![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................June 18, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 154 ---** Recognizing Stax Records for enriching the Nation's
> Cultural life with "50 years of soul"
>
> **H.Res. 475 ---** Congratulating the University of Arizona Wildcats
> for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division
> I Softball Championship
>
> **H.Res. 406 ---** Celebrating the accomplishments of title IX of the
> Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink
> Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and recognizing the need to
> continue pursuing the goal of educational opportunities for women and
> girls
>
> **H.Res. 485 ---** Expressing appreciation for the profound public
> service and educational contributions of Donald Jeffry Herbert, fondly
> known as "Mr. Wizard"
>
> **H.R. 2127 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 408 West 6th Street in Chelsea, Oklahoma, as
> the "Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building"
>
> **S. 1352 ---** To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 127 East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, as
> the "Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building"
>
> **H.Con.Res. 155** --- Recognizing the historical significance of
> Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress that
> history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and
> more effectively facing the challenges of the future
>
> **H.Con.Res. 148 ---** Recognizing the significance of National
> Caribbean-American Heritage Month
>
> **H.R. 2563 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 309 East Linn Street in Marshalltown, Iowa,
> as the "Major Scott Nisely Post Office"
>
> **H.Res. 257---** Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer
> Awareness Month
>
> **H.R. 885 ---** International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and
> Nonproliferation Act of 2007
>
> **H.Con.Res. 21** --- Calling on the United Nations Security Council
> to charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the
> 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
> Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the
> destruction of the State of Israel
>
> **H.Con.Res. 80** --- Calling on the Government of Uganda and the
> Lord\'s Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to
> the conflict in northern Uganda by engaging in good-faith
> negotiations, and urging immediate and substantial support for the
> ongoing peace process from the United States and the international
> community
>
> **H. Res. 137 ---** Honoring the life and six decades of public
> service of Jacob Birnbaum and especially his commitment freeing Soviet
> Jews from religious, cultural, and communal extinction
>
> **H. Res. 233 ---** Recognizing over 200 years of sovereignty of the
> Principality of Liechtenstein, and expressing support for efforts by
> the United States continue to strengthen its relationship with that
> country
>
> **H.R. 2359 ---** SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 2366 ---** SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 2284 ---** To amend the Small Business Act to expand and
> improve the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers
> to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians
>
> **H.R. 2397 ---** SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007

**H.Res. 154 --- Recognizing Stax Records for enriching the Nation's
Cultural life with "50 years of soul" *(Cohen, D-TN)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 154 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 154 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "recognizes the 50th anniversary of the founding of Stax Records;

-   "recognizes the important role played by Stax Records in launching
    the careers of many legendary soul music artists; and

-   "recognizes the continuing contributions and influence of soul music
    to America's cultural life."

The resolution lists the following findings

-   "Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee, is an icon of the American
    recording industry; Stax Records produced some of the earliest
    recordings by such soul music legends as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding,
    the Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, Luther Ingram, Albert King, the
    Bar-Kays, Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus, and Carla
    Thomas, and many other artists whose work continues to exert a
    profound influence on popular music today;

-   "Stax Records also produced important recordings by, among others,
    the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor;

-   "soul music is a uniquely American art form that continues to enrich
    the Nation's cultural life; and

-   "in 2007, the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Concord Music
    Group/Stax Records, and the Soulsville Foundation will be
    celebrating both American soul music and the 50th anniversary of the
    founding of Stax Records through their '50 Years of Soul'
    celebration."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 154 was introduced on
February 2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor,
which took no further action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 475 --- Congratulating the University of Arizona Wildcats for
winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I
Softball Championship *(Grijalva, D-AZ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 475 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 475 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "congratulates the University of Arizona Wildcats on their victory
    in the National Collegiate Athletic Association 2007 Division I
    Women's College World Series Softball Championship; and

-   "recognizes and commends the efforts of the University of Arizona
    Wildcats players, coaches, and support staff in achieving their
    victory."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "on June 6, 2007, the University of Arizona Wildcats defeated the
    University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to win the 2007 National
    Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Women's College World
    Series Softball Championship, their eighth such title since 1991;

-   "Wildcats pitcher Taryne Mowatt set a College World Series record
    for most innings pitched, and was named the Most Valuable Player of
    the qualifying tournament;

-   "Wildcats players Kristie Fox, Jenae Leles, and Caitlin Lowe were
    selected for the all-tournament team;

-   "the Wildcats, after beginning the 2007 season with a losing record,
    completed the season with a 50-14-1 record; and

-   "Wildcats coach Mike Candrea has taken the Wildcats to the College
    World Series 19 times in the last 20 years, winning eight College
    World Series titles."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 475 was introduced on June
11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no further action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 406 --- Celebrating the accomplishments of title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink
Equal Opportunity in Education Act, and recognizing the need to continue
pursuing the goal of educational opportunities for women and girls
*(Hirono, D-HI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 406 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 406 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "the accomplishments of title IX of the Education Amendments of
    1972, also known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in
    Education Act, in increasing opportunities for women and girls in
    all facets of education; and

-   "the magnificent accomplishments of women and girls in sports."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "35 years ago, on June 23, 1972, the Education Amendments of 1972
    containing title IX was signed into law by the President;

