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# Legislative Bulletin....................................................September 19, 2006

**Contents:**

> **H.R. 4583 ---**Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International
> Standards Conforming Act
>
> **H.Con.Res. 210 ---** Supporting the goal of eliminating suffering
> and death due to cancer by the year 2015
>
> **H.Res. 982 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National
> Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Week
>
> **H.Res. 526 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of observing the
> Year of Polio Awareness
>
> **H.Con.Res. 386 ---** Honoring Mary Eliza Mahoney, America's first
> professionally trained African-American nurse
>
> **H.Res. 622 ---** To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II
> veterans for their defense of democratic ideals and their important
> contribution to the outcome of World War II
>
> **H.Con.Res. 415 -** Condemning the repression of the Iranian Baha'i
> community and calling for the emancipation of Iranian Baha'is
>
> **H.Res. 942 ---** Recognizing the centennial anniversary on August 5,
> 2006, of the Iranian constitution of 1906
>
> **H.Res. 415 ---** Expressing the sense of the House of
> Representatives that the Socialist Republic of Vietnam needs to do
> more to resolve claims for confiscated real and personal property, and
> for other purposes
>
> **H.Con.Res. 317 ---** Requesting the President to issue a
> proclamation annually calling upon the people of the United States to
> observe Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing, and for other
> purposes
>
> **H.Res. 976 ---** Condemning human rights abuses by the Government of
> the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressing solidarity with the
> Iranian people
>
> **H.Res. 959 ---** Recognizing and supporting the success of the
> Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 in increasing adoption and the
> efforts the Act has spurred including National Adoption Day and
> National Adoption Month, and encouraging adoption throughout the year
>
> **H.R. 5295 ---** Student and Teacher Safety Act of 2006

**H.Res. 874 ---** Recognizing and honoring America's Seniors

> **H.R. 5450 ---** National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act
>
> **H.Con.Res. 419 ---** Recognizing and supporting the efforts of the
> State of New York develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in
> New Windsor, New York, and for other purposes
>
> **S. 418 -** Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act

H.R. 4583 --- Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International
Standards Conforming Act --- *as amended* (Blackburn, R-TN)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4583 would amend the Wool Products
Labeling Act of 1939 by adding provisions to standardize the labeling of
wool fibers by setting average diameters for each wool fiber category.
The bill also sets a standard for labeling clothes made of cashmere.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According Committee Report
109-644, H.R 4583 would adopt as U.S. law wool and cashmere labeling
standards promulgated by the International World Trade Organization.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4583 was introduced on December
16, 2005, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill
was marked-up by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection, and was ordered reported to the House, as amended, by voice
vote on July 26, 2006.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO estimates that the cost of
enforcing H.R 4583 would be less than \$500,000 a year, assuming the
availability of appropriated funds. Enacting H.R. 4583 would not affect
direct spending or revenues.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: While the mandates in the bill do not meet
the definitions in UMRA, the bill would codify the standards for wool
labeling, and would require clothing manufacturers to adhere to the new
labeling rules.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 109-644
cites constitutional authority for this legislation in Article 1,
Section 8, and Clause 3 of the Constitution, the power to regulate
commerce.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Con.Res. 210 --- Supporting the goal of eliminating suffering and
death due to cancer by the year 2015 --- *as introduced* (Shaw, R-FL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 210 resolves that Congress:

-   "supports the goal of eliminating suffering and death due to cancer
    by 2015."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "it is estimated that cancer cost the Nation nearly
    \$190,000,000,000 in 2003, including more than \$69,000,000,000 in
    direct medical costs;

-   "the Nation's investment in cancer research and programs has led to
    real progress---between 1991 and 2001, cancer death rates declined
    by more than 9 percent and about 258,000 lives were saved;

-   "at least half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by applying
    existing knowledge;

-   "the Director of the National Cancer Institute has set a bold goal
    to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by 2015; and

-   "eliminating suffering and death due to cancer will require a
    commitment by the Congress to continue to make the fight against
    cancer a priority."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Recently, Rep. Ben Cardin
(D-MD), campaigning against Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele for Sen.
Sarbanes open seat, claimed "we are going to lick cancer by 2015." This
statement has been widely criticized by bloggers and on talk radio.

