![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...............................................June 24, 2008**

**Contents**:

> **H.R. 6307**---Fostering Connections to Success Act\
> **H.Res. 1294**---National Save for Retirement Week\
> **H.Con.Res. 163**---Expressing the sense of Congress in support of
> further research and activities to increase public awareness,
> professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker
> syndrome and hydrocephalus\
> **H.Res. 353**---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that there should be an increased Federal commitment supporting the
> development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate
> cancer detection and treatment\
> **H.R. 2818**---Veterans\' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008\
> **H.Res. 1098---**Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the
> American Veteran\
> **H.Res. 1231**---Supporting the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans
> Day and calling on the American people to recognize such a day\
> **H.R. 2245**---The "Elwood 'Bud' Link Department of Veterans Affairs
> Outpatient Clinic" Designation Act\
> **H.R. 4264**---The "Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs
> Spinal Cord Injury Center" Designation Act\
> **H.R. 4289**---The "Euripides Rubio Department of Veterans Affairs
> Outpatient Clinic" Designation Act\
> **H.R. 4918**---The "Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs
> Medical Center" Designation Act\
> **H.Res. 1291**---Expressing gratitude for the contributions of the
> American GI Forum on its 60th anniversary\
> **H.Res. 1271**---Recognizing National Homeownership Month and the
> importance of homeownership in the United States\
> **H.R. 6312**---To advance credit union efforts to promote economic
> growth, modify credit union regulatory standards and reduce burdens,
> to provide regulatory relief and improve productivity for insured
> depository institutions, and for other purposes\
> **H.Con.Res. 370**---Expressing support for designation of September
> 2008 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month"\
> **H.Res. 1283**---Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and
> their families following the tornado that hit Little Sioux, Iowa, on
> June 11, 2008\
> **H.Con.Res. 195**---Expressing the sense of the Congress that a
> National Dysphagia Awareness Month should be established\
> **H.Res. 970**---Expressing support for designation of June 30 as
> "National Corvette Day"\
> **H.Con.Res. 365**---Honoring the life of Robert Mondavi\
> **H.R. 5687**---The Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008

**H.R. 6307---Fostering Connections to Success Act**

***(McDermott, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 6307 would amend certain federal
programs that offer grants and funding to state, local, and tribal
governments, as well as non-profit organizations, that provide foster
care and adoptive assistance. Most notably, the bill would provide
foster care assistance payments to relatives that assume permanent
assistance of foster children. The bill would also allow states to make
federal foster payments to children until they are 21 years old, provide
direct federal assistance payments to tribal governments, and expand
eligibility for certain assistance funds. In addition, the bill includes
two revenue-raising offset provisions which increase the IRS' ability to
withhold tax refunds and the Treasury's authority to invest operating
cash. The highlights of the bill follow below.

*[Kinship Guardian Assistance Payments]{.underline}*: The bill would
authorize states to use federal foster care funds to provide financial
assistance payments to relatives of children in foster care that agree
to become permanent guardians. The agreement between the state and
relatives that provide permanent care would specify the amount of the
"kinship guardian assistance payment" and the manner in which the
payment would be made. The bill would require the state to pay any
non-recurring fees associated with obtaining legal guardianship of the
child, not exceeding \$2,000. In general, the kinship guardian
assistance payment would be equal to the amount of foster care
maintenance payments for which the child had been eligible in foster
care.

[Family Connection Grants]{.underline}: H.R. 6307 would authorize the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to
provide matching grants to state, local, or tribal governments and
non-profit organizations that have experience working with foster
children or children in kinship care relationships. These grants would
be used to assist children who are in foster care, or in danger of going
into foster care, to reconnect with their families and be placed in a
permanent living situation with their families.

Grants made under this section would be available for at least one year,
but HHS would not be authorized to make more than 20 new grants each
year. Multiple-year federal grants would be authorized to cover 75% of
the total cost of the program for the first two years and 50% in each
following year. The bill would authorize \$50 million annually for the
program from FY 2009---FY 2013.

*[Notification to Relatives of Foster Care Placement]{.underline}*: The
bill would require a state that receives federal funding for foster care
and adoption assistance to attempt to notify other relatives within 30
days of a child being removed from the custody of their parents and
placed in foster care.

*[State Option for Children in Foster Care After Attaining the age of
18]{.underline}*: H.R. 6307 would allow states to continue to provide
foster care assistance to children up to the age of 21 in certain
situations. The bill would allow a state to set the age limit for
receiving foster care assistance (which is currently 18) to 19, 20, or
21 years old. Any individual over 18 would be require to be enrolled in
secondary education, work at least 80 hours each month, or attend a
job-training program to receive the funds.

*[Short Term Training for Child Welfare Agencies and Prospective
Relative Guardians]{.underline}*: The legislation would increase the
eligibility for foster care training assistance to non-profit child
welfare organizations and prospective relative guardians of children in
foster care.

*[Equitable Access for Foster Care and Adoptive Service for Children in
Tribal Areas]{.underline}*: H.R. 6307 would allow tribal governments and
organizations to receive direct foster and adoptive care funding
assistance from the federal government. Under current law, funding
assistance is transmitted to tribal governments via the states.

*[Educational Stability]{.underline}*: The bill would require a foster
child's case plan to ensure educational stability during the time that
the child is in foster, relative, or adoptive care and receiving federal
assistance. The plan would have to ensure that a child receiving
assistance is attending full-time school through a minimum age required
by the state.

*[Adoptive Incentive Program]{.underline}*: H.R. 6307 reauthorizes the
Adoption Incentives Program, which provides payments of up to \$4,000
per child annually to guardians who adopt special needs children from
foster care. The bill reauthorizes the program, which will expire on
September 31, 2008, through FY 2013. The program would be authorized at
\$43 million annually from FY 2009---FY 2013.

*[Adoption Tax Credit]{.underline}*: The legislation requires a state to
notify anyone adopting a child in foster care of the adoption tax credit
that exists under current law. The tax credit for adopting a child in
foster care was \$11,650 per child in 2008.

