> ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in" height="1.15625in"}

**Legislative
Bulletin................................................May 20, 2008**

**Contents:**

> **H.R. 6081---**Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008
>
> **H.Res. 1185---**Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that Congress should recognize the important contributions of
> Americans who serve as foster parents and, in doing so, unselfishly
> open their homes and family lives to children in need
>
> **H.Res. 1208---**Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and
> attention
>
> **H.Res. 1054---**Honoring the service and achievements of women in
> the Armed Forces and female veterans
>
> **H.Res. 986**---Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those
> members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners
> of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting
> of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for
> from the Vietnam conflict
>
> **H.Res. 961**---Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its
> service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States
>
> **H.Con.Res. 32**---Honoring the members of the United States Air
> Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the
> Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran,
> Saudi Arabia
>
> **H.R. 2790**---To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish
> the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the
> office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health
>
> **H.R. 3681**---Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008
>
> **H.R. 3819**---Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 3889**---To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the
> Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the
> vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary
>
> **H.R. 5554**---Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders
> Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008
>
> **H.R. 5664**---To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the
> Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years
> the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished
> to veterans by the Secretary
>
> **H.R. 5729**---Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act
>
> **H.R. 5826**---Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
> of 2008
>
> **H.R. 5856**---Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
> Authorization and Lease Act of 2008
>
> **H.R. 6048**---To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to
> provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents
> who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a
> contingency
>
> **S. 3029**---A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension
> of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business
> Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes operation
>
> **H.Res. 1195**---Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of
> the People\'s Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast
> destruction caused by the earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan
> Province
>
> **H.Res. 1194**---Reaffirming the support of the House of
> Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government
> of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
>
> **S. \_\_\_\_---**A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the
> Higher Education Act of 1965

H.R. 6081---Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008

*(Rangel, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: The original version of the Heroes Earnings
Assistance and Relief Tax Act (H.R. 3997) was passed in the House on
November 6, 2007, by a recorded vote of
[410---0](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1042.xml). The version on
the floor under a suspension today includes modifications made since the
passage of H.R. 3997. H.R. 6081 would modify tax provisions to grant tax
benefits to veterans, active duty servicemen, and certain volunteers.
The original House bill would have reduced revenue by \$643 million over
the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period and \$2.07 billion over the FY 2008 -- FY
2017 period. In order to pay for these reductions in revenue, the bill
would have increased penalties on individuals and business for failure
to file accurate and timely tax returns. This pay-for would have
increased revenue by \$911 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period
and \$2.19 billion over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period. The Joint
Committee on Taxation (JCT) did not file a report for H.R. 6081.

The Senate-passed version of H.R. 3997 would have changed the overall
cost of the bill by adding more benefits to members of the armed
services and increasing a tax penalty on expatriates. The following is a
description of a new version of the bill that the House will consider
today on the flood.

**[Note]{.underline}:** The following Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT)
estimates are based on estimates of similar provisions contained in H.R.
3997.

**[Benefits for Military and Volunteer Firefighters]{.underline}**

*Stimulus Payment Provision*

-   Under current law, taxpayers who have Individual Taxpayer
    Identification Numbers (ITINs) rather than Social Security numbers
    are not eligible to receive economic stimulus checks. If couples
    file jointly and one has and ITIN and one has a Social Security
    number, neither may receive a stimulus payout. H.R. 6081 would allow
    active duty service members to receive a check even if there spouse
    did not have a Social Security number.

*Combat Pay for the Purposes of Earned Income Tax Credit*

-   Permanently extends the allowance of "combat pay" as earned income
    for the purposes of determining the earned income tax credit.
    According to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), this provision
    will reduce revenue by \$47 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013
    period and \$83 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Modification of Mortgage Revenue Bonds for Veterans*

-   Permanently extends a provision that allows mortgage bonds to be
    issued to veterans regardless of the first-time homebuyer
    requirement (without this waiver, current law restricts using bonds
    to finance mortgages if the buyer had an ownership interest within
    the past three years). According to the JCT, this provision will
    reduce revenue by \$171 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period
    and \$826 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

-   Increases the annual limit on qualified veterans' mortgage bonds
    that can be issued in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin from \$25
    million to \$100 million. According to the JCT, this provision will
    reduce revenue by \$69 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period
    and \$297 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Survivor and Disability Payments with Respect to Qualified Military
Service*

-   Requires retirement plans from civilian jobs to treat the day prior
    to the date of a service member's death as the date which they had
    resumed employment and been terminated. This section allows deceased
    service members and their families to receive benefits that are
    contingent on termination of employment as a result of death to
    trigger benefits. According to the JCT, this provision will reduce
    revenue by \$1 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and \$2
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Treatment of Differential Military Pay as Wages*

-   Amends federal tax withholding laws to treat differential pay (pay
    that is voluntarily paid by an employer to an employee while they
    serve in the armed forces) as wage compensation and permit wage
    withholdings from differential payments for retirement plans.
    According to the JCT, this provision will reduce revenue by \$4
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and \$8 million over the
    FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Exclusion from Income for Volunteer Firefighters and Medical
Responders*

-   Excludes reductions or rebates of taxes by state and local
    governments, given to volunteer firefighters or emergency medical
    responders in exchange for their services, as taxable income through
    December 31, 2015. According to the JCT, this provision will reduce
    revenue by \$122 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period and
    \$565 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Special Time Limitation to File Claims for Refunds Relating to
Disability Determinations*

-   Extends the period of time that military personnel who receive
    disability determinations from the VA may file claims for credits or
    refunds. Currently, a taxpayer must file claims for credit or refund
    within three years of filing the refund or two years of paying the
    tax. This section extends that time for individuals who receive
    disability determinations until one year after the date of the
    determination. According to the JCT, this provision will reduce
    revenue by \$5 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and \$10
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Penalty Free Retirement Plan Withdrawals for Active Duty Reservists*

