Friday, December 16, 2005 [[Page D1298]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS The House passed H.R. 4437, Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S13689-S13945 Measures Introduced: Twenty-two bills and seven resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2119-2140, S. Res. 335-339, and S. Con. Res. 72-73. Pages S13786-87 Measures Reported: H.R. 2113, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 McDonough Street in Joliet, Illinois, as the ``John F. Whiteside Joliet Post Office Building''. H.R. 2346, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 105 NW Railroad Avenue in Hammond, Louisiana, as the ``John J. Hainkel, Jr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 2413, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1202 1st Street in Humble, Texas, as the ``Lillian McKay Post Office Building''. H.R. 2630, to redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1927 Sangamon Avenue in Springfield, Illinois, as the ``J.M. Dietrich Northeast Annex''. H.R. 2894, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 102 South Walters Avenue in Hodgenville, Kentucky, as the ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Post Office Building''. H.R. 3256, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3038 West Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the ``Congressman James Grove Fulton Memorial Post Office Building''. H.R. 3368, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6483 Lincoln Street in Gagetown, Michigan, as the ``Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office''. H.R. 3439, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 North 3rd Street in Smithfield, North Carolina, as the ``Ava Gardner Post Office''. H.R. 3548, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on Franklin Avenue in Pearl River, New York, as the ``Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 3703, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8501 Philatelic Drive in Spring Hill, Florida, as the ``Staff Sergeant Michael Schafer Post Office Building''. H.R. 3770, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 205 West Washington Street in Knox, Indiana, as the ``Grant W. Green Post Office Building''. H.R. 3825, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 770 Trumbull Drive in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the ``Clayton J. Smith Memorial Post Office Building''. H.R. 3830, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 130 East Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, Florida, as the ``U.S. Cleveland Post Office Building''. H.R. 3989, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 37598 Goodhue Avenue in Dennison, Minnesota, as the ``Albert H. Quie Post Office''. H.R. 4053, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 545 North Rimsdale Avenue in Covina, California as the ``Lillian Kinkella Keil Post Office''. S. 1445, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 520 Colorado Avenue in Arriba, Colorado, as the ``William H. Emery Post Office''. S. 1792, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 205 West Washington Street in Knox, Indiana, as the ``Grant W. Green Post Office Building''. S. 1820, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place [[Page D1299]] in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the ``Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office''. S. 2036, 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''. S. 2064, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 South Bill Street in Francesville, Indiana, as the Malcolm Melville ``Mac'' Lawrence Post Office. S. 2089, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1271 North King Street in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, as the ``Hiram L. Fong Post Office Building''. Pages S13785-86 Measures Passed: Milk Marketing Regulatory Equity: Senate passed S. 2120, to ensure regulatory equity between and among all dairy farmers and handlers for sales of packaged fluid milk in federally regulated milk marketing areas and into certain non-federally regulated milk marketing areas from federally regulated areas. Pages S13701-02 Gulf Opportunity Zone Act: Senate passed H.R. 4440, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax benefits for the Gulf Opportunity Zone and certain areas affected by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma, after taking action on the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13702-08 Lott (for Grassley) Amendment No. 2680, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13707 Department of Justice Authorization: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3402, to authorize appropriations for the Department of Justice for fiscal years 2006 through 2009, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13749-66 Santorum (for Specter) Amendment No. 2681, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13749 Condemning Anti-Semitic Statements: Senate agreed to S. Res. 337, to condemn the harmful, destructive, and anti-Semitic statements of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran, and to demand an apology for those statements of hate and animosity towards all Jewish people of the world. Pages S13767-68 Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act: Senate passed H.R. 2520, to provide for the collection and maintenance of human cord blood stem cells for the treatment of patients and research, and to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13930-31 Frist (for Hatch) Amendment No. 2688, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13930 Newlands Project Headquarters and Maintenance Yard Facility Transfer Act: Senate passed S. 310, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Newlands Project Headquarters and Maintenance Yard Facility to the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District in the State of Nevada. Page S13934 Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act: Senate passed S. 435, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, after