Tuesday, February 14, 2006 [[Page D92]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S1135-S1320 Measures Introduced: Nine bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2278-2286, and S. Res. 371-372. Page S1175 Measures Passed: American Jewish History Month: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 315, urging the President to issue a proclamation for the observance of an American Jewish History Month, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S1320 Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 71, expressing the sense of Congress that there should be established a Caribbean- American Heritage Month, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S1320 Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act: Senate continued consideration of S. 852, to create a fair and efficient system to resolve claims of victims for bodily injury caused by asbestos exposure. Pages S1140-69 Pending: Frist Motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion to waive (listed below) was rejected. Page S1169 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 58 yeas to 41 nays (Vote No. 21), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the Specter motion to waive section 407, limitation on long- term spending proposals, of H. Con. Res. 95, the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2006, with respect to the bill and Frist (for Specter/Leahy) Amendment No. 2746 (listed above). Subsequently, the Ensign point of order against the bill is sustained, pursuant to section 312(f) of the Congressional Budget Act, the bill is recommitted to the Committee on the Judiciary; provided further, that the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Frist (for Specter/Leahy) Amendment No. 2746, and the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill were vitiated. Pages S1168-69 USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act--Cloture Motion: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 2271, to clarify that individuals who receive FISA orders can challenge nondisclosure requirements, that individuals who receive national security letters are not required to disclose the name of their attorney, that libraries are not wire or electronic communication service providers unless they provide specific services. Pages S1169-70 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, February 16, 2006. Page S1169 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately 10 a.m., on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. Page S1320 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act--Motions To Instruct Conferees: Senate completed consideration of the message of the House of Representatives to accompany H.R. 4297, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 201(b) of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2006, after taking action on the following motions to instruct conferees proposed thereto: Pages S1135-40 Adopted: By 53 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 16), Grassley Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include the ``hold-harmless'' relief from the individual alternative minimum tax in 2006 (sections 106 and 107 of the amendment passed by the Senate) to protect middle class families and includes an extension of lower tax rates on capital gains and dividends (based on section 203 of the bill passed by the House of Representatives) to protect tax cuts for middle class families. Page S1137 DeWine Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report accept the veterans' mortgage bonds expansion provisions contained in [[Page bD93]] section 303 of the bill as passed by the House of Representatives with such revisions as are necessary to provide veterans in all 50 States with access to lower-rate mortgages. Page S1138 Wyden Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a provision that repeals accelerated depreciation for geologic and geophysical costs for oil and gas exploration by the 5 major oil companies. Page S1138 Grassley (for Talent/Snow/Lincoln) Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a permanent extension of the modifications to the child tax credit made by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Page S1138 By 75 yeas to 25 nays (Vote No. 19), Grassley (for Hutchison) Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a permanent extension of the election to deduct State and local general sales taxes (based on section 105 of the amendment passed by the Senate). Page S1139 Rejected: By 47 yeas to 53 nays (Vote No. 17), Kennedy Motion to Instruct Conferees to reject the extension of the capital gains and dividends rate reduction contained in section 203 of the bill as passed by the House of Representatives. Page S1137 By 45 yeas to 55 nays (Vote No. 18), Reed Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include funding to strengthen America's military contained in title VI of the Senate amendment instead of any extension of the tax cuts for capital gains and dividends, which does not expire until 2009, contained in section 203 of the bill as passed by the House of Representatives. Page S1138 By 46 yeas to 54 nays (Vote No. 20), Lautenberg Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report does not increase the national debt of the United States. Page S1139 Withdrawn: Obama Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include tax relief for the most vulnerable members of our society, including the low-income victims of Hurricane Katrina and children in families that are too poor to benefit fully from the refundable child tax credit. Pages S1136, S1138 Hatch Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a permanent extension of the credit for increasing research activities (based on section 108 of the amendment passed by the Senate), in order to improve American competitiveness. Pages S1136, S1138 Reid (for Menendez) Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include the Senate passed ``hold-harmless'' relief from the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT) in 2006, and does not include the extension of lower tax rates on capital gains and dividends. Pages S1136, S1138 Stabenow Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a permanent extension of the credit for increasing research activities, and to reject any extension of the tax rate for capital gains and dividends which does not expire until 2009. Pages S1136, S1138 Grassley (for Lott) Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include the repeal of the individual alternative minimum tax (based on sections 106 and 107 of the amendment passed by the Senate). Pages S1136, S1138 Grassley (for Santorum) Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a permanent extension of the above- the-line deduction for tuition and fees (based on section 103 of the amendment passed by the Senate). Pages S1136, S1138 Grassley Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report ensure that in 2009 and 2010, the international