Thursday, October 6, 2005 [[Page D1020]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S11173-S11208 Measures Introduced: Twenty-nine bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 1826-1854, and S. Res. 268-270. (See next issue.) Department of Defense Appropriations: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 2863, making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S11174-S11205 Adopted: Stevens (for Reed) Modified Amendment No. 1943, to express the sense of the Senate on the transfer of amounts for increased personnel strengths for the Army and the Marine Corps from Additional War-Related Appropriations to the recurring appropriations for fiscal year 2006. Page S11182 Stevens (for Mikulski) Amendment No. 1997, to provide that, of the amount made available under title III for the Air Force for other procurement, up to $3,000,000 may be made available for the Laser Marksmanship Training System. Page S11182 Stevens (for Levin) Amendment No. 1929, to make available $5,000,000 from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army, for Medium Tactical Vehicle Modifications. Page S11186 Stevens (for Levin) Amendment No. 2000, to provide that the governments of Indian tribes be treated as State and local governments for purposes of the disposition of real property recommended for closure in the report to the President from the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, July 1993. Page S11186 Stevens (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 1924, to make available $1,000,000 from Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army, for Integrated Starter/Alternator for Up-Armored High Mobility Multi- Wheeled Vehicles. Page S11186 Stevens (for Dayton) Further Modified Amendment No. 1896, to make available up to $60,000,000 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense- wide, for certain childcare services and family assistance centers for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and up to $40,000,000 for the purpose of National Guard counterdrug support activities. Pages S11185, S11185-88, S11189-90 Stevens (for Chambliss) Amendment No. 1981, to make available, from funds appropriated for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, up to $2,000,000 for the establishment, in consultation with the Reach Out and Read National Center, of a pilot project on pediatric early literacy on military installations. Pages S11194-96 Stevens Amendment No. 2053, to increase the rate of basic pay for the enlisted member serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pages S11194-96 Stevens (for Frist) Amendment No. 2054, to support certain youth organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America. Pages S11194-96 Stevens (for Byrd) Amendment No. 2055, to make appropriations for certain activities related to Hurricane Katrina relief. Pages S11194-96 Rejected: Coburn Amendment No. 2005, to curtail waste under the Department of Defense web-based travel system. (By 65 yeas to 32 nays (Vote No. 253), Senate tabled the amendment.) Pages S11174, S11182-85 Pending: Reed/Hagel Amendment No. 1943, to transfer certain amounts from the supplemental authorizations of appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism to amounts for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps, Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide activities, and Military Personnel in order to provide for increased personnel strengths for the Army and the Marine Corps for fiscal year 2006. Page S11174 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Senator Stevens point of order and Senator Dayton's motion to waive relative to Stevens (for Dayton) Modified Amendment No. 1896 (listed above), were both rendered moot when the amendment was further modified and then agreed to. Page S11190 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Senator Santorum be recorded as voting [[Page D1021]] yea rather than absent, relative to Vote No. 252 on the motion to invoke cloture on the measure, agreed to on October 5, 2005. Page S11200 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Terrence L. Bracy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation for a term expiring October 6, 2010. David Steele Bohigian, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Antonio Fratto, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. Susan C. Schwab, of Maryland, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Jeffrey Thomas Bergner, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Legislative Affairs). Nicholas F. Taubman, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to Romania. Susan Rasinski McCaw, of Washington, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Austria. Sarah M. Singleton, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2008. Ron Silver, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term expiring January 19, 2009. Judy Van Rest, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term expiring January 19, 2009. Eric Nicholas Vitaliano, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York. 23 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. 4 Army nominations in the rank of general. 1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral. Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy. Pages S11206-08 Messages From the House: (See next issue.) Executive Communications: (See next issue.) Executive Reports of Committees: (See next issue.) Additional Cosponsors: (See next issue.) Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: (See next issue.) Additional Statements: (See next issue.) Amendments Submitted: (See next issue.) Notices of Hearings/Meetings: (See next issue.) Authority for Committees to Meet: (See next issue.) Privilege of the Floor: (See next issue.) Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--253) Page S11185 Recess: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and recessed at 1:39 a.m., on Friday, October 7, 2005 and will reconvene at 8:15 a.m. on the same day. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S11205-06.