![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin........................................July 30, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.R. 180 ---** Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 2347 ---** Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 121 ---** Expressing the sense of the House of
> Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally
> acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a
> clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion
> of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as "comfort
> women", during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the
> Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II
>
> **H.Con.Res. 136** --- Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high
> level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials
> of Taiwan
>
> **H.Res. 427 ---** Urging the Government of Canada to end the
> commercial seal hunt
>
> **H.Con.Res. 188 ---** Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish
> Community Centers in Buenos Aires, Argentine, in July 1994, and for
> other purposes
>
> **H.R. 176 ---** United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of
> 2007
>
> **H.R. 957** **---** To amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand
> and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed
>
> **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.Res. 511** --- Congratulating the men's volleyball team of the
> University of California, Irvine, for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I
> Men's Volleyball National Championship
>
> **H.R. 2707** --- To reauthorize the Underground Railroad Educational
> and Cultural Program
>
> **H.R. 23** --- Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World
> War II Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 1315** --- To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
> specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of
> the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family
> member
>
> **H.R. 2874** --- Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 2623** --- To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit
> the collection of co-payments for all hospice care furnished by the
> Department of Veterans Affairs
>
> **H.R. 3184** --- To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry
> out a competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide
> comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality
>
> **H.R. 3006** --- To improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to
> the State of Idaho for us as an agricultural college, and for other
> purposes
>
> **S. 1716** --- U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina
> Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007
>
> **H.R. 3206** --- SBA Short Term Extension
>
> **H.R. 3123** --- 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
>
> **S. 975** --- A bill granting the consent and approval of Congress to
> an interstate forest fire protection compact
>
> **H.R. 3067** --- Small Public Housing Authority Act
>
> **H.R. 2750** --- NASA 50^th^ Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
>
> **H.Con.Res. 49** --- Recognizing the 75^th^ anniversary of the
> Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the
> Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and
> heroism on behalf of the United States
>
> **H.Res. 568** --- Honoring and expressing gratitude to the 1^st^
> Battalion of the 133^rd^ Infantry ("Ironman Battalion") of the Iowa
> National Guard
>
> **S.Con.Res. 27** --- A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and
> ideas of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day"
>
> **H.R. 2722** --- Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act
>
> **H.R. 735** --- To designate the Federal building under construction
> at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York as the "Ronald H. Brown
> United States Mission to the United Nations Building"

**H.R. 180 --- Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007**

***(Lee, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 180 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 180 would direct the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) to require companies conducting business
operations or investments in Sudan to disclose the nature of any
business relationships with the Sudanese government and safeguards that
ensure business operations do not enhance the terrorist-sponsoring or
genocidal policies of the government of Sudan. The bill would require
the SEC and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue annual
reports containing the names of companies with investments in Sudan and
the nature of their business. The reports would be published on the SEC
and GAO websites.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the findings
listed in the bill, the United States currently bans United States
companies from conducting business operations in Sudan, and millions of
Americans are inadvertently supporting the government of Sudan by
investing in foreign companies that conduct business operations in Sudan
that disproportionately benefit the Sudanese regime in Khartoum.

As a result of the growing concern that foreign investments are being
used to support the government in Darfur, many states have passed or are
considering legislation to address this issue. Illinois, New Jersey,
Oregon, and Maine have passed legislation mandating divestment of state
funds from companies that conduct business operations in Sudan.
California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Kansas,
Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Iowa, and Texas have
considered or are considering legislation to divest state funds from
companies that conduct business operations in Sudan. Connecticut, Ohio,
and Vermont have passed non-binding divestment legislation with respect
to Sudan. Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, and Pennsylvania have adopted
screening processes for investments in companies that conduct business
operations in countries that are sponsors of terrorism, including Sudan.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 180 was introduced on January
4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services and
Oversight and Government Reform. On March 13, 2007, the Financial
Services Committee referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Capital
Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises and the
Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and
Technology. On March 30, the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Government Management,
Organization, and Procurement. No further official action was taken in
either committee.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 180 is not
available.

**[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. 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. 2347 --- Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007**

***(Frank, D-MA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2347 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2347 would require the Secretary of
Treasury, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Energy and
the SEC, to produce and publish a list of each person that has an
investment of more than \$20 million in the energy sector of Iran. The
list would include a description of the investment, the dollar amount,
and the intended purpose of the investment. The bill would require that
the list be published on the Department of Treasury's website.

Investors on the list would be given 30 days notification to make steps
towards terminating investments in Iran's energy sector. Investors that
took such steps could delay their inclusion by 60 days and any investor
could be removed from the list when it is determined that the person no
longer has an investment of more than \$20 million in Iran's energy
sector.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, 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.'
The findings report that President Ahmadinejad has subsequently made
similar comments, and the Government of Iran has displayed inflammatory
symbols that express similar intent.

The bill further states that "on December 23, 2006, the United Nations
Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1737, which bans the
supply of nuclear technology and equipment to Iran and freezes the
assets of certain organizations and individuals involved in Iran's
nuclear program, until Iran suspends its enrichment of uranium, as
verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Following Iran's
failure to comply with Resolution 1737, on March 24, 2007, the United
Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1747, to
tighten sanctions on Iran, imposing a ban on arms sales and expanding
the freeze on assets, in response to the country's uranium-enrichment
activities."

According to the bill, "Targeted financial measures represent one of the
strongest non-military tools available to convince Tehran that it can no
longer afford to engage in dangerous, destabilizing activities such as
its nuclear weapons program and its support for terrorism. Foreign
persons that have invested in Iran's energy sector, despite Iran's
support of international terrorism and its nuclear program, have
provided additional financial means for Iran's activities in these
areas, and many United States persons have unknowingly invested in those
same foreign persons."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2347 was introduced on May 15,
2007 and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which held a
mark up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote on May 23,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to the CBO score for H.R.
2347, the bill would not have a significant effect on 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}** Yes, the bill would impose
sanctions on people with over \$20 million invested in Iran's energy
sector.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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.Res. 121 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and
accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for
its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery,
known to the world as "comfort women", during its colonial and wartime
occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the
duration of World War II *(Honda, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 121 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 121 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical
    responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial
    Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to
    the world as 'comfort women', during its colonial and wartime
    occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through
    the duration of World War II;

-   "should have this official apology given as a public statement
    presented by the Prime Minister of Japan in his official capacity;