*[Offsets]{.underline}*: In order to supplement the costs of the bill,
H.R. 6307 provides for two offsets to raise revenues.

-   **Collection of Unemployment Compensation Debts Resulting from
    Fraud**: The bill would authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    to reduce federal tax refunds to certain individuals in order to
    collect unemployment compensation debts that are owed to a state
    because of fraud. The state must notify the IRS that an overpayment
    of unemployment compensation has occurred and the IRS would then
    reduce the tax refund of an individual that has received a
    fraudulent overpayment by the same amount. The deducted amount would
    be paid to the state.

> A state would be prohibited from taking action with the IRS until it
> had notified the taxpayer of its intent and given the individual up to
> 60 days to pay the unemployment compensation debt.

-   **Investment of Operating Cash**: H.R. 6307 would allow the
    Secretary of Treasury to invest any part of the operating cash of
    the Treasury for up to 90 days. The bill would allow the Secretary
    to invest in obligations of depositories that maintain Treasury tax
    and loan accounts, obligations of the U.S. government, and
    repurchase agreements with parties acceptable to the Secretary. The
    bill would require the Secretary to consider potential risks and the
    prevailing market when investing.

*[No Federal Funds to Unlawfully Present Individuals]{.underline}*: The
legislation states that "Nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter
prohibitions on Federal payments to individuals who are unlawfully
present in the United States."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) operates the Administration for Children and
Families, which provides federal grant and assistance funding to states
for the operation of their foster and adoptive care systems. Funding for
the program, which is considered mandatory entitlement spending, totaled
\$6.9 billion in FY 2008. The Bush Administration has requested the same
total for FY 2009. Of those funds, \$4.5 billion would be spent on
foster care assistance, while \$2.3 bill would be spent on adoption
assistance.

Payments for foster care assistance are made to the states to supplement
the cost of training for staff and foster parents, assistance payments
made to foster parents, administrative costs, and child care. Federal
funding under the program is tied to certain requirements, such as
permanency placement goals for children in foster care and goals that
attempt to reunite children with their parents. Similarly, the Adoption
Assistance Program provides funding to states to assist families that
adopt children with special needs. The Administration for Children and
Families estimated that, in 2007, 212,000 individual children received
federal foster care assistance and 390,000 children received adoption
care assistance. HHS also operates a number of discretionary programs
that offer foster care and adoption assistance, such as the Adoption
Incentives Program, which is reauthorized by H.R. 6307.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 6307 would affect mandatory spending, revenues,
and authorized spending subject to appropriation, but does not include a
Committee Report or Congressional Budget Office score to estimate the
total cost of the bill.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 6307 was introduced on June 19,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, which took no
official action.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: A CBO score for H.R. 6307 was not
available. However, certain provisions in H.R. 6307 would affect
mandatory spending, revenues, and authorized spending subject to
appropriation.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, H.R. 6307 expands federal foster care
and adoption assistance programs.

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report for
H.R. 6307 was not available.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report for H.R.
6307 was not available.

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

**H.Res. 1294**--- **Supporting the goals and ideals of National Save
for Retirement Week *(Schwartz, D-PA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1294 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Supports the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week,
    including raising public awareness of the various tax-preferred
    retirement vehicles;

-   "Supports the need to raise public awareness of efficiently
    utilizing substantial tax revenues that currently subsidize
    retirement savings, revenues in excess of \$170,000,000,000 for the
    2007 Fiscal Year Budget;

-   "Supports the need to raise public awareness of the importance to
    save adequately for retirement and the availability of tax-preferred
    employer-sponsored retirement savings vehicles; and

-   "Calls on the States, localities, schools, universities, nonprofit
    organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the
    United States to observe this week with appropriate programs and
    activities with the goal of increasing the retirement savings for
    all the people of the United States."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Americans are living longer and the cost of retirement continues to
    rise, in part because the number of employers providing retiree
    health coverage continues to decline, and retiree health care costs
    continue to increase at a rapid pace;

-   "Social Security remains the bedrock of retirement income for the
    great majority of the people of the United States, but was never
    intended by Congress to be the sole source of retirement income for
    families;

-   "Recent data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute indicates
    that, in the United States, less than 2/3 of workers or their
    spouses are currently saving for retirement and that the actual
    amount of retirement savings of workers lags far behind the amount
    that will be needed to adequately fund their retirement years;

-   "Many workers may not be aware of their options for saving for
    retirement or may not have focused on the importance of, and need
    for, saving for their own retirement;

-   "Many employees have available to them through their employers
    access to defined benefit and defined contribution plans to assist
    them in preparing for retirement, yet many of them may not be taking
    advantage of employer-sponsored defined contribution plans at all or
    to the full extent allowed by the plans as prescribed by Federal
    law;

-   "All workers, including public- and private-sector employees,
    employees of tax-exempt organizations, and self-employed
    individuals, can benefit from increased awareness of the need to
    save adequate funds for retirement and the availability of
    tax-preferred savings vehicles to assist them in saving for
    retirement."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1294 was introduced on June
23, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, which took no
official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.Con.Res. 163**---**Expressing the sense of Congress in support of
further research and activities to increase public awareness,
professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker
syndrome and hydrocephalus (Wilson, R-NM)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 163 would express the sense that
the House or Representatives encourages all Americans to:

-   "The Director of the National Institutes of Health should continue
    the current collaboration, with respect to Dandy-Walker syndrome,
    among the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National
    Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the National
    Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National
    Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of
    Rare Diseases;

-   "Further research into the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology,
    disease burden, and improved treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome
    should be conducted and supported;

-   "The National Institutes of Health should take the lead in
    sponsoring an annual workshop to increase awareness and set national
    research priorities for Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus;

-   "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should form a
    coordinating committee for Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus
    research, which would annually report to the public its findings on
    the progress in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden,
    treatment improvements, diagnoses, and awareness for Dandy-Walker
    syndrome and hydrocephalus; and

