![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................July 23, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.R. 1239 ---** National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
> Reauthorization Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 1388 ---** Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act
>
> **H.R. 761 ---** To authorize the Secretary of Interior to convey to
> The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and
> Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with
> the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as
> an historical interpretive site along the trail
>
> **H.R. 1285 ---** Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act
>
> **H.R. 716** --- Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan Act

**H.R. 1503** --- Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration
Project

**H.R. 1526** --- Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program
Authorization Act of 2007

**H.R. 495** --- Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2007

**H.R. 2400** --- Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration

> H.R. 50 --- Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization
> Act of 2007
>
> H.R. 465 --- Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007
>
> H.R. 2798 --- Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization
> Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 521 ---** Celebrating the 75^th^ Anniversary of the 1932
> Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York
>
> **H.Res. 380 ---** Resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to
> host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
>
> **H.Con.Res. 139 ---** Expressing the sense of the Congress that the
> United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in
> India
>
> **H.Res. 561 ---** Recognizing the 20^th^ anniversary of the
> McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the impact it has made on
> homelessness and endeavoring to continue working to eliminate
> homelessness in the United States
>
> **H.J.Res. 44 ---** Approving the renewal of import restrictions
> containing in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003
>
> **H.Res. 384 ---** Congratulating the University of Wyoming Cowgirls
> for winning the Women's National Invitational Tournament for the first
> time and for their most successful season in school history
>
> **H.Res. 515 ---** Congratulating the Oregon State University Beavers
> baseball team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic
> Association Division I College World Series

H.R. 2630 --- Campaign Expenditure Transparency Act

> **H.Res. 535 ---** Commending David Ray Ritcheson, a survivor of one
> of the most horrific hate crimes in the history of Texas, and
> recognizing his efforts in promoting Federal legislation to combat
> hate crimes
>
> **H.Con.Res. 175 ---** Expressing the sense of Congress that courts
> with fiduciary responsibility for a child of a deceased member of the
> Armed Forces who receives a death gratuity payment under section 1477
> of title 10, United States Code, should take into consideration the
> expression of clear intent of the member regarding the distribution of
> funds on behalf of the child
>
> **H.R. 3095** --- To amend the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety
> Act of 2006 to modify a deadline relating to a certain election by
> Indian tribes
>
> **H.R. \_\_ ---** To extend the designation of Liberia under section
> 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that Liberians can
> continue to be eligible for temporary protected status under that
> section

H.R. 404 --- Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act

> **H.Res. 528 ---** Commemorating the 300^th^ anniversary of the Town
> of New Milford, Connecticut
>
> **H.Res. 553 ---** Mourning the passing of former First Lady, Lady
> Bird Johnson, and celebrating her life and contributions to the people
> of the United States
>
> **H.Res. 519 ---** Honoring the life and accomplishments of renowned
> artist Tom Lea on the 100^th^ anniversary of his birth
>
> **H.Res. 345 ---** Commemorating the 200^th^ anniversary of the
> Archdiocese of New York
>
> **H.R. 1239 --- National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
> Reauthorization Act of 2007 (*Hastings, D-FL*)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1239 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1239 would re-authorize \$2.5 million
annually for the National Park Service's (NPS) National Underground
Railroad Network to Freedom program. The bill would direct \$2 million
to fund the Underground Railroad Network and \$500,000 for previously
authorized grants.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The National Underground
Railroad Network to Freedom program was established with the passage of
the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998.
According to the NPS, the program coordinates education and preservation
efforts nationally, and works to protect and promote historic sites
related to the Underground Railroad. The program also attempts to help
protect significant historic and cultural sites around the country. The
program provides grants for Battlefield Protection, Historically Black
Colleges, Indian Burial Grounds, and non-profit organizations that
preserve historic sites and artifacts.

An amendment made to the bill in the Subcommittee on National Parks,
Forests, and Public Lands removed a requirement that the Secretary hire
eight full time staff for carrying out the provisions of the bill.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1239 was introduced on February
28, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and
Public Lands on March 5, 2007. On May 15, 2007, subcommittee hearings
were held. On June 28, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was
amended.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** According to CBO, the bill would
authorize \$3 million in FY2008 and \$15 million over five years.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of Government?]{.underline}**
No, it re-authorizes the National Underground Railroad Network to
Freedom Act of 1998.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is not available.

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

> **H.R. 1388 --- Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act
> *(Sarbanes, D-MD)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1388 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1388 would establish the Star-Spangled
Banner National Historic Trail, which would consist of 290 miles of land
and water routes in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
The Trail would be meant to commemorate historic sites related to the
War of 1812. The bill would authorize the Secretary of Interior to
acquire land with the owner's consent and to consult with federal,
state, and local agencies to develop planning and maintenance of the
trail.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to NPS, "a national
historic trail is an extended trail that follows routes of travel that
are historically and nationally significant. The trail must be
significant with respect to any of several broad facets of American
History, such as trade and commerce, exploration, migration and
settlement, or military campaigns, and must have significant potential
for public recreational use or historical interest based on historical
interpretation and appreciation. The trail need not be continuous and
might include land and water segments, marked highways paralleling the
route, and sites that together form a chain or network along the route."

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Study Act, which was
passed in 1999, authorized the Secretary of Interior to oversee a study
of the proposed Star Spangled Banner Trail. The NPS wanted the
designation as a means of preserving the area and a way to allow
visitors experience the heritage and struggles that took place during
the War of 1812. In March of 2004, the Department of Interior released
the feasibility study and environmental impact report for the proposed
trail, and recommended the designation be established.

Major events that correspond with sites of interest along the trail
include:

-   The arrival of the British fleet on the Patuxent River

-   The landing of the British forces in Benedict

-   The sinking of the Chesapeake Flotilla at Pig Point in Prince
    George\'s County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland

-   The American defeat at the Battle of Bladensburg

-   The siege of the Nation's Capital and the burning of the U.S.
    Capitol and the White House in Washington D.C.

-   The route of the American troops from Washington through Georgetown,
    the Maryland Counties of Montgomery, Howard, and Baltimore, and the
    City of Baltimore to the Battle of North Point

-   The ultimate victory of the Americans at Fort McHenry on September
    14, 1814

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1388 was introduced on March 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee
on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. On May 15, 2007,
subcommittee hearings were held. On June 28, 2007, a mark up was held
and the bill was amended and reported by a committee vote of 23-10.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** According to CBO, the NPS would
spend \$300,000 in FY 2008 and approximately \$2 million over five
years.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of Government?]{.underline}**
**Yes**. It would create a new federal historic trail designation,
authorize the Department of Interior to procure land, and direct the
Secretary of Interior to coordinate with state and local entities to
create a management plan.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is not available.

