![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin............................................October 2, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **S. 474 ---** A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Michael
> Ellis DeBakey, M.D**\
> H.Res. 657 ---** Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the
> devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August
> 2007 in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin,
> and for other purposes**\
> H.R. 3068 ---** Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform
> Act of 2007**\
> S. 1612 ---** International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement
> Act**\
> H.Res. 635 ---** Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic
> holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in
> the United States and throughout the world for their faith**\
> H.Res. 564 ---** Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly
> serious threat to peace and stability in Central America and
> supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and the
> countries of Central America to combat crime and violence**\
> H.Con.Res. 203 ---** Condemning the persecution of labor rights
> advocates in Iran**\
> H. Res. 676 ---** Declaring that it shall continue to be the policy of
> the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make
> available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be
> necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense
> capability**\
> H.R. 2828 ---** To provide compensation to relatives of United States
> citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States
> Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998**\
> H.R. 2003 ---** Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007**\
> H.R. 3432** --- 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the
> Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007\
> **H.R. 3571** --- To amend the Congressional Accountability Act of
> 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office
> of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive
> Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals
> appointed to such positions to serve one additional term\
> **H.Con.Res. 200** --- Condemning the violent suppression of Buddhist
> Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and calling for the
> immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi\
> **H.R. 3087**---To require the President, in coordination with the
> Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of
> Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to
> Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United
> States Armed Forces in Iraq

**S. 474 --- A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Michael Ellis
DeBakey, M.D. (Sen. Hutchinson R-TX)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: The bill authorizes a Congressional Gold
Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D. in recognition of his many
accomplishments in the field of vascular medicine. The bill also
authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates
in bronze of the gold medal at a price sufficient to cover the cost of
the gold medal.

S. 474 lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D., was born on September 7, 1908, in Lake
    Charles, Louisiana, to Shaker and Raheeja DeBakey;

-   "Dr. DeBakey, at the age of 23 and still a medical student, reported
    a major invention, a roller pump for blood transfusions, which later
    became a major component of the heart-lung machine used in the first
    successful open-heart operation;

-   "In 1948, Dr. DeBakey joined the Baylor University College of
    Medicine, where he developed the first surgical residency program in
    the city of Houston, and today, guided by Dr. DeBakey's vision, the
    College is one of the most respected health science centers in the
    Nation;

-   "In 1964, Dr. DeBakey triggered the most explosive era in modern
    cardiac surgery, when he performed the first successful coronary
    bypass, once again paving the way for surgeons worldwide to offer
    hope to thousands of patients who might otherwise succumb to heart
    disease;

-   "In the mid-1960s, Dr. DeBakey pioneered the field of telemedicine
    with the first demonstration of open-heart surgery to be transmitted
    overseas by satellite; and

-   "In 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed on Dr. DeBakey the
    Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, and in 1985,
    President Ronald Reagan conferred on him the National Medal of
    Science."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: For a complete list of the
more than 150 Congressional Gold

Medal recipients from 1776 until present, [click
here](http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/house_history/goldMedal.html).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 474 was introduced on February 1,
2007, and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs, which discharged the bill on March 27, 2007. That same
day, S. 474 passed the Senate by unanimous consent and was received in
the House. The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services,
which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO cost estimate is unavailable,
but the bill authorizes "such amounts as may be necessary" from the U.S.
Mint's Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of the medals, while
sales from the duplicate bronze medals will be deposited back into the
Public Enterprise Fund. For previous Congressional Gold Medal
legislation, CBO has estimated that it costs \$30,000 to design a Gold
Medal and that each medal has \$5,500 worth of gold.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A House Report citing
Constitutional authority was unavailable. However, House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.Res. 657 --- Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the
devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007
in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and for
other purposes *(Walz, D-MN)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 657 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 657 would express that the House of
Representatives:

-   "expresses heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating
    thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the
    States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin;

-   "conveys gratitude to the local, State, and Federal officials and
    emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis, including
    emergency management teams in each of the affected States, Michael
    Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security, and David Paulison,
    Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

-   "recognizes the generous and selfless support of citizens, local
    businesses, the American Red Cross, the United Way, Catholic
    Charities, and the Salvation Army; and

