Wednesday, December 6, 2006 [[Page D1132]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS: Senate confirmed the nomination of Robert M. Gates, of Texas, to be Secretary of Defense. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S11375-S11401 Measures Introduced: Sixteen bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 4083-4098, and S. Res. 624-625. Page S11325 Measures Reported: Report to accompany S. 2803, to amend the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to improve the safety of mines and mining. (S. Rept. No. 109-365) Report to accompany S. 3570, to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2007 through 2011. (S. Rept. No. 109-366) Page S11324 Measures Passed: HIV/AIDS Program: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 6143, to amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing lifesaving care for those with HIV/AIDS, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment: Pages S11240-43 Ensign (for Enzi/Kennedy) Amendment No. 5212, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S11242-43 Sojourner Truth Bust: Committee on Rules and Administration was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4510, to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and to display the bust in a suitable location in the Capitol, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11243 Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act: Senate passed H.R. 864, to provide for programs and activities with respect to the prevention of underage drinking, after taking action on the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S11375-76 Frist (for Enzi) Amendment No. 5219, in the nature of a substitute. Page S11375 Sgt. First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of S. 4050, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Thompson Street in Thomaston, Georgia, as the ``Sergeant First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed. Page S11376 Tito Puente Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1472, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 167 East 124th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Tito Puente Post Office Building'', and the measure was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4246, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4720, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, California, as the ``Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building:Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5108, to designate the facility [[Page D1133]] of the United States Postal Service located at 1213 East Houston Street in Cleveland, Texas, as the ``Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5736, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Morris K. ``Mo'' Udall Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5857, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, as the ``Morris K. `Mo' Udall Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office:Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5923, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 29-50 Union Street in Flushing, New York, as the ``Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 John J. Sinde Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5989, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10240 Roosevelt Road in Westchester, Illinois, as the `John J. Sinde Post Office Building', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5990, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 South 5th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, as the ``Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building'',and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building:Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 6078, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 West Wheat Street in Woodville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Captain Christopher Petty Post Office Building: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 6102, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Lawyers Road, NW in Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Captain Christopher Petty Post Office Building'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Hamilton H. Judson Post Office: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 6151, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Oak Street in Farmington, Minnesota, as the ``Hamilton H. Judson Post Office'', and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11376 Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act: Senate passed S. 3546, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to serious adverse event reporting for dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S11376-81 Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe Land: Senate passed H.R. 854, to provide for certain lands to be held in trust for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11381 Water Resources Research Act Amendments: Senate passed H.R. 4588, to reauthorize grants for and require applied water supply research regarding the water resources research and technology institutes established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, after agreeing to the following amendment: Pages S11381-82 Frist (for Inhofe) Amendment No. 5213, to modify provisions relating to scope of research, other activities, and cooperation and coordination. Pages S11381-82 Jefferson County, Colorado Land Use: Senate passed S. 4092, to clarify certain land use in Jefferson County, Colorado. Page S11382 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act Amendment: Senate passed S. 4093, to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance. Page S11382 Senate National Security Working Group Extension: Senate agreed to S. Res. 625, extending the [[Page D1134]] authority for the Senate National Security Working Group. Page S11382 Dam Safety Act: Senate passed S. 2735, to amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to reauthorize the national dam safety program, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, and the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S11382-83 Frist (for Inhofe) Amendment No. 5214, in the nature of a substitute. Page S11383 Pool and Spa Safety Act: Senate passed S. 3718, to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by requiring the use of proper anti- entrapment drain covers and pool and spa drainage systems, by establishing a swimming pool safety grant program administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to encourage States to improve their pool and spa safety laws and to educate the public about pool and spa safety, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S11383-84 Iraq Reconstruction Accountability Act: Senate passed S. 4046, to extend oversight and accountability related to United States reconstruction funds