-   "Public awareness and professional education regarding Dandy-Walker
    research should increase through partnerships between the Federal
    Government and patient advocacy organizations, such as the
    Dandy-Walker Alliance and the Hydrocephalus Association."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Dandy-Walker syndrome is the most common congenital malformation of
    the cerebellum and its causes are largely unknown;

-   "Between 10,000 and 40,000 people have Dandy-Walker syndrome in the
    United States;

-   "The incidence of Dandy-Walker syndrome is at least 1 case per every
    25,000 to 35,000 live births, however this is likely a significant
    underestimate because of difficulties diagnosing the syndrome;

-   "The Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program, Centers for
    Disease Control and Prevention reports that Dandy-Walker syndrome
    may affect as many as 1 in 5000 live born infants;

-   "Approximately 70 to 90 percent of patients with Dandy-Walker
    syndrome have hydrocephalus;

-   "Dandy-Walker syndrome accounts for approximately 1 to 4 percent of
    hydrocephalus cases;

-   "Patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome present with developmental
    delay, enlarged head circumference, or signs and symptoms of
    hydrocephalus;

-   "Dandy-Walker syndrome affects males and females approximately
    equally;

-   "Seizures occur in 15 to 30 percent of patients with Dandy-Walker
    syndrome;

-   "Subnormal intelligence is manifested in 41 to 71 percent of
    patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome;

-   "Failure to diagnose Dandy-Walker syndrome with hydrocephalus in a
    Neonate or a child can cause serious neurologic complications;

-   "Dandy-Walker syndrome is named after former University of New
    Mexico neurosurgeon and professor Arthur E. Walker (1907-1995) and
    Walter E. Dandy (1883-1941), who first described the disorder in
    1914; and

-   "There are 2 known researchers dedicated to Dandy-Walker Syndrome in
    the United States and additional investigators are needed."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 163 was introduced on May
24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Health, 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. 353**---**Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that there should be an increased Federal commitment supporting the
development of innovative advanced imaging technologies for prostate
cancer detection and treatment (Cummings, D-MD)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 353 would express the sense of the
House that "Congress and the Executive Branch should recognize the
successful use of advanced imaging technologies in the fight against
breast cancer and provide additional support for the research and
development of technologies for prostate cancer detection and treatment
comparable to state-of-the-art mammograms."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The annual commemoration of Men\'s Health Week during the week
    preceding Father's Day gives new reason to consider the critical
    need to improve detection and treatment of prostate cancer;

-   "Prostate cancer has reached epidemic proportions and now strikes at
    least one in six American men, with African-American men having a 60
    percent higher incidence rate than Caucasian men and a mortality
    rate twice as high;

-   "Each year more than 230,000 American men are newly diagnosed with
    prostate cancer, more than 1,500,000 men have biopsies, and around
    30,000 men fall prey to this potential killer;

-   "It is important for men to take advantage of prostate cancer
    screening exams in order to detect the disease at the earliest
    opportunity, when it is still curable;

-   "With imaging tools, millions of dollars could be saved in our
    public and private health care systems through improved detection
    and treatment;

-   "The lack of accurate imaging tools means that biopsies can miss
    cancer even when multiple samples are taken, and current
    treatments\--either radical surgery or radiation\--can leave 50 to
    80 percent of men incontinent or impotent or both;

-   "Advanced imaging technologies could be combined with treatment
    tools to perform image-guided, minimally invasive and precisely
    targeted interventions, which will be performed in outpatient
    clinics with minimal discomfort, complications and costs and which
    will end the fear, pain, suffering and costs that prostate cancer
    causes men and their families; and

-   "Breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
    resulted from the development of advanced imaging technologies led
    by the Federal Government."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 353 was introduced on May 1,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee
on Health, which took no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 2818---Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008**

***(Perlmutter, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2818 would require the Secretary of
Veterans' Affairs to establish five "Epilepsy Centers of Excellence" to
conduct epilepsy research, education, and clinical care within 120 days
of the enactment of the bill. Each center would be located at a
Veterans' Affairs (VA) health facility.

The bill would require that each center employ expert clinical and
research staff, including neurologists and neurosurgeons as may be
necessary to carry out the requirements of the legislation. H.R. 2818
would also require the Secretary to designate a national coordinator for
epilepsy programs responsible for supervising the operations of the
centers and coordinating research, education, and clinical care carried
out by the centers.

The legislation would authorize \$5 million annually from FY 2009---FY
2013 to carry out the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence program.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to [House Report
110-722](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr722):),
there are approximately 89,000 veterans in the VA health system that
suffer from epilepsy, which is defined as having two or more seizures
that were not caused by some other know health issue. The use of
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
has caused a large increase in the number of traumatic brain injuries
suffered by U.S. service members. The long-term effects of these
traumatic brain injuries is not well known, but is thought to be a
factor in the development of epilepsy later in life. The Committee on
Veterans' Affairs reports that 53% of Vietnam veterans that suffered
"penetrating brain wounds" developed post-traumatic epilepsy after their
injuries.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 2818 was introduced on June 21,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on
Health. On June 5, 2008, the subcommittee held a mark-up and reported
the bill, as amended, by voice vote. On June 11, 2008, the full
committee held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice
vote.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: According to CBO, H.R. 2818 would
authorize \$5 million in FY 2009 and \$25 million over the FY 2009---FY
2013 period.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** According to [House
Report
110-722](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr722):),
"H.R. 2818 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or
9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: [House Report
110-722](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr722):)
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause.

