![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...............................................July 14, 2008**

**Contents**:

> **H.R. 5618---**To reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant
> College Program Act, and for other purposes
>
> **H.R. 1714**---To clarify the boundaries of Coastal Barrier Resources
> System Clam Pass Unit FL-64P
>
> **H.R. 3227**---To direct the Secretary of the Interior to continue
> stocking fish in certain lakes in the North Cascades National Park,
> Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National
> Recreation Area
>
> **H.Res. 984**---Expressing support for the designation of July 26,
> 2008 as "National Day of the Cowboy"
>
> **H.R. 5506**---The "Bishop Ralph E. Brower Post Office Building"
> Designation Act
>
> **H.R. 4010**---The "Minnie Cox Post Office Building" Designation Act
>
> **H.Res. 1067**---Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of
> the North Pole by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571)
>
> **H.Res. 1080**---Honoring the extraordinary service and exceptional
> sacrifice of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the
> Screaming Eagles
>
> **H.Con.Res. 295**---Expressing the deepest appreciation of Congress
> to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces
>
> **H.Con.Res. 297**---Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the
> integration of the United States Armed Forces
>
> **H.R. 3564**---Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007
>
> **H.Con.Res. 381**---Honoring and recognizing the dedication and
> achievements of Thurgood Marshall on the 100th anniversary of his
> birth
>
> **H.Res. 1182**---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
> that American flags flown on Federal Government buildings and on
> Federal property be made in the United States
>
> **H.Con.Res. 369**---Honoring the men and women of the Drug
> Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its 35th anniversary
>
> **H.R. 5057**---Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act
>
> **S. 3218**---Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act
> of 2008
>
> **H.R. 5464**---A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act
>
> **S. 231**---A bill to authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
> Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012

**H.R. 5618**--- **National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act**

***(Bordallo, D-GU)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5618 would authorize funding for the
national sea grant program to be administered by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill also requires a
independent committee to be known as the National Sea Grant Advisory
Board to report to Congress every two years on the state of the national
sea grant college program. The bill lists the following purpose for the
grant program, "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
through the national sea grant college program, offers the most suitable
locus and means for such commitment and engagement through the promotion
of activities that will result in greater such understanding,
assessment, development, utilization, and conservation. The most
cost-effective way to promote such activities is through continued and
increased Federal support of the establishment, development, and
operation of programs and projects by sea grant colleges, sea grant
institutes, and other institutions, including strong collaborations
between Administration scientists and research and outreach personnel at
academic institutions."

The bill authorizes \$66 million for FY 2009; \$72.8 million or FY 2010;
\$79.6 for FY 2011; \$86.4 for FY 2012; \$93.2 for FY 2013; and \$100
million for FY 2014.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: This grant program has been
funded at approximately \$62 million per year since FY 2001. According
to the grants official website, their mission is environmental
stewardship, long-term economic development and responsible use of
America's coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant is a
nationwide network of 30 university-based programs that work with
coastal communities. The National Sea Grant College Program engages this
network of the nation's top universities in conducting scientific
research, education, training, and extension projects designed to foster
science-based decisions about the use and conservation of our aquatic
resources.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 5618 was introduced on March 13,
2008, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources as well as the
Committee on Science and Technology. Both Committees held a mark-up of
the bill and ordered the bill, as amended, by unanimous consent and
voice vote respectively.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: According to CBO, "spending for the
program ... would total \$316 million over the 2009-2013 period. An
additional \$182 million would be spent after 2013, including \$100
million authorized to be appropriated for 2014. Enacting H.R. 5618 would
not affect direct spending or revenues."

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill would authorize \$316 million
over the 2009-2013 period.

**[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 Natural Resources
Committee, in [House Report
110-701](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr701):),
asserts that, "H.R. 5618 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}**: The Natural Resources
Committee, in [House Report
110-701](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr701):),
cites constitutional authority for H.R. 5618 in Article I, Section 8.

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

**H.R. 1714**--- **To clarify the boundaries of Coastal Barrier
Resources System Clam Pass Unit FL-64P**

**(Mack, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1714 would replace the map subtitled
"FL-64P" of the Coastal Barrier Resources System in Collier County,
Florida with another map entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System Clam
Pass Unit, FL-64P."

