Legislative Bulletin………………………………….………November 13, 2007

 

Contents:

      H.R. 2627—Act Commemorating the LITE, or Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison

      H.Con.Res. 229—Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should seek a review of  compliance by all nations with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas’ conservation and management recommendations for Atlantic bluefin tuna and other species, and  should  pursue strengthened conservation and management measures to facilitate the recovery of the Atlantic  bluefin tuna, and for other purposes

      H.R. 2614—To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to  authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in certain water projects in California

      H.R. 3315—To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center shall be known as Emancipation  Hall

      H.Res. 812—Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support of the House of Representatives  and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating flooding in southern Mexico

      H.R. 2705—Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007

      H.R. 3320—Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of 2007

      H.Res. 811—Condemning the November 6, 2007, terrorist bombing in Afghanistan and expressing  condolences to the people of Afghanistan and the members of the Wolesi Jirga

      H.R. 3703—To amend section 5112(p)(1)(A) of title 31, United States Code, to allow an exception from  the $1 coin dispensing capability requirement for certain vending machines

      H.Res. 335—Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should declare lung  cancer a public health priority and should implement a comprehensive interagency program to reduce the  lung cancer mortality rate by at least 50 percent by 2015

      H.Res. 760—Supporting the goals and ideals of Children’s Health Month

      H.Con.Res. 122—Supporting the goal and mission of America Recycles Day 

 H.R. 1534—Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007

      H.R. 3403—911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007

      H.R. 3919—Broadband Census of America Act of 2007

      H.R. 3461—Safeguarding America’s Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient  Technologies Act of 2007

      H.R. 3013—Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007

      H.R. 1593—Second Chance Act of 2007

      H.R. 3845—PROTECT Our Children Act of 2007

      H.R.719—Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2007

      H.R. 4120—Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007

      H.R. 3577—To direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet safety education programs

      H.R. 4136—The Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child Pornography Act of 2007

      H.Res. 684—Congratulating Shawn Johnson on her victory in becoming the 2007 World Artistic  Gymnastics Champion in women’s gymnastics

      H.R. 3569—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16731 Santa Ana  Avenue in Fontana, California, as the “Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building”

      H.R. 3470—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe  Highway in Hinesville, Georgia, as the “John Sidney ‘Sid’ Flowers Post Office Building”

      H.R. 3974—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in  Round Rock, Texas, as the “Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building”

      H.Res. 808—Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Washington Council of  Governments

      S.Con.Res. 45—A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its  work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National  Courage Month

      H.Con.Res. 211—Supporting the goals and ideals of World Diabetes Day

      H.Res. 365—Honoring San Jose State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher  education

      H.Res. 709—Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Sam

      Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, and for other purposes 

 

H.R. 2627—Act Commemorating the LITE, or Lifetime Innovations of Thomas Edison (Payne, D-NJ) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 2627 would establish the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey, as a new National Park.  The park would include the grounds that the park currently operates (about 16 acres) and all property authorized to be acquired for inclusion in the Historical Park by this Act or other law enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.  

In addition, the bill grants authority to the Secretary to acquire 1) land or interests in land within the Historical Park’s boundaries from willing sellers only, and 2) personal property associated with, and appropriated for, interpretation of the Historical Park.  The act also repeals P.L. 87-628, regarding the establishment and administration of the Edison National Historic Site. The bill authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the act. 

Additional Background:  In 1962, P.L. 87-628 established the Thomas Edison National Historical Park to honor and preserve the memory of the famous inventor.  The park includes Edison’s home, Glenmont, along with roughly 16 acres of adjacent land.  The park is currently open year-round and offers tours of the home and grounds.  The 109^th Congress passed a similar bill, H.R. 1096 in February, 2006, by a vote of 399 – 1.  For more information about the Edison Historical Park click here.  

Committee Action:  H.R. 2627 was introduced on June 7, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, which took no official action. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 2627 was not available at press time.  However, a CBO score for similar legislation (H.R. 1096) estimated that, “implementing this bill would have no significant effect on the federal budget.  Under the bill, the unit’s boundaries, the agency’s authority to acquire land and execute cooperative agreements with local entities, and annual operating costs would be similar or identical to those under existing law.  We expect that one-time costs to revise NPS brochures, maps, and signs would be minimal because most such revisions would take place in conjunction with scheduled reprinting and other routine maintenance.”  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time. 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time.  

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Con.Res. 229—Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should seek a review of compliance by all nations with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas' conservation and management recommendations for Atlantic bluefin tuna and other species, and should pursue strengthened conservation and management measures to facilitate the recovery of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, and for other purposes (Pallone, D-NY) 

Order of Business:  H.Con.Res. 229 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary:  H.Con.Res. 229 would express the sense that the United States should: 

• “pursue a review and assessment of compliance with conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission and in effect for the 2006 Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery, occurring east of 45 degree west longitude, and other fisheries that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, including data collection and reporting requirements;
  
• “seek to address noncompliance by nations with such measures through appropriate actions, including, as appropriate, deducting a proportion of a future quota for a country to compensate for such country exceeding its quota in prior years;
  
• “pursue a meaningful discussion of the implementation and effectiveness of the Commission recommendation entitled ‘Recommendation by ICCAT to Establish a Multi-Annual Recovery Plan for Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean’ (Recommendation 06-05), including seeking detailed explanations from Commission members that have failed to fully implement the terms of the recommendation; and
  
• “seek to strengthen the conservation and management of the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna by making recommendations to halt the decline of the stock and begin to rebuild it.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “Atlantic bluefin tuna are a valuable commercial and recreational fishery of the United States and many other countries;
  
• “the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Convention’) was signed in 1966;
  
• “the Convention established the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Commission’) to coordinate international research and develop conservation and management recommendations on Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent seas, including the Mediterranean Sea;
  
• “total allowable catches for the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock have been consistently set at levels significantly above scientific recommendations intended to maintain bluefin tuna populations at levels that will permit the maximum sustainable catch;
  
• “despite the establishment by the Commission of fishing quotas based on total allowable catch levels for the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery that exceed scientific recommendations, compliance with such quotas by parties to the Convention that harvest that stock has been very poor, most recently with harvests exceeding such total allowable catch levels by over 50 percent for each of the last 4 years;
  
• “poor data reporting has frequently thwarted efforts by the Commission to assign quota overharvests to specific countries;
  
• “despite adoption and full implementation of a science-based rebuilding program for the western Atlantic bluefin tuna stock by countries fishing west of 45 degree west longitude, catches and catch rates remain very low; and
  
• “poor management and compliance with recommendations for the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock are of grave concern because the condition of the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock could adversely affect recovery of the western Atlantic bluefin tuna due to mixing between the two stocks.”

Committee Action:  H.Con.Res. 229 was introduced on October 9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 2614— To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in certain water projects in California (Calvert, R-CA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 2614 would authorize the Secretary of the Interior (in cooperation with the

Western Municipal Water District) to participate in the planning, designing, and constructing of the Riverside-Corona Feeder water-supply (i.e. wells and pipeline) project in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California. The federal cost share of the project could not exceed 25% of the project’s total cost.  The bill would authorize $20 million for the cost of the project. Federal funds could not be used for operating or maintaining the project. 

