Contents:
H.R. 6456—To provide for extensions of certain authorities of the Department of State
H.Con.Res. 361—Commemorating Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery saved the lives of thousands during the Holocaust and remembering her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope
H.Res. 1266—Congratulating Albania and Croatia on being invited to begin accession talks with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and expressing support for continuing to enlarge the alliance
H.Res. 1279—Recognizing the Special Olympics' 40th anniversary
H.Res. 1370—Calling on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens
H.Res. 1369—Recognizing nongovernmental organizations working to bring just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians
H.Con.Res. 374—Supporting the spirit of peace and desire for unity displayed in the letter from 138 leading Muslim scholars, and in the Pope's response
H.Con.Res. 358—Commending the members of the Nevada Army National Guard and Air National Guard
H.Res. 415—Honoring Edward Day Cohota, Joseph L. Pierce, and other veterans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who fought in the United States Civil War
H.Res. 1248—Recognizing the service of the USS Farenholt and her men who served our Nation with valor and bravery in the South Pacific during World War II
H.Res. 1316—Honoring the service of the Navy and Coast Guard veterans who served on the Landing Ship Tank (LST) amphibious landing craft during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Storm, and global operations through 2002
H.Con.Res. 296—Expressing support for the designation of August 2008 as "National Heat Stroke Awareness Month”
H.Res. 896—Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month Act
H.R. 6456—To provide for extensions of certain authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes (Berman, D-CA)
Order of Business: The bill is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Summary: H.R. 6456 would extend four distinct authorities granted to the Secretary of State under current law. The specific authorizations extended under the legislation follow below.
Extension of Authority to Reemploy Foreign Service Annuitants: Under current law, retired Foreign Service employees that receive annuities from the federal government forfeit their retirement benefits if they take a new appointive or elective position in the government after they’ve retired. However, the Secretary of State is authorized to grant waivers for certain jobs, including consular posts with substantial visa backlogs or jobs in Iraq or Afghanistan. If the Secretary waives the forfeiture requirement, a retired Foreign Service employee may return to certain government work and receive their annuity. The authority of the Secretary to waive the forfeiture requirement is set to expire in 2008. H.R. 6456 would extend the Secretary’s ability to waive the annuity forfeiture in certain circumstances for one year, through 2009.
Extension of Authority to Pay Special Agents on Protective Details: Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to pay the subsistence costs of State Department special agents on protective missions if they are required to spend extraordinary amounts of time in travel status. H.R. 6456 would extend that authority by allowing the Secretary to pay subsistence expenses for special agents that spend extraordinary amounts of time in travel status, whether they are at or away from their duty stations.
Radio Free Asia: H.R. 6456 would extend the Secretary of State’s authority to provide grants for Radio Free Asia through fiscal year 2010. Under current law, the authority is set to expire on September 30, 2009.
Extension of Personal Authorities for International Broadcasting Activities: Extends the International Broadcasting Bureau’s personal services pilot program, under which individuals are hired as personal service contractors without regard to Civil Services requirements. The program would be extended from the end of fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2009.
Committee Action: H.R. 6456 was introduced on July 10, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no official action.
Cost to Taxpayers: A CBO score for H.R. 6456 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? A House Report citing compliance with House rules regarding congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of the rule XXI, was not available.
Constitutional Authority: A House Report citing s constitutional authority was not available.
RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.
