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# Legislative Bulletin.................................................November 5, 2007

**Contents:**

**H.R. 1567---**Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007

**H.R. 2949---**Eurasia Foundation Act 2007

**H.Res. 379**---A resolution congratulating Nicolas Sarkozy on his
election to the presidency of France and welcoming President Sarkozy on
the occasion of his appearance before a Joint Meeting of Congress

**H.Res. 435**---Expressing concern relating to the threatening behavior
of the Iranian regime and its leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the
activities of terrorist organizations sponsored by that regime in Latin
America

**H.Con.Res. 236**---Recognizing the close relationship between the
United States and the Republic of San Marino

**H.Res. 550**---Congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second
millennium of Ethiopia, and for other purposes

**H.R. 513---**National Heroes Credit Protection Act

**H.Res. 770**---Expressing support for designation of a National
Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a
nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men
and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict

**H.Con.Res. 60**---Expressing support for the goals of Veterans Educate
Today's Students (VETS) Day, and for other purposes

**H.Res. 744**---Recognizing the contributions of Native American
veterans and calling upon the President to issue a proclamation urging
the people of the United States to observe a day in honor of Native
American veterans

**H.R. 797---**Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act

**S.J.Res. 7**---A joint resolution providing for the reappointment of
Roger W. Sant as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution

**S. 2206---**A bill to provide technical corrections to Public Law
109-116 (2 U.S.C. 2131a note) to extend the time period for the Joint
Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue
of Rosa

Parks, and for other purposes

H.R. 1567---Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007 *(Engel, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1567 would amend the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 to require the President to increase assistance to the World
Health Organization (WHO) to combat the worldwide spread of Tuberculosis
(TB). The bill would stipulate that it is the stated objective of the
United States, working through the WHO to reduce the number of TB and
disease burden from the 1990 baseline by half.

H.R. 1567 would require the President to give funding priority to
activities described in the WHO's ["Stop TB
Strategy."](http://www.who.int/tb/strategy/stop_tb_strategy/en/index.html)

To that end, H.R. 1567 would authorize \$400 million in FY 2008 and
\$550 million in FY 2009. Of those funds, \$70 million in FY 2008 and
\$100 million in FY 2009 would be earmarked for global tuberculosis
activities through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to findings listed in
the bill, TB is one of the largest infectious causes of death in adults
around the world. The disease kills more than 1.6 million people
annually or one person every second. TB is the predominant infectious
killer of people with a deficient immune system do to HIV, which is
often rampant in areas where TB is most devastating. The findings also
state that 80 percent of tuberculosis infections in the world occur in
just 22 countries. For example, China and India alone account for 36
percent of all the new TB cases each year. Individual TB infections can
be successfully treated and contained for a cost of approximately \$16
per day.

The WHO's "Stop TB Strategy" has the expressed goal of dramatically
reducing the "global burden of TB by 2015 in line with the Millennium
Development Goals and the Stop TB Partnership targets." Specifically,
the strategy has three following objectives:

-   Achieve universal access to high-quality diagnosis and
    patient-centered treatment.

-   Reduce the human suffering and socioeconomic burden associated with
    TB.

-   Protect poor and vulnerable populations from TB, TB/HIV and
    multidrug-resistant TB.

-   Support development of new tools and enable their timely and
    effective use.

The final goal of the strategy is to completely eradicated TB as a
public health problem worldwide by the year 2050.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1567 was introduced on March
19, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as
the Committee on Energy and Commence. On July 31, 2007, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs held a mark-up and passed the bill, as amended, by voice
vote. On October 15, 2007, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a
mark-up and reported [House Report 110 --
381](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr381):).

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 1567 authorizes \$950 million in new spending to
assist the World Health Organization 's TB programs.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1567 would
authorize \$400 million in FY 2008 and \$550 million in FY 2009 (subject
to appropriations).

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, the bill increases the federal
commitment to combat TB.

