![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin.....................................December 17, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.J.Res. 15**---Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree
> industry to the United States economy
>
> **H.R. 3454**---To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of
> National Forest System land in the George Washington National Forest
> in Alleghany County, Virginia, that contains the cemetery of the
> Central Advent Christian Church and an adjoining tract of land located
> between the cemetery and road boundaries
>
> **H.R. 1374**---To amend the Florida National Forest Land Management
> Act of 2003 to authorize the conveyance of an additional tract of
> National Forest System land under that Act, and for other purposes
>
> **H.Res. 856**---Expresses heartfelt sympathy for the victims and
> families of the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December
> 5, 2007
>
> **H.Res. 851**---Honoring local and state first responders, and the
> citizens of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of
> December 2 and 3, 2007
>
> **H.Con.Res. 254**---Recognizing and celebrating the centennial of
> Oklahoma statehood
>
> **H.R. 3911**---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 95 Church Street in Jessup, Pennsylvania, as the
> "Lance Corporal Dennis James Veater Post Office"
>
> **S. 2174**---A bill to designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 175 South Monroe Street in Tiffin, Ohio, as
> the "Paul E. Gillmor Post Office Building"
>
> **H. Res. 816**---Congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the
> National League Championship and playing in the 2007 World Series
>
> **H.R. 4342**---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, Florida, as
> the "Dan Miller Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 4210**---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, as
> the "Dock M. Brown Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 4220**--- Federal Food Donation Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 3179**---Local Preparedness Acquisition Act
>
> **H.Con.Res. 246**---Honoring the United States Marine Corps for
> serving and defending the United States on the anniversary of its
> founding on November 10, 1775
>
> **H.Res. 542**---Expressing the unconditional support of the House of
> Representatives for the members of the National Guard
>
> **H.R. 3793**---Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 3997**---Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 4286**---To award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San
> Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to
> peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma
>
> **S. 2484**---A bill to rename the National Institute of Child Health
> and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute
> of Child Health and Human Development
>
> **S.J.Res. 13---**A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress
> to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of
> Understanding
>
> **H.Res. 843---**Mourning the passing of Congressman Henry J. Hyde and
> celebrating his leadership and service to the people of Illinois and
> the United States of America

H.R. 2930---Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007

*(Mahoney, D-FL)*

H.J.Res. 15---Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree
industry to the United States economy (Foxx, R-NC)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.J.Res. 15 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.J.Res. 15 would express the sense that the
House "recognizes the important contributions of the live-cut Christmas
tree industry, Christmas tree growers, and persons employed in the
live-cut Christmas tree industry to the United States economy."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States
    since the 1850s;

-   "by 1900, one in five American families decorated a tree during the
    Christmas season, while, by 1930, a decorated Christmas tree had
    become a nearly universal part of the American Christmas
    celebration;

-   "32.8 million households in the United States purchased a live-cut
    Christmas tree in 2005;

-   "Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin,
    Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, Virginia, California, and Ohio
    are the top producers of live-cut Christmas trees, but Christmas
    trees are grown in all 50 States;

-   "there are more than 21,000 growers of Christmas trees in the United
    States, and approximately 100,000 people are employed in the
    live-cut Christmas tree industry;

-   "in 2005, Christmas trees were planted on more than a half million
    acres of land;

-   "73 million new Christmas trees will be planted in 2006, and, on
    average, over 1,500 Christmas trees can be planted per acre; and

-   "the retail value of all Christmas trees harvested in 2005 was \$1.4
    billion."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.J.Res. 15 was introduced on
January 16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which
held a mark-up on December 12, 2007, and reported the resolution by
voice vote.\
\
**[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. 3454---To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of
National Forest System land in the George Washington National Forest in
Alleghany County, Virginia, that contains the cemetery of the Central
Advent Christian Church and an adjoining tract of land located between
the cemetery and road boundaries *(Boucher, D-VA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3454 would require the Secretary of
Agriculture to convey no more than eight acres of land in the George
Washington National Forest, Alleghany County, Virginia, to the Central
Advent Christian Church of Alleghany County. The specific area would be
determined by a survey paid for by the Church.