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

**H. Res. 1098**---**Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the
American Veteran *(Filner, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}** H. Res. 1098 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Encourages the American people to recognize and acknowledge the
    sacrifices the American veteran demonstrates in the name of freedom;

-   "Encourages the education of the American people on the many great
    contributions of the American veteran to American society; and

-   "Supports the goals and ideals of the Year of the American Veteran."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "There are currently more than 25,000,000 veterans of the United
    States Armed Forces, residing in the United States;

-   "Those who are legally termed 'veteran' have served the United
    States honorably in either times of peace or war;

-   "By the very nature of their service, veterans have sacrificed,
    along with their families, in the name of their country;

-   "The service of veterans has and continues to guarantee the
    fundamental freedoms afforded to all Americans;

-   "The American people are grateful and appreciative of the sacrifices
    made by all veterans, past, present, and future and wish to
    especially commemorate their service; and

-   "The Commission on the Future for America's Veterans has designated
    2008 as the 'Year of the American Veteran.'"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1098 was introduced on April
10, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 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. 1231**--- **Supporting the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans
Day and calling on the American people to recognize such a day *(Shuler,
D-NC)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}** H. Res. 1231 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Supports the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day; and

-   "Calls on the American people to recognize such a day to remember
    those men and women who sacrificed their lives defending the Nation
    in the Vietnam conflict, to recognize the prisoners of war and those
    members of the Armed Forces who are missing in action, and to honor
    all Vietnam veterans who served the Nation faithfully to protect its
    freedom."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in United States
    history;

-   "More than 3,000,000 Americans served in Southeast Asia during the
    Vietnam War;

-   "More than 58,000 Americans lost their lives defending the Nation\'s
    freedom during the Vietnam conflict;

-   "304,000 additional Americans were wounded during the war;

-   "On March 29, 1973, the last remaining members of the United States
    Armed Forces withdrew from Vietnam; and

-   "The United States does not have a national day of recognition
    specifically for Vietnam veterans."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1231 was introduced on May
22, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which took
no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 2245---To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient
clinic in Wenatchee, Washington, as the Elwood "Bud" Link Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic (Hastings, R-WA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2245 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs' outpatient clinic in Wenatchee, Washington, as the
Elwood "Bud" Link Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Elwood "Bud" Link was a World
War II Navy veteran and an outspoken supporter of local veterans'
service organizations in the Wenatchee, Washington, area. Mr. Link
worked tirelessly to establish the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in
Wenatchee, but passed away before the clinic was completed. At the
clinic's official opening ceremony Sharon Helman, Acting Director of the
Spokane VA Medical Center, honored Bud Link in her remarks, saying, "Mr.
Link was the catalyst behind this project from day one; this clinic is
his legacy and we should keep him in our thoughts today." Mrs. Helen
Link, the widow of Mr. Link, was the guest of honor at the ceremony and
cut the ceremonial ribbon.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2245 was introduced on May 9,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which
took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 2245 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.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. 4264---To name the Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord
injury center in Tampa, Florida, as the "Michael Bilirakis Department of
Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center" (Miller, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4264 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs' spinal cord injury center in Tampa, Florida, as the
"Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury
Center."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Rep. Michael Bilirakis served
in the House of Representatives as a Republican from Florida's ninth
district from 1983 to 2007. Bilirakis, a Tarpon Springs, Florida, native
attended George Washington University and the university of Florida and
served in the U.S. Air Force before serving in the House. Rep. Bilirakis
served on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and worked to increase
veterans' benefits. According to the Committee of Veterans' Affairs,
"During his time in Congress, he fought for Concurrent Receipt, Survivor
Benefit Plan improvements for the widows of military retirees,
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)/Survivor Benefits, Veterans'
Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA), Benefits and Healthcare for former
Prisoners-of-War, Hospice Care for Veterans, as well as the designation
of National Women Veterans Recognition Week."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4264 was introduced on December
4, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which
took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 4264 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.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. 4289---To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient
clinic in Ponce, Puerto Rico, as the "Euripides Rubio Department of
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic" (Fortuno, R-PR)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4289 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Ponce, Puerto Rico, as the
"Euripides Rubio Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Captain Euripides Rubio was a
Puerto Rican Officer in the U.S. Army, who received the Congressional
Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" while serving in
Vietnam in 1966. According to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs:

> Captain Rubio's company came under attack from the North Vietnamese
> Army; leaving the safety of his post, Rubio received two serious
> wounds as he braved the intense enemy fire to distribute ammunition,
> re-establish positions and render aid to the wounded. Despite his
> pain, he assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically
> evacuated. He was then wounded a third time as he tried to move
> amongst his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort.\
> \
> While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a U.S.
> smoke grenade, which was intended to mark the Viet Cong's position for
> an air strike, had fallen dangerously close to friendly lines---he ran
> to move the grenade, but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy
> fire. Despite his wounds, Rubio managed to collect the grenade and run
> through enemy fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and throw
> the by-then already smoking grenade into the enemy before he fell for
> the final time. Using the now-repositioned grenade as a marker,
> friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions.

Captain Rubio was killed on November 8, 1966, in Tay Ninh Province,
Vietnam. He was posthumously given the Congressional Medal of Honor and
buried in Puerto Rico National Cemetery.\
\
**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4289 was introduced on December
5, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which
took no official action.\
\
[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 4289 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.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. 4918---To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center
in Miami, Florida, as the "Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center" (Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4918 would designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs medical center in Miami, Florida, as the "Bruce W.
Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."\
\
**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Private First Class Bruce W.
Carter was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1969
for heroism displayed in Vietnam. Carter distinguished himself as his
Marine unit came under fire on August 7, 1969. According to the Medal of
Honor citation, Carter engaged the enemy as his unit came under fire and
led an attack into heavy resistance. As Carter led his fellow Marines in
pursuit of the enemy, an enemy hand grenade landed between him and his
companions. Carter threw himself on the grenade and gave his life to
save the men around him. For his courage Carter received the Medal of
Honor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, and the
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.\
\
**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4918 was introduced on December
19, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
which took no official action.\
\
[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 4918 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.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. 1291**---**Expressing gratitude for the contributions of the
American GI Forum on its 60th anniversary *(Rodriguez, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1291 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Recognizes the need for equal access to veterans' benefits for all
    who have honorably served;

-   "Supports the goals, ideals, and deeds of the American GI Forum and
    its members;

-   "Commends the work of the American GI Forum on its 60th anniversary;
    and

-   "Encourages others to join with the American GI Forum to ensure that
    veterans are never again denied the benefits they rightfully
    deserve."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Millions of veterans returning home from World War II looked to the
    guarantee of educational, medical, housing, and other basic benefits
    provided by the GI bill;