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) MARRIAGE DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on District of Columbia concluded a hearing to examine the potential for Marriage Development Accounts, which would allow low-income singles and engaged and married couples in the District of Columbia to set up pre-marriage and marriage development accounts that would match $3 for every $1 invested to use toward buying a home, a child's college education or business start-up, with credit counseling and debt management counseling available to participants, after receiving testimony from District of Columbia Delegate Norton; Ron Haskins, Brookings Institution, Thabiti Anyabwile, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Colleen Dailey, Capital Area Asset Building Corporation, Curtis Watkins, East Capitol Center for Change, Winston Graham, and Sandra Corley, all of Washington, D.C.; D. Malcolm Smith, Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development, Baltimore, Maryland; W. Bradford Wilcox, University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and George Williams, National Center on Fathering, Kansas City, Missouri. NOMINATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Michael W. Wynne, of Florida, to be Secretary of the Air Force, and Donald C. Winter, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Navy, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. DEFENSE TRADE: EXON-FLORIO Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the implementation of the Exon-Florio provision by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which seeks to serve U.S. investment policy through reviews that protect national security while maintaining the credibility of open investment policy, after receiving testimony from Katherine Schinasi, Managing Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, and Ann Calvaresi Barr, Director, Industrial Base Issues, both of the Government Accountability Office. [[Page D1022]] KATRINA'S EFFECTS ON ENERGY Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine Hurricanes Katrina and Rita's effects on energy infrastructure and that status of recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region, after receiving testimony from Red Cavaney, American Petroleum Institute, and Kevin S. Curtis, National Environmental Trust, both of Washington, D.C.; Andrew Liveris, Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, on behalf of the American Chemistry Council; Christopher A. Helms, NiSource Inc., Merrillville, Indiana, on behalf of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America; and Curt Hebert, Jr., Entergy Corporation, New Orleans, Louisiana. WATER BILLS Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power concluded a hearing to examine S. 1025, to amend the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the construction of the Cheney division, Wichita Federal reclamation project, Kansas'' to authorize the Equus Beds Division of the Wichita Project, S. 1498, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain water distribution facilities to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, S. 1529, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona, S. 1578, to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin endangered fish recovery implementation programs, and S. 1760, to authorize early repayment of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation within Rogue River Valley Irrigation District or within Medford Irrigation District, after receiving testimony from William Rinne, Deputy Commissioner of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Mayor Larry Nelson, Yuma, Arizona; Jerry Blain, City of Wichita, Water and Sewer Department, Wichita, Kansas; James S. Witwer, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Berthoud; and Tom Blickensderfer, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Denver. NOMINATIONS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Santanu K. Baruah, of Oregon, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, George M. Gray, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lyons Gray, of North Carolina, to be Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, H. Dale Hall, of New Mexico, to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, and Edward McGaffigan, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. KATRINA RECOVERY Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine actions of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Highway Administration relating to Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, after receiving testimony from J. Richard Capka, Acting Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Marcus Peacock, Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; and John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. TAX POLICY FOLLOWING DISASTERS Committee on Finance: Committee held a hearing to examine the future of the Gulf Coast, focusing on the use of tax policy to help rebuild businesses and communities and support families after disasters, receiving testimony from former Representative Jack Kemp; John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury; Jane G. Gravelle, Senior Specialist in Economic Policy, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Harry Connick, Jr., Habitat for Humanity International, Washington, D.C.; Mississippi State Treasurer Tate Reeves, and Dianne Bolen, Mississippi Home Corporation, both of Jackson; and James R. Kelly, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. Hearing recessed subject to the call. U.S.-BAHRAIN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Committee on Finance: Subcommittee on International Trade held a hearing to examine the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, receiving testimony from Shaun E. Donnelly, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Europe and the Mediterranean, Office of the United States Trade Representative; Megan Aslaksen, Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, California; Lionel C. Johnson, Citigroup, Barbara R. Spangler, Wheat Export Trade Education Committee, on behalf of the National Association of Wheat Growers, and U.S. Wheat Associates, Robert C. Baugh, AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, and David Hamod, National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, all of Washington, D.C. Hearing recessed subject to the call. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Jennifer L. Dorn, of Nebraska, to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, who was introduced by Senators Hagel and Dole, and Donald A. Gambatesa, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, [[Page D1023]] United States Agency for International Development, 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 David B. Dunn, of California, to be Ambassador to the Togolese Republic, Carmen Maria Martinez, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia, and Michael R. Arietti, of Connecticut, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. FEMA Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) status report on recovery efforts in the Gulf States, after receiving testimony from R. David Paulison, Acting Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. DOD LOGISTICS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia concluded a hearing to examine the status of the Department of Defense supply chain and logistics, focusing on efforts to improve the Department's business transformation strategy and supply chain management, after receiving testimony from Kenneth J. Krieg, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; Clay Johnson III, Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget; and William M. Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, Government Accountability Office. FEDERAL LEASED PROPERTY Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security concluded a hearing to examine how the Federal government lease needed space, focusing on Federal real property as a high-risk area and specifically on the government's reliance on costly leased space, after receiving testimony from Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Government Accountability Office; William H. Matthews, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Real Property Asset Management, Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration; and Robert L. Neary, Jr., Acting Chief Facilities Management Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on the Judiciary: Committee resumed markup of S. 1088, to establish streamlined procedures for collateral review of mixed petitions, amendments, and defaulted claims, but did not complete action thereon, and recessed subject to call. NOMINATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Wan J. Kim, of Maryland, to be Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, who was introduced by Senators Hatch and Lautenberg, Steven G. Bradbury, of Maryland, to be Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, who was introduced by Senator Smith, Sue Ellen Wooldridge, of Virginia, to be Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, who was introduced by Representative Lungren, and Thomas O. Barnett, of Virginia, to be Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, who was introduced by Senator Allen, all of the Department of Justice, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing on certain intelligence matters from officials of the intelligence community. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 44 public bills, H.R. 3968- 4011; and 10 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 259-262; and H. Res. 479-480, 482-485, were introduced. Pages H8732-34 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H8734-36 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 3893, to expedite the construction of new refining capacity in the United States, to provide reliable and affordable energy for the American people, and for other purposes (Rept. 109-244, Pt. 1); and H. Res. 481, providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 3983) to expedite the construction of [[Page D1024]] new refining capacity in the United States, to provide reliable and affordable energy for the American people, and for other purposes. (Rept. 109-245). Page H8732 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Pence to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H8649 Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Rev. David Kassos, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Prescott, Arkansas. Page H8649 Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representatives Hinchey and Tauscher to the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy. Page H8652 United States Holocaust Memorial Council: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representatives Lantos and Waxman to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Page H8652 Presidential Message: Read a letter from the President wherein he notified Congress of his decision to extend the period of production of the Naval Petroleum Reserves for a period of 3 years from April 5, 2006, the expiration date of the currently authorized period of production--referred to the Committee on Armed Services and ordered printed (H. Doc. 109-59). Pages H8651-52 Recess: The House recessed at 10:22 a.m. and reconvened at 2:01 p.m. Page H8652 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Redesignating the Crowne Plaza in Kingston, Jamaica, as the Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza: S. 1413, to redesignate the Crowne Plaza in Kingston, Jamaica, as the Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza; clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8652-53 Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March: H. Con. Res. 161, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March; Pages H8653-54 Authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency airport improvement project grants-in-aid under title 49, United States Code, for repairs and costs related to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: S. 1786, to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency airport improvement project grants-in-aid under title 49, United States Code, for repairs and costs related to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, by a yea-and-nay vote of 420 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 509; clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8654-56, H8693-94 Supporting the goals and ideals of National Campus Safety Awareness Month: H. Res. 15, amended, to support the goals and ideals of National Campus Safety Awareness Month; Pages H8656-58 Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: H. Res. 276, to support the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, by a yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 510; Pages H8658-59, H8694 Recognizing the contributions of African-American basketball teams and players for their achievements, dedication, and contributions to the sport of basketball and to the Nation: H. Con. Res. 59, to recognize the contributions of African-American basketball teams and players for their achievements, dedication, and contributions to the sport of basketball and to the Nation; Pages H8659-62 Designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 North 3rd Street in Smithfield, North Carolina, as the ``Ava Gardner Post Office'': H.R. 3439, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 North 3rd Street in Smithfield, North Carolina, as the ``Ava Gardner Post Office''; Pages H8662-63 Hurricane Katrina Emergency Housing Act of 2005: H.R. 3894, amended, to provide for waivers under certain housing assistance programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in obtaining housing, by a yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 511; Pages H8663-68, H8694-95 Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``A bill to provide for waivers under certain housing assistance programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in obtaining housing.''. Page H8695 Rural Housing Hurricane Relief Act of 2005: H.R. 3895, amended, to amend title V of the Housing Act of 1949 to provide rural housing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Katrina, by a yea-and-nay vote of 335 yeas to 81 nays, Roll No. 513; Pages H8668-70, H8706-07 Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``A bill to amend title V of the Housing Act of 1949 to provide rural housing assistance to families affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.''