**[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}**: The Energy and
Commerce Committee, in [House Report 110 --
381](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr381):),
asserts that, "H.R. 1567 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Energy and Commerce
Committee, in [House Report 110 --
381](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr381):),
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 2949---Eurasia Foundation Act 2007 *(Wexler, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2949 would establish **a new federal
grant program** to assist the Eurasia Foundation for the purposes of:

-   promoting civil society, private enterprise, and sound public
    administration and policy in the former Soviet Union and in lending
    encouragement and assistance to local citizens in their own efforts
    to develop more open, just, and democratic societies;

-   strengthening indigenous institutions that foster national
    development, constructive social change, equitable economic growth,
    and cooperative international relationships that are fully
    consistent with and supportive of long-term United States interests
    in Eurasia; and

-   conducting programs in response to initiatives in the region that
    would be difficult or impossible for an official United States
    entity, and, as a result of its position in the Eurasia region, to
    respond quickly and flexibly to meet new opportunities.

In order to make such grants, the bill would authorize \$15 million in
FY 2008 and "such sums" as may be necessary annually in FY 2009 and FY
2010.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The Eurasia Foundation is a
private, non-profit corporation headquartered in Washington D.C. that
makes investments in former soviet nations in Eastern Europe and Western
Asia. According to [their website](http://www.eurasia.org/), the Eurasia
Foundation has invested over \$360 million through more than 8,000
grants and operating programs in former communist countries like
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the
Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and
Uzbekistan since 1992. Some of the Foundation's notable achievements
include, "creating the first independent loan program in Armenia,
funding the first independent higher education institution in
Uzbekistan, and developing independent news agencies in Moldova."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2949 was introduced on June 28,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up on October 23, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by
unanimous consent.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 2949 authorizes "such sums" to create a **new
federal grant program** for a private entity. In addition, the
legislation is not accompanied by a CBO score.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score is not yet available.
However, the bill would authorize at least \$15 million in FY 2008
(subject to appropriations).

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, it creates a new grant program to give
funds to the Eurasia Foundation.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A House Report citing
constitutional authority is not currently available. House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.Res. 379---A resolution congratulating Nicolas Sarkozy on his
election to the presidency of France and welcoming President Sarkozy on
the occasion of his appearance before a Joint Meeting of Congress (Poe,
R-TX)**

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 379 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "congratulates Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy on his election to the presidency
    of France and welcomes President Sarkozy on the occasion of his
    appearance before a Joint Meeting of Congress."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Marquis de Lafayette and the people of France offered
    unparalleled friendship to the people of the United States in their
    pursuit of freedom and democracy during the American Revolution;

-   "there are deep cultural ties between the American and French
    people, as exemplified by the large flow of visitors each year
    between the two nations, as well as extensive exchanges between
    United States and French academic institutions, museums, and sister
    cities;

-   "the United States is France's 6th largest export market, and its
    top export market outside of the European Union, and for the United
    States, France is its 9^th^ largest trading partner, and the United
    States is the largest foreign investor in France;

-   "the United States and France are working together to solve
    important international crises;

-   "Nicolas Sarkozy, upon winning the election to become the next
    President of France, said that the United States can count on France
    as a friend; and

-   "the people of the United States support any effort by the
    Governments of France and the United States to maintain and grow a
    spirit of friendship and cooperation."

**[Committee Action:]{.underline}** H.Res. 379 is expected to be
introduced on Monday, November 5, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** H.Res. 379 authorizes no
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of 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. 435---Expressing concern relating to the threatening behavior
of the Iranian regime and its leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the
activities of terrorist organizations sponsored by that regime in Latin
America**

***(Klein, D-FL)***

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 435 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "expresses concern over the emerging national security implications
    of the relationships between the leaders of Iran and regimes in the
    Western Hemisphere like Venezuela;

-   "expresses its continued support for the people of Iran and
    Venezuela as they strive for freedom, respect for human rights and
    civil liberties, democratic self-governance, and the establishment
    of the rule of law;