The Central Advent Christian Church's cemetery is located on the land
that would be conveyed by the bill.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 3454 was introduced on August
4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which held a
mark-up on December 12, 2007, and reported the bill by voice vote.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 3454 was not
available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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.R. 1374---To amend the Florida National Forest Land Management Act
of 2003 to authorize the conveyance of an additional tract of National
Forest System land under that Act, and for other purposes *(Boyd,
D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1374 would authorize the Secretary of
Agriculture to convey approximately 114 acres of land in the
Apalachicola National Forest in Leon County, Florida. The bill would
allow the secretary to use any funds gained from the sale or exchange of
that land for land acquisition and improvement to the National Forest
System in Florida.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the office of Sen.
Bill Nelson (who sponsored the same bill in the Senate), Leon County
would purchase the land for infrastructure improvements and the Forest
Service would use those funds to expand and improve the Forest System in
Florida.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 1374 was introduced on March 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which held a mark-up
on December 12, 2007, and reported the bill by voice vote.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 1374 was not
available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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. 856---Expresses heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families
of the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, December 5, 2007
(Terry, R-NE)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 856 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 856 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of
    the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska on Wednesday, December 5, 2007; and

-   "conveys its gratitude to the city and county officials, and all the
    police, fire, sheriff, and emergency medical teams who responded
    swiftly to the scene and secured the mall and surrounding area."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the community of Omaha, Nebraska has suffered through a tragic
    event at the Westroads Mall that resulted in the loss of 9 lives and
    the wounding of several others;

-   "on December 5, 2007, a troubled young man entered a department
    store in the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska carrying a rifle;

-   "the young man began to randomly fire his rifle at shoppers and
    store clerks within the Von Maur department store and other
    locations within Westroads Mall;

-   "the result of this shooting spree resulted in the deaths of Gary
    Scharf, John McDonald, Angie Schuster, Maggie Webb, Janet Jorgensen,
    Diane Trent, Gary Joy, and Beverly Flynn;

-   "Fred Wilson, Michelle Oldham, Jeff Schaffert, and Brad Stafford
    were wounded as a result of the shootings;

-   "the first responders, officers of the Omaha Police Department,
    Douglas and Sarpy County Sheriff\'s Department, and Omaha Fire
    Department, arrived at the Westroads Mall within minutes and secured
    all entrances and exits to the mall and discovered a number of
    deceased persons, including the shooter;

-   "on December 6, 2007 Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman ordered that
    all United States and State flags in Nebraska be flown at half-staff
    through Sunday, Dec. 9; and

-   "the grieving and celebration of the lives of those lost in this
    senseless tragedy will be with the greater Omaha community for
    months and years to come."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 856 was introduced on
December 11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, 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. 851---Honoring local and state first responders, and the citizens
of the Pacific Northwest in facing the severe winter storm of December 2
and 3, 2007 *(Wu, D-OR)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 851 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 851 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "honors the citizens of the Pacific Northwest for their courage in
    facing the storm and efforts in helping their neighbors in a time of
    great need;

-   "honors the National Weather Service, State and local police
    officers, fire fighters, local rescue personnel, other first
    responders, and amateur radio operators for their efforts in the
    face of the severe storm;

-   "extends its thoughts and prayers to those whose lives have been
    devastated, and who have lost their housing, transportation,
    communications, water, heat, or electricity; and

-   "extends its profound and deepest sympathies to the families and
    friends of those who perished."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on December 2 and 3, 2007, a storm with winds exceeding 120 miles
    per hour struck Oregon and Washington, toppled trees, felled power
    lines, and destroyed homes and businesses;

-   "more than ten inches of rain fell in 24 hours, inundating parts of
    Oregon and Washington, causing rivers to overflow, flooding homes,
    schools, businesses, and roads;

-   "local and State emergency personnel responded heroically and
    without hesitation to aid in rescue, recovery, and assistance
    efforts;

-   "the Oregon and Washington National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard
    rescued hundreds of individuals trapped in or on their homes by
    rising water;

-   "the National Weather Service forecasts helped avert even greater
    casualties and damage;

-   "people have perished in the storm;

-   "homes, businesses, schools, and roads have been closed;

-   "many long-term effects of the storm are still unknown; and

-   "thousands of people of the Pacific Northwest are without power,
    water, or road access."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 851 was introduced on
December 6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, 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. 254---Recognizing and celebrating the centennial of Oklahoma
statehood (Fallin, R-OK)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 254 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 254 would express the sense that
the House "recognizes and celebrates the centennial of Oklahoma
statehood and wishes its people another hundred years of continued
growth, prosperity, and achievement."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on November 16, 1907, Oklahoma officially became the 46th State of
    the Union;