agreeing to the committee amendment. Page S13934 Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act Amendment: Senate passed S. 648, to amend the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 to extend the authority for drought assistance. Page S13934 Wichita Project Equus Beds Division Authorization Act: Senate passed S. 1025, to amend the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 to extend the authority for drought assistance, after agreeing to the committee amendment. Pages S13934-35 Musconetcong Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: Senate passed S. 1096, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate portions of the Musconetcong River in the State of New Jersey as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S13935 Frist (for Domenici) Amendment No. 2682, of a technical nature. Page S13935 Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act: Senate passed S. 1310, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to allow the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation to increase the diameter of a natural gas pipeline located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, to allow certain commercial vehicles to continue to use Route 209 within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and to extend the termination date of the National Park System Advisory Board to January 1, 2007, after agreeing to the committee amendments, and the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13935-36 Frist (for Domenici) Amendment No. 2683, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13936 Frist (for Domenici) Amendment No. 2684, to amend the title. Page S13936 [[Page D1300]] Secretary of the Interior Authorization: Senate passed S. 1552, to amend Public Law 97-435 to extend the authorization for the Secretary of the Interior to release certain conditions contained in a patent concerning certain land conveyed by the United States to Eastern Washington University until December 31, 2009. Page S13936 Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act: Senate passed S. 1578, to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin endangered fish recovery implementation programs. Pages S13936-37 Southern Oregon Bureau of Reclamation Repayment Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4195, to authorize early repayment of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation within Rogue River Valley Irrigation District or within Medford Irrigation District, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S13937 Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment: Senate passed H.R. 3963, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for Long Island Sound, clearing the measure for the President. Page S13937 Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act: Senate passed H.R. 4508, to commend the outstanding efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina by members and employees of the Coast Guard, to provide temporary relief to certain persons affected by such hurricane with respect to certain laws administered by the Coast Guard, clearing the measure for the President. Page S13937 Recognizing Commodore John Barry: Senate passed H.J. Res. 38, recognizing Commodore John Barry as the first flag officer of the United States Navy, clearing the measure for the President. Page S13937 Korean American Day: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 283, recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States and encouraging the celebration of ``Korean American Day'', and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S13937 Coast Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act: Senate passed S. 1869, to reauthorize the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, after agreeing to the committee amendment. Page S13938 James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act: Senate passed S. 1165, to provide for the expansion of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Honolulu County, Hawaii, after agreeing to the committee amendments. Pages S13938-39 Electronic Duck Stamp Act: Senate passed S. 1496, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a pilot program under which up to 15 States may issue electronic Federal migratory bird hunting stamps, after agreeing to the committee amendments. Pages S13939-41 Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. 959, to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13941-42 Frist (for Sarbanes) Amendment No. 2685, to include all of the 28 States originally on the National Park Service's list in the commission. Pages S13941-42 President Roosevelt Nobel Peace Prize Commemoration: Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs was discharged from further consideration of S. 863, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centenary of the bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on President Theodore Roosevelt, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S13942 Frist (for Shelby) Amendment No. 2686, to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue, after December 31, 2005, numismatic items that contain 5-cent coins minted in the years 2004 and 2005. Page S13942 Honoring Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan: Senate agreed to S. Res. 338, honoring the memory of the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have given their lives in service to the United States in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Page S13942 Russian Federation Legislation: Senate agreed to S. Res. 339, urging the Government of the Russian Federation to withdraw the first draft of the proposed legislation as passed in its first reading in the State Duma that would have the effect of severely restricting the establishment, operations, and activities of domestic, international, and foreign nongovernmental organizations in the Russian Federation, or to modify the proposed legislation to entirely remove these restrictions. Pages S13942-43 Indian Tribe Employees: Senate