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

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 416 ---** Expressing the sense of the House of
> Representatives regarding the public service of Tony Blair, Prime
> Minister of the United Kingdom
>
> **S. 801 ---** A bill to designate a United States courthouse located
> in Fresno, California, as the "Robert E. Coyle United States
> Courthouse"
>
> **H.Res. 505** --- Recognizing the innumerable contributions of the
> recreational boating community and the boating industry to the
> continuing prosperity and affluence of the United States
>
> **H.R. 2011---** To designate the Federal building and United States
> courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as
> the "George Howard, " Jr. Federal Building and United States
> Courthouse
>
> **H.Res. 361 ---** Recognizing and honoring Jack Valenti and
> expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to his
> family on his death
>
> **H.Res. 189** --- Expressing the sense of the House of
> Representatives that a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" should be
> established
>
> **H.Con.Res. 142 ---** Expressing the sense of the Congress that there
> should be established a National Pet Week
>
> **H.R. 2139 ---** FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act
>
> **H.Res. 477 ---** Recognizing National Homeownership Month and the
> importance of homeownership in the United States
>
> **H.R. 1065 ---** Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act
>
> **H.R. 2286 ---** Bail Bond Fairness Act of
>
> **H.R. 1281 ---** Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation
> Prevention Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 366 ---** To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
> Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the "Ernest Childers
> Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic"
>
> **H.R. 2546 ---** To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
> Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina, as the "Charles George
> Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center"
>
> **H.R. 2602 ---** To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical
> facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as the "Oscar G. Johnson
> Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility"
>
> **S. 229 ---** A bill to redesignate a Federal building in
> Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the "Raymond G. Murphy Department of
> Veterans Affairs Medical Center"
>
> **H.Res. 507 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National Save
> for Retirement Week

**H.Res. 416 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding the public service of Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United
Kingdom (King, R-NY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 416 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 416 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "recognizes the remarkable public service of Tony Blair during his
    tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and

-   "expresses appreciation to Mr. Blair for his steadfast support for
    the United States and Britain\'s invaluable alliance to our Nation."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Tony Blair has served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
    for more than a decade, winning three general elections as leader of
    the Labour Party;

-   "Mr. Blair played an instrumental role in achieving peace in
    Northern Ireland and negotiating the Good Friday Agreement which
    brought all communities into the political and governmental process
    and ended centuries of division, conflict, and strife;

-   "Mr. Blair committed himself to bringing devolved government to
    Northern Ireland which was achieved with the recent decision of the
    Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein agreeing to form a
    power-sharing government;

-   "the United Kingdom and the United States have had a long-standing
    alliance which was further strengthened during Tony Blair's tenure
    as he and the United Kingdom stood side-by-side with the United
    States during conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq;

-   "Mr. Blair showed British solidarity with the United States after
    the 9/11 terrorist attacks by being the first foreign leader to
    visit Ground Zero and attending President Bush's speech before a
    joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001;

-   "Mr. Blair displayed exemplary leadership as Prime Minister when the
    United Kingdom suffered its own terrorist attacks on July 7, 2005,
    when suicide bombers killed 52 people traveling on London's public
    transportation system;

-   "the United Kingdom has been a steadfast ally to the United States
    in the Global War on Terror as it is the second largest contributor
    of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

-   "on July 17, 2003, Mr. Blair was awarded the Congressional Gold
    Medal that declared 'Congress finds that Prime Minister Tony Blair
    of the United Kingdom has clearly demonstrated, during a very trying
    and historic time for our two countries, that he is a staunch and
    steadfast ally of the United States of America'."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 416 was introduced on May 17,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no
further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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.

