![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin...........................................May 15, 2007**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.R. 634** --- American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative
> Coin
>
> **H.R. 692 ---** Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code
> Amendment Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 916 ---** John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive
> Act of 2007

**H.R. 1773 ---** Safe American Roads Act of 2007

> **H.Res. 263** --- Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an
> opportunity for Congress to improve the foster care system throughout
> the United States
>
> **H.R. 1505** --- To designate the facility of the United States
> Postal Service located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as
> the "James A. Leach Federal Building Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 1036 ---** To authorize the Administrator of General Services
> to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation
>
> **H.Con.Res. 79 ---** Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for
> the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby
>
> **H.Con.Res. 123 ---** Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for
> the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
>
> **H.Res. 352 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public
> Works Week
>
> **H.Res. 343 ---** Commemorating the marinas of the United States,
> expressing support for the designation of the sixth annual National
> Marina Day
>
> **H.Res. 386 ---** Recognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard
> Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to
> promote National Safe Boating Week
>
> **H.R. 2292 ---** To prohibit the payment of bonuses to certain
> officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs unless fewer than
> 100,000 disability compensation claims are pending before the
> Department
>
> **H.Res. 296 ---** Supporting the goals and ideals of National
> Eosinophil Awareness Week, and for other purposes

**H.R. 634 --- American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin
*(Moore, D-KS)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 634 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 634 would direct the Secretary of
Treasury to mint 350,000 \$1 silver coins designed by Disabled Veterans'
LIFE Memorial Foundation for the American Veterans Disabled for Life
Memorial. The coins would be legal tender, minted in calendar year 2010.

The bill would express that it is the desire of Congress that "the coins
minted under this Act should be struck at the United States Mint at West
Point, New York, to the greatest extent possible."

All coins minted as a result of H.R. 634 would be sold at a surcharge of
\$10, with proceeds distributed to the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial
Foundation for the endowment to support the construction of American
Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington.\
\
H.R. 634 lists the following findings:

-   "The Armed Forces of the United States have answered the call and
    served with distinction around the world\--from hitting the beaches
    in World War II in the Pacific and Europe, to the cold and difficult
    terrain in Korea, the steamy jungles of Vietnam, and the desert
    sands of the Middle East.

-   "All Americans should commemorate those who come home having
    survived the ordeal of war, and solemnly honor those who made the
    ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for their country.

-   "All Americans should honor the millions of living disabled veterans
    who carry the scars of war every day, and who have made enormous
    personal sacrifices defending the principles of our democracy.

-   "In 2000, Congress authorized the construction of the American
    Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

-   "The United States should pay tribute to the Nation's living
    disabled veterans by minting and issuing a commemorative silver
    dollar coin.

-   "The surcharge proceeds from the sale of a commemorative coin would
    raise valuable funding for the construction of the American Veterans
    Disabled for Life Memorial."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 634 was introduced on January
23, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, which
took no official action

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 634 is not
available.

[**Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of
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 not available. 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. 692 --- Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code
Amendment Act of 2007 *(Stupak, D-MI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R.692 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 692 would amend Title 4 of United States
Code to allow the governors of states, territories, U.S. possessions, or
the Mayor of the District of Columbia, to order that the American flag
be lowered to half-staff following the death of a member of the U.S.
Armed Forces. The bill would require that when such a pronouncement is
made by a governor, that all flags flown at a federal building or
facility within that state or territory be flown at half-staff.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: Title 4, Section 7 of U.S.
Code outlines the circumstance and procedures for flying the United
States flag at half-staff. Proper circumstances listed in the section
include the death of a current or former president, Supreme Court
justice, member of Congress, and governor. In addition, the flag may be
flown at half-staff in the honor of anyone's death at the behest of the
president.

According to Committee Report [110 --
139](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr139)),
this particular legislation was drafted after Rep. Bart Stupak sent a
letter to President Bush asking that flags in his district be lowered to
half-staff in order to honor Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks, who was
killed in Iraq on July 8, 2006. While Stupak did not receive any word
from the President, Michigan's governor, Jennifer Granholm, ordered that
the flags be lowered at every state building. In addition, per an
executive order from the governor, Michigan flags have flown at
half-staff for slain active duty service members since December 11,
2003.

The fact that Michigan, along with several other states, have been
flying flags at half-staff for service members killed overseas, without
any instruction from the President, has been an issue of some debate.
According to [Granholm's
proclamation](http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Proclamation_2003-4_80437_7.pdf),
"It is appropriate that that the flag of the United States of America be
flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan and at half-mast on
Michigan waters as a mark of respect for the memory and in honor of the
service of members of our Armed Forces killed in the line of duty."