-   "Representatives Patsy T. Mink and Edith Green led the successful
    fight in Congress to pass this legislation;

-   "title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the
    administration of any education program receiving Federal financial
    assistance;

-   "remarkable gains have been made to ensure equal opportunity for
    women and girls under the inspiration and mandate of title IX;

-   "title IX serves as the nondiscrimination principle in education;

-   "title IX has moved this Nation closer to the fulfillment of access
    and opportunities for women and girls in all aspects of life;

-   "title IX has increased educational opportunities for women and
    girls, resulting in improved graduation rates, increased access to
    professional schools and nontraditional fields of study, and
    improved employment opportunities;

-   "title IX has increased opportunities for women and girls in sports,
    leading to greater access to competitive sports, and building strong
    values such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, work ethic,
    self-sacrifice, pride in accomplishment, and strength of character;

-   "on October 29, 2002, title IX was named the 'Patsy Takemoto Mink
    Equal Opportunity in Education Act' in recognition of Representative
    Mink's heroic, visionary, and tireless leadership in developing and
    winning passage of title IX; and

-   "35 years of progress under title IX is widely acknowledged, but
    because women continue to earn less for work than men with the same
    educational background; sexual harassment remains pervasive in
    schools and on college campuses; women and girls face substantial
    barriers in pursuing high-wage fields such as science, technology,
    engineering, and math; and women and girls' sports teams do not
    receive an equal share of resources, including fewer recruiting and
    scholarship dollars at the college level; and athletic participation
    opportunities still lag behind those provided for men, there is
    still much work to be done if the promise of title IX is to be
    fulfilled."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 406 was introduced on June
15, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no further action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 485 --- Expressing appreciation for the profound public service
and educational contributions of Donald Jeffry Herbert, fondly known as
"Mr. Wizard" (Ehlers, R-MI)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 485 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 485 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "expresses its appreciation for the profound public service and
    educational contributions of Donald Jeffry Herbert;

-   "recognizes the profound impact of higher educational institutions
    that train teachers;

-   "encourages students to honor the heritage of Don Herbert by
    exploring our world through science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics fields; and

-   "tenders its condolences to the family of Don Herbert and thanks
    them for their strong familial support of him."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "many citizens of the United States remember Donald Jeffry Herbert
    as 'Mr. Wizard' and mourn his passing;

-   "Don Herbert was born in Waconia, Minnesota and graduated from the
    La Crosse State Teacher's College in Wisconsin in 1940 where he
    trained to be a science teacher;

-   "Don Herbert volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps and served our
    country in the Atlantic theater and earned the Distinguished Flying
    Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters;

-   "Don Herbert developed the idea for science programming culminating
    in 'Watch Mr. Wizard', a live television show produced from 1951 to
    1964 and honored by a Peabody Award in 1954;

-   "the National Science Foundation and the American Chemical Society
    lauded Don Herbert and his show for promoting interest in science
    and his contributions to science education and has since been
    recognized by numerous awards;

-   "an additional educational program, 'Mr. Wizard's World', inspired
    children from 1983 to 1990 on cable television;

-   "'Mr. Wizard' continued to serve as an ambassador for science
    education by authoring multiple books and programs, and by traveling
    to schools and providing classroom demonstrations;

-   "educational research indicates that young children make decisions
    about future careers at a very early age and are influenced greatly
    by positive contacts with science and technology;

-   "a strong education in science and technology is one of the building
    blocks of a productive, competitive, and healthy society;

-   "'Mr. Wizard' encouraged children to duplicate his experiments at
    home, driving independent inquiry into science with simple household
    equipment;

-   "'Mr. Wizard's dynamic and energetic science experiments attracted
    unprecedented numbers of children to educational programming, even
    those who were disinterested or unmotivated in science;

-   "Mr. Wizard Science Clubs were started across the United States and
    had more than 100,000 children enrolled in 5,000 clubs by the
    mid-1950s; and

-   "Don Herbert will be remembered as a pioneer of commercial
    educational programming and instrumental in making science education
    exciting and approachable for millions of children across the United
    States."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 406 was introduced on June
14, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no further action.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 2127 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 408 West 6th Street in Chelsea, Oklahoma, as the
"Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building" *(Boren, D-OK)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2127 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2127 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 408 West 6th Street in Chelsea,
Oklahoma, as the "Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the State of
Oklahoma's website, Clem Rogers McSpadden was an Oklahoma politician who
served in the United States House of Representatives from 1972 to 1975.
Born in Bushyhead, Oklahoma, in 1925, McSpadden grew up on his family
ranch and served in World War II from 1944 to 1966. In 1954, he was
elected to the Okalahoma State Senate, where he served for over twenty
years, and eventually become President Pro Tempore. McSpadden was
elected to serve in the 93^rd^ Congress in 1972. After his first term,
McSpadden left office to run for the Democratic nomination for governor
of Oklahoma, which he lost to David L. Boren. Now retired from public
service, McSpadden resides in Chelsea, Oklahoma.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2127 was introduced on May 3,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on June 12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2127 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect
the federal budget.

