![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................February 12, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 134** --- Recognizing and honoring the employees of the
> Department of Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to
> protect and secure the Nation
>
> **H.R. 437** --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande City,
> Texas, as the "Lino Perez, Jr. Post Office"
>
> **H.R. 414** --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 60 Calle McKinley, West in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico,
> as the "Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 34** --- To establish a pilot program in certain United States
> district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases
> among district judges
>
> **H.Con.Res. 44** --- Honoring and praising the National Association
> for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 98th
> anniversary
>
> **H.Res. 122 ---** Recognizing the significance of the 65th
> anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President
> Franklin D. Roosevelt and supporting the goals of the Japanese
> American, German American, and Italian American communities in
> recognizing a National Day of Remembrance to increase public awareness
> of the events surrounding the restriction, exclusion, and internment
> of individuals and families during World War II
>
> **H.Res. 109---** Recognizing the historical significance of the
> Pinedale Assembly Center, the reporting site for 4,823 Japanese
> Americans who were unjustly interned during World War II
>
> **H.R. 342 ---** To designate the United States courthouse located at
> 555 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson
> Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse"
>
> **H.R. 798 ---** To direct the Administrator of General Services to
> install a photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the
> Department of Energy

H.Res. 134 --- Recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department
of Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to protect and
secure the Nation (*Carney, D-PA*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.Res. 1324 would resolve that the House of
Representatives recognizes and honors the employees of the Department of
Homeland Security for their exceptional efforts and contributions to
protect and secure the Nation.

The resolution also states a number of findings, including the
following:

-   "the United States must remain vigilant against all threats to the
    homeland, including acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other
    emergencies;

-   "the Department of Homeland Security marked its 4th anniversary on
    January 24, 2007;

-   "the more than 208,000 employees of the Department work tirelessly
    to prepare the Nation to counter acts of terrorism, natural
    disasters, and other emergencies;

-   "the Department's employees work diligently to deter, detect, and
    prevent acts of terrorism;

-   "the Department's employees stand willing, ready, and able to
    respond if catastrophe strikes;

-   "the Department's employees support the Department\'s mission to
    protect continuously the Nation's borders, airports, seaports, rail
    lines, and other transit systems; and

-   "the Department's employees are called upon to sacrifice time with
    their families to work long hours to fulfill the Department's vital
    mission"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.Res. 134 was introduced on
February 7, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.R. 437 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande City, Texas,
as the "Lino Perez, Jr. Post Office" (*Cuellar, D-TX*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.R. 437 would designate the U.S. Postal
Service facility located at 500 West Eisenhower Street in Rio Grande
City, Texas, as the "Lino Perez, Jr. Post Office."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}:** According to the sponsor's
office, Lino Perez, Jr. served the U.S. Postal Service for more than 41
years and rose to the rank of Postmaster for Rio Grande City, Texas.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.R. 437 was introduced on January
12, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 437 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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.

**[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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.R. 414 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 60 Calle McKinley, West in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as
the "Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez Post Office Building" (Fortuno, R-PR)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.R. 414 would designate the U.S. Postal
Service located at 60 Calle McKinley, West in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as
the "Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}:** According to various media
sources, Miguel Angel Garcia Mendez was a former legislator in Puerto
Rico and Speaker of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives. Mr.
Garcia Mendez died on November 17, 1998, on his 96^th^ birthday. Mr.
Mendez was an ardent supporter of statehood for Puerto Rico, and helped
found the Statehood Republican Party in 1948.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.R. 414 was introduced on January
11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which took no official action.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 414 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a 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.

**[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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.R. 34 --- To establish a pilot program in certain United States
district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases
among district judges (Issa, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

An identical bill, H.R. 5418, passed the House during the 109^th^
Congress by a voice vote on September 28, 2006 (House Report
[109-673](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(hr673):)).

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 34 would authorize the appropriation of
\$5 million per year (for ten years) to **create a new pilot program
within the federal court system to increase the expertise of district
judges presiding over patent and plant variety protection cases**.
Specifically, the program funds would be used for educational and
professional development of participating district judges in matters
relating to patents and plant variety protection and for compensation of
law clerks with expertise in technical matters arising in patent and
plant variety protection cases.