H.Con.Res. 361—Commemorating Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery saved the lives of thousands during the Holocaust and remembering her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope
(Schakowsky, D-IL)
Order of Business: H.Con.Res. 361 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Con.Res. 361 would express the sense that the Congress:
- “Mourns the loss of Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery and heroic efforts saved over 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust;
- “Pays its respect and extends its condolences to the Sendler family;
- “Honors her legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope; and
- “Remembers the life of Irena Sendler for her heroic efforts to save over 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust, and for her unwavering dedication to justice and human rights.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “On May 12, 2008, Irena Sendler, a living example of social justice, died at the age of 98;
- “Irena Sendler repeatedly risked her own life to rescue over 2,500 Jewish children in Poland’s Warsaw ghetto from Nazi extermination during the Holocaust;
- “Inspired by her father, a physician who spent his career treating poor Jewish patients, Irena Sendler dedicated her life to others;
- “Irena Sendler became an early activist at the start of World War II, heading the clandestine group Zegota and driving an underground movement that provided safe passage for Jews from the Warsaw ghetto, who were facing disease, execution, or deportation to concentration camps;
- “Irena Sendler became one of Zegota’s most successful workers, taking charge of the children’s division and using her senior position with the city’s welfare department to gain access to and from the ghetto and build a network of allies to help ferry Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto;
- “Irena Sendler was arrested by the Gestapo on October 20, 1943, tortured, and sentenced to death by firing squad;
- “Irena Sendler never revealed details of her contacts, escaped from Pawiak prison, and continued her invaluable work with Zegota;
- “In 1965, Irena Sendler was recognized as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ by the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Israel;
- “In 2006, Irena Sendler was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize;
- “Irena Sendler, a woman who risked everything for the lives of others and whose bravery is unimaginable to many of us, expressed guilt for not being able to do more for the Jewish people; and
- “Americans, as well as the world community, are reminded not only of the horrible cruelty at the time of the Holocaust, but also the incredible difference one person can make by knowing Irena Sendler’s story.”
Committee Action: H.Con.Res. 361 was introduced on May 22, 2008, 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.Res. 1266—Congratulating Albania and Croatia on being invited to begin accession talks with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and expressing support for continuing to enlarge the alliance
(Gallegly, R-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1266 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1266 would express the sense that the House:
- “Congratulates Albania and Croatia on being invited by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to begin accession talks and recognizes the historic nature of that achievement, earned through years of hard work and a demonstrated commitment to common security and the shared values of NATO members;
- “Expresses strong support for the timely completion of the accession process with Albania and Croatia;
- “Fully supports the invitations to initiate an Intensified Dialogue between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia;
- “Supports the enlargement of NATO and believes that continued engagement with all countries that aspire to join NATO will strengthen security for all countries in the Euro-Atlantic region;
- “Supports the declaration of NATO at the Bucharest Summit, which states that NATO's door should remain open to European democracies willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership, in accordance with article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, signed at Washington April 4, 1949 (TIAS 1964); and
- “Affirms the statement in that declaration that any decision with respect to the membership of countries in NATO will be made through consensus, by members of NATO, and no country outside of NATO has a vote or veto with respect to such decisions.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) met in April 2008 to enlarge the alliance, to reaffirm the purpose of NATO to defend the populations, territories, and forces in the Euro-Atlantic region, and to further strengthen the ability of NATO to confront existing and emerging 21st-century security threats;
- “NATO invited Albania and Croatia to begin accession talks to join NATO and indicated that those talks will begin immediately, with the aim of signing Accession Protocols by the end of July 2008 and completing the ratification process without delay;
- “NATO expressed recognition of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by other countries that aspire to join NATO and commended those countries for their efforts to build multiethnic societies; and
- “NATO’s ongoing enlargement process has been a historic success in advancing stability and cooperation and reaching the transatlantic goal of ensuring that Europe is whole and free, and united in peace, democracy, and common values.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1266 was introduced on June 11, 2008, 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.Res. 1279—Recognizing the Special Olympics’ 40th anniversary
(Terry, R-NE)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1279 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1279 would express the sense that the House “congratulates the Special Olympics on its 40th anniversary for the contributions and opportunities it provides to all its participants.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the first international Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held on July 20, 1968, in Chicago’s Soldier Field;