H.R. 3334 would also authorize the Secretary of the Interior (in cooperation with the City of Corona Water Utility, California) to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater, including degraded groundwaters within the boundaries of the City of Corona Water Utility. The federal cost share could not exceed 25% and could not be used for operation or maintenance of the projects. 

Additional Background:  Legislation authorizing federal participation in these two reclamation projects was passed in both the 108^th Congress (H.R. 3334) and the 109^th Congress (H.R. 540), but were not acted upon by the Senate.  

Committee Action:  H.R. 2614 was introduced on June 7, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.  Four days later the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, which took no official action. 

Possible Conservative Concerns:  Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 2614 authorizes millions of federal dollars for two local water projects. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 2614 was not available at press time.   

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes, the bill would authorize the federal government to participate in two local water reclamation projects. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time. 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time.  

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3315—To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center shall be known as Emancipation Hall (Wamp, R-TN) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3315 would designate the main hall of the new Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) as “Emancipation Hall.” 

Additional Background:  According to House Report 110 – 436, the CVC, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2008, will host more than three million visitors annually.  In 2004, Congress commissioned the Architect of the Capitol to study and report the contributions of slave laborers in the construction of the Capitol.  The 2005 report resulted in the establishment of the Slave Laborers Task Force, which was chaired by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), and recommended that the great hall of the CVC be named “Emancipation Hall” to recognized the efforts of slaves in building the Capitol and other federal buildings. 

In the minority views contained in House Report 110 – 436, Rep. John Mica (R-FL), a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, expressed some concerns about designating the CVC’s great hall as “Emancipation Hall.”  According to Rep. Mica, “Throughout the history of the Capitol, none of the monumental spaces, such as the House and Senate chambers or the Rotunda, have been named after specific individuals or events in history.  Instead, these great spaces of the Capitol have long been called by their functional names. By doing so, all people regardless of their race, ethnic heritage, culture, or human travails are equally recognized.”  Despite these concerns, H.R. 3315 was reported out of the Committee by voice vote. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3315 was introduced on August 2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  On September 25, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management and a hearing was held.  The full committee held a mark up on October 31, 2007, and the bill was reported by voice vote.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enactment of this bill would have no significant impact on the federal budget and would not affect direct spending or revenues. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in House Report 110-436, asserts that, “H.R. 3315 contains no earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits.” 

Constitutional Authority:  The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in House Report 110-436, cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not cite a specific clause.  House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain “a statement citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution.”  [emphasis added] 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 2705—Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007 (Christensen, D-VI) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 2705 would amend the Compact of Free Association Act of 2003, which defines the United State’s relationship with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands.  Specifically, the bill would transfer responsibility of America’s disaster aid from FEMA to USAID and allow the two agencies to transfer certain unobligated funds toward disaster relief.  The bill would also forgive a $3 million payment owed by Palau if the nation deposits the funds into a trust fund controlled by the Republic of Palau in order to fund its own economic development. 

Additional Background:  Until 1986 the island nations Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands in the south pacific were administered by the United States.  Since these nations have gained their independence, their relationship with the United States has been governed by the Compacts of Free Association, which requires the American Government to give financial assistance to the countries and allow for eased immigration laws.  H.R. 2705 alters certain conditions of the compacts in order to provide disaster assistance more efficiently and to allow Palau to retain $3 million to encourage economic development.   

Committee Action:  H.R. 2705 was introduced on June 13, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.  On October 23, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by unanimous consent.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, H.R. 2705 would increase direct spending by $2 million in FY 2008 and $6 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2012 period to provide disaster relief through USAID.   

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res.  812—Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating flooding in southern Mexico (Sanchez, D-CA) 

Order of Business:  H.Res. 812 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Res. 812 would express the sense that the House of Representatives: 

• “expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating flooding affecting southern Mexico;
  
• “conveys its sincere support to the people and Government of Mexico;
  
• “urges the United States Government to immediately make available all possible assistance to Mexican authorities; and
  
• “reaffirms its commitment to provide relief aid to the victims as the effects of the flooding continue to unfold.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “in late October 2007, a series of storms brought torrential rainfall to southern Mexico, especially the States of Tabasco and Chiapas, causing the Grijalva, Carrizal, and Puxcatan Rivers to overflow their banks;
  
• “early reports have branded the resulting floods as the worst in Mexico in 50 years and Mexican President Calderon has called it ‘one of the worst natural disasters in the history of our country. Not only because of the size of the area affected, but because of the number of people affected’;
  
• “the flooding is estimated to have affected 1,000,000 people so far;
  
• “Mexico’s Federal Social Development Department now estimates that the homes of over 500,000 people were damaged or destroyed;
  
• “more than 300,000 people are reported to still be trapped inside their homes or on their rooftops, with uncertain access to food, medicine, and safe drinking water;
  
• “Red Cross workers in Mexico have called for urgent supplies of water, food, and basic materials to assist in the rescue efforts; and
  
• “health officials have begun warning against the serious possibility of cholera and waterborne diseases.”

Committee Action:  H.Res. 812 was introduced on November 8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3320—Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of 2007 (Smith, R-NJ) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3320 would authorize $5 million for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State to assist in the development of a permanent exhibit at the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.  

H.R. 3320 lists the following findings: 

• “Current and future generations benefit greatly by visible reminders and documentation of the historical and cultural roots of their society.
  
• “It is in the national interest of the United States to encourage the preservation and protection of artifacts associated with the heritage of United States citizens who trace their forbearers to other countries and to encourage the collection and dissemination of knowledge about that heritage.
  
• “According to the 2000 United States Census, nearly 9,000,000 Americans are of Polish ancestry.
  
• “At the beginning of World War II, Poland had the largest Jewish population in Europe.
  
• “In 1996, Yeshayahu Weinberg, a founding director of Tel Aviv's Diaspora Museum and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, created an international team of experts with the goal of establishing a Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
  
• “The Museum of the History of Polish Jews will preserve and present the history of the Jewish people in Poland and the wealth of their culture spanning a period of 1,000 years.
  
• “In 1997, the City of Warsaw donated a parcel of land, opposite the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial, for the explicit use for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
  
• “In 2005, the Government of Poland and the City of Warsaw agreed to provide 40,000,000 Polish zlotys for the construction of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
  
• “In 2005, an international architectural competition selected a Finnish firm to design the building for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
  
• “In 2006, the building for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews moved into the last phase of project design.”

 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3320 was introduced on August 2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.  On October 23, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by unanimous consent.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 3320 was unavailable at press time.   