-   "supports the existing counterterrorism efforts of Latin American
    countries, including the successful counterterrorism efforts of the
    3+1 Group (consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and the United
    States);

-   "emphasizes the importance of eliminating Hizbollah's financial
    network in the tri-border region of South America where Brazil,
    Paraguay, and Argentina meet and throughout the Western Hemisphere;

-   "calls on the United States government to work with governments in
    the Western Hemisphere to pursue an antiterrorism campaign based on
    cooperation and constant vigilance;

-   "urges the United States Government to work bilaterally and
    multilaterally with countries in the Western Hemisphere to create
    antiterrorism legislation that would give governmental authorities
    new tools to take action against terrorist networks; and

-   "recommends that the President of the United States create more
    mechanisms for joint counterterrorism operations and intraregional
    information sharing among supportive countries in the Western
    Hemisphere, especially in light of Iran's increased involvement in
    the region."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Department of State has said that Iran is the 'most active
    state sponsor of terrorism;'

-   "in February 2006, the chairman of the Iranian legislative body
    announced plans to assist Venezuela with its nuclear program;

-   "in January 2007, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, made
    his second visit to Central and South America in 5 months to meet
    with Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, to visit Daniel Ortega,
    president of Nicaragua, and to attend the inauguration of Rafael
    Correa, president of Ecuador;

-   "Mr. Ahmadinejad and Mr. Chavez have announced plans for a
    \$2,000,000,000 shared fund to invest in projects in countries
    seeking to 'liberate themselves from the U.S. imperialist yoke';

-   "according to a Naval War College report, Hizbollah raises an
    estimated \$10,000,000 each year in the tri-border region of South
    America where Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet;

-   "Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and the United States have formed the
    3+1 Group, which has focused on the financing of terrorism, drug and
    arms trafficking, and border security, as well as the exchange of
    information, with the purpose of preventing terrorism and
    transnational crimes; and

-   "in November 2006, Brazil established a new Regional Intelligence
    Center in the tri-border region, dedicated to coordinating
    intelligence activities of the police forces of Argentina, Brazil,
    and Paraguay, and invited Argentina and Paraguay to send official
    representatives to the center."

**[Committee:]{.underline}** H.Res. 435 was introduced on May 23, 2007,
and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a mark-up
on October 23, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** H.Res 435 authorizes no
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of 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. 236---Recognizing the close relationship between the United
States and the Republic of San Marino (Dreier, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 236 would express the sense that
the Congress:

-   "recognizes the close relationship between the United States and the
    Republic of San Marino;

-   "expresses its deep gratitude to the Republic of San Marino for its
    close collaboration and support in issues of critical importance to
    our economic and national security interests; and;

-   "commemorates the first bilateral exchange of Ambassadors in the
    history of our long relationship."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Republic of San Marino is the oldest republic in the world;

-   "the Republic of San Marino was founded by those fleeing the
    religious persecution of the Roman Empire, and has adhered to the
    principles of tolerance and individual liberty throughout its
    history

-   "the United States and the Republic of San Marino have long held
    close ties based on common interests and common values;

-   "earlier this year, the United States and the Republic of San Marino
    upgraded their diplomatic relations to ambassador-level, and
    exchanged the first bilateral Ambassadors in our history;

-   "Paolo Rondelli, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and
    Plenipotentiary of the Republic of San Marino to the United States,
    presented his credentials to President Bush at a ceremony at the
    White House on July 25, 2007; and

-   "Ronald P. Spogli, the first Ambassador Extraordinary and
    Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of San Marino,
    presented credentials to the Captains Regent (co-Heads of State) in
    a ceremony in San Marino's Palazzo Publico on March 8, 2007."