-   "reaffirms support to helping the victims of the flooding rebuild
    their homes and lives."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "during August 2007, severe thunderstorms were responsible for
    bringing as much as 18 inches of torrential rain to parts of the
    States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, resulting
    in devastating floods;

-   "President Bush declared 7 counties in Minnesota, 7 counties in
    Ohio, and 7 counties in Wisconsin to be major disaster areas as a
    result of these storms, and individuals and families in these areas
    became eligible for Federal disaster assistance;

-   "numerous individuals and entities have selflessly and heroically
    given of themselves and their resources to aid in the disaster
    relief efforts; and

-   "the catastrophic injury, death, and damage in Illinois, Iowa,
    Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin would have been even worse in the
    absence of local relief efforts."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 657 was introduced on
September 19, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

**H.R. 3068 --- Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform Act
of 2007 *(Del. Norton, DC)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3068 would prohibit the Secretary of
Homeland Security from awarding Federal Protective Service contracts to
private security firms that are owned, operated or controlled by a
convicted felon. The bill would also require the secretary to issue
regulations to carry out this section within six months.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Federal Protective Service
(FPS) is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in
order to provide law enforcement and security services to tenants and
visitors to federally owned and leased facilities across the nation. FPS
delivers security services to all federal buildings including offices,
courthouses, border stations, and warehouses. The specific services
provided by the FPS include:

-   Providing a visible uniformed presence in our major Federal
    buildings

-   Responding to criminal incidents and other emergencies.

-   Installing and monitoring security devices and systems.

-   Investigating criminal incidents.

-   Conducting physical security surveys.

-   Coordinating a comprehensive program for occupants' emergency plans.

-   Presenting formal crime prevention and security awareness programs.

-   Providing police emergency and special security services during
    natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and major civil
    disturbances-as well as during man-made disasters, such as bomb
    explosions and riots.

According to Committee Report
[110-328](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr328)),
H.R. 3068 was drafted in response to Congressional hearings that took
place in April and June of this year. One report, entitled "The
Responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal
Protective Service to Ensure Contract Guards Protect Federal Employees
and Their Workplaces," found that a company, which was run by an
individual convicted of fraud, was contracted and paid by FPS to provide
security services for a federal building. The company later failed to
pay security guards, which could have potentially caused a security risk
within a federal building.

For more information on FPS and the services they provide, [click
here](http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8195&channelPage=/ep/channel/gsaOverview.jsp&channelId=-12951).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3068 was introduced on July 17,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. On August 1, 2007, and referred to the Subcommittee on
Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, which
held a mark-up and forwarded the bill to the full committee by voice
vote on the same day. The bill was reported by the full committee, as
amended, on September 14, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "implementing
this legislation would have no significant cost and would not affect
direct spending or revenues."

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, in House Report
[110-328](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr328)),
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that
all committee reports contain "a statement citing the *specific*
*powers* granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law
proposed by the bill or joint resolution." *\[emphasis added\]*

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

**S. 1612 --- International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act
*(Sen. Dodd, D-CT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1612 would increase penalties for
violating sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act (IEEPA).

The bill would increase civil penalties from \$50,000 to the greater of
\$250,000 or twice the amount of the transaction that is the basis of
the violation.

S. 1612 would also increase criminal penalties for a person who
willfully commits, willfully attempts to commit, or willfully conspires
to commit, or aids or abets in the commission of a violation from a
maximum of \$250,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment to \$1 million and
20 years imprisonment.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to House Report
[110-82](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(sr082)),
the IEEPA gives the President the authority to declare a national
emergency when a country or transitional group poses an "unusual and
extraordinary threat." Under such circumstances, the President may
impose economic sanctions against these threats by "regulating and
prohibiting foreign exchange transactions, bank payments or credit
transfers, and the importing or exporting of currency or securities,
among other powers." H.R. 3068 would increase the penalties against
individuals who violate IEEPA economic regulations by engaging in
transactions with sanctioned countries.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1612 was introduced in the Senate
on June 13, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs. On June 26, 2007, the bill was passed in the Senate by
unanimous consent and was referred the House Committee on Foreign
Affairs. A mark-up was held on September 26, 2007, and the bill was
reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting S. 1612
could increase revenues as a result of additional fines collected from
violations of IEEPA regulations. However, CBO estimates that any change
in revenues would be insignificant.