-   prior to becoming a State, Oklahoma was designated as Indian
    Territory, providing a vibrant history and culture that continues to
    enrich the lives of its citizens;

-   "the State of Oklahoma was shaped by those adventurous and daring
    individuals who embraced the spirit of this great Nation as they
    opened the frontier of the American West;

-   "generations of proud people from all backgrounds have called
    Oklahoma their home and have contributed to its spirited history;

-   "these hearty and resilient people have defined what has come to be
    known as the spirit of Oklahoma through their strength, character,
    and persistent strides toward a bright future;

-   "the continued strength, initiative, and pursuit of excellence
    displayed by the citizens of the State of Oklahoma have produced its
    vibrant economy and secured it as a place of opportunity and
    progress now and for future generations;

-   "the solid foundation of family and community embraced by the
    citizens of Oklahoma has been a constant guide and source of
    strength to those citizens throughout its history and will remain so
    long into its future;

-   "the natural beauty and abundant resources of the State of Oklahoma
    support a quality of life for its citizens that is unsurpassed; and

-   "on November 16, 2007, the State of Oklahoma will begin a new
    century of statehood"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 254 was introduced on
November 13, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up on December 12, 2007, and
reported the resolution by voice vote.

**[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. 3911---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 95 Church Street in Jessup, Pennsylvania, as the
"Lance Corporal Dennis James Veater Post Office" *(Carney, D-CA) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3911 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3911 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 95 Church Street in Jessup,
Pennsylvania, as the "Lance Corporal Dennis James Veater Post Office."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, Lance Cpl. Dennis James Veater, a resident of Jessup,
Pennsylvania, was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on March 9, 2007. Veater,
whose father is a retired Marine Corps Sergeant, graduated from Abington
Heights High School in 2004 and attended Penn State Worthington
Scranton. Veater is survived by his fiancé and his 14 month old son.
Veater was 20 years old.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3911 was introduced on October
22, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by
unanimous consent on December 12, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 3911 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**S. 2174---A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 175 South Monroe Street in Tiffin, Ohio, as the "Paul
E. Gillmor Post Office Building" (Voinovich, R-OH)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 2174 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 2174 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 175 South Monroe Street in
Tiffin, Ohio, as the "Paul E. Gillmor Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH) served
Ohio's 5^th^ district from 1989 until his death on September 5, 2007.
Rep. Gillmor served, among others, the cities of Bowling Green,
Defiance, and Tiffin, Ohio. Earlier this year, Rep. Gillmor died
tragically in his Virginia residence after an accidental fall.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 2174 was passed in the Senate by
unanimous consent on November 16. 2007, and was received in the House on
December 4, 2007. The bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight
and Government Reform, which held a mark up on December 12, 2007, and
reported the bill by voice vote.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of S. 2174 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

H. Res. 816---Congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the
National League Championship and playing in the 2007 World Series

*(Green, D-TX)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 816 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 816 would express the sense that the
United States should:

-   "congratulates the Colorado Rockies on winning the 2007 National
    League Championship and advancing to the 2007 World Series;

-   "the players, manager, coaches, support staff, ownership, and
    executives whose commitment to the game made this all possible; and

-   "the Boston Red Sox for their extraordinary success in winning the
    2007 World Series; and

-   "directs the Enrolling Clerk of the House of Representatives to
    transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the 2007 Colorado
    Rockies and Boston Red Sox baseball teams, Colorado Rockies manager
    Clint Hurdle, and Colorado Baseball Partnership's chief executive
    officer and chairman Charlie Monfort."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "on October 15, 2007, the Colorado Rockies completed a remarkable 21
    out of 22 game-winning streak, with a 4-game sweep of the Arizona
    Diamondbacks, and won the 2007 National League Championship series;

-   "the Colorado Rockies then played in the franchise's first World
    Series against the Boston Red Sox;

-   "the Colorado Rockies demonstrated remarkable team unity, as well as
    individual initiative and personal determination, and serve as a
    prime example of good sportsmanship;