**S. 801 --- A bill to designate a United States courthouse located in
Fresno, California, as the "Robert E. Coyle United States Courthouse"
*(Boxer, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S. 801 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 801 would designate a United States
courthouse located in Fresno, California, as the "Robert E. Coyle United
States Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the state of
California website, Robert E. Coyle was born in Fresno, California, in
1930, and lived there his entire life before attending law school at the
Hastings College of law. From 1956 -- 1958 Coyle served as deputy
district attorney in Fresno. Coyle went into private practice in 1958,
and remained there until 1996 when he became a judge for U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of California.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 801 was introduced on April 16,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of S. 801 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.Res. 505 --- Recognizing the innumerable contributions of the
recreational boating community and the boating industry to the
continuing prosperity and affluence of the United States *(Klein,
D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 505 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 505 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "the recreational boating community and the boating industry of the
    United States should be commended for their innumerable
    contributions to the economy of the United States, the well-being of
    United States citizens, and responsible environmental stewardship of
    the marine resources of the United States; and

-   "the President should issue a proclamation calling on the people of
    the United States to observe National Boating Day with appropriate
    programs and activities."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the boating community in the United States includes over 73,000,000
    individuals, generates more than \$39,000,000,000 annually in the
    United States economy, and provides jobs for 380,000 citizens of the
    United States;

-   "boaters often serve as stewards of the marine environment of the
    United States, educating future generations of the value of these
    resources, and preserving such resources for such generations\'
    enjoyment;

-   "there are approximately 1,400 active boat builders in the United
    States, using materials and services contributed from all 50 States;

-   "boating, as an activity, provides opportunities for families to be
    together, appeals to all age groups, and has a beneficial effect on
    the physical fitness and scholastic performance of those who
    participate; and

-   "July 1, 2007, would be an appropriate day to establish as National
    Boating Day."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 505 was introduced on June
20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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. 2011--- To designate the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as
the "George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse"
*(Ross, D-AR)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2011 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2011 would designate the Federal
building and United States courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the "George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and
United States Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Arkansas News
Bureau, George Howard Jr. was born in 1925 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. At
the age of 18, Howard joined the Navy and served during World War II.
Following his return, Howard received a law degree from the University
of Arkansas, Fayetsville, where he became the first black student to
live on campus. After a long legal career, Howard became the first black
justice to serve on the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1977, and went on to
serve on the U.S. District Court in Arkansas

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2011 was introduced on April
24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings
and Emergency Management. The subcommittee held a mark up on May 17,
2007, and reported the bill to the full committee by voice vote. On May
23, 2007, the full committee marked up the bill and reported it by voice

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2011 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.Res. 361 --- Recognizing and honoring Jack Valenti and expressing
the condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on his
death *(Watson, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 361 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 361 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "recognizes Jack Valenti as one of the greatest contributors to the
    motion picture industry;

-   "honors Jack Valenti for his service to his country, tremendous
    accomplishments, and contributions to the industry and to the
    nation; and

-   "extends its deepest condolences to the family of Jack Valenti."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas on September 5, 1921, and
    resided in Washington, DC and Beverly Hills, California;

-   "Jack Valenti graduated from the University of Houston with a
    Bachelor of Arts and a M.B.A from Harvard University;

-   "Jack Valenti served as special assistant to President Lyndon B.
    Johnson;

-   Jack Valenti was the distinguished president of the Motion Picture
    Association of America for 38 years;

-   "Jack Valenti was a trusted presidential advisor, a war hero and an
    author who was a pioneer in the American film industry;

-   "Jack Valenti was a loving husband to his wife, Mary Margaret, and
    exceptional father to his three children, Alexandra, John and
    Courtenay;

-   "Jack Valenti's spirit touched everyone he encountered whether in
    his political career or in his time spent with the Motion Picture
    Association;

-   "Jack Valenti revolutionized the movie industry through the creation
    of a voluntary movie ratings system that has endured to this day;

-   "Jack Valenti's vision for the movie industry has stood the test of
    time and provided guidance for families in their movie viewing
    experiences as well as safeguards for our filmmakers;

-   "the vision and character Jack Valenti brought to the industry will
    be gravely missed; and

-   "on April 26, 2007, Jack Valenti passed away, prompting friend and
    confidant Dan Glickman to say 'Jack was a showman, a gentleman, an
    orator, and a passionate champion of this country, its movies, and
    the enduring freedoms that made both so important to this world. He
    also embodied the theatricality of our industry with his conviction,
    quick wit and boundless energy. In a very real sense, he was the
    ultimate leading man'."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 361 was introduced on May 1,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which held a mark up and reported the resolution by voice vote on June
12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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. 189 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" should be established
*(Sanchez , D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 189 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 189 would express the House of
Representatives that, "there should be established a 'Welcome Home
Vietnam Veterans Day' to honor those members of the United States Armed
Forces who served in Vietnam."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the Vietnam War was fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975, and
    involved North Vietnam and the Viet Cong in conflict with United
    States Armed Forces and South Vietnam;

