![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin................................................May 13, 2008**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.R. 6022---** To suspend the acquisition of petroleum for the
> Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes
>
> **H.Res. 1134---**Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health
> Month

**H.Res. 1176---**Supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day

> **H.Res. 1133---**Congratulating Winona State University on winning
> the 2008 Division II men's basketball championships
>
> **H.Res. 1173---**Recognizing AmeriCorps Week
>
> **H.Res. 789---**Honoring public child welfare agencies, nonprofit
> organizations and private entities providing services for foster
> children
>
> **H.R. 4008---**Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act
>
> **H.R. 6021---**Residency Preferences and Limitations on Housing
> Assistance
>
> **H.R. 5872---**Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin
> Act
>
> **H.R. 5614---**Original Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Ultra-High Relief
> Bullion Coin Act
>
> **H.R. 406---**Alice Paul Women's Suffrage Congressional Gold Medal
> Act
>
> **H.R. 2894---S**tar-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial
> Commemorative Coin Act
>
> **H.Res. 1181---**Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of
> Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by
> Cyclone Nargis
>
> **H.R. 5916---**Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act
> of 2008 as amended
>
> **H.R. 5834---**North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008
> as amended

**H.R. 6022---** **To suspend the acquisition of petroleum for the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes *(Welch, D-VT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 6022 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 6022 would direct the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Energy to suspend the acquisition of
petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The bill would
specify that after 30 days from the day that the President notifies
Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United
States for the most recent 90-day period is \$75 or less per barrel, the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy may resume
acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The bill specifies that any existing contracts to except oil may be
accepted. In the case of any oil scheduled to be delivered to the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve pursuant to a contract entered into by the
Secretary of Energy prior to, and in effect on, the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall negotiate a deferral of the delivery of
the oil in accordance with procedures of the Department of Energy.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to an [Associated
Press
article](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080513/ap_on_go_co/congress_energy&printer=1;_ylt=AvNGWTEYNeZqhv6KrVa87eiMwfIE)
published today,

> Both the House and Senate are expected to approve, with bipartisan
> support, legislation Tuesday directing Bush to temporarily halt the
> shipment of about 70,000 barrels of oil a day to the Strategic
> Petroleum Reserve.
>
> Bush has refused to do so, arguing that this small amount of oil won't
> impact prices and that for security reasons he wants to increase the
> stockpile to its full capacity of 726 million barrels. It now has
> about 701 million barrels, equal to nearly two months of oil imports
> ...

"Our position hasn\'t changed," said White House press secretary Dana
Perino on Monday.

> She said the president believes the emergency reserve needs to be
> increased "in order to protect ourselves against oil shocks" and that
> the oil being put \[in the SPR\] --- a tenth of one percent of global
> production --- "would have a negligible impact on gas prices" if put
> into the market.
>
> The government obtains the oil in lieu of royalties that otherwise
> would be paid by producers who pump it from federal land. If shipments
> were halted, the oil would flow into the open market.
>
> Many Democrats and Republicans in Congress say it doesn't make sense
> for the government to essentially purchase oil for a reserve 97
> percent full when crude is costing more than \$120 a barrel ...
>
> Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico, the top Republican on the Energy and
> Natural Resources Committee, said that "it's clear that many
> Republicans and Democrats agree that given the high price of gasoline
> it would be wise to suspend shipments to the SPR for the time being."
>
> How much such a move would influence prices --- if at all --- is
> unclear.
>
> "Taking barrels of oil off the market to put in the reserve puts
> upward pressure on markets," Frank Rusco, acting director of the
> Government Accountability Office, the Congress' investigative arm,
> told a hearing recently. Some lawmakers believe such a move could send
> a signal to oil markets and tone down speculation.
>
> "We don't think it would have a big enough impact on prices for
> anybody to really notice," said Perino, when asked about the push in
> Congress to force the president to halt the shipments.

**[Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: The Strategic Petroleum Reserve
(SPR) has many implications regarding the safety of our nation. Some
conservatives may be concerned that an issue which rises to this level
of importance should not be considered under the suspension of the
rules, but instead, warrants full debate time and consideration under a
rule.

Furthermore, some conservatives may be concerned that suspending future
petroleum to the SPR may be a detriment in our efforts to support the
war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because the SPR is designed to be utilized
in a time of emergency, and during war time, some conservatives may be
concerned that this bill would prevent us from ensuring that we are
fully supplied with the oil reserves that we need.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 6022 was introduced on May 12,
2008, and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well
as the Committee on Natural Resources. No further action was taken by
either Committee.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 6022 was not
available at press time.

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

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

**H.Res. 1134---** **Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health
Month (*Napolitano, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1134 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1134 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month in order to
    emphasize scientific facts and findings regarding mental health and
    to remove the stigma associated therewith;

-   "recognizes that mental well-being is equally as important as
    physical well-being for our citizens, our communities, our
    businesses, our economy, and our Nation;

-   "applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in
    working to promote public awareness of mental health, and providing
    critical information and support to the people and families affected
    by mental illness;

-   "supports the findings of the President's Commission on Mental
    Health that the Nation's failure to prioritize mental health is a
    national tragedy; and

-   "encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental
    Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and
    awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support
    overall quality of life for those with mental illness."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "more than 57,000,000 Americans suffer from a mental illness;

-   "approximately 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable mental disorder;

-   "more than 1 in 5 of our troops suffer from major depression or post
    traumatic stress disorder;

-   "more than half of all prison and jail inmates suffer from mental
    illness;

-   "mental illness is the most common disability in our Nation;

-   "untreated mental illness costs businesses and the American economy
    over \$150,000,000,000 annually;

-   "untreated mental illness is a leading cause of absenteeism and lost
    productivity in the workplace;

-   "in 2004, over 32,000 individuals committed suicide in the United
    States, at twice the rate of homicides;

-   "suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between
    the ages of 10 and 24;

-   "in 2004, individuals aged 65 and older made up only 12.4 percent of
    the population, but accounted for 16 percent of all suicides, and
    the rate of suicide among older Americans is higher than for any
    other age group;