competitiveness of the United States in attracting capital investment, and therefore job creation, is not weakened further by a higher combined corporate and individual income tax rate on corporate and capital income as a result of a higher dividend tax rate. Pages S1136, S1138 Schumer Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include the Senate-passed provision to extend the above-the-line deduction for tuition and fees through December 31, 2009 (section 103), before it includes the House-passed extension of lower tax rates on capital gains and dividends (section 203), given budget constraints, noting that a conference report which maintains the tuition deduction will provide needed tax relief to more than 4,000,000 American families each year that are struggling to keep pace with rising tuition costs. Pages S1136, S1138 The Chair was authorized to appoint the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Grassley, Kyl, and Baucus. Page S1139 Message From the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report prepared by the National Science Board entitled ``Science and Engineering Indicators--2006''; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (PM-40) Page S1173 [[Page D94]] Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Jon T. Rymer, of Tennessee, to be Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Jerome A. Holmes, of Oklahoma, to be United State District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Milan D. Smith, Jr., of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Frank D. Whitney, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. Page S1320 Executive Communications: Pages S1173-75 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S1175-76 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S1176-80 Additional Statements: Pages S1172-73 Amendments Submitted: Pages S1180-S1319 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S1319 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S1319-20 Record Votes: Six record votes were taken today. (Total--21) Pages S1137, S1138, S1139, S1168-69 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:45 a.m., and adjourned at 7:19 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S1320.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2007 and the future years defense program, after receiving testimony from Frances J. Harvey, Secretary, and General Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, both of the United States Army; and Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. NOMINATIONS Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Randall S. Kroszner, of New Jersey, and Kevin M. Warsh, of New York, who was introduced by Senator Schumer, each to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and Edward P. Lazear, of California, to be a Member of the Council of Economic Advisers, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. BROADBAND Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues of municipal broadband and the role of Federal, State and local government in the digital world, after receiving testimony from Robert K. Sahr, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, Pierre; Dianne Munns, Iowa Utilities Board, on behalf of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and John R. Perkins, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, both of Des Moines, Iowa; Michael F. Altschul, CTIA--The Wireless Association, and Donald B. Berrryman, Earthlink, Inc., both of Washington, D.C.; Douglas A. Boone, Premier Communications, Sioux City, Iowa; and Dianah L. Neff, Philadelphia Chief Information Officer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. CANADIAN SOFTWOOD LUMBER Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development concluded a hearing to examine the economic impacts of the Canadian softwood lumber dispute on U.S. industries, focusing on the Administration's efforts to negotiate a settlement to the long-standing trade dispute regarding softwood lumber from Canada, after receiving testimony from Franklin L. Lavin, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade; Susan Schwab, Deputy United States Trade Representative, Office of the United States Trade Representative; Steve Swanson, The Swanson Group, Glendale, Oregon, on behalf of the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports; Bill Kluting, Western Council of Industrial Workers, Monmouth, Oregon; and Barry Rutenberg, Barry Rutenberg Homes, Gainesville, Florida, on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders. OLDER AMERICANS ACT Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Retirement Security and Aging met to discuss the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, receiving testimony from Jo Reed, AARP, Howard Bedlin, National Council on Aging, Laura Howard, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Programs, Patrick Flood, National Association of State Union on Aging, Sany Markwood, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Karyne Jones, National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc., Bob Blancato, Matz, Blancato and Associates, Inc., on behalf of the Elder Justice Coalition, Barbara B. Kennelly, Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, and George J. Kourpias, Alliance for Retired Americans, all of [[Page D95]] Washington, D.C.; Enid A. Borden, Meals on Wheels Association of America, Alexandria, Virginia; Suzanne Mintz, National Family Caregivers Association, Kensington, Maryland; Clayton S. Fong, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, Seattle, Washington; and Carmela G. Lacayo, National Association for Hispanic Elderly, Pasadena, California. Subcommittee expects to discuss this and related issues again. BUDGET: INDIAN PROGRAMS Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2007 for Indian programs, after receiving testimony from James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, and Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for American Indians, both of the Department of the Interior; Charles W. Grim, Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; Darla Marburger, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Tom Corwin, Director of Division of Elementary and Secondary Vocational Analysis, both of the Department of Education; Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Regina B. Schofield, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; Joseph A. Garcia, National Congress of American Indians, Kathleen Kitcheyan, National Indian Health Board, Cheryl Parish and Gary Gordon, both of National American Indian Housing Council, and Gary L. Edwards, National Native American Law Enforcement Association, all of Washington, D.C.; and Ryan Wilson, National Indian Education Association, Alexandria, Virginia. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 14 public bills, H.R. 4740- 4753; and 7 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 339-340 and H. Res. 673-677 were introduced. Pages H272-73 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H274-75 Reports Filed: Reports were filed on Friday, February 10th, as follows: H. Res. 593, directing the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, and requesting the President, to provide certain information to the House of Representatives relating to extraordinary rendition of certain foreign persons, adversely (H. Rept. 109-374); H. Res. 624, requesting the President of the United States and directing the Secretary of State to provide to the House of Representatives certain documents in their possession relating to United States policies under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Geneva Conventions, adversely (H. Rept. 109-375); and H. Res. 642, requesting the President and directing the Secretary of State to provide to the House of Representatives certain documents in their possession relating to the Secretary of State's trip to Europe in December 2005, adversely (H. Rept. 109-376). Page H272 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Issa to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H227 Message From the Clerk: Read a letter from the Clerk notifying the House that she received a message from the President on Monday, February 13, containing the Economic Report of the President. Pages H229-30 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he transmitted the 2006 Economic Report of the President--referred to the Joint Economic Committee and ordered printed (H. Doc. 109-78). Page H230 Commission Appointment: Read a letter from the Committee on Ways and Means Ranking Minority Member, Mr. Rangel, whereby he appointed to the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission the following individuals: Mr. Elliot (Lee) Sander, Director of the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management at New York University, and Senior Vice President and Director of Strategic Development at DMJM Harris, of New York City, New York; and Mr. Craig Lentzsch, CEO of Coach USA and KBUS Holdings, of Dallas, Texas. Page H231 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Expressing the Sense of Congress regarding the contribution of the USO to the morale and welfare [[Page D96]] of our servicemen and women of our armed forces and their families: H. Con. Res. 322, amended, to express the Sense of Congress regarding the contribution of the USO to the morale and welfare of our servicemen and women of our armed forces and their families, by a yea-and-nay vote of 407 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 8; Pages H231-32 H238-39 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing the appreciation of Congress for the contributions of the United Service Organizations, Incorporated (the USO), to the morale and welfare of the members of the Armed Forces and their families.''. Page H239 Supporting the goals and ideals of a Day of Hearts, Congenital Heart Defect Day in order to increase awareness about congenital heart defects: H. Res. 629, to support the goals and ideals of a Day of Hearts, Congenital Heart Defect Day in order to increase awareness about congenital heart defects; Pages H234-36 Designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 High Street in Clinton, Massachusetts, as the ``Raymond J. Salmon Post Office'': H.R. 4152, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 High Street in Clinton, Massachusetts, as the ``Raymond J. Salmon Post Office''; and Pages H236-237 Designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 57 Rolfe Square in Cranston, Rhode Island, shall be known and designated as the ``Holly A. Charette Post Office'': S. 1989, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 57 Rolfe Square in Cranston, Rhode Island, shall be known and designated as the ``Holly A. Charette Post Office'', by a yea-and-nay vote of 408 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 9;--clearing the measure for the President. Pages H237-40 Recess: The House recessed at 3:10 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 p.m. Page H238 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he transmitted a report prepared by the National Science Board entitled, ``Science and Engineering Indicators--2006'';--referred to the Committee on Science. Page H238 Senate Message: Messages received from the Senate by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today appear on pages H238 and H245. Senate Referrals: S. 2166 was referred to the Committee on House Administration and S. 2275 was held at the desk. Page H231 Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H239 and H239-40. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 2 p.m. and adjourned at 11:55 p.m. Committee Meetings MEMBERS' DAY Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members' Day. Testimony was heard from Representatives Neugebauer, King of Iowa, Ehlers, Holt, McMorris, Hinojosa, Tiahrt, Young of Alaska, Regula, Fossella, McGovern, Capito, Carson, Bass, Bishop of New York, Kelly, Kucinich, Miller of North Carolina, Kennedy of Minnesota, Brown-Waite of Florida, Salazar, Hayes, Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and Mica. POST 9/11--NATIONAL SECURITY WHISTLEBLOWERS Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations held a hearing entitled ``National Security Whistleblowers in the post-9/11 Era: Lost in a Labyrinth and Facing Subtle Retaliation.'' Testimony was heard from James McVay, Deputy Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel; Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Department of Justice; Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General, Department of Energy; Thomas Gimble, Acting Inspector General, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. RESOLUTION--SUPPORTING REPUBLIC OF BELARUS EFFORTS FOR DEMOCRACY Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats approved for full Committee action the following resolutions: H. Res. 673, Expressing support for the efforts of the people of the Republic of Belarus to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and urging the Government of Belarus to conduct a free and fair presidential election on March 19, 2006; and H. Res. 578, Concerning the government of Romania's ban on intercountry adoptions and the welfare of orphaned or abandoned children in Romania. CHINESE INFLUENCE ON U.S. FOREIGN POLICY Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Chinese Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy through U.S. Educational Institutions, Multilateral Organizations and Corporate America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [[Page D97]] VA EDUCATION AND TRAINING BUDGET Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an oversight hearing on the VA's Fiscal Year 2007 budget request for the education, vocational rehabilitation, and loan guaranty programs. Testimony was heard from Ron Aument, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION BUDGET Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held an oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2007 budget request for the Veterans Health Administration. Testimony was heard from Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D88) H.R. 4519, to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend funding for the operation of State high risk health insurance pools. Signed on February 10, 2006. (Public Law 109-172) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2006 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, to resume hearings to examine the progress of construction on the Capitol Visitor Center, 10:30 a.m., SD-138. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Preston M. Geren, of Texas, to be Under Secretary of the Army, Michael L. Dominguez, of Virginia, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, James I. Finley, of Minnesota, to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, and Thomas P. D'Agostino, of Maryland, to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, 9:30 a.m., SD-106. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine rebuilding needs in Hurricane Katrina-impacted areas, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine understanding the causes and solutions to addressing the Federal tax gap, 10 a.m., SD-608. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine video franchising, 10 a.m., SD-562. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine developments in nanotechnology, 2:30 p.m., SD-562. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine S. 2197, to improve the global competitiveness of the United States in science and energy technology, to strengthen basic research programs at the Department of Energy, and to provide support for mathematics and science education at all levels through the resources available through the Department of Energy, including at the National Laboratories, 10:30 a.m., SD-366. Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, to hold hearings to review the progress made on the development of interim and long-term plans for use of fire retardant aircraft in Federal wildfire suppression operations, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to consider the nominations of Terrence L. Bracy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, and Dennis Bottorff, Susan Richardson Williams, and William B. Sansom, all of Tennessee, Robert M. Duncan, of Kentucky, Howard A. Thrailkill, of Alabama, and Donald R. DePriest, of Mississippi, each to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority, 9:30 a.m., SD-628. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2007 for EPA, 9:35 a.m., SD- 628. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2007 for foreign affairs; and, if a quorum is present, consider and vote on the nominations of Claudia A. McMurray, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Bradford R. Higgins, of Connecticut, to be Assistant Secretary for Resource Management and Chief Financial Officer, Department of State, Jackie Wolcott Sanders, of Virginia, to be U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador, and to be U.S. Alternate Representative to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations during her tenure of service as U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, Janet Ann Sanderson, of Arizona, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti, Bernadette Mary Allen, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, Patricia Newton Moller, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, Steven Alan Browning, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda, Robert Weisberg, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Michael W. Michalak, of Michigan, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Senior Official to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, Janice L. Jacobs, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Jeanine E. Jackson, of Wyoming, to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso, James D. McGee, of Florida, to [[Page D98]] serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Union of Comoros; Kristie A. Kenney, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Gary A. Grappo, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, Patricia A. Butenis, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Donald T. Bliss, of Maryland, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Ben S. Bernanke, to be United States Alternate Governor of the International Monetary Fund, International Monetary Fund; and 2 Foreign Service Officer promotion lists received in the Senate on December 13 and December 14, 2005, respectively, 9:45 a.m., SH-216. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, to hold hearings to examine communication and mine safety technology issues, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to continue hearings to examine Hurricane Katrina response issues, focusing on the Homeland Security Department's preparation and response, 11:15 a.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen G. Larson, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, Jack Zouhary, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, and John F. Clark, of Virginia, to be Director of the United States Marshals Service, Department of Justice, 10 a.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed briefing regarding certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on USDA, 9:30 a.m., 2362 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on DHS Management and Operations, 2:30 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, an oversight hearing on Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, on DOD Budget Overview, 10 a.m., H-143 Capitol, and on Quality of Life--Senior Enlisted, 1:30 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2007 National Defense Authorization budget request from the Department of the Army, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, joint hearing on the Able Danger program, 2:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, hearing on Domestic Entitlements and the Federal Budget, 2 p.m., 210 Cannon. Committee on Energy and Commerce, hearing entitled ``The Administration's FY '07 Health Care Priorities,'' 2 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, hearing entitled ``The Law and Economics of Interchange Fees,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, hearing to receive the Federal Reserve Board's semiannual monetary policy report, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Energy and Resources, hearing entitled ``Meythol Bromide: Are U.S. Interests Being Served by the Critical User Exemption Process?'' 2 p.m., 2203 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census, hearing entitled ``Living in America: Is Our Public Housing System Up to the Challenges of the 21st Century?'' 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity, hearing entitled ``The President's Fiscal Year Budget: Coast Guard Programs Impacting Maritime Border Security,'' 5 p.