-   "members of the United States Armed Forces began serving in an
    advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961;

-   "as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incidents on August 2 and 4,
    1964, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
    (Public Law 88-408), on August 7, 1964, which effectively handed
    over war-making powers to President Johnson until such time as
    'peace and security' had returned to Vietnam;

-   "by the end of 1965, there were 80,000 United States troops in
    Vietnam, and by 1969 a peak of approximately 543,000 troops was
    reached;

-   "on January 27, 1973, the Treaty of Paris was signed, which required
    the release of all United States prisoners-of-war held in North
    Vietnam and the withdrawal of all United States Armed Forces from
    South Vietnam;

-   "on March 30, 1973, the United States Armed Forces completed the
    withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam;

-   "more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost
    their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000 members of the Armed
    Forces were wounded;

-   "in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in the
    District of Columbia to commemorate those members of the United
    States Armed Forces who died or were declared missing-in-action in
    Vietnam;

-   "members of the United States Armed Forces who served bravely and
    faithfully for the United States during the Vietnam War were caught
    upon their return home in the crossfire of public debate about the
    involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War;

-   "the establishment of a 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day' would be
    an appropriate way to honor those members of the United States Armed
    Forces who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War; and

-   "March 30 would be an appropriate day to establish as 'Welcome Home
    Vietnam Veterans Day'."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 189 was introduced on
February 16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark up and reported the resolution by
voice vote on June 12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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.Con.Res. 142 --- Expressing the sense of the Congress that there
should be established a National Pet Week (Shays, R-CT)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 142 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 142 would express the House of
Representatives that,

-   "there should be established a National Pet Week; and

-   "the people of the United States should observe National Pet Week
    with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "May 6 to May 12, 2007, marks 26th anniversary of 'National Pet
    Week', sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and
    the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association;

-   "animals and pets give companionship and pleasure in daily living,
    share the homes of nearly 69,000,000 individuals or families in the
    United States, and provide special benefits to elderly persons and
    children;

-   "the people of the United States have a firm commitment to promote
    responsible care of animals and pets and guard against cruel and
    irresponsible treatment;

-   "teaching kindness and respect for all living animals through
    education in schools and communities is essential to the basic
    values of a humane and civilized society;

-   "the people of the United States are grateful to the veterinary
    medical profession for providing preventive and emergency medical
    care and assistance to animals, spaying and neutering animals to
    combat overpopulation, and contributing to the education of animal
    owners; and

-   "the people of the United States are indebted to animal protection
    organizations, State humane organizations, and local animal care and
    control agencies for promoting respect for animals and pets,
    educating children about humane attitudes, and caring for lost,
    unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 142 was introduced in the
House on May 3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark up and reported the resolution by
voice vote on June 12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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. 2139 --- FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act
(*Donnelly, D-IN)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

[]{.mark}

**[Summary:]{.underline}** H.R. 2139 amends the National Housing Act to
modify the Federal Housing Authority's (FHA's) loan guarantee program
for manufactured housing (i.e. mobile homes). The bill would eliminate
the current cap on FHA's exposure on manufactured housing loan
guarantees of 10 percent of the value of a lender's portfolio and allow
FHA to guarantee 90 percent of an individual loan. According to CBO,
"this change would greatly expand government liability under the
program." This is an attempt to establish a secondary lending market in
the manufactured housing arena by encouraging Ginne Mae to securitize
loans.

The bill also increases the loan limits on manufactured housing from
\$48,000 to \$68,040 and directs the Secretary to adjust the limits for
inflation each year. In addition, H.R. 2139 allows FHA to charge
up-front premiums of 2.25 percent (up from 1 percent) and 1 percent
annually to offset the cost of expected defaults.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the committee
report, since the early 1990s, the number of loans for manufactured
housing (which costs an average of \$60,000) has dropped from 30,000 to
1,500. Financing options are somewhat limited, with only two private
lenders currently participating in the FHA program and no secondary
market in existence. CBO estimates that the 11 million manufactured
homes currently in the U.S. are financed through personal loans.

