![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................July 16, 2007**

> **Contents:**

**H.R. 2547 ---** FDIC Enforcement Enhancement Act

**H.R. 1980 ---** Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007

**H.R. 1982 ---** Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act
of 2007

> **H.Res. 408 ---** Recognizing and honoring the Cathedral Square
> Corporation on its 30th anniversary
>
> **H.R. 2570 ---** To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 301 Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins,
> Colorado, as the "Dr. Karl E. Carson Post Office Building"
>
> **H.Con.Res. 87 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of a world day
> of remembrance for road crash victims
>
> **H.R. 2293 ---** To require the Secretary of State to submit to
> Congress a report on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian
> terrorists who killed John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin
> Linde
>
> **H.Res. 208 ---** Honoring Operation Smile in the 25th Anniversary
> year of its founding
>
> **H.Res. 294 ---** Commending the Kingdom of Lesotho, on the occasion
> of International Women's Day, for the enactment of a law to improve
> the status of married women and ensure the access of married women to
> property rights

**H.Res. 378** --- Honoring World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

**S. 966 ---** Department of State Crisis Response Act of 2007

> **H.Res. 487 ---** Recognizing the contribution of modeling and
> simulation technology to the security and prosperity of the United
> States, and recognizing modeling and simulation as a National Critical
> Technology
>
> **H.R. 781 ---** To redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5 of the
> McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield,
> Arkansas, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24,
> 1946, as the "Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam"
>
> **H.Res 375 ---** Honoring United Parcel Service and its 100 years of
> commitment and leadership in the United States

**H.R. 799 ---** Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007

**H.R. 2547 --- FDIC Enforcement Enhancement Act *(Sires, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2547 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2547 would prohibit any business, firm
or entity from using the terms "Federal Deposit," "Federal Deposit
Insurance," "Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)" or any
combination of those terms in their name. It would also prohibit a
business from using such terms to represent, suggest, or imply that any
deposit liability, obligation, certificate, or share is insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC if it is not. The bill would also allow the FDIC
to issue cease and desist orders to any business fraudulently using FDIC
terms and fine such an entity up to \$1 million.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to a Committee
hearing brief published by CQ, "The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation is very concerned about various schemes that defraud
consumers by misrepresenting the FDIC by using its name, logo, or
abbreviation to suggest that the products they sell are insured by the
FDIC. The corporation is currently powerless against these 'scams'
because they operate outside the deposit insurance system. The FDIC has
requested that Congress enact a law granting it powers to act against
these scams, and power to protect its name and logo."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2547 was introduced on May 24,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which held a
mark up on June 26, 2007, and reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "implementing
this bill would have no significant effect on the agency's costs, which
are funded directly by deposit insurance premiums."

**[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}**: The Financial Services
Committee Report 110-204 cites constitutional authority in Article I,
Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to the general welfare of the United
States) and Clause 3 (relating to the power to regulate interstate
commerce)..

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

**H.R. 1980 --- Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007
*(Hinojosa, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 1980 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1980 would authorize HUD to provide \$10
million in FY 2008 and \$15 million for each additional year through
FY2014 for the Housing Assistance Council (HAC). The HAC is a non-profit
community development program that provides grants and technical
assistance for rural housing development.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Financial
Services Committee Report
[110-204](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr204)),
the HAC, established in 1971, is the only national housing assistance
program that specializes in rural communities and small towns. HAC
provides technical assistance, training, support, and advice, as well as
loans and grants to develop the business and administrative capabilities
of rural community-based housing organizations. The program, which was
authorized \$3 million in FY 2006, has been funded through HUD since the
early 1980's, but has never been authorized. H.R. 1980 would officially
authorize HAC as a HUD funded program and dramatically increase the
amount of authorized funds for HAC.

During committee consideration of H.R. 1980, an amendment, offered by
Mr. Price (R-GA), that would have required offsets was defeated on a
party-line vote.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 1980 would authorize a new federal housing
commitment and fund HAC at more than three times the FY2006 level.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1980 was introduced on April
20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services. On May 8,
2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity, which held hearings the same day. On May 23, 2007, the bill
was marked up by the full Committee and was ordered to be report by
voice vote. On June 21, 2007, the bill was place on the House calendar.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1980 would
authorize \$10 million in FY2008 and \$75 million over the FY2008-FY2012
period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, H.R. 1980 would formally authorize the
Housing Assistance Council to make grants and give technical support for
rural community-based housing organizations.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Financial Services
Committee Report 110-204 cites constitutional authority in Article I,
Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to the general welfare of the United
States) and Clause 3 (relating to the power to regulate interstate
commerce)..

