Wednesday, May 4, 2005 [[Page D437]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action The Senate was not in session today. It will next meet on Monday, May 9, 2005, at 2 p.m. Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. House of Representatives Chamber Action Measures Introduced: 47 public bills, H.R. 2066-2112; and; 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 144, and H. Res. 257, 259-262, were introduced. Pages H2975-78 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2978-79 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 258, waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1268, making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005 (H. Rept. 109-73). Page H2975 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Gingrey to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H2883 Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Rev. M. Susan Peterson, Senior Pastor, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Page H2883 Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Francis C. Goodpaster Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 1082, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 East Illinois Avenue in Vinita, Oklahoma, as the ``Francis C. Goodpaster Post Office Building''; Pages H2887-88 Honorable Judge George N. Leighton Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 1542, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 695 Pleasant Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as the ``Honorable Judge George N. Leighton Post Office Building''; Pages H2888-89 Calling on the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to transfer Charles Ghankay Taylor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone: Debated yesterday, May 3: H. Con. Res. 127, calling on the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to transfer Charles Ghankay Taylor, former President of the Republic of Liberia, to the Special Court for Sierra Leone to be tried for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 155; Pages H2917-18 Recognizing the 60th anniversary of VE Day and the Liberation of Western Bohemia: Debated yesterday, May 3: H. Res. 195, recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the Liberation of Western Bohemia, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas and none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 156; and Pages H2918-19 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Western Bohemia by United States Armed Forces during World War II and the continued friendship between the people of the United States and the Czech Republic. Page H2919 Recognizing the 60th anniversary of VE Day during WWII: Debated yesterday, May 3: H. Res. 233, amended, recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day during World War II, by a 2/ 3 yea-and-nay vote of 423 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 158. Page H2936 [[Page D438]] Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005: The House passed H.R. 1185, to reform the Federal deposit insurance system, by a yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas to 10 nays, Roll No. 157. Pages H2919-37 Agreed that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services printed in the bill be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H2935 Rejected: Rohrabacher amendment that sought to strike section 3 of the bill. Pages H2932-35 Withdrawn: Maloney amendment that was offered and subsequently withdrawn that would have changed some wording in section 3, regarding the definition of Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance amount; and add a new subparagraph regarding Conditions for Increased Deposit Insurance Coverage. Pages H2931-32 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes in the engrossment of the bill. Page H2937 H. Res. 255, the rule providing for consideration of the bill was agreed to by voice vote. Pages H2889-90 Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act: The House passed H.R. 366, to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to strengthen and improve programs under that Act, by a recorded vote of 416 ayes to 9 noes, Roll No. 154. Pages H2896-H2917 Rejected the George Miller (CA) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Education & the Workforce with instructions to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 197 yeas to 224 nays, Roll No. 153. Pages H2915-17 Agreed that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education & the Workforce printed in the bill be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H2905 Agreed to: Castle amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 109-69) that provides that funding for Tech-Prep activities are held harmless to the amount that was appropriated to the Tech-Prep in FY05 in order to reinforce the consolidation of the Tech-Prep program with the Basic State Grant program; Pages H2912-13 Wu amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 109-69) that allows states to use funds designed to facilitate the transition of vocational and career education students into baccalaureate degree programs; and: Pages H2913-14 Millender-McDonald amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 109-69) that provides that local funds may be used for programs that assist in the training of automotive technicians in diesel retrofitting, hybrid, hydrogen, and alternative fuel automotive technologies. Pages H2914-15 H. Res. 254, the rule providing for consideration of the bill was agreed to by voice vote. Pages H2891-96 Quorum Calls--Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings today and appear on pages H2916-17, H2917, H2918, H2918-19, H2935-36 and H2936. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Committee Meetings FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, hearing to Review the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Keith Collins, Chief Economist and Chairman Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; and Ross J. Davidson, Jr. Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FISCAL YEAR 2006 APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES FISCAL YEAR 2006 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 2006. SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 869, To amend the Controlled Substances Act to lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by [[Page D439]] medical practitioners in group practices; H.R. 184, Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005; H. Res. 169, Recognizing the importance of sun safety; H.R. 1812, Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005; and H. Res. 250, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hepatitis B Awareness Week, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. FLU SEASON READINESS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on the State of Readiness for the 2005-2006 Flu Season. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Bruce Gellin, M.D., Director, National Vaccine Program; and Jesse Goodman, Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA. ASSESSING DATA SECURITY Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``Assessing Data Security: Preventing Breaches and Protecting Sensitive Information.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TERRORIST FINANCING/MIDDLE EASTERN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation of the Committee on International Relations held a joint hearing entitled ``Starving Terrorists of Money: The Role of Middle Eastern Financial Institutions.'' Testimony was heard from Stuart Levey, Under Secretary, Enforcement, Department of the Treasury; Paul Simons, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled ``Financial Management Challenges at the Department of Justice.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Paul R. Corts, Assistant Attorney General, Administration and Chief Financial Officer; and Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General. OVERSIGHT--9/11 RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTATION ACT Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia held a hearing on 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act Oversight, Part 1--Oppressors vs. Reformers in the Middle East and Central Asia. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Michael G. Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and J. Scott Carpenter, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--NEW JOBS IN RECESSION AND RECOVERY Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims held an oversight hearing New Jobs in Recession and Recovery: Who are Getting Them and Who are Not? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM--PERSONAL WATERCRAFT USE Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight hearing on Personal Watercraft use in the National Park System. Testimony was heard from Representative Westmoreland; Paul Hoffman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--RURAL ELECTRICITY--ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing entitled ``Stabilizing Rural Electricity Service Through Common Sense Application of the Endangered Species Act.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1268, making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary to file a supplemental report to accompany H.R. 748. Testimony was heard from Chairman Lewis and Representative Peterson of Minnesota. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 921, Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005; H.R. 250, amended, Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005; and H.R. 1674, amended, United States Tsunami Warning and Education Act. [[Page D440]] PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SMALL BUSINESS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Anticompetitive Threats from Public Utilities: Are Small Businesses Losing Out?'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION TRUST FUND--FINANCIAL CONDITION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held an oversight hearing entitled ``Financial Condition of the Aviation Trust Fund: Are Reforms Needed?'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, FAA; and Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. SERVICEMEMBERS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on the following: H.R. 419, Hire Veterans Act of 2004; H.R. 2046, Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005; Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2005; and a measure To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide protection against double taxation for members of the Armed Forces absent from their residence or domicile solely by reason of compliance with military orders. Testimony was heard from Craig W. Duehring, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense; John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations and Management, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor; Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO; T. P. O'Mahoney, Chairman, President's National Hire Veterans' Committee; and representatives of veterans organizations. Joint Meetings SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT Conferees on Tuesday, May 3, agreed to file a conference report on the Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 1268, making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense, the global war on terror, and tsunami relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled. House Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the status of Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Armoring Initiatives and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Jammer Initiatives in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, hearing entitled ``College Credit Mobility: Can Transfer Credit Policies be Improved?'' 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing to Review Ongoing Management Concerns at Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2 p.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology, hearing entitled ``Social Security Reform: Successes and Lessons Learned,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Government Reform, to consider the following: H.R. 627, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 40 Putnam Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut, as the ``Linda White-Epps Post Office;'' H.R. 1760, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 215 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard in Madison, Wisconsin, as the ``Robert M. La Follete, Sr., Post Office Building''; and H. Res. 231, Recognizing and celebrating the life and accomplishments of the great African American jockey Jimmy ``Wink'' Winkfield and the significant contributions and excellence of other African American jockeys and trainers in the sport of horse racing and the history of the Kentucky Derby; General Services Administration Modernization Act; followed by a hearing entitled ``Risk and Responsibility: The Roles of FDA and Pharmaceutical Companies in Ensuring the Safety of Approved Drugs, Like Vioxx,'' 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on International Relations, hearing on Promoting Democracy through Diplomacy, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, hearing on Ethiopia and Eritrea: Promoting Stability, Democracy and Human Rights, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and the Committee on Homeland Security, oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act: Section 212--Emergency Disclosure of Electronic Communications to Life and Limb, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims, oversight hearing entitled ``New `Dual Missions' of the Immigration Enforcement Agencies,'' 2:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. [[Page D441]] Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, oversight hearing to review the operations of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) and the Appeals Management Center (AMC), 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon. Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, to mark up H.R. 2046, Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005, 9 a.m., 334 Cannon. 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 D442]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 2 p.m., Monday, May 9 Senate Chamber Program for Monday: Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, May 5 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1268, Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriations Act. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E861 Beauprez, Bob, Colo., E862 Bilirakis, Michael, Fla., E866 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E871 Boucher, Rick, Va., E864 Bradley, Jeb, N.H., E863 Brown, Sherrod, Ohio, E868 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E862 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E865 Davis, Artur, Ala., E869 Dingell, John D., Mich., E874 Engel, Eliot L., N.Y., E877 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E866 Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E866 Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E865 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E873 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E867 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E875 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E867 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E873, E877 Lewis, John, Ga., E871 McMorris, Cathy, Wash., E874 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E865 Menendez, Robert, N.J., E861, E865, E868 Mica, John L., Fla., E869 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E867, E878 Nadler, Jerrold, N.Y., E871 Ney, Robert W., Ohio, E868 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E869 Oberstar, James L., Minn., E875 Paul, Ron, Tex., E863 Radanovich, George, Calif., E871 Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E877 Shaw, E. Clay, Jr., Fla., E861 Shimkus, John, Ill., E879 Simmons, Rob, Conn., E868 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E862, E874 Stearns, Cliff, Fla., E865 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E870, E872 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E874 Udall, Mark, Colo., E870, E872 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E861 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E863 Weller, Jerry, Ill., E861 Westmoreland, Lynn A., Mac, Ga., E869, E872, E875