![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin.....................................September 24, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 634 ---** Encouraging participation in hunting and fishing,
> and supporting the goals and ideals of National Hunting and Fishing
> Day and the efforts of hunters and fishermen toward the scientific
> management of wildlife and conservation of the natural environment
>
> **H.Con.Res. 186 ---** Honoring the 75th anniversary of Brookgreen
> Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
>
> **H.Con.Res. 193 ---** Recognizing all hunters across the United
> States for their continued commitment to safety
>
> H.Res. 303 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of
> missing persons
>
> H.Res. 584 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of \"National Life
> Insurance Awareness Month

H.Res. 605 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day

> H.Con.Res. 210 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell
> Disease Awareness Month
>
> H.Res. 663 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign
> Wars Day
>
> H.R. 1520 --- Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration
> Act of 2007
>
> H.R. 1389 --- Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial
> Commission Act
>
> H.R. 1664 --- To authorize grants for contributions toward the
> establishment of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

H.R. 3540 --- Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007

> **H.Res. 79 ---** Recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the
> Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of
> those programs efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need

S. 1983 --- Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act

> H. Res. 668 --- Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the September 25,
> 1957, desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little
> Rock Nine

H.R. 1199 --- Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007

> H. Res. 340 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> of the importance of providing a voice for the many victims (and
> families of victims) involved in missing persons cases and
> unidentified human remains cases

**H.Con.Res. 140 ---** Financial Services Diversity Initiative

> H. Res. 658 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Federal Credit
> Union Month and recognizing the importance of Federal credit unions to
> the economy, and their critical mission in serving those of modest
> means

**H.Res. 634 --- Encouraging participation in hunting and fishing, and
supporting the goals and ideals of National Hunting and Fishing Day and
the efforts of hunters and fishermen toward the scientific management of
wildlife and conservation of the natural environment *(Gillibrand,
D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 634 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 634 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "there should be established a day known as National Hunting and
    Fishing Day; and the President should issue a proclamation calling
    on the people of the United States to observe such a day with
    appropriate programs and activities; and

-   "encourages participation in hunting and fishing; and commends the
    contributions of hunters and fishermen toward the scientific
    management of wildlife and conservation of the natural environment."

H.Res. 634 lists the following findings:

-   "since the beginning of the 20th century, hunters and fishermen of
    the United States have been among the most vocal supporters of the
    scientific management of wildlife and conservation of the natural
    environment;

-   "President Theodore Roosevelt, who was himself a hunter, fisherman,
    and conservationist, called throughout his Presidency for laws to
    promote wildlife conservation and to provide lands for recreation;

-   "in June 1971, Senator Thomas McIntyre of New Hampshire and
    Representative Robert Sikes of Florida sponsored a joint resolution
    calling for the celebration of 'National Hunting and Fishing Day' on
    the fourth Saturday of every September;

-   "in 2006, an estimated 42,500,000 individuals in the United States
    participated in hunting or fishing activities;

-   "in 2006, hunters and fishermen made a significant contribution to
    the economy of the United States by spending nearly \$64,000,000 on
    hunting and fishing activities;

-   "hunters and fishermen recognize the importance of natural resources
    to the character, heritage, and future of the United States, and
    work to protect and conserve those resources; and

-   "the fourth Saturday of September would be an appropriate day to as
    celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 634 was introduced on
September 5, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, which took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 186--- Honoring the 75th anniversary of Brookgreen Gardens
in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (Brown, R-SC)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 186 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 186 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives honors the 75th anniversary of Brookgreen
Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

H.Con.Res. 186 lists the following findings:

-   "2007 is the 75th year that Brookgreen Gardens is open to the
    public;

-   "in 1930 philanthropist Archer M. Huntington and his wife, sculptor
    Anna Hyatt Huntington, purchased 9,100 acres of South Carolina land
    that stretched from the Waccamaw River to the Atlantic Ocean;

-   "within the tract of such land were the remnants of four rice
    plantations, including the Oaks, Springfield, Laurel Hill, and
    Brookgreen;

-   "the Huntingtons created Brookgreen Gardens on a 300-acre parcel of
    land with massive live oak trees which were planted nearly two
    centuries earlier;

-   "in 1932 the Huntingtons opened Brookgreen Gardens to the public and
    established it as both a nature preserve and a showcase for American
    figurative sculpture;

