![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin.....................................September 25, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.R. 1400** --- Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 548 ---** Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of
> Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering
> support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for
> the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control
> of Lebanon\
> **H.R. 1302** --- Global Poverty Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 642 ---** Expressing sympathy to and support for the people
> and governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean,
> and Mexico which have suffered from Hurricanes Felix, Dean, and
> Henriette and whose complete economic and fatality toll are still
> unknown
>
> **H.Res. 557 ---** Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights
> Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries,
> while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only
> country permanently placed on the Council\'s agenda
>
> **H.Res. 95 ---** Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month, and for
> other purposes
>
> **H.Res. 25 ---** Calling on the Board of Directors of the National
> High School Mock Trial Championship to accommodate students of all
> religious faiths
>
> **H.R. 3625** --- To make permanent the waiver authority of the
> Secretary of Education with respect to student financial assistance
> during a war or other military operation or national emergency
>
> **H.Res. 590 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National
> Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of the
> House of Representatives that Congress should raise awareness of
> domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on
> families and communities
>
> **H.R. 1943** --- Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 470 ---** Supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer
> awareness, treatment, and research
>
> **H.Res. \_\_\_---** Supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer
> awareness, treatment, and research
>
> **H.R. 3375** --- To extend the trade adjustment assistance program
> under the Trade Act of 1974 for 3 months

H.R. 1400 --- Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007 *(Lantos, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1400 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1400 would state that it is the sense of
Congress that the U.S. should use diplomatic and economic means to
resolve the Iranian nuclear problem. In addition, H.R. 1400 clarifies
that nothing in the bill shall be construed as authorizing force against
Iran.

The bill would subject parent companies of subsidiaries outside of the
U.S. that conducted prohibited transactions in Iran to the same
penalties that an American company or individual would face. In
addition, the bill would impose stricter import restrictions on Iranian
goods that come to the U.S.

H.R. 1400 would expand the president's authority to impose sanctions on
individuals and block any transactions that involve prohibited property.
In addition, the bill would eliminate national security waivers for
companies and individuals on whom sanctions are imposed. The president
would also be directed to determine how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps should be designated, either on the list terrorist organization or
the list weapons of mass destruction proliferation violators.

The bill would authorize \$59 million for FY 2008 and "such sums" for
both FY 2009 and FY 2010 for the purpose of funding the Secretary of
Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Additionally,
H.R. 1400 would authorize \$10 million in FY 2008 for the president to
establish and carry out an educational and cultural exchange program
with Iranian youth.

The bill would explicitly restrict the U.S. government from engaging in
any kind of nuclear cooperation with any nation aiding Iran in its
efforts to design, develop, or acquire a nuclear device. H.R. 1400
amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate certain tax incentives for
oil companies that invest in Iran.

Finally, the bill would state that the restrictions against Iran would
terminate when the president has determined that Iran:

-   has ceased its efforts to design, develop, manufacture, or
    acquire---

    -   a nuclear explosive device or related materials and technology;

    -   chemical and biological weapons; and

    -   ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch technology;

-   has been removed from the list of countries the governments of which
    have been determined, to have repeatedly provided support for acts
    of international terrorism; and

-   poses no significant threat to United States national security,
    interests, or allies

H.R. 1400 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The prospect of the Islamic Republic of Iran achieving nuclear arms
    represents a grave threat to the United States and its allies in the
    Middle East, Europe, and globally;

-   "The nature of this threat is manifold, ranging from the vastly
    enhanced political influence extremist Iran would wield in its
    region, including the ability to intimidate its neighbors, to, at
    its most nightmarish, the prospect that Iran would attack its
    neighbors and others with nuclear arms. This concern is illustrated
    by the statement of Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran and
    currently a prominent member of two of Iran\'s most important
    decision making bodies, of December 14, 2001, when he said that it
    \`is not irrational to contemplate\' the use of nuclear weapons;

-   "The theological nature of the Iranian regime creates a special
    urgency in addressing Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons; and

-   "The nature of the Iranian threat makes it critical that the United
    States and its allies do everything possible\--diplomatically,
    politically, and economically\--to prevent Iran from acquiring
    nuclear-arms capability and persuade the Iranian regime to halt its
    quest for nuclear arms."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1400 was introduced on March 8,
2007, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as
the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, Oversight and
Government Reform, and the Judiciary. On June 26, 2007, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs reported the bill, as amended, by a vote of 37 -- 1. On
September 24, 2007, the bill was discharged by all other committees.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1400 would
authorize **\$116 million in 2008 and \$490 million over the FY 2008 --
2012 period.** The bill would also reduce revenues by \$4 million over
the FY 2008 -- 2012 period