passed S. 1312, to amend a provision relating to employees of the United States assigned to, or employed by, and Indian tribe. Page S13943 [[Page D1301]] Frist (for McCain) Amendment No. 2687, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13943 Modification of Certain Date: Senate passed S. 1892, to amend Public Law 107-153 to modify a certain date. Page S13943 Frist (for McCain) Amendment No. 2690, of a technical nature. Page S13943 USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report: Senate continued consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3199, to extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism. Pages S13699-S13701, S13708-49 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By 52 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 358), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on the conference report. Pages S13719-20 Senator Frist entered a motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report was not invoked. Page S13720 Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act: Senate concurred in the amendment of the House of Representatives to S. 467, to extend the applicability of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, with the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S13931-34 Frist (for Shelby) Amendment No. 2689, in the nature of a substitute. Page S13933 Messages From the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of guidelines and requirements relative to implementation of the Information Sharing Environment called for by section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; which was referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence. (PM-34) Pages S13780-81 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Norman Randy Smith, of Idaho, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Michael Ryan Barrett, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. Reginald I. Lloyd, of South Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina for the term of four years. David M. Mason, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2009. Steven T. Walther, of Nevada, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2009. Hans von Spakovsky, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2011. Robert D. Lenhard, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2011. 1 Air Force nomination in the rank of general. Page S13945 Messages From the House: Pages S13781-82 Measures Placed on Calendar: Page S13782 Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S13782 Executive Communications: Pages S13782-85 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S13786 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S13787-88 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S13788-S13857 Additional Statements: Pages S13778-80 Amendments Submitted: Pages S13857-S13930 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S13930 Privileges of the Floor: Page S13930 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--358) Pages S13719-20 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 8:42 p.m., until 4 p.m., on Saturday, December 17, 2005. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S13943-45.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NAVAL FORCE STRUCTURE Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing regarding future naval force structure requirements from Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Antonio Fratto, of Pennsylvania, to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs, David M. Spooner, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration, David Steele Bohigian, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and Richard T. Crowder, of Virginia, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. [[Page D1302]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 47 public bills, H.R. 4567- 4613; 4 private bills, H.R. 4614-4617; and 13 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 319-323; and H. Res. 622, 624, and 630, were introduced. Pages H12047-49 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1050-51 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 549, requesting the President of the United States provide to the House of Representatives all documents in his possession relating to his October 7, 2002, speech in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his January 28, 2003, State of the Union address, with an amendment (H. Rept. 109-351); and The Methamphetamine Epidemic: International Roots of the Problem, and Recommended Solutions (H. Rept. 109-352); H.R. 3699, to provide for the sale, acquisition, conveyance, and exchange of certain real property in the District of Columbia to facilitate the utilization, development, and redevelopment of such property, with an amendment (H. Rept. 109-316, Pt. 2); and Report of the Joint Economic Committee on the 2005 Economic Report of the President (H. Rept. 109-353); Conference report on S. 1281, to authorize appropriations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for science, aeronautics, exploration, exploration capabilities, and the Inspector General, for fiscal years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 (H. Rept. 109-354); and H. Res. 623, providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules (H. Rept. 109-355). Pages H11920-21, H12015-31, H12047 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Terry to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H11883 Discharge Petitions: Representative Boswell moved to discharge the Committee on Rules from the consideration of H. Res. 584, providing for the consideration of H.R. 752, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the Medicare Program (Discharge Petition No. 9); and Representative Herseth moved to discharge the Committee on Rules from the consideration of H. Res. 585, providing for the consideration of H.R. 3861, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide extended and additional protection to Medicare beneficiaries who enroll for the Medicare prescription