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

**H.R. 1982 --- Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act
of 2007 *(Hinojosa, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 1982 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1982 would authorize HUD to provide \$30
million in FY 2008 and \$40 million for each additional year through
FY2013 for the Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) program.
The bill would authorize RHED to provide competitive grants to nonprofit
organizations, community development corporations, state housing finance
agencies and Indian tribes to support housing and economic development
in rural areas. H.R. 1982 would require that anyone receiving assistance
through RHED funds must have a valid social security number.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Financial
Services Committee Report
[110-205](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr205)),
RHED, which was initially funded in 1999, but was never official
authorized, is the only exclusively rural housing program administered
by HUD. According to OMB numbers, the program has helped to create more
than 9,100 jobs and more than 12,000 housing units since 1999. The
majority of organizations that receive RHED funds serve "high-risk"
areas, such as Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta and Native American
lands.

The Administration's FY2008 budget proposal would have zeroed-out RHED
by making it a part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program. It is the Administration's position that CDGB is capable of
providing grants to the same areas as RHED with a lower administrative
cost. However, since RHED is the only HUD program specifically for rural
areas and CDGB deals almost exclusively with urban areas, some Members
of Congress were concerned that CDGB would not be capable of
administering the RHED program properly. As a response to these
concerns, H.R. 1982 was introduced to officially authorize and fund RHED
as a distinct HUD program.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 1982 would authorize a total of \$230 million
through FY2013 and formally authorize another rural federal housing
commitment.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1982 was introduced on April
20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services. On May 8,
2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity, which held hearings the same day. On May 23, 2007, the bill
was marked up by the full Committee and was ordered to be report by
voice vote. On June 21, 2007, the bill was place on the House calendar.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1982 would
authorize \$30 million in FY2008 and \$190 million over the
FY2008-FY2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, H.R. 1982 would formally authorize the
Rural Housing and Economic Development program within HUD, to make
grants for rural community-based housing organizations.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Financial Services
Committee Report 110-204 cites constitutional authority in Article I,
Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to the general welfare of the United
States) and Clause 3 (relating to the power to regulate interstate
commerce)..

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

**H.Res. 408 --- Recognizing and honoring the Cathedral Square
Corporation on its 30th anniversary *(Welch, D-VT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 408 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 408 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "recognizes and honors the tremendous
accomplishments and dedication of Cathedral Square Corporation, a
Vermont nonprofit housing development organization, on the occasion of
its 30th anniversary."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "in 1977 the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, the Cathedral of the
    Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, recognized the need to provide safe
    and affordable housing for its low-income seniors, organized the
    Cathedral Square Corporation, and began construction of a single
    project;

-   "since that small beginning Cathedral Square Corporation has grown
    into one of the largest and most innovative nonprofit housing
    developers in Vermont;

-   "the work of Cathedral Square Corporation has been groundbreaking,
    both literally and figuratively;

-   "Cathedral Square Corporation has developed housing for persons with
    mental health challenges, and operates the housing in partnership
    with mental health agencies;

-   "Cathedral Square Corporation currently manages housing for 837
    seniors, 79 young adults with special needs, and 24 low-income
    children, and every property managed by the Corporation provides as
    many services as possible to enable independent living by the
    residents;

-   "not only has Cathedral Square Corporation made possible 40
    affordable housing communities throughout Vermont, but the Board of
    Directors and staff of the Corporation are always looking to the
    future, anticipating the housing and service needs of those
    Vermonters who otherwise would have few housing options; and

-   "Cathedral Square Corporation does not just build housing, they
    provide homes."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 408 was introduced on May 15,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which took no
further 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.Con.Res. 87 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of
remembrance for road crash victims *(Wexler, D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 87 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 87 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives "supports the goals and ideals of a world
day of remembrance for road crash victims" and