**[Committee:]{.underline}** H.Con.Res. 236 was introduced on October
16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up on October 23, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by
unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** H.Con.Res. 236 authorizes no
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of 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. 550---Congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second
millennium of Ethiopia, and for other purposes *(Honda, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 550 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "congratulates the people of Ethiopia on the second millennium of
    Ethiopia;

-   "recognizes the long, rich history of Ethiopia;

-   "commends Ethiopia\'s contribution to peace and stability on the
    African continent through the role it played in the creation of the
    Organization of African Unity (OAU);

-   "recognizes the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and the
    United States;

-   "commends the organizers of the second millennium celebration in
    Ethiopia and the United States; and

-   "calls for a peaceful and jubilant celebration of the second
    millennium of Ethiopia."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the earliest known hominid, internationally known as Lucy and
    classified as the Australopithecus Afarensis, was found in Ethiopia;

-   "Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that was never colonized,
    with the exception of the 6 years of occupation by the Fascist
    government of Italy;

-   "in 615, the people of Ethiopia welcomed the followers of the
    Prophet Mohammed, including the Prophet's wife;

-   "in the 9th century, Ethiopians discovered coffee in what is now
    known as the Kaffa region;

-   "United States-Ethiopian relations were established on December 27,
    1903, by Emperor Menelik and President Theodore Roosevelt;

-   "since then, the Ethiopian-American community has grown to become
    the second largest African immigrant group in the United States;

-   "in 1908, colonial powers recognized Ethiopia's borders and
    sovereignty;

-   "in 1974, Emperor Haile Selassie was ousted from power through a
    military coup by a military junta known as the Derg;

-   "in May 1991, the brutal dictatorship of the Derg came to an end
    after a 17-year reign of terror;

-   "Ethiopia played an important role in the struggle for freedom for
    many African countries during the colonial period; and

-   "the 8th African Union Summit, held from January 29-30, 2007,
    officially declared the second Ethiopian millennium as the second
    African millennium."

**[Committee:]{.underline}** H. Res. 550 was introduced on July 16,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up on October 23, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by
unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** H. Res. 550 authorizes no
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of 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. 513---National Heroes Credit Protection Act *(Brady, D-PA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 513 would *require* any consumer credit
reporting agency to include a notation with a negative credit report of
nonpayment or late payment by an individual who has served or is
currently serving in the military. The notation would state that the
account is delinquent or paid slowly due to military service.

H.R. 513 would require any future or potential creditor to disregard a
credit report that includes such a notation. The notation would in no
way relieve the debt of service members.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 513 was introduced on January
17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. On March
3, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity, which held a mark-up on October 25, 2007, and referred the
bill to the full committee, as amended, by voice vote. The Committee on
Veterans' Affairs took no further official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score is not yet available.
However, H.R. 513 does not authorize any 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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A House Report citing
constitutional authority is not currently available. House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.Res. 770---Expressing support for designation of a National Veterans
History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide
project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who
served our nation in times of war and conflict (Porter, R-NV)**

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 770 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "recognizes 'National Veterans Awareness Week';

-   "supports the designation of a 'National Veterans History Project
    Week';

-   "calls on the people of the United States to interview at least one
    veteran in their families or communities according to guidelines
    provided by the Veterans History Project; and

-   "encourages local, State, and national organizations along with
    Federal, State, city and county governmental institutions to
    participate in support of the effort to document, preserve, and
    honor the service of American wartime veterans."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Veterans History Project was established by a unanimous vote of
    the United States Congress to collect and preserve the wartime
    stories of American veterans;

-   "Congress charged the American Folklife Center at the Library of
    Congress to undertake the Veterans History Project and to engage the
    public in the creation of a collection of oral histories that would
    be a lasting tribute to individual veterans and an abundant resource
    for scholars;

-   "there are 17,000,000 wartime veterans in America whose stories can
    educate people of all ages about important moments and events in the
    history of the United States and the world and provide instructive
    narratives that illuminate the meanings of 'service', 'sacrifice',
    'citizenship', and 'democracy';

-   "the Veterans History Project relies on a corps of volunteer
    interviewers, partner organizations, and an array of civic minded
    institutions nationwide who interview veterans according to the
    guidelines it provides;

-   "increasing public participation in the Veterans History Project
    will increase the number of oral histories that can be collected and
    preserved and increase the number of veterans it so honors; and

-   "'National Veterans Awareness Week' commendably preceded this
    resolution in the years 2005 and 2006.

