![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin.....................................February 25, 2008**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H. Res. 978**---Expressing support for the designation of the week
> of March 3-7, 2008, as "School Social Work Week" to promote awareness
> of the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the
> community as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as
> productive citizens
>
> **H. Res. 930**---Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and
> Technical Education Month"
>
> **H. Res. 961**---Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its
> service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States
>
> **H.Res. 944**---Honoring the service and accomplishments of
> Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37
> years of service on behalf of the United States
>
> **H.R.\_\_\_** ---To provide for the continued minting and issuance of
> certain \$1 coins in 2008

H. Res. 978---Expressing support for the designation of the week of
March 3-7, 2008, as "School Social Work Week" to promote awareness of
the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the community
as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as productive
citizens *(Kennedy, D-RI)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 978 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 25, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 978 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Honors and recognizes the contributions of school social workers to
    the success of students in schools across the Nation; and

-   "Encourages the people of the United States to observe 'School
    Social Work Week' with appropriate ceremonies and activities that
    promote awareness of the vital role of school social workers in
    schools, and the community as a whole, in helping students prepare
    for their future as productive citizens."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The School Social Work Association of America declared the week of
    March 3-7, 2008, 'School Social Work Week';

-   "The House of Representatives recognized the importance of school
    social work through the inclusion of school social work programs in
    the current authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education
    Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;

-   "There is a growing need for school districts to offer the mental
    health services that school social workers provide when working with
    families, teachers, principals, community agencies, and other
    entities to address the emotional, physical, and environmental needs
    so that students may achieve behavioral and academic success;

-   "Fewer than 1 in 5 of the 17,500,000 children in need of mental
    health services actually receive these services, and the President's
    New Freedom Commission on Mental Health indicates that school mental
    health programs improve educational outcomes by decreasing absences,
    decreasing discipline referrals, and improving academic achievement;

-   "School mental health programs are critical to early identification
    of mental health problems and in the provision of appropriate
    services when needed;

-   "The celebration of 'School Social Work Week' highlights the
    awareness of the vital role school social workers play in the lives
    of students in the United States."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 978 was introduced on
February 12, 2008, and 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. 930---Supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical
Education Month" *(Baird, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 930 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 25, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 930 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Supports the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education
    month;

-   "Recognizes the importance of career and technical education in
    preparing a well-educated and skilled workforce in America; and

-   "Encourages educators, counselors, and administrators to promote
    career and technical education as an option to students."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "There are over 15,000,000 secondary and postsecondary career and
    technical education students in the United States;

-   "Nationwide, there are over 10,000 secondary high schools and career
    tech centers and over 9,000 postsecondary institutions offering
    career and technical education programs;

-   "A competitive global economy requires workers trained in skilled
    professions;

-   "Career and technical education plays a crucial role in preparing a
    well-educated and skilled workforce in America;

-   "According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 75 percent of
    employers report severe conditions when trying to hire qualified
    workers and 40 percent say that applicants are poorly skilled;

-   "In 2006, Congress reauthorized with bipartisan support the Carl D.
    Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which provides states
    with Federal resources to support career and technical education
    programs; and

-   "The Association for Career and Technical Education has designated
    February as 'Career and Technical Education Month' to celebrate
    career and technical education across the country."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 930 was introduced on
January 17, 2008, and 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. 961---Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its service
to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States

(Young, R-AK)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 961 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 25, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 961 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "commends the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry of the Alaska Army
    National Guard upon its completion of deployment and brave service
    to the Commonwealth of Alaska and the citizens of the United States;
    and

-   "directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a
    copy of this resolution to the Adjutant General of the Alaska
    National Guard for appropriate display."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the 297th Infantry and the scout group of the Alaska Army National
    Guard deployment of almost 600 Alaskans was the largest deployment
    of the Alaska National Guard since World War II;

-   "the Alaskans of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry came from 80
    different communities across Alaska;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry included 75 soldiers from New
    York, Mississippi, Illinois, Georgia and Puerto Rico;

-   "the 586 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry were
    mobilized in July of 2006 and deployed to Camp Shelby, Mississippi;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry was deployed to Camp Virginia,
    Camp Navstar and Camp Buehring in Northern Kuwait;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry courageously performed route and
    perimeter security missions, mounted combat patrols and inspections
    and searches of vehicles going into Iraq from Kuwait, among other
    assignments;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry, over the course of 12 months in
    Kuwait and Iraq, inspected and searched over 30,000 semi-trucks;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry designed all force protection
    plans in northern Kuwait;

-   "the families of the members of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry
    have provided unwavering support while waiting patiently for their
    loved ones to return;

-   "the employers of members and family members of the 3rd Battalion,
    297th Infantry have displayed patriotism over profit, by keeping
    positions saved for the returning soldiers and supporting the
    families during the difficult days of this long deployment, and
    these employers are great corporate citizens through their support
    of members of the Armed Forces and their family members;