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

> **H.R. 761 --- To authorize the Secretary of Interior to convey to The
> Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor
> Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis
> and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as an
> historical interpretive site along the trail (Fortenberry, R-NE)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 761 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 761 would authorize the Secretary of
Interior to transfer certain federal land and a visitor's center
associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska
to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and
Visitor Center Foundation Inc. The Missouri River Basin foundation would
receive \$150,000 annually to manage the historic land and the visitor's
center.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to NPS, "the Lewis
and Clark National Historic Trail extends over 3,700 miles,
passes through 11 states, and includes more than 100 sites from Illinois
to the Pacific Coast." As a stop along the trail, the Missouri River
Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is focused on the more than
300 discoveries of flora (178 plants), fauna (122 animals) and
scientific discoveries made at President Thomas Jefferson\'s direction
on Lewis and Clark's historic Corps of Discovery Journey from 1803 --
1806. This bill would turn the operation of the land and facility over
to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Foundation Inc., and provide the group with financial assistance.

For more in formation on the trail system, please see the following
website:

<http://lewisandclarktrail.com/index.html>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 761 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and
Public Lands on February 7. On June 14, 2007, subcommittee hearings were
held and the bill was reported, as amended, by voice vote on June 28,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** According to CBO, the bill would
authorize \$150,000 in financial assistance in FY 2008 and \$750,000
over five years.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of Government?]{.underline}**
No, it transfers control and management of federal property.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is not available.

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

> **H.R. 1285 --- Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act**
>
> **(Hastings, R-WA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1285 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1285 would authorize the Secretary of
Agriculture to convey, without consideration, 1.5 acres of National
Forest System land in Kittitas County, Washington, to the King and
Kittitas Counties Fire District #51 for the construction of a new
firehouse.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The volunteer fire department
located in King and Kittitas Counties Fire District #51 is attempting to
build a new fire station for the area, but has yet to raise the
necessary funds for land.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1285 was introduced on March 1,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public
Lands on March 5. On May 17, 2007, subcommittee hearings were held and
the bill was reported, as amended, by voice vote on June 28, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** According to CBO, the bill would
have no significant costs.

**[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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is not available.

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

H.R. 716 --- Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan Act *(Woolsey, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 716 would authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
projects to implement the "Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan", in the
City of Santa Rosa, California. The bill would authorize \$20 million
for the project.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: H.R. 716 would send federal
funds to Santa Rosa, California, to the city implement an urban water
reuse plan. According to Mike Martini, a Santa Rosa city councilman who
testified in support of H.R. 716:

> "The Santa Rosa Urban Reuse Plan is a model for reuse of treated
> wastewater for landscape irrigation. The project is especially
> important in a region\...where droughts pose a genuine threat to both
> human and protected/threatened salmonid populations. Using recycled
> water for landscape irrigation conserves valuable fresh water for not
> only human consumption but also for watershed preservation and
> enhancement. The Santa Rosa Regional Waste-water System serves\...a
> population that exceeds 225,000 \[and\] recycles over 80% of its
> tertiary-treated water to irrigate over 6,400 acres of farmlands,
> vineyards and public and private landscaping; and to inject into the
> Geysers geothermal fields to\...produce green electricity. The
> remainder of the water is seasonally discharged into the Russian
> River. Santa Rosa's reuse system has been developed over the last 40
> years and includes cutting edge projects\.... The City \[has\]
> programs already in place at two city parks, a golf course and Sonoma
> State University. \[It\] has invested over \$350 million in water
> treatment and re-use\...."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 716 was introduced on January
29, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On
February 7, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water and
Power, which held hearings on May 17, 2007. On June 12, 2007, the bill
was amended and reported the bill to the full committee by unanimous
consent. On June 28, 2007, H.R. 716 was reported, as amended, by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 716 would
authorize \$5 million in FY 2008 and \$20 million over three years.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$20 million for a
[local]{.underline} water project.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates a new water reuse and reclamation
project for the City of Santa Rosa, California.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 1503 --- Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration
Project *(Grijalva, D-AZ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1503 would authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
water recycling facilities and to enhance and restore riparian habitat
in the Black Wash Sonoran Desert ecosystem in Avra Valley, in Southern
Arizona. The bill would authorize the Secretary to fund the lesser of 25
percent of the total cost of the project or \$14 million.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Tucson area of Arizona has
grown rapidly in recent years and the Pima County Wastewater Management
Department has been seeking federal assistance with its efforts to
create a new water reclamation and reuse system in the area. According
to the Department's website, "the overall Pima County wastewater
conveyance system presently collects more than 70 million gallons per
day (mgd) throughout the county's 370 square mile sanitary service area,
which includes the City of Tucson; the neighboring towns of Marana, Oro
Valley, and Sahuarita; and unincorporated communities such as
Summerhaven (Mt. Lemmon), Arivaca Junction, Avra Valley, Green Valley,
Corona de Tucson, and Catalina. The conveyance system consists of more
than 3300 miles of public sanitary sewers."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1503 was introduced on March
13, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On March
19, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power,
which held hearings on May 17, 2007. On June 12, 2007, the bill was
amended and reported the bill to the full committee by unanimous
consent. On June 28, 2007, H.R. 1503 was reported, as amended, by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1503 would
authorize \$4 million in FY2008 and \$14 million over five years.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$14 million for a
[local]{.underline} water project.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates a new water reuse and reclamation
project for the Avra Valley area, in Arizona.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 1526 --- Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Authorization
Act of 2007 *(Miller, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1526 would authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
several water recycling and distribution facilities in California's San
Francisco Bay area. The bill would require the Secretary to request the
amounts to fully fund all of the projects by September 30, 2010. The
specific programs and authorization levels are as follows:

-   \$5 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a water
    recycling facility, built in cooperation with the City of Palo Alto,
    California, and the City of Mountain View, California.

-   \$1.4 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a
    water recycling facility, built in cooperation with the City of
    Pittsburg, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District.

-   \$2.25 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a
    water recycling facility, built in cooperation with the City of
    Antioch, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District.

-   \$2.5 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a
    water recycling facility, built in cooperation with the North Coast
    County Water District.

-   \$1.1 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a
    water recycling facility, built in cooperation with the City of
    Redwood City, California.

-   \$7 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a water
    recycling facility, built in cooperation with the South County
    Regional Wastewater Authority and the Santa Clara Valley Water
    District.

-   \$8.25 million or 25% of the total cost (whichever is less) for a
    water recycling facility, built in cooperation with the City of San
    Jose, California, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1526 was introduced on March
14, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On March
19, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power,
which held hearings on May 24, 2007. On June 12, 2007, a mark up was
held and the bill was amended and reported the full committee by
unanimous consent. On June 28, 2007, H.R. 1526 was reported, as amended,
by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1526 would
authorize \$12 million in FY2008 and \$28 million over five years.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$28 million for
[local]{.underline} water projects.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates multiple new water reuse and
reclamation projects for the San Francisco Bay area.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 495 --- Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2007 (Walden,
R-OR)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 495 would authorize the Secretary of the
Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of several water recycling and
distribution facilities in Oregon. The bill would also alter a repayment
contract between the Bureau of Reclamation and the North Unit Irrigation
District of Oregon. The new contract increases the amount of land that
can receive water from the Bureau of Reclamation's Deschutes Project
from 50,000 acres to 59,000. The interest on the repayment contract
would also change from a variable rate to a fixed rate.

