Wednesday, April 13, 2005 [[Page D326]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS The House passed H.R. 8, Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005. House Committees ordered reported 24 sundry measures, including Energy proposals. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S3505-S3607 Measures Introduced: Eleven bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 769-779, and S. Res. 106. Page S3555 Measures Reported: Special Report entitled ``The Role of Professional Firms in the U.S. Tax Shelter Industry''. (S. Rept. No. 109-54) Special Report entitled ``Profiteering in a Non-Profit Industry: Abusive Practices in Credit Counseling''. (S. Rept. No. 109-55) S. 362, to establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard to help identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment and navigation safety, in coordination with non-Federal entities, with an amendment. (S. Rept. No. 109-56) S. 39, to establish a coordinated national ocean explorationprogram within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (S. Rept. No. 109-57) S. 148, to establish a United States Boxing Commission toadminister the Act. (S. Rept. No. 109-58) Page S3555 Measures Passed: Disaster Mitigation Payments: Committee on Finance was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1134, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the proper tax treatment of certain disaster mitigation payments, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Sessions (for Baucus) Amendment No. 411, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S3604-05 Congratulating University of Denver Men's Hockey Team NCAA Champions: Senate agreed to S. Res. 106, congratulating the University of Denver Pioneer's men's hockey team, 2005 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Hockey Champions. Pages S3605-06 Supplemental Appropriations: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 1268, making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, to establish and rapidly implement regulations for State driver's license and identification document security standards, to prevent terrorists from abusing the asylum laws of the United States, to unify terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal, to ensure expeditious construction of the San Diego border fence, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S3513-48 Adopted: Durbin Amendment No. 356, to ensure that a Federal employee who takes leave without pay in order to perform service as a member of the uniformed services or member of the National Guard shall continue to receive pay in an amount which, when taken together with the pay and allowances such individual is receiving for such service, will be no less than the basic pay such individual would then be receiving if no interruption in employment had occurred. (By 39 yeas to 61 nays (Vote No. 91), Senate earlier failed to table the amendment.) Pages S3518-20 Kerry Amendment No. 333, to extend the period of temporary continuation of basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Armed Forces who die on active duty. Pages S3520-21 Kerry Amendment No. 334, to increase the military death gratuity to $100,000, effective with respect to any deaths of members of the Armed Forces [[Page D327]] on active duty after October 7, 2001. (By 25 yeas to 75 nays (Vote No. 92), Senate earlier failed to table the amendment.) Pages S3517-18, S3521-22 By 61 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. 94), Cornyn/Feinstein Amendment No. 372, to express the sense of the Senate that Congress should not delay enactment of critical appropriations necessary to ensure the well-being of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces fighting in Iraq and elsewhere around the world, by attempting to conduct a debate about immigration reform while the supplemental appropriations bill is pending on the floor of the United States Senate. Pages S3523-32 Stevens/Inouye Amendment No. 386, to provide for an increase in the amountappropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account. Page S3532 Cochran (for McConnell) Amendment No. 401, of a technical nature. Page S3542 Cochran (for McConnell) Amendment No. 402, to address the avian influenza virus in Asia. Page S3542 Cochran (for Lugar/Biden) Amendment No. 403, to provide additional amounts for diplomatic and consular programs and reduce the amount available for the Global War on Terror Partners Fund. Page S3542 Cochran (for Leahy) Amendment No. 404, to modify language in the bill relating to environmental recovery activities in tsunami affected countries. Page S3542 Cochran (for Leahy) Amendment No. 405, to require five day prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations for tsunami recovery and reconstruction funds. Page S3542 Rejected: By 27 yeas to 71 nays (Vote No. 93), Byrd Amendment No. 367, to reduce by$36,000,000 the amount appropriated for ``Military Construction, Army'', with the amount of the reduction to be allocated to funds available under that heading for the Camp 6 Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Pages S3515-17, S3522-23 Pending: Mikulski Amendment No. 387, to revise certain requirements for H-2B employers and require submission of information regarding H-2B nonimmigrants. Pages S3532-40, S3541-42 Feinstein Amendment No. 395, to express the sense of the Senate that the text of the REAL ID Act of 2005 should not be included in the conference report. Pages S3540-41 Bayh Amendment No. 406, to protect the financial condition of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who are ordered to long- term active duty in support of a contingency operation. Pages S3542-48 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 14, 2005. Pages S3606-07 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nomination: Michael D. Griffin, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Prior to this action, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration.) Page S3607 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nomination: Robert J. Portman, of Ohio, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Page S3607 Nominations Discharged: The following nominations were discharged from further committee consideration and placed on the Executive Calendar: Daniel R. Levinson, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, which was sent to the Senate on January 24, 2005, from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Howard J. Krongard, of New Jersey, to be Inspector General, Department of State, which was sent to the Senate on January 24, 2005, from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Page S3607 Messages From the House: Page S3552 Measures Referred: Page S3552 Executive Communications: Pages S3552-55 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S3555 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3555-57 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S3557-66 Additional Statements: Pages S3550-52 Amendments Submitted: Pages S3566-S3602 Authority for Committees to Meet: Pages S3602-03 Privilege of the Floor: Page S3603 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--94) Page S3520, S3521, S3523, S3532 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 8:11 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 14, 2005. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S3607.) [[Page D328]] Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year, after receiving testimony in behalf of funds for their respective activities from Emily Reynolds, Secretary of the Senate; and Alan Hantman, Architect of the Capitol. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006, after receiving testimony in behalf of funds for their respective activities from Keith Collins, Chief Economist, J.B. Penn, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Mark Rey, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Gilbert Gonzalez, Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development, and Joseph Jen, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, all of the Department of Agriculture. DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded a hearing to examine high risk areas in the management of the Department of Defense in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2006, after receiving testimony from David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, Government Accountability Office; Michael W. Wynne, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; and Robert J. Henke, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense(Comptroller). DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel concluded a hearing to examine active and Reserve military and civilian personnel programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2006, after receiving testimony from Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, ARNG, Chief, National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Roger C. Schultz, ARNG, Director, Army National Guard; Lieutenant General Daniel James, III, ANG, Director, Air National Guard; Lieutenant General James R. Helmly, USAR, Chief, Army Reserve; Vice Admiral John G. Cotton, USNR, Chief, Naval Reserve; Lieutenant General Dennis M. McCarthy, USMCR, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve; and Lieutenant General John A. Bradley, USAFR, Chief, Air Force Reserve. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK SYSTEM Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Federal Home Loan Bank System, focusing on changes and current issues affecting the system, including the promotion of housing and community development generally by making loans, also known as advances, to member financial institutions, after receiving testimony from Thomas J. McCool, Managing Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Government Accountability Office; George L. Engelke, Jr., Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association, Lake Success, New York, on behalf of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York; Paul Clabuesch, Thumb National Bank and Trust Company, Pigeon, Michigan, on behalf of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis; John Edward Norris, III, Plantation Federal Bank, Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Alex J. Pollock, American Enterprise Institute, Washington, D.C.; and Martin Eakes, Self-Help Credit Union and Center for Responsible Lending, Durham, North Carolina. SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee announced the following subcommittee assignments: Subcommittee on Aviation: Senators Burns (Chair), Stevens, McCain, Lott, Hutchison, Snowe, Smith, Ensign, Allen, Sununu, DeMint, Rockefeller, Inouye, Dorgan, Boxer, Cantwell, Lautenberg, Nelson (FL), Nelson (NE), and Pryor. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine: Senators Lott (Chair), Stevens, McCain, Burns, Hutchison, Snowe, Smith, Allen, Sununu, Vitter, Inouye, Rockefeller, Dorgan, Boxer, Cantwell, Lautenberg, Nelson (NE), and Pryor. Subcommittee on Science and Space: Senators Hutchison (Chair), Stevens, Burns, Lott, Ensign, Allen, Sununu, Nelson (FL), Rockefeller, Dorgan, Nelson (NE), and Pryor. Subcommittee on Fisheries and the Coast Guard: Senators Snowe (Chair), Stevens, Lott, Smith, Sununu, Vitter, Cantwell, Inouye, Kerry, and Lautenberg. Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development: Senators Smith (Chair), Stevens, McCain, Burns, Ensign, Allen, Sununu, DeMint, Vitter, Dorgan, Inouye, Rockefeller, Kerry, Cantwell, Lautenberg, Nelson (FL), Nelson (NE), and Pryor. Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation, and Competitiveness: Senators Ensign (Chair), Stevens, Burns, Lott, Hutchison, Allen, Sununu, DeMint, Kerry, Inouye, Rockefeller, Dorgan, Nelson (FL), and Pryor. [[Page D329]] Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Product Safety, and Insurance: Senators Allen (Chair), Stevens, Burns, DeMint, Vitter, Pryor, Inouye, and Boxer. Subcommittee on Global Climate Change and Impacts: Senators Vitter (Chair), Stevens, McCain, Snowe, Lautenberg, and Kerry. Subcommittee on Disaster Prevention and Prediction: Senators DeMint (Chair), Stevens, Smith, Vitter, Nelson (NE), Cantwell, and Nelson (FL). National Ocean Policy Study: Senators Sununu (Chair), Stevens, Lott, Hutchison, Snowe, Smith, DeMint, Vitter, Boxer, Inouye, Kerry, Cantwell, and Lautenberg. JUNK FAX TRANSMISSIONS PROHIBITION Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development concluded a hearing to examine S. 714, to amend section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934 relating to the prohibition on junk fax transmissions, after receiving testimony from Steven T. Kirsch, Propel Software Corporation, San Jose, California. NOMINATION Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of David Garman, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Energy. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items: S. 728, to provide for the consideration and development of water and related resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, with amendments; and The nominations of Stephen L. Johnson, of Maryland, to be Administrator, and Luis Luna, of Maryland, to be Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resource Management, both of the Environmental Protection Agency, John Paul Woodley, Jr., of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Major General Don T. Riley, United States Army, to be a Member and President of the Mississippi River Commission, Brigadier General William T. Grisoli, United States Army, to be a Member of the Mississippi River Commission, and D. Michael Rappoport, of Arizona, and Michael Butler, of Tennessee, each to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Committee on Finance: Committee held a hearing to examine the U.S.- Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, focusing on textiles, rice, sugar, worker rights and labor standards, environmental provisions, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), receiving testimony from Peter F. Allgeier, Acting U.S. Trade Representative; Lochiel Edwards, Montana Grain Growers Association, Big Sandy, on behalf of sundry organizations; Terry Harris, Stuttgart, Arkansas, on behalf of the USA Rice Federation and the U.S. Rice Producers Association; Jack Roney, American Sugar Alliance, Arlington, Virginia; Mark Berlind, Kraft Foods, Inc., Northfield, Illinois; John J. Castellani, Business Roundtable, Washington, DC.; J. Keith Crisco, Asheboro Elastics Corporation, Asheboro, North Carolina; Patricia A. Forkan, Humane Society International, Gaithersburg, Maryland; and Mark Levinson, UNITE HERE!,New York, New York. Hearing recessed subject to the call. NOMINATIONS: Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Daniel Fried, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Robert Joseph, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items: S. 21, to provide for homeland security grant coordination and simplification, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 335, to reauthorize the Congressional Award Act; S. 494, to amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel; and S. 501, to provide a site for the National Women's History Museum in the District of Columbia. INDIAN HEALTH Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee held an oversight hearing to examine the status of Indian health care issues, focusing on health disparities, access to health care, Community Health Aide Program [[Page D330]] (CHAP), Urban Indian health, Indian self-determination, mental health and substance abuse services, and related provisions of the Medicare Modernization Act, receiving testimony from Charles W. Grim, Director, Gary J. Hartz, Director, Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, W. Craig Vanderwagen, Acting Chief Medical Officer, all of the Indian Health Service, and A. Kathryn Power, Director, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, all of the Department of Health and Human Services; H. Sally Smith, National Indian Health Board, and Georgiana Ignace, National Council on Urban Indian Health, both of Washington, D.C.; Rachel A. Joseph, Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Reservation, Lone Pine, California; and Anslem Roanhorse, Jr., The Navajo Nation Division of Health, Window Rock, Arizona. Hearing recessed subject to the call. SECURING ELECTRONIC PERSONAL DATA Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine securing electronic personal data, focusing on striking a balance between privacy and commercial and governmental use, focusing on laws currently applicable to resellers of consumer information, commonly known as ``data brokers'', after receiving testimony from Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, Federal Trade Commission; Chris Swecker, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice; Larry D. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigative Division, Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell, Montpelier, on behalf of the National Association of Attorneys General; Douglas C. Curling, ChoicePoint Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia; Kurt P. Sanford, LexisNexis Group, Miamisburg, Ohio; Jennifer T. Barrett, Acxiom Corporation, Little Rock, Arkansas; James X. Dempsey, Center for Democracy and Technology, Washington, D.C.; and Robert Douglas, PrivacyToday.com, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. FEDERAL AND STATE MARRIAGE INITIATIVES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights concluded a hearing to examine judicial activism regarding federal and state marriage protection initiatives, focusing on the Defense of Marriage Act, after receiving testimony from Lynn D. Wardle, Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah; Gerard V. Bradley, University of Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana; and Kathleen Moltz, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. 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 Measures Introduced: 41 public bills, H.R. 1587-1627; 1 private bill, H.R. 1628 and; 3 resolutions, H.J. Res. 41; H. Con. Res. 131, and H. Res. 212 were introduced. Pages H1967-69 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1969-70 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 902, to improve circulation of the $1 coin, create a new bullion coin, amended (H. Rept. 109-39); H.R. 458, to prevent the sale of abusive insurance and investment products to military personnel (H. Rept. 109-40); H.R. 525, to amend title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to improve access and choice for entrepreneurs with small businesses with respect to medical care for their employees (H. Rept. 109-41); H.R. 798, to provide for a research program for remediation of closed methamphetamine production laboratories, amended (H. Rept. 109-42); and H. Res. 211, providing for consideration of S. 256, to amend title 11 of the United States Code (H. Rept. 109-43). Page H1967 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Capito to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H1899 Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Dr. Curt Dodd, Senior Pastor, Westside Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Page H1899 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: [[Page D331]] Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building Designation Act: H.R. 1463, to designate a portion of the Federal building located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building'', by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 427 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 98; Pages H1903-05, H1919-20 Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. 