-   "the Colorado Rockies fans demonstrated their passion for their
    team, their love of baseball, and their character as some of the
    world's greatest baseball enthusiasts; and

-   "the city of Denver and the State of Colorado exhibited their
    ability to host a fantastic Major League Baseball post-season."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 816 was introduced on
November 9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Oversight and
Government Reform where a mark-up was held on December 12, 2007, and H.
Res. 816 was reported, as amended, by voice vote.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 4342---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, Florida, as the
"Dan Miller Post Office Building" (Buchanan, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 4342 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4342 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in
Bradenton, Florida, as the "Dan Miller Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, "Dan Miller is a successful Bradenton businessman, educator, and
community leader who represented Florida's 13th District in Congress
from 1992 to 2003 when he retired from the House.

"Congressman Miller helped balance the federal budget for the first time
in 30 years by using federal resources wisely---cutting waste, fraud,
and abuse while supporting important programs like the National
Institutes of Health where Dan led the effort to double NIH funding.
Miller also managed the congressional oversight of the 2000 U.S. Census,
the most successful census to date despite many efforts to politicize
the process.

"Congressman Dan Miller is statesman who commanded bipartisan respect
and befriended lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. He is a man of
integrity who kept his word to term-limit himself and served only five
terms in Congress."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4342 was introduced on December
10, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote on
December 12, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 4342 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads

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

**H.R. 4210---** **To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, as
the "Dock M. Brown Post Office Building" *(Butterfield, D-NC) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 4210 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4210 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon,
North Carolina, as the "Dock M. Brown Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, Dock Brown is a prominent citizen of Roanoke Rapids, North
Carolina. Over the course of his life Dock Brown "served 8 years as a
Halifax County Commissioner, two years in the North Carolina House of
Representative for District 7, eight years as a Commissioner on the
Weldon town board, seven years as a Trustee at Elizabeth City State
University, served on the State Agriculture Committee and appointed by
Governor Hunt to serve with the Commission to select Superior Court
Judges."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4210 was introduced on November
15, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote on
December 12, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 4210 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads

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

H.R. 4220---Federal Food Donation Act of 2007 (Emerson, R-MO)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 4220 is expected to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4220 would revise the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to include a provision which encourages the
donation of excess food left over by federal or private entities, to
nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to "food-insecure"
people in the U.S.

H.R. 4220 provides that the head of an executive agency shall not assume
responsibility for the costs and logistics of collecting, transporting,
maintaining the safety of, or distributing such excess, apparently
wholesome food, to food---insecure people in the United States.

In addition, H.R. 4220 states that executive agencies and contractors
making donations are protected from civil or criminal liability under
the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791). H.R.
4220 states that contracts entered into by the Department of Defense are
not covered by this Act.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR) are a series of
[regulations](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation) issued by the
[federal
government](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_the_United_States)
that concern the requirements of
[contractors](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor) for
selling to the government, the terms under which the government obtains
ownership, title and control of the goods or services purchased, and
rules on specifications, payments and conduct and actions regarding
solicitation of proposals or [bids](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bid)
and payment of invoices.

The FAR is codified in Title 48 of the United States [Code of Federal
Regulations](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Federal_Regulations).
It is issued pursuant to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act of
1974 (Pub. L. 93-400 and Title 41 of the [United States
Code](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Code)). It is prepared,
issued, and maintained jointly by the Secretary of Defense, the
Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (48 CFR 1.103). Most government
agencies are required to use FAR, however, some agencies are exempt from
its use (i.e. the [United States Postal
Service](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Postal_Service)).

This bill would soften FAR as it concerns the delivery of excess food to
needy people. The head of an entity transporting excess food to
food---insecure people could not be held responsible for distributing
apparently wholesome food to those in need.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4220 was introduced on November
15, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. On December 12, 2007, the committee held a mark-up and reported
H.R. 4220, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 4220 was
unavailable.

**[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.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

[]{.mark}

**[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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

H.R. 3179---Local Preparedness Acquisition Act *(Towns, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3179 is expected to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3179 would authorize the use of federal
supply schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and
certain other related items by state and local governments. Under
current law, state and local governments may purchase a variety of
information technology through the federal supply schedules. H.R. 3179
would expand the cooperative purchasing program to include specified
supplies and services.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3179 was introduced on July 25,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which held a mark-up on November 11, 2007, and reported the bill, as
amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: According to a CBO score of H.R.
3179, "the net budgetary impact

of the bill would be negligible."