The specific programs and authorization levels are as follows:

-   \$20 million through FY 2016 for ecosystem projects in the Deschutes
    River Basin.

-   \$6 million for rehabilitation of the Wallowa Lake Dam in Oregon.

-   \$500,000 for a water management feasibility study and environmental
    impact statement for the City of Medford, Oregon.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The North Unit Irrigation
District, which is one of seven irrigational districts in central
Oregon, was created in 1916 in order to provide irrigation water to the
surrounding area. Currently the district is about 59,000 thousands
acres, but serves 50,000 acres. This bill would update the contract and
authorize funds for the district to serve the remaining 9,000 acres.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 495 was introduced on January
16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On
February 17, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water
and Power, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score from last year's bill,
which is identical to H.R. 495 this year, reports that the legislation
would authorize \$5 million in the first year and \$17 million over the
first five years. Authorizations continue beyond the five-year window.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize millions for
[local]{.underline} water projects and that the bill does not have a CBO
score.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates multiple new water projects in
Oregon's North Unit Irrigation District.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 2400 --- Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act

*(Del. Bordallo, D-GU)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2400 would authorize the administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop
a coordinated and comprehensive Federal ocean and coastal mapping plan
for the Great Lakes and coastal state waters, the territorial sea, the
exclusive economic zone, and the Continental Shelf of the United States.
The bill would require NOAA to develop a strategy to contract mapping
arrangements with non-federal entities so as to minimize duplication.

The bill would direct the administrator to establish an interagency
committee on ocean and costal mapping and allows for a non-federal,
expert advisory panel to give the committee input. It requires the
committee, through NOAA, to develop a plan for an integrated ocean and
coastal mapping initiative within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and submit it to Congress within six months. Within 18
months, the committee must submit another report to Congress detailing
progress made in implementing this Act.

For the purpose of establishing and carrying out the mapping plan in the
bill, H.R. 2400 authorizes \$20 million in FY 2008, \$26 million in FY
2009, \$32 million in FY 2010, \$38 million in FY 2011, and \$45 million
annually over the period of FY 2012 through FY 2015. Of these funds, the
bill specifically designates the following for joint ocean through
coastal mapping centers, \$10 million in FY 2008, \$11 million in FY
2009, \$12 million in FY 2010, \$13 million in FY 2011, and \$15 million
annually over the period of FY 2012 through FY2015.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2400 was introduced on May 21,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On May 25,
2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee Fisheries, Wildlife, and
Oceans, which held hearings on June 5, 2007. On June 19, 2007, a mark up
was held and the bill was amended in the nature of a substitute and
reported to the full committee by voice vote. On June 28, 2007, the bill
was reported by the full committee, as amended, by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO estimates that the bill would
authorize \$20 million in FY2008 and \$161 million over the
FY2008-FY2012 period.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$161 million for an ocean
and costal mapping plan and that the bill does not have a CBO score.**

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates a new ocean and costal mapping
plan and a new federal interagency committee.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 50 --- Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act
of 2007 (Young, R-AK)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 50 would re-authorize the African
Elephant Conservation Act of 1988 and the Rhinoceros and Tiger
Conservation Act of 1994 through 2012. The bill would authorize the
funds at the current level, \$15 million annually. The funds are set to
expire at the end of FY 2007.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to testimony given
in committee by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's James L.
Rapp:

> Over the duration of the African Elephant, Asian Elephant and
> Rhino/Tiger funds, the U.S. Congress has appropriated over \$14
> million that has been leveraged with nearly \$56 million in real
> dollars and/or in-kind services from host countries and
> local/international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This is a
> significant partnership-especially in terms of government programs.
> The funds provided by Congress have served as the catalyst for the
> implementation of over 230 projects worldwide ranging from highly
> sophisticated and innovative data collection, tracking and monitoring
> programs to simply providing essential on-the-ground
> resources-weapons, ammunition, vehicles and communication systems-to
> game wardens and law enforcement officials who have been entrusted to
> protect these magnificent animals from the ravages of civil unrest,
> poaching and habitat exploitation.

**Last year's RSC budget called for the elimination of both the African
Elephant Conservation fund and the Tiger Conservation fund in an effort
to trim unnecessary federal spending.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 50 was introduced on January 4,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill was
referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans which
held hearings on March 13, 2007. On March 22, 2007, the bill was
reported to the full committee, as amended, by voice vote. On June 28,
2007, the full committee held a mark up sessions and reported the bill.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill would
authorize \$15 million in FY2008 and \$75 million through FY2012.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$75 million for African
Elephant and Tiger conservation.**

**[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}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 465 --- Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007

(Saxton, R-NJ)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 465 would re-authorize the Asian
Elephant Conservation Act of 1997through 2012. The bill would authorize
the funds at the current level, \$5 million annually. The funds are
currently set to expire at the end of FY 2007.

H.R. 465 would also amend current law to allow the Secretary of Interior
to expand administrative expense by the great of 3% or \$100,000 and
removes a current law that requires the Secretary to notify countries
when grants or projects under the Act are approved or disapproved.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, "the advancement of agriculture, and the encroachment
of humans, including poaching, pose the greatest threats to the survival
of Asian elephants in the wild. In order to address these growing
threats, the U.S. Congress created the Asian Elephant Conservation Act
of 1997." Through the Act, 171 grants have been awarded to various
entities that protect Asian Elephants, totaling more than \$7 million in
federal funds. The Interior-Environment Appropriations bill for FY 2008
included a \$2 million appropriation for the fund.

**Last years RSC budget called for the elimination of both the African
Elephant Conservation fund and the Tiger Conservation fund in an effort
to trim unnecessary federal spending.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 465 was introduced on January
4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill
was referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans
which held hearings on March 13, 2007. On March 22, 2007, the bill was
reported to the full committee, as amended, by voice vote. On June 28,
2007, the full committee held a mark up sessions and reported the bill.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill would
authorize \$5 million a year through FY2012.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$25 million for Asian
Elephant conservation.**

**[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}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 2798 --- Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization
Act of 2007 *(Sherman, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2798 would reauthorize the authority of
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to issue risk
insurance and finance investments in developing foreign nations with
direct loans and loan guarantees.

H.R. 2798 would direct OPIC to give loan preferences to certain kinds of
projects including projects in less developed countries, projects that
use alternative energy sources, projects that agree to international
standards of transparency, and projects that respect worker's rights.
The bill would also require OPIC to devote some loan resources to small
businesses in the United States.