**[Committee:]{.underline}** H. Res. 770 was introduced on October 23,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** H. Res. 770 authorizes no
expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of 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. 60---Expressing support for the goals of Veterans Educate
Today's Students (VETS) Day, and for other purposes *(Pallone, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 60 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 60 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes the importance of veterans to the United States;

-   "expresses support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today's
    Students Day;

-   "urges teachers, civic leaders, and veterans to carry out programs
    that educate children about the service of veterans and the
    sacrifices made by veterans and their families; and

-   "encourages the people of the United States to participate in local
    and national activities recognizing Veterans Educate Today's
    Students Day and other events that foster education about the
    importance of veterans to the Nation."

H.Con.Res. 60 lists the following findings:

-   "the United States has, in the course of its history, fought in many
    wars and conflicts to defend freedom and protect the interests of
    the Nation;

-   "millions of men and women have served the Nation in time of need as
    members of the Armed Forces;

-   "the service of veterans has been vital to the Nation, and the
    sacrifices made by veterans and their families should not be
    forgotten with the passage of time;

-   "children throughout the Nation would benefit from programs that
    provide education about veterans and that instill a patriotic
    appreciation of the sacrifices made by veterans to defend freedom
    and to protect the interests of the Nation;

-   "efforts are being made throughout the Nation to devote November 10,
    or another date as may be designated, to an event known as Veterans
    Educate Today's Students Day; and

-   "schools that participate in Veterans Educate Today's Students Day
    set aside a portion of the school day for the study, recognition,
    and appreciation of veterans."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 60 was introduced on
February 7, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, which took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 744---Recognizing the contributions of Native American veterans
and calling upon the President to issue a proclamation urging the people
of the United States to observe a day in honor of Native American
veterans**

**(Wilson, R-NM)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 744 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 744 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes all Native American veterans who have served the Nation
    with honor, pride, devotion, wisdom and strength for serving their
    country and protecting their homeland; and

-   "calls upon the President to issue a proclamation urging the people
    of the United States to observe a day honoring Native American
    veterans with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

H. Res. 744 lists the following findings:

-   "there are 195,871 Native American veterans in the United States;

-   "Native Americans have participated for over 200 years in United
    States military actions;

-   "the participation of Native Americans in the War of 1812, the Civil
    War, and the Spanish-America War was significant;

-   "in World War I, it is estimated that more than 12,000 Native
    Americans served the United States Armed Forces;

-   "more than 44,000 Native Americans served in the Armed Forces during
    World War II, in both the European and Pacific fronts, representing
    a substantial portion of the 350,000 Native Americans then living in
    the United States;

-   "Native Americans fought in the Korean conflict, and more than
    42,000 Native Americans fought in the Vietnam War, 90 percent of
    whom served as volunteers;

-   "Native Americans also provided significant contributions in the
    military operations in Grenada and Panama and the Persian Gulf War
    in 1980s and 1990s; and

-   "Native Americans should also be recognized for their participation
    in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 744 was introduced on October
15, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which
took no official action.

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

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

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

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

H.R. 797---Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act *(Baldwin, D-WI)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 797 would loosen the standard by which
the Department of Veterans' Affairs awards disability compensation to
veterans for loss of vision. H.R. 797 would require payment of
compensation for impairment of vision (which is currently defined as
blindness) to involve both eyes due to a service-connected and non
service-connected disability. H.R. 797 defines applicable impairment as
a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field of 20 degrees
or less.