This revised map would exclude 48 acres of private land mistakenly
included in the System and include 65 acres of county land that are
within the Clam Pass Conservation Area. The addition of this land to the
System would enable those owning condominiums on the property to
purchase flood insurance.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Sponsor's
office, officials at the Department of Interior admit that this land was
never intended to be included in the system. This legislation would
correct certain errors that were made in the mapping process of the
Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) in Southwest Florida. The mapping
error inadvertently put several hundred of Congressman Mack's
constituents on land improperly designated as federal land. The
neighborhood that is impacted is known as Naples Cay and is located in
northern Collier County, Florida. Naples Cay has about 600 residents
living in 292 total units. Because Naples Cay is included in a CBRA or
Otherwise Protected Area (OPA) designation, many of his constituents are
unable to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. According
to figures provided by the residents, the economic impact of the
CBRA/OPA designation on this area has cost them between \$500,000 and
\$700,000 annually for flood insurance. Passage of this bill will ensure
these constituents can participate in State and Federal programs which
landowners in similar situations are now allowed to do.

[Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 1714 was introduced on March 27,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources which
took no further action.

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

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

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

**[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}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

**H.R. 3227**--- **To direct the Secretary of the Interior to continue
stocking fish in certain lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross
Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation
Area**

**(Hastings, R-WA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3227 would authorize the stocking of
fish in lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National
Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area under certain
conditions. Such conditions set by the bill are:

-   The Secretary shall stock fish only with the concurrence of and in
    coordination with the State of Washington;

-   The Secretary shall only select lakes to be stocked from the 91
    lakes that have historically had fish stocking;

-   The Secretary shall only stock fish that are native to the
    watershed; or functionally sterile.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3227 was introduced on June 30,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. On June
25, 2008 the Committee held a mark-up of H.R. 3227 and ordered the bill
reported, as amended, by voice vote.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: According to CBO, "Based on information
provided by the NPS, CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3227 would have no
effect on revenues or direct spending and no significant effect on
discretionary spending. The expense of stocking fish would be borne by
the state or other nonfederal entities, as it has been since the three
park units were established."

**[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}**: 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. 984**--- **Expressing support for the designation of July 26,
2008 as "National Day of the Cowboy" *(Giffords, D-AZ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 984 would express the sense that the
House or Representatives:

-   "expresses support for the designation of a 'National Day of the
    Cowboy'; and

-   "encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with
    appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "pioneering men and women, known as cowboys, helped establish the
    American West;

-   "the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion,
    respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;

-   "the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family
    values, and good common sense;

-   "the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic
    boundaries, and political affiliation;

-   "the cowboy is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures;

-   "the cowboy lives off the land and works to protect and enhance the
    environment;

-   "cowboy traditions have been part of the American culture for
    generations;

-   "the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy,
    through the work of approximately 727,000 ranchers in all 50 States,
    and contributes to the well-being of nearly every county in the
    Nation;

-   "annual attendance at professional and working ranch rodeo events
    exceeds 27,000,000 fans, and the rodeo is the 7th most watched sport
    in the Nation;

-   "membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that
    promote and encompass the livelihood of the cowboy spans race,
    gender, and generations;

-   "the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music, and
    occupies a central place in the public imagination;

-   "the cowboy is an American icon; and

-   "the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their
    communities should be recognized and encouraged."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 984 was introduced on
February 13, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which ordered the bill to be reported by voice vote.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.R. 5506---The "Bishop Ralph E. Brower Post Office Building"
Designation Act *(Sires, D-NJ) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 5506 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5506 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 369 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the 'Bishop Ralph E. Brower Post Office
Building'.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Sponsor's
office:

> Over five decades ago, Bishop Brower was called to Jersey City, New
> Jersey and has dedicated his time by servicing the community in a
> variety of capacities. His professional and ministerial
> accomplishments include serving as President of the
> Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and as Pastor of St. Michaels
> Methodist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey for 54 years. Bishop
> Brower has also served the community for 25 years as the Hudson County
> Chaplain, and worked as the Jersey City Redevelopment Commissioner,
> and Deputy Mayor.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5506 was introduced on February
27, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which ordered the bill reported by voice vote.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 5506 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited
Tax]{.underline}**

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H.R. 4010---The "Minnie Cox Post Office Building" Designation Act
*(Thompson, D-MS) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 4010 is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

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

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

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

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

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score for H.R. 4010 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
citing compliance with rules regarding earmarks, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits was not available. Such a report is not
required because the bill is being considered under a suspension of the
rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Although no committee report
citing constitutional authority is available, Article I, Section 8,
Clause 7 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish
Post Offices and post roads.