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology, hearing entitled ``The State of Interoperable Communications: Perspectives from the Field,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing entitled ``The President's Proposed FY07 Budget for the Department of Homeland Security: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis,'' 2:30 p.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations and the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, hearing entitled ``The Internet in China: A Tool for Freedom or Suppression?'' 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, to mark up the following measures: H. Res. 643, Directing the Attorney General to submit to the House of Representatives all documents in the possession of the Attorney General relating to warrantless electronic surveillance of telephone conversations and electronic communications of persons in the United States conducted by the National Security Agency; H. Res. 644, Requesting the President and directing the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution documents in the possession of those officials relating to the authorization of electronic surveillance of citizens of the United States without court approved warrants; H.R. 2829, Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2005; H.R. 3505, Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2005; H. Con. Res. 316, Raising awareness and encouraging prevention of stalking by establishing January 2006 as ``National Stalking Awareness Month;'' H. Res. 357, Honoring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; and H.R. 4709, Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, to mark up H.R. 1704, Second Chance Act of 2005; followed by an oversight hearing of the Bureau of [[Page D99]] Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Part 1: Gun Show Enforcement, 4 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, oversight hearing entitled ``The National Park Service 2006 Draft Management Policies and proposed changes to Director's Order 21,'' 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, hearing on An Overview of the Federal R&D Budget for Fiscal Year 2007, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, oversight hearing on Commercial Jet Fuel Supply: Impact and Cost on the U.S. Airline Industry, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, oversight hearing on How the FY 2007 Budget Proposal Impacts SAFETEA LU, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, hearing on annual legislative agenda, views and priorities for veterans organizations, 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, to continue hearings on President Bush's Budget proposals for fiscal year 2007; and to consider Draft Views and Estimates for submission to the Committee on the Budget; 10:30 a.m., and to hold a hearing on President Bush's trade agenda, 1:30 p.m., 1100 Longworth. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Oversight, executive, Briefing on The Intelligence Value of Interrogation, 12 p.m., H-405 Capitol. Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina, to approve the Select Committee Report, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. 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. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional Record is published. The database includes both text and graphics from the beginning of the 103d Congress, 2d session (January 1994) forward. It is available through GPO Access at www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess. 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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D100]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 15 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 30 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 2271, USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendment Act. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 15 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Consideration of suspensions: (1) H. Con. Res. 300--Paying tribute to Shirley Horn in recognition of her many achievements and contributions to the world of jazz and American culture; (2) S. 2275--National Flood Insurance Program Enhanced Borrowing Authority Act of 2006; and (3) S. Con. Res. 79--A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that no United States assistance should be provided directly to the Palestinian Authority if any representative political party holding a majority of parliamentary seats within the Palestinian Authority maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Berman, Howard L., Calif., E144 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E155 Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E143 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E140 Capps, Lois, Calif., E137 Chandler, Ben, Ky., E138 Coble, Howard, N.C., E154 Costa, Jim, Calif., E153 Davis, Jo Ann, Va., E143, E153 DeGette, Diana, Colo., E144 Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E140 Ehlers, Vernon J., Mich., E129, E131, E135 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E137 Evans, Lane, Ill., E138 Farr, Sam, Calif., E142 Frank, Barney, Mass., E130, E132, E135 Gordon, Bart, Tenn., E143 Grijalva, Raul M., Ariz., E139, E141, E155 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E129, E132, E135, E136, E137 Holden, Tim, Pa., E149 Israel, Steve, N.Y., E140 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E154 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E148, E149 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E129, E131, E134, E135, E136 Leach, James A., Iowa, E143 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E145 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E142 McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E140 Markey, Edward J., Mass., E144 Miller, George, Calif., E139 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E138 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E151 Platts, Todd Russell, Pa., E152 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E147, E148, E149, E152 Radanovich, George, Calif., E138 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E145, E147, E148, E150 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E146 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E141 Sanchez, Linda T., Calif., E130, E134, E136 Salazar, John T., Colo., E154 Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E154 Schmidt, Jean, Ohio, E130, E133, E136, E137 Serrano, Jose E., N.Y., E155, E156, E156, E156 Sherman, Brad, Calif., E131, E134 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E137 Solis, Hilda L., Calif., E153 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E141 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E153 Sullivan, John, Okla., E152 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E131, E135 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E142 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E137 Wu, David, Ore., E139