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

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

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

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

**S. 1352 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 127 East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, as the
"Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building" *(Durbin, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S.1352 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1352 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 127 East Locust Street in
Fairbury, Illinois, as the "Dr. Francis Townsend Post Office Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Dr. Francis Townsend, born in
1867, was a physician who introduced an old-age pensions scheme, known
as the Townsend Plan, during the Great Depression. Townsend's plan,
which called for a monthly payment of \$200 to every American over the
age 65, so long as they did not work, became widely popular in the 1930s
and may have lead to eventually creation of Social Security. Townsend
planned to fund the plan by imposing a national sales tax of two
percent.

Although the plan was economically dubious, its popularity made the idea
of increased social welfare politically significant. According to the
Social Security Administration, "Despite it dubious chances of success,
the Townsend Plan was without question the single most-popular scheme
for old-age pensions in America during the 1930s. Literally millions of
senior citizens fervently believed the Townsend Plan was their economic
salvation. There is even some evidence that President Roosevelt
introduced his Social Security proposals when he did in order to stave
off pressure from the Townsend Plan and related alternative pension
schemes."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1352 was introduced on May 10,
2007, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, which marked-up the bill and reported it by
unanimous consent on May 23, 2007. The bill was received in the House on
May 24, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark up and reported the bill by voice vote on June
12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of S. 1352 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect
the federal budget.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 155 --- Recognizing the historical significance of
Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress that
history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and
more effectively facing the challenges of the future *(Davis, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 155 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 155 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives that:

-   "Congress recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth
    Independence Day to the Nation;

-   "Congress supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth
    Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the
    United States to learn more about the past and to better understand
    the experiences that have shaped the Nation;

-   "the President is urged to issue a proclamation calling on the
    people of the United States to observe Juneteenth Independence Day
    with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and

-   "it is the sense of Congress that:

    -   "history should be regarded as a means for understanding the
        past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future;
        and

    -   "the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and
        enriching part of the history and heritage of the United
        States."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the
    United States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for more
    than 2 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of
    January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War;

-   "on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon
    Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War
    had ended and that the enslaved were free;

-   "African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated
    June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the
    anniversary of their emancipation;

-   "African Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of
    Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for
    future generations;

-   "for more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations
    have been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging
    self-development and respect for all cultures;

-   "although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning to be recognized
    as a national, and even global, event, the history behind the
    celebration should not be forgotten; and

-   "the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves
    remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless
    of background, religion, or race."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 155 was introduced on May
23, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on
June 12, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 148 --- Recognizing the significance of National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month *(Lee, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 148 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 148 would express that the House
of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American Heritage Month;

-   "encourages the people of the United States to observe
    Caribbean-American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies,
    celebrations, and activities; and

-   "affirms that:

    -   "the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part
        of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and

    -   "the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches
        and strengthens the Nation."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "people of Caribbean heritage are found in every State of the Union;

-   "emigration from the Caribbean region to the American Colonies began
    as early as 1619 with the arrival of indentured workers in
    Jamestown, Virginia;

-   "during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a significant number of
    slaves from the Caribbean region were brought to the United States;

-   "since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean
    region to the United States;

-   "much like the United States, the countries of the Caribbean faced
    obstacles of slavery and colonialism and struggled for independence;

-   "also like the United States, the people of the Caribbean region
    have diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds;

-   "the independence movements in many countries in the Caribbean
    region during the 1960s and the consequential establishment of
    independent democratic countries in the Caribbean strengthened ties
    between the region and the United States;

-   "Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the
    first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in the Caribbean;

-   "the countries of the Caribbean are important economic partners of
    the United States;

-   "the countries of the Caribbean represent the United States third
    border;

-   "the people of the Caribbean region share the hopes and aspirations
    of the people of the United States for peace and prosperity
    throughout the Western Hemisphere and the rest of the world;

-   "in June 2006, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation
    declaring June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month after the
    passage of H.Con.Res 71 in the 109th Congress by both the Senate and
    the House of Representatives; and

-   "June is an appropriate month to establish a Caribbean-American
    Heritage Month."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 148 was introduced on May
14, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on
June 12, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 2563 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 309 East Linn Street in Marshalltown, Iowa, as the
"Major Scott Nisely Post Office" (Latham, R-IA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2563 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2563 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 309 East Linn Street in
Marshalltown, Iowa, as the "Major Scott Nisely Post Office."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Iowa
Times-Republican, Scott E. Nisely was born on July 5, 1958, in Nebraska
City, Nebraska. In 1976 he graduated from high school in Syracuse,
Nebraska, and went on to attend Doane College. While in college, Nisely
joined the United States Marines Reserves, where he served as a
specialist. After seeing action in Operation Desert Storm, Nisely moved
to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he worked for the United States Postal
Service. In 2005, he re-enlisted in the armed forces, this time with the
Army National Guard, and was deployed to Iraq in 2006. On October 6,
2006, while conducting security operations in Al Asad, Iraq, Nisely was
killed when his vehicle received small arms fire. Nisely is survived by
his wife and two children.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2563 was introduced on June 5,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on June 12, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2563 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect
the federal budget.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 257--- Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer
Awareness Month (Platts, R-PA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H. Res. 257 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 257 would express that the House of
Representatives, "supports the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer
Awareness Month."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   over 37,170 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this
    year in the United States;

