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# Legislative Bulletin..........................................March 13, 2007

**Contents:**

> **H.R. 1003**---To amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring
> Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on
> Public Diplomacy
>
> **H.Res. 107**---Calling for the immediate and unconditional release
> of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah
>
> **H.Res. 64**---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that the Government of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending
> charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
>
> **H.Res. 228**---Recognizing the 186^th^ anniversary of the
> independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy
>
> **H.Res. 230**---Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of
> Rome signed on March 25, 1957, which was a key step in creating the
> European Union, and reaffirming the close and mutually beneficial
> relationship between the United States and Europe
>
> **H.Res. 222** --- Expressing the support of the House of
> Representatives for the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10,
> 1998, as a blueprint for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, and for
> other purposes
>
> **H.R. 478** ---To designate the Federal building and United States
> courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the
> "Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse"
>
> **H.R. 429** --- To designate the United States courthouse located at
> 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey
> United States Courthouse"
>
> **H.R. 430** --- To designate the United States bankruptcy courthouse
> located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Conrad
> Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse"
>
> **H.R. 1045** --- To designate the Federal building located at 210
> Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the "Neal Smith Federal
> Building"

H.R. 1003---To amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of
1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public
Diplomacy (*Watson, D-CA*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, March 13^th^, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1003 would extend the expiration date of
the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy (22 U.S.C.
6553) from October 1, 2006, to October 1, 2009.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The United States Advisory
Commission on Public Diplomacy (22 U.S.C. 1469) was established in 1948
to assess the degree to which "the scholarly integrity and nonpolitical
character of the educational and cultural exchange activities vested in
the Director of the United States Information Agency have been
maintained," as well as the attitudes of foreign scholars and
governments regarding such activities. In other words, the Commission is
charged with overseeing U.S. Government activities aimed at educating
and influencing foreign nations.

The Commission consists of seven Senate-confirmed members who each serve
three-year terms.

To learn more about the Commission, visit this webpage:
<http://www.state.gov/r/adcompd/>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On February 12, 2007, the bill was
referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which, three days later,
marked up and ordered the bill reported to the full House by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO estimates that the legislation
would authorize about \$300,000 a year through the end of FY2009.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: No, the bill would extend an existing
commission.

**[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}**: Though the bill
contains no earmarks, and there's no accompanying committee report, the
earmarks rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a)) does not apply, by
definition, to legislation considered under suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718

H.Res. 107---Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of
Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah (*Ackerman, D-NY*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, March 13^th^, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 107 would resolve that the House:

-   "demands that\--

> \--Hamas immediately and unconditionally release Israeli soldier Gilad
> Shalit;
>
> \--Hezbollah accept the mandate of United Nations Security Council
> Resolution 1701 (2006) by immediately and unconditionally releasing
> Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and
>
> \--Hezbollah and Hamas accede to the most basic standards of
> humanitarian conduct and allow prompt access to the Israeli captives
> by competent medical personnel and representatives of the
> International Committee of the Red Cross;

-   "expresses\--

> \--its vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare and
> survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with
> secure borders;
>
> \--its strong support and deep interest in achieving a resolution of
> the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and
> independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside of the State
> of Israel;
>
> \--its ongoing concern and sympathy for the families of Gilad Shalit,
> Ehud Goldwasser, and Eldad Regev; and
>
> \--its full commitment to seek the immediate and unconditional release
> of the Israeli captives; and

-   "condemns\--

> \--Hamas and Hezbollah for the cross border attacks and kidnappings
> which precipitated weeks of intensive armed conflict between Israel,
> Hezbollah, and armed Palestinian groups; and
>
> \--Iran and Syria, the primary state sponsors of global terrorism and
> the patrons of Hezbollah and Hamas, for their ongoing support for
> international terrorism."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: As the resolution notes, on
June 25, 2006, the terrorist entity Hamas and affiliated terrorists
crossed into Israel from Lebanon to attack a military post, killing two
soldiers and wounding a third, Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped. On July
12, 2006, Hezbollah terrorists crossed into Israel from Lebanon, killing
three Israeli soldiers on border patrol, wounding two, and kidnapping
Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Not only are these captives still being
held, but Hamas and Hezbollah are also withholding all information on
the health and welfare of the men they have kidnapped and refusing to
allow access by medical personnel and/or Red Cross employees.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1701 called for an end to Israeli-Lebanon hostilities last
summer that broke out in the wake of the kidnapping above. For more
information on UNSCR 1701, visit this webpage:
<http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8808.doc.htm>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On January 30, 2007, the bill was
referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which, on February 15^th^,
marked up and ordered the bill reported to the full House by voice vote.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: The Administration has
condemned the cross-border kidnappings:
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060712.html>.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution would authorize 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}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718

H.Res. 64---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
the Government of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending charges
against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury (Kirk, R-IL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, March 13^th^, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 64 would resolve a sense of the House
that the Government of Bangladesh should:

-   "immediately drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist
    Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury;

-   'immediately return all of Mr. Choudhury's confiscated possessions;
    and

-   "cease harassment and intimidation of Mr. Choudhury, take steps to
    protect Mr. Choudhury, and hold accountable those responsible for
    attacks against Mr. Choudhury."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The resolution notes that Salah
Uddin Shoaib Choudhury is a Bangladeshi journalist who, because of his
beliefs in an interfaith dialogue between Jews and Muslims and criticism
of Islamic extremism, is on trial for sedition, an offense punishable by
death. On November 29, 2003, Mr. Choudhury was arrested at Zia
International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on his way to board a flight
bound for Tel Aviv. His passport, money, and several personal items were
seized, and the police raided Mr. Choudhury's home and newspaper
offices, seizing files, computers, and other valuables.