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: House Report
[110-82](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(sr082)),
does not cite specific constitutional authority. However, House Rule
XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.Res. 635 --- Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in
the United States and throughout the world for their faith**

***(Johnson, D-TX)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 635 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 635 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives that:

-   "during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity
    with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United
    States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives
    recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the
    world; and

-   "in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of
    Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal,
    the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and
    expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and
    throughout the world on this significant occasion."

The resolution lists the following findings:

-   "since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11,
    2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at
    law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian
    descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

-   "on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a
    concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against
    Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in
    the wake of the terrorist attacks;

-   "it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims
    worldwide;

-   "Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for
    Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year;
    and

-   "the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at
    dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 635 was introduced on
September 5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
which held a mark-up on September 26, 2007, and reported the resolution,
as amended, by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

**H.Res. 564 --- Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly serious
threat to peace and stability in Central America and supporting expanded
cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central
America to combat crime and violence *(Engel, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 564 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 564 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives that:

-   "crime and violence pose an increasingly serious threat to peace and
    stability in Central America;

-   "officials from Central America and the United States should be
    commended for holding a historic meeting to discuss regional
    security strategies;

-   "the announcement on July 18, 2007, of the United States Strategy to
    Combat Criminal Gangs from Central America and Mexico should be
    commended;

-   "the President of the United States should follow through on
    commitments made in the United States Strategy to Combat Criminal
    Gangs from Central America and Mexico with concrete actions;

-   "the commitment of funds by the United States to fight youth gangs
    in Central America is an important step forward and greater
    resources should be considered in the future to fight this problem
    due to its severity and its transnational nature; and

-   "Central American and United States officials should be encouraged
    to meet on a regular basis to further cooperation in combating crime
    and violence in Central America."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "murder rates have been increasing throughout Central America in
    recent years;

-   "in 2005, the estimated murder rate per 100,000 people was roughly
    56 in El Salvador, 41 in Honduras, and 38 in Guatemala;

-   "90 percent of the cocaine shipped from the Andes to the United
    States flows through Central America and thus contributes to
    increased violence on the Central American isthmus;

-   "Central American governments and United States officials have
    attributed a large proportion of the rise in violent crime in
    Central America to youth gangs, many of which have ties to the
    United States;

-   "United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere
    Affairs Thomas Shannon announced at this meeting the United States
    Strategy to Combat Criminal Gangs from Central America and Mexico
    designed to prevent youth from entering gangs and strengthen the
    fight against gang-related violence and other crimes;

-   "an enhanced political commitment and cooperation between the United
    States and Central America on security issues can help curb violence
    in Central America."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 564 was introduced on July
23, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up on July 31, 2007, and reported the resolution by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

**H.Con.Res. 203 --- Condemning the persecution of labor rights
advocates in Iran (Kirk, R-IL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 203 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 203 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "condemns the Government of Iran for the arrest and imprisonment of
    Iranian union leaders Mahmoud Salehi and Mansour Osanloo and demands
    their immediate release; and

-   "expresses its solidarity with the workers of Iran and stands with
    them in their effort to bring political freedom and individual
    liberty to Iran."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on April 9, 2007, Iranian agents arrested and imprisoned Mahmoud
    Salehi, founder of the Saghez Bakery Workers Association;

-   "Salehi's life is in grave danger as he sits in the Sanandaj prisons
    without access to kidney dialysis treatment;

-   "on July 10, 2007, plainclothes Iranian agents severely beat and
    arrested Mansour Osanloo, president of the Syndicate of Workers of
    Tehran and Suburbs

-   "Osanloo now sits in Iran's notorious Evin prison with a chronic
    heart condition and a serious eye condition that requires immediate
    surgery;

-   "on August 9, 2007, the International Trade Union Confederation,
    together with the International Transport Workers' Federation,
    staged an international day of action to free Osanloo and Salehi;

-   "Freedom House reported in 2006 that 'Iranian law does not allow
    independent labor unions to exist';

-   "the United States remains the leading voice in the world for
    international workers' rights and labor standards."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 203 was introduced on
September 5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
which held a mark-up on September 26, 2007, and reported the resolution,
as amended, by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