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it expands the president's power to
apply sanctions to individuals and creates a new educational exchange
program.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** Yes, H.R. 1400 would impose
private-sector mandates by requiring sanctions on certain imports and
exports.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: House Report
[110-294](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr294))
cites Constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. However, 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]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 548 --- Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of
Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering
support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the
assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of
Lebanon *(Ackerman, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 548 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 548 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "condemns the attempts by Hezbollah and other pro-Syrian groups to
    undermine and intimidate the democratically-elected and legitimate
    Government of Lebanon by extra-legal means;

-   "condemns the campaign of attempted and successful assassinations
    targeting members of parliament and public figures in favor of
    Lebanese independence and sovereignty and opposed to Syrian
    interference in Lebanon, and bombings in civilian areas intended to
    intimidate the Lebanese people;

-   "calls on the Speaker of the Lebanese parliament to convene the
    parliament without further delay, so that it can fulfill its
    legislative obligations and pursue the interests of the Lebanese
    people under the rule of law;

-   "confirms the strong support of the United States for United Nations
    Security Council resolutions concerning Lebanon, and the clear and
    binding mandate of the international community for the arms embargo
    and disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, and particularly,
    Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Lebanon;

-   "condemns Syria and Iran for their ongoing roles in providing arms
    to Lebanese militias, particularly Hezbollah and Palestinian
    factions in Lebanon, in blatant contravention of United Nations
    Security Council Resolution 1701;

-   "expresses its strong appreciation to Belgium, China, Cyprus,
    Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala,
    Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea,
    Luxemburg, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
    Qatar, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, and Turkey for
    their contributions of military personnel to serve in the United
    Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), now manned with 13,251
    troops of the 15,000 troops authorized in United Nations Security
    Council Resolution 1701;

-   "urges the Government of Lebanon to request UNIFIL's assistance to
    secure the Lebanese-Syrian border against the entry of illicit arms
    or related material under paragraphs 11(f) and 14 of United Nations
    Security Council Resolution 1701, and pledges earnest American
    support for this action, should the Government of Lebanon choose to
    do so;

-   "calls on the international community to further support the mission
    of UNIFIL and efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General to
    improve the monitoring of the Lebanese border in order to
    effectively implement the arms embargo on armed groups in Lebanon
    required by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701;

-   "affirms strongly United States support for efforts to bring to
    justice those responsible for the terrorist bombing of February 14,
    2005, and both prior and subsequent politically inspired
    assassinations, and for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon established
    by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757;

-   "endorses prompt action by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon for the
    terrorist bombing of February 14, 2005, and both prior and
    subsequent politically-inspired assassinations, under Chapter VII of
    the United Nations Charter;

-   "pledges continued support for the democratically-elected and
    legitimate Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people against the
    campaign of intimidation, terror, and murder directed at the
    Lebanese people and at political and public figures opposing Syrian
    interference in Lebanon;

-   "commends the many Lebanese who continue to adhere steadfastly to
    the principles of the Cedar Revolution and support the
    democratically elected and legitimate government of Lebanon;

-   "applauds the Government of Lebanon\'s efforts to fully extend
    Lebanon\'s sovereignty over the entire country through the internal
    deployments of the Lebanese Armed Forces, including direct action
    against the Fatah al Islam group, and encourages the Government of
    Lebanon to intensify these efforts; and

-   "re-affirms its intention to continue to provide financial and
    material assistance to support the sovereignty, territorial
    integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the
    sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The resolution lists a number
of findings which cite numerous terrorist and military attacks against
Lebanese politicians and citizens, including the bombing assassination
of Lebanon's Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others on February 14,
2005. The killing led to the Cedar Revolution, which resulted in the
withdrawal of Syrian troops in April, 2005, after 30 years of military
occupation. According to the findings, Lebanon's democratically elected
and legitimate regime's efforts to exercise full sovereignty and bring
the murderers to justice since the revolution have been deliberately
thwarted by the efforts Hezbollah, both in Lebanon and Syria. In light
of these circumstances, the resolution pledges the United States'
support for the sovereign government of Lebanon.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 548 was introduced on July
16, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent
on July 31, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 1302 --- Global Poverty Act of 2007 *(Smith, D-WA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1302 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1302 would declare that it is the stated
policy of the United States to "promote the reduction of global poverty,
the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the
United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the
proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less
than \$1 per day."