"encourages the people of the United States to support and participate
in programs and activities to commemorate a world day of remembrance for
road crash victims with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other
activities."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "40,000 people in the United States, and 1,200,000 people globally,
    die in road crashes each year;

-   "another 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 people globally are injured each
    year as a result of speeding motor vehicles, the increasing use of
    motor vehicles, and rapid urbanization;

-   "the World Health Organization has predicted that by the year 2020
    the annual number of deaths from motor vehicle crashes is likely to
    surpass the annual number of deaths from AIDS;

-   "the current estimated cost of motor vehicle crashes worldwide is
    \$518,000,000,000 annually, representing between 3 and 5 percent of
    the gross domestic product of each nation;

-   "over 90 percent of motorist-related deaths occur in low- and
    middle-income countries;

-   "according to the World Health Organization motorist-related deaths
    and costs continue to rise in these countries due to a lack of
    appropriate road engineering and injury prevention programs in
    public health sectors; and

-   "the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution
    designating the third Sunday of November as a day of remembrance for
    road crash victims and their families, and called on nations
    globally to improve road safety."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 87 was introduced on
March 8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which marked up the resolution and reported it by voice vote on
June 12, 2007.

**[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. 2570 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 301 Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado, as the
"Dr. Karl E. Carson Post Office Building" (Musgrave, R-CO)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2570 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2570 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 301 Boardwalk Drive in Fort
Collins, Colorado, as the "Dr. Karl E. Carson Post Office Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the sponsor's
office, "Karl was born on September 27, 1915 in Wichita, Kansas, to
Daniel and Clara Helfrick Carson. He was raised on the family dairy farm
and everyday before he went to school he milked cows and bottled milk.
In high school, he met his life long sweetheart Wilma Schull and they
married August 23, 1936. He paid his way through college by singing at
weddings and parties. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World
War II. Mr. Carson was a communications officer on the USS Strive, a
mine sweeper.

"Following his military service, Mr. Carson attended the University of
Nebraska and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1951. The
Carson family moved to Fort Collins where Dr. Carson started his dental
practice in 1954. His practice thrived and continued until his
retirement in 1994. For thirty of those forty three years he practiced
dentistry with his son, Tom. In 1991, the Colorado Dental Association
gave him its Distinguished Service award.

"Dr. Carson's community service is legendary. He was the director of
downtown Fort Collins development, president of Colorado Municipal
League, and the Colorado League of Cities. He was also a member of
Kiwanis since 1938. Continuing his love of music and youth, he lent his
expertise to participants in the Kiwanis annual Stars of Tomorrow Talent
Show."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2570 was introduced on June 5,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
which held a mark up on June 12, 2007, and reported the bill by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 2570 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which do not 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. 2293 --- To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress
a report on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who
killed John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde**

**(*Ackerman, D-NY*)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2293 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2293 would require the Secretary of
State to submit a report to Congress (on a classified basis if
necessary) regarding the efforts of the United States to find and bring
to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed John Branchizio, Mark
Parson, and John Marin Linde. The bill would require that a report be
submitted within 30 days of the enactment of the bill and every 120 days
after that. Among other things, the report would have to detail the
number of arrests, interrogations, and interviews by the Palestinian
authorities and the level of cooperation of the Palestinian government.

The bill would also express the sense of Congress that,

-   "the continued inability or unwillingness of the Palestinian
    Authority to actively and aggressively pursue the Palestinian
    terrorists who killed John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin
    Linde and bring them to justice calls into question the Palestinian
    Authority\'s suitability as a partner for the United States in
    diplomatic efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict;

-   "future United States assistance to the Palestinian Authority may be
    suspended or conditioned, and the continued operation of the PLO
    Representative Office in Washington may be jeopardized, if the
    Palestinian Authority does not fully and effectively cooperate in
    bringing to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed John
    Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde; and

-   "it is in the vital national security interest of the United States
    to safeguard, to the greatest extent possible consistent with their
    mission, United States diplomats and all embassy and consulate
    personnel, and to use the full power of the United States to bring
    to justice any individual or entity that threatens, jeopardizes, or
    harms them."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Linde were contract
employees providing security to United States diplomatic personnel who
were visiting Gaza to find Palestinian candidates for the Fulbright
Scholarship Program. On October 15, 2003, the three men were killed when
their clearly identified convoy was attacked by Palestinian terrorists
in Gaza. Since the time of the attack, senior Palestinian Authority
officials have stated that they are aware of the identities of the
attackers. Despite a \$5,000,000 reward and the assurance of President
Abbas that the Palestinian Authority would bring the attackers to
justice, the people that murdered Branchizio, Parson, and Linde are
still at large.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2293 was introduced on May 14,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which marked up
the bill on June 26, 2007, and reported it by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2293 is not
available, however, the bill does 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 not available.