-   "1 in 4 Latina adolescents report seriously contemplating suicide, a
    rate higher than any other demographic;

-   "studies report that persons with serious mental illness die, on
    average, 25 years earlier than the general population; and

-   "it would be appropriate to designate May 2008 as Mental Health
    Month."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 1134 introduced on April 23,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H.Res. 1176---** **Supporting the goals and ideals of National Train
Day *(Brown, D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1176 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1176 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes the contribution trains make to the national
    transportation system;

-   "urges the people of the United States to recognize such a day as an
    opportunity to learn more about trains; and

-   "supports the goals and ideals of National Train Day as designated
    by Amtrak."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on May 10, 1869, the 'golden spike' was driven into the final tie
    at Promontory Summit, Utah, to join the Central Pacific and the
    Union Pacific Railroads, ceremonially completing the first
    transcontinental railroad and therefore connecting both coasts of
    the United States;

-   "in highly populated regions, Amtrak trains and infrastructure carry
    commuters to and from work in congested metropolitan areas providing
    a reliable rail option, reducing congestion on roads and in the
    skies;

-   "for many rural Americans, Amtrak represents the only major
    intercity transportation link to the rest of the country;

-   "passenger rail provides a more fuel-efficient transportation system
    thereby providing cleaner transportation alternatives and energy
    security;

-   "passenger railroads emit only 0.2 percent of the travel industry's
    total greenhouse gases;

-   "Amtrak annually provides intercity passenger rail travel to over
    25,000,000 Americans residing in 46 States;

-   "an increasing number of people are using trains for travel purposes
    beyond commuting to and from work;

-   "our railroad stations are a source of civic pride, a gateway to our
    communities, and a tool for economic growth; and

-   "Amtrak has designated May 10, 2008, as National Train Day to
    celebrate the way trains connect people and places."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1176 was introduced on May 6,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no official action.

**[Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Many conservatives may be
concerned that Amtrak's model for providing intercity rail service has
been a failure since it began service in 1971. Historically, it has
carried less than 1% of the traveling public, has required annual
federal subsidies to cover operating losses and capital costs every year
of its existence---to date some \$29 billion in taxpayer
resources---lacks adequate cost controls, has deferred capital repair
projects and confronts increasing debt service costs. Due in part to
ridership decline, Amtrak's costs continue to rise faster than its
revenue. According to the most recent data, on a fully allocated basis
(including both interest and depreciation) every one of Amtrak's routes
loses money, with a per-passenger subsidy ranging from \$3 to \$466. But
the fundamental obstacle faced is an economic one: Amtrak is not cost or
time competitive with other transportation modes. Simply put, if allowed
to choose, most of the traveling public prefers the car, bus or plane to
travel---only Congress' protection of the status quo has shielded Amtrak
from this basic market reality.

Previous RSC budgets have proposed to reduce and eventually end over 30
years of taxpayer subsidization of a failed government monopoly.

**[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>.

**H.Res. 1133---** **Congratulating Winona State University on winning
the 2008 Division II men's basketball championships *(Walz, D-MN)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1133 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1133 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "congratulates the Winona State University Warriors for winning the
    2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Basketball
    National Championship; and

-   "recognizes Bryce Welch, Brad Meyer, Travis Whipple, Quincy
    Henderson, Curtrel Robinson, Ben Fischer, Brent Riese, Jonte
    Flowers, David Johnson, Jon Walburg, Luke Doedens, Max Hintz, Josh
    Korth, Matt Smith, Shane Neiss, Ryan Gargaro, John Smith, Mike
    Muller, head coach Mike Leaf, and all other coaches and support
    staff who were instrumental in this achievement."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on March 29, 2008, the Winona State University Warriors of Winona,
    Minnesota, won the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association
    (NCAA) Division II National Basketball Championship with a victory
    over Georgia\'s Augusta State University, with a score of 87-76 in
    Springfield, Massachusetts;

-   "Jonte Flowers was named the 2008 NCAA Division II Elite Eight
    Tournament's Most Outstanding Player for his performance throughout
    the tournament;

-   "Jonte Flowers also holds the NCAA Division II record for player
    career steals, with 414;

-   "the Warriors finished the 2008 season with a record of 38-1, an
    NCAA Division II record for most victories in a season by an NCAA
    men's basketball team;

-   "over the past 3 years, the team's overall record is an impressive
    105-6;

-   "the senior class, which includes John Smith, Jonte Flowers, Quincy
    Henderson, Shane Neiss, and Brent Riese, accrued a record of 129-17
    in their 3 years of play together at Winona State University;

-   "John Smith was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year by
    four separate organizations, which include 2 consecutive years of
    recognition from Basketball Times and DII Bulletin, as well as the
    National Association of Basketball Coaches, for his outstanding
    performance throughout the year;

-   "John Smith also holds the NCAA Division II record for consecutive
    starts, with 146;

-   "the Winona State University Warriors men's basketball team boasts
    two national titles from 2006 and 2008, three straight North Central
    Region titles from 2006, 2007, and 2008, four straight regular
    season championships, and three straight conference tournament
    championships;

-   "head coach Mike Leaf has been named the Northern Sun
    Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year four times and National
    Coach of the Year two times; and

-   "in 2006 and 2007, the team broke the NCAA Division II consecutive
    win record by winning 57 straight games."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1133 was introduced on April
22, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor,
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}**: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>.