H.R. 2798 would require that any applicant for an OPIC loan conduct an
environmental impact study if the project could potentially have an
adverse impact on the environment and submit the report at least 60 days
prior to approval. The bill also requires OPIC to consider the impact or
greenhouse gas emissions from an applicant project before giving a loan
or loan guarantee. OPIC would be required to publicly publish the
findings of such studies.

The bill would prohibit OPIC from supporting the development or
promotion of any railway that does not cross through Armenia but does
connect to Azerbaijan. The bill states that OPIC should not support any
project that is designed to purposefully exclude and isolate any nation
friendly to the United States, such as Armenia.

H.R. 2798 would prohibit OPIC from supporting any persons or business
activity that is related to state sponsored terrorism. The bill would
exempt certain areas of Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State,
Blue Nile State, and Abei, Darfur, if the Secretary of State determines
that the business in question will provide humanitarian relief in the
area.

H.R. 2798 also allow OPIC to operate permanently in Iraq and Gaza, but
only after the Secretary of State has determined that the location of
the project is not under the control of Hamas or any other terrorist
organization.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Overseas Private
Investment Corporation (OPIC) was established as an agency of the U.S.
government in 1971. According to their website, "OPIC helps U.S.
businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and
emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks
associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign
policy. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it
operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers."

OPIC, however, has been criticized by many conservative organizations,
including the Heritage Foundation, which claims that "OPIC activity does
not lead to any net increase in U.S. employment. OPIC subsidies merely
shift employment from certain sectors of the economy to subsidized
businesses\... subsidies to businesses like those provided by OPIC
distort the market-driven distribution of capital and labor resources.
Therefore, OPIC subsidies are most likely to have no effect---and may
even have a detrimental effect---on overall national income." **Last
year's RSC budget called for the elimination of OPIC in an effort to
trim unnecessary federal spending.**

For more information about conservative opposition to OPIC, please
visit:

<http://www.heritage.org/Research/PoliticalPhilosophy/BG1127.cfm>

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2798 was introduced on June 20,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill was
referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade,
which held a mark up on June 21, 2007 and reported the bill, as amended,
by a vote of 6 - 2. On June 26, 2007, a mark up was held and the bill
was reported by the full committee by a vote of 23 - 5.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill would
authorize \$33 million in FY2008 and \$131 million over five years.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the bill would authorize \$131 million on
international private investments.**

**[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}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 521 --- Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the 1932 Winter
Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York *(Gillibrand, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 521 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 521 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives,

-   "congratulates the Village of Lake Placid, New York, as it
    celebrates its 75th anniversary of hosting the 1932 Winter Olympic
    Games;

-   "encourages all Americans to visit the state-of-the-art Olympic
    facilities in Lake Placid;

-   "recognizes Lake Placid's important place in Olympic history; and

-   "encourages the United States Olympic Committee to select Lake
    Placid to represent the United States in a future bid for the
    Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Lake Placid, New York, was the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter
    Olympic Games;

-   "Lake Placid is the only site in North America to have hosted the
    Winter Olympic Games more than once;

-   "the 1980 Winter Olympic Games featured one of the greatest triumphs
    in sports history with the men's United States hockey team victory
    over the Soviet team in the 'Miracle on Ice';

-   "Lake Placid, New York, has a population of under 2,700 residents,
    yet welcomes over 2.2 million visitors each year;

-   "the residents of Lake Placid were wonderful ambassadors of the
    United States for the 1,324 Olympic athletes that participated in
    the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games;

-   "the residents of Lake Placid take great pride in their place in
    Olympic history;

-   "Lake Placid and the towns of North Elba and Wilmington have world
    class sports facilities that serve as an excellent training location
    for athletes and sports enthusiasts;

-   "Lake Placid is the home of one of the three U.S. Olympic
    Committee's national training centers;

-   "Lake Placid continues to successfully host international sports
    competitions on a regular basis; and

-   "2007 marks the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Winter Olympic Games."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 521 was introduced on June
27, 2007, and referred to the 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 380 --- Resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to host
the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games (Sali*,* R-ID*)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 380 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 380 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives,

-   "applauds the goals and principles of Special Olympics;

-   "salutes the athletes, coaches, family members, friends, and
    volunteers that make Special Olympics World Winter Games possible;

-   "congratulates the State of Idaho as the host for the 2009 Special
    Olympics World Winter Games; and

-   "supports the 2009 Special Olympic World Winter Games and the goals
    of the Special Olympics to enrich the lives of people with
    intellectual disabilities through sports."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization that
    promotes personal development through sports training and
    competition;

-   "Special Olympics advances the understanding of intellectual
    disabilities through participation and fellowship in the Nation and
    around the World;

-   "Special Olympics serves more than 2,500,000 individuals with
    intellectual disabilities around the globe;

-   "Special Olympics offers more than 205 programs in over 165
    countries;

-   "Special Olympics offers 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports to
    both children and adults with intellectual disabilities;

-   "Boise, Idaho won the International bid to host the 2009 Special
    Olympics World Winter Games to be held during February 6-13, 2009;

-   "thousands of athletes are expected to compete in 7 winter sports in
    the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games; and

-   "the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be the largest
    multi-sport event ever held in the State of Idaho."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 380 was introduced on May 7,
2007, and referred to the 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Con.Res. 139 --- Expressing the sense of the Congress that the
United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in
India (Franks*,* R-AZ*)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 139 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 139 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives, "as the leaders of the United States and
the Republic of India have expressed commitment to the values of human
freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, it is in the interests of the
United States to address the problem of the treatment of the Dalits and
Tribals in India in order to better meet mutual economic and security
goals by:

-   "raising the issues of caste discrimination, violence against women,
    and untouchability through diplomatic channels both directly with
    the Government of India and within the context of international
    bodies;

-   "inviting Dalit organizations to participate in the planning and
    implementation of development projects from the United States Agency
    for International Development and other United States development
    organizations;

-   "prioritizing funding for projects that positively impact Dalit and
    Tribal communities, especially Dalit women;

-   "ensuring that cooperative research programs targeting rural health
    care, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and rural technology contain proper
    focus on the Dalits and Tribals;

-   "ensuring that anyone receiving funding in India from the United
    States Government,

    -   "is aware that it is United States Government policy that caste
        discrimination is unacceptable, and that the United States is
        committed to eliminating it; and

    -   "treat all people equally, with regard to caste discrimination;

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-   "ensuring that,

    -   "qualified Dalits are in no way discouraged from working with
        the United States Government or organizations receiving funding
        in India from the United States Government, and that transparent
        and fair recruitment, selection, and career development
        processes are implemented, with clear objective criteria; and

    -   "procedures exist to detect and remedy any caste discrimination
        in employment conditions, wages, benefits or job security for
        anyone working with the United States Government or
        organizations receiving funding in India from the United States
        Government;

        -   "encouraging United States citizens working in India to
            avoid discrimination toward the Dalits in all business
            interactions; and

