Thursday, September 27, 2007 [[Page D1275]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate passed H.J. Res. 43, Debt Limit Increase. Senate concurred in the amendments of the House to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 976, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages 12189-S12317 Measures Introduced: Twelve bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2104-2115, and S. Res. 334-336. Page S12287 Measures Reported: S. Res. 258, recognizing the historical and educational significance of the Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Freedom Schooner Amistad, and expressing the sense of the Senate that preserving the legacy of the Amistad story is important in promoting multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation. S.J. Res. 13, granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding. S. Con. Res. 45, commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month. Page S12285 Measures Passed: Debt Limit Increase: By 53 yeas to 42 nays (Vote No. 354), Senate agreed to H.J. Res. 43, increasing the statutory limit on the public debt, clearing the measure for the President. Pages S12248-54, S12255 Continuing Appropriations: By 94 yeas to 1 nay (Vote No. 355), Senate agreed to H.J. Res. 52, making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, clearing the measure for the President. Pages S12255-58 President of George Washington University: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 210, honoring the accomplishments of Stephen Joel Trachtenberg as president of the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his upcoming retirement in July 2007, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S12314 Librarian of Congress Dr. James Hadley Billington: Senate agreed to S. Res. 336, recognizing and honoring the 20 years of service and contributions of Dr. James Hadley Billington as Librarian of Congress. Pages S12314-15 Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act: Committee on Veterans' Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 327, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S12315-16 Brown (for Harkin) Amendment No. 3111, in the nature of a substitute. Page S12315-16 Secretary of Education Waiver Authority: Senate passed H.R. 3625, to make permanent the waiver authority of the Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or other military operation or national emergency, clearing the measure for the President. Page S12316 Transitional Medical Assistance Extension: Senate passed H.R. 3668, to provide for the extension of transitional medical assistance (TMA), the abstinence education program, and the qualifying individuals (QI) program, clearing the measure for the President. Page S12316 [[Page D1276]] Measures Considered: National Defense Authorization Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S12189-S12206, S12258-78 Adopted: Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No. 3035 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 2064), to provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes. Pages S12205-06 By 96 yeas and 3 nays (Vote No. 351), Casey (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3047 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require comprehensive study and support for criminal investigations and prosecutions by State and local law enforcement officials. Pages S12189, S12206 McCaskill (for Webb) Further Modified Amendment No. 2999 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for the study and investigation of wartime contracts and contracting processes in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Pages S12189, S12258-60 Levin (for Sanders) Amendment No. 2902 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for an enhancement of the utility of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty of members of the Armed Forces. Page S12261 Levin (for Cardin/Mikulski) Amendment No. 3000 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for the relocation of the Joint Spectrum Center in Annapolis, Maryland, to Fort Meade, Maryland and the termination of the existing lease for the Center. Pages S12261-62 Levin (for Kerry) Amendment No. 3041 (to Amendment No. 2011), to protect small high-tech firms. Pages S12261-62 Levin (for Reid/Obama) Amendment No. 3073 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for transparency and accountability in military and security contracting. Pages S12261-62 Levin (for Webb) Modified Amendment No. 2127 (to Amendment No. 2011), to improve the provisions relating to contractors performing private security functions in areas of combat operations. Pages S12261-62 Levin (for McCain) Amendment No. 3088 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on medical physical examinations of members of the Armed Forces before their deployment. Pages S12261-62 Levin (for Coleman/Collins) Amendment No. 2983 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify authorities relating to the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Pages S12261-63 Levin Amendment No. 3076 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on family reunions between United States citizens and their relatives in North Korea. Pages S12261, S12263 Levin (for Cardin) Amendment No. 2991 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to prepare reports assessing capabilities to provide training and guidance to the command of an international intervention force that seeks to prevent mass atrocities. Pages S12261, S12263 Levin (for Dorgan/Dodd) Amendment No. 2989 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide accurate monitoring and tracking of weapons provided to the Government of Iraq and other individuals and groups in Iraq. Pages S12261, S12263-64 Levin (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 3081 (to Amendment No. 2011), to establish the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Pages S12261, S12264 Levin (for Obama) Amendment No. 3078 (to Amendment No. 2011), relative to administrative separations of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder. Pages S12261, S12264 Levin (for McCain) Amendment No. 3104 (to Amendment No. 2011), to express the sense of Congress on the Air Force strategy for the replacement of the aerial refueling tanker aircraft fleet. Pages S12261, S12264 Levin (for McCain) Amendment No. 2133 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the