and efforts in Iraq by extending the termination date of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Pages S11384-85 Honoring William Wilberforce: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 613, honoring the life and work of William Wilberforce and commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Great Britain, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S11385 National Purple Heart Hall of Honor: Committee on Armed Services was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 419, recognizing and supporting the efforts of the State of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S11385 Recognizing American Council of Young Political Leaders: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 430, recognizing the accomplishments of the American Council of Young Political Leaders for providing 40 years of international exchange programs, increasing international dialogue, and enhancing global understanding, and commemorating its 40th anniversary, and the resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S11385 Frist Amendment No. 5215, to amend the preamble. Page S11385 Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International Standards Conforming Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4583, to amend the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to revise the requirements for labeling of certain wool and cashmere products, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11385 Aerospace Revitalization Task Force: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 758, to establish an interagency aerospace revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for aerospace workforce recruitment, training, and cultivation, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11386 Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Reauthorization Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1285, to extend for 3 years changes to requirements for admission of non-immigrant nurses in health professional shortage areas made by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantage Areas Act of 1999, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11386 Department of Justice Attorneys Travel Time: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of S. 1876, to provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S11386 Frist (for Akaka) Amendment No. 5216, to revise the description of a certain citation. Page S11386 Department of Justice Attorneys Travel Time: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4057, to provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11386 Secure Access to Justice and Court Protection Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1751, to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S11386-87 [[Page D1135]] Frist (for Specter) Amendment No. 5217, to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members. Page S11387 Native American Languages Preservation Act: Committee on Indian Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4766, to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11387 Call Home Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of S. 2653, to direct the Federal Communications Commission to make efforts to reduce telephone rates for Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S11387 Frist (for Stevens) Amendment No. 5218, to enhance public safety. Page S11387 Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4075, to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 in order to implement the Agreement on the Conservation and Management of the Alaska-Chukotka Polar Bear Population, after agreeing to the following amendments proposed thereto: Page S11387 Frist (for Stevens) Amendment No. 5220, in the nature of a substitute. Page S11387 Frist (for Stevens) Amendment No. 5221, to amend the title. Secretary of the Army Authority Extension: Senate passed H.R. 6316, to extend through December 31, 2008, the authority of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of permits, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11387 Creating Opportunities for Minor League Professional, Entertainers, and Teams Through Legal Entry Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. 3821, to authorize certain athletes to be admitted temporarily into the United States to compete or perform in an athletic league, competition, or performance, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S11387-88 Frist (for Collins) Amendment No. 5223, in the nature of a substitute. Page S11388 Admonishing President Hugo Chavez Statements: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 607, admonishing the statements made by President Hugo Chavez at the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2006, and the undemocratic actions of President Chavez, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S11388-89 Living Resources of the High Seas Protection: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 610, expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should promote the adoption of, and the United Nations should adopt, a resolution at its October meeting to protect the living resources of the high seas from destructive, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S11388-89 Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence Act: Senate passed S. 2322, to amend the Public Health Service Act to make the provision of technical services for medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments safer, more accurate, and less costly, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S11389-91 National Integrated Drought Information System Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5136, to establish a National Integrated Drought Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve drought monitoring and forecasting capabilities, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. Page S11391 Military Construction/VA Appropriations--Conferees: Senate insisted on its amendment to H.R. 5385, making appropriations for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007 (passed the Senate on November 14, 2006), requested a conference with the House thereon, and the Chair was authorized to appoint the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Hutchison, Burns, Craig, DeWine, Brownback, Allard, McConnell, Cochran, Stevens, Feinstein, Inouye, Johnson, Landrieu, Byrd, Murray, Leahy, and Harkin. Pages S11269-70 Agriculture Appropriations--Vote Change: A unanimous-consent request was granted permitting Senator Stevens to change his yea vote to a nay vote on Vote No. 271 on the motion to waive relative to Conrad Amendment No. 5205, rejected on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, to H.R. 5384, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development Food [[Page D1136]] and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Page S11274 