- “The Special Olympics World Games are held every 4 years;
- “The Special Olympics oath is ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’, which was originally spoken by gladiators entering the arena in ancient Rome;
- “The Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition;
- “The Special Olympics currently serves 2,500,000 people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in over 180 countries;
- “The Special Olympics currently has 700,000 volunteers and 500,000 coaches worldwide;
- “The Flame of Hope is a symbol of the Special Olympics World Games and is lit in a special ceremony in Athens, Greece;
- “The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a multinational fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics programs in which the Flame of Hope is run by law enforcement officers to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics;
- “The cities of Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska will be hosts to the Special Olympics in July 2010; and
- “The Special Olympics provides its athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1279 was introduced on June 17, 2008, 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.Res. 1370—Calling on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens, to cease repression of Tibetan and Uighur citizens, and to end its support for the Governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness (Berman, D-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1370 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1370 would express the sense that the House:
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens, to cease repression of Tibetan and Uighur citizens, and to end its support for the Governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately release all those imprisoned or detained for nonviolently exercising their political and religious rights and their right to free expression, such as Hu Jia, who have been imprisoned, detained, or harassed for seeking to hold China accountable to commitments to improve human rights conditions announced when bidding to host the Olympic Games, embodied in China's own laws and regulations, and in international agreements;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to honor its commitment to freedom of the press for foreign reporters in China before and during the Olympic Games, to make those commitments permanent, and publicly to guarantee an immediate end to the detention, harassment, and intimidation of both foreign and domestic reporters;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to permit visitors to China, including through the issuance of visas, for the period surrounding the Olympics, regardless of religious background, belief, or political opinion;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to guarantee freedom of movement within China during the period surrounding the Olympics for all visitors, participants, and journalists visiting China for the Olympics, and such freedom of movement should include the freedom to visit Tibet, Xinjiang, China’s border regions, and all other areas of China without restriction and without special permits or advance notice;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to guarantee access to information by Chinese citizens and foreign visitors, including full access to domestic and overseas broadcasts, print media, and websites that in the past may have been excluded, censored, jammed, or blocked;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to permit political dissidents, protesters, petitioners, religious activists, minorities, the disabled, the homeless, and others to maintain their homes, usual locations, jobs, freedom of movement, and freedom to engage in peaceful activities during the period surrounding the Olympics;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to end the exploitative and dangerous conditions faced by Chinese workers in many state enterprises and other commercial entities;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to begin earnest negotiations, without preconditions, directly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives, on the future of Tibet to provide for a mutually agreeable solution that addresses the legitimate grievances of, and provides genuine autonomy for, the Tibetan people;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to end its political, economic, and military support for the Government of Sudan until the violent attacks in Darfur have ceased and the Sudanese Government has allowed for the full deployment of the United Nations-African Union Mission peacekeeping force in Darfur;
- “Calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to end its political, economic, and military support for the Government of Burma until democracy is restored in Burma, human rights abuses have ceased, and Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners of conscience are released; and
- “Calls on the President to make a strong public statement on China’s human rights situation prior to his departure to Beijing for the Olympic Games, to make a similar statement in Beijing and meet with the families of jailed prisoners of conscience, and to seek to visit Tibet and Xinjiang while in China to attend the Olympic Games.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1370 was introduced on July 23, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a mark-up the following day and reported the resolution, as amended, 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. 1369—Recognizing nongovernmental organizations working to bring just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians
(Lee, D-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1369 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1369 would express the sense that the House:
- “Recognizes the vital role of nongovernmental organizations in peace-building efforts between Israel and Palestinians, and encourages them to remain steadfast in their commitment to nonviolence, recognition of Israel’s right to exist, dedication to achieving a two-state solution, and work toward building trust and cooperation between the two peoples;
- “Applauds the tireless work of these individuals and nongovernmental organizations, and urges them to continue their efforts;
- “Acknowledges and encourages the important efforts and support that these nongovernmental organizations, religious organizations, and individuals committed to peace and nonviolence contribute to these initiatives;
- “Affirms the importance of United States support to nongovernmental organizations that provide humanitarian aid and work for democracy, human rights, and peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians; and
- “Urges Israeli and Palestinian leaders to embrace the spirit of nongovernmental peace builders toward achieving a just and lasting peace.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has cost many innocent lives and continues to bring terrible suffering to both peoples;
- “Despite the ongoing conflict, Israeli and Palestinian individuals and nongovernmental organizations have been working for decades to build bridges between the two peoples, to address humanitarian concerns, and to further the cause of peace;
- “Such individuals and nongovernmental organizations that are committed to nonviolence, recognize Israel’s right to exist, and are dedicated to achieving a two-state solution deserve recognition and encouragement to continue their important work;
- “The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is currently at a critical juncture, and sustained progress towards peace depends on the commitment of individuals and organizations that choose dialogue, friendship, and openness;
- “The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-446) permits the provision of United States assistance to nongovernmental organizations to provide for basic human needs, the protection of basic human freedoms, and the promotion of human rights, nonviolence, and for a just and peaceful reconciliation, provided that such assistance does not knowingly and directly benefit any terrorist organization;
- “The initiatives of these individuals and nongovernmental organizations reflect the tenacity of those with a true commitment to peace, mutual respect, and coexistence, and demonstrate the real impact that such people can make on the lives of individuals and communities; and
- “Such initiatives build hope and trust among both peoples and can help pave a path to peace.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1369 was introduced on July 23, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a mark-up the following day 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.
H.Con.Res. 374—Supporting the spirit of peace and desire for unity displayed in the letter from 138 leading Muslim scholars, and in the Pope’s response (Wamp, R-TN)
Order of Business: H.Con.Res. 374 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Con.Res. 374 would express the sense that the Congress:
- “The United States supports the spirit of peace and desire for unity displayed both in the letter from 138 leading Muslim scholars from every sect of Islam to the Pope and to other Christian leaders, and in the Pope’s gracious response to the letter;
- “The United States further supports the summit of Catholic and Muslim religious leaders and their mutual goal of greater dialogue between the religions;
- “The United States should encourage those Muslims throughout the world who stand for peace and reconciliation; and
- “The United States appreciates those voices within all faiths who have condemned genocide, terrorism, death, and destruction and who call for global peace between the ‘Abrahamic religions’.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “138 Muslim scholars from every sect of Islam sent a letter to the Pope and other Christian leaders expressing their belief that ‘[t]he future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians’;
- “’The survival of the world is at stake because about half the world’s population is composed of Christians and Muslims and there are too many conflicts between the two;
- “The Vatican has announced that the Pope intends to address a Catholic-Muslim summit of religious leaders in November 2008, with the goal of beginning regular, official dialogue between the two religions;
- “Around the world and throughout history, religious faith has inspired many people to great acts of kindness and generosity;
- “Each faith contains adherents who have struggled to foster peace, wellness, strong families, economic justice, environmental sustainability, and human and civil rights;
- “Many faiths include groups and individuals who have exploited religious devotion to promote various causes through the use of violence, and this extremism is a threat to peace in the world;
- “The recent letter from Muslim scholars to the Pope and others reminds us that the Muslim voices advocating peace and dialogue are too often being drowned out and suppressed by the radical extremists; and
- “The best opportunity to stem the tide of terrorism is for moderates in all 3 ‘Abrahamic’ religions to stand together against the threat of radicalism.”
Committee Action: H.Con.Res. 374 was introduced on June 19, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a mark-up the following day and reported the resolution, as amended, 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.
H.Con.Res. 358—Commending the members of the Nevada Army National Guard and Air National Guard for their service to the State of Nevada and the United States (Heller, R-NV)
Order of Business: H.Con.Res. 358 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Con.Res. 358 would express the sense that the Congress “commends the members of the Nevada Army National Guard and Air National Guard for their brave service to the State of Nevada and the United States.”
The resolution lists a number of findings demonstrating that over 1,600 Nevadans from 16 different Companies, detachments, and units have fought bravely for the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.