calculation of back pay for persons who were approved for promotion as members of the Navy and Marine Corps while interned as prisoners of war during World War II to take account changes in the Consumer Price Index. Pages S12261, S12264-65 Levin (for Kennedy/McCain) Amendment No. 3077 (to Amendment No. 2011), relative to the Littoral Combat Ship program. Pages S12261, S12265 Levin Modified Amendment No. 2265 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the authorities to lease military family housing, and to provide an offset. Pages S12261, S12265 Levin (for McCain) Amendment No. 3087 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require reports on the utilization of tuition assistance benefits by members of the Armed Forces. Pages S12261, S12265 Levin (for Warner) Amendment No. 2954 (to Amendment No. 2011), to increase the amount authorized to repair, restore, and preserve the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France. Pages S12261, S12265 [[Page D1277]] Levin (for Chambliss/Pryor) Amendment No. 2049 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the effective date of applicability of the commencement or receipt of non-regular service retired pay. Pages S12261, S12265 Levin (for Craig) Amendment No. 2101 (to Amendment No. 2011), to enhance education benefits for certain members of the reserve components. Pages S12261, S12265-67 Levin (for Inhofe) Amendment No. 2261 (to Amendment No. 2011), to extend the period of entitlement to educational assistance for certain members of the Selected Reserve affected by force shaping initiatives. Pages S12261, S12267 Levin (for Lincoln) Amendment No. 2074 (to Amendment No. 2011), to modify the time limit for use of entitlement to education assistance for reserve component members supporting contingency operations and other operations. Pages S12261, S12267 Levin (for Nelson (FL)) Amendment No. 2000 (to Amendment No. 2011), to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency an indemnity compensation and to modify the date of paid-up coverage under the Survivor Benefit Plan. Pages S12261, S12267 Levin (for Nelson (NE)/Graham) Amendment No. 2161 (to Amendment No. 2011), to repeal the annual limit on the number of Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarships under the Army Reserve and Army National Guard financial assistance program. Pages S12261, S12267 Levin (for Reid) Amendment No. 2925 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide that veterans with service-connected disabilities rated as total by virtue of unemployability shall be covered by the termination of the phase-in of concurrent receipt of retired pay and veterans disability compensation for military retirees. Pages S12261, S12267-68 Levin (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 2912 (to Amendment No. 2011), to increase in charges and fees for medical care. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 2066 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for the retention of reimbursement for the provision of reciprocal fire protection services. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for Hutchison) Modified Amendment No. 2984 (to Amendment No. 2011), to designate a scientific institute at the Texas Medical Center as the National Center for Human Performance. Pages S1261, S12268 Levin (for Biden) Modified Amendment No. 3075 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide funds for improvised explosive device protection for military vehicles. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for McCain) Modified Amendment No. 3089 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for a continuation of transitional health benefits for members of the Armed Forces pending a resolution of their service- related medical conditions. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for McCain) Amendment No. 3090 (to Amendment No. 2011), to enhance the computation of years of service for purposes of retirees pay for non-regular service. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for Landrieu) Modified Amendment No. 2993 (to Amendment No. 2011), relative to the capture of Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda leadership. Pages S12261, S12268 Levin (for Kennedy) Modified Amendment No. 2872 (to Amendment No. 2011), to assist certain Iraqis who have worked directly with, or are threatened by their association with, the United States. Pages S12261, S12268-70 Levin (for Lott) Modified Amendment No. 2214 (to Amendment No. 2011), to express the sense of Congress on the need of the Department of Defense to rapidly field innovative logistics systems such as the Associate Intermodal Platform pallet system. Pages S12261, S12270 Levin (for Salazar) Modified Amendment No. 2942 (to Amendment No. 2011), to require a report on the relocation of the North American Aerospace Defense command center and related functions from Cheyenne Mountain Air Station, Colorado, to Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, and to require a master infrastructure recapitalization plan for Cheyenne Mountain Air Station. Pages S12261, S12270 Rejected: By 26 yeas and 69 nays (Vote No. 356), Coburn Amendment No. 2196 (to Amendment No. 2011), to eliminate wasteful spending and improve the management of counter-drug intelligence. Pages S12189, S12260-61 Pending: Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, in the nature of a substitute. Page S12189 Reid (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 3058 (to Amendment No. 2011), to provide for certain public-private competition requirements. Pages S12189, S12271 Reid (for Kennedy) Amendment No. 3109 (to Amendment No. 3058), to provide for certain public-private competition requirements. Pages S12271-73 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 60 yeas to 39 nays (Vote No. 350), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the Reid (for Kennedy/ [[Page D1278]] Smith) Amendment No. 3035 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 2064), to provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes. Page S12205 The following motion and amendments fell when cloture was invoked on Reid (for Kennedy/Smith) Amendment No. 3035 (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 2064): Motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Armed Services, with instructions to report back forthwith, with Reid Amendment No. 3038, to change the