-   "pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death
    in the United States;

-   "75 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year
    of their diagnosis, and only 5 percent survive more than 5 years,
    making pancreatic cancer the deadliest of any cancer;

-   "there has been no significant improvement in survival rates in the
    last 25 years, and pancreatic cancer research is still in the
    earliest scientific stages;

-   "there are no early detection methods and minimal treatment options
    for pancreatic cancer;

-   "when symptoms of pancreatic cancer generally present themselves, it
    is too late for an optimistic prognosis, and the average survival
    rate of those diagnosed with metastasis disease is only 3 to 6
    months;

-   "the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer is 40 to 50 percent higher
    in African Americans than in other ethnic groups; and

-   "the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has requested that the
    Congress designate November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in
    order to educate communities across the Nation about pancreatic
    cancer and the need for research funding, early detection methods,
    effective treatments, and prevention programs."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 257 was introduced on March
20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on
June 12, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 885 --- International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation
Act of 2007 *(Lantos, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 885 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 18, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 885 would authorize the President to
make a voluntary donation of up to \$50 million, to the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the purpose of establishing a nuclear
fuel bank to provide low-level enriched uranium for countries that have
their fuel supply disrupted.

The president may only make such a donation if he first certifies to
Congress that:

-   The IAEA has received international pledges of at least \$100
    million for the fuel bank;

-   The fuel bank is established in a non-nuclear weapon state that is
    IAEA compliant; and

-   The fuel bank will only provide fuel to IAEA compliant nations does
    not operate uranium enrichment or spent-fuel reprocessing facilities
    of any scale.

The bill would also require that the president to submit to the
committees, within 180 days of enactment, a report on U.S. activities to
support an international fuel bank, and on the feasibility of
establishing the bank within the United States.

The bill expresses the sense of the House that:

-   "the 'Concept for a Multilateral Mechanism for Reliable Access to
    Nuclear Fuel', proposed by the United States, France, the Russian
    Federation, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands on May
    31, 2006, is welcomed and should be expanded upon at the earliest
    possible opportunity;

-   "the proposal by the Government of the Russian Federation to bring
    one of its uranium enrichment facilities under international
    management and oversight is also a welcome development and should be
    encouraged by the United States;

-   "the offer by the Nuclear Threat Institute (NTI) of \$50,000,000 in
    funds to support the creation of an international nuclear fuel bank
    by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also welcomed,
    and the United States and other member states of the IAEA should
    pledge collectively at least an additional \$100,000,000 in matching
    funds to fulfill the NTI proposal; and

-   "the governments, organizations, and experts currently engaged in
    developing the initiatives described in paragraphs (1) through (3)
    and other initiatives should also identify additional incentives to
    be included in an international regime for the assured supply of
    nuclear fuel for peaceful means, including participation in
    non-weapons-relevant technology development, fuel financing, and
    other financial incentives to further persuade countries that
    participation in such a multilateral arrangement far outweighs the
    temptation and expense of developing national uranium enrichment and
    plutonium reprocessing facilities."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the findings
listed in the bill, demand for enriched uranium for energy purposes has
been used by some nations an argument to defend potentially harmful
enrichment facilities. For instance, "Iran has used the specter of a
potentially unreliable international supply of nuclear reactor fuel as a
pretext for developing its own uranium enrichment and spent-fuel
reprocessing capability, which would enable Iran to also produce
weapons-grade uranium and plutonium for nuclear weapons." Therefore,
"the creation of a multi-tiered system to assure the supply of nuclear
reactor fuel, under appropriate safeguards and conditions, could
reassure countries that are dependent upon or will construct nuclear
power reactors that they will have an assured supply of nuclear fuel, so
long as such countries forgo national uranium enrichment and spent-fuel
reprocessing facilities and are committed to the nonproliferation of
nuclear weapons"

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 885 was introduced on February
7, 2007, and referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held
a mark up and introduced the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 885 would
authorize \$45 million in FY 2008 and \$50 million over the FY 08 -- FY
09 period.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is not available. However, 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.Con.Res. 21 --- Calling on the United Nations Security Council to
charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and
the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of
the State of Israel *(Rothman, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 21 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 21 would express that the House of
Representatives:

-   "condemns, in the strongest terms, Iranian President Mahmoud
    Ahmadinejad's offensive remarks, contemptible statements, and
    reprehensible policies aimed at the destruction of the State of
    Israel;

-   "calls on the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian
    President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on
    the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and Article
    2, Section 4, of the United Nations Charter;

-   "further calls on the United Nations Security Council and all Member
    States of the United Nations to consider measures to prevent Iran
    from obtaining nuclear weapons, which would be both a dangerous
    violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a potential
    means to the end of carrying out President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad\'s
    threats against Israel; and