-   "These benefits were denied in large part to Americans of Mexican
    descent and other Hispanics throughout the United States;

-   "The American GI Forum was founded in 1948 by Army Major Hector P.
    Garcia, a physician from Corpus Christi, Texas, in response to such
    inequities;

-   "The Forum's motto is 'Education Is Our Freedom and Freedom Should
    Be Everybody's Business';

-   "In 1998 the Forum was granted a Federal charter pursuant to an Act
    of Congress (Public Law 105-231);

-   "One of the purposes expressed in the Forum's charter is 'fostering
    and enlarging equal educational opportunities, equal economic
    opportunities, equal justice under the law, and equal political
    opportunities for all United States citizens, regardless of race,
    color, religion, sex, or national origin';

-   "The Forum's Veterans Outreach Program is based in San Antonio,
    Texas, and provides training, employment, and counseling for
    veterans in the Southwestern United States; and

-   "The American GI Forum continues to be a beacon of hope and an
    avenue for involvement for returning veterans and ordinary citizens
    aspiring to improve conditions within their own communities."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1291 was introduced on June
20, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 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. 1271**---**Recognizing National Homeownership Month and the
importance of homeownership in the United States (Miller, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1271 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Fully supports the goals and ideals of National Homeownership
    Month; and

-   "Recognizes the importance of homeownership in building strong
    communities and families."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The President of the United States has issued a proclamation
    designating the month of June 2008 as National Homeownership Month;

-   "The people of the United States are one of the best-housed
    populations in the world;

-   "Owning a home is a fundamental part of the American dream and is
    the largest personal investment many families will ever make;

-   "Homeownership provides economic security for homeowners by aiding
    them in building wealth over time and strengthens communities
    through a greater stake among homeowners in local schools, civic
    organizations, and churches;

-   "Creating affordable homeownership opportunities requires the
    commitment and cooperation of the private, public, and nonprofit
    sectors, including the Federal Government and State and local
    governments;

-   "Homeownership can be sustained through appropriate homeownership
    education and informed borrowers; and

-   "Affordable homeownership will play a vital role in resolving the
    crisis in the United States housing market."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1271 was introduced on June
12, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 6312---Credit Union, Bank, and Thrift Regulatory Relief Act of
2008**

***(Kanjorsky, D-PA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 6312 would amend current law to expand a
number of current investment limitations on credit unions. The bill
would also allow credit unions to offer services in "underserved areas"
and increase certain investment limitations on savings and loans.

*[Credit Unions]{.underline}*: H.R. 6312 would authorize an individual
federal credit union to invest up to 10% of its total net worth into
private investment securities for its own accounts. The bill would also
authorize credit unions to increase the amount of their shares and
earnings that could be invested into credit union service organizations
from 1% to 3%. The bill would also authorize credit unions to exempt
non-profit religious organizations from certain loan limitations set on
credit union members.

H.R. 6312 would provide every credit union with an exemption from
pre-merger notification requirements and fees with regard to anti-trust
reviews carried out by the Federal Trade Commission. Under current law,
banks already receive this exemption. The bill would also authorize a
credit union to offer check cashing and wire transfers to anyone that
meets eligibility to be a credit union member.

The legislation allows any credit union to expand their services to
communities that meet necessary income, unemployment, rural, and other
distress criteria to be considered an "underserved area." Under current
law, only credit unions with multiple common bond charters are permitted
to offer service in these areas. The bill would expand the definition of
an "underserved area" to include areas that have less than 50% of
residents with an annual income of \$75,000 or more. Any credit union
serving in an "underserved area" would be required to establish a
facility in the area within 24 months of gaining approval from the
National Credit Union Association (NCUA).

H.R. 6312 allows credit union boards increased flexibility in expelling
members with only a majority of vote, rather than two-thirds as is
currently required. Under the bill, credit union boards would also be
authorized to limit the terms of board members to increase varied
representation.

In addition, the bill would allow credit unions to make short-term loans
as an alternative to pay-day loans. Such loans could not exceed \$1,000
or have a term longer than 90 days. The bill would also require the NCUA
to establish a way to determine how a portion of a credit union's
membership that is located outside of the community where the credit
union is located could be satisfactorily served.

*[Savings Association Provisions]{.underline}*: H.R. 6312 would
authorize federal savings and loan associations to invest up to 5% of
their capital and surplus into one or more small business investment
companies. The bill would also remove limitations on savings and loans'
investment in loans and leases for motor vehicles, which is currently
limited to 35% of the association's assets.

H.R. 6312 would eliminate the savings and loans' lending limit on small
business loans and increases the lending limit on other business loans
from 10 percent to 20 percent of assets. The legislation increases the
limit on commercial real estate loans from 400% to 500% of savings and
loans' capital and would allow savings associations to offer accounts
with interest.

*[Notice Provisions]{.underline}*: H.R. 6312 amends provision of the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act in order to allow the NCUA and other federal
banking agencies to share information and data with state and federal
agencies that have regulatory power over financial institutions.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: In 2006, Congress passed H.R.
3505, the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act, which overhauled
banking regulations. However, certain provisions in the House-passed
version of the bill regarding credit union regulation relief were not
included in the final version of the bill that became public law. During
the 110^th^ Congress, a number of bills have been offered that included
regulatory changes for credit unions, including the Credit Union
Regulatory Improvements Act (CURIA) and the Credit Union Regulatory
Relief Act (CURRA), neither of which were considered on the floor of the
House. H.R. 6307, under consideration today, contains some provisions
that were in previous credit union legislation, as well as language
regarding regulatory relief for savings and loans.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 6312 was introduced on June 19,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which took no
official action.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: A CBO score for H.R. 6312 was not
available.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report for
H.R. 6312 was not available.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report for H.R.
6312 was not available.

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

**H. Con. Res. 370---** **Expressing support for designation of
September 2008 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" and honoring gospel
music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of
the United States\
(*Jackson-Lee, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 370 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 370 would express that Congress
supports the designation of 'Gospel Music Heritage Month' which would
recognize the contributions to the culture of the United States derived
from the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists.