-   "should clearly and publicly refute any claims that the sexual
    enslavement and trafficking of the 'comfort women' for the Japanese
    Imperial Armed Forces never occurred; and

-   "should educate current and future generations about this horrible
    crime while following the recommendations of the international
    community with respect to the 'comfort women'."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the Government of Japan, during its colonial and wartime occupation
    of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration
    of World War II, officially commissioned the acquisition of young
    women for the sole purpose of sexual servitude to its Imperial Armed
    Forces, who became known to the world as ianfu or 'comfort women';

-   "the 'comfort women' system of forced military prostitution by the
    Government of Japan, considered unprecedented in its cruelty and
    magnitude, included gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and
    sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death, or eventual suicide
    in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th
    century;

-   "some new textbooks used in Japanese schools seek to downplay the
    'comfort women' tragedy and other Japanese war crimes during World
    War II;

-   "Japanese public and private officials have recently expressed a
    desire to dilute or rescind the 1993 statement by Chief Cabinet
    Secretary Yohei Kono on the 'comfort women', which expressed the
    Government's sincere apologies and remorse for their ordeal;

-   "the Government of Japan did sign the 1921 International Convention
    for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children and
    supported the 2000 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325
    on Women, Peace, and Security which recognized the unique impact of
    armed conflict on women;

-   "the House of Representatives commends Japan's efforts to promote
    human security, human rights, democratic values, and rule of law, as
    well as for being a supporter of Security Council Resolution 1325;

-   "the House of Representatives commends those Japanese officials and
    private citizens whose hard work and compassion resulted in the
    establishment in 1995 of Japan's private Asian Women's Fund;

-   "the Asian Women's Fund has raised \$5,700,000 to extend 'atonement'
    from the Japanese people to the comfort women; and

-   "the mandate of the Asian Women's Fund, a government initiated and
    largely government-funded private foundation whose purpose was the
    carrying out of programs and projects with the aim of atonement for
    the maltreatment and suffering of the 'comfort women', comes to an
    end on March 31, 2007, and the Fund is to be disbanded as of that
    date."

[**Additional Information**:]{.underline} The website for the Asian
Women's Fund can be found here:
<http://www.awf.or.jp/english/index.html>. According to Congressional
Quarterly, Japan has lobbied aggressively to keep the apology resolution
from coming to a vote. In addition, Japan's U.S. embassy explains that
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has issued apologies for the sexual
enslavement of women and cautions that the resolution's "adoption would
be harmful to the friendship between the U.S. and Japan."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 121 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. A mark-up
session was held for H.Res. 121 on June 26, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Con.Res. 136 --- Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high
level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of
Taiwan (Chabot, R-OH)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 136 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 136 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives:

-   "restrictions on visits to the United States by high-level elected
    and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the
    democratically-elected President of Taiwan, should be lifted;

-   "the United States should allow direct high-level exchanges at the
    Cabinet level with the Government of Taiwan, in order to strengthen
    a policy dialogue with Taiwan; and

-   "it is in the interest of the United States to strengthen links
    between the United States and the democratically-elected officials
    of Taiwan and demonstrate stronger support for democracy in the
    Asia-Pacific region."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "for over half a century, a close relationship has existed between
    the United States and Taiwan, which has been of enormous political,
    economic, cultural, and strategic advantage to both countries;

-   "Taiwan is one of the strongest democratic allies of the United
    States in the Asia-Pacific region;

-   "it is United States policy to support and strengthen democracy
    around the world;

-   " during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Taiwan made a remarkable
    transition to a full-fledged democracy with a vibrant economy and a
    vigorous multi-party political system that respects human rights and
    the rule of law;

-   "in spite of its praise for democracy in Taiwan, the United States
    Government continues to adhere to guidelines from the 1970s that bar
    the President, Vice President, Premier, Foreign Minister, and
    Defense Minister of Taiwan from coming to Washington, DC;

-   "the United States Government has barred these high-level officials
    from visiting Washington, DC, while allowing the unelected leaders
    of the People's Republic of China to routinely visit Washington, DC,
    and welcoming them to the White House;

-   "these restrictions deprive the President, Congress, and the
    American public of the opportunity to engage in a direct dialogue
    regarding developments in the Asia-Pacific region and key elements
    of the relationship between the United States and Taiwan;

-   "whenever high-level visitors from Taiwan, including the President,
    seek to come to the United States, their request results in a period
    of complex, lengthy and humiliating negotiations;

-   "lifting these restrictions will help bring a United States friend
    and ally out of its isolation, which will be beneficial to peace and
    stability in the Asia-Pacific region;

-   "in consideration of the major economic, security, and political
    interests shared by the United States and Taiwan, it is to the
    benefit of the United States for United States officials to meet and
    communicate directly with the democratically-elected officials of
    Taiwan;

-   "since the Taiwan Strait is one of the flashpoints in the world, it
    is essential that United States policymakers directly communicate
    with the leaders of Taiwan; and

-   "section 221 of the Immigration and Nationality Technical
    Corrections Act of 1994 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) provides that the
    President or other high-level officials of Taiwan may visit the
    United States, including Washington, DC, at any time to discuss a
    variety of important issues."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 136 was introduced on May
1, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. A mark-up
session was held for H.Con.Res. 136 on June 26, 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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-8587.

**H.Res. 427 --- Urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial
seal hunt *(Lantos, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 427 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 427 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives urges the Government of Canada to end the
commercial hunt on seals.

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

-   "On November 15, 2006, the Government of Canada opened a commercial
    hunt for seals in the waters off the east coast of Canada;

-   "an international outcry regarding the plight of the seals hunted in
    Canada resulted in the 1983 ban by the European Union of whitecoat
    and blueback seal skins and the subsequent collapse of the
    commercial seal hunt in Canada;

-   "the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)
    bars the import into the United States of seal products;

-   "more than 1,000,000 seals have been killed over the past 3 years;

-   "harp seal pups can legally be hunted in Canada as soon as they have
    begun to molt their white coats at approximately 12 days of age;

-   "95 percent of the seals killed over the past 5 years were pups
    between just 12 days and 12 weeks of age, many of which had not yet
    eaten their first solid meal or taken their first swim;

-   "a report by an independent team of veterinarians invited to observe
    the hunt by the International Fund for Animal Welfare concluded that
    the seal hunt failed to comply with basic animal welfare regulations
    in Canada and that governmental regulations regarding humane killing
    were not being respected or enforced;

