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# Legislative Bulletin.................................................October 22, 2007

**Contents:**

H.R. 189 --- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Act of 2007

**H.R. 830** --- Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange
Act of 2007

**H.R. 2197** --- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary
Adjustment Act

**H.R. 783** --- Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2007

**H.R. 2094** --- To provide for certain administrative and support
services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, and for other
purposes

**H.R. 523** --- Douglas County, Washington, PUD Conveyance Act

**H.R. 767** --- Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate
Response Act

**H.R. 1205** --- Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007

**H.R. 1462** --- Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and
Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act

**H.R. 1337** --- To provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to
augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy
District and cities served by the District

**H.R. 813** --- Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2007

**H.R. 1803**--- San Diego Water Storage and Efficiency Act of 2007

**H.R. 1855** --- Madera Water Supply Enhancement Act

**H.Res.** \_\_\_--- Supporting the goals of National Bullying
Prevention Awareness Week **H.R. \_\_\_ ---** Third Higher Education Act
Extension Act of 2007

**H.Res. 472 ---** Congratulating and commending the Wichita State
University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States
Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship

**H.R. 3564 ---** Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007

**S.Con.Res. 45 ---** A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block
Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families
affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National
Courage Month

**H.Res. 721 ---** Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Mendez v.
Westminster decision which ended segregation of Mexican and Mexican
American students in California schools, and for other purposes

**H.R. 3776 ---** Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007

**H.Res. 751 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National Chemistry
Week

**H.R. 3775 ---** Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development
Act of 2007

H.R. 189 --- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Act of 2007

*(Pascrell, D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 189 would establish Paterson Great Falls
National Historical Park on 109 acres of land in Paterson, New Jersey.

The park would be administered and managed by the Secretary of the
Interior, through the National Park Service. The Secretary would be
authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with, and make payments
to, the owners of properties of natural, historical, or cultural
significance in order to mark, interpret, restore, and provide technical
any such property. The bill would also stipulate that any funds spent
for such a purpose must be matched. The Secretary would be authorized to
accept donations of property, goods, or services to carryout this
section.

H.R. 189 would establish the Paterson Great Falls National Historical
Park Commission to assist in development and management of the park. The
bill would also require the Secretary to complete a study regarding the
preservation and interpretation of Hinchliffe Stadium as listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.

H.R. 189 would authorize the appropriation of such funds as necessary
for the establishment of the park.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Paterson, New Jersey, was
designed by Alexander Hamilton's Society of Useful Manufacturers in 1792
and became the first planned industrial town in the nation. Using the
power generated by a series of mills at the foot of the Great Falls of
the Passaic, the city quickly grew to include a large variety of
industrial manufacturing. Near the turn of the 20^th^ Century, Paterson
became the largest producer of silk in the United States and earned the
nickname "Silk City." Since the height of the industrial revolution
Paterson has suffered a drastic economic downturn. As part of a
revitalization strategy, the city has sought state and federal funds for
economic development.

In 2001, Congress passed a bill requiring the National Park Service
(NPS) to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of
designating the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey,
as a unit of the National Park System. The bill passed through the
natural resources committee despite the testimony of John G. Parson,
Associate Regional Director of Lands, Resources, and Planning for the
Department of the Interior. During his testimony on July 17, 2001,
Parson said of the proposed study, "We are concerned that such a study
would serve to divert the City of Paterson and the National Park Service
from very real opportunities... opportunities that have yet to be fully
realized." Despite the department's concern, the study was requested.

In 2006 the NPS study, which cost between \$250,000 and \$300,000 to
conduct, was released. In the report the NPS concluded that "the Great
Falls Historic District meets the criterion for national significance,
**but does not meet criteria for suitability, feasibility, or need for
NPS management."** Despite the objections of the NPS, H.R. 189 was
pushed through the Natural Resources Committee. Not only would the
legislation defy the NPS recommendation and place 109 acres under NPS
management, it would include language that would require the Secretary
to undertake economic development projects for dilapidated areas of
Paterson that would now be considered "historic." According to CBO, the
legislation would cost \$22 million over five years for the NPS to
"restore and preserve historic structures, provide technical assistance
to landowners, and create interpretive programs and materials such as
signs and wayside exhibits."