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

**H. Res. 1067**--- **Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing
of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) and its significance in
the history of both our Nation and the world *(Courtney, D-CT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1067 would express that it is the
sense of the United States House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes the historic significance of the journey to the North
    Pole undertaken by the USS Nautilus;

-   "commends the officers and crew of the USS Nautilus on the 50th
    anniversary of their magnificent achievement;

-   "recognizes the importance of the USS Nautilus' journey to the North
    Pole as not only a military and scientific accomplishment, but also
    in confirming America's longstanding interest in this vital region
    of the world;

-   "commends the role of the USS Nautilus and the United States
    Submarine Force in protecting the interests of the free world during
    the Cold War; and

-   "supports the continuing role of the United States Submarine Force
    in defending our Nation in the 21st century."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), built and launched at Electric Boat in
    Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954, was the first vessel in
    the world to be powered by nuclear power;

-   "the USS Nautilus overcame extreme difficulties of navigation and
    maneuverability while submerged under the polar ice, and became the
    first vessel to cross the geographic North Pole on August 3, 1958;

-   "the USS Nautilus continued on her voyage and became the first
    vessel to successfully navigate a course across the top of the
    world;

-   "the USS Nautilus, having claimed this historic milestone and
    returned home to Naval Submarine Base New London, continued to
    establish a series of naval records in her distinguished 25-year
    career, including being the first submarine to journey '20,000
    leagues under the sea';

-   "the USS Nautilus completed these significant and laudable
    achievements during a critical phase of the Cold War, providing a
    source of inspiration for Americans and raising the hopes of the
    Free World;

-   "the USS Nautilus was the first naval vessel in peacetime to receive
    the Presidential Unit Citation for its meritorious efforts in
    crossing the North Pole;

-   "Commander William R. Anderson of the United States Navy was awarded
    the Legion of Merit for his role in commanding the USS Nautilus
    during its historic voyage;

-   "the USS Nautilus and its contribution to world history was praised
    by a range of American Presidents, including President Harry Truman,
    President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Lyndon B. Johnson,
    President Jimmy Carter, and President Bill Clinton; and

-   "President Eisenhower described the voyage to the North Pole as a
    'magnificent achievement' from which 'the entire free world would
    benefit'."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1067 was introduced on April
1, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, which
took no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

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

**H. Res. 1080**--- **Honoring the extraordinary service and exceptional
sacrifice of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the
Screaming Eagles. (Whitfield, R-KY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1080 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1080 would express that it is the
sense of the United States House of Representatives:

-   "recognizes the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also known as
    the Screaming Eagles, as one of the great Divisions in American
    military history;

-   "recognizes that America owes a tremendous debt to the 101st
    Airborne Division (Air Assault) for the extraordinary service,
    sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers of the Division and their
    families; and

-   "acknowledges that the contributions of the 101st Airborne Division
    (Air Assault) to ensure the continued safety and security of this
    nation will not go unnoticed."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), or the Screaming Eagles,
    headquartered in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, has faithfully answered
    America's call for service since its formation on August 15, 1942;

-   "the Screaming Eagles were the first Americans to land in France as
    part of the D-day invasion of Europe by Allied forces;

-   "the Screaming Eagles were one of the first units to deploy to
    Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November,
    2001, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001;

-   "the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) has since deployed tens
    of thousands of young men and women to Iraq and Afghanistan no less
    than three times in support of the Global War on Terrorism,
    performing counter-insurgency operations, securing liberty for such
    nations to deny safe-haven to terrorists, and helping build a better
    future for such nations;