-   "the veterinary report concluded that as many as 42 percent of the
    seals studied were likely skinned while alive and conscious;

-   "the commercial slaughter of seals in the Northwest Atlantic is
    inherently cruel, whether the killing is conducted by clubbing or by
    shooting;

-   "the commercial hunt for harp and hooded seals is a commercial
    slaughter carried out almost entirely by non-Native people from the
    East Coast of Canada for seal fur, oil, and penises (used as
    aphrodisiacs in some Asian markets);

-   "certain ministries of the Government of Canada have stated clearly
    that there is no evidence that killing seals will help groundfish
    stocks to recover; and

-   "the persistence of this cruel and needless commercial hunt is
    inconsistent with the well-earned international reputation of
    Canada."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 427 was introduced on May 22,
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. 188 --- Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community
Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 2004, and for other purposes
(Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 188 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 188 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the
    AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and honors
    the victims of this heinous act;

-   "expresses its sympathy to the relatives of the victims, who have
    waited 13 years without justice for the loss of their loved ones,
    and may have to wait even longer for justice to be served;

-   "applauds the current Government of Argentina for increasing the
    pace of the AMIA bombing investigation, as well as on its recently
    approved anti-terrorism legislation;

-   "urges the Government of Argentina to continue to dedicate and
    provide the resources necessary for its judicial system and
    intelligence agencies to investigate all areas of the AMIA case and
    to bring those responsible to justice;

-   "calls upon the General Assembly of INTERPOL to uphold, issue and
    implement the international arrest warrants supported by the
    Executive Committee of INTERPOL in March 2007; and

-   "calls upon responsible nations to cooperate fully with the
    investigation, including by making information, witnesses, and
    suspects available for review and questioning by the appropriate
    Argentine authorities, and by detaining and extraditing to
    Argentina, if given the opportunity, any of the Iranian officials
    and former officials, Hezbollah operatives, and Islamist militants
    against whom Argentine or international arrest warrants are pending
    in connection with the AMIA case."

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

-   "on July 18, 1994, 85 innocent people were killed and 300 were
    wounded when the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) was
    bombed in Buenos Aires, Argentina;

-   "extensive evidence links the planning of the attacks to the
    Government of Iran, and the execution of the attacks to the
    terrorist group Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, supported by
    Syria, and sponsored by Iran;

-   "on October 25, 2006, the State Prosecutor of Argentina, an office
    created by the current Government of Argentina, concluded that the
    AMIA bombing was 'decided and organized by the highest leaders of
    the former government of \... Iran, whom, at the same time,
    entrusted its execution to the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah';

-   "on October 25, 2006, the State Prosecutor of Argentina concluded
    that the AMIA bombing had been approved in advance by Iran's Supreme
    Leader Ali Khamene'i, Iran's then-leader Ali Akbar Hashemi
    Rafsanjani, Iran's then-Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, and
    Iran's then-Minister of Security and Intelligence Ali Fallahijan;

-   "on October 25, 2006, the State Prosecutor of Argentina stated that
    the Government of Iran uses 'terrorism as a mechanism of its foreign
    policy' in support of 'its final aim \[which\] is to export its
    radicalized vision of Islam and to eliminate the enemies of the
    regime';

-   "on October 25, 2006, the State Prosecutor of Argentina identified
    Ibrahim Hussein Berro, a Lebanese citizen and member of Hezbollah,
    as the suicide bomber who primarily carried out the attack on the
    AMIA;

-   "on November 9, 2006, Argentine Judge Rodolfo Canicoba Corral,
    pursuant to the request of the State Prosecutor of Argentina, issued
    an arrest warrant for Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former leader
    of Iran and the current chairman of Iran's Expediency Council, for
    his involvement in the AMIA bombing and urged the International
    Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to issue an international
    arrest warrant for Rafsanjani and detain him;

-   "Iran has appealed the INTERPOL Executive Committee's decision, and
    the General Assembly of INTERPOL will issue a final ruling on the
    arrest warrants when it meets in Morocco in November 2007;

-   "the inability to reach suspected Islamist militants and Iranian
    officials has debilitated the efforts of the Government of Argentina
    to prosecute masterminds and planners of the 1994 AMIA bombing;

-   "the current Government of Argentina has made significant advances
    in the AMIA investigation; and

-   "Argentina recently approved anti-terrorist legislation which seeks
    to criminalize financing, fund-raising, and money laundering
    activities of groups linked to terrorism."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 188 was introduced on
July 18, 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.R. 176 --- Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational
Exchange Act of 2007 *(Lee, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 176 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 176 would authorize "such sums" for the
Secretary of State to establish the "Shirley A. Chisholm United
States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program."

Under **this new program**, high school and college students from
Caribbean countries would attend public or private schools and
universities in the United States. The students would participate in
activities designed to promote a greater understanding of the United
States and would have the option of living with a host family or in
on-campus housing.

The **new program** would offer scholarships based on merit and need and
seek to achieve gender equality in granting scholarships under the
program. The bill would set time limits for participation in the
program, ranging from one to four years. Program participants would be
required to return to a Caribbean country within six months and pursue a
career that benefits development of a Caribbean nation.

H.R. 176 would also authorize the Secretary to establish a **new
program** to provide educational development assistance for Caribbean
countries. The program would extend and expand programs that provide
teacher-training methods, school management, curriculum modernization,
and increased community involvement in school activities.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the findings
listed in the bill, nations in the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, have
long enjoyed friendly relations with the United States. Since the
attacks of September 11, 2001, tourism in CARICOM nations has dropped
drastically. The bill states that "high rates of unemployment,
particularly youth unemployment, have had severe implications on poverty
and income distributions, as well as drug trafficking and addiction."
The programs authorized in the bill are meant to help reverse these
trends by exposing students from CARICOM countries to the values,
culture, and educational opportunities in America.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 176 was introduced on January
4, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent on June
26, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The bill would authorize "such
sums" to carry out the programs in the bill, which CBO estimates would
be \$2 million in FY 2008 and \$48 million through FY 2012.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new exchange program for
students of Caribbean nations.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110-254
cites Constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. 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. 957 --- To amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand and
clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed**

**(Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 957 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 975 would amend current law to expand
and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed under
the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. The bill would redefine "person" to
include any "financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, any
other business organization, including any foreign subsidiaries of the
foregoing" and "petroleum resources" to include "petroleum by-products,
liquefied natural gas."