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

**H.Res. 208 --- Honoring Operation Smile in the 25th Anniversary year
of its founding (Drake, R-VA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 208 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 208 would express that the House of
Representatives "honors Operation Smile on its 25th Anniversary year as
its volunteer medical professionals continue their noble work to travel
around the world to treat children suffering from facial deformities."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   Operation Smile is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical
    services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related
    health care to indigent children and young adults in developing
    countries and the United States;

-   "in 1982, Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife,
    Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, traveled to
    the Philippines with a group of medical volunteers to repair
    children\'s cleft lips and cleft palates;

-   "there they discovered hundreds of children ravaged by deformities,
    and although they helped many children, the volunteers were forced
    to turn away the majority of those who sought help;

-   "Operation Smile headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was founded in
    1982 by Dr. William Magee Jr. and his wife Kathleen S. Magee to
    address this need

-   "more than 450 Operation Smile Student Associations in the United
    States and around the world build awareness, raise funds, and
    educate students about values of commitment, leadership, and
    volunteerism;

-   "Operation Smile helps raise the standard of healthcare around the
    world and through its international partnerships builds trust,
    bridges cultures, and bestows dignity at home and abroad; and

-   "in 2007, in celebration of its 25th Anniversary, Operation Smile
    has announced a year-long series of initiatives to include
    implementing global standards of care for all its medical programs,
    opening comprehensive care centers in seven countries, hosting
    international forums on medical diplomacy, and launching the World
    Journey of Smiles, which consists of 40 simultaneous missions in 25
    countries with the goal of treating an estimated 5,000 children
    living with facial deformities."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 208 was introduced on March
1, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which marked
up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on June 26, 2007.

**[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. 294 --- Commending the Kingdom of Lesotho, on the occasion of
International Women's Day, for the enactment of a law to improve the
status of married women and ensure the access of married women to
property rights *(Watson, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 294 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 294 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "supports the goals of International Women's Day;

-   "applauds the enactment of the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act
    by the Kingdom of Lesotho;

-   "lauds the Kingdom of Lesotho for demonstrating its commitment to
    improve gender equity;

-   "encourages the Kingdom of Lesotho to continue its effort to ensure
    gender equity; and

-   "commends the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for developing
    and implementing policies to advance gender equity in the Kingdom of
    Lesotho and other countries eligible for financial assistance from
    the MCC."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "international Women's Day, observed on March 8 each year, has
    become a day on which people come together to recognize the
    accomplishments of women and to reaffirm their commitment to
    continue the struggle for equality, justice, and peace;

-   "the Kingdom of Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy
    that has been an independent country since 1966;

-   "Lesotho is a low-income country with a gross national income per
    capita of \$960 and 50 percent of the population lives below the
    poverty line;

-   "the Government of Lesotho has demonstrated a strong commitment to
    ruling justly, investing in people, ensuring economic freedom, and
    controlling corruption;

-   "historically, a married woman in Lesotho was considered a legal
    minor during the lifetime of her husband, was severely restricted in
    economic activities, was unable to enter into legally binding
    contracts without her husband's consent, and had no standing in
    civil court;

-   "for years women's groups, nongovernmental organizations, the
    Federation of Women Lawyers, officials of the Government of Lesotho,
    and others in Lesotho have pushed for passage of legislation
    strengthening rights of married women;

-   "the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act was passed by the
    Parliament of Lesotho and enacted into law in November 2006;

-   "the MCC has promulgated and is currently implementing a new gender
    policy to integrate gender into all phases of the development and
    implementation of the Compact between the MCC and the Government of
    Lesotho; and

-   "the MCC's advocacy of gender equity played a supportive role in the
    enactment of the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act in the
    Kingdom of Lesotho."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 294 was introduced on March
29, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which marked
up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on June 26, 2007.