-   "186 Screaming Eagles have made the ultimate sacrifice and countless
    others have been injured in multiple operations since deployments
    began in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
    Freedom; and

-   "the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) has recognized its
    'rendezvous with destiny,' serving the Nation in five wars, and
    Congress has awarded 22 members with the Congressional Medal of
    Honor."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1080 was introduced on April
3, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology,
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;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H. Con. Res. 295**--- **Expressing the deepest appreciation of
Congress to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces
(Bilirakis, R-FL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 295 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 295 would express that Congress
expresses its deepest appreciation to the families, both immediate and
extended, of members of the United States Armed Forces for the
unwavering support, both physical and emotional, that family members
give their loved ones while they answer the call to serve their country
and keep the United States safe.

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "more than 2,000,000 Americans are demonstrating their devotion to
    the United States and freedom by serving in the United States Armed
    Forces;

-   "there are a multitude of family members, including mothers,
    fathers, siblings, spouses, and children, supporting each member of
    the Armed Forces;

-   "even in peacetime, the family of a member of the Armed Forces makes
    concessions given the inherent dangers of military service and the
    frequent relocations resulting in disruption of everyday routine;

-   "during wartime, family members endure increased sacrifices, forgo
    time with their loved one, and face increased worry and uncertainty
    when their loved one serves extended tours overseas or engages in
    enhanced training activities;

-   "an increasing number of family members have taken on volunteer
    responsibilities in organizations associated with the Armed Forces;

-   "the family of a member of the Armed Forces wounded in action
    willingly accepts the additional role of caregiver, even when it
    requires postponement of personal goals;

-   "the families of members of the Armed Forces serve as a pillar of
    strength and encouragement for those serving the interests of the
    United States at home and abroad; and

-   "the families of members of the Armed Forces play a critical role in
    providing emotional support and readjustment assistance as members
    transition from military life to civilian life."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 295 was introduced on
February 13, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services, which took no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

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

**H. Con. Res. 297**--- **Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the
integration of the United States Armed Forces (Rogers, R-AL)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 297 is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 297 would express that it is the
sense of Congress to honorably and respectfully recognize the historic
significance and to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of President
Truman\'s Executive Order 9981 signed on July 26, 1948 that declared it
to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of
treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without
regard to race, color, religion or national origin thereby beginning the
process of ending segregation in the United States Armed Forces.

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the United States has always had strong armed forces made up of
    courageous men and women serving the ideals of duty, honor, and
    country;

-   "the United States Armed Forces was unfortunately once a place of
    segregation of the races;

-   "despite segregation, minority members of the United States Armed
    Forces, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton
    Field in Macon County, Alabama, demonstrated honor and bravery above
    and beyond the call of duty;

-   "the bravery and sacrifice of all members of the United States Armed
    Forces regardless of race during World War II and prior conflicts is
    a matter of National honor;

-   "the integration of the United States Armed Forces in 1948 was a
    seminal event in our Nation's history and instilled the democratic
    ideal of equality in the military; and

-   "the continued bravery and dedication of every member of the United
    States Armed Forces continues to be a source of pride to every
    American."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 297 was introduced on
February 14, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services, which took no official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.

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

**H.R. 3564---** **Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007**

**(Cannon, R-UT)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 3564 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 would amend title 5 of the United
States Code to authorize appropriations for the Administrative
Conference of the United States through fiscal year 2011. H.R. 3564
authorizes \$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, \$3,300,000 for fiscal year
2009, \$3,400,000 for fiscal year 2010, and \$3,500,000 for fiscal year
2011. In addition, H.R. 3564 stipulates that no more than \$2,500 may be
made available in each fiscal year for official representation and
entertainment expenses for foreign dignitaries.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Administrative Conference
of the U.S. is an independent advisory agency that assists the federal
government in developing and implementing regulations.