**[Note]{.underline}**: During the Committee hearings regarding H.R.
189, Speaker Pelosi's Chief of Staff and Paterson native, John Lawrence
sat in attendance and received recognition from the Chairman. At one
point during the proceedings Chairman Rahall said, "there is another
distinguished visitor present who happens to be the Chief of Staff to
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. John Lawrence, who must
call this his hometown, I believe, and has been back there nodding very
strongly 'yes' to everything that the gentleman from New Jersey has been
saying."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: **Some conservatives
may be concerned that H.R. 189 would authorize the creation of a new
national park even though the NPS' own feasibility study states that the
area does not meet the criteria to become a national park. Further, some
conservatives might be concerned that H.R. 189 has the effect of
providing federal funds into local economic development projects for one
small area.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 189 was introduced on January
4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill
was then referred to the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands,
which held a hearing on March 29, 2007. On June 28, 2007, a full
committee mark-up was held and the bill reported, as amended, by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 189 would
likely require the appropriation of \$1 million in FY 2008 and \$22
million over the FY 2008 -- 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, it creates a new national park under
the control and management of the federal government.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Natural Resources
Committee, in House Report [110 --
130](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr310)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. 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. 830 --- Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act
of 2007 (Young, R-AK)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 830 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 830 would allow the Secretary of
Interior to exchange up to 25 acres of federal land in the Denali
Wilderness with up to 25 acres of non-federal adjacent land owned by the
Alaska Railroad. The bill would require that any costs associated with
the transfer would be paid by the Alaska Railroad. The bill would also
stipulate that any new federal land would become a part of the [Denali
Wilderness](http://www.nps.gov/archive/dena/Home/visitorinfo/backcountry/index.html).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 830 was introduced on February
5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held
a mark-up and reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 830 would
have no significant impact on the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 2197 --- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary
Adjustment Act *(Space, D-OH)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2197 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2197 would authorize the Secretary of
Interior to purchase private land from willing sellers to expand the
boundaries of the [Hopewell Culture National Historical
Park](http://www.nps.gov/hocu/).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2197 was introduced on May 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held a
mark-up and reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2197 likely
result in the purchase of 250 acres of private land from the Spruce Hill
Works site and about 70 acres at the Seip Earthworks sites. CBO
estimates that the purchase of these additional acres would require the
appropriation of about \$1 million over the 2008 -- 2012 period.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 783 --- Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2007
*(Salazar, D-CO)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 783 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 783 would authorize such sums for the
Secretary of Interior to purchase roughly 360 acres of land to expand
the boundaries of the [Mesa Verde National
Park](http://www.nps.gov/meve/) in Colorado.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 783 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held
a mark-up and reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 783 would
likely require the appropriation of \$2 million in FY 2008 and \$12
million over the FY 2008 -- 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it would allow the Nation Park Service
to acquire and manage new lands.

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

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

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

H.R. 2094 --- To provide for certain administrative and support services
for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission, and for other purposes
*(Moore, D-KS)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2094 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2094 would expand the powers of the
[Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
Commission](http://www.eisenhowermemorial.org/), which was created in
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2000 to plan and create
a monument to Dwight D. Eisenhower, and authorize "such funds" for
carrying out the next phase of the project.

Specifically, the bill would allow the commission to enter into
contracts and hire staff without regard to competitive service
requirements, hire an architect, obtain part time services and accept
volunteer services for the creation and construction of the Dwight D.
Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, DC.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2094 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held
a mark-up and reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2094 would
likely require the appropriation of \$2 million in FY 2008 and \$10
million over the FY 2008 -- 2012 period.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. 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. 523 --- Douglas County, Washington, PUD Conveyance Act

(Hastings, R-WA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 523 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 523 would allow the Secretary of
Interior to convey 622 acres of public land that is currently managed by
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the Public Utility District No. 1
of Douglas County, Washington (PUD), at a fair market price.

H.R. 523 would require that proceeds from the sale of such land be
deposited into the Federal Land Deposit to be used by the \\Secretary
for future land purchases.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to [PUD's
website](http://www.douglaspud.org/Default.aspx):

Douglas County PUD is one of more than 2,000 public power systems
providing power on a not-for-profit basis in the United States.
Not-for-profit means power is provided at the cost of producing and
delivering that power.  There are no stockholders expecting dividends
from the power rates.  If you are a resident of Douglas County, you
control the PUD by electing the Commissioners who set policies and a
manager to direct the operation of the utility.  This provides local
control over the utility and responsiveness to community needs.  That
means that electric utility revenues stay here, where they are invested
in utility assets to provide needed service and hold prices down. In
addition to providing you with reliable service at low rates, we at your
Douglas County PUD help business and residential customers in our
community prosper.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 523 was introduced on January
17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held
a mark-up and reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 523 would
not authorize any spending.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. 767 --- Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate
Response Act *(Kind, D-WI)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 767 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 767 would authorize the Secretary of
Interior, working through the Fish and Wildlife Service, to create a
grant program and take additional actions to combat evasive, non-native
animal species that are perceived to threaten fish and wildlife.

The bill would authorize the creation of that Refuge Ecology Protection,
Assistance, & Immediate Response (REPAIR) Grant Program in order to
offer grants to control invasive, non-native fish and wildlife species.

The bill would authorize the Department of the Interior to provide
financial assistance for one year to state or local agencies or
non-governmental entities to immediately respond to outbreaks of
non-native invasive species.

Finally the bill would require the Secretary to create and manage a
cooperative volunteer program, for individual volunteers and civic
organizations to monitor and control harmful non-native species.