-   "Brookgreen Gardens consists of two main components: the Huntington
    Sculpture Garden and the Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve;

-   "more than 550 works by hundreds of American artists are displayed
    in the Huntington Sculpture Garden;

-   "the Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve is rich with evidence
    of the great rice plantations of the 1800s, contains native and
    domestic animal exhibits, and is the only zoo accredited by the
    Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of either North
    Carolina or South Carolina; and

-   "Brookgreen Gardens is designated a National Historic Landmark by
    the National Park Service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 186 was introduced on
July 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources,
which took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 193--- Recognizing all hunters across the United States for
their continued commitment to safety *(Carney, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 183 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 183 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes all hunters across the United States for their continued
    commitment to safety; and

-   "directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this
    resolution to the Pennsylvania State Game Commissioner and the
    Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

H.Con.Res. 193 lists the following findings:

-   "in 2006 there were over 16,000,000 hunters in the United States of
    which only .0013 percent incurred an injury during the past hunting
    season;

-   "in 2006 this injury rate was lower than many other forms of
    recreation;

-   "there are 70,000 hunter education instructors teaching hunter
    safety, ethics, and conservation to approximately 750,000 students
    successfully each year;

-   "State fish and game agencies began offering hunter safety programs
    in 1949, and since then, more than 35,000,000 people have been
    certified;

-   "much of the success of hunter safety can be contributed to hunter
    education training and the role of responsible hunters in the field;

-   "Congress commends Pennsylvania hunters for setting a new State
    safety record in 2006;

-   "hunters continue year after year to improve their safety record;
    and

-   "hunters are the vital link in preserving and maintaining the great
    natural resources in the United States, including wild places."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 193 was introduced on
July 26, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, where a markup on H.Con.Res. 193 was held on
September 20, 2007 and it was reported by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 303 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of
missing persons *(Gillibrand, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 303 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 303 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of
    missing persons; and

-   "the people of the United States should be encouraged to observe the
    day with appropriate programs and activities; and support worthy
    initiatives and increased efforts to locate missing persons."

H.Res. 303 lists the following findings:

-   "each year tens of thousands of people go missing in the United
    States;

-   "on any given day, there are as many as 100,000 active missing
    persons cases in the United States;

-   "the Missing Persons File of the National Crime Information Center
    (NCIC) was implemented in 1975;

-   "in 2005, 109,531 persons were reported missing to law enforcement
    agencies nationwide, of whom 11,868 were between the ages of 18 and
    20;

-   "section 204 of the PROTECT Act, known as Suzanne's Law and passed
    by Congress on April 10, 2003, modifies section 3701(a) of the Crime
    Control Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 5779(a)), so that agencies must enter
    records into the NCIC database for all missing persons under the age
    of 21;

-   "Kristen's Act (42 U.S.C. 14665), passed in 1999, has established
    grants for organizations to, among other things, track missing
    persons and provide informational services to families and the
    public;

-   "according to the NCIC, 48,639 missing persons were located in 2005,
    an improvement of 4.2 percent from the previous year;

-   "many persons reported missing may be victims of Alzheimer's disease
    or other health-related issues, or may be victims of foul play;

-   "regardless of age or circumstances, all missing persons have
    families who need support and guidance to endure the days, months,
    or years they may spend searching for their missing loved ones; and

-   "it is important to applaud the committed efforts of families, law
    enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens who work to locate
    missing persons and to prevent all forms of victimization."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 303 was introduced on April
17, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a markup on H.Res. 303 on September 20, 2007 and
reported the bill by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 584 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of \"National Life
Insurance Awareness Month (Biggert, R-IL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 584 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 584 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "a supports the goals and ideals of 'National Life Insurance
    Awareness Month'; and

-   "calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools,
    nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the citizens of the United
    States to observe the month with appropriate programs and
    activities."