According to the Sponsor's office:

> Congress established the Administrative Conference of the United
> States ("ACUS," or the "Conference") in 1964. ACUS was designed to be
> a relatively small, public/private think tank, with membership drawn
> from both the public and private sectors and from across the
> ideological spectrum. Over the years, ACUS' members included future
> Supreme Court justices, high-ranking administration officials and
> civil servants, and many leading administrative law scholars. For
> approximately 30 years after its establishment, the Conference
> provided a unique source of innovations and recommendations for the
> improvement of federal administrative practices. Among the
> improvements the Conference fostered were innovations in negotiated
> rulemaking, lower-cost dispute resolution, the facilitation of
> judicial review of agency decisions, and the fostering of electronic
> rulemaking procedures.
>
> In these ways and others, ACUS helped to focus attention on the need
> for the federal government to be more efficient, smaller and more
> accountable, and to identify solutions to that end. ACUS did so,
> moreover, at an exceptionally high cost-benefit ratio. For example,
> just one agency, the Social Security Administration, estimated that
> ACUS' recommendation to change that agency's appeals process produced
> about \$85 million in savings. That one act accounted for savings that
> were more than 47 times the size of ACUS' last yearly appropriation of
> \$1.8 million.

With ACUS' track record as background, former White House Counsel C.
Boyden Gray once observed that, "as long as there is a need for
regulatory reform, there is a need for something like the Administrative
Conference.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3564 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The
Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a mark-up of the
bill on September 19, 2007, and on October 10, 2007, the full Committee
held a markup and reported the bill by voice vote. On October 22, 2007,
the House passed the bill by voice vote. On June 27, 2008, the H.R. 3564
passed the Senate, with an amendment, by unanimous consent

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
3564 would authorize \$11 million in over the FY 2008-2012 period.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** House Committee on the
Judiciary Report
[110--390](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr390):)
states, "In accordance with clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, H.R. 3564 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}**: House Committee on the
Judiciary Report
[110--390](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr390):)
cites Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the Constitution, which gives
Congress the authority to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation
of the land and naval Forces".

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

**H. Con. Res. 381**--- **Honoring and recognizing the dedication and
achievements of Thurgood Marshall on the 100th anniversary of his birth
*(Payne, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 381 would express the sense that
the House or Representatives:

-   "honors the dedication and achievements of Thurgood Marshall;

-   "recognizes the contributions of Thurgood Marshall to the struggle
    for equal rights and justice in the United States; and

-   "celebrates the lifetime achievements of Thurgood Marshall on the
    100th anniversary of his birth."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Thurgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 2, 1908,
    the grandson of a slave;

-   "Thurgood Marshall developed an interest in the Constitution and the
    rule of law in his youth;

-   "Thurgood Marshall graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania
    with honors in 1930, but was denied acceptance at the all-white
    University of Maryland Law School because he was African-American;

-   "Thurgood Marshall attended law school at Howard University, the
    country's most prominent black university, and graduated first in
    his class in 1933;

-   "Thurgood Marshall served as the legal director of the National
    Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1940
    to 1961;

-   "Thurgood Marshall argued 32 cases before the Supreme Court of the
    United States, beginning with the case of Chambers v. Florida in
    1940, and won 29 of them, earning more victories in the Supreme
    Court than any other individual;

-   "as Chief Counsel of the NAACP, Thurgood Marshall fought to abolish
    segregation in schools and challenged laws that discriminated
    against African-Americans;

-   "Thurgood Marshall argued *Brown v. Board of Education* before the
    Supreme Court in 1954, which resulted in the famous decision
    declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional,
    overturning the 1896 decision in *Plessy v. Ferguson*;

-   "Thurgood Marshall was nominated to the United States Court of
    Appeals for the Second Circuit by President John F. Kennedy in 1961,
    and was confirmed by the United States Senate in spite of heavy
    opposition from many Southern Senators;

-   "Thurgood Marshall served on the United States Court of Appeals for
    the Second Circuit from 1961 to 1965, during which time he wrote 112
    opinions, none of which were overturned on appeal;

-   "Thurgood Marshall was nominated as Solicitor General of the United
    States by President Lyndon Johnson, and served as the first
    African-American Solicitor General from 1965 to 1967;

-   "Thurgood Marshall was nominated as an Associate Justice of the
    Supreme Court by President Johnson in 1967, and served as the first
    African-American member of the Supreme Court;

-   "Thurgood Marshall sought to protect the rights of all Americans
    during his 24 years as a justice on the Supreme Court;

-   "Thurgood Marshall was honored with the Liberty Medal in 1992, in
    recognition of his long history of protecting the rights of women,
    children, prisoners, and the homeless; and

-   "Thurgood Marshall died on January 24, 1993, at the age of 84."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 381 was introduced on
June 24, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary,
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;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.Res. 1182**--- **Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that American flags flown on Federal Government
buildings and on Federal property be made in the United States *(Filner,
D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1182 would express that it is the
sense of the United States House of Representatives that all American
flags flown over Federal buildings be entirely produced in the United
States.