(sources: <http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_227125236.html>, and
<http://www.camedwards.com/2006/08/15/vote-for-me-and-ill-cure-cancer/>)

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 210 was introduced on
July 18, 2005, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 982 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Peripheral
Arterial Disease Awareness Week --- *as introduced (Capps, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

[Note]{.underline}: The 104^th^ Congress changed House rules to prohibit
a bill from being considered on the House floor if "it establishes or
expresses a commemoration", which is defined as "a remembrance,
celebration, or recognition for any purpose through the designation of a
specified period of time."
([[http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/legisProc/rules/rule12.html]{.underline}](http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/legisProc/rules/rule12.html))

This resolution resolves that Congress supports the ideals and goals of
the day, and calls on citizens to observe appropriate programs and
activities with respect to the week. Because the resolution merely
states support for, and urges action on, but does not establish a
commemorative week, the parliamentarian's office has ruled that it is
allowable under House rules.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 982 resolves that the House:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of National Peripheral Arterial
    Disease Awareness Week;

-   "supports efforts to educate people about peripheral arterial
    disease;

-   "acknowledges the critical importance of peripheral arterial disease
    awareness to improve national cardiovascular health;

-   "supports raising awareness of the consequences of undiagnosed and
    untreated peripheral arterial disease and the need to seek
    appropriate care as a serious public health issue; and

-   "calls upon the people of the United States to observe the week with
    appropriate programs and activities."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "peripheral arterial disease is a significant vascular disease that
    can be as serious as a heart attack or stroke;

-   "African-American ethnicity is a strong and independent risk factor
    for peripheral arterial disease, and yet this fact is not well known
    to those at risk;

-   "effective treatments are available for people with peripheral
    arterial disease to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and amputations
    and to improve quality of life;

-   "there is a need for comprehensive educational efforts designed to
    increase awareness of peripheral arterial disease among medical
    professionals and the greater public in order to promote early
    detection and proper treatment of this disease to improve quality of
    life, prevent heart attacks and strokes, and save lives and limbs;
    and

-   "September 18 through September 22, 2006, would be an appropriate
    week to observe National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness
    Week."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: National Peripheral Arterial
Disease Awareness Week is an effort by The National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, and the
P.A.D. Coalition. On August 3, 2006, the U.S. Senate designated the week
of September 18-22 as National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness
Week. (S. Res. 556)

(sources: <http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2006/nhlbi-13.htm>,
<http://www.padcoalition.org/wp/>, and
<http://dorgan.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=261360>)

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 982 was introduced on
September 9, 2006, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 526 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of observing the Year of
Polio Awareness --- *as introduced* *(Rothman, D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

[Note]{.underline}: The 104^th^ Congress changed House rules to prohibit
a bill from being considered on the House floor if "it establishes or
expresses a commemoration", which is defined as "a remembrance,
celebration, or recognition for any purpose through the designation of a
specified period of time."
([[http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/legisProc/rules/rule12.html]{.underline}](http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/legisProc/rules/rule12.html))

This resolution resolves that Congress supports the ideals and goals of
the year, and urges the federal government to educate citizens with
respect to the year. Because the resolution merely states support for,
and urges action on, but does not establish a commemorative year, the
parliamentarian's office has ruled that it is allowable under House
rules.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 526 resolves that the House:

-   "recognizes the need for every child, in America and throughout the
    world, to be vaccinated against polio;

-   "recognizes the 1,630,000 Americans who survived polio, their new
    battle with post-polio sequelae, and the need for education and
    appropriate medical care;

-   "requests that all appropriate Federal departments and agencies take
    immediate action to educate---

    -   the people of the United States about the need for polio
        vaccination; and

    -   polio survivors and medical professionals in the United States
        about the cause and treatment of post-polio sequelae; and

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-   "supports the goals and ideals of observing the Year of Polio
    Awareness to promote vaccination and post-polio sequelae education
    and treatment."