H.Res. 584 lists the following findings:

-   "life insurance is an essential part of a sound financial plan;

-   "life insurance provides financial security for families by helping
    surviving members meet immediate and long-term financial obligations
    and objectives in the event of a premature death in their family;

-   "approximately 68,000,000 United States citizens lack the adequate
    level of life insurance coverage needed to ensure a secure financial
    future for their loved ones;

-   "life insurance products protect against the uncertainties of life
    by enabling individuals and families to manage the financial risks
    of premature death, disability, and long-term care;

-   "individuals, families, and businesses can benefit from professional
    insurance and financial planning advice, including an assessment of
    their life insurance needs; and

-   "numerous groups supporting life insurance have designated September
    2007 as 'National Life Insurance Awareness Month' as a means to
    encourage consumers to become more aware of their life insurance
    needs; seek professional advice regarding life insurance; and take
    the actions necessary to achieve financial security for their loved
    ones."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 584 was introduced on June
30, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a markup on H.Res. 584 on September 20, 2007 and
reported the bill by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 605 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers
Day (Roskam, R-IL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 605 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 605 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day; and

-   "requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the
    people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate
    ceremonies and activities."

H.Res. 605 lists the following findings:

-   "the American Gold Star Mothers have suffered the supreme sacrifice
    of motherhood by losing a son or daughter who served in the Armed
    Forces, and thus perpetuate the memory of all whose lives are
    sacrificed in war;

-   "the American Gold Star Mothers assist veterans of the Armed Forces
    and their dependents in the presentation of claims to the Department
    of Veterans Affairs and aid members of the Armed Forces who served
    and died or were wounded or incapacitated during hostilities;

-   "the services rendered to the United States by the mothers of
    America have strengthened and inspired Americans throughout the
    history of the United States;

-   "Americans honor themselves and the mothers of America when they
    revere and emphasize the role of the home and the family as the true
    foundations of the United States;

-   "by doing so much for the home, the American mother is a source of
    moral and spiritual guidance for the people of the United States and
    thus acts as a positive force to promote good government and peace
    among all mankind; and

-   "September 30, 2007, is being recognized as Gold Star Mothers Day."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 605 was introduced on August
1, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a markup on H.Res. 605 on September 20, 2007 and
reported the bill by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 210 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell
Disease Awareness Month *(Davis, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 210 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 210 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of Sickle
Cell Disease Awareness Month.

H.Con.Res. 210 lists the following findings:

-   "Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that is a major
    health problem in the United States, primarily affecting African
    Americans;

-   "Sickle Cell Disease causes the rapid destruction of sickle cells,
    which results in multiple medical complications, including anemia,
    jaundice, gallstones, strokes, and restricted blood flow, damaging
    tissue in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and death;

-   "Sickle Cell Disease causes episodes of considerable pain in one\'s
    arms, legs, chest, and abdomen;

-   "Sickle Cell Disease affects over 70,000 Americans;

-   "approximately 1,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell Disease each
    year in the United States, with the disease occurring in
    approximately 1 in 300 newborn African American infants;

-   "more than 2,000,000 Americans have the sickle cell trait, and 1 in
    12 African Americans carry the trait;

-   "there is a 1 in 4 chance that a child born to parents who both have
    the sickle cell trait will have the disease;

-   "the life expectancy of a person with Sickle Cell Disease is
    severely limited, with an average life span for an adult being 45
    years;

-   "though researchers have yet to identify a cure for this painful
    disease, advances in treating the associated complications have
    occurred;

-   "researchers are hopeful that in less than two decades, Sickle Cell
    Disease may join the ranks of chronic illnesses that, when properly
    treated, do not interfere with the activity, growth, or mental
    development of affected children;

-   "Congress recognizes the importance of researching, preventing, and
    treating Sickle Cell Disease by authorizing treatment centers to
    provide medical intervention, education, and other services and by
    permitting the Medicaid program to cover some primary and secondary
    preventative medical strategies for children and adults with Sickle
    Cell Disease;

-   "the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. remains the
    preeminent advocacy organization that serves the sickle cell
    community by focusing its efforts on public policy, research
    funding, patient services, public awareness, and education related
    to developing effective treatments and a cure for Sickle Cell
    Disease; and

-   "the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. has requested
    that the Congress designate September as Sickle Cell Disease
    Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the Nation
    about sickle cell and the need for research funding, early detection
    methods, effective treatments, and prevention programs."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 210 was introduced on
September 17, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, where a markup on H.Con.Res. 210 was held on
September 20, 2007 and it was reported by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 663 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign
Wars Day (Kline, R-MN)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 663 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 663 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of Veterans of
Foreign Wars Day.