**H.Res. 1173---** **Recognizing AmeriCorps Week *(Matsui, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1173 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1173 would express the sense that the
House:

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

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

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

-   "encourages citizens of all ages to consider serving in AmeriCorps."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the AmeriCorps national service program, since its inception in
    1994, has proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans in
    meeting a wide range of local needs, national response directives,
    and promote the ethic of service and volunteering;

-   "over \$5,000,000,000 in AmeriCorps funds invested in nonprofit,
    community, educational, and faith-based community groups since 1994
    have leveraged hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funds
    and in-kind donations from other sources;

-   "each year, AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 75,000 citizens
    across the Nation to give back in an intensive way to our districts,
    our States, and our Nation;

-   "a total of 542,000 citizens since 1994 across the Nation haven
    taken the AmeriCorps pledge to 'get things done for America' by
    becoming AmeriCorps members;

-   "those same individuals have served a total of more than 705,000,000
    hours nationwide, helping to improve the lives of our Nation's most
    vulnerable citizens, protect our environment, contribute to our
    public safety, respond to disasters, and strengthen our educational
    system;

-   "AmeriCorps members last year recruited and supervised more than
    1,700,000 community volunteers, demonstrating AmeriCorps value as a
    powerful volunteer catalyst and force multiplier;

-   "AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have
    earned nearly \$1,430,000,000 to use to further their own
    educational advancement at our Nation's colleges and universities;

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

-   "AmeriCorps members served 4,100 nonprofit organizations, schools,
    and faith-based and community organizations last year; and

-   "2008's AmeriCorps Week, observed May 11 through May 18, is an
    opportune time for the people of the United States to salute current
    and former AmeriCorps members for their powerful impact, thank all
    of AmeriCorps' community partners in our Nation who make the program
    possible and bring more Americans into service."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1173 was introduced on May 5,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor, which
took no official action.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: H.R. 2857, the Generations
Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act---a bill to revise
and reauthorize appropriations for AmeriCorps (among other programs)
through FY2012---failed to pass the House, under a rule, on March 6,
2008. The Republican motion to recommit, which passed the House,
contained a requirement that the bill be reported back to the House with
an amendment inserting a new section entitled "Criminal History Checks."
On March 12, 2008, the GIVE Act was brought back to the floor, with the
Republican Motion to Recommit provision added, and failed to pass under
suspension [by a vote of
277-140](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll131.xml).

**[Additional Background on AmeriCorps]{.underline}**: In the past, the
RSC has suggested that funding for the National and Community Service
Act be eliminated from the budget. According to this [RSC
report](http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/RSC_2007_BUDGET.pdf),
AmeriCorps is an inefficient and expensive way of assisting individuals
to pay for college by stretching the notion of what constitutes a
"volunteer." In addition, AmeriCorps is not means-tested. As a result,
children of wealthy people can edge out low-income children for
participation.

According to the
[AmeriCorps](http://americorps.gov/for_individuals/faq/index.asp)
website, the following questions address the benefits that AmeriCorps
"volunteers" receive:

> **Do I get paid?**
>
> For all AmeriCorps programs, members receive a modest living
> allowance, and some programs provide housing. You may not save much
> money during your year of service, but most members find the living
> allowance to be adequate to cover their needs. AmeriCorps members who
> complete a term of service also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
>
> **What if I'm out of school and not interested in the education award?
> Can I get that money in cash?**
>
> If you're part of AmeriCorps\*VISTA, you may opt for a cash payment of
> \$100 per month of service instead of the education award. All other
> AmeriCorps members are eligible only for the education award.
>
> **Can I defer student loans during my service with AmeriCorps?**
>
> You may qualify for postponement, or forbearance, of the repayment of
> your loans during your service. The education award will help you pay
> off qualified student loans when you're finished. Contact your lender
> for more specific information or to confirm your loan status during
> AmeriCorps service.
>
> **What are the benefits of serving with AmeriCorps\*NCCC?**
>
> AmeriCorps\*NCCC members receive a living allowance of approximately
> \$4,000 for the 10 months of service (about \$200 every two weeks
> before taxes), housing, meals, limited medical benefits, up to \$400 a
> month for childcare, if necessary, member uniforms, and an education
> award of \$4,725 upon successful completion of the program.
>
> **What do the medical benefits cover?**
>
> The medical benefits plan covers all injuries and/or illnesses
> suffered during service and most pharmacy needs. The plan does not
> cover medical care for pre-existing medical illnesses and/or injuries.
>
> **Can I bring my child/children with me to the campus?**
>
> Children are not permitted to live with members at the campus.
> AmeriCorps\*NCCC members with children must make arrangements for
> someone to care for their child/children while they are in the
> program. Members that have custody of their children are eligible for
> up to \$400 per month to help pay for child care while they serve with
> the program.

In addition, according to CRS (reflecting current law):

> **AmeriCorps State and National Grants (Title I-C).** ***Benefits:*
> AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance and, in some cases,
> student-loan forbearance (i.e., loan postponement), health coverage,
> and child care for those who qualify. AmeriCorps members can receive
> an educational award** **of up to \$4,725 per year of full-time
> service, the amount is reduced based on service term or part-time
> hours (see** Table 1**).**
>
> **Table 1.** **Educational Awards by Service Term**

+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > **Member service   | > **Number of        | > **Educational       |
| > term**             | > hours**            | > award**             |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > Full time          | > at least 1,700     | > \$4,725.00          |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > Half time          | > at least 900       | > \$2,362.50          |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > Reduced half time  | > at least 675       | > \$1,800.00          |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > Quarter time       | > at least 450       | > \$1,250.00          |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| > Minimum time       | > at least 300       | > \$1,000.00          |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+

> **Source:** CNCS, FY2007 Congressional Budget Justification.

Furthermore, the following questionable programs have been funded by
AmeriCorps:

  ------------ ------------ --------------------------------- -------------------
  **State**    **City**     **Program Name**                  **Funded Through**

  Wyoming      Cheyenne     Wyoming Legal Services            AmeriCorps \* VISTA

  Washington   Seattle      Planned Parenthood of Western     AmeriCorps \* VISTA
                            Washington                        

  Washington   Tacoma       Planned Parenthood of Western     AmeriCorps \* VISTA
                            Washington                        

  Ohio         Columbus     Legal Aid Ex-Offenders Re-entry   AmeriCorps \* VISTA
                            Project                           

  Ohio         Marion       Legal Aid Ex-Offenders Re-entry   AmeriCorps \* VISTA
                            Project                           

  New York     Rochester    Legal Assistance of Western New   AmeriCorps \* VISTA
                            York                              

  New York     Geneva       Access to Justice Project         AmeriCorps \* State

  Montana      Miles City   Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Missoula     Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Polson       Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Helena       Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Helena       Montana PBLC                      AmeriCorps\*
                                                              National