**[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. H.R. 3179 would benefit
state, local, and tribal governments, and any costs that state and local
governments would incur would be incurred voluntarily.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

[]{.mark}

**[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}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

H.Con.Res. 246---Honoring the United States Marine Corps for serving and
defending the United States on the anniversary of its founding on
November 10, 1775 *(Shea-Porter, D-NH)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 246 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 246 would express the sense that
the House "remembers, honors and commends the achievements of the United
States Marine Corps in serving and defending the United States on the
232nd anniversary of the creation of the Marines."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in
    Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that 'two Battalions of
    Marines be raised' for service as landing forces with the fleet;

-   "this resolution establishing the Continental Marines marked the
    birth date of the United States Marine Corps;

-   "following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of
    the Marine Corps on July 11, 1798, Marines saw action in the
    quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in
    many operations against the Barbary pirates along the 'Shores of
    Tripoli';

-   "Marines preserved the Union both ashore and afloat during the U.S.
    Civil War at Bull Run, Cape Hatteras, New Orleans, Charleston, and
    Fort Fisher;

-   "more than 30,000 Marines served in World War I and distinguished
    themselves on the battlefields of France and Belgium at Belleau
    Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont, and in the Meuse-Argonne
    offensive;

-   "485,113 Marines served during World War II in Guadalcanal,
    Bougainville, Tarawa, New Britain, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan,
    Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa and lost 87,000 killed
    and wounded;

-   "the Marine Corps suffered 13,000 killed and more than 88,000
    wounded in Vietnam;

-   "76,000 Marines have deployed to combat operations in Iraq;

-   "the United States Marine Corps and its Marines have served the
    United States, its people, its allies, and all free people of the
    world for 232 years."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 246 was introduced on
November 6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel on December
5, 2007. No further official action was taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.Res. 542---Expressing the unconditional support of the House of
Representatives for the members of the National Guard

(Brown-Waite, R-FL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 542 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 542 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "unconditionally supports the members of the National Guard;

-   "recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by members of the
    National Guard on behalf of the United States;

-   "will do everything in its power to ensure that the National Guard
    receives the resources it needs; and

-   "will support the families of members of the National Guard who have
    died while serving on active duty."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the National Guard has made tremendous contributions in support of
    United States military operations around the world;

-   "between September 11, 2001, and March 31, 2007, 235,703 members of
    the National Guard have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan;

-   "members of the National Guard typically leave other employment to
    serve on active duty in the Armed Forces;

-   "the National Guard has responded admirably in times of domestic
    emergencies to lead rescue and recovery efforts; and

-   "many members of the National Guard have made the ultimate
    sacrifice, giving their lives in service to the United States."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 542 was introduced on July
12, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel on August 8,
2007. No further official action was taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers:]{.underline}** The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 3793---Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 *(Altmire, D-PA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3793 would require that the Secretary of
Defense to continue to pay bonuses to veterans who are retired or
separated for the military due to disabilities from combat and
servicemembers who have died. The secretary would also be required to
pay any servicemember who is retired or separated due to combat
disability, or has died, any bonuses that they would have received had
they continued to serve.

The bill would allow the secretary to forego the requirement when:

-   It is contrary to a personnel policy or management objective;

-   It is against equity and good conscience; or

-   It is contrary to the best interests of the United States

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 3793 was introduced on October
10, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services, which
referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel on October
19, 2007. No further official action was taken.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 3793 was not
available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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.R. 3997---Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007

*(Rangel, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: 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 by
amendment during Senate consideration. As passed in the House, H.R. 3997
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
satisfy PAYGO requirements, 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 Senate passed version of H.R. 3997 would change the overall cost of
the bill from \$2.1 billion to \$1.2 billion by reducing the level of
tax benefits and removing a provision that allowed reductions or rebates
of taxes by state and local governments, given to volunteer firefighters
or emergency medical responders, to be excluded from taxable income. The
following is a description of provisions from the House passed version
of the bill that remain in the Senate amended version, as well as new
provisions added by the Senate. To read the RSC Legislative Bulletin on
the original House passed version of H.R. 3997, [click
here](http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/lb_110607_suspensions.doc).