The bill lists numerous findings, including the following:

-   "gospel music is a beloved art form unique to the United States,
    spanning decades, generations, and races;

-   "gospel music is one of the cornerstones of the musical tradition of
    the United States and has grown beyond its roots to achieve
    pop-culture and historical relevance;

-   "gospel music has spread beyond its geographic origins to touch
    audiences around the world;

-   "the history of gospel music can be traced to multiple and diverse
    influences and foundations, including African-American spirituals
    that blended diverse elements from African music and melodic
    influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and gospel music
    ultimately borrowed from uniquely American musical styles including
    ragtime, jazz, and blues;

-   "that tradition of diversity remains today, as the influence of
    gospel music can be found infused in all forms of secular music,
    including rock and roll, country, soul, rhythm and blues, and
    countless other styles;

-   "the legacy of gospel music includes some of the most memorable
    voices and musical pioneers in the history of the United States,
    such as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta
    Martin, Virgil Stamps, Diana Washington, Stamps Quartet, The Highway
    QCs, The Statesmen, The Soul Stirrers, Point of Grace, Smokie
    Norful, Terry Woods, James Cleveland, Billy Ray Hearns, Rex Humbard,
    Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, V. Michael
    McKay, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Sandi
    Patty, The Winans, Kathy Taylor, and Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher,
    Shirley Joiner of B, C & S;

-   "many of the biggest names in music emerged from the gospel music
    tradition or have recorded gospel music, including Sam Cooke, Al
    Green, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston,
    Little Richard, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Dolly
    Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis;

-   "regardless of their musical styles, those artists and so many more
    have turned to gospel music as the source and inspiration for their
    music, which has blurred the boundaries between secular and gospel
    music;

-   "beyond its contribution to the musical tradition of the United
    States, gospel music has provided a cultural and musical backdrop
    across all of mainstream media, from hit television series to major
    Hollywood motion pictures, including 'American Idol', 'Heroes',
    'Dancing with the Stars', 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', 'Sister
    Act', 'The Preacher's Wife', 'Evan Almighty', and more;

-   "gospel music has a huge audience around the country and around the
    world, a testament to the universal appeal of a historical American
    art form that both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic,
    religious, and geographic boundaries; and

-   "September 2008 would be an appropriate month to designate as
    'Gospel Music Heritage Month'."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H. Con. Res. 370 was introduced on June
10, 2008 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which ordered the bill by reported 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; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H. Res. 1283---** **Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and
their families following the tornado that hit Little Sioux, Iowa, on
June 11, 2008 (Terry, R-NE)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1283 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1283 would express that the House of
Representatives

-   "expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims and their families
    of the tornado in Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008; and

-   "conveys its gratitude to the city and county officials, police,
    fire department, sheriff, volunteer, and emergency medical teams who
    responded swiftly to the scene to treat the wounded."

The bill lists numerous findings, including the following:

-   "the Boy Scouts attending the Little Sioux Scout Ranch for the
    annual Pohuk Pride Junior Leadership training course suffered
    through a horrific tornado;

-   "on June 11, 2008, the tornado hit the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch
    near Little Sioux, Iowa, at 6:35 p.m., killing 4 youths and injuring
    43 other people at the camp;

-   "Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch, which spans 1,800 acres, is located
    in the Loess Hills in western Iowa, close to the border with
    Nebraska, about 40 miles north of Omaha;

-   "the tornado caused a giant rock chimney to collapse in the
    bunkhouse where the Boy Scouts were seeking shelter;

-   "the devastation of the tornado resulted in the deaths of Sam
    Thomsen, Josh Fennen, Ben Petrzilka, and Aaron Eilerts;

-   "Sam Thomsen of Omaha, Nebraska, was 13 years old and the son of
    Sharon and Larry Thomsen;

-   "Sharon Thomsen referred to Sam as the family's 'miracle' baby, as
    he was born more than 3 months premature, but luckily had no lasting
    health problems;

-   "Sam Thomsen, who loved camping, Jesus, football, and the Nebraska
    Cornhuskers, as a member of Troop 26 and wanted to eventually become
    an Eagle Scout;

-   "Sam was about to turn 14 years old on June 16, 2008, and he had
    asked his parents for tickets to the College World Series as his
    birthday present;

-   "Josh Fennen of Omaha, Nebraska, was 13 years old, had just finished
    the 8th grade, and was the son of Charles and Dorothy Fennen;

-   "Josh Fennen, a member of Troop 331, was confident and inquisitive,
    with natural leadership abilities;

-   "according to Josh Fennen's middle school principal, Josh was a
    'good student, a hard worker, and he was always trying to be
    creative';

-   "Ben Petrzilka of Omaha, Nebraska, was 13 years old and the son of
    Bryan and Arnell Petrzilka;

-   "Ben Petrzilka had just finished 7th grade at Mary Our Queen
    Catholic School and often spent time fishing and hunting with his
    father;

-   "Ben Petrzilka had been a member of Troop 448 for 3 years and had
    reached First Class rank, 3 steps below Eagle, and was assistant
    leader of the Ninja Patrol of Troop 448;

-   "Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Groove, Iowa, was 14 years old and a member
    of Boy Scout Troop 108;

-   "Aaron Eilerts was always doing things for others, whether it was
    creating brightly colored pillowcases for patients at local
    hospitals, making fleece blankets for dogs at the Humane Society, or
    making table centerpieces for the senior citizen dining center in
    Eagle Grove;

-   "Aaron Eilerts, an aspiring chef with an obsession with Elvis, was
    very involved in his community, as he often performed 'The Star
    Spangled Banner' at local sporting events, participated in football,
    ran cross country, and was involved in both band and choir;

-   "all the Boy Scouts exhibited extraordinary leadership by executing
    techniques they had recently been taught in a mock emergency drill
    just a day before the tornado hit;