drug benefit during 2006 (Discharge Petition No. 10). National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006: H.R. 1815, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2006 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year. Motion to go to conference was agreed to on December 15th. Agreed to close portions of the conference when classified national security material is being discussed by a yea-and-nay vote of 409 yeas to 12 nays, Roll No. 642. Page H11901 The House agreed to the Skelton motion to instruct conferees by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 643, which was debated yesterday, December 15th. Pages H11901-02 The Chair appointed as conferees: from the Committee on Armed Services, for consideration of the House bill and the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Hunter, Weldon of Pennsylvania, Hefley, Saxton, McHugh, Everett, Bartlett of Maryland, McKeon, Thornberry, Hostettler, Ryun of Kansas, Gibbons, Hayes, Calvert, Simmons, Mrs. Drake, Messrs. Skelton, Spratt, Ortiz, Evans, Taylor of Mississippi, Abercrombie, Meehan, Reyes, Snyder, Smith of Washington, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, and Mrs. Tauscher; Page H11905 From the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, for consideration of matters within the jurisdiction of that committee under clause 11 of rule X: Messrs. Hoekstra, LaHood, and Ms. Harman; Page H11905 From the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for consideration of secs. 561-563, 571, and 815 of the House bill, and secs. 581-584 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Castle, Wilson of South Carolina, and Holt; Page H11905 From the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for consideration of secs. 314, 601, 1032, and 3201 of the House bill, and secs. 312, 1084, 2893, 3116, and 3201 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Barton of Texas, Gillmor, and Dingell; Page H11905 From the Committee on Financial Services, for consideration of secs. 676 and 1073 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Oxley, Ney, and Frank of Massachusetts; Page H11905 [[Page D1303]] From the Committee on Government Reform, for consideration of secs. 322, 665, 811, 812, 820A, 822-825, 901, 1101-1106, 1108, Title XIV, secs. 2832, 2841, and 2852 of the House bill, and secs. 652, 679, 801, 802, 809E, 809F, 809G, 809H, 811, 824, 831, 843-845, 857, 922, 1073, 1106, and 1109 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Tom Davis of Virginia, Shays, and Waxman; Page H11905 From the Committee on Homeland Security, for consideration of secs. 1032, 1033, and 1035 of the House bill, and sec. 907 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Linder, Daniel E. Lungren of California, and Thompson of Mississippi; Page H11905 From the Committee on International Relations, for consideration of secs. 814, 1021, 1203-1206, and 1301-1305 of the House bill, and secs. 803, 1033, 1203, 1205-1207, and 1301-1306 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Hyde, Leach, and Lantos; Page H11905 From the Committee on the Judiciary, for consideration of secs. 551, 673, 1021, 1043, and 1051 of the House bill, and secs. 553, 615, 617, 619, 1072, 1075, 1077, and 1092 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Sensenbrenner, Chabot, and Conyers; Page H11905 From the Committee on Resources, for consideration of secs. 341-346, 601, and 2813 of the House bill, and secs. 1078, 2884, and 3116 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Pombo, Brown of South Carolina, and Rahall; Page H11905 From the Committee on Science, for consideration of sec. 223 of the House bill and secs. 814 and 3115 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Boehlert, Akin, and Gordon; Page H11905 From the Committee on Small Business, for consideration of sec. 223 of the House bill, and secs. 814, 849-852, 855, and 901 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Mr. Manzullo, Mrs. Kelly, and Ms. Velazquez; Page H11905 From the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for consideration of secs. 314, 508, 601, and 1032-1034 of the House bill, and secs. 312, 2890, 2893, and 3116 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Young of Alaska, Duncan, and Salazar; Page H11905 From the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for consideration of secs. 641, 678, 714, and 1085 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Buyer, Miller of Florida, and Ms. Berkley; and Page H11905 From the Committee on Ways and Means, for consideration of sec. 677 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Thomas, Herger, and McDermott. Page H11905 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Wednesday, December 14th: Calling on the international community to condemn the Laogai, the system of forced labor prison camps in the People's Republic of China, as a tool for suppression maintained by the Chinese Government: H. Con. Res. 294, amended, to call on the international community to condemn the Laogai, the system of forced labor prison camps in the People's Republic of China, as a tool for suppression maintained by the Chinese Government, by a yea-and-nay vote of 413 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 647; Pages H11904-05 Condemning the Government of Zimbabwe's ``Operation Murambatsvina'' under which homes, businesses, religious structures, and other buildings and facilities were demolished in an effort characterized by the Government of Zimbabwe as an operation to ``restore order'' to the country: H. Res. 409, amended, condemning the Government of Zimbabwe's ``Operation Murambatsvina'' under which homes, businesses, religious structures, and other buildings and facilities were demolished in an effort characterized by the Government of Zimbabwe as an operation to ``restore order'' to the country, by a yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 649; Page H11921 Providing that Hamas and other terrorist organizations should not participate in elections held by the Palestinian Authority: H. Res. 575, amended, providing that Hamas and other terrorist organizations should not participate in elections held by the Palestinian Authority, by a yea-and-nay vote of 397 yeas to 17 nays, Roll No. 650; Pages H11921-22 Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``Asserting that Hamas and other terrorist organizations should not participate in elections held by the Palestinian, Authority, and for other purposes.''