. Page H8707 Hurricane Katrina Emergency Relief CDBG Flexibility Act of 2005: H.R. 3896, to temporarily suspend, for communities affected by Hurricane Katrina, certain requirements under the community [[Page D1025]] development block grant program, by a yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 514; Pages H8670-74, H8707 Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``A bill to temporarily suspend, for communities affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, certain requirements under the community development block grant program.''. Page H8707 Social Security Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2005: H.R. 3971, Social Security Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2005; and Pages H8678-83 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and should extend the project, at least through 2006, subject to any appropriate modifications: H. Res. 261, amended, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and should extend the project, at least through 2006, subject to any appropriate modifications. Pages H8683-85 Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and should extend the project through 2006, subject to any appropriate modifications.'' Page H8685 Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House began consideration of the following measure under suspension of the rules. Further consideration will continue tomorrow, October 7th. Honoring the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the fight against anti-Semitism and intolerance in all forms, in all forums, and in all nations: H. Con. Res 248, to honor the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the fight against anti-Semitism and intolerance in all forms, in all forums, and in all nations. Pages H8674-78 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006--Conference Report: The House agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2360, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, by a yea-and-nay vote of 347 yeas to 70 nays, Roll No. 512; Pages H8695-H8706 H. Res. 474, the rule providing for consideration of the conference report, was agreed to by voice vote after agreeing to the previous question. Pages H8685-93 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H8649. Senate Referrals: S. 392 was referred to the Committee on Financial Services and S. 1197 was held at the desk. Page H8730 Quorum Calls--Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today. There were no quorum calls. Pages H8693-94, H8694, H8695, H8705-06, H8706-07, H8707 Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at midnight. Committee Meetings HURRICANE KATRINA--OVERSIGHT SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Financial Oversight of Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Katrina. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary; Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; Andy B. Maner, Chief, Financial Officer; and R. David Paulison, Acting Director, FEMA. HURRICANE KATRINA--TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on Department of Transportation (Hurricane Katrina). Testimony was heard from Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation. AFTER THE HURRICANES: IMPACT ON FY 2007 BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on After the Hurricanes: Impact on the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget. Testimony was heard from Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO. FCC'S E-RATE PLANS--ASSIST GULF COAST RECOVERY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``FCC's E-rate Plans to Assist Gulf Coast Recovery.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Thomas Navin, Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau; and H. Walker Feaster III, Inspector [[Page D1026]] General; Gary Rawson, State E-rate Coordinator, Department of Information Technology Services, State of Mississippi; and a public witness. SIX-PARTY TALKS--NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR ISSUES Committee on International Relations: Held an oversight hearing entitled ``The Six-Party Talks and the North Korean Nuclear Issues: Old Wine in New Bottles?'' Testimony was heard from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. INDIA'S UNFINISHED AGENDA Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations held an oversight hearing entitled ``India's Unfinished Agenda: Equality and Justice for 200 Million Victims of the Caste System.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROPERTY--PREVENT DISCRIMINATORY TAXATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 1369, To prevent certain discriminatory taxation of natural gas pipeline property. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--IMPROVING FEDERAL COURT ADJUDICATION OF PATENT CASES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Improving Federal Court Adjudication of Patent Cases. Testimony was heard from T.S. Ellis III, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Virginia; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 122, Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water System Pressurization and Expansion Project; H.R. 2341, To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater within and outside of the service area of the City of Austin Water and Wastewater Utility, Texas; H.R. 3418, Central Texas Water Recycling Act of 2005; and H.R. 3929, To amend the Water Desalination Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assist in research and development, environmental and feasibility studies, and preliminary engineering for the Municipal Water District of Orange County, California, Dana Point Desalination Project located at Dana Point, California. Testimony was heard from Jack Garner, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. GASOLINE FOR AMERICA'S SECURITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured providing one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 3893, to expedite the construction of new refining capacity in the United States, to provide reliable and affordable energy for the American people, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, shall be considered as adopted and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill as amended. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in part B of the Rule Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Stupak of Michigan or his designee, which shall be considered as read, and which shall be debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in part B of the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Barton of Texas, Chairman Boehlert and Representatives Peterson of Pennsylvania, Flake, Tiahrt, Gutknecht, Dingell, Stupak, Inslee, Bishop of New York, Abercrombie, Larson of Connecticut, Edwards, and Dicks. OVERSIGHT--KATRINA RECOVERY ENSURING FEMA IS UP TO THE TASK Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight hearing entitled ``Recovering after Katrina: Ensuring that FEMA is up to the task.'' Testimony was heard from Representative Baker; from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Ken Burris, Chief, Operating Officer, FEMA; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; and public witnesses. [[Page D1027]] COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: business meeting to consider the nomination of Julie L. Myers, of Kansas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, and an original bill to repeal the increased micro-purchase threshold, 10 a.m., SD-342. House Committee on Agriculture, to consider H.R. 3405, Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2005, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, to consider the following: a motion to adopt a bipartisan staff report regarding the E-rate program; and a motion authorizing the issuance of subpoenas for testimony in connection with the Subcommittee's investigation into the health and welfare of jockeys and other workers in the thoroughbred horseracing industry; followed by a hearing to review GAO's findings and recommendations regarding the Department of Energy's efforts to consolidate Surplus Plutonium Inventories, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, to consider pending Committee business, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on International Relations, to mark up the following measures: H.R. 972, Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005; H. Con. Res. 252, Expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should actively support the aspirations of the democratic political and social forces in the Republic of Nicaragua toward an immediate and full restoration of functioning democracy in that country; H. Res. 192, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives encouraging the active engagement of Americans in world affairs and urging the Secretary of State to take the lead and coordinate with other governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations in creating an online database of international exchange programs and related opportunities; H. Res. 368, Congratulating the State of Israel on the election of Ambassador Dan Gillerman as Vice-President of the 60th United Nations General Assembly; and H. Res. 472, Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith, 10:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, oversight hearing entitled ``Restoration after Recent Hurricanes and Other Natural Disasters: Federal Role in Recovery after Catastrophic Events Affecting Forest Lands,'' 9 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, hearing on NOAA Hurricane Forecasting, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Small Businesses and Hurricane Katrina: Rebuilding the Economy,'' 10:30 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Gainsharing, 9:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Joint Meetings Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to examine the employment situation for September, 9:30 a.m., 1334 LHOB. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). 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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 D1028]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 8:15 a.m., Friday, October 7 Senate Chamber Program for Friday: Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 2863, Defense Appropriations and Senator Landrieu will be recognized to speak until 9:15 a.m., following the remarks of Senator Frist, to be followed by a vote on final passage of the bill. Also, Senate expects to complete action on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2360, Homeland Security Appropriations. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9 a.m., Friday, October 7 House Chamber Program for Friday: Consideration of H.R. 3893, Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Abercrombie, Neil, Hawaii, E2042 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E2028 Boehner, John A., Ohio, E2029 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E2038 Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E2027 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E2011, E2012, E2014, E2016 Burton, Dan, Ind., E2038 Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E2029 Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E2029 Castle, Michael N., Del., E2015 Chabot, Steve, Ohio, E2021 Costa, Jim, Calif., E2032, E2034 Doolittle, John T., Calif., E2024 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E2020 Farr, Sam, Calif., E2029 Frank, Barney, Mass., E2018 Gillmor, Paul E., Ohio, E2039 Grijalva, Raul M., Ariz., E2040 Harman, Jane, Calif., E2041 Hart, Melissa A., Pa., E2012, E2014 Herseth, Stephanie, S.D., E2015 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E2024, E2041 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E2041, E2043 Kelly, Sue W., N.Y., E2016 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E2020 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E2026, E2031, E2033, E2035 Langevin, James R., R.I., E2039 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E2015, E2025 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E2011, E2013 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E2018, E2032, E2034 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E2021 McGovern, James P., Mass., E2040 McHenry, Patrick T., N.C., E2026 McKeon, Howard P. ``Buck'', Calif., E2029 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E2024, E2037 Meehan, Martin T., Mass., E2016 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E2011, E2012, E2014 Millender-McDonald, Juanita, Calif., E2032, E2034 Miller, Gary G., Calif., E2042 Miller, George, Calif., E2015, E2043 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E2021 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E2012, E2013 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E2011, E2013 Ney, Robert W., Ohio, E2011, E2012, E2014, E2016, E2018, E2021 Norwood, Charlie, Ga., E2044 Nunes, Devin, Calif., E2026 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E2012, E2014 Otter, C.L. ``Butch'', Idaho, E2028 Paul, Ron, Tex., E2031, E2033, E2035 Payne, Donald M., N.J., E2026 Pelosi, Nancy, Calif., E2035, E2041 Platts, Todd Russell, Pa., E2014 Pombo, Richard W., Calif., E2028 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E2017 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E2030, E2033, E2034, E2035, E2037 Rohrabacher, Dana, Calif., E2038 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E2036 Sanders, Bernard, Vt., E2015 Saxton, Jim, N.J., E2020 Serrano, Jose E., N.Y., E2018 Shaw, E. Clay, Jr., Fla., E2038 Solis, Hilda L., Calif., E2042 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E2019 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E2032, E2034 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E2023 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E2037 Udall, Mark, Colo., E2027 Udall, Tom, N.M., E2027 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E2040 (Senate proceedings for today will be continued in the next issue of the Record.)