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

 

H.Res.  811— Condemning the November 6, 2007, terrorist bombing in Afghanistan and expressing condolences to the people of Afghanistan and the members of the Wolesi Jirga (Price, D-NC) 

Order of Business:  H.Res. 811 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Res. 811 would express the sense that the House of Representatives: 

• “condemns in the strongest terms the November 6, 2007, attack in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan and all other attacks against the democratic freedom and sovereignty of the Afghan people;
  
• “expresses its condolences to the people of Afghanistan and the members of the Wolesi Jirga;
  
• “supports the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice;
  
• “reaffirms the long-term commitment of the United States to the establishment of security, the strengthening of democratic and civil institutions, and the promotion of economic opportunity as the basis for a stable, secure, and democratic Afghanistan; and
  
• “calls upon the United States and other responsible nations to strengthen their efforts to further the goals and standards set forth in the Afghanistan Compact for improvements in security, governance, and economic development.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including: 

• “on November 6, 2007, a terrorist carried out a suicide bombing in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan that deliberately targeted a delegation of 18 members of the Wolesi Jirga, the directly elected chamber of the National Assembly of Afghanistan;
  
• “this horrific bombing was the deadliest suicide attack since the liberation of Afghanistan from the brutal Taliban regime in 2001, reportedly killing at least 50 Afghan citizens, including several schoolchildren, and wounding dozens of others;
  
• “the security of Afghanistan is closely intertwined with the security of its regional neighbors, and therefore cooperation and support from its neighbors in defeating insurgents and establishing security is urgently required;
  
• “the international community, including the Government of the United States, has expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting the efforts of the Government and people of Afghanistan to build a stable, secure, and democratic nation with the achievement of the Afghanistan Compact in 2006;
  
• “the House Democracy Assistance Commission of the United States House of Representatives has worked in partnership with the Wolesi Jirga to strengthen its institutional capacity, and remains committed to a strong and mutually-beneficial partnership.”

Committee Action:  H.Res. 811 was introduced on November 8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3703—To amend section 5112(p)(1)(A) of title 31, United States Code, to allow an exception from the $1 coin dispensing capability requirement for certain vending machines (Scott, D-GA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3703 would exempt vending machines on federal property and those used by transit systems that accept federal funding from being required to accept $1 coins if the machines do not accept a denomination higher than $1.  

Additional Background:  The Presidential Dollar Coin Act of 2005 includes a requirement that all vending machines on federal land or used by a transit system that accepts federal funds must accept $1 coins by January, 2008. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3703 was introduced on September 27, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services.  On October 31, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by voice vote.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 3703 would result in a small savings to state and local entities that operate transit systems.  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res. 335—Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should declare lung cancer a public health priority and should implement a comprehensive interagency program to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate by at least 50 percent by 2015 (Capps, D-CA) 

Order of Business:  H.Res.335 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Res.335 would express the sense that the House of Representatives that the President should: 

• “declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a coordinated effort to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015;
  
• “direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase funding for lung cancer research and other lung cancer-related programs as part of a coordinated strategy with defined goals, including: translational research and specialized lung cancer research centers, expansion of existing multi-institutional, population-based screening programs incorporating state-of-the-art image processing, centralized review, clinical management, and tobacco cessation protocols, research on disparities in lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, graduate medical education programs in thoracic medicine and cardiothoracic surgery, new programs within the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the development of chemoprevention and targeted therapies for lung cancer, annual reviews by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of lung cancer screening and treatment protocols, the appointment of a lung cancer director within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with authority to improve lung cancer surveillance and screening programs, and lung cancer screening demonstration programs under the direction of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services;
  
• “direct the Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to develop a broad-based lung cancer screening and disease management program among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and to develop technologically advanced diagnostic programs for the early detection of lung cancer;
  
• “appoint a Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, comprised of medical, scientific, pharmaceutical, and patient advocacy representatives, to work with the National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board described in paragraph five and report to the President and Congress on the progress toward and the obstacles to achieving the goal described in paragraph one of reducing the lung cancer mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015; and
  
• “convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board, comprised of multiagency and multidepartment representatives and at least 3 members of the Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, to oversee and coordinate all efforts to accomplish the goal described in paragraph (1) of reducing the lung cancer mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including: 

• “lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, accounting for 28 percent of all cancer deaths;
  
• “lung cancer kills more people annually than breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, and kidney cancer combined;
  
• “since the National Cancer Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-218; 85 Stat. 778), coordinated and comprehensive research has raised the 5-year survival rates for breast cancer to 88 percent, for prostate cancer to 99 percent, and for colon cancer to 64 percent;
  
• “the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is still only 15 percent and a similar coordinated and comprehensive research effort is required to achieve increases in lung cancer survivability rates;
  
• “60 percent of lung cancer cases are now diagnosed in nonsmokers or former smokers;
  
• “2/3 of nonsmokers diagnosed with lung cancer are women;
  
• “certain minority populations, such as Black males, have disproportionately high rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality, notwithstanding their lower smoking rate;
  
• “members of the baby boomer generation are entering their sixties, the most common age at which people develop cancer;
  
• “tobacco addiction and exposure to other lung cancer carcinogens such as Agent Orange and other herbicides and battlefield emissions are serious problems among military personnel and war veterans; and
  
• “the United States must enhance its response to the issues raised in the Report of the Lung Cancer Progress Review Group.”

Committee Action:  H.Res.335 was introduced on April 24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res. 760—Supporting the goals and ideals of Children’s Health Month (Castor, D-FL) 

Order of Business:  H.Res.760 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary:  H.Res.760 would express the sense that the House of Representatives: 

• “supports the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month;
  
• “invites the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations recognizing the goals and ideals of Children’s Health Month;
  
• “commends the efforts of States, territories and possessions of the United States, localities, non-profit organizations, businesses, and the people of the United States who support the goals and ideals of Children’s Health Month;
  
• “recognizes and reaffirms our Nation's commitment to providing access to health care, ensuring preventative care, seeking cures for debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy living habits for America's children;
  
• “recognizes and salutes the health care professionals who provide care and treatment for childhood illnesses and afflictions;
  
• “recognizes and salutes the officials who protect children from environmental health and safety risks;
  
• “recognizes and salutes the officials who educate parents, schools and communities about health risks and related issues for children; and
  
• “encourages states, territories, and possessions of the United States to educate children about healthy living habits when they are young so that they will be more likely to lead healthy lives as adults.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including: 

• “children comprise one quarter of the population of the United States;
  
• “nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States are overweight;
  
• “more than 9,000,000 children do not have health insurance;
  
• “7 percent of children in the United States have limitations on activity due to chronic health conditions;
  
• “an estimated 12 percent of high school seniors put themselves at risk by smoking cigarettes daily;
  
• “children account for 30,000,000 annual visits to the emergency room to receive care for injuries or illnesses;
  
• “asthma affects nearly 5,000,000 American children;
  
• “allergies affect about 50,000,000 American children;
  
• “motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1 to 21;
  
• “dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting American children, and is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever;
  
• “during FY 2005, an estimated 899,000 children in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect; and
  
• “every year since 1928 the President has issued a proclamation designating the month October as ‘Children’s Health Month.’”