[]{.mark}

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2139 was introduced on May 3,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which held a
mark up on May 23, 2007. On June 21, 2007, the bill was reported, as
amended,

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the cost of the
bill is uncertain, resulting "in costs or savings of less than \$500,000
a year" (subject to appropriations). Furthermore, in a study requested
last year by RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), CBO stated that current
budget rules understate the cost of federal credit programs, such as FHA
loan programs, in part by failing to account for market risk and
separately listing administrative expenses.

> \[Current budget rules\] understate the cost of FHA guarantees
> relative to that of other federal spending programs....For example, a
> proposal to spend \$2 billion per your for vouchers to permit
> high-risk first-time home buyers to purchase private mortgage
> insurance would have a budget cost of \$10 billion over a five-year
> period, whereas the fiscally equivalent alternative of operating the
> \[FHA\] program under current policy would be shown in the budget as
> having net savings of \$1.8 billion for that same period.
>
> Source:
> [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/74xx/doc7412/07-17-FHA.pdf]{.underline}

[]{.mark}

As a result, while the CBO cost estimate may suggest "savings" from
expanding the FHA manufactured housing loan program, H.R. 2139's actual
burden to the taxpayer is far greater.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: The bill expands a federal loan program.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-]{.underline}**

**[Sector Mandates]{.underline}?**: No.

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Financial Services
Committee cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, Clause
1 (relating to the general welfare of the United States) and Clause 3
(relating to the power to regulate interstate commerce).

[]{.mark}

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

**H.Res. 477 --- Recognizing National Homeownership Month and the
importance of homeownership in the United States (Miller, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 477 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 477 would express the House of
Representatives that,

-   "fully supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership
    Month; and

-   "recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong
    communities and families."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the President of the United States has issued a proclamation
    designating the month of June 2007 as National Homeownership Month;

-   "the national homeownership rate in the United States has reached a
    record high of almost 70 percent and more than half of all minority
    families are homeowners;

-   "the people of the United States are one of the best-housed
    populations in the world;

-   "owning a home is a fundamental part of the American dream and is
    the largest personal investment many families will ever make;

-   "homeownership provides economic security for homeowners by aiding
    them in building wealth over time and strengthens communities
    through a greater stake among homeowners in local schools, civic
    organizations, and churches;

-   "creating affordable homeownership opportunities requires the
    commitment and cooperation of the private, public, and nonprofit
    sectors, including the Federal Government and State and local
    governments; and

-   "the current laws of the United States, such as the American Dream
    Downpayment Act, encourage homeownership and should continue to do
    so in the future."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 477 was introduced on June
11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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. 1065 --- Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act *(Moore, D-KS)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

[]{.mark}

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1065 attempts to reform the regulatory
structure for nonadmitted insurance, also known as "surplus lines,"
which are insurance policies sold to cover specialized risks for which
the standard market does not offer policies (earthquakes, terrorism,
product liability, etc.). The bill states that only the home state
(where the principal place of business is maintained) of an insured may
charge a premium tax for nonadmitted insurance. In addition, states
would be encouraged to enter into a compact to share the premium taxes
collected by the insured's home state and adopt a nationwide, uniform
procedure for the reporting, paying, and collecting of such taxes. Under
current law, nonadmitted insurance purchasers are often double taxed, as
different states have different assessment formulas and insurance
policies often must cover multiple states.

H.R. 1065 similarly states that the statutory and regulatory
requirements of the insured's home state will govern alone (all
regulations of a non-home state are preempted), and no state, other than
an insured's home state, would be permitted to require a broker to be
licensed to sell nonadmitted insurance in their state. Currently,
brokers often have to maintain as many as 50 different licenses. H.R.
1065 requires that states impose uniform eligibility requirements in
conformance with the Non-Admitted Insurance Model Act. GAO would be
required to study the effect of H.R. 1065's provisions on the
nonadmitted insurance market and submit its findings to Congress.