483, to designate a United States courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, as the ``Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse''; and Pages H1905-07 Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse Designation Act: H.R. 787, to designate the United States courthouse located at 501 I Street in Sacramento, California, as the ``Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse'', by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 426 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 99. Pages H1907-10, H1920-21 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005: The House passed H.R. 8, to make the repeal of the estate tax permanent, by a recorded vote of 272 ayes to 162 noes, Roll No. 102. Pages H1910-19, H1921-43 Rejected the Pomeroy amendment in the nature of a substitute (printed in H. Rept. 109-35) by a recorded vote of 194 ayes to 238 noes, Roll No. 101. Pages H1933-42 H. Res. 202, the rule providing for consideration of the bill was agreed to by voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea and nay vote of 237 yeas to 195 nays, Roll No. 100. Page H1921 Recess: The House recessed at 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 1:38 p.m. Page H1919 Quorum Calls--Votes: Three yea and nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H1919-20, H1920-21, H1921, H1941-42, H1942. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 11 p.m. Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and on the Administration on Aging. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Mark McClellan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary, Aging, Administration on Aging; and William Beldon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget. DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 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 the OMB. Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolton, Director, OMB. FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Testimony was heard from Paul V. Applegarth, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Park Service. Testimony was heard from Fran Mainella, Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. OSHA/RECREATIONAL BOATING JOBS MEASURES Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 739, Occupational Safety and Health Small Business Day in Court Act of 2005; H.R. 740, amended, Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Efficiency Act of 2005; H.R. 741, amended, Occupational Safety and Health Independent Review of OSHA Citations Act of 2005; H.R. 742, Occupational Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act of 2005; and H.R. 940, amended, Recreational Marine Employment Act of 2005. ENERGY POLICY ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ENTERPRISES REGULATORY REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``The Administration Perspective on GSE Regulatory Reform.'' Testimony was heard from John W. [[Page D332]] Snow, Secretary of the Treasury; and Alphonso R. Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. NET WORTH AMENDMENT FOR CREATE UNIONS ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 1042, Net Worth Amendment for Credit Unions Act. Testimony was heard from JoAnn Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 22, amended, Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act; H.R. 1533, amended, Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 2005; H.R. 504, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4960 West Washington Boulevard in Lost Angeles, California, as the ``Ray Charles Post Office Building;'' H.R. 1001, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 301 South Heatherwilde Boulevard in Pflugerville, Texas, as the ``Sergeant Byron W. Norwood Post Office Building;'' H.R. 1072, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 151 West End Street in Goliad, Texas, as the ``Judge Emilio Vargas Post Office Building;'' 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;'' H.R. 1236, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 750 4th Street in Sparks, Nevada, as the ``Mayor Tony Armstrong Memorial Post Office;'' H.R. 1524, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12433 Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas, as the ``Ed Eilert Post Office Building;'' 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; `` H. Res. 184, Recognizing a National Week of Hope in commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City; H. Con. Res. 41, Recognizing the second century of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and supporting the mission and goals of that organization; and H. Res. 197, Honoring Franklin Delano Roosevelt. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROMOTING PRIORITIZATION AND MANAGEMENT Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled ``The Department of Homeland Security: Promoting Risk-Based Prioritization and Management.'' Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. GLOBAL AIDS CRISIS--U.S. RESPONSE Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Response to Global AIDS Crisis: A Two-Year Review, Testimony was heard from Randall L. Tobias, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State; and public witnesses. IRAN FREEDOM SUPPORT ACT Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central Asia approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 282, Iran Freedom Support Act. U.S. TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH LATIN AMERICA Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on U.S. Trade Agreements with Latin America. Testimony was heard from Representatives Brady of Texas, and Becerra; former Representative Cass Ballenger of North Carolina; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 32, amended, Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act; H.R. 748, amended, Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act; and H.R. 866, To make technical corrections to the United States Code. The Committee also began mark up of H.R. 1279, Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005. OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION AND ALIEN GANG EPIDEMIC Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims held an oversight hearing on Immigration and the Alien Gang Epidemic: Problems and Solutions. Testimony was heard from Michael Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. DOMESTIC ENERGY SECURITY ACT Committee on Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the Domestic Energy Security Act. OVERSIGHT--GRAZING AND RANGE CONSERVATION Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an oversight hearing on Management Challenges for Grazing and Range Conservation in the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land [[Page D333]] Management. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DROUGHT IMPACT REDUCTION Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing entitled ``The Role of New Surface and Groundwater Storage in Providing Reliable Water and Power Supplies and Reducing Drought's Impacts.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2005 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a closed rule providing one hour of debate on S. 256, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.1215, Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES PROGRAM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled `` Private Equity for Small Firms: The Importance of the Participating Securities Program.'' Testimony was heard from Jaime Guzman-Fournier, Associate Administrator, Office of Investment, SBA; and public witnesses. COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2005 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation approved for full Committee action H.R. 889, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005. OVERSIGHT--WASTEWATER BLENDING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Wastewater Blending. Testimony was heard from Representative Stupak; and public witnesses. ENHANCED ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY TAX ACT OF 2005 Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1541, Enhanced Energy Infrastructure and Technology Tax Act of 2005. FBI BUDGET Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FBI Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 9:30 a.m., SD-138. Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Office of Marketing and Regulatory Programs, the Office of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, and the Office of Food Safety and Inpection Service, all of the Department of Agriculture, 2 p.m., SD-192. Subcommittee on Energy and Water, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the National Nuclear Security Administration, 2 p.m., SD-124. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine implementation by the Department of Defense of the National Security Personnel System, 9:30 a.m., SR-325. Subcommittee on Airland, to hold hearings to examine Air Force acquisition oversight in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2006, 2:30 p.m., SR-232A. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the implementation of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: business meeting to consider S. 364, to establish a program within the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to integrate Federal coastal and ocean mapping activities, S. 714, to amend section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934 relating to the prohibition on junk fax transmissions, S. 432, to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, the proposed Surface Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2005, and the nominations of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Promotion List, Coast Guard Promotion List, and Coast Guard Promotion List, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine how to solve the tax gap, 10 a.m., SD-G50. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold hearings to examine lifelong education opportunities, 10 a.m., SD- 430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold oversight hearings to examine a review of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), focusing on the impact of the [[Page D334]] UMRA has had on Federal, state, and local governments and explore if changes are necessary to strengthen the law's procedures, definitions, and exclusions, 10 a.m., SD-342. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the ongoing need for comprehensive postal reform, 2 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 378, to make it a criminal act to willfully use a weapon with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person while on board a passenger vessel, S. 119, to provide for the protection of unaccompanied alien children, S. 629, to amend chapter 97 of title 18, United States Code, relating to protecting against attacks on railroads and other mass transportation systems, S. 555, to amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal, and the nominations of Thomas B. Griffith, of Utah, and Janice R. Brown, of California, each to be a United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, Terrence W. Boyle, of North Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, Priscilla Richman Owen, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, Robert J. Conrad, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, and James C. Dever III, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina, 9:30 a.m., SD-226. Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, with the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, to hold joint hearings to examine deportation and related issues relating to strengthening interior enforcement, 2:30 p.m., SD-226. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to examine the legislative presentations of the Military Officers Association of America, the National Association of State Director of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, and Vietnam Veterans of America, 10 a.m., 345 CHOB. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Lieutenant General Michael V. Hayden, United States Air Force, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, 10:30 a.m., SH-216. Full Committee, closed business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 3 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense, on Recruiting and Retention, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland Security, on Science and Technology, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, on Public Witnesses, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies, on Election Assistance Commission, 10 a.m., and on Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Agencies, on Members of Congress and Public Witnesses, 9 a.m., H-144 Capitol. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on Public Witnesses: Native Americans, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on International Relations, joint hearing regarding U.S. national security and foreign policy implications of arms exports to the People's Republic of China by member states of the European Union, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request on the Department of Defense's major rotorcraft programs, 3:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Education Reform, hearing on The Best of Head Start: Learning from Model Programs, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to continue mark up of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled ``The ORBIT Act: An Examination of Progress Made in Privatizing the Satellite Communications Marketplace,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, hearing entitled ``Review and Oversight of the National Flood Insurance Program,'' 11 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, hearing entitled ``Grant Reform: The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005,'' 11 a.m., 210 Cannon. Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight, hearing entitled ``The Need to Strengthen Information Security at the Department of Homeland Security,'' 2 p.m., 210 Cannon. Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights, and International Operations, hearing on Foreign Relations Authorization for FY 2005-2006: Department of State Management Initiatives, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, hearing on Averting Nuclear Terrorism, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans, oversight hearing on the Relationship between the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Subcommittee on National Parks, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 432, Betty Dick Residence Protection Act; H.R. 481, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act of 2005; and H.R. 1492, To provide for the preservation of the historic confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during Work War II, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, hearing on the 2004 Presidential Awardees for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. [[Page D335]] Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports, hearing entitled ``The Estate Tax and the Alternative Minimum Tax--Inequity for America's Small Businesses,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, oversight hearing on Transforming the Federal Aviation Administration: a Review of the Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Program Development Office, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, oversight hearing on The National Preparedness System: What are we preparing for? 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Ways and Means, hearing on United States-China Economic Relations and China's Role in the World Economy, 11 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Subcommittee on Oversight, hearing on 2005 Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year 2006, 2 p.m., B-318 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, briefing on Global Updates, 9 a.m., and executive, hearing on General Defense Intelligence Program (GDIP) Budget, 10 a.m., HJ-405 Capitol. Joint Meetings Joint Meetings: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to examine the legislative presentations of the Military Officers Association of America, the National Association of State Director of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, and Vietnam Veterans of America, 10 a.m., 345 CHOB. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to hold hearings to examine problems experienced by unregistered religious communities operating within the Russian Federation, 11 a.m., 2200 RHOB. Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to examine the current economic outlook for April, 9:30 a.m., 2212 RHOB. 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. ``Periodicals'' postage is paid at Washington, D.C. [[Page D336]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 14 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 1268, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, April 14 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of S. 256, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (closed rule, one hour of debate). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E643 Cardin, Benjamin L., Md., E644 Cardoza, Dennis A., Calif., E640 Cooper, Jim, Tenn., E636 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E645 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E631, E633, E634, E635, E636, E637, E638, E639, E640, E641 Ehlers, Vernon J., Mich., E631, E633 Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E636 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E645 Gilchrest, Wayne T., Md., E639 Herger, Wally, Calif., E644 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E643 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E639 Leach, James A., Iowa, E643 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E642 Meehan, Martin T., Mass., E634 Millender-McDonald, Juanita, Calif., E643, E645 Myrick, Sue Wilkins, N.C., E635 Nadler, Jerrold, N.Y., E632 Ney, Robert W., Ohio, E632, E634 Olver, John W., Mass., E633 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E638 Pombo, Richard W., Calif., E639 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E642 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E637 Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E637 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E636 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E638 Shaw, E. Clay, Jr., Fla., E641 Shimkus, John, Ill., E638 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E640 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E632, E634