-   "reaffirms the unwavering strategic partnership between the United
    States and Israel and reasserts the steadfast commitment of the
    United States to defend the right of Israel to exist as a free and
    democratic state."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime
    of Genocide (commonly referred to as the 'Genocide Convention')
    defines genocide as, among other things, the act of killing members
    of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group with the intent to
    destroy, in whole or in part, the targeted group, and it also
    prohibits conspiracy to commit genocide, as well as 'direct and
    public incitement to commit genocide';

-   "Article 4 of the Genocide Convention provides that individuals
    committing any of the listed genocidal crimes shall be punished
    'whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public
    officials or private individuals';

-   "133 Member States of the United Nations have ratified the Genocide
    Convention and thereby pledged to prosecute those individuals who
    violate its criteria for incitement to commit genocide, as well as
    those individuals who commit genocide directly;

-   "Article 2, Section 4, of the United Nations Charter, to which Iran
    has agreed as a Member State of the United Nations, requires all
    Member States of the United Nations to 'refrain in their
    international relations from the threat or use of force against the
    territorial integrity or political independence of any state';

-   "on October 27, 2005, at the World Without Zionism Conference in
    Tehran, Iran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for
    Israel to be 'wiped off the map', described Israel as 'a disgraceful
    blot \[on\] the face of the Islamic world', and declared that
    '\[a\]nybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the
    Islamic nation's fury';

-   "on December 12, 2006, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
    addressed a conference in Tehran questioning the history of the
    Holocaust and said that Israel would 'soon be wiped out';

-   "on December 14, 2001, the President of Iran's Expediency Council,
    Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, threatened Israel with nuclear attack,
    saying, '\[i\]f one day, the Islamic world is also equipped with
    weapons like those that Israel possesses now, then the imperialists'
    strategy will reach a standstill because the use of even one nuclear
    bomb inside Israel will destroy everything \[in Israel\], while it
    will merely harm the Islamic world';

-   "Iran has aggressively pursued a clandestine effort to arm itself
    with nuclear weapons; and

-   "the longstanding policy of the Iranian regime is aimed at
    destroying the democratic State of Israel, the only democracy in the
    Middle East and the most important strategic ally of the United
    States, which is confirmed by statements such as those made by
    Iranian President Ahmadinejad and Council President Rafsanjani,
    demonstrating the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran."

> .

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 21 was introduced on
January 1, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
marked-up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on May 23 ,
2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 80 --- Calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord\'s
Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the
conflict in northern Uganda by engaging in good-faith negotiations, and
urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process
from the United States and the international community**

***(Johnson, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 80 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 80 would express that the House of
Representatives:

-   "disapproves of the LRA leadership's inconsistent commitment to
    resolving the conflict in Uganda peacefully;

-   "urges the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda
    to return to negotiations in order to extend and expand upon the
    existing ceasefire and to recommit to pursuing a political solution
    to this conflict;

-   "entreats all parties in the region to immediately cease human
    rights violations and address, within the context of a broader
    national reconciliation process in Uganda, issues of accountability
    and impunity for those crimes against humanity already committed;

-   "presses leaders on both sides of the conflict in Uganda to renounce
    any intentions and halt any preparations to resume violence and to
    ensure that this message is clearly conveyed to armed elements under
    their control; and

-   "calls on the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United
    States Agency for International Development, and the heads of other
    similar governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations
    within the international community to continue and augment efforts
    to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in northern Uganda and to
    support a peaceful resolution to this crisis by publicly and
    forcefully reiterating the preceding demands."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "for nearly two decades, the Government of Uganda has been engaged
    in an armed conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) that has
    resulted in up to 200,000 deaths from violence and disease and the
    displacement of more than 1,600,000 civilians from eastern and
    northern Uganda.

-   "former United Nations Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian
    Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland has called the
    crisis in northern Uganda 'the biggest forgotten, neglected
    humanitarian emergency in the world today';

-   "Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, and several of his associates
    have been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war
    crimes and crimes against humanity, including rape, murder,
    enslavement, sexual enslavement, and the forced recruitment of an
    estimated 66,000 children;

-   "the LRA is a severe and repeat violator of human rights and has
    continued to attack civilians and humanitarian aid workers despite a
    succession of ceasefire agreements;

-   "the Secretary of State has labeled the LRA 'vicious and cult-like'
    and designates it as a terrorist organization;

-   "the 2005 Department of State report on the human rights record of
    the Government of Uganda found that 'security forces committed
    unlawful killings\... and were responsible for deaths as a result of
    torture' along with other 'serious problems,' including repression
    of political opposition, official impunity, and violence against
    women and children;

-   "in the 2004 Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act (Public Law
    108-283; 118 Stat. 912), Congress declared its support for a
    peaceful resolution of the conflict in northern and eastern Uganda
    and called for the United States and the international community to
    assist in rehabilitation, reconstruction, and demobilization
    efforts;

-   "the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which was mediated by the
    Government of Southern Sudan and signed by representatives of the
    Government of Uganda and the LRA on August 20, 2006, and extended on
    November 1, 2006, requires both parties to cease all hostile
    military and media offensives and asks the Sudan People\'s
    Liberation Army to facilitate the safe assembly of LRA fighters in
    designated areas for the duration of the peace talks;

-   "a return to civil war would yield disastrous results for the people
    of northern Uganda and for regional stability, while peace in Uganda
    will bolster the fragile Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan and
    de-escalate tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

-   "continuing violence and instability obstruct the delivery of
    humanitarian assistance to the people of northern Uganda and impede
    national and regional trade, development and democratization
    efforts, and counter-terrorism initiatives; and

-   "the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 366, 109th
    Congress, agreed to February 6, 2006, and Senate Resolution 573,
    109th Congress, agreed to September 19, 2006, calling on Uganda,
    Sudan, the United States, and the international community to bring
    justice and provide humanitarian assistance to northern Uganda and
    to support the successful transition from conflict to sustainable
    peace, while the House of Representatives has not yet considered
    comparable legislation."