-   Permanently extends a provision that allows active duty reservists
    to make penalty free withdrawals from their retirement plans.
    According to the JCT, this provision will increase revenue by \$1
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and reduce revenue by \$6
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Permanent Extension of Disclosure Authority*

-   Permanently extends a provision that allows the disclosure of
    certain tax information to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA)
    for the purpose of determining eligibility for its pension and
    health-care programs. According to the JCT, this provision will
    increase revenue by \$43 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period
    and \$164 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Contributions of Military Death Gratuities*

-   Allows recipients of military death gratuities to invest benefits
    from the gratuity into Roth IRAs or educational savings accounts
    regardless of annual contribution limits. According to the JCT, this
    provision will reduce revenue by \$1 million over the FY 2008 -- FY
    2013 period and \$4 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Suspension of Five Year Test for Peace Corps Volunteers*

-   Allows Peace Corps volunteers to suspend the "five-year test" for
    excluding gains on the sale of a principle residence from taxes.
    Under current law, taxpayers may exclude up to \$250,000 (\$500,000
    for joint filers) in gains on the sale of their principle residence
    if they have lived in the residence for two of the last five years
    (the "five-year test"). This section would allow a Peace Corps
    volunteer to suspend the test requirement for up to ten years if
    they are absent from the residence due to their service obligations.
    According to the JCT, this provision will reduce revenue by \$1
    million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

**[Improvements in Supplemental Security Income (SSI)]{.underline}**

*Equitable Treatment of Military Families under SSI*

-   Reclassifies military cash allowances as earned income. Under
    current law, most military payments other than basic pay are treated
    as "unearned income." Every dollar of unearned income after \$20
    reduces SSI program benefits by \$1. Thus, this section would
    increase SSI program benefits available to families of service
    members. According to the JCT, this provision will reduce revenue by
    \$11 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and \$26 million
    over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Removal of Penalties for Blind Veterans under SSI*

-   Prohibits consideration of state annuity payments made to blind
    veterans when determining SSI benefits. Under current law, state
    annuity payments made to blind veterans are regarded as unearned
    income and reduce SSI benefits. According to the JCT, this provision
    will reduce revenue by \$1 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013
    period and \$3 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Exclusion of Benefits for AmeriCorps Volunteers under SSI*

-   Prohibits consideration of benefits or allowances made to AmeriCorps
    volunteers when determining SSI benefits. A JCT revenue estimate is
    not currently available for this section.

-   

**[Provisions that Raise Revenue]{.underline}**

*Increase the Minimum Penalty for Failure to File*

-   Increases the penalty for failure to file a tax return within 60
    days of the due date from \$100 to \$250. Under current law, the
    penalty is the lesser of \$100 or 100% of the tax owed. According to
    the JCT, this provision will increase revenue by \$132 million over
    the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period and \$296 million over the FY 2008 --
    FY 2017 period.

*Penalty for Failure to File S Corporation Returns*

-   Creates new penalties on S corporations (corporations that are
    exempt from federal income tax other than tax on certain capital
    gains and passive income) that fail to file a timely and accurate
    tax return. An increased penalty of \$100 per month for each
    shareholder would be assessed for up to 12 months and could be
    levied on any S corporation that fails to submit all the required
    information on a return. According to the JCT, this provision will
    increase revenue by \$413 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013 period
    and \$964 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Increase in Information Return Penalties*

-   Increases penalties on businesses for failure to file correct
    information returns, such as 1099 forms, which include information
    regarding amounts paid to employees and interest paid to
    shareholders. This section increases the penalties for businesses
    that correct the information within 30 days from a minimum of \$15
    to \$25 and a maximum of \$75,000 to \$200,000. Penalties for
    businesses that fail to correct the information by August 1^st^
    would increase from a minimum of \$50 to \$100 and a maximum of
    \$250,000 to \$600,000. The bill would also increase maximum
    penalties on small businesses from \$25,000 to \$75,000 if
    corrections are made within 30 days. If a small business fails to
    make corrections by August 1^st^ the maximum amount is increased
    from \$100,000 to \$250,000. According to the JCT, this provision
    will increase revenue by \$83 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2013
    period and \$280 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

*Increased Penalties on Expatriates*

-   The Senate amendment would require that, for taxation purposes, the
    property of any U.S. citizen who renounces their citizenship be
    treated like it was sold at market value the day prior to the
    renouncement. According to the JCT, this provision will increase
    revenue by \$764 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 6081 was introduced on May 16,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, which took
no official action.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: The Administration's position
is not currently available.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO or JCT score for H.R. 6081
was not available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

**H.Res. 1185---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that Congress should recognize the important contributions of Americans
who serve as foster parents and, in doing so, unselfishly open their
homes and family lives to children in need *(McDermott, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res.1185 would express the sense of the
House that:

-   "All Americans should work together to strengthen families and
    reduce the need of foster care placement for children; and

-   "Congress should continue its commitment to providing critical
    assistance to children and families involved in the foster care
    system through the title IV program in the Social Security Act and
    other programs that are designed to help children reunite with their
    parents or find a loving and permanent home when they cannot return
    to their biological parents."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The Nation's foster care system provides a sanctuary for children
    who are unable to live safely in their homes;

-   "In 2006, some 799,000 children spent at least 24 hours in foster
    care and, on any given day, roughly 510,000 children were in the
    Nation's foster care system;

-   "The primary goal of foster care is to ensure the safety and
    well-being of children while working to expeditiously provide
    children with a permanent, safe, and loving home;

-   "Via reunification with parents, adoption, or legal guardianship,
    some 289,000 children left foster care in 2006 for a permanent home;