The bill would also subject a parent company to sanctions for activities
committed by of its foreign subsidiaries and defines "parent company" as
a company that "owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent of
the equity interest in that other entity and is a United States person."

**Additional Information**: According to Committee Report 110-163,

> Iran poses a significant threat to the United States and our allies in
> the region. It is a vital U.S. national security priority to undertake
> steps to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, in
> particular nuclear weapons, and to end its support for international
> terrorism. Iran's economy, and its ability to influence events, is
> heavily dependent on the revenue derived from energy exports. As such,
> recent U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass
> destruction have focused on deterring and prohibiting investment in
> Iran\'s petroleum sector.
>
> Although U.S. law prohibits American firms from investing in Iran,
> foreign entities which fall outside of United States jurisdiction
> continue to invest there. Such activity has enhanced the Iranian
> economy, allowed Iran access to sophisticated technology and know-how,
> as well as foreign currency, and thereby contributed significantly to
> Iran's ability to fund terror groups, and to finance the regime's
> weapons of mass destruction programs, including its nuclear program.

This amendment addresses concerns that existing law requires the
clarification that sanctions should apply to certain foreign
subsidiaries.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 957 was introduced on February
8, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in addition to
the Committees on Financial Services, Ways and Means, and Oversight and
Government Reform. On February 15, 2007, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs held a mark up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to the CBO score for H.R.
957, the bill would not have a significant effect on 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}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable.

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

**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 30, 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 Beavers were undefeated in the 2007 College World Series;

-   "the Beavers trailed for only 1 of 45 innings they played in the
    2007 College World Series;

-   "the Beavers became the first team to win 4 College World Series
    games by at least 6 runs;

-   "the Beavers became the first No. 3 seed to ever win the College
    World Series since the current 64-team format was introduced;

-   "the Beavers outscored their opponents 42-16 in the College World
    Series;

-   "the Beavers ended their season with 10 straight NCAA tournament
    victories;

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

-   "the Beavers have displayed great heart, outstanding dedication,
    resilience, character, and sportsmanship throughout the season in
    achieving the highest honor in collegiate baseball;

-   "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. Res. 511 --- Congratulating the men's volleyball team of the
University of California, Irvine, for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I
Men's Volleyball National Championship (Campbell, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 511 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 511 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "congratulates the men's volleyball team of the University of
    California, Irvine, and its Chancellor, Michael V. Drake, M.D., for
    winning the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball National
    Championship; and

-   "recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students,
    alumni, and staff who were instrumental in helping the University of
    California, Irvine, win the national title."

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

-   "the men's volleyball team of the University of California, Irvine
    (UC Irvine), known as the Anteaters, achieved many historic
    accomplishments during the 2006-2007 season;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team won the school's first ever
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men's
    Volleyball National Championship;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team finished with 29 victories, the
    most victories in school history;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team finished with the most wins in
    the Nation for the 2006-2007 season;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team won the 2007 Mountain Pacific
    Sports Federation Men's Volleyball title;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team had four players selected to
    the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Team,
    the most by any team in the Nation;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team started the season as the
    preseason favorite in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Men\'s Coaches Top 15
    Poll;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team finished first in the CSTV/AVCA
    Division I Men\'s Coaches Top 15 Poll, released May 7, 2007;

-   "the UC Irvine men's volleyball team accomplished these feats while
    playing a difficult schedule in the Mountain Pacific Sports
    Federation;

-   "the title is UC Irvine's first Division I title since 1989; and

-   "UC Irvine, under the leadership of Chancellor Michael V. Drake,
    M.D., has continued to establish itself as a world-class research
    university, and as one of the top universities in the Nation."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 511 was introduced on June
22, 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. 2707 --- To reauthorize the Underground Railroad Educational and
Cultural Program *(Kucinich, D-OH)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 2707 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2707 would create a new program,
authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants available to
nonprofit educational organizations that research, display, interpret,
and collect artifacts relating to the history of the Underground
Railroad. The bill would authorize \$6 million annually between FY 2008
and FY 2010, and \$3 million in FY 2011 and FY 2012.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The grant making programs for
Underground Railroad education were authorized in 1998, by amendments to
the Higher Education Act of 1965. **In previous budgets, the President
has called for the elimination of the Underground Railroad Educational
and Cultural Program.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2707 was introduced on June 13,
2007, and was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. On July
24, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families
and Communities, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: Although a CBO score for H.R. 2707
is not available, the bill would authorize \$6 million in FY 2008 and
\$24 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 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 unavailable.

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

**H.R. 23 --- Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II
Act of 2007 *(Filner, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 23 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 23 would direct the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to make monthly payments of \$1,000 and military
burial and cemetery rights to certain Merchant Marines who served during
World War II.

The bill would authorize payments to persons that served in the merchant
marines between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, as a crewmember
of a vessel that was:

-   Operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense
    Transportation;

-   Operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, and
    other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States;

-   Under contract or the property of the U.S. government;

-   Serving the Armed Forces; or

-   Licensed or otherwise documented for service as a crewmember of such
    a vessel by an officer or employee of the United States authorized
    to license or document the person for such service.

H.R. 23 would also extend such benefits to the spouse of a deceased
person listed above so long as they had been married for more than one
year.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**:  According to the United
States Merchant Marines (USMM), the merchant marines \"provided the
greatest sealift in history between the production army at home and the
fighting forces scattered around the globe in World War II. The prewar
total of 55,000 experienced mariners was increased to over 215,000
through U.S. Maritime Service training programs.\"   The group goes on
to report that merchant marine ships were the target of attack from
submarines, mines, armed raiders, aircraft, and the elements.  According
the USMM, about 8,300 merchant marines were killed in WWII and at least
12,000 wounded, as 31 ships were destroyed by enemy attacks.

Merchant marines contend that, as contractors of the United States Armed
Forces, they were asked to go on numerous dangerous and vital military
missions during WWII.  The USMM believes that the services provided by
merchant marines helped to keep the military adequately supplied and
helped bring about victory for the U.S.  As such, the USMM believes that
merchant marines deserve benefits like those given to members of the
U.S. Armed Forces.

Some veterans' groups, however, contend that there are greater
inequalities and injustices towards former service members that the VA
should address first.  The Military Officers Association of America
(MOAA), for instance, has pointed out the \$1,000 monthly payment would
exceed the amount that a WWII veteran who served 20 years and retired in
1955 by \$100.  The MOAA believes that \"Congress has a fundamental
responsibility to establish relative priorities, put first things first,
and ensure that there is better proportionality between compensation and
service and sacrificed rendered.\"

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**:  Some conservatives
may be concerned at the cost of providing monthly payments of \$1,000 to
merchant marines, who served as contracted employees during WWII. 