Others local officials, however, have argued that the gesture is
politically motivated and have refused to lower flags (["Half-staff flag
order sparks
debate,"](http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/080604/loc_20040806062.shtml)
The Oakland Press). H.R. 692 would settle the question by allowing
governors to authorize the lowering of flags.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 692 was introduced on January
24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and
Civil Liberties on March 1, 2007. On April 20, 2007, the subcommittee
discharged the bill without taking any official action. A mark-up was
held by the Judiciary Committee on April 25, 2007, and H.R. 692 was
amended and reported by voice vote that same day.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "Because the U.S.
flag is displayed daily at federal facilities, CBO estimates that
implementing H.R. 692 would have no significant cost."

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

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 110 -- 139
cites Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution.

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

**H.R. 916 --- John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act
of 2007 *(Scott, D-GA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 916 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 916 would **create a new grant program**
to repay the federal student loans of *lawyers* working either as
prosecutors or public defenders. The new program would be authorized at
\$25 million per year through 2013.

In order to receive loan repayments, the attorney must sign an agreement
to remain as a prosecutor or public defender for at least three years.
If the attorney leaves the position of prosecutor or public defender
voluntarily or because of misconduct, he would be required to repay any
benefits received. If the amount is not paid, the government would be
authorized to use legal recovery methods. Attorneys could receive up to
\$10,000 annually and a maximum of \$60,000 to repay their loans.

Awards granted to lawyers under this **new program** would be decided on
a first-come, first-served basis. If additional priority must be given
because of the availability of appropriations, the Attorney General
would give preference to attorneys that received repayments the previous
year or borrowers that have not completed the three year obligation.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to a [letter from
the American Bar
Association](http://www.abanet.org/poladv/abaday07/onepagers/lrpubserv.pdf),
which supports H.R. 916, "More than 80% of law students borrow to
finance their education, and for 2006 the average accumulated debt load
was \$54,509 for public law school and \$83,181 for private. By
contrast, starting salaries for state and local prosecutors was \$46,000
and for public defenders it was \$43,000."

Other statistics, however, show that the demand for lawyers in America
is very high, as are the average starting salaries. According to a
[Forbes Magazine
article](http://www.forbes.com/workspecial/2006/05/20/best-paying-jobs_cx_pm_06work_0523jobs.html),
the mean average salary for lawyers in the United States was \$110,000
in 2006. 2002 statistics from Cornell University's [Career
Services](http://www.career.cornell.edu/law/guide/deciding.html) provide
further insight into the salaries that law students can expect **just
after graduation**:

-   "The **average starting salary was \$72,308**; 

-   "About 22% of salaries reported were at or below \$40,000; 

-   "Salaries of more than \$75,000 accounted for about 38% of salaries
    reported;

-   "Approximately 58% of the class chose private practice in law firms;

-   "About 27% took positions in public service, including judicial
    clerkships, government agencies, and public interest organizations;

-   "Graduates entering business accounted for just under 11%; and

-   "Approximately 30% of graduates were employed in positions for which
    bar passage is not required" (*emphasis added)*.  

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 916 authorizes \$125 million in grants to [repay
law school loans for practicing attorneys]{.underline}. Conservatives
may also be concerned that the legislation would provide loan repayment
of up to \$60,000 per attorney, which is more than 100 percent of an
average law graduate's debt, according to the American Bar Association.
Some conservatives may also contend that attorneys, whether practicing
in the public or private sector, make enough money to repay college
loans without government assistance.**

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 916 was introduced on February
8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which referred
the bill to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
on March 1, 2007. On April 26, 2007, the subcommittee held a mark up and
reported the bill to the full committee by voice vote. On May 2, 2007,
the Committee on the Judiciary held a mark-up and reported H.R. 916 by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 916 will
authorize \$25 million in FY 2008 and \$125 million over a five year
period.

[**Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of
Government**?]{.underline}: Yes. H.R. 916 creates a new federal grant
program to repay loans of law school graduates working as prosecutors
and public defenders.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The committee report cites
constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution,
but fails to cite a specific clause. 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. 263 --- Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an
opportunity for Congress to improve the foster care system throughout
the United States *(Cardoza, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 263 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 263 would express that the Congress
should:

-   "Provide Federal adoption assistance to children adopted from the
    foster care system, including guardianship assistance.

-   "Provide sufficient funds to States and units of local government to
    ensure that all levels of government are protecting foster children,
    including by hiring enough skilled caseworkers to track the progress
    of every child in the foster care system.