Committee Action:  H.Res.760 was introduced on October 18, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On November 8, 2007, the resolution was referred to Subcommittee on Health, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Con.Res. 122—Supporting the goal and mission of America Recycles Day (Inslee, D-WA) 

Order of Business:  H.Con.Res.122 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary:  H.Con.Res.122 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “supports the goal and mission of America Recycles Day; and encourages all Americans to participate in promoting the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled-content products.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “America Recycles Day is on November 15th of each year;
  
• “America Recycles Day is an annual national awareness event, the mission of which is promoting the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled-content products;
  
• “in 2003, homes, businesses, and institutions in the United States produced more than 236,000,000 tons of municipal solid waste;
  
• “this amounts to approximately 4.5 pounds of waste per person in the United States per day, and is almost triple the amount of municipal solid waste generated in 1960;
  
• “Federal, State, and local governments should encourage increased recycling of recyclable household products; and
  
• “there remains significant opportunity to increase recycling in the United States, and Americans should be encouraged to participate in educational, organizational, and legislative endeavors that promote waste separation methods, community-based recycling programs, and expanded utilization of recovered materials.”

Committee Action:  H.Con.Res.122 was introduced on April 20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On April 23, 2007, the resolution was referred to Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, which took no official action.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 1534—Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007 (Allen, D-ME) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 1534 would prohibit the federal government from selling or distributing elemental mercury to any government or private entity.  The bill would also prohibit the export of elemental mercury beginning January 1, 2010.   

The prohibition would allow the government to grant exemptions to the mercury ban for “essential use” in foreign facilities if:

• No non-mercury alternatives are available in the country;
  
• No domestic source of mercury is available;
  
• The mercury will be exported in a way that ensures it goes to the proper facility;
  
• The country where the mercury is being exported to certifies its support for exempting the facility;
  
• The mercury will be used in a way that does not harm humans or the environment; and
  
• The export would not be inconsistent with any current U.S. obligations overseas.

 

H.R. 1534 would also require the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a long-term mercury storage facility that would be prepared to accept mercury deliveries by January 1, 2010.  Government agencies would be exempt from the prohibition against transfers of mercury if the purpose of the transfer was for storage in the facility.  After the mercury was stored, the DOE would take full responsibility for the mercury and no legal action could be taken by an entity that delivered the mercury in the event of a hazardous release.  

Finally, H.R. 1534 would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study on the international supply and trade of mercury and report the findings within one year. 

Additional Background:  According to findings listed in the bill as introduced, as many as 10% of childbearing age women in the U.S. have mercury levels in their blood that could present a risk to a child and as many as 630,000 children born annually face a possible risk of neurological disorders as a result of exposure to mercury.  The main source of mercury exposure in the U.S. is through contact with contaminated fish.  H.R. 1534 seeks to curb mercury contamination by ceasing all exports, thus limiting the international availability of mercury and encouraging alternatives.  The European Commission has suggested that Europe prohibit the export of mercury by 2011. 

Though H.R. 1534 was passed in the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 45 – 2, a committee report including dissenting views was not available as of press time.  

Earlier today, the Bush Administration released this Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) against H.R. 1534.  According to the SAP, “it is not clear that such a ban would lead to the reduction in high-mercury release uses, such as artisanal gold mining, in developing countries. The Administration urges the Congress not to legislate until potential impacts are better understood and efforts have progressed to reduce mercury demand and improve mercury management in key countries.” 

Committee Action:  H.R. 1534 was introduced on March 15, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On June 22, 2007, Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a mark-up and the bill was reported, as amended, to the full committee by voice vote on August 2, 2007.  On October 30, 2007, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by a vote of 45 – 2.  

Possible Conservative Concerns:   Some conservative may be concerned that H.R. 1534 was quickly brought to the floor without a proper analysis of the possible environmental and economic outcomes. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 1534 would authorize $8 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2012 period.  In addition, H.R. 1534 would reduce direct spending by $8 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2017 period by increasing offsetting receipts from the one-time fee that would be paid by firms transferring mercury to DOE. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  Yes.  According to CBO, H.R. 1534 would impose private sector mandates because “it would prohibit the export of elemental mercury from the United States beginning in 2010.”   The mandate would not be above the UMRA threshold. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3403—911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007 (Gordon, D-TN) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3403 would require Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) service providers (such as Vonage) to provide 911 and Internet-based enhanced 911 services to its costumers.   

H.R. 3403 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with VoIP providers and make regulations regarding Internet-based services.  The FCC would also be required to give VoIP providers full access to the current 911 phone service network. 

The bill would exempt VoIP providers and emergency call centers from any liability from suits arising from emergency calls.   

Committee Action:  H.R. 3403 was introduced on August 3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On October 10, 2007, the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.  On October 30, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 3403 would authorize $1 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2012 period for administrative costs.  CBO also estimates that increased regulation by the FCC could result in additional revenue from fines, but any such funds would be insignificant to the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  Yes.  According to CBO, H.R. 3403 would impose state and local mandates by limiting the fees that state and local governments impose on VoIP services.  CBO estimates that any private sector mandates would not exceed the threshold established in UMRA.  

H.R. 3403 also imposes private sector mandates on telecommunications companies that provide VoIP services by requiring them to provide 911 services.  According to CBO, “the direct cost of complying with this mandate would be small.” 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3919—Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 (Markey, D-MA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3919 would, among other things, require the FCC, working with the Secretary of Commerce and the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA), conduct a survey of broadband Internet access throughout the country and create a comprehensive broadband inventory map.  The bill would authorize grants for state and local entities that assist the federal agencies in creating and maintaining the map.

Specifically, the bill would require the FCC to conduct an annual survey to determine the deployment of broadband Internet services across the nation, including the types of services available.  The survey would be required to include specific information on which residences and businesses have broadband services and what type of access is available in different geographic areas. 

H.R. 3919 would require the NTIA to develop a broadband inventory map that includes the entire country.  The bill would require that the map show complete listings of where broadband services are available and to what extent.  The bill allows the NTIA to make grants to state and local governments and non-profit entities to collect the information. 

In addition, H.R. 3919 would authorize $275 million in grants to approved state, local, and private sector entities to assist the agency through the NTIA.  The funds could be used to “set goals for improving the use of broadband, develop a plan for achieving goals, collaborate with service providers, identify local demand, establish programs to improve computer ownership and Internet access, and facilitate the exchange of information.” 

Finally, the bill would require the FCC to conduct annual surveys concerning broadband access nationwide.  The FCC would be required to make the information public following the report. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3919 was introduced on October 22, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On October 30, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as amended, by voice vote. 