  Montana      Kalispell    Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Livingston   Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Anaconda     Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Billings     Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Bozeman      Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Great Falls  Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Red Lodge    Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Association                       

  Montana      Ronan        Montana Legal Services            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
                            Association                       

  Missouri     St. Joseph   Students Taking Action Against    AmeriCorps\* State
                            Drugs                             

  Minnesota    St. Paul     LawHelpMN                         AmeriCorps\* VISTA

  Hawaii       Honolulu     Project Laulima                   AmeriCorps\*State

  Iowa         Des Moines   Iowa Legal Aid AmeriCorps Project AmeriCorps\*State

  Illinois     Chicago      Legal Assistance Foundation of    AmeriCorps\* VISTA
                            Metropolitan Chicago              

  Colorado     Johnstown    Wyoming Legal Services            AmeriCorps\* VISTA

  Alaska       Juneau       Risk Reduction for Juneau Youth   AmeriCorps\* VISTA

  Alabama      Anniston     Legal Services Alabama            AmeriCorps\* VISTA

  Alabama      Birmingham   Legal Services Alabama            AmeriCorps\*VISTA

  Alabama      Dothan       Legal Services Alabama            AmeriCorps\*VISTA

  Alabama      Florence     Legal Services Alabama            AmeriCorps\*VISTA

  Alabama      Mobile       Legal Services Alabama            AmeriCorps\*VISTA
  ------------ ------------ --------------------------------- -------------------

**Source:** <http://americorps.gov/Default.asp>

**[Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Many conservatives may be
concerned with AmeriCorps history of funding projects that some
conservatives find objectionable (e.g. Planned Parenthood of Western
Washington). Along with Planned Parenthood of Washington, the Los
Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center (LAGLC) has received funding from
AmeriCorps. According to [this
article](http://www.fff.org/freedom/1100d.asp), published in 2000, the
LAGLC was given AmeriCorps funding to go into schools and prevent
"anti-gay" bias:

> The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center (LAGLC), the nation's largest
> gay rights organization, has received more than \$200,000 in support
> from AmeriCorps. The LAGLC AmeriCorps program is "focusing on
> society's last 'acceptable' prejudice: anti-gay bias," according to a
> LAGLC program update. AmeriCorps members distributed a survey in L.A.
> schools that implied that students should report to school authorities
> any time they heard any student make a derogatory comment to any other
> student. An example of anti-gay bias that Gwen Baldwin, the LAGLC
> executive director, offered was "one person not being invited to a
> lunch table."

According to the [Heritage
Foundation](http://www.heritage.org/Research/UrbanIssues/BG1564.cfm),

> ... AmeriCorps participants should be prohibited from working for
> programs that promote abortion or refer individuals to abortion
> providers. The Delaware chapter of Planned Parenthood, for instance,
> currently advertises its AmeriCorps grant for 20 participants "to
> provide human sexuality education and referrals for services to teens
> and their parents."

According to an annual [report from Planned Parenthood of Houston and
Southeast Texas](http://www.pphouston.org/upload/ANNUAL REPORT FY01.pdf)
(PPHSET),

> In 2000-2001 PPHSET initiated the Planned Parenthood Sex Education
> Team (PPHset), which was comprised of six AmeriCorps youth. This
> creative group developed program performances featuring dance, music
> and drama to educate peers in 42 schools in Houston and southeast
> Texas.

Not only are many potentially contentious organizations receiving funds
through AmeriCorps, many of these organizations are double and triple
dipping at the federal government. For example, AmeriCorps funds
numerous legal services organizations (see above) who may already be
receiving funds under the Legal Services Corporation Act ([42 U.S.C.
Sect. 2996](http://www.lsc.gov/pdfs/pr_act.pdf)). Some conservatives may
be concerned that this is an egregious example of wasteful government
spending.

Furthermore, many conservatives may not agree that individuals who are
paid monthly stipends, compensated for living expenses, and granted
healthcare and education benefits should be classified as volunteers.

**[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>.

**H.Res. 789---** **Honoring public child welfare agencies, nonprofit
organizations and private entities providing services for foster
children (Bachmann, R-MN)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 789 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 789 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives honors the contributions of all public child
welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities dedicated
to finding homes for foster children and assisting foster families in
securing their future success.

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "500,000 children in the United States are currently in foster care
    which is twice as many as 20 years ago;

-   "the majority of these children and youth have been removed from
    their homes because of abuse or neglect;

-   "foster children experience a number of unique challenges based on
    instability in their home and school environments;

-   "just over half of all foster children complete high school, 40
    percent continue to rely on public assistance into adulthood and 25
    percent will experience homelessness at one point in their lives;

-   "numerous public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and
    private entities work tirelessly to recruit loving foster families
    and improve the lives of foster children;

-   "these groups strive to consider the best interest of each child and
    focus on keeping families together when possible;

-   "they provide invaluable resources to foster families as well as
    teachers, counselors, physicians, clergy, and others who work
    closely with children in the foster care system;

-   "these groups are dedicated to changing public policy and raising
    awareness related to the special needs of foster children; and

-   "they continue to sponsor research, develop best practices, and
    offer assistance to youth transitioning out of the system to ensure
    they receive adequate support as they reach adulthood."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 789 was introduced on November
11, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor,
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}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

H.R. 4008--- Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act of 2007
*(Mahoney, D-FL)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 4008 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4008 would amend the Fair Credit
Reporting Act (FCRA) to declare that any person who printed an
expiration date on any receipt provided to a consumer cardholder at a
point of sale (POS) or transaction between December 4, 2004, and the
enactment of this Act, but otherwise complied with FCRA requirements for
such receipt, would not be in willful noncompliance by reason of
printing such expiration date.

The purpose of the Act is to ensure that consumers suffering from any
actual harm to their credit or identity are protected. In addition, the
bill is meant to limit abusive lawsuits that do not protect consumers
but only result in increased costs to business and potentially increased
prices to consumers.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (commonly referred to
    as 'FACTA') was enacted into law in 2003 and 1 of the purposes of
    such Act is to prevent criminals from obtaining access to
    consumers\' private financial and credit information in order to
    reduce identity theft and credit card fraud."