H.R. 767 would authorize "such sums" as necessary for the Secretary to
carry out the new programs.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The [National Wildlife Refuge
System](http://www.fws.gov/refuges/) oversees and manages 548 wildlife
refuges and more than 36,000 waterfowl production areas across the
country. According to findings listed in the bill, there are more than
675 harmful non-native species across eight million acres of the
National Wildlife Refuge land conservation system. The bill also states
that, "the cost of the backlog of harmful nonnative species control
projects that need to be carried out in the National Wildlife Refuge
System is over \$250,000,000, and the failure to carry out such projects
threatens the ability of the System to fulfill its basic mission."

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 767 would authorize "such sums" to create a new
federal grant program to control invasive species without a CBO cost
estimate.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 523 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and
Oceans. On June 26, 2007, a subcommittee mark-up was held and the bill
was referred to the full committee by voice vote. On October 10, 2007, a
mark-up was held and the full committee reported the bill on October 10,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 767 is not
currently available. However, the legislation would authorize "such
sums" to carry out the new programs.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new government grant
program to combat invasive, non-native fish and wildlife species.

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

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

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

H.R. 1205 --- Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007
*(Faleomavaega, D-AS)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1205 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1205 would authorize \$201 million over
the FY 2008 and FY 2012 period to expand and reauthorize the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, which provides awards and grants to entities
that engage in coral reef conservation, through 2010.

The bill would authorize funding for the administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reduce and prevent injury
to coral reefs and coral ecosystems from vessel impact.

The bill would also authorize funds for the administrator to expand
grant programs, create an inventory of all vessel groundings, identify
coral reefs, identify damage reduction tactics, and make agreements to
carry out a coral reef action strategy.

H.R. 1205 would establish the United States Coral Reef Task Force to
coordinate U.S. reef protection strategies with other countries. The
bill would also authorize appropriations to provide funds to administer
a marine science facility at the American Samoa Community College and to
the University of Guam for coral reef research and protection.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to NOAA, the Coral
Reef Conservation Act (CRCA) of 2000 "provided NOAA with additional
authority to undertake a number of activities to understand, manage and
protect coral reef ecosystems by authorizing five major."

The five major activities are as follows:

-   Draft and submit to Congress a National Coral Reef Action Strategy
    to provide goals and implementation plans for coral reef protection.

-   Allow matching grants for coral reef protection programs.

-   Create and maintain the Coral Reef Conservation Fund to
    public-private partnerships reduce damage to coral reefs.

-   Implement a national program to preserve coral reefs.

-   Provide state and local grants to fight coral reef degradation.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1205 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1205 likely
require the appropriation of \$37 million in FY 2008 and \$201 million
over the FY 2008 -- 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new government grant
programs to protect coral reefs.

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

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

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

H.R. 1462 --- Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and
Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act *(Udall, D-CO)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 1462 is expected to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1462 would authorize the Secretary of
Interior, through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in partnership
with the States, to implement the Platte River Recovery Implementation
Program for threatened and endangered species in the Central and Lower
Platte River Basin without creating Federal water rights or requiring
the grant of water rights to Federal entities.

The bill would authorize \$75 million through FY 2012 and an additional
\$108 million through 2020 for the Secretary to coordinate with
Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado to implement the the Platte River
Recovery Implementation Program. The secretary would be authorized to
carry out any projects or activities that are designated for
implementation during the Program\'s first 13 years, acquire interests
in land, water, and facilities from willing sellers, transfer acquired
interests; and accept or provide grants.

The bill would also authorize the Secretary to modify the Pathfinder Dam
and Reservoir in Wyoming. The state of Wyoming would be responsible to
pay all costs for dam modification.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1462 was introduced on March 9,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which referred
the bill the Subcommittee on Water and Power. On June 12, 2007, a
subcommittee mark-up was held and the bill was referred to the full
committee by voice vote. On October 10, 2007, a mark-up was held and the
full committee reported the bill on October 10, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1462 likely
require the appropriation of \$12 million in FY 2008 and \$75 million
over the FY 2008 -- 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it creates a new federal government
preservation program for the Platte River Recovery program.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is 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. 1337 --- To provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to
augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy
District and cities served by the District (Cole, R-OK)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1337, as amended, would authorize the
appropriation of \$900,000 for the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to
conduct a three year feasibility study of possible alternatives to
enhance the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservatory
District.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, as introduced, and later removed by committee amendment,
Thunderbird Lake, in Central Oklahoma, which is managed by the Central
Oklahoma Master Conservancy District, was created by the construction of
Norman Dam in 1965. The lake supplies the municipal water to the cities
of Norman, Midwest City, and Del City, Oklahoma. A 2005 study, conducted
by the BOR, determined that the water supply in the area would need to
be increase in order to support the growing population, but said that a
feasibility study would need to be conducted to determine the proper
method of increasing the water supply. An identical Senate bill, S. 175,
was introduced and passed by voice vote in the 110^th^ Congress.