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on June 14, 1777, the Stars and Stripes was officially adopted as
    the national flag of the United States;

-   "Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the American flag
    still flying over Baltimore's Fort McHenry after a British
    bombardment that he wrote the 'Star-Spangled Banner' on September
    14, 1814;

-   "the American flag has 7 red and 6 white horizontal stripes;

-   "these stripes represent the 13 original States;

-   "the flag still has its field of blue, which represents the Union
    and contains 50 stars, one for each State;

-   "many brave men and women have fought and died for the freedoms that
    this flag represents; and

-   "the sight of this banner brings feelings of joy, courage, pride,
    and unity for all Americans."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1182 was introduced on May
8, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, 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;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H. Con. Res. 369**--- **Honoring the men and women of the Drug
Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its 35th anniversary
(Souder, R-IN)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 369 would express the sense that
the House or Representatives:

-   "the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was created by an
    Executive order on July 6, 1973, and merged the previously separate
    law enforcement and intelligence agencies responsible for narcotics
    control;

-   "the first administrator of the DEA, John R. Bartels, Jr., was
    confirmed by the Senate on October 4, 1973;

-   "since 1973, the men and women of the DEA have served our Nation
    with courage, vision, and determination, protecting all Americans
    from the scourge of drug trafficking, drug abuse, and related
    violence;

-   "the DEA has adjusted and refined the tactics and methods by which
    it targets the most dangerous drug trafficking operations to bring
    to justice criminals such as New York City\'s Nicky Barnes, key
    members of the infamous Colombian Medellin cartel, Thai warlord Khun
    Sa, several members of the Mexican Arellano-Felix organization,
    Afghan terrorist Haji Baz Mohammad, and international arms dealer
    Viktor Bout;

-   "throughout its 35 years, the DEA has continually adapted to the
    evolving trends of drug trafficking organizations by aggressively
    targeting organizations involved in the growing, manufacturing, and
    distribution of such substances as marijuana, cocaine, heroin,
    methamphetamine, Ecstasy, and controlled prescription drugs;

-   "in its 227 domestic offices in 21 field divisions, the DEA
    continues to strengthen and enhance existing relationships with
    Federal, State, and local counterparts in every State in the Union
    to combat drug trafficking;

-   "in this decade alone, DEA special agents have seized over 5,500
    kilograms of heroin; 650,000 kilograms of cocaine; 2,300,000
    kilograms of marijuana; 13,000 kilograms of methamphetamine; almost
    80,000,000 dosage units of hallucinogens; and made over 240,000
    arrests;

-   "in its 87 foreign offices in 63 countries, the DEA has the largest
    international presence of any Federal law enforcement agency;

-   "its personnel continue to collaborate closely with international
    partners around the globe, including in such drug-producing
    countries as Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, and Thailand;

-   "the results of this international collaboration in this decade
    alone have led to the indictments of 63 leaders, members, and
    associates of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a
    designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as 144 arrests
    and detainments of narcotics traffickers for violations of Afghan
    and United States narcotics laws and terrorist-related offenses;

-   "through the creation of the Diversion Control Program in 1971, the
    DEA now registers and regulates over 1,200,000 registrants, while
    simultaneously combating the continually-evolving threat posed by
    the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals;

-   "the DEA continues to hit drug traffickers financially, where it
    hurts the most, denying drug trafficking organizations
    \$3,500,000,000 in fiscal year 2007 alone, exceeding their 5-year
    goal of \$3,000,000,000 annually by fiscal year 2009;

-   "DEA special agents continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with
    Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials throughout the
    Nation in a cooperative effort to put drug traffickers behind bars;