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

-   "2005 is the 50th anniversary of the injectable killed polio
    vaccine;

-   "the polio vaccines eliminated naturally occurring polio cases in
    the United States but have not yet eliminated polio in other parts
    of the world;

-   "the success of the polio vaccines has caused people to forget the
    1,630,000 Americans born before the development of the vaccines who
    had polio during the epidemics in the middle of the 20th century;

-   "at least 70 percent of paralytic polio survivors and 40 percent of
    nonparalytic polio survivors are developing post-polio sequelae,
    which are unexpected and often disabling symptoms that occur about
    35 years after the poliovirus attack, including overwhelming
    fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders,
    heightened sensitivity to anesthesia, cold pain, and difficulty
    swallowing and breathing; and

-   "the mission of the International Post-Polio Task Force includes
    educating medical professionals and the world's 20,000,000 polio
    survivors about post-polio sequelae through the international
    Post-Polio Letter Campaign, The Post-Polio Institute at New Jersey's
    Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, the publication of The Polio
    Paradox, and the television public service announcement provided by
    the National Broadcasting Company."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 526 was introduced on
November 1, 2005, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce's
Subcommittee on Health, 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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Con.Res. 386 --- Honoring Mary Eliza Mahoney, America's first
professionally trained African-American nurse

--- *as introduced* *(Johnson, D-TX)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 386 resolves that Congress:

-   "honors Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African-American nurse for an
    outstanding nursing career, dedication to the United States nursing
    profession, and exemplary contributions to local and national
    professional nursing organizations;

-   "recognizes Mary Eliza Mahoney as the first professionally trained
    African-American nurse, and honors other African-American nurses who
    practice nursing with distinction;

-   "honors and supports the goals and activities of National Nurses
    Week;

-   "promotes further understanding and public awareness of the history
    of American nurses, who practiced nursing with compassion and
    devotion and transmitted new scientific knowledge using science
    based nursing practice; and

-   "advocates for *women of color to enter nursing* and supports the
    strategies of the American Nurses Association to counteract the
    shortage of nurses." (emphasis added)

[]{.mark}

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

-   "Mary Eliza Mahoney, at the age of 33, was accepted as a student
    nurse at the hospital-based program of nursing at the New England
    Hospital for Women and Children;

-   "Mary Eliza Mahoney devoted her time and efforts unselfishly to the
    National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and was installed as
    the Official Chaplin;

-   "Mary Eliza Mahoney supported the suffrage movement and was the
    first African-American professionally trained nurse to receive
    retirement benefits from a fund left by a Boston physician to care
    for 60 nurses, who received twenty-five dollars every three months
    as long as they lived;

-   "Mary Eliza Mahoney advanced the nursing profession by fostering
    high standards of nursing practice and confronting issues affecting
    professional nurses, such as the shortage of nurses;

-   "today the shortage of nurses is a crisis, estimated to be 110,000
    nurses, and is expected to increase to 2,800,000 by 2020 if the
    shortage is not addressed; and

-   "nursing is a critical investment to the delivery of high-quality,
    cost-effective patient care, and the Nation should invest in and
    value nursing care."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 386 was introduced on
April 6, 2006, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce's
Subcommittee on Health, 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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 622 --- To recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans
for their defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution
to the outcome of World War II --- *as amended* (Issa, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution, as amended.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 622 resolves that the House:

-   "reaffirms, recognizes, and honors the Filipino World War II
    veterans for their defense of democracy and their important
    contribution to the victorious outcome of World War II."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "in 1898, the Philippines Archipelago was acquired by the United
    States, became an organized United States territory in 1902, and, in
    preparation for independence, became a self-governing commonwealth
    in 1935;

-   "the people of the Philippines and of the United States developed
    strong ties throughout the decades-long democratic transition of the
    island, compelling the United States to assume the responsibilities
    of defending the archipelago and protecting the people of the
    Philippines;