Committee Action: H.Con.Res. 358 was introduced on May 20, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. On June 23, 2008, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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. 415—Honoring Edward Day Cohota, Joseph L. Pierce, and other veterans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who fought in the United States Civil War (Honda, D-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 415 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 415 would express the sense that the House “recognizes and expresses its appreciation for the courageous and loyal contributions made by soldiers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent during the United States Civil War, and recognizes and honors the 2 most documented of those soldiers, Edward Day Cohota and Joseph L. Pierce, for their distinguished and dedicated service to preserving and maintaining the Union.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “Soldiers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent fought bravely and honorably during the United States Civil War;
- “Edward Day Cohota was among the soldiers of Asian descent who fought in the Civil War;
- “As a small child, Mr. Cohota stowed away in the ship Cohota, leaving Shanghai, China, in 1845;
- “Mr. Cohota enlisted in the 23rd Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1864;
- “During the Civil War, Mr. Cohota fought valiantly in the fog-bound Battle of Drury’s Bluff, where other soldiers reported that he had 7 bullet holes in his coat, but was not wounded;
- “Mr. Cohota repeatedly proved his courage in the Battle of Petersburg and at Cold Harbor, where he heroically saved the wounded William E. Low and where a minie ball left a permanent part in Cohota’s hair;
- “Mr. Cohota served in the United States Army for 30 years;
- “Joseph L. Pierce was also among the soldiers of Asian descent who fought in the Civil War;
- “Mr. Pierce was sold by his family to Captain Amos Peck III in 1852 and raised as an adopted son;
- “Mr. Pierce enlisted in the 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, in 1862; and
- “Mr. Pierce fought in his first battle at Antietam, distinguished himself in the Battle of Gettysburg, and bravely volunteered for a perilous attack on Bliss Farm during the day of Pickett’s charge.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 415 was introduced on May 17, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. On July 28, 2008, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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. 1248—Recognizing the service of the USS Farenholt and her men who served our Nation with valor and bravery in the South Pacific during World War II (Ellsworth, D-IN)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1248 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1248 would express the sense that the House “recognizes the courageous men who served aboard the USS Farenholt in the South Pacific during World War II who protected America and its freedom, and recognizes the contributions of the USS Farenholt and commends the honorable men who served aboard the USS Farenholt, for their selfless service to the Nation.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “The USS Farenholt (DD 491) was launched on November 19, 1941, by Bethlehem Steel Company in Staten Island, New York, and commissioned on April 2, 1942, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard;
- “The Farenholt, a 1620-ton Benson-class destroyer, sailed from San Diego on July 1, 1942, for the Pacific;
- “The Farenholt, known as the ‘Fightin’ F’, participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942, which marked the first American land offensive of the war;
- “The Farenholt, a flagship for Destroyer Squadron 12, served as an escort for the carrier, the USS Wasp, which on September 15, 1942, was attacked by 2 enemy submarines;
- “As the Wasp sunk, the Farenholt rescued 143 survivors;
- “On the night of February 17, 1944, the Farenholt steamed up the St. George Channel and bombarded Rabaul, Solomon Islands, a stronghold of the enemy;
- “Rabaul was heavily fortified and hosted approximately 100,000 enemy troops;
- “During the Rabaul raid, the Farenholt fired 214 salvos and inflicted heavy damage on shore installations at Rabaul and sunk 2 merchant ships;
- “The men of the Farenholt accounted for 2 Navy Cross awards, 2 were awarded the Silver Star Medal, 5 were awarded the Bronze Star Medal, 8 received Letters of Commendation, and approximately 46 Purple Hearts were awarded for those killed or wounded in action; and
- “The men of the USS Farenholt and their loving spouses, widows, and children celebrated their 16th reunion in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2007, and will celebrate their 17th reunion in Santa Clara, California, on September 17, 2008 through September 21, 2008.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1248 was introduced on June 5, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. On June 23, 2008, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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. 1316—Honoring the service of the Navy and Coast Guard veterans who served on the Landing Ship Tank (LST) amphibious landing craft during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Storm, and global operations through 2002 and recognizing the essential role played by LST amphibious craft during these conflicts (McGovern, D-MA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 1316 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 1316 would express the sense that the House:
- “Recognizes the essential role played by Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) during World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and many other military and humanitarian operations;
- “Honors the service of the Navy and Coast Guard sailors who bravely served their country aboard the LSTs;
- “Acknowledges the debt modern amphibious operations owe to the LST sailors and ships in pioneering the multiple missions carried out by amphibious landing craft; and
- “Commends the many volunteers of the USS LST Ship Memorial who have preserved the LST 325 as a living memorial in honor and remembrance of the ships and veterans in their service.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “The Landing Ship Tank (LST) was the military designation for naval vessels created during World War II to support amphibious operations by carrying significant quantities of vehicles, cargo, and landing troops directly onto an unimproved shore;
- “The British evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940 demonstrated to the British Admiralty that the Allied Forces needed relatively large, ocean-going ships, capable of the shore-to-shore delivery of tanks, other vehicles, and troops for amphibious assault upon the continent of Europe;
- “At their first meeting at the Atlantic Conference in August 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill agreed with the Admiralty about the need for improved ships that could land on and retract off a beach;
- “1,051 LST amphibious craft were constructed during World War II;
- “70 percent of LSTs were built at inland shipyards on the Illinois and Ohio Rivers, mainly by female construction, welding, and assembly line workers;
- “The first LST, commissioned on October 27, 1942, was a 328-foot ship with unique characteristics of bow doors and a ramp to transport troops, a reduced forward draft of fewer than 4 feet for successful beaching, 9 knot speed, a flat bottom, and equipped with 20-millimeter and 40-millimeter guns on the upper and main decks;
- “The LST saw action in every theater of World War II, receiving the second most battle stars after Destroyers, and mission flexibility was its hallmark;
- “World War II-era LST veterans sailed the LST 325 from Greece to the United States, arriving in Mobile, Alabama, on January 10, 2001;
- “The LST 325 has sailed over 9,000 miles and visited 13 cities since returning to the United States, and is scheduled to sail up the Mississippi River in August 2008; and
- “The Navy decommissioned the last LST, the USS Frederick (LST 1184), at a ceremony at Naval Station Pearl Harbor on October 5, 2002.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 1316 was introduced on June 26, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. On July 16, 2008, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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. 296—Expressing support for the designation of August 2008 as “National Heat Stroke Awareness Month” to raise awareness and encourage prevention of heat stroke (Boozman, R-AR)
Order of Business: H.Con.Res. 296 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Con.Res. 296 would express the sense of the Congress that:
- “National Heat Stroke Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the people of the United States about heat stroke;
- “All Americans should applaud the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation for its efforts in promoting awareness about heat stroke; and
- “Policymakers, parents, coaches, student athletes, not-for-profit organizations, and other members of the community should work to increase awareness and prevention of heat stroke; and
- “Congress urges national and community organizations, businesses in the private sector, and the media, through National Heat Stroke Awareness Month to promote the awareness of heat stroke.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated, and 50 percent of those with heat stroke die from it;
- “Children absorb more heat from a hot environment because they have greater surface area-to-body mass ratio than adults;
- “The smaller the child, the faster he or she can overheat;
- “Children and adolescents may have a reduced ability to dissipate heat through sweating;
- “Children and adolescents frequently do not have the physiological drive to drink enough fluids to replenish sweat losses during prolonged exercise;
- “Youth athletes may be more easily distracted by teammates and spectators when given the opportunity to rest and rehydrate;
- “13-year-old Kendrick Fincher from Rogers, Arkansas, collapsed during an August pre-season football practice, was rushed to the hospital, and for the next 18 days his family waited anxiously for him to regain consciousness;
- “Kendrick Fincher tragically never regained consciousness, and died on August 25, 1995, from multi-system organ failure as a result of heat stroke;
- Kendrick’s parents also founded the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation to raise awareness of the potentially deadly consequences of dehydration for student athletes and to provide schools with the information and equipment needed to ensure other students do not suffer from heat stroke;
- “The Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation has distributed more than 130,000 water bottles and heat illness prevention pamphlets to children and athletes throughout the United States; and
- “As a result of the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation’s efforts, Rhonda Fincher, motivated by the belief no other parent should experience the heartache of a preventable death of his or her child, successfully changed many school athletic policies and procedures at the local, State, and national level.”