H.Res. 663 lists the following findings:

-   "veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection,
    the Nation's first major foreign conflicts, faced hardships to
    include a complete lack of medical care and pensions upon discharge
    from the service;

-   "on September 29, 1899 the American Veterans of Foreign Service and
    in December 1899, the National Society of the Army of the
    Philippines, were established to advocate for the rights and
    benefits then denied to veterans of the Spanish-American War and
    Philippine Insurrection;

-   "in subsequent years, membership in these and other veterans
    organizations continued to grow;

-   "these veterans organizations, recognizing their common goals and
    the importance of unity, merged to form the present-day Veterans of
    Foreign Wars of the United States in 1914;

-   "membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars continued to grow and
    reached nearly 200,000 in 1936 when the organization received its
    Congressional Charter;

-   "the 2.3 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies
    Auxiliary remain committed to the organization's mission of
    'ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism,
    performing community services, and advocating for a strong national
    defense';

-   "the organization continues this honorable mission by effectively
    advocating for our Nation's veterans, to include helping establish
    the present-day Department of Veterans Affairs, creating the
    Montgomery G.I. Bill, developing the national cemetery system, and
    assisting combat wounded veterans receive compensation for their
    injuries; and

-   "the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrate the
    organization's establishment and achievements on September 29th
    while carrying on the vital mission of their predecessors."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 663 was introduced on
September 19, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a markup on H.Res. 663 on September 20,
2007 and reported the bill by unanimous consent.

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

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

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

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

H.R. 1520 --- Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act
of 2007 *(Hinchey, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1520 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1520 would establish two commissions,
the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the
Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission. The purpose of the
commissions would be to coordinate with New York and Vermont to ensure
that there is a suitable national observance of Henry Hudson, Robert
Fulton, and Samuel de Chaplain in 2009.

The commissions would be required to assist in ensuring that the 2009
observances are inclusive, facilitate international involvement, and
support marketing efforts for a commemorative coin and stamp.

The Secretary of Interior would be required to comprise the commissions
of members from the National Park Service and the respective state
commissions in New York and Vermont that are currently carrying out this
effort. The commissions would be obligate to coordinate commemorative
activities between the two states and federal entities, including the
Departments of Agriculture, Defense, State, and Transportation, the Lake
Champlain Basin Program, the National Endowment for the Humanities and
the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Smithsonian Institution.
The commissions would issue a final report to Congress in 2010,
detailing their activities.

The chair of the commission would be authorized to appoint an executive
director and any additional staff that was deemed necessary to carry out
the purpose of the commission. The bill would authorize \$1 million
annually (\$500,000 for each commission) through 2010 to carry out the
commemorative activities.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain
Quadricentennial is a regional commission that is currently planning
activities to commemorate the 400^th^ anniversary of the voyages of
Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain in 2009. The commission will also
celebrate the 200^th^ anniversary of Robert Fulton's invention of the
steamship. In 1909, a similar commemoration was held in New York and
Vermont to commemorate the 300^th^ and 100^th^ anniversaries of these
events.

According to the commission's website, "One hundred years ago the
commemoration events for Hudson, Fulton and Champlain highlighted
breakthrough technologies and celebrated the 20th century advances of
flight and electricity. The 1909 celebration was a catalyst for scenic,
natural and historic preservation. Celebrations also featured noble
monuments and a re-examination of our regional heritage. This sense of
place will guide us as we prepare for 2009."

For more information on the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain commission, please
visit:

<http://www.exploreny400.com/home.php>

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1520 was introduced on March
14, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. On March 27, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on
Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia. On July
19, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1520 would
authorize \$1 million in FY 2008 and \$4 million over the FY 2008 -- FY
2011 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?:]{.underline}** Yes. The bill would create two new
commissions to organize state and federal activities that commemorate
the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial.

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[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. 1389 --- Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial
Commission Act *(Sarbanes, D-MD)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1389 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1389 would establish the Star-Spangled
Banner and War of 1812 Commemoration Commission. The purpose of the
commission would be to ensure that there is a suitable observance of the
War of 1812 by complementing, cooperating with, and providing assistance
to the programs and activities of the various States involved in the
commemoration.