In order to determine eligibility for veteran benefits and services,
H.R. 797 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide the
Secretary of Health and Human Services with information on individuals
under age 65 for comparison with the National Directory of New Hires for
income verification purposes. This provision also saves money,
offsetting the cost of the bill.

H.R. 797 would require that such independent verification of information
must be acquired before terminating, denying, or reducing a benefit or
service. In addition, H.R. 797 requires that the individual has the
opportunity to argue against any negative findings.

H.R. 797 extends, through June 30, 2009, the Veterans' Administration's
authority to provide an educational allowance to persons performing
qualifying work-study activities.

With regard to private cemetery burials of veterans, H.R. 797 authorizes
the Secretary, in lieu of furnishing a headstone or marker for the grave
of certain individuals buried in a private cemetery, to furnish a bronze
representation of the letter \"V\" to be attached to a headstone or
marker (furnished at private expense).

H.R. 797 also increases the assistance for veterans interred in
cemeteries other than national cemeteries by offering grants for the
operation and maintenance of state Veterans' cemeteries.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 797 was introduced February 5,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The bill
was reported out of the committee, as amended, by voice vote. On March
21, the bill passed the House under suspension of the rules by a vote of
424-0. On November 2, the Senate passed with bill, with an amendment, by
voice vote. Today, the House will vote on the bill with the Senate
amendment.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: No Statement of
Administration Position exists at this time.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO cost estimates,
H.R. 797 would decrease net direct spending for veterans' benefits by
less than \$500,000 in 2008, by \$13 million over the 2008-2012 period,
and by a net amount of \$15 million over the 2008-2017 period.

**[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}**: The Veterans' Affairs
Committee, in [House Report
110-57](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery.multi_dyna/2?cp110:./temp/~TSOPI3Zkc&sid=TSOPI3Zkc&item=2&sel=DOC&hd_count=2&xform_type=3&r_n=hr057.110&dbname=cp110&&boolquery=y&r_t=a&sort1_order=descending&sort1_parm=docid&maxdocs=5000&refer=reports.html&&),
asserts that, "H.R. 797 contains no earmarks, limited tax benefits, or
limited tariff benefits."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Veterans' Affairs
Committee, in [House Report
110-57](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery.multi_dyna/2?cp110:./temp/~TSOPI3Zkc&sid=TSOPI3Zkc&item=2&sel=DOC&hd_count=2&xform_type=3&r_n=hr057.110&dbname=cp110&&boolquery=y&r_t=a&sort1_order=descending&sort1_parm=docid&maxdocs=5000&refer=reports.html&&),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8. 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}**: Sarah Makin,
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-0718

**S.J.Res. 7---A joint resolution providing for the reappointment of
Roger W. Sant as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution *(Leahy, D-VT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S.J.Res. 7 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S.J.Res. 7 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "that, in accordance with section 5581 of the
Revised Statutes (20 U.S.C. 43), the vacancy on the Board of Regents of
the Smithsonian Institution, in the class other than Members of
Congress, occurring because of the expiration of the term of Roger W.
Sant of Washington, D.C., is filled by the reappointment of Roger W.
Sant, for a term of 6 years, effective October 25, 2007."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S.J.Res. 7 was introduced in the
Senate on March 8, 2007. On July 31, 2007, the Senate passed S.J.Res 7
by unanimous consent. On August 1, 2007 S.J.Res. 7 was referred to the
House Committee on House Administration, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

S. 2206---A bill to provide technical corrections to Public Law 109-116
(2 U.S.C. 2131a note) to extend the time period for the Joint Committee
on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa
Parks, and for other purposes *(Feinstein, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 2206 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, November 5, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 2206 would extend the time period (from
two to four years) for the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into
an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks, and for other purposes.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 2206 was introduced October 18,
2007, in the Senate and passed without amendment by unanimous consent.
On October 22, 2007, S. 2206 was referred to the House Committee on
House Administration, where no official action was taken.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: No Statement of
Administration Position exists at this time.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO cost estimate exists.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
such information is not available.

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