.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 80 was introduced on
March 5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
marked-up the bill and reported it, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 151 --- Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of dozens
of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade, and calling
on Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with
outside investigators in solving those murders (Smith, R-NJ)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 151 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 151 would express that the House
of Representatives:

-   "recalls the essential role that transparency and the free flow of
    information play in creating and preserving democratic institutions
    and civil society in any country;

-   "recognizes the vital contribution made by independent journalists
    in Russia in bringing transparency and a free flow of information to
    readers after decades of Communist censorship and repression;

-   "notes the disturbing trend of murders of independent journalists in
    Russia over the last decade;

-   "encourages the President of the United States to formally offer
    Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials of the Russian
    Government United States Government law enforcement investigative
    assistance to help identify and bring to justice those responsible
    for the many unsolved murders of journalists in Russia during the
    past decade; and

-   "urges President Putin to seek out competent, outside law
    enforcement assistance in the investigation of the unsolved murders
    of numerous independent journalists in Russia."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Paul Klebnikov, the editor of the Russian version of Forbes
    Magazine who was investigating suspect business dealings and
    corruption cases in Russia, was shot to death in Moscow on July 9,
    2004;

-   "Mr. Klebnikov's murder remains unsolved;

-   "Anna Politkovskaya, an acclaimed Russian journalist and human
    rights activist who wrote numerous articles critical of Russia's
    prosecution of the war in Chechnya, of human rights abuses by the
    Russian Government, and of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was
    shot to death in Moscow on October 7, 2006;

-   "Ms. Politkovskaya's murder remains unsolved;

-   "Ivan Safronov, a military affairs reporter for the Russian
    newspaper 'Kommersant' who wrote articles criticizing the failure of
    Russian military programs and who was planning to report on
    potential Russian arms sales to Middle Eastern countries, including
    to state sponsors of terrorism Iran and Syria, died in mysterious
    circumstances, falling five stories from a window in the stairwell
    of his apartment building in Moscow on March 2, 2007;

-   "Russian prosecutors subsequently suggested that Mr. Safronov may
    have committed suicide, although he left no suicide note and had
    just bought fresh fruit prior to his death;

-   the cause of Mr. Safronov's death remains undetermined;

-   "according to the International News Safety Institute, close to 90
    reporters were murdered in Russia between January 1996 and the
    present and a great many of those murders remain unsolved;

-   "according to the International News Safety Institute, over the
    period of the last ten years Russia holds the second position in the
    world in the number of journalists killed;

-   "a number of those reporters who were murdered had reported on
    alleged corruption, malfeasance, and other controversies at the
    federal, provincial, and local levels of Government in Russia;

-   "a number of those murdered had reported on alleged human rights
    abuses by the Russian Government;

-   "a number of those murdered had reported on the Russian Government's
    conduct of the war in Chechnya, which has involved numerous
    allegations of gross human rights violations and corruption; and

-   "according to the President of the International News Safety
    Institute, 'murder has become the easiest, cheapest and most
    effective way of silencing troublesome reporting, and the more the
    killers get away with it the more the spiral of death is forced
    upwards'."

.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 151 was introduced on May
22, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 23, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H. Res. 137 --- Honoring the life and six decades of public service of
Jacob Birnbaum and especially his commitment freeing Soviet Jews from
religious, cultural, and communal extinction *(Nadler, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 137 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 137 would express that the House
of Representatives, "honors the life and six decades of public service
of Jacob Birnbaum and especially his commitment to freeing Soviet Jews
from religious, cultural, and communal extinction."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "Jacob Birnbaum was born on December 10, 1926, and December 10 is
    International Human Rights Day;

-   "Birnbaum performed relief work with victims of Nazi and Soviet
    totalitarianism from 1946 through 1951, then worked with the
    disintegrating Jewish communities of North Africa in the mid-1950s
    and early 1960s;

-   "in 1964, Birnbaum moved to New York and founded the Student
    Struggle for Soviet Jewry (SSSJ) on April 27 of that year;

-   "four days later Birnbaum organized approximately 1,000 students who
    marched for four hours in front of the Mission to the United Nations
    of the Soviet Union on May 1, 1964, to begin the direct action
    public struggle for Soviet Jewry;

-   "the SSSJ utilized nonviolent methods, including marches, rallies,
    publication of extensive educational materials, and meetings with
    government officials, to organize and activate students to take
    direct action in the cause of freeing Soviet Jews trapped behind the
    Iron Curtain, utilizing the slogan 'Let My People Go';