-   "on July 26, 1941, anticipating the aggression of Japanese invasion
    forces in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the imminent conflict
    between the United States and Japan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
    issued a military order, calling the organized military forces of
    the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines into armed
    service under the command of United States Army officers led by
    General Douglas MacArthur;

-   "on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Government began a devastating
    four-year war with the United States with their stealth bombing
    attacks of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Clark Air Field, Philippines,
    and led to the loss of tens of thousands of American and Filipino
    soldiers and countless civilian casualties; and

-   "the contributions of the Filipino people, and the sacrifices of
    their soldiers in World War II, have not been fully recognized."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 622 was introduced on
December 16, 2006, and referred to the Committee on International
Relations. The bill was marked-up and was reported to the House, as
amended, by unanimous consent on September 13, 2006.

**[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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Con.Res. 415 --- Condemning the repression of the Iranian Baha'i
community and calling for the emancipation of Iranian Baha'is --- *as
introduced* (Kirk, R-IL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 415 resolves that Congress:

-   "condemns the Government of Iran for the October 29, 2005 letter
    (directing the Revolutionary Guard and the police to identify
    Baha'is and monitor their activities), calls on the Government of
    Iran to immediately cease such activities and all activities aimed
    at the repression of the Iranian Baha'i community, and continues to
    hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding all the rights
    of its nationals, including members of the Baha'i community; and

-   "requests the President to---

    -   call for the Government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i
        community by granting those rights guaranteed by the Universal
        Declaration of Human Rights and other international covenants on
        human rights;

    -   emphasize that the United States regards the human rights
        practices of the Government of Iran, including its treatment of
        the Baha'i community and other religious minorities, as a
        significant factor in the foreign policy of the United States
        Government regarding Iran; and

        -   "initiate an active and consistent dialogue with other
            governments and the European Union in order to persuade the
            Government of Iran to rectify its human rights practices."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, and 2000, Congress, by
    concurrent resolution, declared that it deplores the religious
    persecution by the Government of Iran of the Baha'i community and
    holds the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of
    all Iranian nationals, including members of the Baha'i Faith;

-   "on March 20, 2006, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom
    of Religion or Belief, Ms. Asma Jahangir, revealed the existence of
    a confidential letter dated October 29, 2005, from the Chairman of
    the Command Headquarters of Iran's Armed Forces to the Ministry of
    Information, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Police Force, stating
    that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, had instructed the
    Command Headquarters to identify members of the Baha'i Faith in Iran
    and monitor their activities;

-   "the United Nations Special Rapporteur expressed 'grave concern and
    apprehension' about the implications of this letter for the safety
    of the Baha'i community;

-   "in 2005 the Iranian Government initiated a new wave of assaults,
    homes raids, harassment, and detentions against Baha'is, and in
    December 2005, Mr. Zabihullah Mahrami died after 10 years of
    imprisonment on charges of apostasy due to his membership in the
    Baha'i Faith; and

-   "beginning in October 2005, an anti-Baha'i campaign has been
    conducted in the state-sponsored Kayhan newspaper and in broadcast
    media."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 415 was introduced on May
24, 2006, and referred to the Committee on International Relations. The
bill was marked-up and was reported to the House by unanimous consent on
September 13, 2006.

**[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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 942 -- Recognizing the centennial anniversary on August 5, 2006,
of the Iranian constitution of 1906 --- *as introduced* (King, R-IA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 942 resolves that the House:

-   "recognizes the centennial anniversary of the Iranian constitution
    of 1906;

-   "is mindful of the democratic revolution of 1906 that lead to the
    drafting of the Iranian constitution; and

-   "expresses its profound hope that the people of Iran will once again
    enjoy a democratic government in the spirit of the Iranian
    constitution of 1906."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "in 1906, one hundred years ago, the people of Iran rose in a
    peaceful democratic revolution against arbitrary, despotic rulers;

-   "these rulers bowed to the wishes of the people on August 5, 1906,
    and issued a decree for the convocation of a freely elected
    assembly, the Majles, to write a democratic constitution;

-   "the Iranian constitution, written pursuant to the decree of 1906,
    was a democratic instrument providing for---