        -   "discussing the issue of caste in the context of
            congressional delegations."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "the United States and the Republic of India have entered an
    unprecedented partnership;

-   "the July 18, 2005, Joint Statement between President George W. Bush
    and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that, '\[a\]s leaders of
    nations committed to the values of human freedom, democracy, and
    rule of law, the new relationship between India and the United
    States will promote stability, democracy, prosperity, and peace
    throughout the world \[. . . and\] it will enhance our ability to
    work together to provide global leadership in areas of mutual
    concern and interest';

-   "caste is the socioeconomic stratification of people in South Asia
    based on a combination of work and descent;

-   "the 'Untouchables', now known as the Dalits, and the forest tribes
    of India, called Tribals, who together number approximately
    250,000,000 to 300,000,000 people, are the primary victims of caste
    discrimination in India;

-   "discrimination against the Dalits and Tribals has existed for more
    than 2,000 years and has included educational discrimination,
    economic disenfranchisement, physical abuse, discrimination in
    medical care, religious discrimination, and violence targeting Dalit
    and Tribal women;

-   "the National Commission on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
    has declared that many of the reported cases of atrocities against
    Dalits and Tribals end in acquittals;

-   "despite the fact that many Dalits do not report crimes for fear of
    reprisals by the dominant castes, official police statistics
    averaged over the past five years show that 13 Dalits are murdered
    every week, five Dalits' homes or possessions are burnt every week,
    six Dalits are kidnapped or abducted every week, three Dalit women
    are raped every day, 11 Dalits are beaten every day, and a crime is
    committed against a Dalit every 18 minutes;

-   "low-caste unborn females are targeted for abortions;

-   "the United Nations estimates that approximately 50,000,000 Indians
    will die from HIV/AIDS in the next 40 years; and

-   "Dalits and Tribals are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and
    are the largest high-risk population in India."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 139 was introduced on May
1, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. On June 26,
2007, the resolution was marked up and reported as amended.

**[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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 561 --- Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act and the impact it has made on homelessness and
endeavoring to continue working to eliminate homelessness in the United
States (Shays*,* R-CT)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 561 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 561 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives,

-   "recognizes the 20th anniversary of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
    Assistance Act and the impact it has made on homelessness in the
    United States;

-   "recognizes the positive impact the McKinney-Vento Act has had on
    hundreds of thousands of homeless men, women, children, and youth in
    the United States;

-   "recognizes the substantial contributions of Representatives
    Stewart B. McKinney and Bruce Vento in addressing homelessness;

-   "recognizes that homelessness continues to be an urgent problem in
    the United States;

-   "commends the dedication and commitment of service providers,
    including faith-based and nonprofit organizations, who are working
    to end homelessness in their communities and provide emergency food,
    shelter, and services to homeless Americans;

-   "recognizes that the lack of affordable housing exacerbates
    homelessness in the United States;

-   "supports the continued efforts of Federal, State, and local
    governments and private non-profit organizations in their efforts to
    prevent and end homelessness through the development of affordable
    housing;

-   "recognizes that the life expectancy of a homeless person in the
    United States is 30 years shorter than that of the average American
    and supports efforts to improve the health of homeless Americans;

-   "supports efforts to prevent and end homelessness among veterans of
    the Armed Forces of the United States;

-   "supports efforts to ensure accurate and timely processing of
    applications for disability benefits as a means of decreasing
    homelessness among disabled persons;

-   "recognizes that the safety and well-being of homeless persons is an
    urgent problem;

-   "recognizes the critical role of education and public schools in
    preventing and ending homelessness, and supports efforts to improve
    stability, services, and access to school for homeless children and
    youth; and

-   "endeavors to work with the same courage, dignity, and determination
    exemplified by Representatives McKinney and Vento to eliminate
    homelessness in the United States."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "July 22, 2007, is the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the
    Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, which was renamed the
    McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in October 2000;

-   "Representatives Stewart B. McKinney and Bruce Vento worked
    tirelessly in the Congress to develop a Federal response to
    homelessness;

-   "Representative Stewart B. McKinney was a recognized expert on
    Federal housing law and urban affairs who successfully amended the
    National Housing Act and the Housing and Community Development Act
    of 1974 to better target Federal aid to smaller cities, but became
    terminally ill with pneumonia after sleeping on a grate outside a
    Federal building with the homeless of Washington, DC;

-   "in 1985, after personally viewing the circumstances of the homeless
    and the need for crisis intervention in his congressional district
    in St. Paul, Minnesota, Representative Bruce Vento introduced a
    resolution to express the sense of the Congress that homelessness is
    a national problem requiring a national solution;

-   "throughout his career, Representative Vento remained dedicated to
    securing a commitment of Federal resources to address homelessness;

-   "the programs established by the McKinney-Vento Act have provided
    housing, education, health care, and job training assistance, and
    critical outreach, to thousands of homeless men, women, and children
    in the United States;

-   "the McKinney-Vento Act was intended to be only an emergency
    response and not the sole Federal response to homelessness;

-   "over the course of a year, as many as 3,500,000 persons are
    estimated to experience homelessness in the United States; and

-   "the homeless population includes vulnerable groups such as
    children, unaccompanied youth, and persons with disabilities."

[**Additional Background**:]{.underline} The McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act created homeless assistance programs within the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These homeless
assistance programs include HUD's Supportive Housing Program, Shelter
Plus Care Program, Single Room Occupancy Program, and the Emergency
Shelter Grant Program. Funding for these programs is duplicative of
other federal programs serving the same population at the Department of
Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Department
of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of
Agriculture, and the Interagency Council on Homelessness. In addition,
numerous nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and advocacy
groups provide homeless assistance.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 561 was introduced on July
19, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.J.Res 44 --- Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained
in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 *(Lantos, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.J.Res. 44 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.J.Res. 44 would approve the renewal of
import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act
of 2003.

**[Background]{.underline}**: According to Congressional Quarterly, the
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003
([PL](javascript:simplePopup('displaylawcard.do?lawNumber=61&congress=108','billCard',680,430);)
108-61) was enacted in response to human rights abuses and
anti-democratic activities of the military regime ruling in Burma (i.e.
Myanmar, the country's new name given by the military regime). The 2003
law prohibited the importation into the United States of any article
produced, mined, manufactured, grown, or assembled in Burma. Under the
law, the trade sanctions may be lifted if the President certifies to
Congress that a series of conditions inside Burma have been met.

These conditions include "substantial and measurable progress to end
human rights violations; the ruling military regime must no longer
systematically violate workers' rights; measurable and substantial
progress toward implementing a democratic government is made, including
releasing all political prisoners, allowing freedom of speech and the
press, freedom of association, and the peaceful exercise of religion;
conclusion of an agreement between the military regime and opposition
parties on the transfer of power to a civilian government through
democratic elections under the rule of law; and Burma's cooperation with
the United States on counternarcotics matters."