On April 30, 2005, after intervention by the U.S. State Department and
congressional offices, Mr. Choudhury was released on bail. But on
September 18, 2006, a judge with reported ties to an Islamic extremist
party ruled that Mr. Choudhury would have to stand trial for sedition,
despite the Public Prosecutor's testimony in court days before that the
government did not have evidence and would not object to the charges
being dropped.

On October 5, 2006, Mr. Choudhury was attacked and severely beaten at
his newspaper offices by a large group of individuals, including
prominent members of the ruling Bangladesh National Party, just days
after police protection for him had been withdrawn. When Mr. Choudhury
reported the attack to the police, no action was taken.

To read a *Wall Street Journal* op-ed on this situation, visit this
webpage: <http://www.opinionjournal.com/wsj/?id=110009088>.

For more information on Mr. Choudhury's situation, visit this website:
<http://interfaithstrength.com/articles1.html>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On January 16, 2007, the bill was
referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which, on February 15^th^,
marked up and ordered the bill reported to the full House by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution would authorize 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}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718

H.Res. 228---Recognizing the 186^th^ anniversary of the independence of
Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy

(Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, March 13^th^, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 228 would resolve that the House:

-   "extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of
    Greece as they celebrate the 186^th^ anniversary of the independence
    of Greece;

-   "expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to
    which the people of Greece are committed; and

-   "notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider
    European region and in the community of nations since gaining its
    independence 186 years ago."

The resolution features a variety of findings that track the history of
Greek-American cooperation and mutual inspiration and concludes with:
"March 25, 2007, the National Day of Celebration of Greek and American
Democracy, marks the 186^th^ anniversary of the beginning of the
revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire and
celebrates the aspirations for democracy that the peoples of Greece and
the United States share."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Prior to 1821, the Ottoman
Empire had occupied Greece for nearly 400 years. The war for
independence continued until 1829, when Greece achieved victory.

For more information on Greece, visit this webpage:
<http://athens.usembassy.gov/relations/about_gr.htm>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On March 8, 2007, the resolution was
referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which took no subsequent
action.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: To view the President's
statement on Greek Independence Day last year, visit this webpage:
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060324-2.html>.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution would authorize 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}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718

H.Res. 230---Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
signed on March 25, 1957, which was a key step in creating the European
Union, and reaffirming the close and mutually beneficial relationship
between the United States and Europe (*Wexler, D-FL*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, March 13^th^, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 230 would resolve that the House:

-   "recognizes the historic significance of the Treaty of Rome on the
    occasion of the 50^th^ anniversary of its signing;

-   "commends the European Union and the member nations of the European
    Union for the positive role which the institution has played in the
    growth, development, and prosperity of contemporary Europe;

-   "recognizes the important role played by the European Union in
    fostering the independence, democracy, and economic development of
    the former Central European communist states following the end of
    the Cold War;

-   "acknowledges the vital role of the European Union in the
    development of the close and mutually beneficial relationship that
    exists between the United States and Europe;

-   "affirms that in order to strengthen the transatlantic partnership
    there must be a renewed commitment to regular and intensive
    consultations between the United States and the European Union; and

-   "joins with the European Parliament in agreeing to strengthen the
    transatlantic partnership by enhancing the dialogue and
    collaboration between the United States Congress and the European
    Parliament."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The resolution notes that "on
March 25, 1957, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Belgium,
the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed the Treaty of Rome to establish a
customs union, to create a framework to promote the free movement of
people, services, and capital among the member states, to support
agricultural growth, and to create a common transport policy...."

The European Union has expanded with the addition of the United Kingdom,
Denmark, and Ireland in 1973, Greece in 1981, Spain and Portugal in
1986, a unified Germany in 1990, Austria, Finland, and Sweden in 1995,
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta,
Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2004, and Bulgaria and Romania in
2007, making the European Union a body of 27 countries with a population
of over 450 million people.