In order to meet this goal, the bill would require the president, acting
through the Secretary of State, in cooperation with other interested
entities, to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to eliminate
extreme global poverty. The strategy would also have to outline plans to
achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing the
number of people who live on less than \$1 per day by one-half by 2015.
The strategy would have to follow specific and measurable goals and
timetables to achieve the described objections.

The strategy would also have to be comprised of certain components,
which include:

-   Continued investment in existing international poverty initiatives,
    such as the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis,
    and Malaria Act of 2003, the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, and
    trade preference programs for developing countries.

-   Improving the effectiveness of development assistance.

-   Enhancing and expanding debt relief as appropriate.

-   Mobilizing and leveraging the participation of businesses,
    nongovernmental organizations, civil society, and public-private
    partnerships.

-   Coordinating the goal of poverty reduction with other development
    goals, such as combating the spread of preventable diseases such as
    HIV/AIDS.

Within one year of enactment, the president would transmit a report to
the appropriate congressional committee containing an outline of the
strategy. The president would have to issue a similar report on the
progress of the strategy every two years until 2015.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, there are one billion people worldwide living in extreme
poverty (defined as living on \$1 or less per day) and another 1.6
billion living in global poverty (less than \$2 per day). In 2000, the
United States joined 180 countries at the United Nations Millennium
Summit and pledged to work toward the summits goals to improve life in
the world's poorest nations by 2015. In addition to reducing global
poverty, the Millennium Development Goals include reducing the number of
people without food and safe drinking water, reducing child mortality
and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria.

While in committee, H.R. 1302 was amended to replace broad endorsements
of increasing foreign aid with more specific language and debt relief
and to lessen the report burden from once annually to once every two
years. The amendment was accepted by voice vote. In addition, the bill
would authorize no new expenditures.

For more information on the U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals, visit
this website:

<http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/goals.html>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1302 was introduced on March 1,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. On July 31,
2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as amend, by
unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 1302 is not
available.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill directs the president to create
and implement a strategy to reduce global poverty.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. However, 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]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 642 --- Expressing sympathy to and support for the people and
governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and
Mexico which have suffered from Hurricanes Felix, Dean, and Henriette
and whose complete economic and fatality toll are still unknown**

***(Solis, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 642 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 642 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "expresses its sympathy to and support for the people and
    governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and
    Mexico in this time of devastation;

-   "vows its continued friendship and support for our neighbors in
    Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico;

-   "urges all parties to continue their efforts in evacuating and
    providing aid to those individuals displaced by the hurricanes;

-   "recognizes the United States Government\'s initial efforts to
    provide assistance to populations affected by the hurricanes and
    urges increased and continued assistance as the effects of the
    hurricanes continue to unfold;

-   "encourages public institutions, specialized agencies, as well as
    private citizens, to offer their resources; and

-   "recognizes the efforts of relief organizations, including the
    International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,
    and the international community, in aiding the people and
    governments involved."

H.Res. 642 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on September 4, 2007, Hurricane Felix, a Category 5 storm, hit the
    Nicaragua-Honduras border, causing over 40,000 people in Nicaragua
    and Honduras to be evacuated, and killing at least 100 people;

-   "just weeks before, Hurricane Dean, a Category 5 storm, hit Mexico
    and the Caribbean coast, killed 27 persons, displaced over 260,000
    persons, and destroyed over 36,000 homes

-   "Hurricane Henriette, a Category 1 storm, made landfall along the
    Baja California peninsula of Mexico hours after Hurricane Felix made
    landfall, the first time since 1949 that two Atlantic and Pacific
    hurricanes hit land on the same day;

-   "for the first time in the recorded history of hurricanes, two
    Category 5 storms, Hurricanes Dean and Felix, made landfall during
    the same year;

-   "Honduras and Nicaragua, the poorest countries of Central America,
    have economies that rely heavily on limited agricultural exports,
    which make both countries extremely vulnerable to natural disasters;
    and

-   "Honduras and Nicaragua were still rebuilding after the devastating
    effects of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed nearly 11,000
    people and left more than 8,000 people missing, destroyed the
    infrastructures and economies of both countries, and caused billions
    of dollars in damage."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 642 was introduced on
September 7, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 557 --- Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights
Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries,
while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only
country permanently placed on the Council\'s agenda (Campbell, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 557 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 557 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "strongly condemns the United Nations Human Rights Council for
    ignoring severe human rights abuses in other countries, while
    choosing to unfairly target Israel;