-   "the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry has performed admirably and
    courageously; gaining the gratitude and respect of Alaskans and all
    Americans; and

-   "members of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry received 3 Bronze
    Stars, 12 Meritorious Service Medals, 142 Army commendations and
    more than 200 Army Achievement Medals for their outstanding
    service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 961 was introduced on
February 6, 2008, and referred to the Committee on House Committee on
Armed Services where no further action was taken.\
\
**[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}**: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>

H.Res. 944---Honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant
General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of
service on behalf of the United States

*(Scott, D-GA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 944 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 25, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 944 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "honors Lieutenant General Honore for his 37 years of service on
    behalf of the United States;

-   "commends Lieutenant General Honore for his dedication and
    commitment to the Army and his leadership in the post-Katrina
    recovery effort; and

-   "recognizes Lieutenant General Honore as a soldier, commander, and
    leader and for displaying throughout his distinguished military
    service the highest levels of leadership, professional competence,
    integrity, and courage."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore is a native of Lakeland,
    Louisiana;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore graduated from Southern University and
    A&M College in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in vocational
    agriculture and, upon graduation, was commissioned as a Second
    Lieutenant in the United States Army;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore graduated from Troy State University with
    a master's degree in human resources and received an honorary
    doctorate in public administration from Southern University and A&M
    College;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore served in a number of infantry command
    positions in the Army, including overseas tours in Germany and as a
    commanding officer in the Second Infantry Division in Korea;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore saw action in Iraq and Kuwait during
    Operation Desert Storm;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore served as vice director for operations
    for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, District of Columbia;
    deputy commanding general and assistant commandant of the United
    States Army Infantry Center and School at Fort Benning, Georgia; and
    assistant division commander, maneuver/support for the First Calvary
    Division at Fort Hood, Texas;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore commanded the Standing Joint Force
    Headquarters\--Homeland Security;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore commanded the First United States Army,
    responsible for the training and deployment of 500,000 National
    Guardsmen and reserve service members;

-   "the awards and decorations of Lieutenant General Honore include the
    Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service
    Medal, the Legion of Merit with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze
    Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious
    Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army
    Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters;

-   "Lieutenant General Honore led the Joint Task Force Katrina
    following the hurricane's destruction of the Gulf Coast in 2005,
    where he commanded all active-duty troops from all military branches
    dedicated to the storm recovery operations; and

-   "Lieutenant General Honore and his wife Beverly raised four
    children, Stephanie, Kimberly, Stephen, and Michael, and their son
    Michael has served in Iraq as an Army sergeant."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 944 was introduced on January
28, 2008, and referred to the Committee on House Committee on Armed
Services where no further action was taken.\
\
**[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}**: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>

H.R. \_\_\_---To provide for the continued minting and issuance of
certain \$1 coins in 2008 *(Frank, D-MA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 25, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. \_\_\_ would allow the continued
production (through 2008) of the Sacagawea design dollar coin for
collectors purposes only (estimated to be 5-10 million coins). The bill
makes a technical correction to the recently enacted Native American \$1
Coin Act for which coins will be issued starting in 2009. That Act
removed authority of the U.S. Mint to continue production of the coin.
The correction in this bill would allow the U.S. Mint to issue proof
sets for collectors that include the old-design Sacagawea, dated for the
current calendar year of production. CBO has provided an informal
estimate to the Republican Financial Services Committee staff that the
bill would create a negligible credit against direct spending.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. \_\_\_ will be introduced
today, February 25, 2008.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. \_\_\_ is not
available.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Native American \$1 Coin
Act (P.L. 110-82) was passed in the House by voice vote on June 12,
2007, and passed in the Senate by unanimous consent on August 3, 2007,
with an amendment to change the effective date in order to have the
correct year on the coins.

According to the Financial Services Committee, "This bill is designed to
save taxpayers \$50-100 million a year by creating demand for
'Sacagawea-design' dollar coins which under current law must comprise
one-third of all US dollar coins minted annually. Modeled after the
popular 50-state quarter program, H.R. 2358 leaves the Sacagawea design
on the front of the coin, but changes the reverse each year to represent
different contributions of Native Americans to the United States."

Initially offered to the general public, the Sacagawea coin has
significantly decreased in mintage since it was produced. H.R. 2358 was
intended to spark interest in the coin by adding new, collectable
designs annually. The bill also reduced the percentage of Sacagawea
coins that are required to be made in order to make room for the new
Presidential series of one dollar coins.

According to the U.S. Mint and the CBO, coins are cheaper to use than
paper money, particularly since they stay in circulation thirty or forty
years, while the average dollar bill wears out after just eighteen
months. However, according to a PBS NewsHour report in 1997, surveys
have shown that 75 percent of the public prefers a paper dollar to a
coin and past efforts to encourage the public to use dollar coins have
not been successful. In March of 2002, after supplies outpaced demand
for the Sacagawea Golden Dollar \$1 coin, the U.S. Treasury halted
production.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: Currently, no House
Report exists.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>