**H. Res. 676 --- Declaring that it shall continue to be the policy of
the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make
available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be
necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability
(Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 676 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 676 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives that:

-   "it shall continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent
    with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such
    defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to
    maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; and

-   "the United States should determine the nature and quantity of such
    defense articles and services \`based solely\' upon the legitimate
    defense needs of Taiwan."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Taiwan Relations Act has governed United States arms sales to
    Taiwan since 1979, when the United States extended diplomatic
    recognition to the People\'s Republic of China;

-   "section 3(a) of the Taiwan Relations Act states that 'the United
    States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and
    defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable
    Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability';

-   "Taiwan's 2007 defense budget included approximately \$488,000,000
    to begin the process of procuring 66 new United States-origin
    F-16C/D fighters, pending United States price and availability data;

-   "after October 31, 2007, those funds will no longer be available to
    begin the process of procuring the F-16C/D fighters;

-   "notwithstanding the requirements of the Taiwan Relations Act, the
    Bush Administration has not been responsive to Taiwan's clear
    expression of interest in receiving price and availability data for
    the F-16C/D fighters; and

-   "in its annual, congressionally mandated report on China's Military
    Power (most recently released in May 2007) the Department of Defense
    concluded that China is greatly improving its military, with those
    improvements largely focused on a Taiwan contingency, and that this
    build-up poses an increasing threat to Taiwan and ultimately to the
    United States military presence in Asia."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 676 was introduced on
September 25, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
which held a mark-up on September 26, 2007, and reported the resolution
by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

**H.R. 2828 --- To provide compensation to relatives of United States
citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States
Embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998 *(Jackson, D-IL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2828 would authorize the Secretary of
State to provide compensation to the personal representative of
relatives of U.S. citizens who died as a result of the bombings of the
United States Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, or the United States embassy
in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on August 7, 1998.

The Secretary would be required to "ensure an equitable distribution of
amounts of compensation" to the maximum extent possible.

H.R. 2828 would authorize \$18 million to provide the compensation.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the U.S.
Department of State, "On August 7, 1998, two truck-bomb explosions
destroyed the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania, leaving 257 dead and injuring more than 5,000 people. The
bombs exploded within minutes of each other adjacent to the U.S.
embassies at 10:45 a.m. local time, 3:45 a.m. Washington time."
Following the East African bombings and a subsequent FBI investigation,
21 al Qaeda members were indicted for the bombing, of which 11 have been
either killed or brought to justice.\
\
The attack on the embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, left 12 American diplomats
and 200 Kenyan citizens dead. The bombing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
took the lives of 11 Tanzanians.\
\
Although the families of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks received federal compensation, relatives of victims of other
attacks have not. In addition, the families of the 168 people killed in
the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City were
given a two year reprieve on their federal income taxes, but no lump sum
of monetary compensation.

Because only 12 U.S. citizens were killed in the East African attacks,
the \$18 million (subject to appropriation) could only be used to
compensate 12 families.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2828 was introduced on June 22,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which held a
mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent of
September 26, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2828 is not
available. However, the bill would authorize \$18 million (subject to
appropriation).

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A House Report citing
Constitutional authority is unavailable. However, House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.R. 2003 --- Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007
*(Payne, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2003 would authorize \$20 million in for
each of the fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to support democracy, economic
growth, and human rights in Ethiopia.

Specifically H.R. 2003 would require the Secretary of State to:

-   provide financial support to human rights groups to help strengthen
    monitoring and regular reporting on conditions in Ethiopia;

-   establish a victims support network to provide legal support for
    political prisoners and to assist local groups or groups from
    outside Ethiopia that monitor political prisoners in Ethiopia;

-   take steps to increase the independence of the Ethiopian judiciary

-   create and support a judicial monitoring process; and investigate
    and report on actions to strengthen an independent judiciary;

-   establish a program to strengthen private media in Ethiopia and
    expand programming by the Voice of America to Ethiopia; and

-   establish a mechanism to identify and extradite members of the
    Mengistu Haile Mariam regime and the current government residing in
    the United States who were engaged in human rights violations.