In 2003, before the sanctions took effect, trade between the United
States and Myanmar was estimated to be approximately \$283 million,
consisting of mostly garment and textile imports from Myanmar.

According to the White House, in early August 2006, President Bush
signed a bill renewing the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003,
extending import restrictions against the regime. According to the
Administration, President Bush had "serious concerns about the Burmese
regime's continuing refusal to act on its professed commitment to
democratization." Additionally, Burma's neighbors in the Association of
Southeast Nations have also recently condemned the regime's lack of
substantial progress in returning to democracy. Current restrictions are
set to expire July 28, 2007.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: H.R. 2330, the Burmese Freedom
and Democracy Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-61), passed the House of
Representatives on July 15, 2003, by a vote of 418-2-1
(<http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2003/roll361.xml>). To view the RSC
legislative bulletin on the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003,
click here: <http://johnshadegg.house.gov/rsc/LB71403.pdf>.

On June 21, 2005, the House passed H.J.Res. 52, which is identical to
H.J.Res. 44. The resolution was agreed to, 423 - 2 ([Roll no.
291](http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2005&rollnumber=291)).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.J.Res. 44 was introduced on May
24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for this legislation is
not available. However, last Congress, CBO estimated that H.J.Res 52
(identical to H.J.Res. 44), would reduce federal revenues by less than
\$500,000 in 2005, and by \$1 million in 2006, with no effect
thereafter. The CBO cost estimate for H.J.Res. 52 may be viewed at:
<http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdoc.cfm?index=6622&type=0&sequence=0>.

**[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}** Yes. According to CBO's estimate
of H.J.Res 52 (identical to H.J.Res. 44) the resolution would have
imposed private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA. Specifically, the
bill would ban all imports from Burma. Due to the lack of information on
the value of lost profits to importers resulting from the ban, CBO
cannot determine whether the aggregate direct cost of the mandates would
exceed the annual threshold for private-sector mandates established in
UMRA.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 384 --- Congratulating the University of Wyoming Cowgirls for
winning the Women's National Invitational Tournament for the first time
and for their most successful season in school history (Cubin, R-WY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 384 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 384 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives congratulates the University of Wyoming women's
basketball team for their championship victory in the 2007 National
Invitational Tournament.

The resolution a number of findings, including the following:

-   "on March 31, 2007, the University of Wyoming Cowgirls defeated the
    University of Wisconsin Badgers by a score of 72-56 in the
    championship basketball game of the Women's National Invitation
    Tournament;

-   "the victory of these 14 very accomplished young women and their
    coach, Joe Legerski, was witnessed by over 15,000 fans at the
    University of Wyoming's sold out Arena-Auditorium;

-   "the Cowgirls won 21 games in their regular season and tied for
    second in the Mountain West Conference (MWC); and

-   "these top athletes are also dedicated to academic achievement, and
    serve as the standard of excellence, scholarship, and sportsmanship
    for the entire Nation."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 384 was introduced on May 8,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 515 --- Congratulating the Oregon State University Beavers
baseball team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic
Association Division I College World Series *(Hooley, D-OR)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 515 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 515 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives congratulates the Oregon State University
Beavers baseball team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic
Association Division I College World Series Championship for a 2nd
consecutive year.

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "on June 24, 2007, before 25,012 fans at Rosenblatt Stadium in
    Omaha, Nebraska, the largest championship game crowd in College
    World Series history, the Oregon State University Beavers baseball
    team capped an improbable season, winning the 2007 National
    Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College World Series
    Championship by defeating the University of North Carolina Tar
    Heels, 2 games to none, in a best-of-3 championship series;

-   "the 2007 College World Series Championship represents the second
    National Championship for the Beavers baseball team;

-   "the 2007 Beaver baseball team became the first team in a decade to
    capture back-to-back national titles;

-   "the 2007 Oregon State University Beaver baseball team became only
    the 5th team in College World Series history to repeat as national
    champions;

-   "the Beavers won 49 games while losing only 18 in 2007;

-   "the Beavers were undefeated in the 2007 College World Series;

-   "Oregon State University's appearance in the 2007 College World
    Series marked only the 4th time in the school's history;

-   "the Beavers are the first team ever to win a College World Series
    title after not having a winning record in conference play that
    season;

-   "undergraduate assistant coach Kurt Steele and his wife Kathy,
    traveled back from their Saturday wedding in Philomath, Oregon, to
    be with the team in Omaha on Sunday when it clinched the National
    Championship;

-   "the students, alumni, and faculty of Oregon State University and
    other fans of Oregon State University have shown tremendous
    commitment to and support for the Beavers baseball program; and

-   "the Beavers have brought pride to Oregon State University, the
    Corvallis community, the State of Oregon, and Beaver Nation."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 515 was introduced on June
25, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

H.R. 2630 --- Campaign Expenditure Transparency Act

*(Schiff, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2630 would prohibit a political action
committee (PAC) from paying spouses of candidates. The bill would
require committees and PACs to report any disbursements made to any
immediate family member of the candidate or individual running for
federal office.

H.R. 2630 Federal Election Committee (FEC) to impose monetary penalties
against candidates that violate the provisions of the bill, but not PACs
themselves. The bill would also make an exception for a spouse travel
expense paid for by a PAC.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Campaign
Legal Foundation, "at least 19 spouses of House Members received more
than \$636,000 combined during the 2006 election cycle, working for
their spouse\'s campaign. While most Members do not abuse the system,
the temptation to funnel campaign funds to family may be too great for
others. More importantly, these self-dealing transactions undermine
public confidence in Congress and our democracy as a whole."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2630 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on House Administration, which took
no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2630 is not
currently available, but the bill does not authorize any expenditures.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: The bill creates a new law that forbids the
spouses of federal candidates from accepting monetary compensation from
a PAC and establishes a financial penalty for violators.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 535 --- Commending David Ray Ritcheson, a survivor of one of
the most horrific hate crimes in the history of Texas, and recognizing
his efforts in promoting Federal legislation to combat hate crimes
*(Jackson-Lee, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 535 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 535 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "mourns the passing of David Ray Ritcheson and
commends him for his activism in contributing and raising awareness
toward the eradication and elimination of hate crimes in the United
States."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "David Ray Ritcheson, a Mexican-American, was a friendly and
    cheerful student at Klein Collins High School in the Houston suburb
    of Spring, Texas, and a popular and talented football athlete who
    was loved and admired by his family and friends;

-   "on April 23, 2006, at the age of 16, David Ray Ritcheson was
    severely assaulted while attending a party in Spring, Texas;

-   "the former running back and freshman homecoming prince spent more
    than three months in the hospital as a result of the injuries he
    suffered in the assault and endured more than 30 surgeries to
    restore his appearance and regain the normal use of his bodily
    functions;

-   "no human being deserves to be tortured and victimized like David
    Ray Ritcheson simply because he is of a different background, race,
    religion, ethnic group, or sexual orientation;