Possible Conservative Concerns:  Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 3919 would authorize $311 million to conduct studies of broadband access and create a broadband inventory map.  Some conservatives may also be concerned that such a large authorization is being considered under suspended rules, and thus no amendments are allowed.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 3919 was not available at press time.  However, the bill would authorize $62 million in FY 2008 and $311 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2012 period to conduct broadband surveys and create a broadband inventory map.  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes, it creates two new grant programs to create a broadband inventory map. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3461—Safeguarding America’s Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007 (Bean, D-IL) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3461 would establish a new federal program, administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to increase awareness and provide education regarding Internet safety.   

The program would coordinate efforts between federal, state, and local governments and private entities with the goal of

• “identifying, promoting, and encouraging best practices for Internet safety;
  
• “establishing and carrying out a national outreach and education campaign regarding Internet safety utilizing various media and Internet-based resources;
  
• “facilitating access to, and the exchange of, information regarding Internet safety to promote up-to-date knowledge regarding current issues; and
  
• “facilitating access to Internet safety education and public awareness efforts the Commission considers appropriate to States, units of local government, schools, police departments, nonprofit organizations, and such other entities.”

 

The bill would require the FTC to make annual reports describing the activities that have been carried out with regard to the program.  H.R. 3461 would authorize $5 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2009 period to carry out the program.  

Committee Action:  H.R. 3461 was introduced on August 4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On October 23, 2007, a mark-up was held in the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection and the bill was reported to the full committee.  On October 30, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.   

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 3461 was not available at press time.  However, the bill would authorize $5 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2009. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes, it creates a new government program to raise awareness about Internet safety.  

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3013—Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007 (Scott, D-VA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3013 would limit the ability of the federal government to request information that is protected under attorney-client privilege.  The bill prohibits the federal government from considering any disclosures made under attorney-client privilege when determining whether to bring charges.   H.R. 3013 also prohibits the government from demanding that a company or individual not be allowed to assert attorney-client privilege for any circumstance.  

The bill defines “attorney-client privilege” as “the attorney-client privilege as governed by the principles of the common law, as they may be interpreted by the courts of the United States in the light of reason and experience.” 

Additional Background:  According to findings listed in the bill, “Despite the existence of these legitimate tools, the Department of Justice and other agencies have increasingly employed tactics that undermine the adversarial system of justice, such as encouraging organizations to waive attorney-client privilege and work product protections to avoid indictment or other sanctions.”  H.R. 3013 is aimed at cracking down on any tactics perceived as excessively aggressive. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3013 was introduced on July 12, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.  On July 24, 2007, a mark-up was held in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the bill was reported to the full committee.  On August 1, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 3461 would have no significant impact on the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 1593—Second Chance Act of 2007 (Davis, D-IL)  

Order of Business:  H.R. 1593 is scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.   

Background:  This bill was initially scheduled to be considered by the House in May of 2007.  Due to the concerns of many conservatives, the bill was taken down from the legislative calendar and revised.  As such, changes were made to the original bill to accommodate some of the concerns of Republicans and conservatives.   

The most notable changes made to the legislation are the following:  

• Reduces the authorization amount from $427 million over the FY 2007-FY 2012 period to $330 million over two years. 
  
• Reduces the amount of programs from 14 mandatory (“shall”) programs to nine; four discretionary (“may”) programs to three; and retains one policy provision, adds one new Bureau of Prisons policy provision (see below), and authorizes one Department of Labor program. 
  
• Includes a provision which prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from reenacting the Standardized Chapel Library Project or any program which “seeks to compile, list, or otherwise restrict prisoners’ access to reading materials, audiotapes, videotapes, or any other materials made available in a chapel library, except that the Bureau of Prisons may restrict access to any materials in a chapel library that seek to incite, promote, or otherwise suggest the commission of violence or criminal activity and any other materials prohibited by any other law or regulation.” 
  
• Clarifies that monies available under this Act are for competitive grants to states, local governments and community-based organizations.  In addition, the bill specifies that, with the exception of a few grant programs which are intended to operate longer, all grants are to be made for 12 months.  This correction was meant to address a concern that this bill was creating an entitlement for ex-offenders. 
  
• Consolidates the allowable uses for state and local demonstration grants from 21 allowable uses to 8, including education, job training, housing, substance abuse, coordination of services, support for family relationships, mentoring, and victim’s services, supervision and other safety programs. 
  
• Consolidates four drug and alcohol treatment grant programs into one grant program, two family-based substance abuse treatment grant programs into one grant, and federal reentry programs into one federal initiative.
  
• Authorizes the current Department of Labor grant program for mentoring and employment-focused reentry grants which was requested under the President’s faith-based initiatives program. 

 

While these changes are an improvement, it is important to note that many of the programs are still retained in the bill, but under the heading or name of a different program (i.e. consolidated) as opposed to being removed completely from the bill.  

Summary:  H.R. 1593 would reauthorize and significantly expand federal programs related to prisoner reentry and recidivism.  The bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new prisoner reentry program that includes services such as job placement, nutrition and money management training, and other services.  

The bill reauthorizes and expands the Adult and Juvenile Offender State and Local Reentry Demonstration Projects. 

Requires grant applicants, as a condition of receiving financial assistance under demonstration projects, to develop a comprehensive strategic reentry plan that contains measurable annual and 5-year performance outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the program.  Grant applications also must establish a Reentry Task force to examine ways to pool resources and funding streams to promote lower recidivism rates. 

New federal grant program.  Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to eligible organizations to establish National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Centers, and defines additional center requirements, fund restrictions, and eligibility requirements.  

New federal grant program.  Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to state and local prosecutors to develop or expand drug treatment programs as alternatives to imprisonment. Offenders must meet eligibility requirements to enter such programs, and state and local prosecutors must submit applications to the Attorney General for funding.  The federal share of the cost of the programs may not exceed 75 percent.  

New federal grant program.  Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants available to state and local authorities to develop and expand family-based substance abuse treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent parent drug offenders.  The bill would also authorize the Attorney General to make grants available to provide for prison-based family treatment programs for incarcerated parents of minor children.  

New federal grant program.  Requires the Attorney General to make grants available to state, local, public, and private entities to evaluate methods to improve education for imprisoned offenders; these recommendations evaluations would be submitted to the Attorney General.   

New federal grant program.  Requires the Attorney General to make grants available to state and local authorities, community based organizations, independent researchers, and federal agencies that offer demonstration programs to reduce drug use among long-term substance abuse users in jail or prison.  The bill requires the Attorney General to make competitive awards available for any of these organizations that help reduce illegal drug demand by offering drug treatment. 

New federal grant program.  Requires the Attorney General to make incentive grants available for prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities that increased the number of offenders in drug treatment programs.  The bill would also authorize grants to make pharmacological drug treatment a part of treatment programs in prison or jail.  

New federal grant program. Requires Attorney General, through the National Institute on Justice and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to establish grants for public or private researchers that work with jails or prisons to produce a study of the effectiveness of depot naltrexone for the treatment of heroine addiction.   

New federal grant program.  Requires the Attorney General to make grants available to state and local authorities to provide technology career training and mentoring programs for adult and juvenile offenders.   