-   "strongly urges the Council to remove Israel from its permanent
    agenda;

-   "strongly urges the Council to hold special sessions to address
    other countries where human rights abuses are being committed, adopt
    real reform as was intended for the Council when it replaced the
    United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and reaffirm the
    principle of human dignity consistent with the original intent
    envisioned at the Council\'s establishment;

-   "strongly urges the United States to make every effort in the
    General Assembly to ensure that the Council lives up to its mission
    to protect human rights around the world, in accordance with United
    Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251 establishing the Council;
    and

-   "strongly urges the United States to work with the United Nations
    General Assembly to ensure that only countries who have a
    well-established commitment to protecting human rights are chosen to
    serve on the Council."

H.Res. 557 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the former United Nations Human Rights Commission was widely
    discredited for its incessant attacks against Israel and for
    granting membership to Cuba, Zimbabwe, China, Saudi Arabia, and
    other countries that were notorious human rights violators;

-   "China, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia are members of the Human Rights
    Council;

-   "in the past year that the United Nations Human Rights Council has
    been in existence, the Council has held four special sessions to
    address pressing human rights situations;

-   "of those four sessions, three were condemning Israel for their
    possible human right abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
    and in Lebanon, and the fourth special session was a
    non-condemnatory expression of 'concern' regarding the situation in
    Darfur, Sudan;

-   "the Human Rights Council has failed to adequately address a number
    of other pressing human rights concerns throughout the world

-   "between June 10 and 15, 2007, Hamas-armed gunman violently took
    over the Gaza Strip, executing men, women, and children; and

-   "during its fifth session, the Human Rights Council voted to make
    Israel the only country permanently included on its agenda."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 557 was introduced on July
19, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent
on July 31, 2007

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 95 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month, and for
other purposes *(Jones, D-OH)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 95 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 95 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month;

-   "encourages administrators and municipalities across the country to
    provide educational programs to all students during September and
    throughout the school year; and

-   "encourages administrators and municipalities to evaluate the level
    of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student
    housing and take the necessary steps to ensure fire-safe living
    environments through fire safety education, installation of fire
    suppression and detection systems and the development and
    enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety."

H.Res. 95 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "in 2006, thirty-one states issued proclamations recognizing
    September as Campus Fire Safety Month;

-   "since January 2000, at least ninety-nine people, including
    students, parents, and children have died in student housing fires;

-   "a number of fatal fires have occurred in buildings where the fire
    safety systems have been compromised or disabled by the occupants;

-   "it is recognized that fire safety education is an effective method
    of reducing the occurrence of fires and reducing the resulting loss
    of life and property damage; and

-   "students are not routinely receiving effective fire safety
    education throughout their entire college career."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 95 was introduced on January
24, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor,
which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 25 --- Calling on the Board of Directors of the National High
School Mock Trial Championship to accommodate students of all religious
faiths *(Rothman, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 25 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 25 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "calls on the Board of Directors of the National High School Mock
    Trial Championship to accommodate the religious beliefs of students
    participating in the competition; and

-   "urges the Board of Directors of the National High School Mock Trial
    Championship to restructure the rules of the competition to allow
    qualifying students of all faiths to compete fully in this national
    championship without betraying their religious beliefs."

H.Res. 25 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the National High School Mock Trial Championship is a program based
    on constitutional law;

-   "the usual National High School Mock Trial Championship schedule
    consists of two rounds on Friday and two rounds on Saturday,
    followed by a Championship round on Saturday;

-   "the members of the mock trial team from Torah Academy observe the
    Sabbath, in accordance with their practice of Orthodox Judaism, and
    would not have been able to participate in any National High School
    Mock Trial Championship competitions from sundown on Friday through
    sundown on Saturday without certain accommodations;

-   "satisfactory accommodations were made to allow Torah Academy of
    Teaneck, New Jersey, to compete during the last National High School
    Mock Trial Championship held in Charlotte, North Carolina, from May
    5-7, 2005, without violating the religious practices of the
    students;

-   "the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation
    unanimously voted at its October 27, 2005, meeting that New Jersey
    will not compete in the National High School Mock Trial Championship
    unless the National Board establishes a policy permitting
    accommodation for religious observance; and

-   "all students should be allowed to both compete fully in the
    National High School Mock Trial Championship and uphold the practice
    of their religion."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 25 was introduced on January
4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 3625 --- To make permanent the waiver authority of the Secretary of
Education with respect to student financial assistance during a war or
other military operation or national emergency *(Sestak, D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3625 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3625 would repeal the termination date
in the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003,
thus making the legislation permanent.