Committee Action: H.Con.Res. 296 was introduced on February 13, 2008, 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. 896—Recognizing the need to pursue research into the causes, a treatment, and an eventual cure for primary lateral sclerosis, supporting the goals and ideals of the Hardy Brown Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month, and for other purposes (Baca, D-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 896 is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 896 would express the sense that the House:
- “Recognizes the need to pursue research into the causes, treatment, and an eventual cure for primary lateral sclerosis;
- “Commends those hospitals, community clinics, educational institutes, and other organizations that are working to increase awareness of primary lateral sclerosis; and conducting research for methods to help patients suffering from primary lateral sclerosis;
- “Congratulates the work of the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation for its great efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for individuals who suffer from primary lateral sclerosis, while funding research to help find a cure for this disorder;
- “Supports the designation of an appropriate time to recognize ‘Hardy Brown Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month’; and
- “Calls upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.”
The resolution lists a number of findings, including:
- “Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle spasticity and weakness in the voluntary muscles;
- “PLS belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases. Motor neuron diseases develop when the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement degenerate and die, causing spasticity and weakness in the muscles they control;
- “Hardy Brown is the co-publisher of the Black Voice News, a weekly newspaper that fights against social injustice in the Inland Empire in California, has worked tirelessly to raise funds for research for ALS ‘Lou Gehrig’s disease’ which is a fatal motor neuron disease, and is now diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis;
- “The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is a volunteer-managed and operated non-profit organization devoted to finding the causes and cures for two groups of neurodegenerative disorders called Spastic Paraplegia (Hereditary and Apparently Sporadic) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS);
- “The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health conducts a broad range of research on neuromuscular disorders such as PLS. This research is aimed at developing techniques to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure these devastating diseases;
- “’Hardy Brown disease’ would be an appropriate eponym for primary lateral sclerosis disease; and
- “In conjunction with Black History Month, the month of February of 2008 would be an appropriate time to recognize Hardy Brown Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the Nation about primary lateral sclerosis and the need for research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments.
Committee Action: H.Res. 896 was introduced on December 19, 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.R. 3957—Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act
(Matheson, D-UT)
Order of Business: The bill is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Summary: H.R. 3957 would require the assistant administrator for research and development at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to promote efficient water use and water conservation. The program would be required to include technologies and processes that enable the collection and reuse of rainwater and the development of water storage and distribution systems. The bill would also require that the program address the “behavioral and social, and economic barriers to achieving greater water use efficiency.”
The legislation would require the assistant administrator to utilize the results of the program’s activities in order to facilitate and increase water efficiency and conservation. The assistant administrator would also be required to collect information regarding technology used to increase water efficiency and conservation. The bill would require assistant administrator to collect and disseminate information on the incentives and impediments to developing and commercializing technologies to conserve water.
H.R. 3957 would require the assistant administrator to transmit a report to Congress detailing the EPA’s progress in water conservation research projects and outreach activities. The first report would be required within 18 months of enactment and subsequent reports would be required once every two years thereafter.
Finally, the measure would authorize the appropriation of “such sums as may be necessary” each year over the FY 2009—FY 2013 period. CBO estimates that H.R. 3957 would authorize appropriations totaling $101 million over five years.
Additional Information: According to findings listed in the text of the bill, the U.S. population has grown by more than 90% since 1950. In addition, the public demand for water has grown by 209% over the same length of time. The bill also says that 36 states are anticipating either a regional or statewide water shortage by 2013 and that “climate change related effects are expected to exacerbate already scarce water resources in many areas of the country.” The findings go on to state that water stored in glaciers and snow cover will decline as a result of global warming and that droughts will become more severe. According to the EPA, more than three trillion gallons of water would be saved annually if every U.S. household installed water-efficient appliances. Thus, H.R. 3957 seeks to establish a program to disseminate the results of research on technologies that could achieve better water efficiency.