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new federal prisoner reentry program to prepare prisoners for reentry into the community.  The program would offer classes to help offenders find a job, locate housing, manage money, socialize with other members of the community, and deal with health and nutrition issues.  In order to assess the effectiveness of this program, the bill would require the Bureau of Prisons to obtain identification for prisoners and track their progress after reentry.  

Requires the Attorney General to create a new federal program to educate employers about tax credits incentives offered to businesses that employ former prisoners.  

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new pilot program to allow eligible, non-violent prisoners over the age of 60 to serve the second half of their sentence under home detention.  Note:  It is unclear how this program would affect federal mandatory minimum sentences that a prisoner may be serving. 

Requires the Attorney General to make grants available to states to conduct studies regarding offender recidivism, parole violations, and the needs of children of incarcerated parents. 

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each prisoner in a community confinement facility (in order to ensure a minimum standard of health and habitability) has access to necessary medical care, mental health care, and medicine. 

Possible Conservative Concerns:  The bill creates numerous new federal programs regarding treatment and services available for inmates and former inmates, including provisions to provide job placement, health care, nutrition, and money management training, among other items.  Conservatives may be concerned by this significant expansion of federal programs related to prisoner services and community reentry, considering the number of existing federal programs that address these issues.  Further, conservatives may be concerned that this bill (98 pages long) is being considered under suspension of the rules, and thus denies Members the opportunity to offer an amendment or extended debate on the provisions of the bill.  

As a Dear Colleague in support of H.R. 1593 noted in May (when the legislation was initially scheduled for the House floor), “faith-based nonprofit organizations like Prison Fellowship and Catholic Charities have been providing re-entry and mentoring services for years and with significant success – and they support the Second Chance Act.”  However, considering the “significant success” of these organizations, some conservatives may not believe the federal government is needed to step in and provide millions of dollars annually to further address this problem.  In addition, it is not clear how the federal government would be more effective (or as effective) as non-profits in combating recidivism and prisoner reentry—particularly because all the provisions provided for in this bill are devoid of the faith element that Prison Fellowship and Catholic Charities utilize and state is so fundamental to their success. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 1593 was introduced on March 20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  The bill was marked-up at the subcommittee and full committee level, and it was reported (amended) to the House by voice vote on March 28, 2007 (House Report 110-140). 

Cost to Taxpayers:  No modified CBO score of H.R. 1593 is available.  H.R. 1593 will authorize $330 million over FY2009 and FY2010. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes.  As noted above, the bill creates numerous new federal programs regarding treatment and services available for inmates and former inmates. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Constitutional Authority:  The Judiciary Committee, in House Report 110-140, cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8 (powers of Congress), but fails to cite specific Clause or foregoing power of authority. 

House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain “a statement citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution.”  [emphasis added] 

RSC Staff Contact:  Sarah Makin; sarah.makin@mail.house.gov; 202-226-0718 

 

H.R. 3845—PROTECT Our Children Act of 2007 (Wasserman Schultz , D-FL) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 3845 would create a new special counsel office within the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction.  The bill would also establish and fund a new Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) program, fund additional labs and units for the FBI, and require certain agencies to report to Judiciary Committee annually concerning resources being used to investigate and prosecute child exploitation and child obscenity cases. 

The new DOJ special counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction would be require to:

• Direct and oversee the ICAC Task Force Program
  
• Direct and oversee the National Internet Crimes Against Children Data Network Center
  
• Develop, and coordinate technical assistance and training for Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies related to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of child exploitation crimes
  
• Develop and oversee research programs related to child exploitation prevention
  
• Provide information to the President, Congress, the judiciary, State, local, and tribal governments, and the general public on matters relating to child exploitation.
  
• Serve at the request of the Attorney General, as the representative of the Department of Justice on domestic task forces, committees, or commissions addressing policies or issues relating to child exploitation.

 

The new ICAC Task Force would be responsible for:

• “increasing the investigative capabilities of State and local law enforcement officers in the detection, investigation, and apprehension of Internet crimes against children offenses or offenders, including technology-facilitated child exploitation offenses;
  
• “conducting proactive and reactive Internet crimes against children investigations;
  
• “providing training and technical assistance to ICAC Task Forces and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the areas of investigations, forensics, prosecution, community outreach, and capacity-building, using recognized experts to assist in the development and delivery of training programs;
  
• “increasing the number of Internet crimes against children offenses being prosecuted in both Federal and State courts;
  
• “creating a multiagency task force response to Internet crimes against children offenses within each State;
  
• “enhancing nationwide responses to Internet crimes against children offenses, including assisting other ICAC task forces, as well as other Federal, State, and local agencies with Internet crimes against children investigations and prosecutions;
  
• “developing and delivering Internet crimes against children public awareness and prevention programs; and
  
• “participating in such other activities, both proactive and reactive, that will enhance investigations and prosecutions of Internet crimes against children.”

 

H.R. 3845 would authorize $625 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2015 period for the ICAC Task Force to carry out its duties. 

In addition, the bill would authorize $165 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2015 period for the FBI to hire additional field agents and $49 over the same period for new FBI forensic labs. 

Additional Background:  According to findings listed in the bill, “In testimony before Congress, law enforcement experts have expressed consensus that lack of dedicated forensic analysis capacity is a severe problem at the Federal, State, and local level, severely limiting the number of predators that can be interdicted and children that can be identified and rescued.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Postal Inspection Service have each developed highly specialized and successful child exploitation investigative capabilities, yet these agencies have testified to Congress that they must triage the overwhelming number of child exploitation crimes and cannot investigate a large percentage of known crimes.” 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3845 was introduced on October 16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which took no official action.

Possible Conservative Concerns:  Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 3845 would authorize $839 million and create numerous new government programs.  Some conservatives may also be concerned that such a large authorization is being considered under a suspension of the rules, and thus no amendments are allowed. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 3845 was not available at press time.  However, the bill would authorize $87 million in FY 2008 and $839 million over the FY 2008 – FY 2015 period.  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes.  H.R. 3845 would create a new office of counsel in the DOJ, create a new federal task force, and expand resources for the FBI. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R.719—Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2007 (Pomeroy, D-ND) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 719 would require social networking Web sites to provide and maintain a system that allows registered sex offenders to be identified as registered users of the site.  The Web site would reserve the right to charge a fee to access the information.  The bill defines a social networking site as a site that “allows users to create web pages or profiles that provide information about themselves and are available publicly or to other users and offers a mechanism for communication with other users, such as a forum, chat room, electronic mail, or instant messenger.” 

Finally, the bill would make it a federal crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, for a person 18 years or older to knowingly misrepresent their age on the Internet in order to “engage in criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, or to facilitate or attempt such conduct.” 