enactment date. Pages S12189, S12258 Reid Amendment No. 3039 (to the instructions of the motion to recommit), of a technical nature. Pages S12189, S12258 Reid Amendment No. 3040 (to Amendment No. 3039), of a technical nature. Pages S12189, S12258 Warner (for Graham/Kyl) Amendment No. 2064 (to Amendment No. 2011), to strike section 1023, relating to the granting of civil rights to terror suspects. Pages S12189, S12258 By 89 yeas to 6 nays (Vote No. 357), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S12270-71 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, October 1, 2007, upon adoption of Nelson (NE) (for Levin) Amendment No. 2011, Senate vote on passage of the bill. Page S12254 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 28, 2007. Page S12316 House Messages: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act: By 67 yeas and 29 nays (Vote No. 353), Senate concurred in the amendments of the House to the amendments of the Senate to H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, after taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto, clearing the measure for the President: Pages S12206-S12248, S12254-55 Withdrawn: Reid Amendment No. 3071 (to the House amendments to Senate amendments to the text of H.R. 976), to change the enactment date. Page S12255 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 69 yeas to 30 nays (Vote No. 352), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to the bill. Pages S12206-07 Reid Amendment No. 3072 (to Amendment No. 3071), of a perfecting nature, fell when Reid Amendment No. 3071 (listed above) was withdrawn. Page S12255 Message from the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, legislation and supporting documents to implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement; which was referred to the Committee on Finance. (PM-27) Page S12284 Myers Nomination--Agreement: A unanimous consent agreement was reached providing that when the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs reports the nomination of Julie L. Myers, of Kansas, to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, it be sequentially referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for up to 30 calendar days and that if the nomination is not reported by the completion of that time the nomination be automatically discharged and placed on the executive calendar. Page S12316 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Javaid Anwar, of Nevada, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring December 10, 2007. Javaid Anwar, of Nevada, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation for a term expiring December 10, 2013. Madonna Cynthia Douglass, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for a term expiring April 27, 2013. Douglas W. Webster, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Labor. Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps. Pages S12316-17 Messages from the House: Page S12284 Measures Referred: Page S12284 Measures Read the First Time: Page S12284 Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S12284 Executive Communications: Pages S12284-85 [[Page D1279]] Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S12285-87 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S12287-89 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S12289-94 Additional Statements: Pages S12282-83 Amendments Submitted: Pages S12294-S12312 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S12312 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S12312-14 Privileges of the Floor: Page S12314 Record Votes: Eight record votes were taken today. (Total--357) Pages S12205, S12206, S12206-07, S12255, S12257-58, S12261, S12271 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9 a.m. and adjourned at 9:57 p.m., until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S12316.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NOMINATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, for reappointment of the grade of Admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, General William E. Ward, United States Army, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Africa Command, General Kevin P. Chilton, United States Air Force, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Strategic Command, Lt. General James N. Mattis, United States Marine Corps, to be General and Commander, United States Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, and a promotion list of 4,970 in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Prior to this action, Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Gen. William E. Ward, United States Army, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Africa Command, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, to be General, United States Air Force, for reappointment to the grade of General and to be Commander, United States Strategic Command, Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, United States Marine Corps, to be General and to be Commander, United States Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, and Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, for reappointment to the grade of Admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, who was introduced by Senator Inouye, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. AIRLINE DELAYS AND CONSUMER ISSUES Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security concluded a hearing to examine congestion and delays impacting travelers, focusing on possible solutions, after receiving testimony from Robert A. Sturgell, Acting Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, D.J. Gribbin, General Counsel, and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General, all of the Department of Transportation; Bob Reding, American Airlines, Fort Worth, Texas; Joe Kolshak, Delta Airlines, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia; and Zane Rowe, Continental Airlines, Houston, Texas. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S. 1578, to amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 1889, to amend title 49, United States Code, to improve railroad safety by reducing accidents and to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 1965, to protect children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators, to enhance efforts to identify and eliminate child pornography, and to help parents shield their children from material that is inappropriate for minors, with amendments; S.J. Res. 17, directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean; S. Con. Res. 39, supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims; and Sundry promotion lists in the United States Coast Guard. HARD-ROCK MINING Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine hard-rock mining on federal lands, after receiving testimony from Jim Butler, Parsons, Behle, and Latimer, Salt Lake City, Utah; Dusty Horwitt, Environmental Working Group, Washington, D.C.; Timothy R. Snider, Freeport, McMoran, Cooper and Gold, Phoenix, Arizona, [[Page D1280]] on behalf of the National Mining Association; and John D. Leshy, Cambridge, Massachusetts. LAND BILLS Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks concluded a hearing to examine S. 148, to establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park in the State of New Jersey, S. 189, to decrease the matching funds requirements and authorize additional appropriations for Keweenaw National Historical Park in the State of Michigan, S. 697, to establish the Steel Industry National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania, S. 1341, to provide for the exchange of certain Bureau of Land Management land in Pima County, Arizona, S. 128, to amend the Cache La Poudre River Corridor Act to designate a new management entity, make certain technical and conforming amendments, enhance private property protections, S. 1476, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources study of the Tule Lake Segregation Center in Modoc County, California, to determine suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Park System, S. 867 and H.R. 299, bills to adjust the boundary of Lowell National Historical Park, S. 1709 and H.R. 1239, bills to amend the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 to provide additional staff and oversight of funds to carry out the Act, S. 1808, to authorize the exchange of certain land in Denali National Park in the State of Alaska, S. 1969, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites related to Alexander Hamilton's life on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands as a unit of the National Park System, and S. 1039, to extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey, after receiving testimony from Senators Levin and Allard; Representative Pascrell; Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Tom Brooks, Alaska Railroad, Anchorage; August R. Carlino, Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, Homestead, Pennsylvania; and Leonard A. Zax, Latham and Watkins LLP, Washington, D.C. NATIONAL BORDER SECURITY Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the efficacy of national border security, focusing on vulnerabilities at unmanned and unmonitored United States border locations, after receiving testimony from Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, Government Accountability Office; Ronald Colburn, Deputy Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Kenneth N. Luongo, Partnership for Global Security, Washington, D.C. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (T. Doc. 103-39), after receiving testimony from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State; Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy, and Gordon England, Deputy Secretary, both of the Department of Defense. MILITARY STRATEGIC AIRLIFT REQUIREMENTS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security concluded a hearing to examine cost effective military strategic airlift requirements in the 21st century, focusing on how to meet the strategic airlift demands of the United States in a cost effective way, after receiving testimony from Sue C. Payton, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, and General Norton A. Schwartz, Commander, United States Transportation Command, both of the Department of Defense; Christopher Bolkcom, Specialist in National Defense, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and Larry J. McQuien, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Washington, D.C. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S. 2087, to amend certain laws relating to Native Americans to make technical corrections; S. 2062, to amend the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996 to reauthorize that Act; S. 1347, to amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to modify the date as of which certain tribal land of the Lytton Rancheria of California is deemed to be held in trust and to provide for the conduct of certain activities on the land; and The nominations of Kristine Mary Miller, of Colorado, Brenda L. Kingery, of Texas, Julie E. Kitka, of Alaska, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, of Alaska, and Perry R. Eaton, of Alaska, all to be Members of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. [[Page D1281]] VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIAN WOMEN Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the prevalence of violence against Indian women, after receiving testimony from Alexandra Arriaga, Amnesty International U.S.A., Washington, D.C.; Tammy M. Young, Alaska Native Women's Coalition, Sitka; Karen Artichoker, Sacred Circle National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women, Rapid City, South Dakota; Riyaz A. Kanji, Kanji and Katzen, PLLC, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Jami Rozell, Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: S.J. Res. 13, granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding; S. 980, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies, with amendments; S. Con. Res. 45, commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month; S. Res. 258, recognizing the historical and educational significance of the Atlantic Freedom Tour of the Freedom Schooner Amistad, and expressing the sense of the Senate that preserving the legacy of the Amistad story is important in promoting multicultural dialogue, education, and cooperation; and The nomination of James Russell Dedrick, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Also, Committee began consideration of S. 2035, to maintain the free flow of information to the public by providing conditions for the federally compelled disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news media, but did not complete action thereon, and recessed subject to the