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

*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. H.R. 3997 also repeals a requirement in
    California and Texas that stipulates that veterans must have served
    prior to 1977 to receive mortgage bond loans According to the JCT,
    these two provisions 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.

*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.

**[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.

*Increased Penalties on Expatriates*

-   The Senate amendment would require that 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. This provision would offset the removal
    of other revenue raisers from the House passed version.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3997 was introduced on October
30, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. On November
2, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as amended, by
voice vote. On November 6, 2007, H.R. 3997 was passed in the House by a
vote of [410---0](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1042.xml). On
December 13, 2007, the bill was received in the Senate and on December
12, 2007, the bill was passed, with an amendment, by unanimous consent.

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

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3997, with
Senate amendments, was not available as of 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}**: According to [House
Report 110 --
426](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr426)),
the House passed version of H.R. 3997 "contains no congressional
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits within the
meaning of that rule."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110 --
426](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr426)),
the House passed version of H.R. 3997 cites constitutional authority in
Article I, Section 8 (the Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties,
Imposts and Excises) and the 16th Amendment to the Constitution.

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

H.R. 4286---To award a congressional gold medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace,
nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma

*(Crowley, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: The bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to
Noble Peace Prize recipient Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of "her
courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human
rights, and democracy in Burma." The bill authorizes the Secretary of
the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and
inscriptions, and to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal, at a price sufficient to cover the cost of the gold medal. The
bill authorizes funds from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay
for the costs of the medals struck and requires that amounts received
from the sale of duplicate bronze medals shall be deposited into the
U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the bill's
findings, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1945. In
1988, Ms. Suu Kyi sent a letter to the military-controlled government
requesting free elections. Later that year Ms. Suu Kyi founded the
National League for Democracy (NLD) and was subsequently placed under
house arrest for six years without ever being charged with a crime.
During her house arrest she continued to work for freedom in Burma and
became the world's only imprisoned recipient of the Noble Peace Prize.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} H.R. 4286 was introduced on December
12, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} While a CBO cost estimate is
unavailable, CBO previously has estimated that it costs \$30,000 to
design a Gold Medal. In response to congressional inquiry, the Treasury
Department noted that this figure was based on lower gold prices costing
between \$6,000 to \$6,500 per medal. According to Treasury, each
Congressional Gold Medal contains 14.5 troy ounces or 16 regular ounces
of gold. As of December 16th, 2007, gold was trading for \$797.40 an
ounce. **Thus, a medal authorized under current rates would include
approximately \$10,854 worth of gold, and cost taxpayers approximately
\$34,000 in additional authorizations.** Though H.R.4286 authorizes the
sale of duplicate bronze medals to offset the cost of the gold medals,
the Treasury Department figures released in response to congressional
inquiry show that most duplicate medals are not strong enough to offset
the cost of the gold medal. In some cases, the Department reported,
duplicate medal sales for individuals such as George Washington, Pope
John Paul II, and Ronald Reagan, have offset their gold medal costs.

[]{.mark}

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** The bill authorizes the creation of a new
gold medal and duplicate bronze medals.

[]{.mark}

**[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}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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.

S. 2484---A bill to rename the National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development (Hatch, R-UT)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 2484 would rename the National Institute
of Child Health and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver
National Institute of Child Health (NICH) and Human Development.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the NICH's
website, the organization was established by Congress in 1962 in order
to "conduct and support research on topics related to the health of
children, adults, families, and populations." Among the specific goals
of the NICH are:

-   Reducing infant deaths;

-   Improving the health of women, men, and families;

-   Understanding reproductive health and fertility/infertility;

-   Learning about growth and development;

-   Examining, preventing and treating problems of birth defects, mental
    retardation, and developmental disabilities; and

-   Enhancing well-being of persons through the lifespan with optimal
    rehabilitation research.

President John F. Kennedy's sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was a
lifelong advocate for people with mental retardation, especially
children, and played a significant role in the establishment of the
NICH.

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} S. 2484 was passed in the Senate on
December 13, 2007, by unanimous consent. The following day the bill was
sent to the House, which took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for S. 2484 was not
available at press time.

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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.