Committee Action:  H.R. 719 was introduced on January 30, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.  March 1, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, which took no official action. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  According to CBO, enacting H.R. 3461 would have no significant impact on the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes, it creates a federal crime for a person 18 years or older to knowingly misrepresent their age on the Internet in order to “engage in criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, or to facilitate or attempt such conduct.” 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 4120—Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007

(Boyda, D-KS) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:  H.R. 4120 would make technical changes to title 18 of U.S. Code to provide for more effective prosecution of cases involving child pornography.  The bill lists the following findings:

• “Child pornography is estimated to be a multibillion dollar industry of global proportions, facilitated by the growth of the Internet;
  
• “Recent data has shown that 83 percent of child pornography possessors had images of children younger than 12 years old, 39 percent had images of children younger than 6 years old, and 19 percent had images of children younger than 3 years old;
  
• “Child pornography is a permanent record of a child's abuse and the distribution of child pornography images revictimizes the child each time the image is viewed;
  
• “Child pornography is readily available through virtually every Internet technology, including Web sites, email, instant messaging, Internet Relay Chat, newsgroups, bulletin boards, and peer-to-peer;
  
• “The technological ease, lack of expense, and anonymity in obtaining and distributing child pornography over the Internet has resulted in an explosion in the multijurisdictional distribution of child pornography;
  
• “The Internet is well recognized as a method of distributing goods and services across State lines;
  
• “The transmission of child pornography using the Internet constitutes transportation in interstate commerce.”

 

Committee Action:  H.R. 4120 was introduced on November 8, 2007 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary where no official action was taken.   

Cost to Taxpayers:  There is no CBO cost estimate for H.R. 4120.  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  Though the bill contains no earmarks, and there’s no accompanying committee report, the earmarks rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a)) does not apply, by definition, to legislation considered under suspension of the rules.   

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact: Sarah Makin; sarah.makin@mail.house.gov; 202-226-0718. 

 

H.R. 3577 — To direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet safety education programs (Sanchez, D-CA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:  H.R. 3577 creates two new grant programs for Internet safety education programs.  The bill authorizes $5 million for each grant program for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 (authorizing a total of $50 million for both programs over FY 2008-2012).  One of the grants is for i-Safe, Inc. to carry out Internet safety education programs, and the other grant program would be a competitive grant program for organizations to carry out such education programs.    

The bill defines ‘Internet safety education programs’ as “programs that serve to educate parents, children, educators, and communities about Internet technology and culture, appropriate online behavior, and recognition and prevention of potential Internet dangers.” 

Additional Information:  According to i-Safe’s website, i-Safe was founded in 1998 and “is the leader in Internet safety education.  Available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Department of Defense schools located across the world, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to educate and empower youth to make their Internet experiences safe and responsible.  The goal is to educate students on how to avoid dangerous, inappropriate, or unlawful online behavior. i-SAFE accomplishes this through dynamic K-12 curriculum and community outreach programs to parents, law enforcement, and community leaders. It is the only Internet safety foundation to combine these elements.” 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3577 was introduced on September 18, 2007 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, as well as the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  No official action was taken.     

Cost to Taxpayers:  There is no CBO cost estimate for H.R. 4120, but the bill authorizes $50 million over FY 2008-2012.   

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  Yes, the bill creates two new grant programs for Internet safety education programs.   

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No.  

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  Though the bill contains no earmarks, and there’s no accompanying committee report, the earmarks rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a)) does not apply, by definition, to legislation considered under suspension of the rules.   

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Sarah Makin; sarah.makin@mail.house.gov; 202-226-0718. 

 

H.R. 4136—The Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child Pornography Act of 2007 (Carney, D-PA) 

Order of Business:  The bill is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. 

Summary:   H.R. 4136 would amend current law to clarify certain laws against child pornography, particularly with respect to the Internet.  

The bill adds language that specifically makes it a federal crime to knowingly access child pornography on the Internet with the intent of viewing it.   

Committee Action:  H.R. 4136 is expected to be introduced today. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score for H.R. 4136 was not available at press time.  

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?:  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?:  No. 

Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?:  An earmarks/revenue benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not available at press time 

Constitutional Authority:  A committee report citing constitutional authority was not available at press time. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res. 684—Congratulating Shawn Johnson on her victory in becoming the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Champion in women’s gymnastics

(Boswell, D-IA) 

Order of Business:  H.Res.684 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Res.684 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “congratulates Shawn Johnson on her outstanding accomplishment in becoming the 2007 World Gymnastics Champion in women’s gymnastics.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “Shawn Johnson won four gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janiero for team competition, all around, uneven bars, and balance beam, as well as one silver medal for floor;
  
• “Shawn Johnson won the 2007 Visa Championships in San Jose, California, to become the United States champion in gymnastics;
  
• “Shawn Johnson won three gold medals at the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, making her the 2007 world all-around champion, one of only four American women to have achieved such recognition; and
  
• “Shawn Johnson has brought great pride and honor to her family, friends, and the citizens of Iowa with her numerous accomplishments at the age of 15.”

Committee Action:  H.Res.684 was introduced on September 26, 2007, and referred to the Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the resolution by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007.  

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.R. 3569—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, California, as the “Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building” (Baca, D-CA)  

Order of Business:  H.R. 3569 is scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.   

Summary:  H.R. 3569 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, California, as the “Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building.” 

Additional Background:  According to CQ, “Beatrice Watson was born in 1924 and moved to Fontana, Calif., in 1960. She served as an elected councilwoman from 1992 through 1996.  She was elected city clerk in 1998 and re-elected in 2002, completing her term in 2006.  She also served as Women’s Club president and Historical Society officer, and was principally responsible for the revival of the annual Fontana Days Parade. Watson died on August 5.” 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3569 was introduced on September 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007.  

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score of H.R. 3569 is unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

Constitutional Authority:  Although no committee report citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8, Clause 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8. 

RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.  

 

H.R. 3470—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia, as the “John Sidney ‘Sid’ Flowers Post Office Building” (Kingston, R-GA)  

Order of Business:  H.R. 3470 is scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.   

Summary:  H.R. 3470 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia, as the “John Sidney ‘Sid’ Flowers Post Office Building.” 

Additional Background:  According to CQ, John Sidney Flowers was a lawyer in Hinseville, Georgia, and did pro-bono work in the area throughout his career.  Flowers also served as the town’s comptroller general.  Flowers, who served in the Army before graduating from Mercer Law School, died in August, 2006.                                                                                                                                                                         

Committee Action:  H.R. 3470 was introduced on September 4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score of H.R. 3470 is unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

Constitutional Authority:  Although no committee report citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8, Clause 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8. 

RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.  

 

H.R. 3974—To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the “Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building”(Carter, R-TX)  

Order of Business:  H.R. 3974 is scheduled for consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.   

Summary:  H.R. 3974 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the “Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building” 

Additional Background:  Marine Corporal Steven P. Gill, of Round Rock, Texas, served during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 4^th Marine Division serving out of San Antonio, Texas.  On July 21, 2005, Cpl. Gill was serving with his unit, then attached to the Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division, when the regiment was attacked.  Cpl. Gill was killed by a improvised explosive device during the combat near Zaidon, Iraq. 