call. GOOGLE-DOUBLECLICK MERGER Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights concluded a hearing to examine the Google- DoubleClick merger and the online advertising industry, focusing on the risks for competition and privacy, after receiving testimony from David Drummond, Google, Mountain View, California; Bradford L. Smith, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington; Thomas M. Lenard, Progress and Freedom Foundation, and Marc Rotenberg, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), both of Washington, D.C.; and Scott Cleland, Precursor, LLC, McLean, Virginia. NOMINATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Paul J. Hutter, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 29 public bills, H.R. 3678- 3706; and 11 resolutions, H.J. Res. 54; H. Con. Res. 220; and H. Res. 685-693 were introduced. Pages H11026-28 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H11028-29 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 2740, to require accountability for contractors and contract personnel under Federal contracts, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110- 352); H.R. 400, to prohibit profiteering and fraud relating to military action, relief, and reconstruction efforts, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-353); H.R. 928, to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General and to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-354); and Interim Report of the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007 (H. Rept. 110-355). Page H11026 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Blumenauer to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Pages H10941 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. James T. Golden, Ward Temple A.M.E. Church, Bradenton, Florida. Page H10941 Motion to Adjourn: Rejected the Sessions motion to adjourn by a yea- and-nay vote of 175 yeas to 229 nays, Roll No. 914. Page H10952 Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 3121, to restore the financial solvency of the national flood insurance [[Page D1282]] program and to provide for such program to make available multiperil coverage for damage resulting from windstorms and floods, by a yea-and- nay vote of 263 yeas to 146 nays, Roll No. 921. Pages H10956-94 Rejected the Bachmann motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Financial Services with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments, by a recorded vote of 179 ayes to 232 noes, Roll No. 920. Pages H10991-93 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of H. Rept. 110-351, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole and shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. Page H10966 Accepted: Frank (MA) manager's amendment (No. 1 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that (1) requires that homes insured by wind/water policies comply with existing model building codes from the International Code Council pursuant to request from the National Association of Home Builders; (2) requires that specific technologies be used for mapping floodplains; (3) adds a professional mapping association to the Mapping Advisory Council; (4) prohibits FEMA from enforcing penalties assessed against individual condo owners where the condo complex is underinsured regarding flood coverage; (5) directs FEMA to develop a plan to verify that the recipients of Homeowner Assistance Grants in Mississippi and Road Home Grants in Louisiana, funded by HUD Community Development Block Grants, maintain flood insurance on their properties as required as a condition of the grants; and (6) codifies recommendations in a recently released GAO report with respect to the National Flood Insurance Program's payments to insurance companies for their administrative costs without requiring the companies to report their costs or to comply with the existing audit requirements; Pages H10972-73 Cardoza amendment (No. 2 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that states that people forced to purchase flood insurance as a result of the new map who have lived in an area where the levees were previously certified, and have now been decertified, will receive a grace period of 5 years in which they will be entitled to a 50% reduction in their flood insurance premium while the levees are being recertified; Pages H10973-75 Castor amendment (No. 3 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that commissions a study by the GAO to examine the effect of the new multiperil policy on state insurance programs; Pages H10975-77 Castor amendment (No. 4 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that clarifies some of the priorities for wind risk criteria generation; Pages H10977-78 Blumenauer amendment (No. 5 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that requires FEMA, when updating and maintaining flood maps, to take into consideration the impacts of global warming, the potential future impacts of global climate change-related weather events, and use the best available climate science in assessing flood and storm risks; Pages H10978-80 Murphy (PA) amendment (No. 6 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that creates the position of National Flood Insurance Advocate in FEMA which: (1) transmits a comprehensive report to Congress about the major problems facing the Flood Insurance Program; and (2) reports to Congress about the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing an Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate, headed by the National Flood Insurance Advocate, to assist insureds in resolving problems with FEMA; Pages H10980-82 Taylor amendment (No. 7 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that allows multiple peril and flood insurance coverage of apartment buildings up to the total of the number of dwelling units times the maximum coverage limit per residential unit (by a recorded vote of 268 ayes to 143 noes, Roll No. 919); Pages H10982-86, H10991 Taylor amendment (No. 8 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that prohibits a company that sells and services flood insurance policies from including language in its own windstorm policies that would exclude coverage of wind damage solely because flooding also contributed to the damage and also requires the contract between an insurance company and NFIP to state that the company has a fiduciary responsibility to federal taxpayers and will