As introduced, H.R. 1337 would have authorized \$100,000 for a one-year
feasibility study. When the bill was amended in committee, however, its
authorization was expanded.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: This bill was defeated on suspension
earlier this year by Democratic Members retaliating against Republicans
for defeating similar legislation.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1337 was introduced on March 6,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee
on Water and Power, which held a mark up on April 19, 2007 and report
the bill to the full committee by unanimous consent. On June 28, 2007,
H.R. 1337 was reported, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1337 would
authorize \$300,000 in FY 2008 and \$900,000 over the FY 2008-FY 2012
period.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. A committee report for an
identical Senate bill (S. 175, Senate Report 110 -- 111), does not cite
any constitutional authority.

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

H.R. 813 --- Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2007

(Miller, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 813 would authorize up to \$20 million
for the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of natural treatment systems and wetlands for
the flows of the Santa Ana River, California; up to \$40 million to
construct regional brine lines to export the salinity imported from the
Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean; and up \$50 million to construct
the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation
project. The federal government's share would not be the lesser of 25
percent of the total cost of the projects or the amount above.

The bill would also authorize \$2 million annually for the creation of a
center for technological advancement of membrane technology and
education located in Orange County, California. The center will be
created for the purpose of proving assistance in the development and
advancement of membrane technologies and educational support of membrane
produced water supplies.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 813 was introduced on February
5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill
was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which took no
further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 813 is
currently unavailable. However, H.R. 813 would authorize up to \$120
million, subject to appropriation.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates three new water reuse and
reclamation projects in Orange County, California

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

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

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

H.R. 1803--- San Diego Water Storage and Efficiency Act of 2007

(Hunter, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1803 would authorize the Secretary of
the Interior, in cooperation with City of San Diego, to a study to
determine the feasibility of constructing a four reservoir intertie
system to improve water storage opportunities, water supply reliability,
and water yield of the existing non-Federal water storage system.

The bill would authorize \$3 million for the federal share of the
project and sunsets the Secretary's authority to disperse funds under
the bill in ten years.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}** H.R. 1803 was introduced on February
5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill
was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which took no
further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 1803 is
currently unavailable. However, H.R. 813 would authorize up to \$3
million, 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.

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

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

H.R. 1855 --- Madera Water Supply Enhancement Act (Radanovich, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1855 would authorize \$22.5 million for
the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning,
and construction of the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Project, a
groundwater bank on the 13,646 acre c, owned, operated, maintained, and
managed by the Water District.

The bill would authorize the lesser of \$22.5 or 25 per cent of the
project's cost.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1855 was introduced on March
30, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill
was then referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which took no
further action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 1855 is
currently unavailable. However, H.R. 813 would authorize up to \$22.5
million, subject to appropriation.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: It creates a new water reuse and reclamation
projects in Madera Ranch in Madera, California.

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

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

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

**H.Res. \_\_\_--- Supporting the goals of National Bullying Prevention
Awareness Week (Tiahrt, R-KS)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res.­\_\_\_ is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

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

-   "recognizes that bullying is a national concern;

-   "recognizes that bullying unhealthy for our families and
    communities;

-   "commends the efforts of national and community organizations,
    schools, parents, recreation programs, and religious institutions
    for their efforts to promote greater public awareness about bullying
    and prevention activities; and

-   "supports the goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week."

The resolution lists several findings, including:

-   "bullying among school-aged children is aggressive behavior that is
    intentional, often involves an imbalance of power or strength, and
    is typically repeated over time;

-   "by some estimates, millions of students are bullied each year;

-   "bullying can take many forms, including hitting or punching;
    teasing or name-calling; intimidating through gestures or social
    exclusion; and sending insulting, threatening, or offensive messages
    or images via e-mail, text, telephone, or other electronic means;

-   "there is no single cause of bullying among school-aged children;
    rather, individual, familial, peer, school, and community factors
    may place a child or youth at risk of bullying his or her peers;

-   "a majority of parents, students, and educators report that bullying
    and harassment are issues of major concern;

-   "school-aged children who are bullied are more likely than other
    children to be depressed, lonely, or anxious; have low self-esteem;
    be absent from school; have more physical complaints, such as
    headaches and stomach aches; and think about suicide;

-   "bullying others may be an early sign of other serious antisocial or
    violent behavior or both;

-   "school-aged children who frequently bully their peers are more
    likely than their peers to get into frequent fights, be injured in a
    fight, vandalize or steal property, drink alcohol, smoke, be truant
    from school, drop out of school, or carry a weapon;

-   "harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school
    shooting incidents, including the fatal shootings at Columbine High
    School in Colorado, Santana High School in California, and the
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech);

-   "the stresses of being bullied or harassed can interfere with
    student's engagement and learning in school and may have a negative
    impact on student learning; and

-   "research indicates that bullying at school can be significantly
    reduced through comprehensive, school-wide programs designed to
    change norms for behavior."