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 23 was introduced on January 4,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
Committee on Ways and Means. On April 18, 2007, the Veterans' Affairs
Committee held hearings on the bill. On July 17, 2007, the committee
held a mark up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 23 would
authorize \$120 million in FY 2008 and \$485 million over a five year
period through FY 2012.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new federal payment to
Merchant Marines who served in World War II, or their surviving spouses.

**[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. 1315 --- To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the
Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member
*(Herseth, D-SD)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 1315 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1315 would authorize up to \$14,000 to
adapt the home of a family member of a disabled service member to meet
the special needs of an injured veteran. The bill would also extend the
period following release from active duty during which a veteran would
be protected from mortgage foreclosure from 90 days to 180 days.

H.R. 1315 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to
establish a scholarship program for students to obtain degrees in
rehabilitation of the blind. The VA would determine the size of the
scholarship, which would be limited to \$15,000 annually and \$45,000
total over a period of no more than six years.

The bill would also require the Department of Labor to conduct and
report an annual study of veterans' reemployment rights.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[110-266](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr266)),
H.R. 1315 "would provide injured service members the resources need to
help them achieve a level of independent living they may not otherwise
enjoy by making them eligible, prior to discharge, for Specially Adapted
Housing (SAH) grants provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA). This legislation would better protect our nation's veterans from
financial burdens incurred while on active duty by extending the length
of the post-deployment mortgage foreclosure protections in the Service
members' Civil Relief Act; expand scholarship education programs in
order to address more effectively the rehabilitative needs of
visually-impaired veterans; and, bolster reemployment rights for
returning veterans by requiring Federal agencies to adopt common
terminology."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1315 was introduced on March 9,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. On June 21, 2007,
subcommittee hearings were held and the bill was reported back to the
full committee. On July 17, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was
reported, as amended, by voice vote on July 27, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1315 would
increase direct spending by \$8 million in FY 2008 and authorize \$2
million in discretionary spending over the FY 2008 to FY 2012 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}** Yes, the bill contains mandates
on entities that are seeking to foreclose on service members within 180
of their leaving active duty.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report
[110-266](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr266))
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 2874 --- Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 *(Michaud,
D-ME)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 2874 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2874 would establish a number of new
veterans programs to aide injured and returning service members.

The bill would authorize \$2 million annually between FY 2008 and FY
2011 for the VA to provide grants to assist in the therapeutic
readjustment and rehabilitation of covered veterans. The grants would be
made to private nonprofit entities and could not exceed \$100,000
annually.

The bill would authorize \$3 million annually between FY 2008 and FY
2011 for the VA to provide grants for innovative transportation options
to veterans in remote rural areas. The grants would be made to state
veterans' service agencies, veterans' service organizations, and private
nonprofit entities and could not exceed \$50,000 annually.

H.R. 2874 would require the VA to establish and carry out programs to
provide enhanced outreach, readjustment, and mental health services to
veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill would require
the VA to contract with community mental health centers to provide
services that are not adequately served by VA facilities in the area.

The bill would authorize the VA to provide financial assistance to
programs that provide services for very low-income veteran families who
reside in permanent housing. The bill would require that housing
assistance is distributed equitably across geographic regions. H.R. 2874
would also require that VA domiciliary programs can adequately meet the
needs of women. The bill would authorize \$25 million annually for these
expanded housing programs.

The bill would also allow homeless veterans to be eligible for dental
care after 30 days of receiving treatment rather than the current period
of 60 days.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[110-228](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr268)),
H.R. 2874 would "authorize VA to establish a new grant program to
conduct therapeutic workshops that would allow the veteran to express
thoughts and feelings through such programs as art, writing and music.
Additionally, to address the readjustment counseling and mental health
concerns of veterans who live in rural areas or areas where VA does not
have adequate readjustment counseling and mental health services
available, this legislation would require VA to contract with mental
health centers and nonprofit mental health organizations to provide
peer-to-peer counseling and outreach training. It further requires VA to
train mental health clinicians to VA standards in order to maintain the
highest quality of care provided to veterans.

"This legislation also begins to address the difficult task of providing
access to health care in rural areas by authorizing VA to establish a
grant program that would provide grants to State veterans\' service
agencies, nonprofits and veterans service organizations (VSOs) to
develop new and innovative ways to provide transportation to veterans
who reside in rural areas.

"This legislation also addresses issues of homelessness. VA is the
largest single provider of direct services to homeless veterans,
reaching 100,000 or 25 percent of homeless veterans a year through their
various programs. Like their non-veteran counterparts, veterans are at
high risk of homelessness due to extremely low or no livable income,
extreme shortage of affordable housing, and lack of access to health
care.

"Prior to becoming homeless, a large number of veterans at risk of
homelessness have struggled with PTSD, or have addictions acquired
during, or worsened by, their military service. H.R. 2874 begins to
address the needs of homeless veterans by extending and expanding VA's
authority for counseling services for at risk veterans transitioning
from certain institutions and authorizing VA to provide financial
assistance to provide supportive services for very low-income veteran
families residing in permanent housing."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2874 was introduced on June 27,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on Health. On July 11, 2007, subcommittee
hearings were held and the bill was reported back to the full committee.
On July 17, 2007, a mark up was held and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote on July 27, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2874 would
authorize \$42 million in FY 2008 and \$209 million over the FY 2008 --
FY 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates multiple new VA programs.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report
[110-228](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr268))
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 2623 --- To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the
collection of co-payments for all hospice care furnished by the
Department of Veterans Affairs (Miller, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2623 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2623 would amend current law to prohibit
the VA from collecting co-payments for inpatient or outpatient hospice
care.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[110-267](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr267)),
"VA has reported that they track co-payment amounts for inpatient
services and outpatient services collectively rather than by individual
services. It is, therefore, difficult to determine the exact amount of
revenue VA has received from hospice care co-payments. However, VA
estimates a total of \$343,542 in annual revenue: \$183,180 for home
hospice care, and \$160,362 for inpatient hospice care.