The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003
authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive or modify any
requirements or regulations for Title IV student financial assistance
programs for any affected individual who:

-   Is serving on active duty during a war or other military operation
    or national emergency;

-   Is performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war,
    operation, or emergency;

-   Resides or is employed in an area that is declared a disaster area
    by any Federal, State, or local official in connection with a
    national emergency; or

-   Suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of a war or
    other military operation or national emergency

H.R. 3625 also states that it is the sense of Congress that:

-   "the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003
    addresses the unique situations that active duty military personnel
    and other affected individuals may face in connection with their
    enrollment in postsecondary institutions and their Federal student
    loans; and

-   "the provisions authorized by such Act should be made permanent,
    thereby allowing the Secretary of Education to continue providing
    assistance to active duty service members and other affected
    individuals and their families."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Higher Education Relief
Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES), which was signed by
President Bush on August 18, 2003, was sponsored by Rep. John Kline
(R-MN) and passed the House under a suspension of the rules on April 1,
2003, by a roll call vote of [421 --
1](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2003/roll096.xml). To read the original
RSC Legislative Bulletin on the legislation, see the link below:

<http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/LB4103.pdf>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3625 was introduced on
September 20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and
Labor, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3625 is not
available. However, the bill does not authorize any expenditure.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. However, 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]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 590 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic
Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that Congress should raise awareness of domestic
violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families
and communities (Poe, R-TX)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 590 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 590 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence
    Awareness Month; and

-   "expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress
    should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the
    United States and its devastating effects on families and
    communities"

H.Res. 590 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "one in four women will experience domestic violence sometime in her
    life;

-   "domestic violence affects people of all ages, racial, ethnic,
    economic, and religious backgrounds;

-   "the annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence is
    estimated as \$727,800,000 with over \$7,900,000 paid workdays lost
    per year;

-   "40 to 60 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children;

-   "adolescent girls who reported dating violence were 60 percent more
    likely to report one or more suicide attempts in the past year;

-   "88 percent of men think that our society should do more to respect
    women and girls; and

-   "individuals and organizations that are dedicated to preventing and
    ending domestic violence should be recognized."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 590 was introduced on July
31, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. On
September 19, 2007, the resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on
Healthy Families and Communities, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 1943 --- Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007 *(Waters, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1943 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1943 would direct the Bureau of Prisons
(BOP) to develop and provide comprehensive HIV testing, treatment, and
prevention for prison inmates.

The bill would require that medical personnel must provide HIV testing
to all inmates following admission (currently such tests are only given
to inmates serving terms of six months or longer).

In addition, the BOP would be directed to provide "frequent" HIV/AIDS
awareness education programs. The bill would also require the BOP to
provide educational materials concerning HIV/AIDS to inmates. In
addition, the BOP would be have to administer HIV/AIDS testing to any
inmate that wished at least once a year, or more frequently if the
inmate is concerned that they might have been exposed to HIV/AIDS.

H.R. 1943 would require that inmates diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are given
timely, comprehensive medical care, confidential medical counseling and
voluntary partner notification services. BOP medical personnel would be
directed develop and implement procedures to ensure the confidentiality
of inmates.

This bill would allow for any inmate to opt out of any of the annual
HIV/AIDS testing.

The BOP would be required to issue a report on the implantation of these
requirements within one year.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to House Report [110
--
342](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr342)):