-   "303,000 children entered foster care in 2006;

-   "More than 43 percent of the children that entered foster care in
    2005 were age 5 and younger;

-   "In 2005, roughly 60 percent of the children who left foster care
    for a permanent adoptive family were adopted by their foster parents
    and another 25 percent were adopted by relatives; and

-   "It would be appropriate to designate the month of May 2008 as
    National Foster Care Month."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.1185 was introduced on May 5,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, 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. 1208---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and
attention\
*(Lewis, D-GA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1208 would express the sense \`that
the House:

-   "Supports former foster care youth as they overcome many emotional,
    physical, and social obstacles in the pursuit of healthy,
    independent, and fulfilling lives;

-   "Recognizes former foster care youth organizations for their
    dedication to reforming and improving the foster care system;

-   "Appreciates individuals, mentors, and social workers who provide
    assistance to former foster care youth beyond resources available
    through Federal, State, and local services; and

-   "Encourages reviews of Federal and State programs conducted under
    title IV of the Social Security Act that would improve services to
    help former foster care youth succeed in their transition to
    adulthood and independence."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "2,000,000 Americans spend time in foster care;

-   "Every year, more than 24,000 youth turn age 18 while in foster
    care;

-   "The safekeeping of most youth who age out of foster care is the
    responsibility of the State governments, which receive Federal
    funding to assist them in doing so;

-   "Family reunification, kinship care, and adoption are the preferred
    solutions for children who are placed in foster care; and

-   "Congress created a new Independent Living initiative in 1986, and
    expanded the program by passing the Chaffee Foster Care Independence
    Act in 1999 to assist youth who are emancipated while in foster
    care."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.1208 and was introduced on May
19, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, 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. 1054---Honoring the service and achievements of women in the
Armed Forces and female veterans *(Davis, D-GA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1054 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Honors and recognizes the service and achievements of current and
    former female members of the Armed Forces;

-   "Encourages all people in the United States to recognize the service
    and achievements of women in the military and female veterans on
    Memorial Day;

-   "Encourages all people in the United States to learn about the
    history of service and achievements of women in the military; and

-   "Supports groups that raise awareness about the service and
    achievements of women in the military and female veterans through
    exhibitions, museums, statues, and other programs and activities."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Women have historically been an important part of all United States
    war efforts, voluntarily serving in every military conflict in
    United States history since the Revolutionary War;

-   "34,000 women served in World War I, 400,000 served in World War II,
    120,000 served in the Korean War, over 7,000 served in the Vietnam
    War, and more than 41,000 served in the first Gulf War;

-   "More than 185,000 women have been deployed in support of Operation
    Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other missions since
    2001;

-   "Over 350 service women have given their lives for our Nation in
    combat zones since World War I, and more than 85 have been held as
    prisoners of war;

-   "Almost 350,000 women serving in the Armed Forces make up almost 15
    percent of active duty personnel and over 17 percent of the National
    Guard reserve forces;

-   "Women are now playing an increasingly important role in America's
    military forces; and

-   "The women of America's military, past and present, have served
    their nation in times of peace and war, at great personal sacrifice
    for both themselves and their families."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.1054 was introduced on May 5,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed 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. 986---Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of
the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during
the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729
members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam
conflict\
(Boehner*,* R-OH)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 986 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Expresses its deepest gratitude for, and calls upon all Americans
    to reflect upon and to show their gratitude for, the courage and
    sacrifice of the brave members of the United States Armed Forces,
    including Samuel R. Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of
    war during the Vietnam conflict;

-   "Urges States and localities to honor the courage and sacrifice of
    those prisoners of war with appropriate ceremonies and activities;

-   "Acting on behalf of all Americans, will not forget the 1,729
    members of the United States Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for
    from the Vietnam conflict and will continue to press for a full
    accounting of all of these members; and

-   "Honors all of the members of the United States Armed Forces who
    have fought and died in the defense of freedom."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States
    Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam
    conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of
    the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam
    conflict.

-   "Recent world events have brought Americans closer together, while
    reinvigorating our patriotism, reminding us of our precious
    liberties and freedoms, and giving us a greater appreciation for the
    men and women of the United States Armed Forces who defend our
    homeland every day;

-   "The honor and valor of past and present members of the United
    States Armed Forces inspire many young people to serve their
    country;

-   "Participation by the United States Armed Forces in combat
    operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict resulted in
    more than 700 American military personnel being taken prisoner by
    enemy forces;

-   "American military personnel who were taken prisoner were held in
    numerous prisoner of war facilities, the most notorious of which was
    Hoa Lo Prison in downtown Hanoi, Vietnam, which was dubbed by
    prisoners held there as the 'Hanoi Hilton';

-   "On January 23, 1973, the United States and North Vietnam jointly
    announced the terms of a cease-fire agreement, which included the
    release of prisoners of war;

-   "The American military personnel who were prisoners of war during
    the Vietnam conflict truly represent the best of America;

-   "The 35th anniversary of Operation Homecoming begins on February 12,
    2008, and ends on April 1, 2008;

-   "The world acknowledges that the words inscribed by an American
    prisoner of war in a Hanoi Hilton cell, 'Freedom has a taste to
    those who fight and die for it that the protected will never know',
    are bitterly true and eternally appreciated; and

-   "The Nation owes a debt of gratitude to these patriots and their
    families for their courage, heroism, and exemplary service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 986 was introduced on
February 14, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services
Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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. 961---Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its service
to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States (Young*,*
R-AK)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 961 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Commends the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry of the Alaska Army
    National Guard upon its completion of deployment and brave service
    to the Commonwealth of Alaska and the citizens of the United States;
    and