The commission would be required to assist in ensuring that the 2012
observances are inclusive, facilitate international involvement, and
support marketing efforts for a commemorative coin and stamp.

The Secretary of Interior would be required to comprise the commissions
of 21 members from the various states involved (Maryland, Louisiana,
Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Maine, Michigan and
Ohio) as well as appointees from the leaders of the House and Senate and
the National Park Service.

The commission would be required to facilitate the commemoration through
out the U.S. and internationally by coordinating activities, encouraging
local participation, providing technical assistance to local
organizations, and developing an exhibit to travel across the U.S.
during to commemoration period. The commissions would issue a final
report to Congress in 2015, detailing their activities.

The chair of the commission would be authorized to appoint an executive
director and any additional staff that was deemed necessary to carry out
the purpose of the commission. The bill would authorize \$1 million
annually through 2015 for the commission's expenses.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The War of 1812 was fought
between the United States and Great Britain between 1812 --- 1815. The
war, which was primarily caused by the impressment of U.S. sailors by
the British Navy, was fought across the United States. In 1814,
Washington D.C. was attacked and taken over by British soldiers. Over
the course of the war historic, battles were fought from as far north as
Michigan to as far south as New Orleans. The war ended in 1815 with the
treaty of Ghent.

On September 8, 2007, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive
order to establish the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to
plan commemorative and educational activities to celebrate the 200^th^
anniversary of the war. This act would establish a commission that would
coordinate state efforts to commemorate the event.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1389 was introduced on March 7,
2007 and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
On July 19, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by
unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1389 would
authorize \$1 million in FY 2008 and **\$7 million over the FY 2008 --
FY 2015 period**.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes. The bill would create a new commission
to organize state and federal activities that commemorate the War of
1812.

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[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. 1664 --- To authorize grants for contributions toward the
establishment of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

(Goodlatte, R-VA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1664 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1664 would authorize the appropriation
of "such sums" for the Archivist of the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) to make grants to contribute to the expansion of
the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, VA.

The bill would limit the funds used to those that were specifically
appropriated for the specific purpose of expanding the library. The bill
would also require that the foundation that oversees the library
guarantee that it has received at least double the private funds for the
project for every dollar of public funds that it receives. The NARA
would not be prohibited from making any grants under this act after FY
2011.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Woodrow Wilson, that nation's
28^th^ President was born and raised in Staunton, VA, where his
presidential library now exists. The library contains the largest single
collection of Wilson's writing and person effects. Also on the grounds,
the Woodrow Wilson Museum is housed in an adaptively-renovated chateau
style mansion adjacent to Woodrow Wilson's Birthplace. According to CBO,
the library is currently panning a \$50 million expansion and renovation
project, for which they have raised \$39 million to date. To read more
about the Wilson Library and Museum, visit:

<http://www.woodrowwilson.org/>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1664 was introduced on March
23, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. On July 19, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported
by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1664 would
authorize \$2 million in FY 2008 and \$4 million over the FY 2008 -- FY
2011 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?:]{.underline}** Yes.

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[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. 3540 --- Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007

*(Rangel, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3540 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. H.R. 3540 would extend current aviation
taxes on passengers, cargo, and fuel that are used to finance the
Federal Aviation Administration's (FFA) administration through December
31, 2007. The bill would also extend the FFA's authority to spend money
on the programs from the Aviation and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), which
are funded by the taxes until December 31, 2007.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The FAA's authority to collect
taxes to pay for the AATF, as well as their authority to fund AATF
programs is set to expire at the end of FY 2007. According to House
Report
[110-337](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr337)),

> The Airport and Airway Trust Fund ('AATF') provides funding for
> capital improvements to the U.S. airport and airway system and funding
> for Federal Aviation Administration ('FAA') operations and programs,
> among other purposes. The Internal Revenue Code (the 'Code') contains
> the provisions that dedicate revenues from certain excise taxes to the
> AATF, provide the relevant expenditure provisions governing the
> purposes for which AATF monies may be spent, and set the period for
> when those expenditures may occur. The excise taxes credited to the
> AATF are (1) taxes imposed on the transportation of persons by air;
> (2) taxes imposed on the transportation of property by air; (3) fuels
> taxes imposed on gasoline used in commercial aviation and
> noncommercial aviation; and (4) fuels taxes imposed on kerosene (jet
> fuel) and other aviation fuels used in commercial aviation and
> noncommercial aviation.