The program, administered by the Administrative Office of the U.S.
Courts, would have to operate in at least five U.S. district courts in
at least three circuits. The Administrative Office would have to
periodically report to Congress on the progress made by this program.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: For information on plant
variety protection, as an alternative to patents, visit this website:
<http://www.ams.usda.gov/science/PVPO/PVPO_Act/PVPA.htm>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.R. 34 was introduced on January 4,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary's Subcommittee on
Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, which took no official
action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}:** A CBO score of H.R. 34 is
unavailable. However, **CBO estimated that implementing H.R. 5418
(identical bill in the 109^th^ Congress) would cost \$23 million over
the 2007-2011 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.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}:** A committee report citing
constitutional authority is unavailable.

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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.Con.Res. 44 --- Honoring and praising the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 98th anniversary
(*Green-D-TX*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The resolution is scheduled for
consideration on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the resolution.

An almost identical bill, H.Con.Res. 335, passed the House during the
109^th^ Congress by a voice vote on March 1, 2006.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 335 states that it is resolved by
the House of Representatives that Congress:

1)  "recognizes the 98th anniversary of the historic founding of the
    National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and

2)  "honors and praises the National Association for the Advancement of
    Colored People on the occasion of its anniversary for its work to
    ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of
    all persons."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}:** According to the resolution's
findings, the NAACP was founded in New York City on February 12, 1909,
the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, by a multiracial group of
activists, and is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in
the U.S. The resolution states it is "mission of the NAACP is to ensure
the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of
all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination"
and that "the NAACP has used political pressure, marches,
demonstrations, and effective lobbying to serve as the voice, as well as
the shield, for minority Americans." The NAACP was prominent in lobbying
for the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, and 1964, the
Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}:** The resolution
specifically resolves that Congress praises the work of the NAACP. Some
conservatives may be concerned over recent legislation and issues that
the NAACP has worked for or against, many of which have questionable
relation to racial equality, and recent statements by the head of the
NAACP regarding the Republican Party and the Nazi Party, including the
following examples:

> "**The Republican Party would have the American flag and the swastika
> flying side by side**," NAACP Chairman Julian Bond said in a speech at
> Fayetteville State University in North Carolina on Feb. 1, 2006.
>
> <http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110007929>

 

> NAACP HEALTH POLICIES AND RESOLUTIONS...
>
> WHEREAS, today, women of color seek abortion at rates higher than
> their percentage in the population, and overwhelmingly describe
> themselves as pro-choice in public opinion surveys, and
>
> WHEREAS, **on April 25, 2004, thousands of pro-choice supporters will
> gather in Washington, D.C. for the March Against Fear to demonstrate
> their support for the right to choice, and**
>
> WHEREAS, **a woman denied the right to control her own body is denied
> equal protection of the law, a fight the NAACP has fought for and
> defended for nearly 100 years, and**
>
> ... THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, **that the NAACP adds its endorsement
> and support for the March Against Fear** and urges all who believe in
> equal rights to attend on April 25, 2004 in Washington, D.C. 2004
>
> [[http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/health/health_resolutions-04.pdf]{.underline}](http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/health/health_resolutions-04.pdf)
> (PDF page 41)

 

> Call to Action on Health \...
>
> Confidentiality of services and access to a trusted medical provider
> are particularly important in sensitive healthcare areas ... for
> example, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV; reproductive
> health services, including fertility services, pregnancy testing, and
> **abortion...**
>
> [[http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/health/health_call_to_action.pdf]{.underline}](http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/health/health_call_to_action.pdf)

 

> The **NAACP scorecard for the first session of the 109^th^ Congress,
> in which more than 50% of Congress received a failing grade**, rates
> and scores Members on the following votes, among others:

-   Souder Amendment on DC gun ownership (NAACP advocated a no vote)

-   Boehner amendment allowing faith-based groups to participate in Head
    Start programs and maintain their ability to consider faith in
    hiring (NAACP advocated a no vote)

-   "Regressive Federal Budget Resolution For Fiscal Year 2006" (NAACP
    advocated a no vote)

-   CAFTA (NAACP advocated a no vote)

-   Hate Crimes Conyers Amendment (NAACP advocated a yes vote)

-   "Regressive, Mean-Spirited Budget Reconciliation Bill (NAACP
    advocated a no vote)