The legislation also attempts to reform the regulatory structure for
reinsurance (insurance for insurance companies). H.R. 1065 ensures that
no state may deny a "credit" for reinsurance to a primary insurer (or
ceding insurer) who is domiciled in another state if that state is
properly accredited by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners (NAIC). Currently, a ceding insurer can receive a credit
for purchasing reinsurance and therefore either reduce its liabilities
or increase its assets on its financial statements. However, some states
have been refusing to accept the credits given to companies in their
state of domicile. H.R. 1065 preempts states' ability to refuse the
credits of other states, as it would their ability to impose laws and
regulations that further restrict the ceding insurer. Such authority
would rest solely with the state of domicile. Furthermore, the bill
provides the state of domicile (if accredited) with the authority to
regulate the financial solvency standards of a reinsurer.

[]{.mark}

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1065 was introduced on February
15, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services. On April
11, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises, which took no official
action.

[]{.mark}

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 1065 is not
available. However, a score for H.R. 5637, a nearly identical bill
passed in the 109^th^ Congress, states that the bill would increase
federal revenues by \$5-10 million per year between 2008-2016, since the
bill prohibits states from taxing certain insurance products which in
turn reduces federal tax deductions. The bill would have no significant
impact on direct spending.

[]{.mark}

**[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-]{.underline}**

**[Sector Mandates?]{.underline}**: Yes. By preempting states from
taxing and regulating insurance products issued to companies who are
principally located in other states, H.R. 1065 includes an
intergovernmental mandate. However, according to CBO, the costs to state
governments of complying with this mandate would fall under the annual
threshold for intergovernmental mandates established by the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although a Committee Report
citing constitutional authority for H.R. 1065 is not available, a
committee report for a nearly identical bill (H.R. 5637) cite
constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the
Constitution ("to regulate commerce...among the several states").

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

**H.R. 2286 --- Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007 *(Wexler, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2286 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2286 would prohibit federal judges from
forcing defendants to forfeit their bail bonds for any reason other than
failure to appear at a court date. Judges would be allowed to refuse or
revoke bail at any time, but unable to forfeit the bond money unless the
defendant failed to appear. The bill would amend the Federal Rules of
Criminal Procedure to grant that if a defendant fails to appear before
the court the court shall declare a forfeiture of the bail. Currently a
judge can forfeit a defendant's bond money for a breach of any condition
of bail.

The bill lists the following findings explaining the need for
legislation:

-   "Historically, the sole purpose of bail in the United States was to
    ensure the defendant's physical presence before a court. The bail
    bond would be declared forfeited only when the defendant actually
    failed to appear as ordered. Violations of other, collateral
    conditions of release might cause release to be revoked, but would
    not cause the bond to be forfeited. This historical basis of bail
    bonds best served the interests of the Federal criminal justice
    system.

-   "Currently, however, Federal judges have merged the purposes of bail
    and other conditions of release. These judges now order bonds
    forfeited in cases in which the defendant actually appears as
    ordered but he fails to comply with some collateral condition of
    release. The judges rely on Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 46(f)
    as authority to do so.

-   "Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 46(e) has withstood repeated
    court challenges. In cases such as United States v. Vaccaro, 51 F.3d
    189 (9th Cir. 1995), the rule has been held to authorize Federal
    courts specifically to order bonds forfeited for violation of
    collateral conditions of release and not simply for failure to
    appear. Moreover, the Federal courts have continued to uphold and
    expand the rule because they find no evidence of congressional
    intent to the contrary, specifically finding that the provisions of
    the Bail Bond Act of 1984 were not intended to supersede the rule.

-   "As a result, the underwriting of bonds for Federal defendants has
    become virtually impossible. Where once the bail agent was simply
    ensuring the defendant\'s physical presence, the bail agent now must
    guarantee the defendant\'s general good behavior. Insofar as the
    risk for the bail agent has greatly increased, the industry has been
    forced to adhere to strict underwriting guidelines, in most cases
    requiring full collateral. Consequently, the Federal criminal
    justice system has been deprived of any meaningful bail bond
    option."

The bill also lists the following purposes of the legislation:

-   "to restore bail bonds to their historical origin as a means solely
    to ensure the defendant's physical presence before a court; and

-   "to grant judges the authority to declare bail bonds forfeited only
    where the defendant actually fails to appear physically before a
    court as ordered and not where the defendant violates some other
    collateral condition of release."