Export-Import Bank Reauthorization House Message: Senate concurred in the amendment of the House to S. 3938, to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, clearing the measure for the President. Pages S11391-96 Nomination: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Kent A. Jordan, of Delaware, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. Page S11396 A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination, and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture may occur on Friday, December 8, 2006. Page S11396 Nomination Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the nomination of Andrew von Eschenbach, of Texas, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services, with 60 minutes of debate equally divided, followed by a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination. Page S11396 Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nomination: By 95 yeas 2 nays (Vote No. EX. 272), Robert M. Gates, of Texas, to be Secretary of Defense. Pages S11259-93, S11401 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Michael J. Burns, of New Mexico, to be Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. Beryl A. Howell, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2011. John R. Steer, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2011. Rosemary E. Rodriguez, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Election Assistance Commission for the remainder of the term expiring December 12, 2007. Pages S11400-01 Nominations Withdrawn: Senate received notification of withdrawal of the following nominations: David H. Laufman, of Texas, to be Inspector General, Department of Defense, which was sent to the Senate on June 5, 2006. Tracy A. Henke, of Missouri, to be Executive Director of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security, which was sent to the Senate on September 5, 2006. Page S11401 Messages From the House: Pages S11321-22 Measures Placed on Calendar: Page S11322 Executive Communications: Pages S11322-24 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S11324-25 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S11325-26 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S11326-49 Additional Statements: Pages S11320-21 Amendments Submitted: Pages S11349-72 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S11372-73 Privileges of the Floor: Page S11372 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--272) Pages S11292-93 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 9:30 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 7, 2006. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S11396.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NOMINATIONS Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Leland A. Strom, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Farm Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration, Mark Everett Keenum, of Mississippi, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, and to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation, who was introduced by Senator Cochran, and Jill E. Sommers, of Kansas, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. CLIMATE CHANGE Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues relating to climate change and the media's treatment of the issue, after receiving testimony from David Deming, University of Oklahoma, Norman; Daniel P. Schrag, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Robert M. Carter, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Naomi Oreskes, University of California, San Diego; and Dan Gainor, Business and Media Institute, Alexandria, Virginia. [[Page D1137]] NOMINATIONS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Alex A. Beehler, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Environmental Protection Agency, and Eric D. Eberhard, of Washington, and Diane Humetewa, of Arizona, each to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. NOMINATIONS Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Robert F. Hoyt, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, Michele A. Davis, of Virginia, Anthony W. Ryan, of Massachusetts, and Phillip L. Swagel, of Maryland, each to be an Assistant Secretary, Paul Cherecwich, Jr., of Utah, and Deborah L. Wince-Smith, of Virginia, both to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board, all of the Department of the Treasury, Dean A. Pinkert, of Virginia, and Irving A. Williamson, of New York, both to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission, and Dana K. Bilyeu, of Nevada, Mark J. Warshawsky, of Maryland, and Jeffrey Robert Brown, of Illinois, each to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board. HURRICANE DISASTER Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the extent of fraud, waste, and abuse relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster relief efforts, after receiving testimony from Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, and John J. Ryan, Assistant Director, both of the Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, Government Accountability Office. NOMINATION Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Management, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf. NOMINATIONS Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee approved for reporting the nominations of Terry L. Cline, to be Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Foreststorn Hamilton, Benjamin Donenberg, Joan Israelite, Charlotte P. Kessler, Robert Bretley Lott, William Francis Price, Jr., each to be a Member of the National Council of the Arts, and Dana Gioia, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, all of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, John Peyton, to be Member of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation, Sara Alicia Tucker, to be Under Secretary of Education, Department of Education, Gerald Walpin, to be Inspector General, Corporation for National and Community Service, Blanca E. Enriquez, to be Member of the National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board, National Institute For Literacy, Elizabeth Dougherty, to be Member of the National Mediation Board, Leon R. Sequeira, to be Assistant Secretary of Policy, Department of Labor, and sundry nominations in the Public Service. FBI Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded oversight hearings to examine activities of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, focusing on national security, criminal investigations, and science and technology, after receiving testimony from Robert S. Mueller III, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice. BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts concluded oversight hearings to examine oversight hearings to examine implementation of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 109-8), after receiving testimony