-   "Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a
    copy of this resolution to the Adjutant General of the Alaska
    National Guard for appropriate display."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The 297th Infantry and the scout group of the Alaska Army National
    Guard deployment of almost 600 Alaskans was the largest deployment
    of the Alaska National Guard since World War II;

-   "The Alaskans of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry came from 80
    different communities across Alaska;

-   "The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry included 75 soldiers from New
    York, Mississippi, Illinois, Georgia and Puerto Rico;

-   "The 586 soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry were
    mobilized in July of 2006 and deployed to Camp Shelby, Mississippi;

-   "The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry was deployed to Camp Virginia,
    Camp Navstar and Camp Buehring in Northern Kuwait;

-   "The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry courageously performed route and
    perimeter security missions, mounted combat patrols and inspections
    and searches of vehicles going into Iraq from Kuwait, among other
    assignments;

-   "The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry has performed admirably and
    courageously; gaining the gratitude and respect of Alaskans and all
    Americans; and

-   "Members of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry received 3 Bronze
    Stars, 12 Meritorious Service Medals, 142 Army commendations and
    more than 200 Army Achievement Medals for their outstanding
    service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 961 was introduced on
February 6, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services
Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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.Con.Res. 32---Honoring the members of the United States Air Force
who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar
Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi
Arabia (Miller*,* R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 32 would express the sense that
the House:

-   "Recognizes the service and sacrifice of the 19 members of the
    United States Air Force who died in that attack;

-   "Calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to those brave
    airmen;

-   "Extends its continued sympathies to the families of those who died;
    and

-   "Assures the members of the Armed Forces serving anywhere in the
    world that their well-being and interests will at all times be given
    the highest priority."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "June 25, 2007, marks the 11th anniversary of the terrorist bombing
    of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound in
    Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 1996;

-   "19 members of the United States Air Force were killed in the
    bombing and 300 other Americans were injured;

-   "The families of these brave airmen still mourn their loss;

-   "Three months after that terrorist bombing, on September 24, 1996,
    the House of Representatives agreed to House Concurrent Resolution
    200 of the 104th Congress, honoring the victims of that terrorist
    bombing;

-   "On the fifth anniversary of that terrorist bombing, on June 25,
    2001, the House of Representatives agreed to House Concurrent
    Resolution 161 of the 107th Congress, which was concurred in by the
    Senate on July 12, 2002, further honoring the victims of that
    bombing;

-   "On June 27, 2005, the House of Representatives agreed to House
    Concurrent Resolution 188 of the 109th Congress, further honoring
    the victims of that terrorist bombing;

-   "Those guilty of carrying out the attack have yet to be brought to
    justice; and

-   "Terrorism remains a constant and ever-present threat around the
    world."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 32 was introduced on
January 12, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services
Subcommittee on Military Personnel, 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.R. 2790---To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the
position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office
of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health *(Hare, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2790 would establish a Director of
Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Department (VHD) of
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Director would report on
all matters relating to education, training, employment, and utilization
of physician assistants in the VHD. The Director would be a full-time
employee and would report to the VA's Under Secretary for Health.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Physicians Assistants (PAs)
are medically trained and certified workers who perform routine clinical
tasks under the supervision of a credentialed physician. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PAs "take medical histories,
examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x
rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing,
splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel
patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the District
of Columbia, physician assistants may prescribe some medications. In
some establishments, a PA is responsible for managerial duties, such as
ordering medical supplies or equipment and supervising technicians and
assistants."

According to [House Report
110-642](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr642)),
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation's single largest
employer of PAs. Today, the VA employs 1,600 PAs, up 34% from 2000.
Currently, PAs are overseen by a PA advisor who works part-time in the
field to determine how PAs may be best utilized in different VA
facilities. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs contends that, while PA
advisors have increased the efficiency and consistency with which PAs
are used in VA hospitals, "there continues to be inconsistencies in the
way PAs are used across the system." H.R. 2790 would establish a full
time position within the VA's main offices to coordinate PA efforts
around the country in consultation with the head of the VA.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2790 was introduced on June 20,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee
on Health. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was held and the
bill was forwarded to the full committee. On April 30, 2008, a full
committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as amended, by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO score for H.R.
2790 would cost the VA less than \$500,000 over the FY 2009 through FY
2013 to pay for the salary and travel expenses of the new a Director of
Physician Assistant Services.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new management-level
position at the VA.

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-642](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr642)),
H.R. 2790 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-642](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr642)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 3681---Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008** **(Boozman,
R-AR)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3681 would authorize Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to purchase advertising in national media to promote
awareness of benefit programs for veterans. National advertising would
be authorized to promote programs that assist homeless veterans, support
veteran-owned small businesses, provide employment to veterans, provide
healthcare to veterans, and offer veterans education, training,
compensation or vocational rehabilitation.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110-644](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr644)),
the purpose of H.R. 3681 is to provide clear legislative authority for
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to spend funds on national
advertising if the ads are used to promote veterans' benefits. Clarity
in the issue is, according to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
necessary because of a clause in public law that prohibits the use of
appropriated funds for "publicity or propaganda." Specifically, the
continuing resolution through which the VA is funded (the Consolidated
Appropriations Act of 2008) states:

> No part of any funds appropriated in this Act shall be used by an
> agency of the executive branch, other than for normal and recognized
> executive-legislative relationships, for publicity or propaganda
> purposes, and for the preparation, distribution or use of any kit,
> pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television or film presentation
> designed to support or defeat legislation pending before Congress,
> except in presentation to Congress itself.