The report also includes tables that show specific tax rates.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3540 was introduced on
September 17, 2007 and referred to the Committee on House Ways and
Means. On September 18, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was
reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 3540 would
authorize \$3.1 billion in discretionary spending over the FY 2008 ---
FY 2012 period by authorizing appropriation of revenues expected to be
collected during the first three months of FY 2008

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No, it reauthorizes current law.

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110-337
cites Constitutional Authority in Article 1, Section 8, which states
that "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties,
Imposts and Excises."

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

**H.Res. 79 --- Recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry
programs across the United States and the contributions of those
programs efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need**

**(Gingrey, R-GA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 79 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 79 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes the cooperative efforts of hunters, sportsmen's
    associations, meat processors, State meat inspectors, and hunger
    relief organizations to establish Hunters for the Hungry programs
    across the United States; and

-   "recognizes the contributions of Hunters for the Hungry programs to
    efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need."

H.Res. 79 lists the following findings:

-   "Hunters for the Hungry programs are cooperative efforts among
    hunters, sportsmen's associations, meat processors, State meat
    inspectors, and hunger relief organizations to help feed those in
    need;

-   "during the past three years Hunters for the Hungry programs have
    brought hundreds of thousands of pounds of venison to homeless
    shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks; and

-   "each year donations have multiplied as Hunters for the Hungry
    programs continue to feed those in need."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 79 was introduced on January
19, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, where no
official action was taken.

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

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

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

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

S. 1983 --- Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act

*(Harkin, D-IA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 1983 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1983 would reauthorize the Pesticide
Registration Improvement Act of 2003 (PL 108-199), which allows for the
EPA to require pesticide registration fees. S. 1983 would extend the
program through 2012. The current law is set to expire at the end of FY
2007.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, the legislation would reauthorize "pesticide
registration service fees for registration actions in three pesticide
program divisions: Antimicrobials, Biopesticides and Pollution
Prevention, and the Registration Divisions. The goal is to create a more
predictable evaluation process for affected pesticide decisions, and
couple the collection of individual fees with specific decision review
periods. The legislation also promotes shorter decision review periods
for reduced-risk applications." The program is meant to allow for the
acceleration of more effective and safer pesticides to the market by
providing more funding sources for EPA evaluations.

For more information on EPA pesticide testing, visit:

<http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/fees/>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1983 was introduced in the Senate
on August 2, 2007, and passed without amendment by unanimous consent. On
August 3, 2007, the bill was received in the House and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for S. 1983 was
unavailable. However, the bill authorizes the collection of pesticide
registration fees, which likely affects revenue.

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

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[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. 668 --- Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the September 25,
1957, desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little
Rock Nine *(Conyers, D-MI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 668 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 668 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "acknowledges and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the
    desegregation of Little Rock Central High School by the Little Rock
    Nine;

-   "encourages all Americans, upon this 50th anniversary, to recognize
    the historic contributions of the Little Rock Nine, who not only
    secured integration for Little Rock Central High School, but
    hundreds of thousands of schools across the country; and

-   "commits itself, in the wake of recent challenges, to continuing the
    legacy of Brown v. Board of Education and the Little Rock Nine by
    protecting and advancing equal educational opportunity for all."

H.Res. 668 lists the following findings:

-   "on May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court announced in
    Brown v. Board of Education (347 U.S. 483) that, 'in the field of
    education, the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place';

-   "the Brown decision recognized as a matter of law that the
    segregation of public schools deprived students of the equal
    protection of the laws under the Fourteenth Amendment to the
    Constitution of the United States;

-   "in 1957, three years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education
    decision, the promise of access and equality within the realm of
    education remained unfilled in Little Rock, Arkansas, and throughout
    the Nation;

-   "on September 4, 1957, nine African American students who would
    later be deemed the Little Rock Nine, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth
    Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria
    Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls, were
    denied admittance to Little Rock Central High by the Arkansas
    National Guard at the order of the Arkansas Governor;

-   "on September 23, 1957, the Little Rock Nine, armed with a Federal
    court order, again tried to attend Little Rock Central High and
    implement the law of the land, but protests and violence forced the
    group of students to leave the school;