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

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

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

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

H.R. \_\_\_ --- Third Higher Education Act Extension Act of 2007

*(Miller, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. \_\_\_\_ would extend the authorization
(at current, FY04 levels) for the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) for
six months. In the 109^th^ Congress, the House passed a short-term
extension through June 30, 2007. On June 6, 2007, the House passed an
extension through October 31, 2007, by voice vote. Current law allows
for flexibility in the authorization depending upon amendments to HEA
enacted during FY05 or FY06.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. \_\_\_ is expected to be
introduced on October 22, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. \_\_\_\_ 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. 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. 472 --- Congratulating and commending the Wichita State
University women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States
Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship (Tiahrt,
R-KS)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 472 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 472 would resolve that the House of
Representatives:

-   "congratulates and commends the Wichita State University (WSU)
    women's bowling team for winning the 2007 United States Bowling
    Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship
    Tournament;

-   "recognizes the significant achievements of the players, coaches,
    students, alumni, and support staff whose dedication and hard work
    helped the WSU women's bowling team win the national championship;
    and

-   "respectfully requests the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
    transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to the following
    individuals for appropriate display; Donald L. Beggs, President of
    Wichita State University; Gordon Vadakin, Head Coach; Mark Lewis,
    Women's Coach; and Kristal Scott, Assistant Women's Coach."

The resolution lists several findings, including:

-   "On April 21, 2007, the Wichita State University (WSU) women's
    bowling team won the 2007 United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
    Intercollegiate Bowling National Championship Tournament in Wichita,
    Kansas;

-   "WSU, on the final day of the tournament, defeated Central Florida
    University 4 games to 1 in the semi-finals and McKendree College
    (Illinois) 2 games to 0 in the finals to win the national
    championship;

-   "the WSU women's bowling team has won eight Intercollegiate Bowling
    National Championships (1975, 1977, 1978, 1986, 1990, 1994, 2005,
    and 2007) and has advanced to the national tournament a record 31
    times;

-   "Head Coach Gordon Vadakin has coached the WSU bowling team since
    1978, leading them to the Intercollegiate Bowling National
    Championship Tournament 29 times and has coached the team to six
    national titles;

-   "Women's Coach Mark Lewis and Assistant Women's Coach Kristal Scott
    directly coached the 2007 WSU women's bowling team to the national
    championship in Wichita, Kansas; and

-   "both Head Coach Gordon Vadakin and Women's Coach Mark Lewis are
    members of the USBC Hall of Fame."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 472 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which took
no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 3564 --- Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007 (Cannon, R-UT)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 3564 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 would amend title 5 of the United
States Code to authorize appropriations for the Administrative
Conference of the United States through fiscal year 2011. H.R. 3564
authorizes \$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, \$3,300,000 for fiscal year
2009, \$3,400,000 for fiscal year 2010, and \$3,500,000 for fiscal year
2011. In addition, H.R. 3564 stipulates that no more than \$2,500 may be
made available in each fiscal year for official representation and
entertainment expenses for foreign dignitaries.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Administrative Conference
of the U.S. is an independent advisory agency that assists the federal
government in developing and implementing regulations.

According to the Sponsor's office: "Congress established the
Administrative Conference of the United States ("ACUS," or the
"Conference") in 1964. ACUS was designed to be a relatively small,
public/private think tank, with membership drawn from both the public
and private sectors and from across the ideological spectrum. Over the
years, ACUS' members included future Supreme Court justices,
high-ranking administration officials and civil servants, and many
leading administrative law scholars. For approximately 30 years after
its establishment, the Conference provided a unique source of
innovations and recommendations for the improvement of federal
administrative practices. Among the improvements the Conference fostered
were innovations in negotiated rulemaking, lower-cost dispute
resolution, the facilitation of judicial review of agency decisions, and
the fostering of electronic rulemaking procedures.

In these ways and others, ACUS helped to focus attention on the need for
the federal government to be more efficient, smaller and more
accountable, and to identify solutions to that end. ACUS did so,
moreover, at an exceptionally high cost-benefit ratio. For example, just
one agency, the Social Security Administration, estimated that ACUS'
recommendation to change that agency's appeals process produced about
\$85 million in savings. That one act accounted for savings that were
more than 47 times the size of ACUS' last yearly appropriation of \$1.8
million.

With ACUS' track record as background, former White House Counsel C.
Boyden Gray once observed that, "as long as there is a need for
regulatory reform, there is a need for something like the Administrative
Conference."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The
Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a mark-up of the
bill on September 19, 2007, and on October 10, 2007, the full Committee
held a markup and reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
3564 would authorize \$11 million in over the FY 2008-2012 period.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110 -- 390
cites Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the Constitution, which gives
Congress the authority to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation
of the land and naval Forces".