**[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. 378 --- Honoring World Red Cross Red Crescent Day**

**(Fortuno, R-PR)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 378 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 378 would express that the House of
Representatives "supports the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement\--the world\'s largest humanitarian network\--by honoring World
Red Cross Red Crescent Day."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "World Red Cross Red Crescent Day will be observed on May 8, 2007;

-   "May 8 marks the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the
    International Committee of the Red Cross, who began advocating for
    the humane treatment of the wartime sick and wounded after
    witnessing the atrocities at the Battle of Solferino in 1859;

-   "World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated by many of the 185
    Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies throughout the world
    and more than 750 chapters throughout the United States;

-   "through the motivation and action of its volunteers and donors, the
    American Red Cross and its partners worldwide pay tribute to Henry
    Dunant\'s legacy by helping those in need and protecting human
    dignity for all;

-   "in 2006, the American Red Cross responded to 23 international
    disasters, contributing more than \$16.1 million in financial
    support, deploying delegates and providing relief supplies and other
    emergency assistance to millions affected by disasters;

-   "the American Red Cross continues to help affected communities
    recover from the tsunami by providing assistance to more than 3.3
    million people through long-term recovery programs and more than 80
    million people through disease control activities in
    tsunami-affected countries;

-   "since 2001, the American Red Cross and its partners in the Measles
    Initiative have vaccinated more than 372 million children in 48
    countries against measles; and

-   "World Red Cross Red Crescent Day will honor the efforts of Red
    Cross workers and volunteers who work tirelessly to alleviate human
    suffering."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 378 was introduced on May 7,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which marked up
the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on June 26, 2007.

**[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.

**S. 966 --- Department of State Crisis Response Act of 2007**

***(Sen. Schumer, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 966 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 966 would amend current law allow the
State Department to waive certain restrictions with regard to re-hiring
of retired foreign service workers in order to help meet the growing
demand for passports and visas. Under S. 966, the State Department's
waver authority would be terminated at the end of FY2010.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Senate Report
110-109, Congress enacted the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(WHIT) as a part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2004. Under WHIT regulations, the Department of Homeland Security is
required to develop and implement a plan to require a passport for
anyone traveling into the United States, including citizens. As a result
of this requirement the demand for passports has skyrocketed, causing a
33 percent increase in the number of requests from FY2006. In order to
give the State Department time to process the increased number of
passport requests, the second phase of the plan, which was to begin in
January 2008, was delayed to begin no later than June 1, 2009.

S. 966 would allow the State Department to recruit and hire former
Foreign Service employees to help process the backlog of visa and
passport applications. Many retired Foreign Service employees already
have the required clearances necessary to process passports, making them
ideal candidates for the job. Under current law, however, when Foreign
Service retirees are rehired they can only work up to six months a year
and their pay is limited, or their retirement benefits will be reduced.
S. 966 would waive these current laws until September 30, 2010, in order
to address the problems associated with the increased demand for
passports and visas.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 966 was introduced on March 22,
2007, and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which
amended the bill and ordered it reported to the Senate on June 27, 2007.
On June 29, 2007, the bill was passed in the Senate by unanimous
consent. On July 10, 2007, the bill was received in the House and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no official
action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for S. 966 is not
currently available, but the bill does not authorize any funding.

**[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}**: The Senate Committee Report,
110-109, does not cite specific constitutional authority.

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

**H.Res. 487 --- Recognizing the contribution of modeling and simulation
technology to the security and prosperity of the United States, and
recognizing modeling and simulation as a National Critical Technology
(Forbes, R-VA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 487 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 487 would express that the House of
Representatives,

-   "commends those who have contributed to the modeling and simulation
    efforts which have developed essential characteristics of our
    Nation;

-   "urges that, consistent with previous legislation passed by this and
    previous Congresses, science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics remain key disciplines for primary and secondary
    education;

-   "encourages the expansion of modeling and simulation as a tool and
    subject within higher education;

-   "recognizes modeling and simulation as a National Critical
    Technology;

-   "affirms the need to study the national economic impact of modeling
    and simulation;

-   "supports the development and implementation of governmental
    classification codes that include separate classification for
    modeling and simulation occupations; and