H.R. 2003 would also require the Secretary to support democratization in
Ethiopia by providing assistance to strengthen local, regional, and
national governments and establish program to assist the reconciliation
process between civil society groups and the Ethiopian government. In
addition, the Secretary would be directed to provide technical
assistance for democracy promotion.

The bill would prohibit any security assistance from going to Ethiopia
until such time that the government of Ethiopia makes credible efforts
to release all political prisoners and prisoners held with trial,
maintain an independently functioning judiciary, punish security
personnel involved in unlawful killings, ensure freedom of the press and
access to the internet, allow free access to human rights groups, and
give minority parties representation on the National Election Board. Any
security assistance funds that are used for peacekeeping or
counter-terrorism efforts would not be subject to any prohibition.

Additionally, the bill would direct the President to deny a visa for
entry into the U.S. for any Ethiopian official that has been involved in
giving or carrying out orders to use lethal force against peaceful
demonstrators or has been accused of human rights violations.

The President, acting through USAID, would be directed to provide
technical assistance for the development of irrigation and hydroelectric
power systems and hospitals in Ethiopia.

Within 180 days of enactment the President would be required to submit a
report on the implementation of these plans.

H.R. 2003 would express the sense that the House of Representatives
"encourages the Government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with
peaceful political groups in order to bring such groups into full
participation in the political and economic affairs of Ethiopia,
including their legalization as a political party."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to findings listed
in the bill, "the people of Ethiopia have suffered for decades due to
military conflicts, natural disasters, poverty and diseases, regional
instability, and the brutal dictatorship of the military junta under
Mengistu Haile Mariam." In 1991, the junta was removed from power and
democratic national elections have been held in 1995, 2000, and 2005.
Since May 2005, however, the political and human rights situation in
Ethiopia has deteriorated. Despite apparent improvement in the electoral
process in early 2005, opposition parties have largely accused the
Ethiopian Government of stealing elections, which has resulted in
widespread civil disobedience and violent clashes. Meanwhile, the
government has taken steps to intimidate and repress and silence the
media and political opponents.\
\
According to USAID, the United States has contributed hundreds of
millions of dollars to Ethiopia in an attempt to spur development and
support free government. In 2006, the United States gave Ethiopia \$50
million in direct aid and entered an agreement to forgive \$71 million
of debt that the was owed to the U.S. To read more about the United
States' humanitarian and development aid to Ethiopia, [click
here](http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/cbj2006/afr/et.html).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2003 was introduced on April
23, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. On July 11,
2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Africa and Global
Health, which held a mark-up and reported the bill to the full committee
by voice vote on July 18, 2007. The full committee held a mark-up on
September 26, 2007, and reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2003 is not
available. However, the bill would authorize \$20 million in FY 2008 and
\$40 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2009 period (subject to
appropriation).

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, it directs the president and the
Secretary of State to establish new programs to assist democratization
and development in Ethiopia.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A House Report citing
Constitutional authority is unavailable. However, House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* *powers* granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

H.R. 3432 --- 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the
Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007*(Payne, D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3432 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3432 would establish the 200th
Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the
Transatlantic Slave Trade. The purpose of the commissions would be to
assist programs and activities throughout the United States to ensure
that there is a suitable national observance of the 200th anniversary of
the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

The commission would be composed of nine appointees, seven appointed by
the majority leaders in the House and Senate and two appointed by the
minority leaders. The commission's duties would include planning and
developing commemorative activities, encouraging local involvement,
facilitating the commemoration through out the U.S., developing
marketing, and sponsoring high school and college essay contests to mark
the occasion. The commissions would issue a report to Congress within 11
months of enactment detailing their activities.

The chair of the commission would be authorized to appoint an executive
director and any additional staff that was deemed necessary to carry out
the purpose of the commission. The bill would authorize "such sums as
may be necessary" for the commission's expenses.

The commission would terminate on December 31, 2009.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the findings in
the bill, on March 3, 1807, President Thomas Jefferson signed into law a
bill approved by Congress 'An Act to prohibit the importation of slaves
into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States' and
made it unlawful to import a slave into the United States or any
territories. Due to the fact that Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S.
Constitution mandated that the international slave trade could not be
banned prior to 1808, the law took affect on January 1, 1808. Thus, 2008
marks the 200^th^ anniversary of the end of the international slave
trade in the U.S.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3432 was introduced on August
3, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent
on September 26, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3432 is
unavailable. However, the bill would authorize the use of "such sums as
may be necessary" for the commission's expenses.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill would create a new federally
funded commission to organize state and federal activities that
commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic
slave trade.