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

**S.Con.Res. 45 ---** **A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block
Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families
affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National
Courage Month *(Cardin, D-MD) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 would resolve that the House of
Representatives:

-   "National Courage Month provides an opportunity to educate the
    people of the United States about the positive role that
    professional athletes can play as inspirations for America's youth;
    and

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation should be recognized for its
    outstanding contributions toward helping those affected by child
    abuse."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award was established by Sam Lamantia in 1978
    in honor of Ed Block, the head athletic trainer of the Baltimore
    Colts and a respected humanitarian;

-   "each year in Baltimore, Maryland, the Foundation honors recipients
    from the National Football League who have been chosen by their
    teammates as exemplifying sportsmanship and courage;

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award has become one of the most esteemed
    honors bestowed upon players in the NFL;

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has grown from a
    Baltimore-based local charity to the Courage House National Support
    Network for Kids operated in partnership with 17 NFL teams in their
    respective cities; and

-   "Courage Houses are facilities that provide support and care for
    abused children and their families in these 17 locations across the
    country: Baltimore, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chicago,
    Illinois, Miami, Florida, Detroit, Michigan, Dallas, Texas,
    Westchester County, New York, Oakland, California, Seattle,
    Washington, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cleveland, Ohio, Atlanta,
    Georgia, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Buffalo, New
    York, San Francisco, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 was introduced on
September 17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, which
ordered the bill to be reported favorably without amendment. On October
3, 2007, the Senate agreed to the resolution without amendment and with
a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

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

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

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

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

**H.Res. 721 --- Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Mendez v.
Westminster decision which ended segregation of Mexican and Mexican
American students in California schools, and for other purposes
*(Gonzalez, D-TX) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 721 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 721 would resolve that the House of
Representatives:

-   "recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Mendez v. Westminster
    decision which ended segregation of Mexican and Mexican American
    students in California schools;

-   "honors the Mendez family and congratulates Sylvia Mendez for her
    continued efforts to keep alive the importance of this case and the
    impact it had on her future; and

-   "encourages the continued fight against school segregation and the
    education of the people of the United States of the civil right
    implications of the Mendez v. Westminster case."

The resolution lists several findings, including:

-   "Mendez v. Westminster was a 1947 Federal court case that challenged
    racial segregation in California schools;

-   "in its ruling, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth
    Circuit, in an en banc decision, held that the segregation of
    Mexican and Mexican American students into separate 'Mexican
    schools' was unconstitutional;

-   "on March 2, 1945, a group of Mexican-American fathers (Thomas
    Estrada, William Guzman, Frank Palomino, and Lorenzo Ramirez), led
    by Gonzalo Mendez on behalf of his daughter Sylvia, challenged the
    practice of school segregation in the U.S. District Court in Los
    Angeles;

-   "the fathers claimed that their children, along with 5,000 other
    children of 'Mexican and Latin descent', were victims of
    unconstitutional discrimination by being forced to attend separate
    'Mexican' schools in the Westminster, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and
    El Modena school districts of Orange County;

-   "Judge Paul J. McCormick ruled in favor of Mendez and his
    co-plaintiffs on February 18, 1946;

-   "the Westminster school district appealed the decision of the
    district court;

-   "when the district appealed Judge McCormick's decision, several
    organizations joined the appellate case as amicus curiae, including
    the NAACP, represented by Thurgood Marshall;

-   "more than a year later, on April 14, 1947, the Ninth Circuit Court
    of Appeal affirmed the district court's ruling;

-   "the Ninth Circuit ruled only on the narrow grounds that, although
    California law provided for segregation of students, it only did so
    for 'children of Chinese, Japanese or Mongolian parentage' and did
    not provide for 'the segregation of school children because of their
    Mexican blood,', therefore it was unlawful to segregate the Mexican
    children;

-   "later in 1947, California Governor and future Chief Justice of the
    United States Earl Warren signed into law a repeal of the last
    remaining school segregation statutes in the California Education
    Code and thus ended 'separate but equal' in California schools and
    with it school segregation;

-   "seven years later, Brown v. Board of Education held 'separate but
    equal' schools to be unconstitutional, ending school segregation
    throughout the United States; and

-   "on April 14, 2007, the Mendez family celebrated the 60th
    anniversary of the Mendez v. Westminster decision."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 721 was introduced on October
9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 3776 --- Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007
*(Gordon, D-TN)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 3776 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3776 would "provide for a research,
development, and demonstration program by the Secretary of Energy to
support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive
in energy storage systems for vehicles, stationary applications, and
electricity transmission and distribution."

[Basic Research Program]{.underline}: Requires the Secretary of the
Department of Energy (Secretary) to conduct a "basic research program to
support the development of energy storage systems for vehicles,
stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution,
including research on: materials design; materials synthesis and
characterization; electrolytes; surface and interface dynamics; modeling
and simulation; and thermal behavior and life degradation mechanisms."

Authorizes \$50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2014
to carry out this "basic research program".

[Applied Research Program]{.underline}: Requires that the Secretary
conducts an applied research program on energy storage systems to
support vehicle, stationary application, and electricity transmission
and distribution technologies, including research on: "ultracapacitors;
flywheels; batteries and battery systems (including flow batteries);
compressed air energy systems; power conditioning electronics;
manufacturing technologies for energy storage systems; and thermal
management systems."