-   "throughout its history, many DEA employees and members of the
    agency\'s task forces have given their lives in the line of duty,
    including: Charles Archie Wood, Stafford E. Beckett, Joseph W.
    Floyd, Bert S. Gregory, James T. Williams, Louis L. Marks, James E.
    Brown, James R. Kerrigan, John W. Crozier, Spencer Stafford,
    Andrew P. Sanderson, Anker M. Bangs, Wilson M. Shee, Mansel R.
    Burrell, Hector Jordan, Gene A. Clifton, Frank Tummillo, Richard
    Heath, Jr., George F. White, Emir Benitez, Gerald Sawyer, Leslie S.
    Grosso, Nickolas Fragos, Mary M. Keehan, Charles H. Mann, Anna Y.
    Mounger, Anna J. Pope, Martha D. Skeels, Mary P. Sullivan, Larry D.
    Wallace, Ralph N. Shaw, James T. Lunn, Octavio Gonzalez, Francis J.
    Miller, Robert C. Lightfoot, Thomas J. Devine, Larry N. Carwell,
    Marcellus Ward, Enrique S. Camarena, James A. Avant, Charles M.
    Bassing, Kevin L. Brosch, Susan M. Hoefler, William Ramos,
    Raymond J. Stastny, Arthur L. Cash, Terry W. McNett, George M.
    Montoya, Paul S. Seema, Everett E. Hatcher, Rickie C. Finley,
    Joseph T. Aversa, Wallie Howard, Jr., Eugene T. McCarthy, Alan H.
    Winn, George D. Althouse, Becky L. Dwojeski, Stephen J. Strehl,
    Juan C. Vars, Jay W. Seale, Meredith Thompson, Frank S. Wallace,
    Jr., Frank Fernandez, Jr., Kenneth G. McCullough, Carrol June
    Fields, Rona L. Chafey, Shelly D. Bland, Carrie A. Lenz, Shaun E.
    Curl, Royce D. Tramel, Alice Faye Hall-Walton, Elton Armstead, Larry
    Steilen, Terry Loftus, Jay Balchunas, and Richard E. Fass;

-   "many other DEA employees and task force officers have been wounded
    or injured in the line of duty; and

-   "over 9,000 employees of the DEA, including special agents,
    intelligence analysts, diversion investigators, program analysts,
    forensic chemists, attorneys, and administrative support, along with
    over 2,000 task force officers, and over 2,000 vetted foreign
    officers, work tirelessly to hunt down and bring to justice the drug
    trafficking cartels that seek to poison our citizens with dangerous
    narcotics."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Con. Res. 369 was introduced on
June 10, 2008, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary,
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;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.R. 5057---** **Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008**

***(Maloney, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 5057 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5057 amends the DNA Analysis Backlog
Elimination Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations for DNA analysis
grant programs through FY2014.

The bill authorizes \$151 million for each of the FY 2009 through 2014.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The DNA Analysis Backlog
Elimination Act of 2000 authorized the Attorney General to make grants
available to states to carry out DNA analyses. As a requirement to
receive grant funding, recipients must enter the DNA samples taken from
individuals convicted of certain crimes and crime scenes into the
Combined DNA Identification System (CODIS). Under the act, the grants
could be used to increase the capacity of laboratories to carry out DNA
analyses. It also provided for the collection and use of DNA
identification information from certain federal, District of Columbia,
and armed forces offenders in custody or under federal supervision, and
established submission of a DNA sample as a condition of probation,
supervised release, or parole.

According to the [website](http://www.dna.gov/case_studies/debbie_smith)
for the President's DNA initiative, Debbie Smith was a rape victim whose
assailant was identified after his DNA information was processed through
the Virginia's DNA databank.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5057 was introduced on January
17, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The Subcommittee
on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a mark-up of the bill on
May 6, 2008, and on May 14, 2007, the full Committee held a markup and
reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, "the
bill would authorize the appropriation of about \$75 million over the
2009-2013 period for other DOJ programs. Assuming appropriation of the
necessary amounts, we estimate that implementing H.R. 5057 would cost
about \$875 million over the 2009-2013 period, with remaining amounts
spent in subsequent years. Enacting the bill would not affect direct
spending or revenues."