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. However, House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* powers granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

H.R. 3571 --- To amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to
permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of
Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or
General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to
such positions to serve one additional term *(Brady, D-PA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3571 is expected to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, on a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3571 would permit an individual that has
worked as an employee of the Office of Compliance to be appointed to
serve as a member of executive staff. Currently, executive staff members
may not be appointed from within the office.

The bill would also allow an individual employed in the position of
Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the
Office of Compliance to serve two terms. Current law limits such
employees to one term.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to a description on
their website, the Office of Compliance is "an independent non-partisan
agency established to administer and enforce the Congressional
Accountability Act (CAA). The Office of Compliance administers the
dispute resolution system established to resolve disputes that arise
under the CAA; carries out an education and training program for the
regulated community on the rights and responsibilities of the CAA; and
advises Congress on needed changes and amendments to the CAA. The
General Counsel of the Office of Compliance has independent
investigatory and enforcement authority for certain violations of the
CAA."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3571 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on House
Administration, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayer]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3432 is
unavailable.

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

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable. However, House Rule XIII,
Section 3(d)(1), requires that all committee reports contain "a
statement citing the *specific* powers granted to Congress in the
Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution."
*\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.Con.Res. 200 --- Condemning the violent suppression of Buddhist
Monks and other peaceful demonstrators in Burma and calling for the
immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi**

**(King, R-NY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 200 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 200 would express the sense of the
House of Representatives that United States policy should continue to
call upon:

-   "the military regime in Burma

    -   "to immediately and unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
        and other detained political prisoners and prisoners of
        conscience;

    -   "to immediately cease attacks against ethnic minority civilians;
        and

    -   "to immediately begin a meaningful process of tripartite
        dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD, and Burma's ethnic
        nationalities; and

-   the People's Republic of China and other countries that provide
    political and economic support to Burma\'s military junta to utilize
    their position and influence to:

    -   "urge Burma's military generals to immediately release Daw Aung
        San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners; and

    -   "end their attacks on ethnic minority civilians and begin a
        meaningful process of genuine national reconciliation with Daw
        Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD, and Burma\'s ethnic nationalities."

The resolution also expresses the sense that the House of
Representatives:

-   "urges the United Nations Security Council to immediately consider
    and take appropriate action to respond to the growing threat the
    SPDC poses in Burma;

-   "expresses support for the restoration of democracy in Burma; and

-   "expresses the need for freedom of assembly, freedom of movement,
    freedom of speech, and freedom of the press to be guaranteed for all
    Burmese citizens."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "in 1990 the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), a military
    junta in Burma, nullified the victory of the National League for
    Democracy (NLD);

-   "NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not allowed to assume the
    office of Prime Minister and was subsequently placed under house
    arrest;

-   "the Burmese Government has destroyed more than 3,000 villages,
    displaced approximately 2 million Burmese people, and arrested
    approximately 1,300 individuals for expressing critical opinions;

-   "on September 30, 2006, the United Nations Security Council
    officially included Burma on its agenda for the first time; and

-   "the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) denounced the
    ruling military regime of Burma on June 22, 2007, citing the use of
    detainees as porters for the armed forces and the systematic abuse
    and murder of both detainees and civilians."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 203 was introduced on
August 2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
held a mark-up on September 26, 2007, and reported the resolution, as
amended, by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
expenditure.

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

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

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

H.R. 3087---To require the President, in coordination with the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other
senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a
comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed
Forces in Iraq (*Tanner, D-TN / Abercrombie, D-HI*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, October 2^nd^, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3087 opens by expressing the following
congressional findings:

-   "The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution
    of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), enacted into law on October 16, 2002,
    authorized the President to use the Armed Forces as the President
    determined necessary and appropriate in order to defend the national
    security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by
    the Government of Iraq at that time;

-   "The Government of Iraq which was in power at the time the
    Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of
    2002 was enacted into law has been removed from power and its leader
    indicted, tried, convicted, and executed by the new freely-elected
    democratic Government of Iraq;

-   "The current Government of Iraq does not pose a threat to the United
    States or its interests; and

-   "After more than four years of valiant efforts by members of the
    Armed Forces and United States civilians, the Government of Iraq
    must now be responsible for Iraq's future course."