-   *Protection of Lawful commerce in Arms Act (*Gun manufacture
    liability bill) (NAACP advocated a yes vote)

-   The Senate scorecard scored the **"Confirmation of Extreme
    Right-Wing Judicial Nominee William H. Pryor, Jr., To the US Court
    of Appeals For The 11^th^ Circuit**"

> <http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/washington/109/109_report_card.pdf>
>
> <http://www.naacp.org/news/2006/2006-01-23.html>

 

> **"NAACP Supports Reintroduction of Reparations Study Legislation;
> Bill Seeks To Create Federal Agency to Study Effects of Slavery on
> African Americans and to Apologize for the Injustice, Cruelty,
> Brutality and Inhumanity of Slavery.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 44 was introduced on
January 24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary's
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, 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}:** Derek V. Baker;
[derek.baker@mail.house.gov](mailto:Derek.baker@mail.house.gov);
202-226-8585

H.Res. 122 --- Recognizing the significance of the 65th anniversary of
the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
and supporting the goals of the Japanese American, German American, and
Italian American communities in recognizing a National Day of
Remembrance to increase public awareness of the events surrounding the
restriction, exclusion, and internment of individuals and families
during World War II *(Honda, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 122 resolves that the House of
Representatives "recognizes the historical significance of February 19,
1942, the date Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Roosevelt,
restricting the freedom of Japanese Americans, German Americans, and
Italian Americans, and legal resident aliens through required
identification cards, travel restrictions, seizure of personal property,
and internment; and supports the goals of the Japanese American, German
American, and Italian American communities in recognizing a National Day
of Remembrance to increase public awareness of these events."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on
    February 19, 1942, which authorized the exclusion of 120,000
    Japanese Americans and legal resident aliens from the West coast of
    the United States and the internment of United States citizens and
    legal permanent residents of Japanese ancestry in internment camps
    during World War II;

-   "the freedom of Italian Americans and German Americans was also
    restricted during World War II by measures that branded them enemy
    aliens and included required identification cards, travel
    restrictions, seizure of personal property, and internment;

-   "President Gerald Ford formally rescinded Executive Order 9066 on
    February 19, 1976, in his speech, 'An American Promise';

-   Congress adopted legislation which was signed by President Jimmy
    Carter on July 31, 1980, establishing the Commission on Wartime
    Relocation and Internment of Civilians to investigate the claim that
    the incarceration of Japanese Americans and legal resident aliens
    during World War II was justified by military necessity;

-   Congress enacted the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, in which it
    apologized on behalf of the Nation for 'fundamental violations of
    the basic civil liberties and constitutional rights of these
    individuals of Japanese ancestry':

-   "the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 established the Civil Liberties
    Public Education Fund, the purpose of which is 'to sponsor research
    and public educational activities and to publish and distribute the
    hearings, findings, and recommendations of the Commission on Wartime
    Relocation and Internment of Civilians so that the events
    surrounding the exclusion, forced removal, and internment of
    civilians and permanent resident aliens of Japanese ancestry will be
    remembered, and so that the causes and circumstances of this and
    similar events may be illuminated and understood';

-   "Congress adopted the Wartime Violation of Italian Americans Civil
    Liberties Act, which was signed by President Bill Clinton on
    November 7, 2000, and which resulted in a report containing detailed
    information on the types of violations that occurred, as well as
    lists of individuals of Italian ancestry that were arrested,
    detained, and interned;

-   "the Japanese American community recognizes a National Day of
    Remembrance on February 19th of each year to educate the public
    about the lessons learned from the internment to ensure that it
    never happens again; and

-   "the Day of Remembrance provides an opportunity for all people to
    reflect on the importance of political leadership and vigilance and
    on the values of justice and civil rights during times of
    uncertainty and emergency."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 122 was referred to the House
Committee on the Judiciary on January 31, 2007, which took no official
action

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

**[Does the Bill Create New Federal Programs or Rules?]{.underline}**:
No.

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

[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Joelle Cannon;
[**joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov**](mailto:joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov),
202.226.0718

H.Res. 109--- Recognizing the historical significance of the Pinedale
Assembly Center, the reporting site for 4,823 Japanese Americans who
were unjustly interned during World War II *(Costa, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The resolution is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 109 resolves that the House of
Representatives "recognizes the historical significance of the Pinedale
Assembly Center to the Nation and the importance of an appropriate
memorial at that site to serve as a place for remembering the hardships
endured by Japanese Americans, so that the United States will be
reminded of the need to remain vigilant in protecting our Nation's core
values of equality, due process of law, and fundamental fairness."