Committee Action:  H.R. 3974 was introduced on September 4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007. 

Cost to Taxpayers:  A CBO score of H.R. H.R. 3974  is unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect the federal budget. 

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

Constitutional Authority:  Although no committee report citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8, Clause 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8. 

RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.  

 

H.Res. 808—Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (Moran, D-VA) 

Order of Business:  H.Res.808 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.      

Summary: H.Res.808 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “offers its sincerest congratulations to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in recognition of its 50th Anniversary and its legacy of outstanding service to the governments and citizens of greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and expresses its appreciation for a job well done.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is an independent, nonprofit organization, founded in 1957, and comprised of elected officials from 21 local governments of the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, plus area members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives;
  
• “in April 1957 forty officials from Washington area jurisdictions voluntarily gathered to establish an organization where they could exchange ideas and work together on regional issues such as transportation, the environment, and public safety; this organization became the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments;
  
• “during the past half century COG’s activities have touched every aspect of the life of the citizens of the National Capital Region and have improved the quality of life for all residents;
  
• “COG has facilitated the development of effective responses to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, economic development, human services, land use development, public safety and emergency response, and transportation that have had a profound and positive impact on the National Capital Region;
  
• “COG’s air quality committee created by the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked successfully to reduce pollutants in the region’s air; and
  
• “COG managed a Federal pilot program to provide treatment and support services to women who abused alcohol and drugs, and currently works with area health officials to improve the region's emergency preparedness by developing a disease and syndromic surveillance system.”

Committee Action:  H.Res.808 was introduced on November 8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the resolution by unanimous consent. 

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

S.Con.Res. 45—A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month (Cardin, D-MD) 

Order of Business:  S.Con.Res. 45 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: S.Con.Res. 45 would express the sense that the House of Representatives: 

• “National Courage Month provides an opportunity to educate the people of the United States about the positive role that professional athletes can play as inspirations for America’s youth; and
  
• “the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation should be recognized for its outstanding contributions toward helping those affected by child abuse.”

 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month.
  
• “the Ed Block Courage Award was established by Sam Lamantia in 1978 in honor of Ed Block, the head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts and a respected humanitarian;
  
• “each year in Baltimore, Maryland, the Foundation honors recipients from the National Football League who have been chosen by their teammates as exemplifying sportsmanship and courage;
  
• “the Ed Block Courage Award has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon players in the NFL;
  
• “the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has grown from a Baltimore-based local charity to the Courage House National Support Network for Kids operated in partnership with 17 NFL teams in their respective cities; and
  
• “Courage Houses are facilities that provide support and care for abused children and their families in these 17 locations across the country: Baltimore, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois, Miami, Florida, Detroit, Michigan, Dallas, Texas, Westchester County, New York, Oakland, California, Seattle, Washington, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cleveland, Ohio, Atlanta, Georgia, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Buffalo, New York, San Francisco, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.”

Committee Action:  S.Con.Res. 45 was agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent on October 3, 2007.  On October 4, 2007, it was received in the House and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which held a mark-up on November 8, 2007, and reported the resolution by voice vote. 

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Con.Res. 211—Supporting the goals and ideals of World Diabetes Day (Payne, D-NJ) 

Order of Business:  H.Con.Res. 211 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Con.Res. 211 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “      supports the goals and ideals of World Diabetes Day.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including: 

• “the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation established World Diabetes Day in 1991 with the aim of coordinating diabetes advocacy worldwide;
  
• “World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14;
  
• “on December 20, 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a landmark resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating, and costly disease;
  
• “in almost every country the incidence of diabetes is increasing, growing from an estimated 30,000,000 people worldwide in 1985 to an estimated 245,000,000 people in 2007, and to 380,000,000 by 2025, as reported by the International Diabetes Federation;
  
• “diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases;
  
• “according to the International Obesity Task Force of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 155,000,000 school-age children worldwide are overweight, representing at least 1 out of every 10 school-age children;
  
• “at least 30,000,000 of those overweight children are classified as obese, accounting for at least 2 percent of the world's children between the ages of 5 and 17 years of age;
  
• “research has shown conclusively that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or significantly delayed through healthy weight maintenance and regular physical activity;
  
• “by 2025 the largest increases in diabetes prevalence will take place in developing countries, whose economies are less able to support increased expenditures to provide for those with the disease and engage in effective prevention efforts; and
  
• “the economic impact of diabetes threatens to undermine the achievement of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals for developing countries.”

Committee Action:  H.Con.Res. 211 was introduced on September 17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform which held a mark-up on November 8, 2007, and reported the resolution by voice vote. 

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res. 365— Honoring San Jose State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education (Honda, D-CA) 

Order of Business:  H.Res. 365 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary: H.Res. 365 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “honors San Jose State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including: 

• “2007 commemorates the sesquicentennial year that San Jose State University was first established in 1857 as Minns Evening Normal School to train teachers for the growing population of California;
  
• “the success of the Minns Evening Normal School in San Francisco led to an Act enacted by the California Legislature on May 2, 1862, providing for the establishment of the first California State Normal School in 1862 and thus beginning a new era for education in the State of California: the first State-wide program of free instruction in preparing teachers and prospective teachers;
  
• “from these beginnings as the oldest public, four-year institution of higher education in California, San Jose State University has matured into a comprehensive university, offering bachelor's and master’s degrees in 134 programs;
  
• “San Jose State University-related spending in the San Francisco Bay Area is an estimated $479 million, generating a total impact of $829 million on the region’s economy, sustaining 11,000 jobs, and generating $48 million annually in tax revenue;
  
• “San Jose State University ranks in the top 35 among 100 colleges and universities, leads the Nation in graduating Latino students, and is a recognized leader in graduating minority students;
  
• “San Jose State University's faculty contribute to the quality of life in the Nation by their active engagement in scholarship, research, technological innovation, community service, and the arts; and
  
• “San Jose State University is an active partner with educational institutions, industries, and communities to enhance the quality of education, research, development, and community service for the State of California.”

Committee Action:  H.Res. 365 was introduced on May 2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  On July 17, 2007, the resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, which took no official action. 

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717. 

 

H.Res. 709—Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, and for other purposes (Hall, R-TX) 

Order of Business:  H.Res. 709 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.       

Summary:  H.Res. 709 would express the sense that the House of Representatives “recognizes and honors the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, as well as completion of phase one of the museum restoration program, and also recognizes the many supporters and contributors whose efforts have helped maintain and improve the Library and Museum.” 

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

• “Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Sam’, held the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives for a record seventeen and a half years; and
  
• “the legendary former Speaker of the House served twenty-four consecutive terms as United States Representative of the Fourth District of Texas, until his death in 1961.”

Committee Action:  H.Res. 709 was introduced on October 3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  On October 23, 2007, the resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, which took no official action. 

 

Cost to Taxpayers:  The resolution does not authorize expenditures.

Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government?  No. 

Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates?  No. 

RSC Staff Contact:  Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.