-   "of all crimes, hate crimes are most likely to create or exacerbate
    tensions that can trigger larger community-wide racial conflict,
    civil disturbances, and riots in communities at-risk of serious
    social and economic consequences;

-   "hate-motivated violence disrupts the tranquility and safety of
    communities, impedes the movement of members of targeted groups, and
    prevents members of targeted groups from purchasing goods and
    services, obtaining or sustaining employment, and fulfilling the
    American Dream;

-   "the courageous, eloquent, and compelling testimony of David Ray
    Ritcheson before a committee of the House of Representatives brought
    into vivid relief the human face of victims of hate crimes and the
    terrible suffering that such crimes inflict on victims and their
    families, friends, and communities;

-   "David Ray Ritcheson, in his testimony, emphasized that he was a
    survivor who urged the Federal Government to take the lead in
    deterring individuals like those who attacked him from committing
    violent crimes against others because of where they are from, the
    color of their skin, the God they worship, the person they love, or
    the way they look, talk, or act;

-   "David Ray Ritcheson's powerful testimony helped inspire the House
    of Representatives to pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
    Prevention Act of 2007 (H.R. 1592 of the 110th Congress), which
    incorporates key provisions of the David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention
    Act of 2007 (H.R. 254 of the 110th Congress);

-   "David Ray Ritcheson vowed to do whatever he could to help make the
    United States a hate-free place in which to live;

-   "the courage displayed by David Ray Ritcheson is an inspiration to
    all Americans and reinforces the message that acts of bigotry and
    hate are unacceptable in the United States; and

-   "on July 1, 2007, David Ray Ritcheson died at the age of 18."

[**Additional Background**:]{.underline} According to press reports,
David Ray Ritcheson died recently after committing suicide.

On May 3, 2007, H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
Prevention Act of 2007, passed the House of Representatives by 237 - 180
([Roll no.
299](http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2007&rollnumber=299)).
For more information on H.R. 1592, see the RSC's [Legislative
Bulletin](http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/LB_050307_HateCrimes.pdf)
and a useful [Q&A
document](http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/PB_050307_HateCrimes_Q&A.pdf)
addressing several felonious assertions about this legislation.

[**Possible Conservative Concerns**:]{.underline} Some conservatives may
be concerned that this resolution specifically elevates "hate" crimes
above all other violent crimes, and specifically states that a "hate"
will "most likely" trigger racial conflict, civil disturbances, and
riots, implying that other egregious violent crimes do not engender the
same passions and concerns for the victims as these special crimes. 
This also implies that the reaction a community may have to a "hate"
crime is inevitable and perhaps even merited, but riots and other
violent and unlawful reactions to other crimes would not be warranted. 
Further, conservatives may be concerned that the resolutions findings
are highly speculative and do not appear to be based on sound research,
congressional investigations, or the like.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 535 was introduced on July
11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Con.Res. 175 --- Expressing the sense of Congress that courts with
fiduciary responsibility for a child of a deceased member of the Armed
Forces who receives a death gratuity payment under section 1477 of title
10, United States Code, should take into consideration the expression of
clear intent of the member regarding the distribution of funds on behalf
of the child (Latham, R-IA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 175 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 175 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives "that courts with fiduciary responsibility
for a child of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who receives a
death gratuity payment under section 1477 of title 10, United States
Code, should take into consideration the expression of clear intent of
the member regarding the distribution of funds on behalf of the child."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the death gratuity payable under section 1477 of title 10, United
    States Code, upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces, is
    intended to provide funds to meet the immediate needs of the
    survivors of the deceased member;

-   "such section designates the surviving spouse and any children of a
    deceased member as the highest and second highest priority,
    respectively, to receive the death gratuity payment; and

-   "a member with a child or children, but no spouse, usually
    designates another individual to be responsible for that child or
    children and may express a desire that such individual receive the
    death gratuity payment on behalf of the child or children."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Con.Res. 175 was introduced on
June 26, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

H.R. 3095--- To amend the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of
2006 to modify a deadline relating to a certain election by Indian
tribes *(Kildee, D-MI)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3095 would extend by one year, through
July 27, 2008, a requirement that Indian Tribes decide whether to
administer sex-offender registries under their own jurisdiction, or to
cooperate with another jurisdiction near the tribal land (most likely
the state where the tribal land is located).

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Congress voted to
establish a national sex-offender registry with the Adam Walsh Child
Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and required American Indian tribal
governments to determine, by July 27, 2007, whether they would
administer their own database or come under the jurisdiction of other
authorities. This bill would extend the tribes have to make their
decision by one year.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3095 was introduced on July 17,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Committee on the Judiciary, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3095 is not
currently available, but the bill 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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. \_\_ --- To extend the designation of Liberia under section 244
of the Immigration and Nationality Act so that Liberians can continue to
be eligible for temporary protected status under that section**

***(Kennedy, D-RI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. \_\_\_ would extend the protected
immigration status for Liberian refugees living in the United States for
an additional year. As of press time the text of the bill was not
available.

**[Addition Information]{.underline}**: According to the CIA, a 1980
military coup in Liberia, led by Samuel Doe "ushered in a decade of
authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles Taylor launched a
rebellion against Doe's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in
which Doe himself was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 allowed
for elections that brought Taylor to power, but major fighting resumed
in 2000. An August 2003, peace agreement ended the war and prompted the
resignation of former president Charles Taylor, who was exiled to
Nigeria. After two years of rule by a transitional government,
democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf to power. The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which maintains a
strong presence throughout the country, completed a disarmament program
for former combatants in late 2004, but the security situation is still
volatile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure
of this war-torn country remains sluggish."

Due to the humanitarian problems in Liberia, the United States has
allowed Liberian refugees to live and work in America under temporary
protected status. Despite the continuing problems faced by Liberia, the
State Department has determined that conditions have improved enough for
the roughly 3,500 Liberians living in the U.S. to return home. The
Liberian government, along with most Liberians living here, does not yet
want to see the refugees returned, partly because the send millions of
dollars to family in the country. This bill would extend the time period
that Liberians are able to stay in the United States by one year, to
September 30, 2008.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. \_\_\_ will presumably be
introduced on July 23, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score is not currently
available.

[**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.

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

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

H.R. 404 --- Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act

*(Cuellar, D-TX)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 404 would require the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Management and Budget to
develop performance measures to determine whether Federal agencies are
providing high quality customer service.

The bill would require the GAO to conduct annual evaluations of customer
services standards and practices and report the findings to Congress and
the specific agency in question. Federal agencies would be required to
appoint an employee as the customer relations representative and that
person will be responsible for developing and implementing adequate
customer service standards.

H.R. 404 would require the Comptroller General to inspect each federal
agency each year and analyze the agency's customer service performance
to determine whether it is meeting the services standards. The
Comptroller General may give an award to a federal agency to recognize
the provision of exemplary customer service by the agency.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 404 was introduced on January
11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform. On March 23, 2007, it was referred to the
Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement,
which held a mark up and reported the bill to the full committee on May
9, 2007. On June 12, 2007, a full committee mark up was held and the
bill was reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing the
provisions of H.R. 404 would authorize \$1 million in FY 2008 and less
than \$500,000 each subsequent year.