In light of these findings, H.R. 3087 would direct the Secretary of
Defense, within 60 days of this bill's enactment, and every 90 days
thereafter, to submit to Congress **a report on the [status of planning
for]{.underline} the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq.**
The initial report and each subsequent report required by this
subsection would have to be submitted in unclassified form, to the
maximum extent possible, but could contain a classified annex, if
necessary.

Within 14 days of the submission of the initial report, the Secretary of
Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would have to meet
with the congressional defense committees to brief such committees on
the report. Within 14 days of the submission of each subsequent report,
"appropriate senior officials" (undefined) of the Department of Defense
would have to lead similar briefings with the congressional defense
committees.

The bill expresses the following sense of Congress:

> \(1\) **nothing in this Act shall be construed as a recommendation by
> Congress that any particular contingency plan be exercised;**
> *(emphasis added)*
>
> \(2\) it is necessary and prudent for the Department of Defense to
> undertake robust and comprehensive contingency planning;
>
> \(3\) contingency planning for a redeployment of the Armed Forces from
> Iraq should address\--
>
> \(A\) ensuring appropriate protection for the Armed Forces in Iraq;
>
> \(B\) providing appropriate protection in Iraq for United States
> civilians, contractors, third party nationals, and Iraqi nationals who
> have assisted the United States mission in Iraq;
>
> \(C\) maintaining and enhancing the ability of the United States
> Government to eliminate and disrupt Al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist
> organizations; and
>
> \(D\) preserving military equipment necessary to defend the national
> security interests of the United States; and
>
> \(4\) contingency planning for a redeployment of the Armed Forces from
> Iraq should\--
>
> \(A\) describe a range of possible scenarios for such redeployment;
>
> \(B\) outline multiple possible timetables for such redeployment; and
>
> \(C\) describe the possible missions, and the associated projected
> number of members, of the Armed Forces which would remain in Iraq,
> including to\--
>
> \(i\) conduct United States military operations to protect vital
> United States national security interests;
>
> \(ii\) conduct counterterrorism operations against Al Qaeda in Iraq
> and affiliated terrorist organizations;
>
> \(iii\) protect the Armed Forces, United States diplomatic and
> military facilities, and United States civilians; and
>
> \(iv\) support and equip Iraqi forces to take full responsibility for
> their own security.

The reporting and briefing requirements would terminate on the date on
which the Secretary of Defense submits to Congress a written
certification that the U.S. Armed Forces are "no longer primarily
engaged in a combat mission in Iraq."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The original version of this
legislation would have required the President to have created and
submitted to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the withdrawal of
U.S. troops from Iraq. After protests from within the Democrat Caucus,
this legislation was amended to require status reports and
briefings---not a comprehensive withdrawal strategy.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: As of September 1, 2007, according to
the Department of Defense, the United States had 165,607 troops
stationed in Iraq: 144,992 active component troops and 20,615 National
Guard or Reserves troops.
<http://www.congress.gov/erp/rs/html/RS22449.html>

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: On July 18, 2007, the bill was
referred to the Armed Services Committee, which, on July 27^th^, marked
up and ordered the bill reported to the full House by a vote of 55-2.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned about the logic of the "findings" above and that this
legislation implies that the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq should begin
presently.

**[Administration Position]{.underline}**: A Statement of Administration
Policy (SAP) was not available at press time.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution would authorize no
significant expenditure.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: The Armed Services
Committee, in [House Report
110-283](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr283)),
asserts that, "\[H.R. 3087\] contains no 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 Armed Services
Committee, in [House Report
110-283](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr283)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8, but fails to
cite a specific clause. House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that
all committee reports contain "a statement citing the *specific*
*powers* granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law
proposed by the bill or joint resolution." *\[emphasis added\]*
Presumably, the Committee intended to cite Clause 1, which grants
Congress the power to "provide for the common Defense and general
Welfare of the United States."

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Paul S. Teller,
<paul.teller@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-9718