. Page H11922 Recognizing the importance and credibility of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq: H. Res. 534, amended, to recognize the importance and credibility of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq, by a yea-and-nay vote of 408 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 651; and Pages H11922-23 [[Page D1304]] Agreed to amend the title so as to read ``Recognizing the importance of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq.''. Page H11923 Condemning actions by the Government of Syria that have hindered the investigation of the assassination of former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafik Hariri conducted by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), expressing support for extending the UNIIIC's investigative mandate, and stating concern about similar assassination attempts apparently aimed at destabilizing Lebanon's security and undermining Lebanon's sovereignty: H. Res. 598, amended, to condemn actions by the Government of Syria that have hindered the investigation of the assassination of former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafik Hariri conducted by the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC), expressing support for extending the UNIIIC's investigative mandate, and stating concern about similar assassination attempts apparently aimed at destabilizing Lebanon's security and undermining Lebanon's sovereignty, by a yea-and-nay vote of 404 yeas to 5 nays with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 662. Pages H12014-15 Expressing the commitment of the House of Representatives to achieving victory in Iraq: The House agreed to H. Res. 612, to express the commitment of the House of Representatives to achieving victory in Iraq by a yea-and-nay vote of 279 yeas to 109 nays with 34 voting ``present'', Roll No. 648. Pages H11905-20 H. Res. 619, the rule providing for consideration of the resolution was agreed to by a recorded vote of 217 ayes to 202 noes, Roll No. 645, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 200 nays, Roll No. 644. Pages H11885-93, H11902-03 Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005: The House passed by unanimous consent H.R. 4440, amended in the Senate, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax benefits for the Gulf Opportunity Zone and certain areas affected by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma. Pages H11923-40 Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005: The House passed H.R. 4437, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, in which consideration began yesterday, December 15th, by a recorded vote of 239 ayes to 182 noes, Roll No. 661. Pages H11940-59, H11968-H12014 Rejected the Reyes motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Homeland Security with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments, by a recorded vote of 198 ayes to 221 noes, Roll No. 660. Pages H11995-H12013 Agreed to: Filner amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) makes technical changes to the current statute governing the distribution of fraudulent documents. The statute does not mention ``distribution'' of illegal documents, which applies to the re-sale or sale of fraudulent documents. By adding distribution to the criminal code those convicted of distributing illegal documents will be held to the same penalties as those who create, alter, or falsify any immigration related document; Pages H11942-43 Sensenbrenner amendment (No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that prohibits localities from requiring businesses to set up day labor sites as a condition for conducting or expanding a business. Requires the Attorney General to report on the status of criminal alien prosecutions, including prosecutions of smugglers. Authorizes ICE's current Forensic Document Laboratory. At the Administration's request: Sets mandatory minimums for repeated marriage fraud. Removes reference to aggravated felonies and substitutes language referring to length of sentence, for sentencing enhancements for aliens who enter illegally after convictions. Makes various technical and conforming changes; Pages H11944-49 Price of Georgia amendment (No. 5 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) which establishes a hard deadline to achieve operational control over the entire international land and maritime borders of the United States. Operational control entails the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States; Pages H11949-50 Velazquez amendment (No. 8 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) which requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce the immigration application processing backlog to 6 months within a period of 1 year. Authorizes the Director of USCIS to implement innovative pilot initiatives to eliminate the backlog and prevent further backlog from recurring. Encourages initiatives such as increasing or transferring personnel to areas with the greatest backlog, streamlining regulations and paperwork filing processes, upgrading information technology, and increasing the number of immigration service centers; Pages H11953-54 Goodlatte amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that eliminates the visa lottery program (by a recorded vote of 273 ayes to 148 noes, Roll No. 653); Pages H11940-42, H11968-69 Stearns amendment No. 6 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that prohibits Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney General, and all courts [[Page D1305]] from granting any kind of legal immigration status (i.e. ``benefits'') to an alien until the relevant databases of criminal records and terrorist watch lists are checked (by a recorded vote of 420 ayes with none voting ``nay,'' Roll No. 654); Pages H11950-51, H11969 Norwood amendment (No. 9 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that reaffirms state and local law enforcement's existing inherent authority to assist in the enforcement of immigration law, provide training on this issue at no cost to the local agency, increase law enforcement's access to vital information on illegal criminal aliens, and provide increased and additional resources (SCAAP grants, Institutional Removal Program, and a new grant program) to help assist in the enforcement of immigration laws (by a recorded vote of 237 ayes to 180 noes, Roll No. 656); Pages H11954-57, H11970-71 Myrick amendment (No. 12 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) modified, that amends section 606 of the bill to require the removal of an unauthorized alien on the first conviction of drunk driving. Authorizes State and local law enforcement officers to detain and transport unauthorized alien drunk drivers and be reimbursed by the Department of Homeland Security. Information on unauthorized alien drunk drivers shall be reported to the Department of Homeland Security, the National Criminal Information Center and the Drivers License Agreement of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; Pages H11971-73 Shadegg amendment (No. 13 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that increases penalties for document fraud and for crimes of violence and drug trafficking offenses committed by illegal aliens; Pages H11973-75 Shadegg amendment (No. 14 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that adds human trafficking and human smuggling to the list of predicate acts under the federal money laundering statute; Pages H11975-76 Bradley amendment (No. 17 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide a report both one and two years after implementation of the Employment Eligibility Verification System to Congress. Reports would contain information relating to problems reported by businesses during implementation as well as progress made up to the report's date. Report would contain information relating to the most efficient use of the system by small businesses; Pages H11979-80 Ryun amendment (No. 19 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that establishes the Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance as Federal law so that it cannot be changed without an act of Congress. Also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to notify a foreign embassy of which a new citizen was a citizen or subject that the citizen has: (1) renounced allegiance to that foreign country; and (2) sworn allegiance to the United States; Pages H11982-84 Royce amendment (No. 20 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) which states that no immigration benefit may be granted until, at a minimum, an FBI fingerprint check has been submitted and the results show that the alien does not have a criminal or immigration history that would render him or her ineligible for the benefit have been to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Pages H11984-87 Westmoreland amendment (No. 15 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that sets caps on the monetary penalties set forth in Title VII of the bill for hiring or employing unauthorized aliens of $7,500 for first time offenses, $15,000 for second offenses, and $40,000 for all subsequent offenses; Provides an exemption from penalty for initial good faith violations; and provides a safe harbor for contractors if their subcontractor employees an unauthorized alien (provided the contractor did not know the employee was an unauthorized alien) (by a recorded vote of 247 ayes to 170 noes, Roll No. 657); Pages H11976-78, H11987-88 Rejected: Sensenbrenner amendment (No. 7 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) which sought to, at the Administration's request, reduce the maximum sentence for illegal entry and illegal presence to six months (by a recorded vote of 164 ayes to 257 noes, Roll No. 655); Page H11951-53, H11969-70 Gonzalez amendment (No. 16 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that sought to increase the fines on businesses for knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens to $50,000. Proceeds would be shared with state and local government and are restricted for use to help cover the costs associated with providing services to undocumented immigrants (by a recorded vote of 87 ayes to 332 noes, Roll No. 658); and Pages H11978-79, H11988 Sullivan amendment (No. 18 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that sought to require all non-citizens who enter or exit the country to be processed through the automated entry-exit control system Congress mandated in 1996 (by a recorded vote of 163 ayes to 251 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 659). Pages H11980-82, H11988-89 Withdrawn: Hayworth amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that was offered and subsequently withdrawn, which sought to increase the number of employment-based visas available through a reduction in other non- employment-based immigration categories; and Pages H11943-44 [[Page D1306]] Tancredo amendment (No. 10 printed in H. Rept. 109-350) that was offered and subsequently withdrawn, which sought to prohibit the Attorney General from allocating funds under the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program to any state or local government which maintains a ``sanctuary policy'' in violation of federal law (8 U.S.C. 1373). Also requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on which state and local governments maintain ``sanctuary policies''. Pages H11957-58 Agreed by unanimous consent that staff be authorized to make technical and conforming corrections to the text of H.R. 4377, as passed by the House. Page H12014 H. Res. 621, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 216 