Possible Conservative Concerns: Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 3957 would authorize the appropriation of up to $101 million to create a new EPA program to promote water use efficiency and conservation by, among other things, researching “behavioral, social, and economic barriers to achieving greater water use efficiency.” Some conservatives may believe that, in light of the FY 2009 budget deficit (projected to be a record $482 billion), the federal government should prioritize its domestic spending agenda differently. In addition, conservatives may be concerned that the authority for the EPA to carry out the research programs authorized by H.R. 3957 does not sunset.
Committee Action: H.R. 3957 was introduced on October 24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. On May 6, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by voice vote. On July 16, 2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was report, as amended, by voice vote.
Cost to Taxpayers: According to CBO, H.R. 3957 would authorize the appropriation of $21 million in FY 2009, and $101 million over the FY 2009—FY 2013 period. CBO estimates that outlays for the program would total $9 million in FY 2009, and $86 million over the FY 2009—FY 2013 period.
Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government? Yes, the bill would create a new research and development program within the EPA.
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? A House Report citing compliance with House rules regarding congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of the rule XXI, was not available.
Constitutional Authority: A House Report citing s constitutional authority was not available.
RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.
H.R. 2339—Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007 (Hall, R-TX)
Order of Business: The bill is scheduled to be considered on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Summary: H.R. 2339 would require the Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a program to research, develop, and demonstrate technologies for the sustainable utilization of “produced water.” The bill would require the program to be conducted in conjunction with an already existing DOE program. The program would be designed to maximize the utilization of produced water for agriculture, irrigation, and industrial use by increasing the quality of produced water and reducing its environmental impact.
The bill would require the program to address improving safety and minimizing environmental impacts in three areas: 1) produced water recovery; 2) produced water utilization for agricultural, irrigation, and industrial uses; and 3) reinjection of produced water into the subsurface geological formations.
The measure would require that the programs be overseen by a group that is administering an existing program and whose members have experience planning and managing research and development programs involving unconventional natural gas or petroleum. The bill would also require the National Energy Technology Laboratory to conduct a complimentary program.
H.R. 2339 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million annually from FY 2009—FY 2016. The bill would stipulate that 25% of the funds would be used to pay for programs carried out by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and 75% would be used for other produced water research and development activities. The authority for the DOE to conduct the programs authorized under this legislation would be terminated at the end of FY 2016.
Additional Information: “Produced water” is water that is extracted from the earth during the development of energy sources such as methane, oil, and natural gas. According to findings listed in the bill, the water that is released often increases energy production from subsurface geological formations that are exposed when the water is extracted. The water, however, regularly contains high levels of harmful toxins and dissolved solids. The toxins contained in the water make the water unsuitable for agricultural and industrial uses. As a result, most excess produced water that is brought up from the ground during the extraction of energy sources is re-injected into the ground, which makes further extraction of resources more difficult. H.R. 2339 would require the DOE to conduct research and development programs in an attempt to make produced water useful for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Possible Conservative Concerns: Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 2339 would authorize the appropriation of up to $100 million over five years to create a new Department of Energy water reclamation research project.
Committee Action: H.R. 2339 was introduced on May 16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. On May 6, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as amended, by voice vote. On July 16, 2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was report, by voice vote.
Cost to Taxpayers: According to CBO, H.R. 2339 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million in FY 2009, and $100 million over the FY 2009—FY 2013 period. CBO estimates that outlays for the program would total $7 million in FY 2009, and $71 million over the FY 2009—FY 2013 period.
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? A House Report citing compliance with House rules regarding congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of the rule XXI, was not available.
Constitutional Authority: A House Report citing s constitutional authority was not available.
RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.