-   "the Boy Scouts removed stones that had fallen onto fellow Scouts,
    tied tourniquets around the limbs of the wounded, helped pull the
    injured out of the rubble, carried the injured on stretchers, and
    kept their composure in the face of disaster;

-   "the 43 injured people were taken to 5 hospitals: Creighton
    University Medical Center in Omaha; Mercy Medical Center in Sioux
    City, Iowa; Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa; Community Memorial
    Hospital in Missouri Valley, Iowa; and Memorial Community Hospital
    in Blair, Nebraska;

-   "the majority of those injured and sent to area hospitals received
    treatment and were released;

-   "first responders and officers of the Little Sioux Volunteer Fire
    Department, Monona Country Emergency Management, Decatur Volunteer
    Fire Department, Fort Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department, Monona
    County Sheriff\'s Department, Harrison County Sheriff\'s Department,
    Iowa State Patrol, Iowa National Guard, Red Cross, and Mercy Air
    Care arrived at the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch within 10 minutes
    and walked through the rain on a muddy road to reach the campers, as
    fallen trees in the heavily timbered park blocked their vehicles;

-   "on June 12, 2008, Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Nebraska Governor
    Dave Heineman met with families of the victims, expressed their
    condolences, and thanked those who helped during the disaster;

-   "Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff toured
    the camp on June 12, 2008, and said it appeared that the Boy Scouts
    'didn\'t have a chance' and that the tornado came through the camp
    'like a bowling ball'; and

-   "the Boy Scout community will grieve the loss and celebrate the
    lives of those who died in this horrific natural disaster for months
    and years to come."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H. Res. 1283 was introduced on June 18,
2008 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which ordered the bill by reported 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; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H. Con. Res. 195---** **Expressing the sense of the Congress that a
National Dysphagia Awareness Month should be established (Wamp, R-TN)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 195 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 195 would express that it is the
sense of the Congress that a National Dysphagia Awareness Month should
be established.

The bill lists numerous findings, including the following:

-   "dysphagia, or difficulty with swallowing, is a medical dysfunction
    that affects as many as 15,000,000 Americans;

-   "the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that
    1,000,000 people in the United States annually are diagnosed with
    dysphagia;

-   "the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has estimated that
    60,000 Americans die annually from complications associated with
    dysphagia;

-   "based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mortality data,
    this is more than the total number of Americans dying from all forms
    of liver disease, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS combined\--and nearly
    as many as those dying from diabetes, the number 6 killer of
    Americans;

-   "the most common complication arising from dysphagia is aspiration
    pneumonia\--caused by food or saliva entering the windpipe and into
    the lungs;

-   "one in 17 people will develop some form of dysphagia in their
    lifetime, including 50 to 75 percent of stroke patients and 60 to 75
    percent of patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck
    cancer;

-   "as many as half of all Americans over 60 will experience dysphagia
    at some point;

-   "complications due to dysphagia increase health care costs by
    resultant hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, extended
    hospital stays, the necessity for long-term institutional care, and
    the need for expensive respiratory and nutritional support;

-   "the cost of managing a patient with a feeding tube, which for many
    has been the primary treatment option for this condition, is
    reported to average over \$31,000 per patient per year;

-   "the total annual cost to Medicare just for enteral feeding supplies
    for outpatients was more than \$670,000,000 in 2003, nearly 6
    percent of the total Medicare budget for that year;

-   "including the monies spent in hospitals, the total cost of
    dysphagia to the health care system is well over \$1,000,000,000
    annually;

-   "the condition of dysphagia is a vastly underreported condition and
    not widely understood by the general public; and

-   "observing June 2008 as National Dysphagia Awareness Month would
    raise public awareness about dysphagia and the need for early
    detection and treatment."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H. Con. Res. 195 was introduced on July
27, 2007 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, and ordered the bill reported by voice vote on June 12, 2008.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline} No.\
\
[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline} No.\
\
[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H.R. 4010---** **To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 100 West Percy Street in Indianola, Mississippi, as
the "Minnie Cox Post Office Building" *(Thompson, D-MS)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4010 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 100 West Percy Street in
Indianola, Mississippi, as the "Minnie Cox Post Office Building".

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the [African
American Registry](http://www.aaregistry.com/detail.php?id=2664):

> Minnie Cox was an African-American teacher, and postal administrator.
> Minnie M. Geddings Cox was one of two daughters born to William and
> Mary Geddings of Lexington, Mississippi. She graduated from Fisk
> University and first taught school at the common schools in Lexington.
> Soon after married and assisted her husband, Wayne, when he was
> principal of the Indianola Colored Public School. In 1891, President
> Benjamin Harrison appointed Cox postmistress of Indianola, and was
> reappointed by President William McKinley; becoming first Black
> postmistress of the United States.\
> \
> On January 25, 1900, McKinley raised her rank from fourth class to
> third class and appointed Mrs. Cox for a full four-year term. However,
> in the fall of 1902 under the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt a
> controversy brought national attention to Mrs. Cox. Jim Crow Laws
> overran Reconstruction in America and whites wanted Blacks eliminated
> from leadership positions. Some of the local whites in Indianola met
> and drew up a petition requesting Cox's resignation. Increased tension
> and threats of physical harm caused Cox to submit her resignation to
> take effect January 1, 1903.\
> \
> Roosevelt felt Mrs. Cox had been wronged, and that the authority of
> the federal government was being compromised and refused to accept her
> resignation. Instead, he closed Indianola's post office on January 2,
> 1903, rerouted the mail to Greenville, MS, and Cox continued to
> receive her salary. Also for four hours in January 1903, the Indianola
> postal event was debated on the floor of the United States Senate, and
> appeared on the front pages of newspapers across the country. A year
> later, at the expiration of Mrs. Cox's term, in February 1904 the post
> office was reopened, but demoted in rank from third class to fourth
> class. Minnie Cox died in 1933.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4010 was introduced on October
30, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, and ordered the bill reported by voice vote on June
12, 2008.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 4010 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.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: 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. Res. 970---** **Expressing support for designation of June 30 as
"National Corvette Day" (Shimkus, R-IL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 970 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 970 would express that it is the
sense of the United States House of Representatives that they support
the designation of a 'National Corvette Day' to honor the Chevrolet
Corvette.