-   "on April 4, 1965, Birnbaum organized the Jericho March, in which
    students encircled the Soviet Mission and sounded shofars from all
    around the building and proceeded to rally at the United Nations;

-   "on April 12, 1965, petitions were presented at the United Nations'
    Isaiah Wall; Birnbaum organized a Jericho Ride to Washington, DC, on
    May 20, 1965, where he and the first SSSJ chairman Rabbi Shlomo
    Riskin met with senior Soviet diplomat Anatoly Myshkov, and
    thereafter the students circled the Embassy of the Soviet Union to
    the sound of shofars, then moved on to the Department of State for a
    vigorous discussion, and finally arrived in Lafayette Park in front
    of the White House for a rally addressed by Members of Congress and
    the reading of an Appeal to Conscience;

-   "Birnbaum and his student steering committee organized approximately
    thirty events in SSSJ\'s first two years to awaken the Jewish
    community in New York and beyond to the plight of Soviet Jews;

-   "Birnbaum conducted a number of campaigns with Presidents and
    Congress for the protection of Soviet Jewish underground
    self-education groups and organized a delegation of the Synagogue
    Council of America to meet with the Deputy Secretary of State in
    1985;

-   "Birnbaum received the Prophet in Our Time Award in 1974 on the
    tenth anniversary of the SSSJ;

-   "Birnbaum received the Yeshiva University Community Service Award in
    1988 and the Freedom Award in 2004 from the Manhattan Beach Jewish
    Center;

-   "Birnbaum was honored in 2004 by the Conference of Presidents of
    Major American Jewish Organizations on the 40th anniversary of the
    initiation of the Soviet Jewry movement;

-   "during the 1990s Birnbaum was engaged in a number of interventions
    in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, especially
    Uzbekistan; and

-   "Birnbaum continues to assist institutions for the Jewish education
    of former Soviet Jews as part of his 'Let My People Know' campaign."

.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 137 was introduced on May
22, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 23, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H. Res. 233 --- Recognizing over 200 years of sovereignty of the
Principality of Liechtenstein, and expressing support for efforts by the
United States continue to strengthen its relationship with that country
(Stearns, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 233 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 18, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 233 would express that the House
of Representatives:

-   "recognizes over 200 years of sovereignty of the Principality of
    Liechtenstein; and

-   "expresses its support for efforts by the United States to continue
    to strengthen its relationship with that country."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Liechtenstein is nestled between Switzerland and Austria in the
    Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps, and is one of only two
    landlocked countries in the world surrounded by other landlocked
    countries;

-   "Liechtenstein has approximately 35,000 inhabitants, primarily Roman
    Catholics of German ethnicity;

-   "the modern country of Liechtenstein once formed part of the ancient
    Roman province of Rhaetia;

-   "in 1806, Napoleon dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, and
    Liechtenstein became a sovereign country for the first time;

-   "after World War II, Liechtenstein\'s advantageously low corporate
    tax rates drew many companies to the country;

-   "Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a
    democratic and parliamentary basis, headed by its ruling Prince,
    called \`Fu.AE4rst\';

-   "the parliament of Liechtenstein, the 'Landtag', consists of 25
    representatives, elected for four year terms by proportional
    representation in two multi-seat constituencies, ten representing
    the lowland area and 15 representing the highland area;

-   "Liechtenstein maintains a strong system of checks and balances
    between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of
    government;

-   "since 1999, the United States has been the most important export
    market for members of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and
    Industry, totaling \$561 million;

-   "since the signing of a customs treaty in 1923, Liechtenstein and
    Switzerland have represented one mutual economic area;

-   "Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area since
    May 1995 and is working to harmonize its economic policies more
    closely with the European Union

-   "Liechtenstein abolished its military in 1868 and has exercised
    neutrality in its foreign affairs; and

-   "Liechtenstein is an active member in international organizations
    such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the
    World Trade Organization, the International Court of Justice, and
    the United Nations."

.**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 233 was introduced on
March 9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 23, 2007.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 2359 --- SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007
*(Sestak, D-PA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2359 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 18, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2359 would direct the Small Business
Association (SBA) to create a series of **new grants** for the SBA's
Office of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with the purpose of
fostering entrepreneurial development.

The SBA would be authorized to provide SBDCs with grants of up to
\$500,000 to assist manufacturing training programs to become
accredited. Grants up to \$350,000 would be made available to help
business owners to identify transition plans and business opportunities.
The same amount would be granted to small or medium sized business to
evaluate energy efficiency and identify "green" building opportunities.
Grants of over \$200,000 would be made available to business to research
insurance costs. The bill would also make grants of up to \$300,000
available to provide financial education. Finally, the bill would
authorize grants over \$50,000 to rotate personnel into disaster areas
to provide on the ground business assistance.

H.R. 2359 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from
distributing funds to a new SBDC if the center is located in a state
that is already served by one SBDC, unless neither center has applied to
serve the entire state.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the SBA, "the
Office of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides management
assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer
one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a
wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily
accessible branch locations. The program is a cooperative effort of the
private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local
governments and is an integral component of Entrepreneurial
Development\'s network of training and counseling services."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 2359 creates a new federal grant program.**

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 2359 was introduced on May 17,
2007, and referred to House Committee on Small Business, which held a
mark up and introduced the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: H.R. 2359 would authorize \$101
million in FY 2008 and \$524 million over a five year period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, H.R. 2359 would create a new federal
grant program.