-   "on September 25, 1957, this Nation would realize a historic day
    when the Little Rock Nine, escorted by Federal troops at the order
    of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, successfully integrated Little
    Rock Central High;

-   "throughout their tenure at Little Rock Central High, the Little
    Rock Nine, with conviction and dignity, championed school
    integration despite death threats, verbal and physical assaults,
    school closings, and other adversities;

-   "the Little Rock Nine are symbolic of the victorious dismantling of
    school segregation, as well as the full and equal participation in
    American society that all citizens are entitled to, and continue to
    advance such principles through the Little Rock Nine Foundation;

-   "the significance of the Little Rock Nine and their actions have
    been acknowledged with numerous awards and recognitions, including
    the 2007 Little Rock Central High School Desegregation 50th
    Anniversary Commemorative Coin, the Congressional Gold Medal in
    1999, the inclusion of Little Rock Central High School in the
    National Park System in 1998, and the designation of Little Rock
    Central High School as a National Historic Landmark in 1982;

-   "on the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central
    High School by the Little Rock Nine, the Nation will celebrate this
    great civil rights achievement through forums and town halls,
    commemorations, and significantly, the dedication of a permanent
    Little Rock Central High School Museum and Visitor Center; and

-   "in 2007, as the Little Rock Nine and the entire Nation celebrates
    50 years of integration, we must acknowledge recent setbacks to the
    guarantee of opportunity and inclusion within our educational
    system, in both K-12 and higher education."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 668 was introduced on January
19, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where no
official action was taken.

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

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

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

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

H.R. 1199 --- Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007

*(Cardoza, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1199 is expected to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1199 would reauthorize a Justice
Department grant program for children living where illegal drugs are
manufactured, used or distributed. The bill would not change the grant
program, but would reauthorize \$20 million annually for FY 2008 --- FY
2009.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The 2005 USA PATRIOT
Improvement and Reauthorization Act established a grant program for drug
endangered children living near illegal drugs. The program is set to
expire at the end of FY 2007. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the
program requires coordination among state agencies that receive
funding --- including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, child
protective services, social services, and health care services --- in
providing aid to affected children. The program also requires the
Justice Department to ensure that state agencies using grant money
relocate children from homes where illegal drugs are manufactured,
distributed, dispensed, or used to alternate, safer residences."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1199 was introduced on February
27, 2007, and referred to the

Committee on the Judiciary. On April 20, 2007, the bill was referred to
the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, which held
a mark-up and forwarder the bill to the full committee on July 24, 2007.
On July 25, 2007, a committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported
by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1199 would
authorize \$20 million in FY 2008 and \$40 million over the FY 2008 ---
FY 2009 period.

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

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[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. 340 --- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
of the importance of providing a voice for the many victims (and
families of victims) involved in missing persons cases and unidentified
human remains cases (Chabot, R-OH)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 340 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 340 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "is committed to giving victims involved in missing persons cases
    and unidentified human remains cases a voice;

-   "supports that such voice should be heard by:

    -   "continuing Federal funding for DNA testing and the Combined DNA
        Index System;

    -   "supporting greater cooperation between local, State, and
        Federal law enforcement;

    -   "providing more comprehensive training and education for the
        more than 17,000 law enforcement agencies involved in missing
        persons cases and unidentified human remains cases;

    -   "providing medical examiners and coroners with greater
        accessibility into Federal databases to upload and compare
        evidence so that such victims ultimately may be located and
        identified and returned to their loved ones where they belong;
        and

    -   "working to raise awareness among victim service providers and
        the general public about the use of DNA and the Combined DNA
        Index System to identify the unidentified dead; and

-   "directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an
    enrolled copy of this resolution to the Office for Victims of Crime
    and the National Institute for Justice in the Department of
    Justice."

H.Res. 340 lists the following findings:

-   "there are more than 100,000 active missing person cases on any
    given day;

-   "every year tens of thousands of people vanish under suspicious
    circumstances;

-   "there are more than 40,000 sets of human remains held in the
    property rooms of medical examiners, coroners, and police
    departments across the country that cannot be identified by
    conventional means;

-   "of such 40,000 sets of human remains, only six thousand sets of
    human remains have been entered into the National Crime Information
    Center (NCIC) and fewer have been entered into other Federal
    databases such as the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCap)
    or the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System
    (IAFIS), or the National Missing Persons DNA Database;

-   "many cities and counties continue to bury or cremate unidentified
    human remains without any attempt to collect DNA and many
    laboratories are unable to perform timely DNA analysis of human
    remains, especially when they are old or are degraded."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 340 was introduced on April
26, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where no
official action was taken.