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 2286 was introduced on May 10,
2007, and referred to House Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on
Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on June 1, 2007. On June 12,
2007 the subcommittee held a mark up and the bill was sent to the full
committee by voice vote. The next day the full committee considered the
bill and reported it by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2286 is not
available, but the legislation does not authorize any funds.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110-208
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 1281 --- Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention
Act of 2007 *(Emanuel, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R.1281 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1281 would create a new federal crime
for giving false information regarding a federal election with the
intent to mislead and prevent someone from voting. Intentionally
misinforming voters with the intent of preventing them from voting would
be penalized by up to five years in prison and a fine of no more than
\$250,000. The bill would also increase the penalty for voter
intimidation from on year in prison to five.

H.R.1281 defines a "federal election" as any election, run-off, or
primary for the office of president, vice president, presidential
elector, senator, representative, or delegate. "Election related
information" is defined as any information concerning the time, place,
or procedure for voting and any information about voting eligibility
qualifications. The bill would also require the Attorney General, the
Federal Communications Commission and the Election Assistance Commission
to collaborate on a report to Congress within 180 regarding voter
deception and intimidation.

As a result of the changes in current law, H.R. 1281 would stiffen
penalties against illegal aliens who vote and anyone that encourages or
organizes illegal aliens to vote in a federal election.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110-101 lists
several instances of intentional voter intimidation and misinformation
that have taken place in recent years.

-   "In 2002, flyers stating voters could cast their ballots 3 days
    after the election 'if the weather is bad' were distributed in New
    Orleans public housing complexes.

-   "In 2004, just weeks before the presidential election, some Lake
    County voters in Ohio received letters, printed on falsified Lake
    County Board of Elections letterhead, informing them that their
    registrations were illegal and that they would be unable to vote.

-   "Also in 2004, voters in Milwaukee's African American neighborhoods
    received flyers from the fictional 'Milwaukee Black Voters League'
    falsely claiming that individuals could be found ineligible to vote
    due to traffic violations, the criminal records of family members,
    or voting in a previous election during the year

-   "In 2006, eligible Latino voters in Orange County, California,
    received mailings from the 'California Coalition for Immigration
    Reform,' falsely warning them in Spanish that 'if you are an
    immigrant, voting in a Federal election is a crime that can result
    in incarceration.'

-   "In 2006, certain candidates in Maryland distributed fliers in
    predominantly African-American neighborhoods that falsely claimed
    that the candidates had been endorsed by their opponents' party and
    by prominent African American figures."

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R.1281 was introduced on March 1,
2007, and referred to House Committee on the Judiciary, which held a
mark up and reported the bill, as amended, on March 29, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1281 would
cost less than \$500,000 annually to implement this legislation,
including costs to prepare the reports and regulations required by the
bill. Any such costs would be subject to the availability of
appropriated funds

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes. It creates a new federal crime for
providing false information regarding an election and increases the
penalties for voter intimidation.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report 110-101
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 4, the
authority to author writs of election.

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

**H.R. 366 --- To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the "Ernest Childers Department
of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic" (Sullivan, R-OK)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 366 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 366 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the "Ernest
Childers Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Associated
Press, Ernest Childers was a born in Broken Arrow, Okla., in 1918.
Childers joined the Army prior to World War II, and during the war
received numerous citations for valor, including the Medal of Honor.

According the Medal of Honor citation, on April 8, 1944;

> "Lt. Childers previously had just suffered a fractured instep he, with
> 8 enlisted men, advanced up a hill toward enemy machinegun nests. The
> group advanced to a rock wall overlooking a cornfield and 2d Lt.
> Childers ordered a base of fire laid across the field so that he could
> advance. When he was fired upon by 2 enemy snipers from a nearby house
> he killed both of them. He moved behind the machinegun nests and
> killed all occupants of the nearer one. He continued toward the second
> one and threw rocks into it. When the two occupants of the nest rose
> up, he shot one. The other was killed by one of the eight enlisted
> men. 2d Lt. Childers continued his advance toward a house farther up
> the hill, and single-handed, captured an enemy mortar observer."