**[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. However, 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. 2366 --- SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007 (Buchanan, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2366 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 18, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2366 would direct the Small Business
Association (SBA) to create a series of **new grants** for the SBA's
Office of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) veteran's services.
The bill would award grants of \$75,000 to \$250,000 for SBDC to expand
veterans' outreach and face-to-face counseling to help veterans "to
overcome the impediments to entrepreneurship faced by veterans and
members of the Armed Forces." The bill would also authorize the creation
of four new SBCD service centers by 2009.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R.2366 was introduced on May 17,
2007, and referred to House Committee on Small Business, which held a
mark up and introduced the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2366 would
authorize \$10 million in FY 2008 and \$58 million over five years.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, H.R. 2366 would create a new federal
grant program.

**[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. However, 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. 2284 --- To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve
the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian
tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians**

**(Udall, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2284 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 18, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2284 would authorize \$7 million
annually for the Small Business Association (SBA) to **create new
programs** run by the SBA's Office of Small Business Development Center
(SBDC) to assist Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
The bill would award grants for the SBDC to assist native groups with
outreach and entrepreneurial skills and provide capital for start-up and
expansion activities.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "The rate for American Indians and Alaskan Natives living below 50
    percent the poverty level is 11.2 percent, nearly double the rate of
    the general population.

-   "The unemployment rate for American Indians and Alaskan Natives 16
    years and over is 13.6 percent, nearly double the rate of the
    general population.

-   "Indian tribe members and Alaska Natives own more than 201,000
    businesses and generate more than \$26,000,000,000 in revenues. The
    construction industry accounted for 16 percent of these businesses
    and 22.5 percent of their total receipts. The next largest was the
    service industry (13.2 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively). The
    third largest was the health care and social assistance industry
    (12.1 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively).

-   "The Small Business Development Center program is cost effective.
    Clients receiving long-term counseling under the program in 2005
    generated additional tax revenues of \$248,000,000, nearly 2.8 times
    the cost of the program to the Federal Government.

-   "Using the existing infrastructure of the Small Business Development
    Center program, small businesses owned by Indian tribe members,
    Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians receiving services under the
    program will have a higher survival rate than the average small
    business not receiving such services.

-   "Business counseling and technical assistance is critical on Indian
    lands where similar services are scarce and expensive.

-   "Increased assistance through counseling under the Small Business
    Development Center program has been shown to reduce the default rate
    associated with lending programs of the Small Business
    Administration."

The bill defines "Native Hawaiians" as:

-   "a citizen of the United States; and

-   "a descendant of the aboriginal people, who prior to 1778, occupied
    and exercised sovereignty in the area that now constitutes the State
    of Hawaii."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that Native Hawaiians are a racial group, not a tribe, and
dispensing benefits to them would likely be subject to strict scrutiny
in federal courts.  Providing additional financial assistance to this
group is not only duplicative of numerous current federal education
programs, but is also likely unconstitutional.**

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 2284 was introduced on May 10,
2007, and referred to House Committee on Small Business, which held a
mark up and introduced the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2284 would
authorize \$7 million in FY 2008 and \$21 million over five years.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, H.R. 2284 would create a new federal
grant program.

**[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. However, 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. 2397 --- SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007**

**(Fallin, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2397 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, June 18, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2397 would authorize the SBA
Administrator to establish a new method of distributing funds for
National Women's Business Council (WBC) grant programs that provide
financial, management, and marketing assistance for women. The bill
would create three tiers of funding for WBC centers. The top tier would
be for five year programs and would be allocated 40 percent of available
funds. Second and third tier programs would each be allocated 20 percent
of funds for three year programs. Second tier projects would receive
funding to support projects where first tier programs are being
completed, while third programs would support projects where second tier
projects are being completed. Third tier funded programs would be
subject to performance benchmarks. Grants under H.R. 2397 would range
from \$100,000 to \$150,000. The bill would also require the (WBC) to
conduct a year-long study on the problems facing women entrepreneurs.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the SBA, "the WBC
program, established by Congress in 1988, is administered by the SBA's
Office of Women's Business Ownership and promotes the growth of
women-owned businesses through business training and technical
assistance, and provides access to credit and capital, federal
contracts, and international trade opportunities. WBCs are
community-based and they are in nearly every state, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa, serving a wide variety of
economic environments including urban, suburban and rural. Each WBC
tailors its services to meet the needs of the local area, and works to
provide women business owners with long-term training, counseling and
mentoring, as well as access to all of the SBA's programs and services."

According to the sponsor's office, H.R. 2397 is meant to ensure that WBC
funds are properly spent be reorganizing the method by which grants are
distributed and imposing performance benchmarks on third tier programs.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 2397 was introduced on May 10,
2007, and referred to House Committee on Small Business, which held a
mark up and introduced the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2397 would
authorize less than \$500,000 per 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 not available. However, 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

**\###**