from Clifford J. White III, Director, Executive Office for United States Trustees, Department of Justice; Randall J. Newsome, Chief Judge, Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California; Henry E. Hildebrand III, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee, Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville; Todd Zywicki, George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, Virginia; Steve Bartlett, Financial Services Roundtable, Washington, D.C.; David C. Jones, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, Poinciana, Florida; and Robert Lawless, University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign. NOMINATION Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Jovita Carranza, of Illinois, to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator McConnell, testified and answered questions in her own behalf. [[Page D1138]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 29 public bills, H.R. 6377- 6405; and 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 499-500; and H. Res. 1094-1095, 1097-1098, were introduced. Pages H8888-89 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H8889-90 Reports Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 1096, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules (H. Rept. 109-720). Page H8888 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006: S. 3938, amended, to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States; Pages H8750-58 Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Act of 2006: S. 2250, to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug--c1earing the measure for the President; Pages H8758-61 Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2006: H.R. 5280, amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan; Pages H8761-62 Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006: H.R. 3248, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care; Pages H8773-78 Amending the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes: H.R. 5798, to amend the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes; Pages H8778-79 Combating Autism Act of 2006: S. 843, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to combat autism through research, screening, intervention and education; Pages H8779-88 United States Tsunami Warning and Education Act: H.R. 1674, amended, to authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be carried out by the National Weather Service; Pages H8788-93 Honoring the life of Milton Friedman: H. Res. 1089, to honor the life of Milton Friedman; Pages H8793-98 Designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the `Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office': S. 1820, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the `Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office'--clearing the measure for the President; Page H8798 Honoring the contributions and life of Edward R. Bradley: H. Res. 1084, amended, to honor the contributions and life of Edward R. Bradley; Pages H8798-H8800 Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Leroy Robert ``Satchel'' Paige: S. Con. Res. 91, to express the sense of Congress that the President should posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Leroy Robert ``Satchel'' Paige; Pages H8800-01 Honoring the memory of Arnold ``Red'' Auerbach: H. Con. Res. 497, honoring the memory of Arnold ``Red'' Auerbach; Pages H8801-04 Condemning the decision by the city of St. Denis, France, to name a street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the convicted murderer of Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner: H. Res. 1082, to condemn the decision by the city of St. Denis, France, to name a street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the convicted murderer of Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 368 yeas to 31 nays with 8 voting ``present'', Roll No. 527; Pages H8804-08, H8857 Requiring any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce: H.R. 1458, amended, to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce; Pages H8808-09 Physicians for Underserved Areas Act: H.R. 4997, amended, to permanently authorize amendments made by the Immigration and Nationality [[Page D1139]] Technical Corrections Act of 1994 for the purpose of permitting waivers of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to certain international medical graduates; Pages H8809-12 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To extend for 2 years the authority to grant waivers of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to certain international medical graduates.''. Page H8812 Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Clarification Act of 2006: S. 4044, to clarify the treatment of certain charitable contributions under title 11, United States Code--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8812-13 Vessel Hull Design Protection Amendments of 2005: S. 1785, amended, to amend chapter 13 of title 17, United States Code (relating to the vessel hull design protection), to clarify the distinction between a hull and a deck, to provide factors for the determination of the protectability of a revised design, to provide guidance for assessments of substantial similarity; Pages H8813-18 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To make certain improvements relating to intellectual property, and for other purposes.''. Page H8818 Honoring the life of Ruth Brown and her copyright royalty reform efforts on behalf of rhythm and blues recording artists: H. Res. 1090, to honor the life of Ruth Brown and her copyright royalty reform efforts on behalf of rhythm and blues recording artists; Pages H8818-19 Stolen Valor Act of 2005: S. 1998, to amend title 18, United States Code, to enhance protections relating to the reputation and meaning of the Medal of Honor and other military decorations and awards--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8819-23 Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006: H.R. 6342, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program; Pages H8823-29 Designating the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Farmington, Missouri, as the ``Robert Silvey Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic'': S. 4073, to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Farmington, Missouri, as the ``Robert Silvey Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8829-30 National Transportation Safety Board Amendments Act of 2006: H.R. 5076, amended, to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009; Pages H8830-34 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and for other purposes.''