Through there is no specific restriction against advertising to promote
veterans' benefits in public law, the Committee seeks to clarify that
current provisions against propaganda shall not impede the VA's ability
to advertise its benefits programs nationally.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3681 was introduced on
September 27, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs'
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee
mark-up was held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On
April 30, 2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was
reported, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "VA reports that
it currently has authority to advertise in the national media but uses
it rarely. Therefore, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3681 would
have no effect on the federal budget."

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-644](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr644)),
H.R. 3681 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-644](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr644)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 3819---Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007 *(Space,
D-OH)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3819 would require the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for veterans enrolled in VA health care
that receive emergency treatment at non-VA hospitals until they are
safely transferred to a VA hospital or until the VA accepts their
transfer. H.R. 3819 would also require the VA to reimburse veterans with
service-related disabilities (or other disabilities that are aggravated
by service-related ailments) for emergency care that they pay for out of
pocket at a non-VA hospital.

H.R. 3819 would define "emergency treatment" as a situation where a
prudent layperson "could reasonably expect that a delay in seeking
medical attention would be hazardous to life or health."

Under current law, the VA is only obligated to pay for a veteran's
emergency treatment in a non-VA hospital if the VA is the payer of last
resort and if the veteran could not be transferred to a VA hospital
because of emergency circumstances. Therefore, under H.R. 3819, veterans
would receive VA payment for care in a non-VA hospital for the duration
of the time after they were stabilized, but before they were either
transferred to a VA hospital or discharged.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110-638](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr638)),
during a Joint House and Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs meeting
in Ohio, on May 29, 2007, witnesses testified that veterans were not
being reimbursed for medical emergencies at non-VA hospitals for a
number of reasons. The Committee states that delays in VA transfer
approvals and lack of space in VA hospitals around the country resulted
in veterans staying in non-VA hospitals after medical emergencies had
ended. Thus, some veterans who had entered non-VA hospitals for
emergency medical care (which is supposed to be paid by the VA) were
forced to pay for care beyond their emergency because they could not be
transferred to a VA hospital due to circumstances beyond their control.
H.R. 3819 attempts to address the situation by requiring the VA to pay
for veterans' emergency care until such time as they could be
transferred or until the VA accepts their transfer---whichever is first.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3819 was introduced on October
10, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs'
Subcommittee on Health. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was
held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On April 30,
2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 3819 would
cost the VA \$323 million over the FY 2009 through FY 2013 period
(subject to appropriation) to pay for additional medical costs for
"emergency care certain veterans receive at non-VA medical facilities."

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-638](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr638)),
H.R. 3681 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-638](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr638)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 3889---To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the
vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary
(Boozman, R-AR)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3889 would require the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a 20 year longitudinal study of the
VA's vocational rehabilitation and education programs. The bill would
require the Secretary of the VA to study a statistically valid sample of
individuals who begin the vocational rehabilitation program in 2009,
2011, and 2014, respectively. The study would include data that the
Secretary determines is necessary to assess the long-term vocational
outcomes of participants in the program.

In addition, H.R. 3889 would require that the study include the
following information;

-   "The number of individuals participating in vocational
    rehabilitation programs under this chapter who suspended
    participation in such a program during the year covered by the
    report.

-   "The average number of months such individuals served on active
    duty.

-   "The distribution of disability rating of such individuals.

-   "The types of other benefits administered by the Secretary received
    by such individuals.

-   "The types of social security benefits received by such individuals.

-   "Any unemployment benefits received by such individuals.

-   "The average number of months such individuals were employed during
    the year covered by the report.

-   "The average annual starting and ending salaries such individuals
    who were employed during the year covered by the report.

-   "The number of such individuals enrolled in an institution of higher
    learning, as that term is defined in section 3452(f) of this title.

-   "The average number of academic credit hours, degrees, and
    certificates obtained by such individuals during the year covered by
    the report.

-   "The average number of visits such individuals made to Department
    medical facilities during the year covered by the report.

-   "The average number of visits such individuals made to
    non-Department medical facilities during the year covered by the
    report.

-   "The average annual income of such individuals.

-   "The average total household income of such individuals for the year
    covered by the report.

-   "The percentage of such individuals who own their principal
    residences.

-   "The average number of dependents of each such veteran."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The VA's vocational
rehabilitation and education programs are designed to help
service-disabled veterans get back to work and regain independent living
skills as quickly as possible. The program provides training, employment
assistance, independent living services and financial assistance and
tuition. According to [House Report
110-640](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr640)),
the study required by H.R. 3889 would supply the VA with long-term,
quantitative analysis regarding the effectiveness of the current
program.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3889 was introduced on October
18, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs'
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee
mark-up was held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On
April 30, 2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was
reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 3889 would
cost the VA \$350,000 in FY 2009 and \$1 million over the FY 2009
through FY 2013 period to conduct the required study and annual reports.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-640](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr640)),
H.R. 3681 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-640](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr640)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 5554---Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention
and Treatment Act of 2008 *(Michaud, D-ME)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5554 would require the Department of
Veterans' Affairs (VA) to provide full substance abuse treatment at
every VA hospital in the country at an estimated cost of \$65 million in
FY 2009 and \$362 million over the FY 2009 through FY 2013 period. The
VA would be authorized to provide the care at VA hospitals using its own
staff and resources or contract out substance abuse care through
community organizations. According to CBO, the VA already provides many
substance abuse treatment options at its facilities and the majority of
the cost of the bill would stem from adding detoxification and
residential and outpatient care for substance abuse.

