![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................May 14, 2007**

> **Contents:**

**H.R. 1124** --- To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act
of 1999

> **H.Res. 223** --- Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day
> of Remembrance for Murder Victims
>
> **H.R. 1260** --- To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as
> the "Claude Ramsey Post Office"
>
> **H.R. 1617 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City,
> Missouri, as the "Harriett F. Woods Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 2025 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service\
> located at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the
> "Willye B. White Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 1335 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South
> Carolina, as the "S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building"
>
> **H.Res. 385 ---** Recognizing National AmeriCorps Week
>
> **H.Res. 216** --- Commending the Juniata College volleyball team for
> winning the NCAA Division III Women\'s Volleyball Championship

**H.R. 1124 --- To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of
1999 (Tom Davis, R-VA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 1124 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1124 would reauthorize, at such sums as
necessary, the District of Columbia Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG) for
five years, through 2012.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
110 -- 112, the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999
authorizes funding for D.C. high school graduates who attend college in
other states. The Act was initially proposed and adopted in order to
address D.C.'s lack of a state university system. The Committee Report
states that because D.C. has no university system, residents would be
likely to move to surrounding states in order to take advantage of lower
tuition rates.

The program, which is set to expire on September 30, 2007, gives grants
to DC residents attending the following schools:

-   those attending public colleges outside of DC;

-   those attending private colleges in DC, Maryland or VA; or

-   any historically black college or university.

Scholarships to students attending public schools are capped at \$10,000
per student per year, and at a \$50,000 lifetime limit per person.
Private school students receive a \$2,500 maximum annual grant, with a
lifetime limit of \$12,500. According to CBO, since its creation, the
program has grown significantly and the District has doubled the total
number of D.C. high school graduates attending college.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1124 was introduced on February
16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. The Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the
District of Columbia, held a hearing on the bill on March 22, 2007. On
March 27, 2007, the subcommittee held a markup forwarded the bill to the
full committee, which held a markup on March 29, 2007, and reported the
bill by voice vote.

**[Possible Conservative Concern]{.underline}**: **Some conservatives
may be concerned that this federally-funded program provides tuition
assistance grants [only]{.underline} to D.C students, and that a local
effort such as this should be funded by the DC government, and not
taxpayers across the country.  In addition, some conservatives may be
concerned that the legislation authorizes \$208 million and is being
considered on the suspension calendar, and is therefore not open to
amendments.**

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
1124 would authorize \$30 million in FY08, and \$208 million over a five
year period. However, CBO also states that costs may very well exceed
this amount.

**[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 -- 112
cites Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution, which gives
Congress the authority to "exercise exclusive legislation" over the
District of Columbia.

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

**H.Res. 223 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of\
Remembrance for Murder Victims (Shadegg, R-AZ)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 223 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 223 would express that Congress:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for
    Murder Victims; and

-   "recognizes the significant benefits of the organizations that
    provide services to the loved ones of murder victims."

H.Res. 223 lists the following findings:

-   "the death of a loved one is a devastating experience, and the
    murder of a loved one is exceptionally difficult;

-   "the friends and families of murder victims cope with grief through
    a variety of support services, including counseling, crisis
    intervention, professional referrals, and assistance in dealing with
    the criminal justice system; and

-   "the designation of a National Day of Remembrance For Murder Victims
    on September 25th of each year provides an opportunity for the
    people of the United States to honor the memories of murder victims
    and to recognize the impact on surviving family members."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 223 was introduced on March
7, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 1260 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service\
located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as the "Claude Ramsey
Post Office" (Wamp, R-TN)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 1260 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1260 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison,
Tennessee, as the "Claude Ramsey Post Office."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Claude Ramsey is a former
state legislator in Tennessee and three-term Mayor of Hamilton County,
TN. By all accounts, Ramsey has been a diligent and successful public
servant in the Chattanooga area for many years. According to Hamilton
County's website, Ramsey, "was successful in securing over \$2.8 million
in grant funds for expansion of local industries. These funds helped
leverage over \$264 million in private investments and helped create
over 2,000 new jobs. He was a driving force for the transfer of the
1200-acre Enterprise South Industrial Park property from the U.S. Army.
When operational, the park will generate over 8,000 new jobs with a
payroll exceeding \$240 million a year."

For further information about Claude Ramsey or Hamilton County,
Tennessee, visit their website: <http://www.hamiltontn.gov/>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1260 was introduced on March 1,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 1, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 1260 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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.R. 1617 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service\
located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, Missouri, as the
"Harriett F. Woods Post Office Building" *(Carnahan, D -- MO)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 1617 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1617 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in
University City, Missouri as the "Harriett F. Woods Post Office
Building."

# [Additional Information]{.underline}: Harriet F. Woods was a politician and activist from Missouri. Woods twice ran for the United States Senate as a Democratic, first in 1982 and 1986. In 1984 she was elected as Missouri's Lieutenant Governor and became the first female to win a statewide election in Missouri. She served in that position until 1989 when she retired. Later, Woods became a leading advocate for women in politics and served as the President of the National Women's Political Caucus from 1991 --- 1995, where she was an outspoken advocate for the pro-choice movement. On February 8, 2007, Woods past away, losing her battle with cancer.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1617 was introduced on March
21, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 1,
2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 1617 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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.R. 2025 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service\
located at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Willye
B. White Post Office Building" *(Jackson, D -- IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 2025 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2025 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 11033 South State Street in
Chicago, Illinois, as the Willye B. White Post Office Building."