    -   the establishment of an independent judiciary;

    -   the establishment of an independent legislature with members
        directly elected by the people;

    -   socio-political progress, including the separation of religion
        from the affairs of government; and

    -   the commitment of the government to the territorial integrity of
        Iran;

        -   "the maneuvering of the imperial powers and a fundamentalist
            clergy crushed the democratic aspirations represented in the
            constitution of 1906; and

        -   "those ideals (in the constitution) were abolished by the
            clerical-led dictatorship of the Ayatollahs in 1979."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 942 was introduced on
September 25, 2006, and referred to the Committee on International
Relations. The bill was marked-up and was reported to the House by
unanimous consent on September 13, 2006.

**[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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 415---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam needs to do more to resolve claims for
confiscated real and personal property---*as amended* (*Sanchez,
Loretta, D-CA*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 19^th^, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 415 would resolve that the House:

-   "welcomes recent attempts by the Government of the Socialist
    Republic of Vietnam to establish private land use rights for some of
    its citizens, and hopes that these rights are quickly expanded to
    encompass all Vietnamese citizens;

-   "calls on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to
    more fully recognize its responsibility to provide equitable,
    prompt, and fair restitution of property that was confiscated by the
    government;

-   "calls on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to
    direct local officials, particularly in the Central Highlands
    region, to promptly investigate and resolve complaints about
    discriminatory and uncompensated confiscation of land;

-   "urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to form a
    national commission for processing restitution claims, and to
    obligate local government officials, bodies, and agencies to provide
    all necessary documentation and cooperation to facilitate the
    implementation of decisions issued by the national commission; and

-   "strongly urges the Government of the Socialist Republic of
    Vietnam\--

> \--to ensure that implementation of land use reforms by local
> officials does not result in increased inequity in access to land,
> particularly for the poor and for those out of favor with the
> Communist Party; and
>
> \--to ensure that the government provides fair, prompt, and equitable
> restitution to former landowners for the property rights of all
> confiscated lands."

H.Res. 415 would also express a sense of the House that the President
should:

-   "specifically consider land use rights for individuals in
    determining whether the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a country
    of particular concern for religious freedom under section
    402(b)(1)(A) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22
    U.S.C. 6442(b)(1)(A)); and

-   "direct the Secretary of State to include, in the Secretary of
    State\'s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices submitted
    to the Congress under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the status
    of land use rights and restitution claims in the Socialist Republic
    of Vietnam."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The resolution notes that the
Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has used the
confiscation of land as a tool of repression against certain ethnic
minorities.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On July 28, 2005, the resolution was
referred to the International Relations Committee, which, on September
13, 2006, marked it up and by unanimous consent agreed to seek
consideration under suspension of the rules in the full House.

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

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

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

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

H.Con.Res. 317--- Requesting the President to issue a proclamation
annually calling upon the people of the United States to observe Global
Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing---*as introduced* (*Conyers,
D-MI*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 19^th^, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 317 would resolve that Congress
"urgently requests" that the President:

-   "issue a proclamation annually calling upon the people of the United
    States to observe Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing, a
    day which is dedicated\--

> \--to eradicating violence, hunger, poverty, and suffering; and
>
> \--to establishing greater trust and fellowship among peace-loving
> nations and families everywhere; and

-   "invite former Presidents of the United States, Nobel laureates, and
    other notables, including American business, labor, faith, and civic
    leaders, to join the President in promoting appropriate activities
    for Americans and in extending appropriate greetings from the
    families of America to families in the rest of the world."

The resolution also states that, "in the year 2005, the people of the
world suffered many calamitous events, including devastation from
tsunami, terror attacks, war, famine, genocide, hurricanes, earthquakes,
political and religious conflict, disease, poverty, and rioting, all
necessitating global cooperation, compassion, and unity previously
unprecedented among diverse cultures, faiths, and economic classes."