> HIV/AIDS in prison poses a threat not only to prison inmates and
> prison employees, but ultimately to the community at large. Prisoners
> who are unaware of their condition or who do not know how to keep
> others safe from the infection can unwittingly infect fellow
> prisoners. Prison workers, including corrections officers, healthcare
> workers, and administrators, are also at risk from exposure incidents
> resulting from close interaction with the prison population. The
> threat to the community at large comes from infected prisoners being
> released without having had the proper screening, education, and
> treatment, thereby exposing friends and loved ones to the disease.
>
> The bill may have a particularly beneficial effect on minority
> communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
> Prevention, racial minorities comprise 69% of all new HIV/AIDS cases
> in the nation. Since African Americans are disproportionately
> represented in the inmate population\--41 percent of all inmates in
> the prison system at the end of 2004, according to the Bureau of
> Justice Statistics\--the risks associated with contracting HIV/AIDS in
> prison are one factor putting minority communities at higher risk of
> exposure. The Stop AIDS in Prison Act is therefore one way to begin
> reversing the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in minority communities.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1943 was introduced on February
7, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary on April 19,
2007. On May 4, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on
Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, which held hearings on May 22,
2007, and reported the bill to the full committee following a mark-up on
July 24, 2007. On July 25, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and
reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1943 would
authorize **\$3 million in 2008 and \$12 million over the FY 2008 --
2012 period.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it requires the Bureau of Prisons to
expand its HIV/AIDS testing requirements.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: House Report [110 --
342](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr342))
cites Constitutional authority in Article I Section 8, but fails to cite
a specific Clause. However, 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]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 470 --- Supporting efforts to increase childhood cancer
awareness, treatment, and research (Pryce, R-OH)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 470 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 470 would express the sense the House
that Congress should:

-   "public and private sector efforts to promote awareness about the
    incidence of cancer among children, the signs and symptoms of cancer
    in children, treatment options, and long-term follow-up;

-   "increased public and private investment in childhood cancer
    research to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment,
    rehabilitation, post-treatment monitoring, and long-term survival;

-   "policies that provide incentives to encourage medical trainees and
    investigators to enter the field of pediatric oncology;

-   "policies that provide incentives to encourage the development of
    drugs and biologics designed to treat pediatric cancers;

-   "policies that encourage participation in clinical trials;

-   "medical education curricula designed to improve pain management for
    cancer patients; and

-   "policies that enhance education, services, and other resources
    related to late effects from treatment."

H.Res. 470 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "an estimated 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer annually;

-   "cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under
    age 15;

-   "an estimated 2,300 children die from cancer each year;

-   "1 in every 330 Americans develops cancer before age 20;

-   "peer-reviewed clinical trials are the standard of care for
    pediatrics and have improved cancer survival rates among children;

-   "the number of survivors of childhood cancers continues to grow,
    with about 1 in 640 adults between ages 20 to 39 who have a history
    of cancer;

-   "some late effects of cancer treatment are identified early in
    follow-up and are easily resolved, while others may become chronic
    problems in adulthood and may have serious consequences; and

-   "89 percent of children with cancer experience substantial suffering
    in the last month of life."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 470 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which
took no further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. \_\_\_--- To correct technical errors in the enrollment of the
bill H.R. 3580 *(Dingell, D-MI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. ­­­­\_\_\_ is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: The text of H.Res. ­­­­\_\_\_ is not currently
available.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: H.R. 3580, to amend the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee
programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the
postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect
to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes, was passed under a
suspension of the rules on September 19, 2007, by a vote of [405 --
7](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll885.xml).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: None.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: Unknown, but expected to be none.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** N/A

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** N/A

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 3375 --- To extend the trade adjustment assistance program under
the Trade Act of 1974 for 3 months (Herger, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3375 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3375 would authorize and extension of
certain Trade Adjust Assistance (TAA) Programs for three months, until
December 31, 2007. Under current law, the authority for TAA for Firms,
TAA for Farmers and Fishermen, and TAA for Workers is scheduled to
expire on September 30, 2007.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to House Report [110
--
345](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr345)),
legislation reauthorizing and reforming the Trade Adjustment Assistance
program is in the process of being developed and should be introduced
shortly. Introduction and consideration of the legislation will not,
however, occur before the program's expiration on September 30, 2007.
Thus, until the comprehensive TAA reform and reauthorization bill is
passed and enacted into law, an extension of the existing ensures that
individuals and firms that are thought to be adversely affected by trade
are given assistance.

In order to extend the TAA for farmers program for three months, the
bill authorizes and appropriates \$9 million through December 31, 2007.
According to the committee, "Because of the language in the underlying
law, extending the Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program required
authorizing and appropriating funds to cover the cost of the program for
the duration of the extension." The authorization and appropriation is
scored by CBO as \$9 million in mandatory spending.

For more information on TAA programs, please visit:

<http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/benefits.cfm>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3375 was introduced on August
3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, which held a
mark-up on September 18, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 3375 would
authorize \$4 million in FY 2008 and increase mandatory spending \$9
million in FY 2008.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: House Report [110 --
345](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr345))
cites Constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, the General
Welfare Clause

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

\###