-   "Provide sufficient funds for State and local court systems to
    improve oversight of foster care programs and to protect children in
    their jurisdiction by

    -   "creating more meaningful opportunities for children and parents
        to participate in court proceedings, including the provision of
        a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for every child in the
        foster care system;

    -   "training court personnel alone and in conjunction with child
        welfare agency staff and others involved in protecting and
        caring for children; and

    -   "collaborating with child welfare agencies to collect and share
        all relevant data and information that will assist appropriate
        government officials in making better decisions leading to more
        positive outcomes for children in foster care programs.

-   "Increase the quantity of qualified attorneys who practice before
    courts with jurisdiction over children in foster care by---

    -   "requiring that States adopt standards of practice, preparation,
        education, and compensation for these attorneys;

    -   "supporting student loan forgiveness programs and other efforts
        to encourage qualified attorneys to practice in this area; and

    -   "encouraging law schools, bar associations, and law firms to
        build a pool of qualified attorneys to practice in this area.

-   "Ensure that improving the foster care system remains a top priority
    for both Congress and the Nation."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to recognize the
    important role that the foster care system plays in the lives of the
    more than 500,000 children currently in foster care programs
    throughout the United States;

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-   approximately 50 percent of foster care children have been placed in
    foster care programs for longer than 1 year;

-   25 percent of foster care children have been placed in foster care
    programs for at least 3 years;

-   children in foster care programs for longer periods of time often
    experience worse outcomes than children in foster care programs for
    shorter periods of time;

-   children in foster care programs are more likely than the general
    population to become teen parents, to rely on public assistance as
    adults, to become homeless, and to experience mental health
    disorders at a higher rate;

-   less than half of the children in foster care programs who are
    available for adoption each year are adopted;

-   there are 119,000 children eligible for adoption every year who do
    not get adopted;

-   a stable home is critical to a child's development; and

-   every child deserves to be raised by a loving family."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 263 was introduced on March
6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Committee on Education and
Labor, 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. 1773 --- Safe American Roads Act of 2007**

***(Boyda, D-KS)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 1773 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1773 prohibits motor carriers based
Mexico from traveling beyond the U.S. municipalities and commercial
zones on the U.S.-Mexico border, except under a three year pilot
program.

Under the pilot program, Mexico based motor carriers would have to
comply with requirements of section 350 of Public Law 107-87 and the
requirements of section 31315(c) of title 49, United States Code. This
requires drug and alcohol testing, hours of service, verification of
proof of insurance, and a number of other safety regulations---22 in
total---to be met by Mexico based motor carriers.

H.R. 1773 also prohibits motor carriers based in Mexico from operating
beyond the U.S.-Mexico border, unless U.S. based motor carriers are
allowed similar treatment. The number of Mexico based motor vehicles
allowed to participate in the pilot program could not exceed 1,000.

The Secretary is to publish in the Federal Register a rule to carry out
this legislation, including specific metrics to evaluate the safety
consequences of the pilot program. The Secretary is also required to
establish an independent review panel, composed of three individuals
appointed by the Secretary, to monitor the program.

The Inspector General of the Department of the Transportation is
required to monitor the pilot program and report back to the Secretary
and the Congress within 12 and then 18 months of implementation of the
pilot program.

Sixty days after termination of the pilot program, the Secretary is
required to report back to Congress with the results of the program.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1773 was introduced on March
29, 2007, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which approved the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 1773
authorizes \$2 million over the 2008 to 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.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Brad Watson;
<brad.watson@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9719.

**H.R. 1505 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service\
located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the "James A.
Leach Federal Building Post Office Building" *(Loebsask, D-IA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R 1505 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1505 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 131 East 4th Street in
Davenport, Iowa, as the "James A. Leach Federal Building."

# [Additional Information]{.underline}: Former Republican Congressman Jim Leach was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1942, and graduated from Davenport High School in 1960. After graduating from Princeton in 1964, Leach attended Johns Hopkins University's school of Advanced International Studies and also studied at the London School of Economics. Before his election to Congress in 1976, Leach worked for the State Department, the U.S. House, and the Office of Economic Opportunity. Leach served as a Representative from Iowa until 2006.

# [Committee Action]{.underline}: H.R. 1505 was introduced on March 13, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. On May 2, 2007, the subcommittee held a mark-up and reported the bill to the full committee. On May 8, 2007, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported the bill by voice vote. 

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score of H.R. 1505 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 1036 --- To authorize the Administrator of General Services to
convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation
(Young, R-AK)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 1036 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1036 would require the Administrator of
General Services to convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation the GSA
Fleet Management Center.