**Additionally, the resolution states that, "Congress desires...to make
tangible efforts to reverse the growing mistrust of the United
States."**

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: As the resolution points out,
on December 15, 2000, Congress adopted S.Con.Res. 138, expressing the
sense of Congress that the President of the United States should issue
an annual proclamation calling upon the American people to observe an
international day of peace and sharing at the beginning of each year.
Further, in 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution
56/2, which invited "Member States, intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations and all the peoples of the world to
celebrate One Day in Peace, 1 January 2002, and every year thereafter."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On December 15 2005, the resolution
was referred to the International Relations Committee, which, on
September 13, 2006, marked it up and by unanimous consent agreed to seek
consideration under suspension of the rules in the full House.

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

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

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

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

H.Res. 976 --- Condemning human rights abuses by the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Iran and expressing solidarity with the Iranian
people --- *as introduced* (McCaul, R-TX)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 976 resolves that the House:

-   "condemns the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Government of
    the Islamic Republic of Iran and strongly urges the international
    community to bring pressure on Iran to halt discrimination and
    violence toward its citizens, in particular women, religious and
    ethnic minorities, and vocal opponents of the regime;

-   "urges the Government of the United States to continue to pressure
    the Government of Iran into making measurable improvements in the
    human rights situation for the Iranian people; and

-   "expresses its unity with all Iranian people and shares their desire
    to see Iran become a free country with transparent, democratic
    institutions and equal rights for all."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran was elected through
    a controlled and fixed election process which does not allow the
    Iranian people to freely elect their leaders;

-   "the Government of Iran is a party to the International Covenant on
    Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic,
    Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the
    Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;

-   "the Government of Iran practices discrimination against (women,
    religious and ethnic minorities, and vocal opponents of the regime)
    through denial of access to education and employment, seizure of
    private property, violent suppression of peaceful protest and
    freedom of assembly, arbitrary arrest and detention, physical and
    mental torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment, such as
    public executions, hanging, and stoning, and extra judicial killings
    of dissidents and ordinary citizens;

-   "the Constitution of Iran promotes religious intolerance and
    prohibits religious freedom by endorsing one religion to the
    exclusion of other religious beliefs;

-   "an unelected theocratic ruler and clerical elite exert control over
    the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Iranian
    Government; and

-   "Iran sent to the June 2006 inaugural meetings of the United Nations
    Human Rights Council Saeed Mortazavi, Tehran's Prosecutor General
    responsible for jailing hundreds of journalists and linked to the
    2003 arrest, imprisonment, and murder of an Iranian-Canadian
    photojournalist, showing a blatant disregard for the issue of human
    rights reform."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 976 was introduced on
September 28, 2006, and referred to the Committee on International
Relations. The bill was marked-up and was reported to the House by
unanimous consent on September 13, 2006.

**[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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Res. 959 --- Recognizing and supporting the success of the Adoption
and Safe Families Act of 1997 in increasing adoption and the efforts the
Act has spurred including National Adoption Day and National Adoption
Month, and encouraging adoption throughout the year --- *as introduced*
(Camp, R-MI)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.Res. 959 would resolve that the House of
Representatives:

1)  "recognizes and supports the success of the Adoption and Safe
    Families Act of 1997 and of the efforts it has spurred;

2)  "recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption
    Day and National Adoption Month; and

3)  "encourages adoption throughout the year."

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

-   "since the passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997,
    the number of children adopted from foster care has increased
    significantly, with approximately 51,000 children adopted from
    foster care in fiscal year 2004 alone;

-   "despite this remarkable progress, approximately 118,000 children in
    the United States foster care system are waiting to be adopted, and
    49 percent of these children are at least nine years old;

-   "the Department of Health and Human Services launched a series of
    public service announcements promoting the adoption of children
    eight and older in 2002;

-   "more than 6,000 children have been placed into adoptive homes since
    the Department of Health and Human Services launched
    www.adoptuskids.org, a national photo listing service for children
    awaiting adoption across the United States; and