**[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}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 528 --- Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Town of New
Milford, Connecticut *(Murphy, D-CT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 528 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 528 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives,

-   "congratulates the Town of New Milford, Connecticut, on the occasion
    of its 300th anniversary; and

-   "honors the Town of New Milford for its significant history,
    impressive growth, and considerable contributions to the State of
    Connecticut and the United States."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "New Milford is located in Litchfield County, on the western border
    of Connecticut, in the Housatonic Valley;

-   "the settlement of New Milford began in 1706, when John Noble, Sr.,
    purchased a portion of land known as Weantinogue;

-   "in 1707, Noble and his daughter settled in New Milford, followed by
    12 other families;

-   "beginning in 1774, New Milford demonstrated its support for the
    Revolutionary War by providing financial support to the servicemen
    and sending 285 of its 2,700 inhabitants to battle;

-   "in 1902, New Milford's worst disaster occurred when a raging fire
    completely destroyed the town's main business district on Bank
    Street;

-   "the population of New Milford stood at 3,000 in 1880 and has grown
    to nearly 30,000 today;

-   "at 64 square miles, New Milford is the largest town in Connecticut;
    and

-   "New Milford has been modernized through commercial and industrial
    growth, while retaining its deep sense of history, scenic beauty,
    and traditional New England character throughout the past 300
    years."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 528 was introduced on June
28, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 553 --- Mourning the passing of former First Lady, Lady Bird
Johnson, and celebrating her life and contributions to the people of the
United States *(Johnson, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 553 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 553 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "mourns the passing of former First Lady, Lady
Bird Johnson, and celebrates her life and contributions to the people of
the United States."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "Lady Bird Johnson was born Claudia Alta Taylor in Karnack, Texas on
    December 22, 1912, the daughter of Minnie Pattillo Taylor and Thomas
    Jefferson Taylor;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson received her nickname 'Lady Bird' from a nurse
    who thought she was as 'purty as a lady bird';

-   "Lady Bird Johnson was known for her academic accomplishments,
    graduating from high school at 15 years of age and graduating from
    the University of Texas in Austin in 1933 as one of the top 10
    students in her class;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson married President Lyndon Baines Johnson on
    November 17, 1934;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson served with honor and dedication as the wife of
    President Johnson throughout his service as a congressional
    secretary, United States Representative, United States Senator, Vice
    President of the United States, and President of the United States;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson served as President Johnson's personal adviser
    throughout his career, and was a champion of civil rights and
    programs for children and the poor, including the educational Head
    Start programs;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson was known for her passion for environmental
    causes and the preservation of native plants and wildflowers;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson paved the way for the environmental movement of
    the 1970s through her efforts to replace urban blight with flowers
    and trees;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson continued her dedication to education through her
    service on the Board of Regents for the University of Texas and
    through her work planning the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum
    at the University of Texas in Austin;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the
    Congressional Gold Medal in 1988;

-   "Lady Bird Johnson co-founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
    Center in 1982 in order to protect and preserve North America's
    native plants and natural landscapes; and

-   "Lady Bird Johnson died on July 11, 2007, at 94 years of age at her
    home in Austin, Texas, and was survived by her 2 daughters, 7
    grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 553 was introduced on July
17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 519 --- Honoring the life and accomplishments of renowned
artist Tom Lea on the 100th anniversary of his birth *(Reyes, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 519 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 519 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "honors the life and accomplishments of Tom
Lea."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "100 years ago on July 11, 1907, Tom Lea was born in El Paso, Texas,
    to former El Paso Mayor Tom Lea, Sr., and his wife Zola Utt Lea and
    spent the majority of his life in El Paso;

-   "Tom Lea served as an accredited war artist correspondent for Life
    magazine during World War II, traveled over 100,000 miles as an
    eye-witness reporter, landed with the First Marines on Peleliu
    during 1942, and accompanied American forces in the North Atlantic
    during 1941, fighter pilots aboard the USS Hornet in the South
    Pacific during 1942, and American forces in China during 1943;

-   " when accepting the Republican nomination for President of the
    United States in 2000, George W. Bush quoted Tom Lea about living on
    the 'sunrise side of the mountain';

-   "Tom Lea's painting Rio Grande today hangs in the Oval Office at the
    White House;

-   "Tom Lea was also an accomplished author and illustrator whose works
    included the two-volume annotated history The King Ranch (published
    in 1957), in addition to four novels and two non-fiction books, of
    which, The Brave Bulls (published in 1949) and The Wonderful Country
    (published in 1952), were adapted as screenplays for motion
    pictures;

-   "Tom Lea during his life was honored with several awards, including
    the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the United States
    Marine Corps' Colonel John W. Thomason, Jr. Award, and the National
    Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum's Great Westerners Award;

-   "President and Mrs. George W. Bush are serving as Honorary Chairs of
    the International Advisory Board for the 2007 Tom Lea Centennial
    Celebration, a month-long series of events in the Southwest that
    seeks to ensure that the richness and diversity of Tom Lea's legacy
    will nourish generations to come; and

-   "Tom Lea's war diaries are to be published by Texas A&M Press in
    2008."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 519 was introduced on June
26, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 345 --- Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese
of New York (Fossella, R-NY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 345 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 23, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 345 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "commemorates the 200th anniversary of the
Archdiocese of New York."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "it is a tradition of the House of Representatives to honor and pay
    tribute to those places and institutions within the United States
    whose historic significance has contributed to the culture and
    traditions of our citizens;

-   "in accordance with this tradition, the House of Representatives is
    proud to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New
    York and its history of faith and service;

-   "the Archdiocese of New York has planned a year-long series of
    events beginning in April 2007 to celebrate their bicentennial;

-   "on March 15, 1875, His Eminence John Cardinal McCloskey, the second
    Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, became the first Cardinal
    Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in America;

-   "Elizabeth Ann Seton, a member of the Archdiocese of New York and
    founder of today\'s Catholic education parochial school system, was
    named the first American-born Saint on September 14, 1975; her name
    appears on the front doors to St. Patrick\'s Cathedral describing
    her as a 'Daughter of New York'; and several schools are named after
    her, including Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey;

-   "with 2,500,000 Catholics in its fold, the Archdiocese of New York
    consists of 402 parishes, 278 elementary and high schools, and 3,729
    charitable ministries, which include Catholic Charities, hospitals,
    nursing homes, and outreach programs; and

-   "throughout its rich historical past and up to the present day, the
    Archdiocese of New York has been sustained by the beneficent efforts
    of countless parishioners and ministries, past and present, who have
    generously supported their community with abundant kindness and good
    deeds."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 345 was introduced on April
30, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**\###**