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

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 140 --- Financial Services Diversity Initiative**

***(Meeks, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 140 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 140 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes that minorities and women still face unique challenges
    entering into and obtaining upper level positions within the
    financial services industry;

-   "encourages financial institutions to partner with organizations
    which are focused on developing opportunities for minorities and
    women to place talented young minorities and women in industry
    internships, summer employment, and full-time positions

-   "encourages financial institutions to partner with inner-city high
    schools, girls' high schools, and high schools with majority
    minority populations to establish or enhance financial literacy
    programs and provide mentoring;

-   "encourages financial institutions, including Federal and State
    financial institution regulatory agencies, to build and retain a
    diverse staff through initiatives, including:

    -   "providing financial support for minorities and women
        undergraduate and graduate business programs;

    -   "heavily recruiting at historically Black colleges and
        universities, Hispanic serving institutions, women\'s colleges,
        and colleges that typically serve majority minority populations;

    -   "sponsoring and recruiting at job fairs in urban communities;
        and

    -   "placing job ads in newspapers and magazines oriented toward
        people of color

-   "encourages financial institutions to appoint more minorities and
    women as board members; and

-   "encourages financial institutions, and public and private pension
    funds to seek qualified minority and women owned firms as investment
    managers, underwriters and other business relationships.

The resolution would also express that it is the sense of Congress that:

-   "active measures should be taken by employers and educational
    institutions to increase the demographic diversity of the financial
    services industry; and

-   "diversity within the financial services industry is vitally
    important not only to promoting innovation and creativity in the
    industry but to developing a more inclusive workforce for a fair and
    just economy."

H.Res. 658 lists the following findings:

-   **"minorities and women face various challenges in obtaining and
    maintaining positions, especially upper-level positions, within the
    financial services industry;**

-   **"about 14.9 percent of the board seats at the Fortune 100
    companies were held by minorities, and women comprised about 16.9
    percent of Fortune 100 company board seats in 2005;**

-   **"minorities and women often cite the lack of mentors and
    leadership training as barriers to their advancement;** **minorities
    and women often cite the lack of mentors and leadership training as
    barriers to their advancement;**

-   **"a minority of women (32 percent) and men (43 percent) believe
    that promotion decisions are made fairly in their firm; and**

-   **"in a 2001 survey of 2,200 senior and pipeline level women and men
    representing approximately 60 securities firms, 65 percent of women
    reported that women have to work harder than men to get the same
    rewards, and 51 percent of women report that women are paid less
    than men for doing similar work.**

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: **Some conservatives
may be concerned that the resolution fosters the view that Americans are
best thought of in groups, instead of as individuals, and that it may
lead to further legislative attempts to divide America on such lines.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 658 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Financial
Services, which took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H. Res. 658 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of Federal Credit
Union Month and recognizing the importance of Federal credit unions to
the economy, and their critical mission in serving those of modest means
*(Maloney, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 658 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, September 24, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 658 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Federal Credit Union Month; and

-   "recognizes the importance of Federal credit unions to the economy,
    and their critical mission in serving those of modest means."

H.Res. 658 lists the following findings:

-   "on June 26, 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law the
    Federal Credit Union Act, thus enabling credit unions to be
    organized throughout the United States under the charters approved
    by the Federal Government

-   "Federal credit unions have consistently met those purposes and
    exemplified the traditional American values of thrift, self-help,
    and volunteerism, carving out a special place for themselves among
    the Nation\'s financial institutions;

-   "Federal credit unions operate with the credo 'Not for profit, not
    for charity\--but for service' and have consistently reflected this
    philosophical tradition and the cooperative spirit of 'people
    helping people' that gave birth to the Federal Credit Union Act;

-   "there are over 5,000 Federal credit unions in the United States
    serving nearly 50,000,000 Americans in all 50 States; and

-   "September 2007 has been designated as Federal Credit Union Month."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 658 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Financial
Services, which took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**\###**