"Under current law, a veteran receiving hospice care in a nursing home
is exempt from any applicable co-payments. However, if the hospice care
is provided in any other setting, such as in an acute-care hospital or
at home, the veteran may be subject to an inpatient or outpatient
primary care co-payment. VA's current policy penalizes a veteran who
chooses to remain at home for their hospice care or who, out of medical
necessity, receives hospice care in an acute care setting."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2623 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on Health. On June 28, 2007, subcommittee
hearings were held and the bill was reported back to the full committee.
On July 17, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote on July 27, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill would
increase discretionary appropriations by less than \$500,000 in FY 2008
and about \$2 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 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}**: Committee Report
[110-267](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr267))
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 3184 --- To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a
competitive grant program for the Puget Sound area to provide
comprehensive conservation planning to address water quality**

***(Larson, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 3184 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3184 would authorize the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to establish a new grant program to address water
quality through conservation planning in the Puget Sound area of
Washington. The bill would authorize \$5 million for the USDA to enter
into cooperative agreements with state and local governments to carry
out the projects.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Puget Sound Partnership
for Water Conservation is a nonprofit organization formed through a
public-private collaboration between citizens, water utilities,
businesses and environmental interests.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3184 was introduced on July 26,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 3184 would
authorize \$5 million for each of fiscal years FY 2008 -- FY 2012.

**[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.

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

**H.R. 3006 --- To improve the use of a grant of a parcel of land to the
State of Idaho for use as an agricultural college, and for other
purposes**

***(Simpson, R-ID)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 3006 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3006 would amend current law to allow
the state of Idaho to alter the administration of its federally granted
public lands, and the proceeds from those lands, to use the assets to
establish the Idaho Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Morrill Act of 1862, which
was designed to spur on economic growth and expansion in the western
territories, made it possible for western states to establish colleges
for their citizens. The Act gave 30,000 acres of federal government land
to the Union states for every congressional district. Under this
provision, Idaho received 90,000 acres when it became a state in 1890.
This bill would allow Idaho to use the a portion of that land and
revenue from that land for the Idaho Center for Livestock and
Environmental Studies.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3006 was introduced on June 26,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which took no
further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3006 is not
available; however, 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.

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

**S. 1716 --- U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans\' Care, Katrina Recovery,
and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007**

**(Thune, R-SD)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S. 1716 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1716 would amend current law to strike a
requirement that forage producers participate in the insurance pilot
program or the non-insured crop disaster program to qualify for crop
disaster and livestock insurance. The requirement is a provision of the
PL 110-28, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery,
and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1716 was passed in the Senate
without amendment on July 25, 2007, and received in the House on July
26, 2007. No official action has been taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for S. 1716 is not
available, however 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.

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

H.R. 3206 --- Short Term Extension of the Small Business Administration
*(Velazquez, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.R. 3206 would temporarily extend programs
under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of
1958 through December 15, 2008. Earlier this year, these programs were
extended through July 31, 2007, by H.R. 434, which passed by a [roll
call vote](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll028.xml) of 413-2.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.R. 3206 was introduced on July 27,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Small Business, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}:** A CBO score of H.R. 3206 is
unavailable.

**[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. 3123 --- 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 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3123 would extend the protected
immigration status for Liberian refugees living in the United States for
an additional year.

**[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. 3123 was introduced on July 23,
2007, and referred to the Judiciary Committee, which took no official
action.

**[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.

**S. 975 --- Granting the consent and approval of Congress to an
interstate forest fire protection compact (Thune, R-SD)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 975 would allow the states of South
Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and any adjoining states, to enter into an
interstate firefighting compact, know as the Great Plains Wildland Fire
Protection Agreement. The agreement would allow each state to provide
personnel and resources to other states to assist in fighting fires.

The state would have to reimburse any assisting state for all costs
associated with the assistance. The bill would grant firefighters
working outside of their home state the same powers, duties, rights,
privileges, and immunities as comparable employees of the state to which
they are rendering aid. The agreement would also prohibit any state from
reducing its firefighting personnel or resources as a result of the
agreement.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 975 was passed in the Senate
without amendment by unanimous consent on July 13, 2007. On July 26,
2007 the bill was received in the House and referred to the Committee n
the Judiciary, which took no official action has been taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for S. 975 is not
available, however the bill does not authorize any expenditures.

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

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

**[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. 3067 --- Small Public Housing Authority Act (Neugebauer, R-TX)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3067 would exempt certain small public
housing authorities (PHA) from a provision that requires them to prepare
and submit an annual housing agency plan. Under the bill, small housing
authorities would still be required to submit five year plans to HUD,
which would contain the same information as a one year plan.

The exemption would be available to PHAs that are administering less
than 250 houses and are not on HUD's list of troubled agencies. The
small PHAs would still have to participate with HUD resident advisory
boards to establish goals, policies, and objectives and submit annual
certifications of compliance with civil rights requirements.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, "The 1992 Public Housing Reform Act required PHAs to submit both
five-year *and* annual plans to the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). This plan process requires a significant amount of
time and resources for PHAs, especially for small PHAs."

"This legislation will ease the regulatory burdens that are placed on
small PHAs, which many times only have a part-time executive director.
Some of these directors do not have the time, staff or resources to
complete these annual plans by themselves. Some small PHAs often have no
choice but to hire consultants since they do not have the computer
software package to help complete these annual plans. These consultants
are an expensive cost for small PHAs that already are facing numerous
fiscal challenges."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3067 was introduced on July 17,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which took
not further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3067 is not
available; however, the bill does not authorize any expenditures.

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

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

**[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. 2750 --- NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
*(Jackson-Lee, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2750 would direct the Secretary of
Treasury to design and mint 50,000 \$50 dollar gold coins and 300,000
\$1 silver coins that are "emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and
unparalleled achievements of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)."

The \$50 coin would bear a picture of the sun and "a design emblematic
of the sacrifice of the United States astronauts who lost their lives in
the line of duty over the course of the space program." The \$1 coins
would bear nine different designs commemoration the achievements of JRL
and NASA.

The bill would require a \$50 surcharge for the \$50 coin and a \$10
surcharge for the \$1 coin. The first \$4 million in proceeds would go
to the NASA family assistance fund for families of NASA personnel killed
in the line of duty. The additional proceeds would be split between
other NASA related charities, including the Smithsonian National Air and
Space Museum.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill:

> The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's stunning
> achievements over the last 50 years have been won for all mankind at
> great cost and sacrifice; in the quest to explore the universe, many
> National Aeronautics and Space Administration employees have lost
> their lives, including the crews of Apollo 6, the Space Shuttle
> Challenger, and the Space Shuttle Columbia. The United States should
> pay tribute to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
> the Jet Propulsion Laboratory by minting and issuing a commemorative
> silver dollar coin. The surcharge proceeds from the sale of a
> commemorative coin would generate valuable funding for the National
> Aeronautics and Space Administration Families Assistance Fund for the
> purposes of providing need-based financial assistance to the families
> of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration personnel who die
> as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official
> duties.

