section 803 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (H. Rept. 110-769). Pages H7012-13, H7057 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. James Rousakis, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Clearwater, Florida. Page H6827 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003: H. J. Res. 93, amended, to approve the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003; Pages H6831-33 Amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance: H.R. 6532, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 387 yeas to 37 nays, Roll No. 518; Pages H6833-38, H6854 Honoring and commemorating the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998: H. Res. 1360, to honor and commemorate the selfless acts of heroism displayed by the late Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the United States Capitol Police on July 24, 1998; Pages H6838-39 Expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police: H. Res. 645, amended, to express the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the professionalism and dedication of the United States Capitol Police; Pages H6839-40 Recognizing and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival: H. Res. 1286, to recognize and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival; Pages H7037-38 Expressing support for designation of Disability Pride Day and recognizing that all people, including those living with disabilities, have the right, responsibility, and ability to be active, contributing members of our society and fully engaged as citizens: H. Res. 1355, to express support for designation of Disability Pride Day and to recognize that all people, including those living with disabilities, have the right, responsibility, and ability to be active, contributing members of our society and fully engaged as citizens; and Pages H7038-39 Honoring the life and accomplishments of Katherine Dunham: H. Res. 655, amended, to honor the life and accomplishments of Katherine Dunham. Pages H7039-41 Authorizing the printing of an additional number of copies of the 23rd edition of the pocket version of the United States Constitution: The House agreed to discharge from committee and agree to H. Con. Res. 395, authorizing the printing of an additional number of copies of the 23rd edition of the pocket version of the United States Constitution. Page H6840 Motion to Adjourn: Rejected the Sessions motion to adjourn by a yea-and-nay vote of 20 yeas to 400 nays, Roll No. 515. Page H6852 Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008: The House agreed to the Senate amendment to the House amendments to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3221, to provide needed housing reform, with the amendment printed in H. Rept. 110- 767, by a yea-and-nay vote of 272 yeas to 152 nays, Roll No. 519. Pages H6854-H7011 H. Res. 1363, the rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendments to the Senate amendment to the bill, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 223 ayes to 201 noes, Roll No. 517, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 226 yeas to 183 nays, Roll No. 516. Pages H6840-52, H6852-54 Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 1363, the House has receded from any remaining amendments or disagreements on H.R. 3221. Page H7011 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure which was debated on Tuesday, July 22nd: National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008: H.R. 6545, to require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues, by a \2/3\ yea- and-nay vote of 414 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and 2 voting ``present'', Roll No. 520. Pages H7011-12 The House further agreed to the Hastings (FL) motion to table the Price (GA) motion to reconsider the vote, by a recorded vote of 242 ayes to 179 noes, Roll No. 521. Page H7012 [[Page D936]] National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2008: The House began consideration of H.R. 3999, to amend title 23, United States Code, to improve the safety of Federal-aid highway bridges, to strengthen bridge inspection standards and processes, and to increase investment in the reconstruction of structurally deficient bridges on the National Highway System. Further proceedings were postponed. Pages H7018-37 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of H. Rept. 110-760 shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Pages H7025-37 Accepted: Oberstar amendment (No. 1 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that makes technical corrections to the amendment in the nature of a substitute; Page H7027 Mica amendment (No. 2 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of the Federal Highway Administration's bridge rating system. The study shall specifically address the effectiveness of using the terms ``structurally deficient'' and ``functionally obsolete'' in describing the condition of the highway bridge inventory in the United States; Page H7028 Mario Diaz-Balart (FL) amendment (No. 3 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110- 760) that considers emergency evacuation routes in the risk-based prioritization for replacement or rehabilitation of deficient bridges; Pages H7028-29 Walz (MN) amendment (No. 4 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to Congress, within 15 days of issuing a critical finding that results in the closure of a bridge, on the economic impact and impact on regional transportation that will result from the bridge closure. The amendment also requires the Secretary to recommend solutions to mitigate such impacts; Pages H7029-30 Miller (MI) amendment (No. 5 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the cost benefits of using carbon fiber composite materials in bridge projects instead of traditional construction materials; Pages H7030-31 Conaway amendment (No. 6 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that expresses the sense of Congress to encourage States that receive Federal funding to develop corrosion mitigation and prevention plans. The plans are encouraged to contain expected useful life of the bridge, details of corrosion mitigation and prevention methods in construction and maintenance of the bridge, certification and approval by a corrosion expert and corrosion training for all bridge inspectors; Pages H7031-32 Shays amendment (No. 7 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that requests the GAO to conduct a study on factors contributing to bridge construction and rehabilitation delays and ways to expedite construction projects; Pages H7032-33 Loebsack amendment (No. 8 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that requires the Secretary, in consultation with the States, to study the risks posed by a ``500 year'' flood to bridges on federal-aid highways, bridges on other public roads, and bridges on Indian reservations and park bridges while also giving consideration to safety, serviceability, essentiality for public use, and public safety. The Secretary would report the results to Congress not later than 2 years after enactment of the legislation; Pages H7033-34 Shea-Porter amendment (No. 9 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that allows a state performance plan to provide for increased inspection of a historic bridge rather than rehabilitation or replacement; and Pages H7034-35 Oberstar amendment (No. 11 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that creates a National Tunnel Inspection Program that would establish national tunnel inspection standards and ensure uniformity among the States in the conduct of such inspections. Pages H7035-36 Proceedings Postponed: Childers amendment (No. 10 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-760) that