# [Additional Information]{.underline}: According to the International Olympic Committee, Wylie B. White was the first track and field athlete to compete in five Olympics, which she did between 1956 and 1972. White was the united State's preeminent long jumper during that period and won Olympic silver medals twice, once in 1956 and again in 1964. In 1991, White created the Willye White Foundation to help girls with problematic backgrounds. White died in the Chicago area on February 6, 2007. 

# [Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 2025 was introduced on April 25, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 1, 2007. 

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2025 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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.R. 1335 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service\
located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the
"S/Sgt\
Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building" (Barrett, R-SC)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 1335 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1335 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca,
South Carolina, as the "S/Sgt\
Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building."

# [Additional Information]{.underline}: Lewis G. Watkins was an American War Hero who posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while fighting in Korea. 

# According to his Medal of Honor citation, Watkins led an attack on an enemy position, during which he "engaged the platoon with intense small-arms and grenade fire, he gallantly continued to lead his men. Obtaining an automatic rifle from one of the wounded men, he assisted in pinning down an enemy machine gun holding up the assault. When an enemy grenade landed among Staff Sergeant Watkins and several other Marines while they were moving forward through a trench on the hill crest, he immediately pushed his companions aside, placed himself in a position to shield them and picked up the deadly missile in an attempt to throw it outside the trench. Mortally wounded when the grenade exploded in his hand, Staff Sergeant Watkins, by his great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, saved the lives of several of his comrades and contributed materially to the success of the mission."

# [Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 1335 was introduced on March 6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which marked-up the bill and reported it by voice vote on May 1, 2007. 

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 1335 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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. 385 --- Recognizing National AmeriCorps Week**

***(Yarmuth, D-KY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 385 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 385 would express that Congress:

-   "encourages all citizens to join in a national effort to salute
    AmeriCorps members and alumni to raise awareness about the
    importance of national and community service;

-   "acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the AmeriCorps
    members, alumni and community partners;

-   "recognizes the important contribution to the lives of our citizens
    by AmeriCorps members; and

-   "encourages citizens of all ages to participate in service
    opportunities in their communities, including in AmeriCorps
    programs."

H.Res. 385 lists the following findings:

-   "the AmeriCorps national service program, since its inception in
    1994, has proven to be an effective way to engage Americans in
    service to the Nation that meets a wide range of local and national
    needs and promotes the ethic of service and volunteerism;

-   "the AmeriCorps program, working closely with its Nationwide network
    of Governor-appointed state service commissions, has strengthened
    America's nonprofit sector community nonprofit groups, in every
    State in our Nation;

-   "the AmeriCorps programs across our Nation have leveraged additional
    funds and in-kind donations from other sources to further service
    and volunteerism in America;

-   "each year AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 75,000 citizens to
    serve in and work to improve communities in our Nation;

-   "AmeriCorps members last year recruited and supervised more than
    1,400,000 community volunteers, serving as a powerful volunteer
    catalyst;

-   "AmeriCorps members, in return for their service, have earned nearly
    \$1,300,000,000 to further their own education at our Nation's
    colleges and universities; and

-   "AmeriCorps members, after their terms of service end, remain
    engaged in our communities as volunteers, teachers, and nonprofit
    professionals in disproportionately high levels."

**Possible Conservative Concerns: Some conservatives may be concerned
that this bill would honor AmeriCorps, a program that some contend is an
inefficient and expensive way of assisting individuals to pay for
college---and stretches the notion of what constitutes a "volunteer." In
addition, AmeriCorps is not means-tested. As a result, children of
wealthy people can edge out low-income children for participation.
According to the Ludwig von Mises [Institute](http://www.mises.org/),
AmeriCorps "volunteers" have participated in activities such as going
door to door to recruit individuals for food stamps, recruiting
middle-class families to enroll their children for SCHIP, and putting on
a puppet show to teach four year olds about earthquakes.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 385 was introduced on May 9,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Res. 216 --- Commending the Juniata College volleyball team for
winning the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship (Shuster,
R-PA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 216 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, May 14, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 216 would express that Congress:

-   "commends the Juniata College volleyball team for winning the 2006
    NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball National Championship; and

-   "recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, and
    staff whose hard work and dedication made the Championship
    possible."

H.Res. 385 lists the following findings:

-   "the Juniata College volleyball team is one of the great
    little-known dynasties in college sports;

-   "the Juniata College volleyball program has a remarkable 1,100 win
    and 172 loss record over 30 seasons;

-   "Head Coach Larry Bock has the most wins of any coach in the history
    of NCAA women's volleyball;

-   "during this past season, senior Stephanie Kines was named the
    Division III Women's Volleyball Player of the Year, just the second
    Juniata player to earn that honor;

-   "Juniata College did not lose a match in 2006 to a Division III
    opponent all season, and the team\'s only 2006 loss was to Division
    I Princeton University;

-   "Juniata College's 41 win and 1 loss record during 2006 tied the
    program record for the fewest losses in a season, and was the team's
    first 40-win season since 1997; and

-   "Juniata defeated long-time rival Washington University-St. Louis in
    a thrilling five-game championship match that many described as the
    best championship match in the history of Division III volleyball."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 216 was introduced on March
6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.