While the proceeds generated from this bill would be used for charitable
programs, commemorative coins often lose money.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2750 was introduced on June 15,
2007 and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO estimate for H.R. 2750 is not
available.

**[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. 49 --- Recognizing the 75^th^ anniversary of the Military
Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart
for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf
of the United States (Jones, R-NC)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 49 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 49 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "congratulates the Military Order of the Purple Heart on its 75th
    anniversary as a national organization whose goals are to preserve
    and sustain the honor of the Armed Forces;

-   "commends all recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous
    demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United
    States; and

-   "encourages all Americans to take time to learn about the Purple
    Heart and the honor, courage, and bravery it symbolizes."

The resolution the following findings:

-   "the Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the
    Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war wielded by the
    enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of members who
    are killed in action or die of wounds received in action;

-   "the Purple Heart was originally conceived as the Badge of Military
    Merit by General George Washington on August 7, 1782;

-   "2007 marks the 225th anniversary of the Badge of Military Merit,
    the predecessor of the Purple Heart Medal;

-   "the practice of awarding the Purple Heart was revived in 1932, the
    200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, out of respect for
    his memory and military achievements;

-   "over 1.5 million Purple Heart Medals have been awarded to members
    of the Armed Forces fighting in defense of freedom and democracy in
    World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War,
    Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi
    Freedom, and other expeditionary conflicts;

-   "more than 500,000 recipients of the Purple Heart are still living
    today;

-   "the organization known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart
    was formed on October 19, 1932, for the protection and mutual
    interest of members of the Armed Forces who have received the Purple
    Heart; and

-   "the Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed exclusively of
    recipients of the Purple Heart and is the only veterans' service
    organization comprised strictly of combat veterans."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 49 was introduced on
January 31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed 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. Res. 568 --- Honoring and expressing gratitude to the 1^st^
Battalion of the 133^rd^ Infantry ("Ironman Battalion") of the Iowa
National Guard *(Braley, D-IA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 568 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 568 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives honors and expresses gratitude for the service
and sacrifices of the members and families of the 1st Battalion of the
133rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard upon their return home from
their deployment in Iraq.

The resolution the following findings:

-   "476 members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry of the Iowa
    National Guard were mobilized for active duty in September and
    October of 2005;

-   "80 members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry have been providing
    essential support to the Battalion from Iowa National Guard
    installations in Waterloo, Iowa, and Dubuque, Iowa, and at least 490
    members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry were deployed to Iraq
    in April and May of 2006;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry have been serving
    bravely and honorably since those dates in the al-Anbar Province of
    Iraq, one of the most dangerous parts of the country;

-   "the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry deployed as part of the 1st
    Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division, which has
    completed the longest continuous deployment of any Army National
    Guard unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom;

-   "the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry is the longest-serving Iowa Army
    National Guard unit since World War II;

-   "the CBS program '60 Minutes' devoted an entire hour to telling the
    story of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry on May 27, 2007;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry have completed
    over 500 missions providing security for convoys operating in the
    al-Anbar Province;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry have logged over 4
    million mission miles, and have delivered over one-third of the fuel
    needed to sustain coalition forces in Iraq;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry have detained over
    60 insurgents;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry were scheduled to
    return home in April 2007, but had their tours of duty extended
    until July 2007;

-   "the members of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry left behind
    civilian jobs, friends, and families in order to serve the United
    States;

-   "1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry members Sergeant 1st Class Scott E.
    Nisely and Sergeant Kampha B. Sourivong gave the ultimate sacrifice
    for their country when they were tragically killed during combat
    operations near Al Asad, Iraq, on September 30, 2006; and

-   "the United States will be forever indebted to the soldiers and
    families of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry for their sacrifices
    and their contributions to the United States mission in Iraq."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 568 was introduced on July
25, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed 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.

**S. Con. Res. 27 --- A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and
ideals of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day" *(Sen. Clinton,
D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S.Con.Res. 27 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. Con.Res. 27 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of 'National Purple Heart Recognition
    Day';

-   "encourages all people in the United States to learn about the
    history of the Purple Heart and to honor its recipients; and

-   "calls upon the people of the United States to conduct appropriate
    ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for
    members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart."

The resolution the following findings:

-   "the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in
    present use;

-   "the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the
    United States to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded in a
    conflict with an enemy force or are wounded while held by an enemy
    force as prisoners of war, and is awarded posthumously to the next
    of kin of members of the Armed Forces who are killed in a conflict
    with an enemy force or who die of wounds received in a conflict with
    an enemy force;

-   "the Purple Heart was established on August 7, 1782, during the
    Revolutionary War, when General George Washington issued an order
    establishing the Honorary Badge of Distinction, otherwise known as
    the Badge of Military Merit;

-   "the award of the Purple Heart ceased with the end of the
    Revolutionary War, but was revived in 1932, the 200th anniversary of
    George Washington's birth, out of respect for his memory and
    military achievements; and

-   "observing National Purple Heart Recognition Day is a fitting
    tribute to George Washington and to the more than 1,535,000
    recipients of the Purple Heart, approximately 550,000 of whom are
    still living."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 27 was introduced on
April 12, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed 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.R. 2722 --- Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act**

***(Cummings, D-MD)***

**[\
Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2722 would overhaul and integrate the
U.S. Coast Guards Deepwater acquisition program. The bill would require
the Secretary of the Department under which the Coast Guard is operating
implement a plan that would increase the oversight of the program, which
upgrades and replaces aging ships, aircraft and other equipment.

H.R. 2722 would require the Secretary to use full and open competition
for every contract for which the Deepwater Program uses an outside
contractor. Under certain circumstances, the Secretary may forego
competition if it is in the best interest of the government. In such
cases, the Secretary would be required to submit a report explaining the
why such a contract is in the best interest of the government within 30
days of procurement.