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill would authorize \$151 million
for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2014.

**[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}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

**S. 3218---** **Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act
of 2008**

***(Biden, D-DE)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S. 3218 scheduled to be considered
on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass
the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 3218 amends the PROTECT Act to extend by
six months the Child Safety Pilot Program.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Prosecutorial Remedies and
Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today (PROTECT) Act of
2003 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on April 30, 2003.
This legislation strengthened several laws dealing with the prosecution
and law enforcement of crimes involving children.

Established in the PROTECT Act was a pilot program for a national
criminal history background check system to enable volunteer
groups---such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National Mentoring
Partnership, and the National Council for Youth Sports---to obtain
national and state criminal history background checks for adults. The
Child Safety Pilot program uses fingerprints to search the database of
the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 3218 was introduced on June 26,
2008, and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary where no further
action was taken. The Senate passed S. 3218 by unanimous consent on June
26, 2008.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: No CBO score is available.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee Report
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}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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

**H.R. 5464---** **A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act**

***(Klein, D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 5464 scheduled to be
considered on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5464 directs the Attorney General to
make annual grants to the "A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center"
to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in
recovering missing children.

The bill authorizes \$5 million for each of the fiscal years 2009
through 2014.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The "A Child Is Missing Alert
and Recover Center" is a non-profit advocacy group for missing children.
This organization has been funded through numerous earmarks in the
Department of Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bills for
several years. The organization operates in a number of different states
including Ohio, Georgia, and Nevada. This bill would authorize a direct
grant program to this organization, removing their reliance on annual
earmarks.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5464 was introduced on February
14, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The Subcommittee
on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a mark-up of the bill on
May 6, 2008, and on May 14, 2007, the full Committee held a markup and
reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, "CBO
estimates that implementing H.R. 5464 would cost about \$15 million over
the 2009-2013 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
Enacting the bill 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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** Committee on the
Judiciary [House Report
110-753](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr753):)
states, "In accordance with clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, H.R. 5464 does not contain any limited tax
benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e) or 9(f).
The Committee is treating the bill, which authorizes a grant in a
specific amount to a specific entity, as an earmark, as defined in
clause 9(d), and is treating the sponsor of the bill, Ron Klein, as the
requester, the A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center in Fort
Lauderdale, FL, as the recipient, and the authorization, \$5 million per
year for each of fiscal years 2009-2014, as the requested amount."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee on the Judiciary
[House Report
110-753](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr753):)
cites constitutional authority for H.R. 5465 in Article I, Section 8 of
the Constitution.

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

**S. 231---** **A bill to authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012**

***(Feinstein, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** S. 231 scheduled to be considered
on Monday, July 14, 2008, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass
the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 231 would authorize appropriations for the
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at \$1.1 billion
annually through FY2012.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant Program was established in 1988 as an anti-drug
program to provide federal law enforcement grants to state and local
governments. The program offer grants for local drug task-force
agencies, crime prevention initiatives and substance abuse programs,
among other efforts. Byrne, the officer for whom the program is named,
was killed while protecting a witness in a drug case in New York in
1988.

The Bush Administration has proposed eliminating funding for the program
and it has been regularly appropriated at levels far lower than the
\$1.1 billion authorization. Though the President did not request any
funding for the program in FY 2008, the omnibus spending bill
appropriated \$170 million for the program.

On June 25, 2008, the House passed H.R. 3544, a bill which would have
extended the authorization of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant Program at \$1.1 billion annually through FY 2012. The
bill passed the House by a vote of
[406-11](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll456.xml).

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that S. 231 authorizes \$1.1 billion annually for a federal
grant program that the Administration has attempted to defund in
multiple budget requests.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 231 was introduced on January 9,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary where no further
action was taken. The Senate passed S. 231 by unanimous consent on May
24, 2007.

[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}: According to CBO, "CBO estimates that
implementing S. 231 would cost about \$2.3 billion over the 2007-2012
period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. Enacting the
bill would not affect direct spending or receipts."

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill authorizes \$1.1 billion
annually for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

**[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}**: A Committee Report citing
constitutional authority was not available.

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