Authorizes \$80,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2014
to carry out this "applied research program".

[Energy Storage Systems Demonstrations]{.underline}: Requires that the
Secretary carry out six new demonstrations of advanced energy storage
systems. Requires that these demonstrations be "regionally diversified
and expand on the Department's existing technology demonstration
program." Requires that the demonstrations include the participation of
a range of stakeholders, "including rural electric cooperatives,
investor owned utilities, municipally owned electric utilities, energy
storage systems manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, the renewable
energy production industry, State or local energy offices, the fuel cell
industry, and universities." Lists the following objectives to be
included in at least one of the technology demonstrations:

-   "Energy storage to improve the feasibility of 'micro-grids' or
    'islanding', or the transmission and distribution capability to
    improve reliability in rural areas;

-   "Integration of an energy storage system with self-healing circuits;

-   "Use of energy storage to improve security to emergency response
    infrastructure;

-   "Integration with a renewable energy production source, either at
    the source or away from the source;

-   "Use of energy storage to provide ancillary services, such as
    frequency response or spinning reserve services, for grid
    management;

-   "Advancement of power conversion systems to make them smarter, more
    efficient, able to communicate with other inverters, and able to
    control voltage;

-   "Use of energy storage to optimize transmission and distribution
    operation and power quality, which could address overloaded lines
    and maintenance of transformers and substations;

-   "Use of advanced energy storage for peak shaving of homes,
    businesses, or grid; and

-   "Use of energy storage devices such as plug-in hybrid vehicles to
    fill up the night time valley for electricity demand to make better
    use of existing grid assets."

Authorizes such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years
2009 through 2014 for this section.

[Vehicle Energy Storage Demonstration]{.underline}: Requires that the
Secretary carry out a program of vehicle energy storage technology
demonstrations. These technology demonstrations must be "conducted
through consortia, which may include energy storage systems
manufacturers and their suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, rural electric
cooperatives, investor owned utilities, municipal and rural electric
utilities, State and local governments, metropolitan transportation
authorities, and universities." Requires that the program demonstrate
one or more of the following:

-   "Novel, high capacity, high efficiency energy storage, charging, and
    control systems, along with the collection of data on performance
    characteristics such as battery life, energy storage capacity, and
    power delivery capacity;

-   "Advanced onboard energy management systems, highly efficient
    battery cooling systems;

-   "Integration of such systems on a prototype vehicular platform;

-   "New technologies and processes that reduce manufacturing costs; and

-   "Integration of advanced vehicle technologies with electricity
    distribution system and smart metering technology."

Authorizes such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years
2009 through 2014 for this section.

Requires that H.R. 3776 be carried out in compliance with section 988
(a) through (d) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352(a)
through (d)).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 was introduced on October
9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology. The
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a mark-up of the bill on
October 10, 2007, and on October 16, 2007, the full Committee held a
markup and reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Possible Conservative Concern]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 3776 authorizes a new program at the DOE as well
as authorizing at least \$195 million a year over the FY 2009-2014
period for the DOE's energy storage research activities. Some
conservatives may be concerned that such an expenditure should not come
under a suspension vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate,
implementing H.R. 3776 would cost \$638 million over the 2008-2012
period and about \$530 million after 2012.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: No Committee Report exists.

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

**H.Res. 751 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Chemistry
Week (*Reyes, D-TX*)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 751 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 751 would resolve that the House of
Representatives:

-   "recognizes that the important contributions of chemical scientists
    and engineers to technological progress and the health of many
    industries have created new jobs, boosted economic growth, and
    improved the Nation's health and standard of living;

-   "recognizes the need to increase the number of Americans from under
    represented groups participating in science and technology fields
    like chemistry;

-   "supports the goals of National Chemistry Week as founded by the
    American Chemical Society; and

-   "encourages the people of the United States to observe National
    Chemistry Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities,
    and programs to demonstrate the importance of chemistry to our
    everyday lives."

The resolution lists several findings, including:

-   "chemistry is a vitally important field of science and technology
    that has transformed the world and enhanced and improved the quality
    of life around the globe;

-   "the power of the chemical sciences has created the enabling
    infrastructure that delivers the foods, fuels, medicines and
    materials that are the hallmarks of modern life;

-   "the contributions of chemical scientists and engineers are central
    to technological progress and to the health of many industries,
    including the chemical, pharmaceutical, electronics, agricultural,
    automotive, and aerospace sectors, and these contributions boost
    economic growth, create new jobs, and improve our health and
    standard of living;

-   "the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific
    society, founded National Chemistry Week in 1987 to educate the
    public, particularly school age children, about the important role
    of chemistry in society and to enhance the appreciation of the
    chemical sciences;

-   "this year marks the 20th anniversary of National Chemistry Week;

-   "in order to ensure our Nation's global competitiveness, our schools
    must cultivate the finest scientists, engineers, and technicians
    from every background and neighborhood in our society to create the
    innovations of tomorrow that will keep our Nation strong; and

-   "a disproportionately low number of minority, underprivileged female
    students are pursuing careers in science and technology, and it is
    crucial that we focus attention on increasing the participation of
    these under represented groups in science and technology fields.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 751 was introduced on October
16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, which
took no official action.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 3775 --- Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development
Act of 2007 *(Lampson, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 3775 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, October 22, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3775 would create a new program within
the Department of Energy (DOE) to "support research and development of
new industrial processes and technologies that optimize energy
efficiency and environmental performance, utilize diverse sources of
energy, and increase economic competitiveness."