act in the best interests of NFIP; Pages H10986-87 Costello amendment (No. 9 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that provides that no changes in flood insurance status can go into effect until the remapping process is completed for the entire district of the Corps of Engineers affected by that map; Pages H10986-87 Gene Green (TX) amendment (No. 10 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110- 351) that provides a five year phase-in of flood insurance premiums for low-income homeowners or renters whose primary residence is placed within a flood plain through an updating of the flood insurance program maps if the value of the home does not exceed 75% of the state median home value; Pages H10987-88 Berry amendment (No. 11 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that authorizes the Director of FEMA to include a note on flood insurance rate maps identifying 100-year and 500-year certified [[Page D1283]] levees and encouraging property owners to evaluate their risk of flooding and also clarifies that the note shall not be considered a legal requirement of participation in the national flood insurance program; Pages H10988-89 Walz (MN) amendment (No. 12 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that adds to the flood map modernization provisions of the bill a requirement that FEMA map areas in the 100-year floodplain that would flood if not for a ``levee, dam, or other man-made structure''; and Pages H10989-90 Stark amendment (No. 13 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-351) that requires written notification by first class mail to each property owner affected by a proposed change in flood elevations, prior to the 90-day appeal period; notification would include an explanation of the appeal process and contact information for responsible officials. Pages H10990-91 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Page H10994 H. Res. 683, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 220 ayes to 188 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 918, after agreeing to order the previous question by a recorded vote of 220 ayes to 193 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 917. Pages H10946-53, H10955-56 Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007: The House passed H.R. 3567, to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to expand opportunities for investments in small businesses, by a yea-and-nay vote of 325 yeas to 72 nays, Roll No. 923. Pages H10994-H11008 Rejected the Walberg motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Small Business with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments, by a yea-and-nay vote of 183 yeas to 213 nays, Roll No. 922. Pages H11006-08 Accepted: Chabot amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-350) that establishes a bright line standard of majority stock ownership for determining whether a venture capital company is affiliated with the companies in which it invests; Pages H11004-05 Inslee amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-350) that expands the definition of operational assistance in Section 351 of the Small Business Investment Act to include assistance to help small businesses achieve energy efficiency and implement sustainable practices that reduce the use of non-renewable resources or minimize environmental impact and reduce overall costs and increase health of employees; and Page H11005 Inslee amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 110-350) that directs the SBA Administrator to give consideration to investments for small businesses that are creating new technologies, manufactured goods, or materials, or providing services to reduce carbon emissions in the U.S., reduce the use of non-renewable resources, minimize environmental impact and relate people with the natural environment. Pages H11005-06 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Page H11008 H. Res. 682, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 222 yeas to 181 nays, Roll No. 916, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 222 yeas to 190 nays, Roll No. 915. Pages H10944-46, H10954-55 Calendar Wednesday: Agreed by unanimous consent to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, October 3rd. Page H11009 Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 1st for morning hour debate. Page H11002 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he transmitted legislation and supporting documents to implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement--referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-60). Page H11004 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on pages H10941 and H11025 Senate Referrals: S. 2085 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Page H11025 Quorum Calls--Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes and four recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H10952, H10954, H10954-55, H10955, H10956, H10991, H10993, H10994, H111007, and H11008. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Committee Meetings VIRGINIA RIDGE AND VALLEY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review H.R. 1011, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. [[Page D1284]] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 20, amended, Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act; H.R. 2295, amended, ALS Registry Act; H.R. 507, amended, Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007; H.R. 1727, amended, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act; H.R. 970, Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007; H.R. 814, amended, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; H.R. 1699, amended, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 2474, amended, Product Safety Civil Penalties Improvement Act; and H.R. 1721, amended, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. SEC PROXY ACCESS PROPOSALS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``SEC Proxy Access Proposals: Implications for Investors.'' Testimony was heard from Donald Kirshbaum, Principal Investment Officer, Policy, Office of the Treasurer, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. CREDIT RATING AGENCIES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled ``The Role of Credit Rating Agencies in the Structured Finance Market.