-   "As part of that law, the Congress enacted a requirement, through an
    amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, that no person that
    accepts credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business
    shall print more than the last 5 digits of the card number or the
    expiration date upon any receipt provided to the card holder at the
    point of the sale or transaction."

-   "Many merchants understood that this requirement would be satisfied
    by truncating the account number down to the last 5 digits based in
    part on the language of the provision as well as the publicity in
    the aftermath of the passage of the law."

-   "Almost immediately after the deadline for compliance passed,
    hundreds of lawsuits were filed alleging that the failure to remove
    the expiration date was a willful violation of the Fair Credit
    Reporting Act even where the account number was properly truncated."

-   "None of these lawsuits contained an allegation of harm to any
    consumer's identity."

-   "Experts in the field agree that proper truncation of the card
    number, by itself as required by the amendment made by the Fair and
    Accurate Credit Transactions Act, regardless of the inclusion of the
    expiration date, prevents a potential fraudster from perpetrating
    identity theft or credit card fraud."

-   "Despite repeatedly being denied class certification, the continued
    appealing and filing of these lawsuits represents a significant
    burden on the hundreds of companies that have been sued and could
    well raise prices to consumers without corresponding consumer
    protection benefit."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4008 was introduced October 30,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, as well as
the Committee on the Judiciary. Neither Committee took official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score exists, but the
legislation does not authorize any funds.

**[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
technically not required because the bill is being considered under a
suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

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

**H.R. 6021---Residency Preferences and Limitations on Housing
Assistance Act *(Foster, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 6021 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 6021 would prohibit individuals from
buying or leasing property made available by H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood
Stabilization Act---which passed the House on May 8, 2008---within five
years of being convicted of a felony drug offense, mortgage fraud or a
sex offense.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 6021 was introduced on May 12,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score exists, but the
legislation does not authorize any funds.

**[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}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

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

H.R. 5872---Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
(Sessions, R-TX)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 5872 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5872 instructs the Secretary of the
Treasury to mint and issue \$1 silver coins in commemoration of the Boy
Scouts of America, on their 100^th^ Anniversary.

The bill would require a coin design emblematic of the 100 years of the
largest youth organization in United States, the Boy Scouts of America.

Under this Act, all sales of coins issued shall include a surcharge of
\$10 per coin. The bill would require all surcharges received by the
Secretary from coin sales to be paid to the National Boy Scouts of
America Foundation, and such funds will be made available to local
councils in the form of grants for the extension of Scouting in hard to
serve areas.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "The Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its centennial on February
    8, 2010;

-   "The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth organization in the
    United States, with 3,000,000 youth members and 1,000,000 adult
    leaders in the traditional programs of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and
    Venturing;

-   "Since 1910, more than 111,000,000 youth have participated in
    Scouting's traditional programs;

-   "The Boy Scouts of America was granted a Federal charter in 1916 by
    an Act of the 64th Congress which was signed into law by President
    Woodrow Wilson;

-   "In the 110th Congress, 248 members of the House of Representative
    and the Senate have participated in Boy Scouts of America as Scouts
    or adult leaders;

-   "The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is 'to prepare young
    people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by
    instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law';

-   "Every day across our Nation, Scouts and their leaders pledge to
    live up the promise in the Scout Oath---'On my honor I will do my
    best, To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
    To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong,
    mentally awake, and morally straight'---and the Scout Law, according
    to which a Scout is 'Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly,
    Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and
    Reverent';

-   "In the past 4 years alone, Scouting youth and their leaders have
    volunteered more than 6,500,000 hours of service to their
    communities through more than 75,000 service projects, benefiting
    food banks, local schools, and civic organizations."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5872 was introduced April 22,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score exists, but such
coin-minting legislation usually yields some revenue for the federal
government.

**[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
technically not required because the bill is being considered under a
suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

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

**H.R. 5614---Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Ultra-High Relief Bullion Coin
Act (Castle, R-DE)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5614 would require the Secretary of
Treasury to mint and issue a commemorative coin that bears the design of
the 1907 Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ultra-high relief gold
piece and has a face value of \$20. The bill would allow the Department
of Treasury to mint as many coins as the Secretary determines are
appropriate. H.R. 5614 would also allow the Secretary to choose to mint
the first annual minting of the coin in 99% pure gold, but requires any
additional minting to be made in pure palladium. The Secretary would be
authorized to sell the coins for no less than the combined cost of
designing and issuing the coins and the market value of the bullion used
to produce the coin.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, the Augustus Saint-Gaudens \$20 Double Eagle coins, first
designed in 1907, are considered by numismatists to be "the most
beautiful coins ever produced." The new \$20 version of the coin would
be an exact replica of the original piece with the exception of the
inscription "In God We Trust," which would be added to the new coins.
Palladium, which will be used to produce each coin minted after the
first year, is a rare silver-white metal worth \$1,303 per troy ounce in
2007. Though the bill would require the Secretary of Treasury to spend
federal money to obtain gold and palladium, commemorative coins often
make money for the federal government from revenues generated by sales
to collectors.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5614 was introduced on March
13, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 5614 was not
available at press time.

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

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

H.R. 406--- Alice Paul Congressional Gold Medal Act *(Baca, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 406 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 406 requires the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make
arrangements for the posthumous presentation of a congressional gold
medal in commemoration of Alice Paul, to recognize her role in the
women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women.

The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell
duplicates in bronze of such medal. Furthermore, the bill would require
that all proceeds from the sale of such medals to be deposited into the
U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "Alice Paul was born on January, 11, 1885, in Moorestown New Jersey,
    and died on July 9, 1977."

-   "Alice Paul dedicated her life to securing suffrage and equal rights
    for all women and, as founder of the National Woman's Party, she was
    instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United
    States Constitution."

-   "Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party were the first group ever
    to picket the White House."

-   "While President Woodrow Wilson trumpeted America's values of
    democracy abroad during World War I, Alice Paul was dedicated to
    reminding the President that not all Americans enjoyed democracy at
    home."