As consideration for this conveyance, the Alaska Railroad Corporation is
required to either convey a replacement facility to GSA or pay the
purchase price of the parcel (based on an independent appraisal
commissioned by the GSA Administrator). If the Alaska Railroad
Corporation purchases the parcel, the funds will be deposited in the
Federal Buildings Fund.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to House Report
110--145, the GSA Fleet Management Center is a 78,000-square-foot parcel
of property in Anchorage, Alaska.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1036 was introduced on February
13, 2007, and referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings and Emergency Management. The full committee held a
markup and approved the bill by voice vote on March 1, 2007.

**[Possible Conservative Concern]{.underline}**: **Some conservatives
may be concerned that H.R. 1036 increases mandatory spending by \$2
million over the FY 2008 to FY 2012 period resulting in a PAYGO
violation. In addition, some conservatives may be concerned that this
legislation would be subject to a PAYGO violation point of order except
for the fact it is being brought to the floor under suspension of the
rules.**

***Note:* RSC staff has received information that this PAYGO problem may
be fixed on the floor but has not seen language to this effect yet.**

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to a CBO estimate, H.R.
1036 would increase direct spending by a net of \$2 million over the
next five years.

**[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}**: Committee Report 110--145
cites Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, 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}**: Brad Watson;
<brad.watson@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9719.

**H.Con.Res. 79 --- Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby *(Hoyer, D-MD)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 79 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 79 would allow the Greater
Washington Soap Box Derby Association to use Capitol grounds to hold
soap box derby races as a free event for the public on June 16, 2007.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to committee report
110-133, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby has been held on Capitol
grounds since 1991. In addition, the race has "has attracted more than
50 participants each of those years." The June 16, 2007, event would be
open to participants between 8 and 17 years old who compete for
scholarships and merchandise prizes. Winners from the Greater Washington
Soap Box Derby will be given the opportunity to race in the All-American
Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

# [Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Con.Res. 79 was introduced on March 5, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which referred the bill to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management one day later. On May 2, 2007, the subcommittee held a mark-up and reported the bill to the full committee. On May 8, 2007, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported the bill 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.Con.Res. 123 --- Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (*Del.
Norton, D-DC*)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Con.Res. 123 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes the Capitol Police
to design the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run course through
the Capitol Grounds on June 8, 2007, or on a different date as
determined by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.

The Capitol Police Board is to carry out the event and enforce
restrictions on sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on
the grounds in connection to the run.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Law Enforcement Torch Run
is a fundraiser intended to raise awareness about the Special Olympics.
It is an actual running event in which law enforcement officers and
athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies. In addition
to the running event, there are other fundraising activities, such as
t-shirt sales, accepting donations, and charity golf events.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 123 was introduced on
April 20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the
bill by voice vote on May 8, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill would
not 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.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.Res. 352 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public
Works Week (*Oberstar, D-MN*)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 352 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res 352 expresses that the House of
Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week;

-   "recognizes and celebrates the important contributions that public
    works professionals make every day to improve the public
    infrastructure of the United States and the communities that those
    professionals serve; and

-   "urges citizens and communities throughout the United States to join
    with representatives of the Federal Government in activities and
    ceremonies that are designed to pay tribute to the public works
    professionals of the Nation and to recognize the substantial
    contributions that public works professionals make to the Nation."

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

-   "public works infrastructure, facilities, and services play a
    pivotal role in the health, safety, and well-being of the people of
    the United States;

-   "public works infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be
    provided without the skill and dedication of public works
    professionals, including engineers and administrators, representing
    State and local governments throughout the United States;

-   "the Department of Transportation estimates that every
    \$1,000,000,000 invested in the Nation\'s highway system creates
    47,000 jobs, and every \$1 invested in the Nation's highway system
    generates more than six times that amount in economic activity;

-   "since 1972 the Nation has invested more than \$250,000,000,000 in
    wastewater infrastructure facilities to establish a system that
    includes 16,000 publicly owned wastewater treatment plants, 100,000
    major pumping stations, 600,000 miles of sanitary sewers, and
    200,000 miles of storm sewers;

-   "over the next 5 years, 8 airfield projects, including 5 runways, 2
    runway extensions, and 1 airfield reconfiguration, will be
    commissioned providing some of the busiest airports in the Nation
    with the potential to accommodate more than 400,000 additional
    annual operations, while decreasing the average delay per operation
    at these airports by approximately 2 minutes;