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTELLIGENCE FUSION CENTERS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk held a hearing entitled ``The Way Forward with Fusion Centers: Challenges and Strategies for Change.'' Testimony was heard from Ellen Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Jack Tomarchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; Michael Mines, Deputy Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, FBI, Department of Justice; the following officials of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress: Todd Masse, Specialist, Domestic Intelligence and Counterterrorism; and John Rollins, Specialist, Terrorism, International Crime, Intelligence, and Homeland Security; and Norman Beasley, Coordinator for Counter Terrorism, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona. SUNSHINE IN THE COURTROOM ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 2128, Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Poe; Judge Nancy Gertner, U.S. District Court, Massachusetts; Judge John R. Tunheim, District Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota and Chair, Committee on Court Administration, Judicial Conference of the United States; John Richter, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Oklahoma, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing entitled ``Aquatic Nuisance Species and Activities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.'' Testimony was heard from Mamie Parker, Assistant Director, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Larry Riley, Assistant Director for Wildlife, Department of Game and Fish, Arizona; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 830, Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 2094, To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission; and H.R. 3111, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Young of Alaska, George Miller of California and Moore of Kansas; Bill Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE'S NATIONAL SECURITY IMPACT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on the National Security Implications of Climate Change. Testimony was heard from Kent H. Butts, Director, National Security Issues, Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War College, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS FUNDING Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on small business programs funding levels. Testimony was heard from Jovita Carranza, Deputy Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. KENNEDY CENTER REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on [[Page D1285]] the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from Michael M. Kaiser, President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VA GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA Grant and Per Diem Program. Testimony was heard from Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Peter Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; and George Basher, Chair, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans and Director, Division of Veterans' Affairs, State of New York; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CIA ACTIVITIES Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Overview On CIA Activities. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; INTERIM REPORT; VOTING IN THE HOUSE Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Interim Report, required by H. Res. 611, Raising a question of the privileges of the House, to be filed with the House of Representatives by September 30, 2007. The Committee also held a hearing on voting in the House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Clerk: Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk; and Russell Gore, Legislative Counsel to the Clerk. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D 1241) H.R. 2669, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008. Signed on September 27, 2007. (Public Law 110-84) H.R. 3580, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs. Signed on September 27, 2007. (Public Law 110-85) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold hearings to examine the role of Federal Executive Boards in pandemic preparedness, 10 a.m., SD-342. House No committee meetings are scheduled. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. 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Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D1286]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 28 Senate Chamber Program for Friday: Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12:30 p.m., Monday, October 1 House Chamber Program for Monday: To be announced. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Baca, Joe, Calif., E2007 Berry, Marion, Ark., E2012 Bonner, Jo, Ala., E1995, E1996, E1998, E2000, E2002, E2003, E2004, E2006, E2007, E2009, E2010, E2012 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E2013, E2014 Burton, Dan, Ind., E2007 Cleaver, Emanuel, Mo., E1997, E2000 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1998, E2001 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E2008 Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E2005 Farr, Sam, Calif., E2008 Ferguson, Mike, N.J., E2005 Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E2014 Gordon, Bart, Tenn., E2013 Hastert, J. Dennis, Ill., E2003 Herger, Wally, Calif., E2010 Hobson, David L., Ohio, E2005 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E2013 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E2011 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E1996, E2000, E2002 Levin, Sander M., Mich., E2002 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1998, E2001 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E1995, E1998 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E2003 Matheson, Jim, Utah, E2006 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E2009 Moran, James P., Va., E1997, E2000 Poe, Ted, Tex., E2011 Rodriguez, Ciro D., Tex., E1996, E1999 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E2012 Ross, Mike, Ark., E2011 Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E2008 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E2008 Smith, Adam, Wash., E2009 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E2003 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E2013 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E1995, E1999, E2002, E2004 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E2010