-   "Alice Paul used nonviolent civil disobedience to bring national
    attention to the women's suffrage movement, such as the 3-week
    hunger strike she undertook when she was sentenced to jail in
    October, 1917, for her demonstrations."

-   "Alice Paul's courage inspired thousands of women to join the
    women's suffrage movement."

-   "Instead of patiently waiting for States to grant women suffrage,
    Alice Paul mobilized an entire generation of women to pressure the
    United States Congress and the President to give all women in
    America the right to vote."

-   "Alice Paul did not stop her fight after the 19th Amendment was
    ratified; she drafted the Equal Rights Amendment to the United
    States Constitution in 1923 and fought tirelessly for its passage
    until her death 54 years later."

-   "Alice Paul lobbied Congress to include gender in civil rights bills
    and was successful in including sex discrimination in Title VII of
    the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

-   "Alice Paul sought equal rights for women all over the world, not
    just Americans and, as a means of pursuing this goal, founded the
    World Party for Equal Rights for Women in the 1930's."

-   "Alice Paul was instrumental in the placement of a passage on gender
    equality in the preamble of the United Nations Charter."

-   "Few people have played a greater role in shaping the history of the
    United States than Alice Paul."

-   "Alice Paul is an example to all Americans of what one person can do
    to make a difference for millions of people."

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: It may be important to note that many
early feminists, like Alice Paul, were pro-life. Alice Paul has been
[quoted as
saying](http://www.nationalreview.com/kob/obeirne200601230842.asp),
"Abortion is the ultimate exploitation of women." According to [an
article](http://www.feministsforlife.org/news/alicepaul.htm) penned by
Feminists for Life,

> In the mid-seventies, Pat \[Goltz, co-founder of Feminists for Life\]
> had the honor of meeting Alice Paul, the author of the original Equal
> Rights Amendment. Ms. Paul, who had known some of our earlier feminist
> foremothers, made it clear that the early feminists were altogether
> opposed to abortion. Also very much opposed to abortion, she had given
> her all to getting the ERA \[Equal Rights Amendment\] into Congress.
> She was grateful that others were now carrying the torch but was
> disturbed by the new trend of linking the ERA with abortion. She
> related to Pat her belief that abortion would destroy feminism if it
> were not stopped.

For further information on Alice Paul, see this article from BBC news:
[Abortion and the early
feminists](http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ethics/abortion/mother/early.shtml).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 406 was introduced January 11,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score exists, but such
coin-minting legislation usually yields some revenue for the federal
government.

**[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
technically not required because the bill is being considered under a
suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

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

H.R. 2894---Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial
Commemorative Coin Act *(Ruppersberger, D-MD)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 2894 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2894 instructs the Secretary of the
Treasury to mint and issue \$1 silver coins in commemoration of the
bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of
1812.

The bill would require a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812,
particularly the Battle for Fort McHenry that formed the basis for the
"Star-Spangled Banner." The bill authorizes the Secretary to issue the
coins only during the calendar year beginning on January 1, 2012.

Under this Act, all sales of coins issued shall include a surcharge of
\$10 per coin. The bill would require all surcharges received by the
Secretary from coin sales to be paid to the Star-Spangled Banner and War
of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for the purpose of supporting
bicentennial activities, and the preservation and improvement activities
relating to the sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "During the War of 1812, on September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key
    visited the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay to secure the release of
    Dr. William Beanes, who had been captured after the burning of
    Washington, DC;

-   "The release was completed, but Key was held by the British
    overnight during the shelling of Fort McHenry, one of the forts
    defending Baltimore;

-   "In the morning, Key peered through clearing smoke to see an
    enormous American flag flying proudly after a 25-hour British
    bombardment of Fort McHenry;

-   "He was so delighted to see the flag still flying over the fort that
    he began a poem to commemorate the occasion, with a note that it
    should be sung to the popular British melody 'To Anacreon in
    Heaven';

-   "In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered that it be played at
    military and naval occasions;

-   "In 1931, the 'Star-Spangled Banner' became our National Anthem."

**[Background Information]{.underline}**: According to CRS,

> Since its inception, Congress has used commemorative legislation to
> express public gratitude for distinguished contributions; dramatize
> the virtues of individuals, groups, and causes; and perpetuate the
> remembrance of significant events. During the past two centuries,
> commemoratives have been become an integral part of the American
> political tradition. They have been used to authorize the minting of
> commemorative coins and Congressional Gold Medals; fund monuments and
> memorials; create federal holidays; establish commissions to celebrate
> important anniversaries; and name public works, scholarships,
> endowments, fellowships, and historic sites.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2894 was introduced June 28,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score exists, but such
coin-minting legislation usually yields some revenue for the federal
government.

**[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
technically not required because the bill is being considered under a
suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Currently, no House Report
exists.

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

**H.Res. 1181---** **Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people
of Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by
Cyclone Nargis *(Crowley, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1181 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 1181 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "extends its condolences and sympathy to the people of Burma for the
    grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis;

-   "vows its full support of and solidarity with the people of Burma;

-   "calls on Americans to provide immediate emergency assistance to
    cyclone victims in Burma through humanitarian agencies;

-   "expresses confidence that the people of Burma will succeed in
    overcoming the hardships incurred because of this tragedy;

-   "calls for the Burmese military junta to consider the well-being of
    its people and accept broad international assistance; and

-   "demands that the referendum to entrench military rule be called
    off, allowing all resources to be focused on disaster relief to ease
    the pain and suffering of the Burmese people."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on the night of May 2, 2008, through the morning of May 3, 2008,
    Cyclone Nargis, the first tropical cyclone to make landfall on Burma
    since Cyclone Mala in 2006, struck the coast of Burma;

-   "Cyclone Nargis caused more destruction in Burma than the Indian
    Ocean tsunami of December 2004;

-   "Cyclone Nargis has caused the death of tens of thousands of people,
    displaced hundreds of thousands, and is anticipated to affect over a
    million people;

-   "Cyclone Nargis has caused significant damage to Burma's rice crop,
    likely worsening the global food crisis and affecting the supply of
    rice in Burma and worldwide;