The bill would also require the VA to conduct a pilot program to test
the feasibility of providing veterans internet-based substance abuse
treatment. H.R. 5554 would also require the VA to conduct a
comprehensive report on the availability and quality of VA substance
abuse resources.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110-639](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr639)),
a 2007 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration reported that between 2004 and 2006 7.1% of veterans met
the criteria for substance abuse disorder. The study also found that 70%
of all homeless veterans met the criteria for substance abuse disorder.
The Committee Report also stated that, "While some medical facilities
provide comprehensive treatment services for substance use disorder,
others only provide services that are less than comprehensive." H.R.
5444 would require to the VA to provide comprehensive substance abuse
care, including impatient and outpatient treatment, at all VA
facilities.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5554 was introduced on March 6,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee
on Economic Opportunity. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was
held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On April 30,
2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 5554 would
cost the VA \$65 million in FY 2009 and \$362 million over the FY 2009
through FY 2013 period to conduct the required study and annual reports.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-639](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr639)),
H.R. 5554 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-639](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr639)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H.R. 5664---To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years
the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to
veterans by the Secretary *(Rodriguez, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5664 would require the Secretary of
Veterans' Affairs to provide a handbook containing designs for specially
adapted housing for certain veterans and to update the handbook every
six years.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The VA currently distributes
pamphlets to disabled veterans containing plans and specifications for
modifying houses to better suit their needs. According to [House Report
110-641](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr641)),
the current VA pamphlet has not been updated since 1978, whereas a
similar pamphlet used by the Army Corps of Engineers includes new
designs from 1994. The purpose of H.R. 5664 is to require the VA to
update their designs more frequently.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5664 was introduced on March
31, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs'
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee
mark-up was held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On
April 30, 2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was
reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing H.R.
5664 would have an "insignificant effect on the budget" because the VA
already provides veterans with a design pamphlet.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-641](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr641)),
H.R. 5664 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-641](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr641)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

H.R. 5729---Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act

*(Ellsworth, D-IN)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5729 would require the Department of
Veterans' Affairs (VA) to expand care to children of Vietnam and Korean
War veterans with spina bifida. Under current law, the VA provides
health benefits for children born to Vietnam and Korean War veterans
with spina bifida if the health problem is directly related to that
condition. H.R. 5729 would expand those benefits and give those children
comprehensive VA care.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to CBO, there are
about 745 children of Vietnam and Korean War veterans with spina bifida
who receive health services from the VA to treat their symptoms. Spina
bifida, a congenital condition which causes the spine to fail, leads to
a wide variety of neurological disorders and impaired movement. The
Agent Orange Benefits Act gave VA benefits to children of Vietnam
veterans with spina bifida, while the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003
extended the program to children of Korean War veterans. According to
[House Report
110-645](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr645)),
"In order to be eligible for this benefit, the veteran must have served
in the active military, naval or air service and must have been exposed
to an herbicide agent during such service in or near the Korean
demilitarized zone." Because the effects of spina bifida are so wide
ranging, the VA estimates that they already provide 90% of health care
to these beneficiaries under current law.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5729 was introduced on April 8,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Subcommittee
on Health. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was held and the
bill was forwarded to the full committee. On April 30, 2008, a full
committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing H.R.
5729 would cost the VA \$11 million over the FY 2009 through 2013 period
(subject to appropriation), with the number declining in future years as
no new cases of spina bifida in a child of a Vietnam or Korean War
veteran are expected.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-645](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr645)),,
H.R. 5729 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-645](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr645)),,
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

H.R. 5826---Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008
*(Rodriguez, D-TX)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5826 provides a cost-of-living
adjustment (COLA) for disability compensation for veterans with
service-connected disabilities and for dependency and indemnity
compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled
veterans. The COLA is equal to the increase provided under the Social
Security Act (based on changes in the Consumer Price Index), effective
December 1, 2008.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The COLA for disability
compensation for veterans is generally passed in the House annually to
match COLA increases given for Social Security beneficiaries. The
previous COLA increase for veterans' disability compensation was H.R.
1284, which passed the House on March 21, 2007, by a vote of
[418-0](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll176.xml).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On April 16, 2008, the bill was
introduced and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
which considered it, held a mark-up, and reported it to the full House,
by voice vote on April 30, 2008.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "Because the COLA
is assumed in CBO's baseline, the COLA provision would have no budgetary
effect relative to that baseline. Relative to current law, CBO estimates
that enacting this bill would increase spending for those programs by
\$857 million in 2009. (The annualized cost would be about \$1.1 billion
in subsequent years.) This estimate assumes that the COLA effective on
December 1, 2008, will be 2.8 percent."

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Natural Resources in [House Report
110-643](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr643)),
H.R. 5826 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-643](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr643)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

H.R. 5856---Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Authorization and Lease Act of 2008 *(Michaud, D-ME)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5856 would authorize funding for capital
improvements of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities,
including construction, leasing, and renovating. According to CBO, the
bill would cost \$146 million in FY 2009 and \$2.2 billion over the FY
2009 through FY 2013 period.

Specifically, the bill would authorize construction and repairs at
current VA facilities in Palo Alto, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico;
and San Antonio, Texas. H.R. 5856 would increase amounts for previously
authorized construction projects at seven facilities around the country.
In addition, the bill would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
to construct a new medical facility in Okaloosa County, Florida. H.R.
5856 would also authorize the Secretary to carry out major leases for VA
facilities as follows:

-   For an outpatient clinic, Brandon, Florida, \$4,326,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Colorado Springs, Colorado, \$3,995,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Eugene, Oregon, \$5,826,000.

-   For the expansion of an outpatient clinic, Green Bay, Wisconsin,
    \$5,891,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Greenville, South Carolina, \$3,731,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Mansfield, Ohio, \$2,212,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, \$6,276,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Mesa, Arizona, \$5,106,000.

-   For interim research space, Palo Alto, California, \$8,636,000.

-   For the expansion of an outpatient clinic, Savannah, Georgia,
    \$3,168,000.

-   For an outpatient clinic, Sun City, Arizona, \$2,295,000.