In 2005, Childers passed away in his home state of Oklahoma.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 366 was introduced on January
10, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took
no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 366 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.R. 2546 --- To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center in Asheville, North Carolina, as the "Charles George Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center" *(Shuler, D-NC)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2546 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2546 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina, as the
"Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Born in Whittier, North
Carolina, in 1932, Charles George was a posthumous recipient of the
Medal of Honor for his bravery in action during the Korean War.
According to his Medal of Honor citation,

> **"**He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy
> and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope
> of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar
> and machinegun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the
> advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill,
> leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand
> combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion
> of the assignment, he and 2 comrades remained to cover the withdrawal.
> While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled
> a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning to one
> comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full
> knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the
> grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously
> wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which
> would divulge the position of his companions. The two soldiers
> evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he
> succumbed to his wound."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2546 was introduced on May 24,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2546 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.R. 2602 --- To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical
facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as the "Oscar G. Johnson Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility" *(Stupak, D-MI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2602 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2602 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs medical facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan, as the
"Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Congressional
Quarterly, "U.S. Army Sergeant Oscar G. Johnson served with the 363d
Infantry in fighting against the German army in Italy in 1944. Johnson's
unit was involved in a major offensive to break the German's "gothic
line" near Scarperia. By his heroic stand and utter disregard for
personal safety, Johnson was responsible in large part for defeating the
enemy\'s attempts to turn his unit's exposed left flank. For his
actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Johnson also
served in the Michigan Army National Guard from 1959 to 1964 and was
honorably discharged as a Chief Warrant Officer Four." Johnson died in
1998.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2602 was introduced on June 6,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2602 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**S. 229 --- A bill to redesignate a Federal building in Albuquerque,
New Mexico, as the "Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center" (Domenici, R-NM)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S. 229 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 229 would redesignate a Federal building
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the "Raymond G. Murphy Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Raymond G. Murphy was born on
January 14, 1930 in Pueblo, Colorado. In 1951, Murphy entered Office
Candidate School and was given the rank of 2^nd^ Lieutenant. In 1952
Murphy left to fight in the Korean War, where he won the Congressional
Medal of Honor.

According to his citation;

> "Although painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy mortar shell
> while leading his evacuation platoon in support of assault units
> attacking a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched hostile force
> occupying commanding ground, Second Lieutenant Murphy steadfastly
> refused medical aid and continued to lead his men up a hill through a
> withering barrage of hostile mortar and small-arms fire, skillfully
> maneuvering his force from one position to the next and shouting words
> of encouragement.  Undeterred by the increasing intense enemy fire, he
> immediately located casualties as they fell and made several trips up
> and down the fire-swept hill to direct evacuation teams to the
> wounded, personally carrying many of the stricken Marines to safety.
> When reinforcements were needed by the assaulting elements, Second
> Lieutenant Murphy employed part of his Unit as support and, during the
> ensuing battle, personally killed two of the enemy with his pistol."

Murphy died in April at the age of 77.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 229 passed in the Senate by
unanimous consent on May 13, 2007. On May 16, 2007, it was received in
the House and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took
no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of S. 229 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.Res. 507 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Save for
Retirement Week *(Schwartz, D-PA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 507 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 507 would express that the House of
Representatives, "supports the goals and ideals of National Save for
Retirement Week, including raising public awareness of the various
tax-preferred retirement vehicles."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Americans are living longer and the cost of retirement continues to
    rise, in part because the number of employers providing retiree
    health coverage continues to decline, and retiree health care costs
    continue to increase at a rapid pace;

-   "Social Security remains the bedrock of retirement income for the
    great majority of the people of the United States, but was never
    intended by Congress to be the sole source of retirement income for
    families;

-   "many workers may not be aware of their options for saving for
    retirement or may not have focused on the importance of, and need
    for, saving for their own retirement;

-   "all workers, including public- and private-sector employees,
    employees of tax-exempt organizations, and self-employed
    individuals, can benefit from increased awareness of the need to
    save adequate funds for retirement and the availability of
    tax-preferred savings vehicles to assist them in saving for
    retirement; and

-   "October 21 through October 27, 2007, has been designated as
    'National Save for Retirement Week'."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: Reportedly, H.Res. 507 will be
introduced on Monday, June 25, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

**[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.

**\###**