. Page H8834 Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006: H.R. 5782, amended, to amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhanced safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation, to provide for enhanced reliability in the transportation of the Nation's energy products by pipeline; Pages H8834-45 Commending The New York Institute for Special Education for providing excellent education for students with blindness and visual disabilities for 175 years, and for broadening its mission to provide the same quality education to students with emotional and learning disabilities: H. Con. Res. 484, to commend The New York Institute for Special Education for providing excellent education for students with blindness and visual disabilities for 175 years, and for broadening its mission to provide the same quality education to students with emotional and learning disabilities; Pages H8845-46 Rural Water Supply Act of 2005: S. 895, amended, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents; Pages H8846-51 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents.''. Page H8851 Repealing certain sections of the Act of May 26, 1936, pertaining to the Virgin Islands: S. 1829, amended, to repeal certain sections of the Act of May 26, 1936, pertaining to the Virgin Islands; Pages H8851-53 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To repeal certain sections of the Act of May 26, 1936, pertaining to the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.''. Page H8853 United States-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Act: S. 214, amended, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the States on the border with Mexico and other appropriate entities in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers; Pages H8853-55 Michigan Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Act: S. 1346, to direct the Secretary of the Interior [[Page D1140]] to conduct a study of maritime sites in the State of Michigan--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H8855-56 Expressing support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution and calling upon the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to adhere to commitments it has made and to respect human rights: H. Res. 1051, amended, to express support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution and calling upon the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to adhere to commitments it has made and to respect human rights; and Pages H8858-60 Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006: S. 2125, amended, to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pages H8860-64 Suspension--Failed: The House failed to agree to suspend the rules and pass the following measure: Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006: H.R. 6099, to ensure that women seeking an abortion are fully informed regarding the pain experienced by their unborn child, by less than a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 250 yeas to 162 nays, Roll No. 526. Pages H8762-71 H8856-57 Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House completed debate on the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further consideration of the measures is expected to resume tomorrow, Thursday, December 7th: Expressing support for Lebanon's democratic institutions and condemning the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and Industry Minister Pierre Amin Gemayel: H. Res. 1088, amended, to express support for Lebanon's democratic institutions and condemning the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and Industry Minister Pierre Amin Gemayel; and Pages H8864-66 Condemning in the strongest terms Iran's commitment to hold an international Holocaust denial conference on December 11-12, 2006: H. Res. 1091, amended, to condemn in the strongest terms Iran's commitment to hold an international Holocaust denial conference on December 11-12, 2006. Pages H8866-68 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H8748, H8793, H8866 and H8882-83. Senate Referral: S. 3678 was held at the desk; S. 4050 was referred to the Committee on Government Reform. Pages H8748, H8887 Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H8856-57 and H8857. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 10:59 p.m. Committee Meetings MILITARY AWARDS--DECORATIONS CRITERIA Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing to examine criteria for awards and decorations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army; VADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN, Chief of Naval Personnel, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education), U.S. Navy; LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; and BG Richard P. Mills, USMC, Director, Personnel Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps; and public witnesses. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any special rule reported on the legislative day of December 7, 2006. The rule provides that suspensions will be in order at any time on the legislative day of December 7, 2006. The rule further provides that the Speaker or his designee shall consult with the Minority Leader or her designee on any suspension considered under the rule. The rule provides that House Resolutions 810, 939, 951, and 1047 are laid upon the table. PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY ISSUES IN END STAGE RENAL DISEASE TREATMENT Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Patient Safety and Quality Issues in End Stage Renal [[Page D1141]] Disease Treatment. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2006 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the report of the Iraq Study Group, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: business meeting to consider the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Management, Time to be announced, Room to be announced. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine vertically integrated sports programming, focusing on whether cable companies are excluding competition, 10 a.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold a closed briefing on intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Armed Services, hearing on U.S. military transition teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, to consider a motion to Approve the Interim Report on the Administrative Law, Process and Procedure Project for the 21st Century; followed by an oversight hearing on The Arbitration Process of the National Football League Players Association, 10:00 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, oversight hearing to review Departments' actions regarding the recommendations of the 1999 Transition Commission Report, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon. 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. 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Also, at 2:30 p.m., the Majority Leader will be recognized. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, December 7 House Chamber Program for Thursday: To be announced.