-   For a primary care annex, Tampa, Florida, \$8,652,000.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110-648](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr648)),
the average VA medical facility is over 50 years old and much of the
systems infrastructure is outdated. In 1998, the VA began to implement
the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program
which created a new blueprint for VA construction and leasing with
renewed focus on outpatient rather than inpatient care. The Committee of
Veterans' Affairs reports that the construction and leasing programs
authorized by H.R. 5856 are a continuation of the CARES process. Current
law require Congress to give statutory consent to any VA construction
project over \$10 million and any VA lease in excess of \$600,000.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5856 was introduced on April
22, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs'
Subcommittee on Health. On April 23, 2008, a subcommittee mark-up was
held and the bill was forwarded to the full committee. On April 30,
2008, a full committee mark-up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing H.R.
5856 would cost the VA \$146 million in FY 2009 and \$2.2 billion over
the FY 2009 through 2013 period (subject to appropriation).

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' in [House Report
110-648](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr648)),
H.R. 5729 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Natural
Resources, in [House Report
110-648](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr648)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

H.R. 6048---To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for
the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members
of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation

*(Turner, R-OH))*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 6048 would prohibit any court from
changing an existing custody situation regarding a child of a service
member while they are deployed. The bill would allow an exception if a
court determined that it was clearly in the best interest of the child.
The bill would also prohibit a court from using the absence of a parent
due to deployment as a determinate when deciding custody of a child.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 6048 was introduced on April
14, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took
no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 6048 was not
available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

S. 3029---A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of
programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment
Act of 1958, and for other purposes *(Kerry, D-MA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 3029 would temporarily extend programs
under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of
1958 through March 20, 2009.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The SBA operates programs that
offer grants, loan guarantees, technical assistance, and outreach
programs for small businesses. The programs under the SBA have been
reauthorized by multiple short-term extensions recently. On December 5,
2007, these programs were extended through May 23, 2008, by H.R. 4254,
which passed by voice vote.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 3029 passed the Senate on May 15,
2008, by unanimous consent. On May 19, 2008, the bill was received in
the House, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of S. 3029 was
unavailable at press time.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. House Rule XIII, Section
3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a statement citing
the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the
law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."

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

**H.Res. 1195---Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of the
People\'s Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast
destruction caused by the earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province
(*Wu, D-OR)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1195 is scheduled to be
considered on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1195 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "extends its condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's
    Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction
    caused by the massive earthquake centered in Sichuan Province;

-   "vows its full support for the people of the People's Republic of
    China as well as the members of the Chinese American community in
    the United States who have relatives in the affected areas of China;
    and

-   "expresses confidence that the people of the People's Republic of
    China will come together to help those in need and succeed in
    overcoming the hardships incurred because of this tragedy."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on Monday, May 12, 2008, at 2:28 p.m. local time, a massive
    earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck a mountainous
    region of Sichuan Province in southwest China;

-   "the epicenter of the earthquake was Wenchuan County, 60 miles
    northwest of the provincial capital of Chengdu;

-   "the earthquake destroyed 80 percent of structures in some of the
    towns and small cities near the epicenter;

-   "the death toll is currently estimated to exceed 12,000 and is
    expected to rise as the scope of the damage becomes clearer;

-   "tens of thousands of people across southwest China remain buried
    beneath rubble, and hundreds of thousands of people are injured or
    homeless;

-   "an estimated 900 eighth and ninth grade students and their teachers
    remain trapped, with as many as hundreds dead, after a school
    collapsed in Dujiangyan, a county located southeast of the
    epicenter;

-   "another school with up to 1,000 students and teachers inside
    collapsed in the city of Mianyang;

-   "two chemical plants have collapsed in Shifang, northeast of the
    epicenter, spilling 80 tons of toxic ammonia;

-   "more than 150 people have been killed in the provinces of Gansu and
    Shaanxi, and in Chongqing municipality;

-   "the People's Republic of China has mobilized 50,000 police and
    civilian rescue workers, who have been working tirelessly in
    disaster areas to aid in rescue and recovery efforts;

-   "the tremors of the powerful earthquake were felt as far south as
    Vietnam and Thailand and set off another, smaller earthquake near
    the outskirts of Beijing, 900 miles away;

-   "the earthquake is China's largest natural disaster since a previous
    earthquake struck the city of Tangshan in eastern China in 1976; and

-   "the People's Republic of China has said that it is spending \$120
    million on rescue efforts and that it would accept international aid
    to cope with the disaster."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 1195 introduced on May 14, 2008,
and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up of the bill on the same day and agreed to seek consideration
under suspension of the rules, 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; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H.Res. 1194---** **Reaffirming the support of the House of
Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of
Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora (*Berman, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1194 is scheduled to be
considered on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1194 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "reaffirms its strong support for the legitimate,
    democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister
    Fouad Siniora;

-   "expresses its profound sympathy to the people of Lebanon, who have
    again been thrust unjustly, and against their will, into a conflict
    initiated by Hizballah;

-   "offers its condolences to all those in Lebanon who have suffered
    displacement, injury, or death in their family, or among their loved
    ones, as a consequence of Hizballah's unjustifiable insurrection
    against the Government of Lebanon;

-   "condemns\--

> \(A\) "Hizballah's illegitimate assault on the sovereign Government of
> Lebanon, which has led to the worst sectarian warfare in that country
> since the civil war from 1975 to 1990;
>
> \(B\) "Hizballah for its unprovoked attacks against Lebanese leaders,
> citizens, and against Lebanese public and private institutions and for
> its illegal occupation of territory under the sovereignty of the
> Government of Lebanon; and
>
> \(C\) "Syria and Iran for illegally transferring arms and providing
> other forms of military support to Hizballah, in clear violation of
> United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, and
> 1747;