S.J.Res. 13---A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the
International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of
Understanding *(Leahy, R-VT)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: S.J.Res. 13 would grant Congressional consent
to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of
Understanding entered into between the States of Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the Provinces
of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and
Newfoundland (the "compact").\
\
The stated purpose of the compact is to "provide for the possibility of
mutual assistance among the jurisdictions entering into this compact in
managing any emergency or disaster when the affected jurisdiction or
jurisdictions ask for assistance, whether arising from natural disaster,
technological hazard, manmade disaster or civil emergency aspects of
resources shortages."\
\
S.J.Res. 13 would define the specific stipulations of the compact
concerning: General Implementation; Party Jurisdiction Responsibilities;
Limitations; Licenses and Permits; Liability; Supplementary Agreements;
Workers' Compensation and Death Benefits; Reimbursement; Evacuation; and
Consistency of Language.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the State of
Maine;\
\
The International Emergency Management Assistance Compact (IEMAC) is a
mutual aid agreement between northeastern states and the eastern
Canadian provinces. Signatories to IEMAC have established protocols to
share personnel and equipment in a major emergency. IEMAC is known in
Canada as the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum
of Understanding (IEMAMOU). The International Emergency Management Group
(IEMG) meets twice a year to review protocols and improve coordination.
IEMAC has been used to send Maine DOT crews to Nova Scotia to help clear
roads after a blizzard, and to bring search and rescue crews to
Aroostook County from New Brunswick.

Congressional consent is necessary for states to enter into a compact
with a foreign nation. For more information on the IEMAC, [click
here](http://www.maine.gov/mema/response/mema_response_iemac.shtml).

[**Committee Action**:]{.underline} S.J.Res. 13 was passed in the Senate
on October 2, 2007, by unanimous consent. The following day the bill was
sent to the House, which took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} According to CBO, S. 2484 would
"this legislation would result in no cost to the federal government."

**[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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[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. 843---Mourning the passing of Congressman Henry J. Hyde and
celebrating his leadership and service to the people of Illinois and the
United States of America (Roskam, R-IL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 843 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, December 17, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 843 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "expresses its appreciation for the profound dedication and public
    service of Congressman Henry J. Hyde;

-   "notes that he was preceded in death by his late wife Jeanne Simpson
    and his son, Henry 'Hank' Hyde;

-   "tenders its deep sympathy to his wife, Judy Wolverton, to his
    children, Robert, Laura, and Anthony, and to the entire family of
    the former Member of Congress and staff;

-   "directs that the eulogies offered concerning the life of the
    Honorable Henry J. Hyde, former Representative from the State of
    Illinois, be bound and printed as a House document; and

-   "directs the Clerk of the House to transmit a copy of this
    resolution to the family of Congressman Henry J. Hyde."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "all Members of Congress affect the history of the United States,
    but Congressman Henry J. Hyde leaves a legacy as one of the most
    principled and influential public servants of his generation that
    will endure for many years;

-   "millions of men and women across America mourn the death of the
    distinguished former Congressman from Illinois;

-   Henry J. Hyde was elected to serve Illinois's 6th Congressional
    District in the United States House of Representatives in 1974;

-   "Henry J. Hyde will be remembered for his impassioned defense of
    innocent human life, including, in his first term in Congress, his
    success in passing a ban on Federal funding of abortions through an
    amendment commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment that remains
    one of the most notable and lasting achievements of his
    distinguished career;

-   "Henry J. Hyde was named chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
    in 1995 and played a vital role in the passage of key elements of
    the Contract with America, and as a skilled lawyer and someone who
    loved the practice of law, he understood and respected the rule of
    law as an essential part of American Democracy;

-   "in 2006, Henry J. Hyde retired from the House of Representatives,
    where he maintained ties of bipartisan civility throughout the more
    than three decades of dedicated service;

-   "Henry J. Hyde was awarded the Nation\'s highest civilian honor, the
    Presidential Medal of Freedom, on November 5, 2007, for tirelessly
    championing the weak and forgotten and working to build a more
    hopeful America and promote a culture of life; and

-   "Henry J. Hyde has been characterized as a statesman, a
    constitutional scholar, a person with sharp wit and a keen sense of
    history, a passionate orator, a compassionate man, and a person who
    has left an indelible mark on the legacy of the United States House
    of Representatives"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 843 was introduced on
December 4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on House Administration,
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.