[DOCID: f:hr325.110] From the House Reports Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] 110th Congress Report HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 110-325 ====================================================================== SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE UNITED STATES _______ September 14, 2007.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed _______ Mr. Oberstar, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, submitted the following R E P O R T [To accompany H. Res. 592] [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom was referred the resolution (H. Res. 592) supporting first responders in the United States in their efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, and affirming the goals and ideals of National First Responder Appreciation Day, having considered the same, report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the resolution be agreed to. PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION H. Res. 592 is a resolution to support first responders in the United States in their efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man made disasters, and to affirm the goals and ideals of National First Responder Appreciation Day. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION Millions of Americans have benefited from the brave and courageous service of first responders across the Nation. Approximately 670,000 police officers, 1,100,000 firefighters and 891,000 emergency medical technicians make up the nation's first responder teams and have responded to crises such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005; tornadoes in Florida and blizzards in Colorado in 2006; the Gunflint Trail fire in northeastern Minnesota in May 2007 and the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in August 2007. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a total of 1,649 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past 10 years, while 145 law enforcement officers were killed in 2006. According to the United States Fire Administration, from 1996 through 2005 more than 1,500 firefighters were killed in the line of duty, and tens of thousands were injured. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of National First Responder Appreciation Day. SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION H. Res. 592 supports the work of first responders, identifies incidences at which first responders served with distinction and bravery, and reaffirms the goals and ideals of a National First Responder Appreciation Day. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION On July 31, 2007, Representative Reichert introduced House Resolution 592. On August 2, 2007, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session and ordered the resolution reported favorably to the House by voice vote. RECORD VOTES Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives requires each committee report to include the total number of votes cast for and against on each record vote on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the measure or matter, and the names of those members voting for and against. There were no recorded votes taken in connection with ordering H. Res. 592 reported. A motion to order H. Res. 592 reported favorably to the House was agreed to by voice vote with a quorum present. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(I) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in this report. COST OF LEGISLATION With respect to the requirements of clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 592 is a resolution of the House of Representatives and therefore does not have the force of law. As such, there is no cost associated with this resolution for fiscal year 2007, or for any fiscal year thereafter. COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII 1. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no comparison of the total estimated funding level for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under current law is required. 2. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no statement of general performance and objectives for any measure that authorizes funding is required. 3. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding. Neither a cost estimate nor comparison for any measure that authorizes funding is required. COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XXI Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 592 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT With respect to (3)(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 592 is a resolution of the House of Representatives and therefore does not have the force of law. As such, clause (3)(d)(1) of rule XIII does not apply. FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT H. Res. 592 contains no Federal mandates. PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local, or tribal law. The Committee states that H. Res. 592 does not preempt any state, local, or tribal law. ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by this resolution. APPLICABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The Committee finds that the resolution does not relate to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1). CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED H. Res. 592 makes no changes in existing law. <all>