On February 7, 1992, the leaders of the then-12 members of the European
Community signed the Treaty of Maastricht, establishing a common
European currency, the Euro, to be overseen by a common financial
institution, the European Central Bank. The Euro did not actually
circulate until 2002.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: Although the European Union consists
of 27 countries, only 13 of them currently use the Euro as their
currency. Learn more here:
<http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/euro/our_currency_en.htm>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On March 8, 2007, the resolution was
referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, which took no subsequent
action.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives
have expressed concerns with the concept of multinational governing
bodies and currencies.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution would authorize 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}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718

H.Res. 222 --- Expressing the support of the House of Representatives
for the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, as a blueprint
for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland, and for other purposes
(*McCarthy, D-NY*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 222 would resolve that:

-   "the House of Representatives\--

    -   reiterates its support for the Good Friday Agreement, signed on
        April 10, 1998, in Belfast, as a blueprint for a lasting peace
        in Northern Ireland;

    -   declares its support for the St. Andrews Agreement of October
        2006;

    -   commends British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach
        Bertie Ahern for their leadership and persistence in seeking a
        peaceful resolution in Northern Ireland; and

    -   commends all parties for abiding by the terms agreed to in the
        St. Andrews Agreement; and

-   "it is the sense of the House of Representatives that all political
    parties in Northern Ireland should\--

    -   agree to share power with all parties according to the
        democratic mandate of the Good Friday Agreement;

    -   meet all deadlines established by the St. Andrews Agreement; and

    -   commit to work in good faith with all the institutions of the
        Good Friday Agreement, which established the Northern Ireland
        Assembly and an inclusive Executive, the North-South Ministerial
        Council, and the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference,
        for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland."

The resolution would also list a number of findings, including the
following:

-   "the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, sets out a
    plan for the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and a
    devolved government in Northern Ireland on a stable and inclusive
    basis;

-   "the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have been suspended
    since 2002;

-   "the St. Andrews Agreement of October 2006 established a timetable
    for the restoration of a power-sharing government in Northern
    Ireland;

-   "on January 28, 2007, Sinn Fein held a party conference during which
    it declared its support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland
    and the criminal justice system, consistent with the terms of the
    St. Andrews Agreement;

-   "British Prime Minister Tony Blair called for elections in Northern
    Ireland to take place on March 7, 2007, in adherence to the timeline
    established in the St. Andrews Agreement; and

-   "the St. Andrews Agreement set a deadline of March 26, 2007."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 222 was introduced on March
3, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718.

H.R. 478 ---To designate the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the
"Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse"

*(Chandler, D-KY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 478 would designate the federal building
and the United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in
Lexington, Kentucky, as the "Scott Reed Federal Building and United
States Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, "Scott Reed was a prominent Central Kentucky Attorney, first
Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, and federal judge.  Born in
Lexington, Kentucky, on July 3, 1921, Scott Reed graduated with
distinction from the University of Kentucky. While in college, he was
Editor in Chief of the Kentucky Law Journal and awarded the order of
Coif, the highest academic award that can be given to a law graduate.
Reed went on to become the Chief Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals,
and in that role Judge Reed oversaw the passage of a constitutional
amendment that unified and modernized Kentucky\'s Court System.  As part
of the modernization, the Court of Appeals became the Kentucky Supreme
Court.  Reed was elected by his fellow Justices to be the first Chief
Justice of Kentucky.  Scott Reed was named to the University of Kentucky
College of Law Hall of Distinguished Alumni on April 11, 1980. Judge
Scott Reed passed away on February 17, 1994."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 478 was introduced on January
16, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote, on February 16, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The only costs associated with a
courthouse renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which
significantly affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee Report cites
constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution,
but fails to cite a specific clause.

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

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718.

H.R. 429 --- To designate the United States courthouse located at 225
Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey United
States Courthouse" *(Towns, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 429 would designate the United States
courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the
"Hugh L. Carey United States Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Committee
Report 110-022, Carey was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1919, and after
serving in the U.S. Army, served as the state chairman of the Young
Democrats of New York. Carey served in the House of Representatives from
1961 until 1974, and was well-known for his opposition to a New York
state death penalty. Carey was appointed in 1993, by President Clinton,
to the American Battle Monuments Commission.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 429 was introduced on January
11, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote, on February 16, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The only costs associated with a
courthouse renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which
significantly affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee Report cites
constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution,
but fails to cite a specific clause.

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

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718.

H.R. 430 --- To designate the United States bankruptcy courthouse
located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Conrad
Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse"

*(Towns, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 430 would to designate the United States
bankruptcy courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New
York, as the "Conrad Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
110-21, Duberstein was born in New York in 1915, and served in the U.S.
Army, where he earned a Purple Heart for his service. Following his
service in the war, Duberstien became an attorney and later a Judge. He
served as Chief Judge for the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court from
1984 until his death on November 18, 2005.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 430 was introduced on January
11, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote, on February 16, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The only costs associated with a
courthouse renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which
significantly affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee Report cites
constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution,
but fails to cite a specific clause.

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

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718.

H.R. 1045 --- To designate the Federal building located at 210 Walnut
Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the "Neal Smith Federal Building"
*(Boswell, D-IA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1045 would designate the Federal
building located at 210 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the "Neal
Smith Federal Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, Neal Edward Smith, who is 87 years old, served as a Member of
the House of Representatives from Iowa from 1959 to 1995, the longest
serving representative ever from Iowa. Before his service in the House,
Smith served in the Airforce during World War II, and his plane was shot
down during the war. He received a purple heard for his service.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1045 was introduced on January
11, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote, on February 16, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The only costs associated with a
courthouse renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which
significantly affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee Report cites
constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution,
but fails to cite a specific clause.

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

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718.