-   "judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies,
    and child advocates in 45 States and the District of Columbia
    participated in 227 events in conjunction with National Adoption Day
    in 2005."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}:** The Adoption and Safe Families
Act of 1997 was introduced as H.R. 867 in the 105^th^ Congress by Rep.
Camp, and was signed into law on November 19, 1997 ([P.L.
105-89](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=105_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ89.105.pdf)).
It passed the House by a vote of
[416-5](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/1997/roll096.xml), and passed the
Senate by unanimous consent.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.Res. 959 was introduced on July
27, 2006, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.R. 5295 --- Student and Teacher Safety Act of 2006 --- *as amended*
(Davis, R-KY)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5295 would require local educational
agencies (LEA) to deem as reasonable and permissible, any search by a
full-time teacher or school official, acting on "any reasonable
suspicion based on professional experience and judgment," of any minor
student on the grounds of any public school, if the search is conducted
to ensure that that classrooms, school buildings, school property and
students remain free from the threat of all weapons, dangerous
materials, or illegal narcotics. The bill provides that the measures
used to conduct any search must be "reasonably related to the search's
objectives, without being excessively intrusive in light of the
student's age, sex, and the nature of the offense."

H.R. 5295 would prohibit any LEA that does not fully comply with the
above requirement from receiving any federal funding through the Safe
and Drug Free School program (Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act), during the period of noncompliance.

H.R. 5295 lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "The United States Department of Education's National Center for
    Education Statistics reported in the 2005 Indicators of School Crime
    and Safety that in 2003 seventeen percent of students in grades
    9--12 reported they carried a weapon. Six percent reported having
    carried a weapon on school grounds;

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   "The same survey reported that 29 percent of all students in grades
    9--12 reported that someone offered, sold, or gave them an illegal
    drug on school property within the last 12 months; and

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   "That while the Supreme Court affirmed the Fourth Amendment's
    application to students in public schools in New Jersey vs. TLO
    (1985), the Court held that searches of students by school officials
    do not require warrants issued by judges showing probable cause. The
    Court will ordinarily hold that such a search is permissible if---

    -   "there are reasonable grounds for suspecting the search will
        reveal evidence that the student violated the law or school
        rules; and

    -   "the measures used to conduct the search are reasonably related
        to the search's objectives, without being excessively intrusive
        in light of the student's age, sex, and nature of the offense."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5295 was introduced on May 4,
2006, and referred to the Committees on Education and the Workforce,
which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to an unofficial CBO
estimate, the bill would not increase federal spending.

**[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}** No Committee Report citing
constitutional authority is available. House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1),
requires that all committee reports contain "a statement citing the
*specific* powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the
law proposed by the bill or joint resolution." *\[emphasis added\]*

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-0718.

H.Res. 874 --- Recognizing and honoring America's Seniors --- *as
introduced* *(Gonzalez, D-TX)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 874 resolves that the House:

-   "recognizes the importance of honoring our Nation's senior citizens;

-   "encourages children and students in the United States to set aside
    time to listen and learn from senior citizens and to read about
    their many contributions to America; and

-   "urges all Americans to honor the service of our seniors by saying
    thank you to them, by showing them respect, and by wishing them
    well."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "our seniors have made countless sacrifices and contributions to
    helping make America great;

-   "our seniors include members of the 'Greatest Generation' who fought
    in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and other military
    conflicts, and have sacrificed at home and abroad to help keep
    America free;

-   "in much of the world throughout known history the elderly have been
    viewed with respect, honor, and dignity as sources of wisdom and
    experience;

-   "it is appropriate that the Nation honor the significant
    accomplishments, too numerous to list here, of our 'senior
    citizens'; and

-   "our seniors deserve our support for the retirement with dignity and
    with adequate medical care."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 874 was introduced on June
16, 2006, and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce's
Subcommittee on Select Education, 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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.Con.Res. 419 --- Recognizing and supporting the efforts of the State
of New York develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New
Windsor, New York --- *as introduced* (Kelly, R-NY)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 419 resolves that Congress:

-   "recognizes and supports the efforts of the State of New York to
    develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New
    York;

-   "encourages the people of the United States to participate in the
    development of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; and

-   "encourages Federal departments and agencies to cooperate, assist,
    and participate in the development of the National Purple Heart Hall
    of Honor."