The resolution also lists a number of findings, including the following:

-   "in the largest single relocation of individuals in the United
    States in U.S. history, approximately 120,000 of these Japanese
    Americans were forced into internment camps by the United States
    Government in violation of their fundamental Constitutional rights;

-   "due to this unjust internment, these Japanese Americans faced
    tremendous hardships, such as the loss of their homes, businesses,
    jobs, and dignity;

-   "following Executive Order 9066, Japanese Americans in parts of
    Washington, Oregon, California, and southern Arizona were ordered to
    report to assembly centers before being removed to more permanent
    war relocation centers;

-   "the Pinedale Assembly Center, located in Fresno, California, was
    the reporting site for 4,823 Japanese Americans;

-   "he Pinedale Assembly Center Memorial Project Committee is charged
    with the task of establishing a memorial to recognize the historic
    tragedy that took place at the Pinedale Assembly Center; and

-   "the ground-breaking ceremony for the memorial at the Pinedale
    Assembly Center will take place on February 19, 2007, the 65th
    anniversary of Executive Order 9066."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 109 was referred to the House
Committee on the Judiciary on January 30, 2007, which took no official
action

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

**[Does the Bill Create New Federal Programs or Rules?]{.underline}**:
No.

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

[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718

H.R. 342 --- To designate the United States courthouse located at 555
Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson
Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse" (Emerson, R-MO)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 342 would designate the U.S. courthouse
located at 555 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the
"Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Limbaugh was born in 1891 in
Bollinger County, Missoui, and died in 1996, at the age of 104. At the
age of 23, he entered law school, and after only two years of school, he
skipped the third year, and passed the Missouri Bar. He practiced law
for almost 80 years, and at the time of his death, was the Nation's
oldest practicing attorney. He founded a law firm in Cape Girardeau,
Missouri, which has been in existence for over 50 years. In addition,
Limbaugh served as President of the Missouri Bar and went on to serve as
President of the Missouri State Historical Society. Limbaugh's two sons,
Rush Jr. and Steven, both also practiced law, and Steven current serves
as a Senior Federal Judge in St. Louis. He has four grandsons, who also
work in the legal field, and one grandson, Steven Jr., is currently a
Missouri Supreme Court Justice. (Source:
[Speech](http://bond.senate.gov/atwork/record.cfm?id=268000) by Senator
Kit Bond)

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 342 was referred to the House
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which considered it,
held a mark-up, and reported the bill by voice vote, as amended.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: There is no CBO score for this
bill, but the only costs associated with a court office renaming are
those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect the
federal budget.

**[Does the Bill Create New Federal Programs or Rules?]{.underline}**:
No.

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

[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718

H.R. 798 --- To direct the Administrator of General Services to install
a photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the Department of
Energy *(Oberstar, D-MN)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Monday, February 12, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 798 would direct the Administrator of
General Services to install a photovoltaic system (essentially a solar
panel wall), as set forth in the Sun Wall Design Project, for the
headquarters building of the Department of Energy located at 1000
Independence Avenue, Southwest, Washington, D.C., commonly known as the
Forrestal Building. The bill provides that there is to be available from
the Federal Buildings Fund \$30 million to carry out this project. H.R.
798 states that "such sums shall be derived from the unobligated balance
of amounts made available from the Fund for fiscal year 2007, and prior
fiscal years, for repairs and alterations and other activities
(excluding amounts made available for the energy program)."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the
Transportation Committee, in 1999, the Department of Energy held a
competition in which individuals competed to design a solar energy wall
for the Department. This bill authorizes the winning design to be added
to the Department's building.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 798 was introduced on February
5, 2007, and referred the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the
bill by voice vote on February 7, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO confirms that the bill would
direct the use of \$30 million in unobligated (i.e. existing) balances
in the Federal Buildings Fund and thus not score as increasing budget
authority.

**[Does the Bill Create New Federal Programs or Rules?]{.underline}**:
No.

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

[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, 202.226.0718

\###