The bill lists numerous findings, including the following:

-   "the Chevrolet Corvette is America's first sports car;

-   "the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, Michigan,
    assembly line on June 30, 1953;

-   "the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky;

-   "the Corvette is the most widely respected production sports car in
    United States history;

-   "the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride;

-   "General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008; and

-   "the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to designate as
    'National Corvette Day'."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H. Res. 970 was introduced on February
7, 2008 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, and ordered the bill reported by voice vote on June 20, 2008.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline} No.\
\
[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline} No.\
\
[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H. Con. Res. 365---** **Honoring the life of Robert Mondavi
*(Thompson, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 365 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 365 would express that intent of
Congress to honor the life of Robert Mondavi, a true pioneer and
patriarch of the California wine industry.

The bill lists numerous findings, including the following:

-   "Robert Mondavi, a much-loved and admired man of many talents,
    passed away on May 16, 2008, at the age of 94;

-   "Robert Mondavi will be fondly and most famously remembered for his
    work in producing and promoting California wines on an international
    scale;

-   "Robert Gerald Mondavi was born to Italian immigrant parents, Cesare
    and Rose, on June 18, 1913, in Virginia, Minnesota, and his family
    later moved to Lodi, California, where he attended Lodi High School;

-   "after graduating from Stanford University in 1937 with a degree in
    economics and business administration, Robert Mondavi joined his
    father and younger brother, Peter, in running the Charles Krug
    Winery in the Napa Valley of California;

-   "Robert Mondavi left Krug Winery in 1965 to establish his own winery
    in the Napa Valley, and, in 1966, motivated by his vision that
    California could produce world-class wines, he founded the first
    major winery built in Napa Valley since Prohibition, the Robert
    Mondavi Winery;

-   "in the later 1960s, the release of the Robert Mondavi Winery's
    Cabernet Sauvignon opened the eyes of the world to the potential of
    the Napa Valley region;

-   "Robert Mondavi introduced new and innovative techniques of wine
    production, such as the use of stainless steel tanks to produce
    wines, like his now-legendary Fume Blanc;

-   "as a tireless advocate for California wine and food, and the Napa
    Valley, Robert Mondavi was convinced that California wines could
    compete with established European brands, and his confidence in the
    potential of Napa Valley wines was confirmed in 1976 when California
    wines defeated some well-known French vintages at the historic Paris
    Wine Tasting, or 'Judgement of Paris', wine competition;

-   "in the late 1970s, Robert Mondavi created the first French-American
    wine venture when he joined with Baron Philippe de Rothschild in
    creating the Opus One Winery in Oakville, which produced its first
    vintage in 1979;

-   "the success of the Robert Mondavi Winery, and the many
    international ventures Robert Mondavi pursued, allowed him to donate
    generously to various charitable causes, including the Robert
    Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and Robert and Margrit
    Mondavi Center for Performing Arts, both affiliated with the
    University of California, Davis, and the establishment of the
    American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts;

-   "those who knew Robert Mondavi recognized him as a uniquely
    passionate and brilliant man who took pride in promoting causes that
    he held close to his heart;

-   "Robert Mondavi's work as an ambassador for wine will be remembered
    fondly by all those whose lives he touched; and

-   "Robert Mondavi will be deeply missed in the Napa Valley, in
    California, and throughout the world."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H. Con. Res. 365 was introduced on May
22, 2008 and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, and ordered the bill reported by voice vote on June 20, 2008.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline} No.\
\
[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline} No.\
\
[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H.R. 5687---Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008**

**(*Clay, D-MO)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5687 would amend the Federal Advisory
Committee Act to require that appointments to advisory committees be
made without regard to political affiliation or activity, unless it is
required by federal statute.

The bill would require that each appointee fill out conflict of interest
information, and requires that each agency head ensures that no
individual who has a relevant conflict of interest is appointed to an
advisory committee that reports to the agency (unless the conflict is
unavoidable and the need for the individual's service outweighs the
potential impacts of the conflict) and that the advisory committee
reports are the result of the committee's judgment, independent from the
agency. The bill would require public disclosure of any conflicts of
interest.

Section three of the bill refers to an individual who is not a full-time
or permanent part-time officer or employee of the federal government as
a member of a committee if the individual regular attends and
participates in committee meetings as if the individual were a member.
The individual is considered a committee member even if the individual
does not have the right to vote or veto the committee's advice or
recommendations.

Section four of the bill requires the public disclosure of any
communication between an interagency advisory committee established by
the President or the Vice President and a person who is not a federal
officer or employee. The bill requires agency heads to make such
information available electronically 15 days before each meeting and
requires the Administrator of General Services to provide electronic
access to such information on the General Services Administration\'s
(GSA) official public Internet site.

H.R. 5687 requires that a committee charter include:

-   the authority under which the committee is established;

-   the estimated number of members and a description of the expertise
    needed to carry out the committee's objectives;

-   a description of whether the committee will be composed of special
    government employees, representatives, or members from both
    categories; and

-   whether the committee has the authority to create subcommittees and,
    if so, the individual authorized to exercise such authority.

The bill requires the Comptroller General to review and report on the
compliance by agencies with such Act, including whether agencies are
appropriately appointing advisory committee members as either special
government employees or representatives.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 5687 was introduced on April 3,
2008, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. On April 9, 2008, the committee held a mark-up and reported the
bill, as amended, by voice vote.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: According to CBO, H.R. 5687 would "cost
\$25 million in 2009 and \$125 million over the 2009-2013 period,
assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts."

**[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 the Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform, in [House Report
110-650](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr650):http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr687)),
"H.R. 5687 does not include any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or
9(f) of rule XXI."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Committee on Oversight
and Government Reform, in [House Report
110-650](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr650):http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr687)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18,
"which grants Congress the right to make all Laws which shall be
necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers,
and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of
the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

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