-   "encourages the development and implementation of ways to protect
    intellectual property of modeling and simulation enterprises."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the United States of America is a great and prosperous Nation, and
    modeling and simulation contribute significantly to that greatness
    and prosperity;

-   "modeling and simulation in the United States is a unique
    application of computer science and mathematics that depends on the
    validity, verification, and reproducibility of the model or
    simulation, and depends also on the capability of the thousands of
    Americans in modeling and simulation careers to develop these
    models;

-   "modeling and simulation frequently complements or replaces
    experimentation where experimentation is hazardous, expensive, or
    impossible, thus providing far greater capability than
    experimentation alone;

-   "the modeling and simulation industry provides well-paying jobs to
    many Americans and represents an opportunity for Americans with
    strong foundations in science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics to contribute to the prosperity and security of the
    United States;

-   "other countries have recognized the value of modeling and
    simulation as an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage over
    the United States economically and militarily, and some of these
    same countries produce more engineers each year than the United
    States;

-   "modeling and simulation efforts are critically dependent on a
    fundamental education in science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics;

-   "modeling and simulation require unique knowledge, skills, and
    abilities that are not adequately incorporated into governmental
    occupational classification codes; and

-   "advances in modeling and simulation can be achieved through
    innovation in the private sector, and proper export controls and
    intellectual property rights are critical to the continued growth
    and innovation in this sector."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 487 was introduced on June
14, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, which
marked up the bill and reported it by unanimous consent on June 22,
2007.

**[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. 781 --- To redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr
Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas, authorized by
the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24, 1946, as the "Colonel
Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam" *(Ross, D-AR)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 781 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, June 25, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 781 would redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5
of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield,
Arkansas, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24,
1946, as the "Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[110-229](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr229)),
"Colonel Charles D. Maynard graduated by from the United States Military
Academy at West Point in 1941, after which he was commissioned in the
Coast Artillery and later transferred to the Corps of Engineers. He
served in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II. He also
received graduate degrees from Harvard University, Rensselaer
Polytechnic University, George Washington University, and Rutgers
University.

"Colonel Maynard was the District Engineer of the Little Rock Engineer
District, where he directed planning, design, and construction of 13
locks and dams of the MKARNS. At the time, this was the largest civil
works project ever undertaken by the Corps of Engineers. He was the
official host for President John F. Kennedy in October 1963 for the
official dedication of Greers Ferry Dam.

"Colonel Maynard was a leader in both professional and community
organizations. He served as Chairman and President of the Water
Resources Association of America, Chairman of the Arkansas Waterways
Commission, and President of the Arkansas Basin Association. Colonel
Maynard was also the U.S. Savings Bond Coordinator for Arkansas,
President of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Campaign Chairman for
the United Way of Pulaski County, President of the Pulaski County Cancer
Society, and Chairman Emeritus of Central Arkansas Radiation Treatment
Center. Colonel Maynard passed away in October 2005."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 781 was introduced on January
31, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which referred the bill to the subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment on February 1, 2007. On June 28, 2007, a
mark-up was held and the bill was reported by voice vote. On July 11,
2007, the bill was reported to the Committee on Transportation and
placed on the House calendar.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 781 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, which do not 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.

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

**H.Res 375 --- Honoring United Parcel Service and its 100 years of
commitment and leadership in the United States (Westmoreland, R-GA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 375 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 375 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives

-   "recognizes United Parcel Service's role in the global
    transportation system as the world's largest package delivery
    company; and

-   "celebrates United Parcel Service\'s 100th anniversary."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "United Parcel Service (in this resolution referred to as \`UPS\')
    provides solutions that connect the flow of goods, funds, and
    information in the United States to more than 200 countries,
    including delivery service to every address in North America and
    Europe, through its expansive transportation network, thus truly
    synchronizing global commerce;

-   "UPS was founded in 1907 as the American Messenger Company by
    James E. 'Jim' Casey in Seattle, Washington, with \$100 borrowed
    from a friend and has grown from a 2-person message delivery firm
    into a 427,000-plus employee global transportation and logistics
    corporation that moves nearly 15,000,000 packages through its
    network each business day;

-   "UPS continues to expand its role as a provider of
    transportation-based and supply chain services;