The bill would require the Secretary to include technical reviews,
technical requirements, cost estimates, and performance assessments in
each contract or subcontract issued under the Deepwater Program. The
Secretary would also be required to develop an authoritative life cycle
cost estimate for the entire Deepwater Program.

H.R. 2722 would establish the Agency Chief Acquisition Officer and
require the Commandant of the Coast Guard to appoint a person to the
position. This individual would be responsible for monitoring the
Deepwater Program and ensuring the use of detailed performance
specifications and performance based contracts.

The bill would also require the Secretary to submit to Congress reports
regarding various Coast Guard security and technology programs.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Congressional
Quarterly, "the Coast Guard unveiled Deepwater in 1998. Costs and
timetables for the program, which is managed by a private consortium led
by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp., have grown since
then. The overall price tag is now estimated at about \$24 billion, up
from an original estimate of \$9.8 billion to \$15 billion. Many in
Congress have been dissatisfied with Deepwater for several years, but
concerns intensified earlier this year when the Homeland Security
Department's inspector general found that a key class of ships in the
program would not meet performance standards."

This bill seeks to improve Deepwater's performance standards by
increasing oversight and establishing performance based contracts.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2722 was introduced on June 14,
2007 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation the following day. On June 26, 2007, the bill was
forwarded to the full committee, as amended, by voice vote. On June 28,
2007, a committee mark up was held and the bill was reported by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
2722 would authorize \$5 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 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.R. 735 --- To designate the Federal building under construction at
799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United
States Mission to the United Nations Building" *(Rangel, D-NY )***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 735 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 735 would designate the Federal building
under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the
"Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
110-230, "Ronald Harmon Brown was born on August 1, 1941. His early
school days were spent at Hunter College Elementary School, a public
school on Manhattan\'s East Side. He subsequently attended high school
at White Plains High School and the Rhodes School in Manhattan. In 1962,
Brown graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont. After college, he
served in the Army from 1962 to 1967, commanding several units in the
United States, Germany, and South Korea. Brown was discharged from the
Army in 1967. After serving in the Army, he attended St. John\'s Law
School and began working as a job developer and trainee adviser for the
National Urban League. By 1976, Brown served as the National Urban
League's Deputy Executive Director for programs and governmental
affairs.

"He left the National Urban League in 1979 to work for Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, who sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. In
1981, Brown began a career as a lawyer and lobbyist. In 1988, he was
elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. From 1989 to
1992, he served as Chairman used his skills as a negotiator and
pragmatic bridge builder to help reunite the Democratic Party after its
defeat in the 1988 presidential election. In 1993, President William J.
Clinton appointed Ronald H. Brown as Secretary of Commerce.

"Tragically, on April 3, 1996, while on an official Department of
Commerce trade mission, Secretary Brown and 34 others were killed in an
airplane crash in Croatia."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that Ronald H. Brown is the former head of the Democratic
Party.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 735 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management the following
day. On March 1, 2007, a mark up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 735 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.R. 2722 --- Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act**

***(Cummings, D-MD)***

**[\
Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2722 would overhaul and integrate the
U.S. Coast Guards Deepwater acquisition program. The bill would require
the Secretary of the Department under which the Coast Guard is operating
implement a plan that would increase the oversight of the program, which
upgrades and replaces aging ships, aircraft and other equipment.

H.R. 2722 would require the Secretary to use full and open competition
for every contract for which the Deepwater Program uses an outside
contractor. Under certain circumstances, the Secretary may forego
competition if it is in the best interest of the government. In such
cases, the Secretary would be required to submit a report explaining the
why such a contract is in the best interest of the government within 30
days of procurement.

The bill would require the Secretary to include technical reviews,
technical requirements, cost estimates, and performance assessments in
each contract or subcontract issued under the Deepwater Program. The
Secretary would also be required to develop an authoritative life cycle
cost estimate for the entire Deepwater Program.

H.R. 2722 would establish the Agency Chief Acquisition Officer and
require the Commandant of the Coast Guard to appoint a person to the
position. This individual would be responsible for monitoring the
Deepwater Program and ensuring the use of detailed performance
specifications and performance based contracts.

The bill would also require the Secretary to submit to Congress reports
regarding various Coast Guard security and technology programs.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Congressional
Quarterly, "the Coast Guard unveiled Deepwater in 1998. Costs and
timetables for the program, which is managed by a private consortium led
by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp., have grown since
then. The overall price tag is now estimated at about \$24 billion, up
from an original estimate of \$9.8 billion to \$15 billion. Many in
Congress have been dissatisfied with Deepwater for several years, but
concerns intensified earlier this year when the Homeland Security
Department's inspector general found that a key class of ships in the
program would not meet performance standards."

This bill seeks to improve Deepwater's performance standards by
increasing oversight and establishing performance based contracts.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2722 was introduced on June 14,
2007 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation the following day. On June 26, 2007, the bill was
forwarded to the full committee, as amended, by voice vote. On June 28,
2007, a committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
2722 would authorize \$5 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 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.R. 735 --- To designate the Federal building under construction at
799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United
States Mission to the United Nations Building" *(Rangel, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 735 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 735 would designate the Federal building
under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the
"Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
110-230, "Ronald Harmon Brown was born on August 1, 1941. His early
school days were spent at Hunter College Elementary School, a public
school on Manhattan\'s East Side. He subsequently attended high school
at White Plains High School and the Rhodes School in Manhattan. In 1962,
Brown graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont. After college, he
served in the Army from 1962 to 1967, commanding several units in the
United States, Germany, and South Korea. Brown was discharged from the
Army in 1967. After serving in the Army, he attended St. John\'s Law
School and began working as a job developer and trainee adviser for the
National Urban League. By 1976, Brown served as the National Urban
League's Deputy Executive Director for programs and governmental
affairs.

"He left the National Urban League in 1979 to work for Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, who sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. In
1981, Brown began a career as a lawyer and lobbyist. In 1988, he was
elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. From 1989 to
1992, he served as Chairman used his skills as a negotiator and
pragmatic bridge builder to help reunite the Democratic Party after its
defeat in the 1988 presidential election. In 1993, President William J.
Clinton appointed Ronald H. Brown as Secretary of Commerce.

"Tragically, on April 3, 1996, while on an official Department of
Commerce trade mission, Secretary Brown and 34 others were killed in an
airplane crash in Croatia."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that Ronald H. Brown is the former head of the Democratic
Party.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 735 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management the following
day. On March 1, 2007, a mark up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 735 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.

**\###**