-   "demands that Hizballah immediately cease its attacks and withdraw
    from all areas in Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon that it has
    occupied since May 7, 2008, as a first step towards its total
    disarmament; and

-   "urges\--

> \(A\) "the United States Government and the international community to
> immediately take all appropriate actions to support and strengthen the
> legitimate Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad Siniora;
>
> \(B\) "the United Nations Security Council to\--
>
> \(i\) "condemn Syria and Iran for their blatant violation of United
> Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701;
>
> \(ii\) "condemn Iran for its violation of Chapter-VII-based United
> Nations Security Council Resolution 1747; and
>
> \(iii\) "as part of sanctions on Iran for violating Chapter-VII-based
> United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747, prohibit all air
> traffic between Iran and Lebanon and between Iran and Syria;
>
> \(C\) "every country controlling possible transit routes from Iran to
> Lebanon to impose the strictest possible controls on the movement of
> Iranian vehicles, airplanes, and goods to ensure that Iran is not
> exploiting its land and airspace for the purpose of illegally
> transferring arms to Hizballah and other terrorist groups; and
>
> \(D\) "the European Union, in light of recent and earlier Hizballah
> actions, to designate Hizballah as a terrorist group and to treat it
> accordingly."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on May 7, 2008, the terrorist group Hizballah, in response to the
    justifiable exercise of authority by the sovereign,
    democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, initiated an
    unjustifiable insurrection by fomenting riots, blocking roads,
    seizing buildings, and organizing marauding groups of gunmen who
    took control of much of Beirut, including the sites of key
    government institutions, and provoked sectarian fighting elsewhere
    in Lebanon;

-   "in the course of this ongoing insurrection initiated by Hizballah,
    more than 80 Lebanese citizens have been murdered and more than 250
    have been wounded;

-   "in the course of this fighting, Hizballah and allied fighters
    attacked the residences of Future Party leader Saad Hariri and
    Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, both of whose
    parties are members of the legitimate governing coalition under
    Prime Minister Fouad Siniora;

-   "in the course of their insurrection, Hizballah and allied fighters
    forced the Future Party's television station off the air and burned
    the building housing the Future Party's newspaper;

-   "Hizballah and its allies have turned over some of the areas they
    conquered in Beirut to the Lebanese Armed Forces;

-   "key government institutions, including the prime ministry, remain
    under siege, as do the residences of Saad Hariri and Walid Jumblatt;

-   "the purpose of Hizballah's insurrection is to intimidate the
    legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, the
    Lebanese Armed Forces, and other legitimate Lebanese authorities, so
    that Hizballah will have maximum freedom of military action, can
    deepen its control over its 'state within a state' in
    Shiite-dominated areas of Lebanon, and can enhance its influence on
    Lebanese Government decision-making in order to render Lebanon
    subservient to Iranian foreign policy;

-   "United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701
    affirm the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political
    independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of
    the Government of Lebanon;

-   "United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701
    call for the disbanding and disarming of all militias in Lebanon;

-   "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 insists that no
    country transfer arms into Lebanon other than with the consent of
    the Government of Lebanon;

-   "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747 explicitly forbids
    Iran from transferring arms to any entity;

-   "Hizballah has contemptuously dismissed the requirements of the
    United Nations Security Council by refusing to disarm;

-   "Hizballah and its allies have repeatedly sought to undermine the
    legitimate Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Siniora by
    preventing parliament from meeting and blocking the election of a
    new President, leaving that office vacant for the past half-year;

-   "contrary to the explicit and binding mandates of the United Nations
    Security Council, Iran continues to provide training, arms, and
    funding to Hizballah;

-   "contrary to the explicit and binding mandates of the United Nations
    Security Council, Syria continues to facilitate the transfer of arms
    to Hizballah via its territory;

-   "Syria, through, inter alia, its support of Hizballah's efforts to
    undermine Prime Minister Siniora, its suspected campaign of
    assassinations of Lebanese leaders, its minimal cooperation with the
    international investigation of these assassinations, and its refusal
    to delineate its border with Lebanon, shows every sign of wanting to
    control Lebanon as it did prior to its April 2005 withdrawal;

-   "it is highly likely that Hizballah provoked the recent fighting in
    Lebanon with the blessing of Syria and Iran; and

-   "Hizballah and its Lebanese political allies continue to pursue an
    agenda favoring foreign interests over the will of the majority of
    Lebanese as expressed in a legitimate and democratic election."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 1194 introduced on May 14, 2008,
and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up of the bill on the same day and agreed to seek consideration
under suspension of the rules, 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; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**S. \_\_\_\_---A bill to temporarily extend the programs under the
Higher Education Act of 1965 *(Kennedy, D-MA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. \_\_\_\_ is scheduled to be
considered on Wednesday, May 20, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. \_\_\_\_ would extend the authorization
(at current, FY08 levels) for the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA)
through \_\_\_\_. The HEA is set to expire on May 31, 2008.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The Higher Education Act of
1965 (HEA) provides the majority of the federal government's higher
education financial aid programs. According to CRS, HEA programs
comprise the government's "major student aid programs to support
postsecondary education attendance, as well as other significant
programs such as those providing aid to special groups of institutions
of higher education and support services to enable disadvantaged
students to complete secondary school and enter and complete college."
The HEA has been operating under temporary extensions while a long-term
extension of the program is negotiated. On February 7, 2008, the House
passed H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007,
which would extend the HEA through FY 2014. The bill has yet to be taken
up by the Senate. The last temporary extension of the HEA was passed May
5, 2008 and extended programs through May 31, 2008.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} S. \_\_\_ has yet to be introduced.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for S. \_\_\_ is not
available.

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

[]{.mark}

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

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

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