H.R. 3775 lists the following findings:

-   "According to the Energy Information Administration's 2006 Annual
    Energy Review, the industrial sector in 2006 accounted for more
    energy use (32 percent) than the residential (21 percent),
    commercial (18 percent), or transportation sector (29 percent).

-   "The Department of Energy has demonstrated the success of
    public-private partnerships to research, develop, and deploy new
    energy efficient technologies which reduce emissions and improve
    manufacturing competitiveness.

-   "Innovations in manufacturing processes may be translated into
    efficiency improvements in buildings, transportation, and other
    economic sectors.

-   "While past public-private partnerships have resulted in significant
    energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing processes, there is
    a need for new technologies to achieve continual energy efficiency
    improvements.

-   "Innovations made in the last few decades assisted the United States
    in remaining competitive in the global market. Continued innovation
    in the areas of energy efficiency and feedstock diversification are
    necessary to enable the United States to maintain a competitive
    edge.

-   "The Department of Energy should continue collaborative efforts with
    industry, particularly the manufacturing sector, to broaden and
    accelerate the high-risk research and development of new
    manufacturing processes that optimize energy efficiency and utilize
    diverse sources of energy.

-   "These partnerships support critical research and development
    capabilities at universities and other research institutions while
    training engineers in critical areas of energy systems and efficient
    industrial process technologies."

[Industrial Technologies Program]{.underline}: Requires that the
Secretary of Energy (Secretary) "establish a program, in cooperation
with energy-intensive industries, industry trade associations
representing such industries, and institutions of higher education, to
conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
activities with respect to new industrial and commercial processes,
technologies, and methods to achieve substantial improvements in energy
efficiency and environmental performance improvements such as waste
reduction, emissions reductions, and more efficient water use." In
addition, it is the purpose of the program to enhance the economic
competitiveness of the United States industrial sector.

H.R. 3775 lists the following activities for the enhancement program:

-   "activities to support the development and use of technologies and
    processes that improve the quality and quantity of feedstocks
    recovered or recycled from process and waste streams;

-   "research to meet manufacturing feedstock requirements with
    alternative resources;

-   "research to develop and demonstrate technologies and processes that
    utilize alternative energy sources to supply heat, power, and new
    feedstocks for energy-intensive industries;

-   "research to achieve energy efficiency in steam, power, control
    system, and process heat technologies, and in other manufacturing
    processes; and

-   "a program to fund research, development, and demonstration relating
    to inventors' and small companies' technology proposals, based on
    energy savings potential, commercial viability, and technical
    merit."

H.R. 3775 authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements to provide for financial assistance for the
program. According to H.R. 3775, all such financial assistance will be
subject to cost sharing as required under applicable Federal law.

In addition, H.R. 3775 grants the Secretary the authority to award
competitive awards to be made on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.

H.R. 3775 also stipulates that the Secretary must work to ensure that
efforts under this section are not duplicative of other federal agency
programs.

[University-Based Industrial Research and Assessment
Centers]{.underline}: Authorizes the Secretary to provide funding to
university-based industrial research and assessment centers, whose
purpose can be any of the following:

-   "to identify opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and
    environmental performance;

-   "to promote application of emerging concepts and technologies in
    small and medium-sized manufacturers;

-   "to promote the research and development for usage of alternative
    energy sources to supply heat, power, and new feedstocks for energy
    intensive industries;

-   "to coordinate with appropriate State research offices, and provide
    a clearinghouse for industrial process and energy efficiency
    technical assistance resources; and

-   "to coordinate with State-accredited technical training centers and
    community colleges, while ensuring appropriate services to all
    regions of the United States."

Authorizes \$150,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2013
for the above programs and grants.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 was introduced on October
9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology. The
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a mark-up of the bill on
October 10, 2007, and on October 16, 2007, the full Committee held a
markup and reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Possible Conservative Concern]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 3775 authorizes a new program at the DOE as well
as authorizes at least \$150 million a year over the FY 2009-2013 period
for such a program. Some conservatives may be concerned that H.R. 3775
would provide funding to university-based industrial research and
assessment centers, funding that should come from the university and not
the federal government. Some conservatives may also be concerned that
such an expenditure should not come under a suspension vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate,
implementing H.R. 3775 would cost \$68 million in 2009 and \$489 million
over the 2009-2012 period. In addition, spending of about \$260 million
would occur after 2012.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: No Committee Report exists.

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