-   "UPS has earned numerous awards for its outstanding business
    practices, recognizing the company\'s values and commitment to
    social responsibility and diversity;

-   "the Environmental Protection Agency awarded UPS the Clean Air
    Excellence Award, citing UPS\'s alternative fuel program under which
    the UPS 'Green Fleet' recently passed the 100,000,000 mile mark;

-   "UPS plays a major philanthropic leadership role in the United
    States and has made significant contributions to numerous charitable
    organizations around the world;

-   "over the past 100 years, UPS has gone through many transformations,
    growing from a small messenger company to a leading provider of air,
    ocean, ground, and electronic services, while remaining true to its
    modest origins and commitment to customer service; and

-   "UPS maintains its reputation for integrity, reliability, employee
    ownership, and customer service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 375 was introduced on May 31,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Subcommittee on
Highways and Transit and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and
Hazardous Materials. On June 28, 2007, a mark up was held and the bill
was reported by voice vote. On July 11, 2007, the bill was reported to
the Committee on Transportation and placed on the House calendar.

**[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. 799 --- Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007
*(Oberstar, D-MN)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 799 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 16, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 799 would authorize \$30 million in
FY2007 and \$428 million over the FY2007-FY20012 period for the
re-authorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which
provides highway and economic development grants for Appalachian states.

The bill would direct ARC to designate "distress counties" and "at risk
counties" based on the level of persistent economic distress in a
particular county. The ARC would have to set the profit sharing level
for economic development projects in a particular county based on these
designations. The ARC Highway Program would be exempt from profit
sharing restrictions.

H.R. 799 would authorize \$12 million annually to create a new ARC
program to provide grants and technical assistance for projects that
promote energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources,
and support the devolvement of conventional energy sources to produce
alternative energy. The cost-share for the project would be 80 percent
in "distressed counties," 70 percent in "at-risk," counties, and 50
percent in all other counties.

The bill would also require that any earmarked funds come from that
state's allocation for ARC funds. Under current law, when funds are
earmarked to ARC projects they are provided in addition to other ARC
funding.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[110-33](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr033)),
the ARC was established in 1965 as a regional economic development
agency to assist all or part of 13 Appalachian states (Alabama, Georgia,
Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia).

In the past, the ARC has been criticized for supporting redundant
development programs that other agencies already fund. For instance, GAO
found that community applicants seeking economic improvement grants
could apply to 20 other programs across four other agencies (DoD, USDA,
Commerce, and HUD) and receive the same funding. GAO also found that ARC
has consistently misreported statistics to the Federal Assistance Award
Data System because of mismanagement and a lack of communication. In
2002, ARC over-reported the amount of funding they had given by over
\$30 million because they had counted the majority of their submissions
twice.

Among the local programs funded at taxpayer expense by ARC are:

-   \$300,000 for "central Pennsylvania's largest kitchen," Claysburg,
    PA.

-   \$20,000 to renovate an abandoned hospital for a possible "visual
    arts center with artists-in residence," in Cumberland, MD.

-   \$7,000 to place 16 "poster-size vignettes in places of historical
    and cultural interest" in Connellsville, PA.

-   \$101,003 for an "Adventure Space" program in Alabama's Franklin
    County and Russellville City School system, which will send teachers
    in the school system to space camp for one week.

-   \$100,000 for in material for the main street in Ford City, PA., to
    be repaved --- with bricks.

-   \$10,000 for a website to advertise a fledgling "community
    foundation" that would solicit endowments in Cumberland, MD.

-   \$12,500 for "tourism assessment" in Catskill Park, NY.

A large number of these regional, taxpayer-funded projects are paid for
with earmarked funds.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that the ARC is a "Great Society" program that spends
American taxpayer dollars on redundant and questionable activities (see
"Additional Information" above).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 799 was introduced on February
5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings
and Emergency Management, which held a mark up on February 6, 2007, and
reported the bill to the full committee. On February 7, 2007, the bill
was marked up in the full committee and reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 799 would
authorize \$30 million in FY2007 and \$428 million over the
FY2007-FY2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill would create one new program.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Financial Services
Committee Report 110-204 cites constitutional authority in Article I,
Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to the general welfare of the United
States) and Clause 3 (relating to the power to regulate interstate
commerce)..

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

**\###**