-   "on May 7, 2008, news media reported that the death toll, as
    accounted by a United States envoy, could reach over 100,000;

-   "tens of thousands of people remain missing in the storm's wake;

-   "Cyclone Nargis has devastated major parts of Burma, including
    extensive damage to Burma's largest city of Rangoon and throughout
    the Irrawaddy Delta region, Bago (Pegu) division, Karen State, and
    Mon State;

-   "initially 5 regions in Burma were declared disaster zones;

-   "2 Irrawaddy Division townships, Kyait Lat and Latputda, were almost
    completely destroyed, leaving several hundred thousand people
    without homes or shelters;

-   "fallen trees, demolished homes, downed power and telephone lines,
    and debris have blocked roads and blanketed the affected area;

-   "hundreds of thousands of people are in dire need of emergency
    shelter and clean drinking water;

-   "Burma's military regime did little to warn the people and is not
    providing adequate humanitarian assistance to address basic needs
    and prevent further loss of life;

-   "despite the devastation, the military regime has announced plans to
    go ahead with its May 10, 2008, referendum on a sham constitution,
    delaying voting only in portions of the affected Irrawaddy region
    and Rangoon;

-   "the military regime has failed to provide life-protecting and
    life-sustaining services to its people;

-   "more than 30 disaster assessment teams from 18 different Nations
    and the United Nations have been denied permission to enter Burma by
    the junta;

-   "the United States, through its Government, the Burma-American
    community, and its people as a whole, has already extended
    significant support to the people of Burma during this difficult
    time, including a \$250,000 emergency contribution authorized by the
    United States Embassy in Burma to be released immediately, and
    \$3,000,000 in additional aid relief announced on May 6, 2008, by
    the White House; and

-   "a United States Agency for International Development disaster
    response team is positioned in neighboring Thailand."

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 1181 was introduced on May 8,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign 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}: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
[**sarah.makin@mail.house.gov**](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov).

**H.R. 5916---** **Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform
Act of 2008 *(Berman, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 5916 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5916 would authorize security assistance
for Israel and other countries, and assistance to North Korea in
dismantling its nuclear facilities. In addition, the bill would require
the Department of State to improve the review and processing of export
licenses for defense articles, and would authorize the appropriation of
such sums as may be necessary in 2009 and future years for that purpose.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "In a time of international terrorist threats and a dynamic global
    economic and security environment, United States policy with regard
    to export controls is in urgent need of a comprehensive review in
    order to ensure such controls are protecting the national security
    and foreign policy interests of the United States;

-   "In January 2007, the Government Accountability Office designated
    the effective identification and protection of critical technologies
    as a government-wide, high-risk area, warranting a strategic
    reexamination of existing programs, including programs relating to
    arms export controls;

-   "Federal Government agencies must review licenses for export of
    munitions in a thorough and timely manner to ensure that the United
    States is able to assist United States allies and to prevent nuclear
    and conventional weapons from getting into the hands of enemies of
    the United States;

-   "Both staffing and funding that relate to the Department of State's
    arms export control responsibilities have not kept pace with the
    increased workload relating to such responsibilities, especially
    over the last five years;

-   "Outsourcing and off-shoring of defense production and the policy of
    many United States trading partners to require offsets for major
    sales of defense and aerospace articles present a potential threat
    to United States national security and economic well-being and serve
    to weaken the defense industrial base;

-   "Export control policies can have a negative impact on United States
    employment, nonproliferation goals, and the health of the defense
    industrial base, particularly when facilitating the overseas
    transfer of technology or production and other forms of outsourcing,
    such as offsets (direct and indirect), co-production, subcontracts,
    overseas investment and joint ventures in defense and commercial
    industries. Federal Government agencies must develop new and
    effective procedures for ensuring that export control systems
    address these problems and the threat they pose to national
    security;

-   "In the report to Congress required by the Conference Report (Report
    109-272) accompanying the bill, H.R. 2862 (the Science, State,
    Justice, Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006;
    Public Law 109-108), the Department of State concluded
    that---defense trade licensing has become much more complex in
    recent years as a consequence of the increasing globalization of the
    defense industry; the most important challenge to the Department of
    State's licensing process has been the sheer growth in volume of
    applicants for licenses and agreements, without the corresponding
    increase in licensing officers; fiscal year 2005 marked the third
    straight year of roughly 8 percent annual increases in licensing
    volume; although an 8 percent increase in workload equates to a
    requirement for three additional licensing officers per year, there
    has been no increase in licensing officers during this period; and
    the increase in licensing volume without a corresponding increase in
    trained and experienced personnel has resulted in delays and
    increased processing times;

-   "In 2006, the Department of State processed over three times as many
    licensing applications as the Department of Commerce with about a
    fifth of the staff of the Department of Commerce.

-   "On July 27, 2007, in testimony delivered to the Subcommittee on
    Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade of the House Committee on
    Foreign Affairs to examine the effectiveness of the United States
    export control regime, the Government Accountability Office found
    that---the United States Government needs to conduct assessments to
    determine its overall effectiveness in the area of arms export
    control; and the processing times of the Department of State doubled
    over the period from 2002 to 2006;

-   "Although the current number of unprocessed applications for
    licenses to export defense items is less than 3,800 applications,
    due to the extraordinary efforts of the personnel and management of
    the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, at
    the end of 2006, the Department of State's backlog of such
    unprocessed applications reached its highest level at more than
    10,000 unprocessed applications. This resulted in major management
    and personnel challenges for the Directorate of Defense Trade
    Controls;

-   "Allowing a continuation of the status quo in resources for defense
    trade licensing could ultimately harm the United States defense
    industrial base. The 2007 Institute for Defense Analysis report
    entitled \`Export Controls and the U.S. Defense Industrial Base'
    found that the large backlog and long processing times by the
    Department of State for applications for licenses to export defense
    items led to an impairment of United States firms in some sectors to
    conduct global business relative to foreign competitors;

-   "Additionally, the report found that United States commercial firms
    have been reluctant to engage in research and development activities
    for the Department of Defense because this raises the future
    prospects that the products based on this research and development,
    even if intrinsically commercial, will be saddled by Department of
    State munitions controls due to the link to that research.