[]{.mark}

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

-   "the Badge of Military Merit, an award for valor in the
    Revolutionary War, is the inspiration for today's Purple Heart
    medal;

-   "on the bicentennial of General Washington's birthday in February
    1932, the Badge of Military Merit was redesignated by General
    Douglas MacArthur, then Chief of Staff of the Army, as the Purple
    Heart, to be awarded to persons killed or wounded in action against
    an enemy of the United States;

-   "the Nation, as it fights the forces of evil that would undermine
    those democratic principles upon which the Nation was founded,
    continues to add brave members of the Armed Forces to the ranks of
    those who have received the Purple Heart;

-   "the State of New York has dedicated substantial resources to the
    creation of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor to be
    constructed at the New Windsor Cantonment, a New York State Historic
    Site, in New Windsor, New York, to honor those individuals who have
    been awarded the Purple Heart and to inform and educate the people
    of the United States about the history and importance of this
    distinguished combat award; and

-   "the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will be a permanent place
    of remembrance of the service and sacrifices made by the members of
    the Armed Forces wounded or killed in service to America from World
    War I through the current war against terrorism, both at home and
    abroad."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 419 was introduced on May
25, 2006, 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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

**S. 418** --- **Military Personnel Financial Services Protection
Act---*as received* (Sen. Enzi, R-WY)**

**[Order of Business:]{.underline}** The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary:]{.underline}** S. 418 prohibits the sale of contractual or
periodic payment plan mutual funds to military personnel. The bill
requires insurance companies to provide certain notices about insurance
policies offered by the U.S. government when selling an insurance policy
to servicemen or while marketing on military installations. For
instance, brokers would have to disclose that the federal government
does not sanction or recommend a given financial product, make an
"appropriate suitability determination" on whether the product fits the
needs of the particular service member, and disclose that subsidized
insurance is available through the federal government.

Under the provisions of S. 418, the Department of Defense is required to
maintain a

list of agents and advisors barred from doing business on military
installations. S. 418 also amends securities law to require registered
securities associations to establish a system for collecting and
retaining registration information, and a 1-800 telephone number to
receive and promptly respond to certain inquiries. In addition, the bill
would clarify that state insurance commissioners have the jurisdiction
to regulate the business of insurance on military bases, in most
circumstances.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: In 2004, the House Financial
Services Committee held a hearing to consider the merits of contractual
mutual funds. These plans have a high first-year sales commission (50%)
with such fees gradually diminishing over the term of the contract
(versus the average less-than-6-percent commission on other securities
products such as mutual funds). The committee reports that the
contractual plan has largely disappeared from the civilian market since
the 1980s due to its excessive sales charges and the emergence of
low-cost products. The Committee states that the excessive sales charge
of the contractual plan makes it susceptible to abusive and misleading
sales practices. In addition, it was reported that certain life
insurance products being offered to servicemen are being improperly
marketed as investment products. These products provide very low death
benefits for very high premiums that are front-loaded in the first few
years.

**[Committee Action:]{.underline}** On April 13, 2005, the House
Financial Services Committee reported the House companion to S. 418
(H.R. 458), and the bill passed the full House by a vote of 405-2 on
June 28, 2005. The Senate cleared its version on June 29, 2006, and the
bill was received in the House and held at the desk the following day.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** CBO estimates that implementing S.
418 would result in no significant cost to the federal government.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?:]{.underline}** Yes, the bill places limitations on the
private insurance market to offer certain financial products.

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local Government, or
Private Sector Mandates?:]{.underline}** The bill does not include
intergovernmental mandates and, according to CBO, any costs to state,
local, or tribal governments would be voluntary. However, S. 418 does
impose private sector mandates by prohibiting insurance companies from
selling a particular financial product, and the cost of compliance is
income foregone from sales. The bill also imposes various disclosure
requirements on insurers and registered security associations.

**[RSC Staff Contact:]{.underline}** Russ Vought,
<russell.vought@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-8581

\###