yeas to 203 nays, Roll No. 646. Pages H11893-H11901, H11903-04 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005--Motion to go to Conference: The House insisted on its amendment and agreed to a conference on S. 1932, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 202(a) of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2006 (H. Con. Res. 95). Pages H11959-68 The House agreed to the Spratt motion to instruct conferees by a yea- and-nay vote of 246 yeas to 175 nays, Roll No. 652. Pages H11959-67 The Chair appointed conferees for consideration of the Senate bill, and the House amendment thereto, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Nussle, Ryun of Kansas, Crenshaw, Putnam, Wicker, Hulshof, Ryan of Wisconsin, Blunt, DeLay, Spratt, Moore of Kansas, Neal of Massachusetts, Ms. DeLauro, Messrs. Edwards, and Ford; Page H11967 From the Committee on Agriculture, for consideration of title I of the Senate bill and title I of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Goodlatte, Peterson of Minnesota, and Lucas; Page H11968 From the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for consideration of title VII of the Senate bill and title II and subtitle C of title III of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Boehner, George Miller of California, and McKeon; Page H11968 From the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for consideration of title III and title VI of the Senate bill and title III of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Upton, Dingell, and Deal of Georgia; Page H11968 From the Committee on Financial Services, for consideration of title II of the Senate bill and title IV of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Oxley, Frank of Massachusetts, and Bachus; Page H11968 Provided that Mr. Ney is appointed in lieu of Mr. Bachus for consideration of subtitles C and D of title II of the Senate bill and subtitle B of title IV of the House amendment; Page H11968 From the Committee on the Judiciary, for consideration of title VIII of the Senate bill and title V of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Sensenbrenner, Conyers, and Smith of Texas; Page H11968 From the Committee on Resources, for consideration of title IV of the Senate bill and title VI of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Pombo, Rahall, and Gibbons; Page H11968 From the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for consideration of title V and Division A of the Senate bill and title VII of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Young of Alaska, Oberstar, and LoBiondo; and Page H11968 From the Committee on Ways and Means, for consideration of sections 6039, 6071, and subtitle B of title VI of the Senate bill and title VIII of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Messrs. Thomas, Rangel, and Herger. Page H11968 Presidential Message: Read a message from the President whereby he notified Congress of the issuance of a set of guidelines and requirements that significantly aid in the establishment of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE)--referred to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and ordered printed (H. Doc. 109-75). Pages H12031-32 Reassignment of Conferee: The Chair announced the removal of Mr. Upton as a conferee on S. 1932, and appoints Mr. Barton of Texas to fill the vacancy. Page H12031 Meeting Hour: Agreed that when the House adjourn today, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th. Page H12014 Senate Message: Messages received from the Senate today appear on pages H11920 and H12035-36. Senate Referrals: S. 2116 was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and S. 2120 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture. Page H12042 Quorum Calls--Votes: Eleven yea-and-nay votes and ten recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H11901, H11901-02, H11902-03, H11903, H11903-04, H11904-05, H11920, H11921, H11921-22, H11922-23, H11967, H11968-69, H11969, H11970, H11970-71, H11987-88, H11988, [[Page D1307]] H11988-89, H12013, H12013-14, and H12014-15. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 9 a.m. and adjourned at 12 midnight. Committee Meetings BRIEFING--CHANGES ALLOWING AIRLINE PASSENGERS TO BOARD AIRCRAFT WITH SCISSORS, PLIERS AND WRENCHES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity met in executive session to receive a briefing on announced changes to the prohibited items list that would allow airline passengers to board an aircraft with scissors, pliers and wrenches. The Subcommittee was briefed by a departmental witness. BORDER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM MISMANAGEMENT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight held a hearing entitled ``Mismanagement of the Border Surveillance System and Lessons for the New Secure Border Initiative''. Testimony was heard from Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing that certain specified measures may be considered under suspension of the rules at any time on the legislative day of Saturday, December 17, 2005. Joint Meetings NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Conferees met to resolve the differences between the Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 1815, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2006 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled. House No Committee meetings are scheduled. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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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 D1308]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 4 p.m., Saturday, December 17 Senate Chamber Program for Saturday: After the transaction of any morning business, Senate expects to begin debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization Act. Also, Senate expects to consider any cleared legislative and executive matters. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2 p.m., Saturday, December 17 House Chamber Program for Saturday: To be announced.