seeks to provide that none of the funds may be used to employ workers in violation of section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Page H7035 H. Res. 1344, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 193 nays, Roll No. 523, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 522. Pages H7013-18 Suspension--Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following measure under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed: Supporting the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States and recognizing their efforts on behalf of children and youth as a positive investment for the future of our Nation: H. Res. 1296, amended, to support the designation of a National Child Awareness Month to promote awareness of children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States and to recognize their efforts on behalf of children and youth as a positive investment for the future of our Nation. Pages H7041-42 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he transmitted notification that the national emergency caused by the lapse of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, is to continue in effect for 1 year beyond August 17, 2008--referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-137). Page H7042 [[Page D937]] Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H6839. Senate Referrals: S. 3295 was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Page H7055 Quorum Calls--Votes: Seven yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H6852, H6852- 53, H6853-54, H6854, H7010-11, H7011-12, H7012, H7017, and H7018. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 11:05 p.m. Committee Meetings COST OF HUNGER IN AMERICA Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review the short- and long-term costs of hunger in America. Testimony was heard from Mark Nord, Sociologist, Economic Research, USDA; and public witnesses. RURAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review the state of health care in rural areas and the role of federal programs in addressing rural health care needs. Testimony was heard from Thomas Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA; Tom Morris, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health and Resources Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. IRAQ PROGRESS REPORT Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Comptroller General's progress report on Iraq, Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Gene L. Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General of the United States; and Joseph Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade. DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL REVIEW Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on Don't Ask, Don't Tell Review. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PRO(TECH)T ACT OF 2008 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6357, PRO(TECH)T Act of 2008. CHINA AND THE OLYMPICS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on China on the Eve of the Olympics. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. UN MANDATE FOR IRAQ OPTIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Possible Extension of the UN Mandate for Iraq: Options. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Ayad Allawi, member of the Council of Representatives, Republic of Iraq and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq. JUDICIARY DEPARTMENT OVERSIGHT Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from Michael Mukasey, The Attorney General, Department of Justice. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills, H.R. 5853, Minute Man National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act; H.R. 6177, amended, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Extension Act of 2008; H.R. 6159, amended, Deafy Glade Exchange Act; H.R. 1847, amended, National Trails System Willing Seller Act; and H.R. 5335, amended, To amend the National Trails System Act to provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and for other purposes. OVER-CLASSIFICATION REDUCTION ACT; CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION ACT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 6575 Over-Classification Reduction Act; and H.R. 6576, Reducing Information Control Designations Act. U.S. AFRICA COMMAND Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled ``AFRICOM: Rationales, Roles, and Progress on the Eve of Operations--Part 2.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by record vote of 8 to 3, a rule providing that it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, July 24, 2008, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules relating to the bill (H.R. 6578) to provide for the sale of light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and its replacement with heavy grade petroleum. SECTION 803 OF MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG, IMPROVEMENT AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2003 SHALL NOT APPLY DURING REMAINDER OF 110TH CONGRESS Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9 to 3, a rule providing that section 803 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization [[Page D938]] Act of 2003 shall not apply during the remainder of the 110th Congress. IMPROVING FEDERAL WATER; RESEARCH Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on A National Water Initiative: Coordinating and Improving Federal Research on Water. Testimony was heard from Jerry Johnson, General Manager, Water and Sewer Authority, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. PREDATORS IN LONG-TERM CARE Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing entitled ``The Impact of Predators in Long-Term Care on Small Business Operators.'' Testimony was heard from Kris Steele, member, House of Representatives, State of Oklahoma; and public witnesses. STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE DEPLOYMENT Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled ``Immediate Relief from High Oil Prices: Deploying the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Joint Meetings FAMILY ECONOMIC ISSUES Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine escalating household costs, static family income growth, and falling home prices, focusing on ways to help American families to deal with economic issues in a skillful and efficient manner, after receiving testimony from Elizabeth Warren, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jared Bernstein, Economic Policy Institute, and David Kreutzer, Heritage Foundation, both of Washington, D.C.; and Kristen Lewis, American Human Development Project, New York, New York. F NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D928) S. 3145, to designate a portion of United States Route 20A, located in Orchard Park, New York, as the ``Timothy J. Russert Highway''. Signed on July 23, 2008. (Public Law 110-282) H.R. 3403, to promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities. Signed on July 23, 2008. (Public Law 110-283) H.R. 3712, to designate the United States courthouse located at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo, Ohio, as the ``James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley United States Courthouse''. Signed on July 23, 2008. (Public 110-284) F COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: to receive a closed briefing on Iran, 9:30 a.m., S-407, Capitol. Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to consider a committee resolution, 9:30 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the Cayman Islands, focusing on offshore tax issues, 10 a.m., SD-215. Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure, to hold hearings to examine tax and financing aspects of highway public-private partnerships, 2:15 p.m., SD-215. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of James A. Williams, of Virginia, to be Administrator of General Services Administration, 11:30 a.m., SD-342. Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, to hold hearings to examine ways to improve federal program management using performance information, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hearing to examine tribal courts and the administration of justice in Indian country, 9:30 a.m., SD-562. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine crimes associated with polygamy, focusing on the need for a coordinated state and federal response, 10 a.m., SD-226. House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research, hearing to review Renewable Fuels Standard implementation and agriculture producer eligibility, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on the Benefits of Physical and Health Education for Our Nation's Children, 10 a.m., and to mark up H.R. 1338, Paycheck Fairness Act, 1 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, hearing entitled ``Carbon Sequestration: Risks, Opportunities, and Protection of Drinking Water,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Long- Term Care Insurance: Are Consumers Protected for the Long Term?'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, to continue hearings entitled ``Systemic Risk and the Financial Markets,'' 10 a.m., and to hold a hearing entitled ``Implications of a Weaker Dollar for Oil Prices and the U.S. Economy,'' 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, to mark up the following: a measure To provide for conditions for the implementation of the U.S.-Russia Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation, and for other purposes; a resolution Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to immediately end its abuses of the human rights of China's citizens, including its Tibetan, Uighur, and other [[Page D939]] ethnic minority citizens and to end its support for the governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Olympic games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness; a resolution Commemorating nongovernmental organizations working to bring just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians; H. Res. 1351, Expressing support for the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (NAMID) and calling upon United Nations Member States and the international community to contribute the resources necessary to ensure the success of UNAMID; H. Res. 1361, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should lead a high-level diplomatic effort to defeat the campaign by some members of the Organization of Islamic Conference to divert the United Nation's Durban Review Conference from a review of problems in this own and other countries by attacking Israel, promoting anti-Semitism, and undermining the Universal Charter of Human Rights and to ensure that the Durban Review Conference serves as a forum to review commitments to combat all forms of racism; and H. Con. Res. 374, Supporting the spirit of peace and desire for unity displayed in the letter from 138 Muslim scholars, and in the Pope's response, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, hearing on Saving the NPT and the Nonproliferation Regime in an Era of Nuclear Renaissance, 11 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, to mark up H.R. 3679, State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, hearing on Lessons Learned from the 2004 Presidential Election, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, hearing on Immigration Raids: Postville and Beyond, 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 6537, Sanctuary Enhancement Act of 2008; and H.R. 6204, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, oversight hearing on Expanding Access to Federal Lands for People with Disabilities, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hearing entitled ``The Medicare Drug Benefit: Are Private Insurers Getting Good Discounts for the Taxpayer?'' 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, hearing entitled ``The Three R's of the Postal Network Plan: Realignment, Right-Sizing, and Responsiveness,'' 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, hearing on The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program: Strengthening Windstorm Hazard Mitigation, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Economic Stimulus for Small Business: A Look Back and Assessing Need for Additional Relief,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing on FMCSA's Progress in Improving Medical Oversight of Commercial Drivers, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Aviation, hearing on Aviation Security: An Update, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on promoting health information technology, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Joint Meetings Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to examine small market drugs, focusing on companies exploiting people with rare diseases, 10 a.m., SD-106. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. 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Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D940]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 24 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 3186, Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, July 24 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Complete consideration of H.R. 3999--National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2008. Consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 5501--Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Berkley, Shelley, Nev., E1544 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E1545 Braley, Bruce L., Iowa, E1542 Brown, Corrine, Fla., E1544 Burton, Dan, Ind., E1538 Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E1541 Carter, John R., Tex., E1536 Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E1533 Costa, Jim, Calif., E1534, E1535 Costello, Jerry F., Ill., E1530 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E1540 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E1530 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E1536, E1543 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E1531 Everett, Terry, Ala., E1536 Fox, Virginia, N.C., E1534, E1538 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E1545 Green, Al, Tex., E1541 Gutierrez, Luis V., Ill., E1532 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1543 Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie, S.D., E1542 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E1541, E1542, E1544 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E1545 Knollenberg, Joe, Mich., E1533, E1540 Langevin, James R., R.I., E1539 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1536 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E1538 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E1529 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1532, E1534, E1537 Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E1540 Radanovich, George, Calif., E1531, E1532, E1534 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1529, E1531 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E1545 Ross, Mike, Ark., E1533 Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E1535, E1539 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E1541 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E1540 Sanchez, Loretta, Calif., E1535, E1539 Solis, Hilda L., Calif., E1542 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E1529 Whitfield, Ed, Ky., E1531