-   "According to the Department of State's fiscal year 2008 budget
    justification to Congress, commercial exports licensed or approved
    under the Arms Export Control Act exceeded \$30,000,000,000, with
    nearly eighty percent of these items exported to United States NATO
    allies and other major non-NATO allies.

-   "A Government Accountability Office report of October 9, 2001
    (GAO-02-120), documented ambiguous export control jurisdiction
    affecting 25 percent of the items that the United States Government
    agreed to control as part of its commitments to the Missile
    Technology Control Regime. The United States Government has not
    clearly determined which department has jurisdiction over these
    items, which increases the risk that these items will fall into the
    wrong hands. During both the 108th and 109th Congresses, the House
    of Representatives passed legislation mandating that the
    Administration clarify this issue."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to RSC Member
Representative Manzullo's office (who is a co-author of the
legislation):

> The Defense Trade Controls Performance Improvement Act of 2008 (Title
> I of H.R. 5916) remedies many of the deficiencies in the licensing of
> defense trade by:

-   Directing the Secretary of State to review the U.S. export control
    system within 18 months and offer recommendations to strengthen
    controls, improve efficiency, and reduce redundancies across federal
    agencies;

-   Requiring the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) to have
    at least 1 licensing officer for every 1,250 applications by Fiscal
    Year 2010 to prevent future backlogs;

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-   Requiring the DDTC to assign no less than 3 individuals by Fiscal
    Year 2009 to review applications for commodity jurisdiction
    determinations;

    -   Creating a performance goal of no longer than 60 days to process
        a defense trade license;

-   Creating a performance goal of no longer than 30 days to process a
    defense trade license for close allies;

-   Establishing a 7 day processing time for defense trade licenses from
    our close allies in support of combat operations or peacekeeping or
    humanitarian operations with U.S. Armed Forces;

-   Increasing the transparency of commodity jurisdiction determinations
    with publication of those decisions on the Internet;

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```
-   Creating a special licensing authorization for U.S. manufactured
    spare and replacement parts or components in connection with defense
    items previously lawfully exported to our close allies;

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```
-   Requiring a report within 90 days on possible means for DDTC to
    achieve 100 percent self-financing;

-   Increasing the representation and augmenting the input of the
    Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) into the State Department's
    defense trade agenda;

-   Adding South Korea and Israel to the list of NATO+3 countries
    receiving expedited consideration for the export of U.S. defense
    items.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5916 was introduced on April
29, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. A markup
on H.R. 5916 was held on April 30, 2008 and the Committee ordered the
bill reported, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate,
enacting H.R. 5916 would increase discretionary spending by \$3.2
billion over the FY 2009 -- FY 2013 period, assuming appropriation of
the estimated amounts. Furthermore, implementing the bill would increase
direct spending by \$500 million over the FY 2009 -- FY 2013 period,
primarily by allowing a Department of Defense (DoD) revolving fund to
spend balances without appropriations action. Implementing the bill
would not affect revenues.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill would authorize security
assistance for Israel and other countries, and assistance to North Korea
in dismantling its nuclear facilities.

**[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 the
Foreign Affairs [House Committee Report
110-626](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr626):),
"H.R. 5916 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."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: According to the Foreign
Affairs [House Committee Report
110-626](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr626):),
"the Committee finds the authority for this legislation in article I,
section 8 of the Constitution."

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

**H.R. 5834---** **North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008
(Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 5834 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5834 would amend the North Korean Human
Rights Act of 2004 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the
following:

-   "activities to support human rights and democracy and freedom of
    information in North Korea; and

-   "assistance to North Koreans who are outside North Korea."

The bill also directs the Broadcasting Board of Governors to complete
report regarding U.S. broadcasting to North Korea and the extent to
which the Board has achieved the goal of 12-hour-per-day broadcasting to
North Korea.

Furthermore, H.R. 5834 states that the Special Envoy on human rights in
North Korea shall have the rank of ambassador. The bill also sets forth
specified reporting provisions.

The bill lists the following findings:

-   "The Government of China is conducting an increasingly aggressive
    campaign to locate and forcibly return border-crossers to North
    Korea, where they routinely face torture and imprisonment, and
    sometimes execution. According to recent reports, the Chinese
    Government is shutting down Christian churches and imprisoning
    people who help North Korean defectors, and has increased the bounty
    paid for turning in a North Korean refugee by a factor of sixteen,
    to an amount roughly equivalent to the average annual income in
    China;

-   "In an attempt to deter escape attempts, the Government of North
    Korea has reportedly stepped up its public execution of
    border-crossers and those who help others cross into China,
    including the February 20, 2008, shooting of 13 women and 2 men in
    Onsung County, and the March 30, 2008, execution of three residents
    in Hyesan. As is commonly the case, employees and residents of
    nearby institutions, enterprises, and neighborhoods were required to
    attend and observe those killings;

-   "Although the United States refugee resettlement program remains the
    largest in the world by far, the United States has resettled only 37
    North Koreans in the period from 2004 through 2007;

-   "From the end of 2004 through 2007, the Republic of Korea resettled
    5,961 North Koreans;

-   "Extensive delays in assessment and processing at overseas posts
    have led numerous North Korean refugees to abandon their quest for
    United States resettlement, and long waits (of more than a year in
    some cases) have been the source of considerable discouragement and
    frustration among refugees, many of whom are awaiting United States
    resettlement in circumstances that are unsafe and insecure; and

-   "From 2000 through 2006, the United States granted asylum to 15
    North Koreans, as compared to 60 North Korean asylum grantees in the
    United Kingdom, and 135 in Germany during that same period."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5834 was introduced on March
17, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. A markup
on H.R. 5834 was held on April 30, 2008 and the Committee ordered the
bill reported, as amended, by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 5834 was not
available at press time, but the bill authorizes \$4,000,000 for each
year between FY2009---FY2012.

**[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
technically not required because the bill is being considered under a
suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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