-   "in that report, the Department of Transportation found that to
    maintain highway, bridge, and transit networks, governments at all
    levels would need to invest \$94,600,000,000 per year for each of
    the next 20 years, and to improve highway, bridge, and transit
    networks that level of investment would need to increase to
    \$153,700,000,000 per year; and

-   "public works professionals are observing National Public Works Week
    from May 20 through 26, 2007."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 352 was introduced on May 1,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the
resolution by voice vote on May 8, 2007.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
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}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.Res. 343 --- Commemorating the marinas of the United States,
expressing support for the designation of the sixth annual National
Marina Day (Rogers, R-KY)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 352 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res 352 expresses that the House of
Representatives:

-   "commemorates the marinas of the United States for providing
    environmentally friendly gateways to boating for the citizens of,
    and the visitors to the United States; and

-   "supports designation of the sixth annual 'National Marina Day' in
    order\--

    -   "to honor the marinas of the United States for their many
        contributions to their local communities; and

    -   "to make citizens, policy makers, elected officials, and
        employees more aware of the overall contributions marinas make
        to their well-being."

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

-   "the citizens of the United States highly value recreation time and
    their ability to access 1 of the greatest natural resources of the
    United States, its waterways;

-   "in 1928, the word 'marina' was used for the first time by the
    National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers to define a
    recreational boating facility;

-   "the United States is home to over 12,000 recreational boating
    facilities that contribute substantially to their local communities
    by providing safe, reliable gateways to boating for members of their
    communities and welcomed guests;

-   "marinas of the United States also serve as stewards of the
    environment, actively seeking to protect their surrounding waterways
    not only for the enjoyment of the current generation, but for
    generations to come; and

-   "marinas of the United States also provide their communities and
    visitors a place where friends and families, united by a passion for
    the water, can come together for recreation, rest, and relaxation."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 343 was introduced on April
26, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
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}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.Res. 386 --- Recognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote
National Safe Boating Week (Drake, R-VA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 386 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res 386 expresses that the House of
Representatives:

-   "supports initiatives for recreational boating safety education and
    accident prevention to minimize the number of annual recreational
    boating fatalities;

-   "recognizes the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the
    National Safe Boating Council for their efforts each year during May
    to highlight the importance of safe recreational boating; and

-   "supports the goals of National Safe Boating Week."

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

-   "recreational boating is one of our Nation's most popular pastimes,
    with an estimated 78,000,000 recreational boaters in the United
    States and nearly 13,000,000 recreational vessels registered;

-   "the number of recreational boating fatalities has declined by more
    than half since 1970, thanks to the increased use of life jackets,
    cooperative boating safety education, enforcement efforts between
    the Coast Guard and State governments, and safer vessels and
    equipment manufactured in accordance with Coast Guard standards;

-   "recreational boating accidents have nevertheless claimed the lives
    of 697 Americans in 2005, more than half of whose lives could have
    been saved with the proper use of a personal flotation device;

-   "a continued emphasis on accident prevention can reduce recreational
    boating fatalities still further, and in particular deaths by
    drowning, which remain the leading cause of recreational boating
    fatalities; and

-   "the National Safe Boating Council, with the support of the Coast
    Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, has proposed designating the
    week of May 19 through 25, 2007, as National Safe Boating Week."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 386 was introduced on May 9,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution authorizes no
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}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718.

**H.R. 2292 --- To prohibit the payment of bonuses to certain officers
of the Department of Veterans Affairs unless fewer than 100,000
disability compensation claims are pending before the Department *(Hall,
D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.R. 2292is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2292 would prevent senior political
appointees at the Department of Veterans Affairs from receiving
performance-based bonuses if more than 100,000 claims for disability
compensation are currently pending.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to a [2005 GAO
report](http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05749t.pdf), "The Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to experience problems processing
veterans' disability compensation and pension claims... pending claims
increased by about one-third from the end of fiscal year 2003 to the end
of March 2005. Meanwhile, VA faces continuing questions about its
ability to ensure that veterans get consistent decisions across its 57
regional offices."

The report, however, specifies that many of the problems in distributing
compensation are caused by factors outside the VA's control. The report
states that "history has shown that VA's workload and performance is
affected by factors such as the impacts of laws and court decisions
affecting veterans' benefit entitlement and the claims process, and the
filing behavior of veterans."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2292 was introduced on May 14,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs and the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which took no further
action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2292 was not
available.

[**Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of
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 not available. 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. 296 --- Supporting the goals and ideals of National Eosin
> Phil Awareness Week, and for other purposes**
>
> **(Larson, D-CT)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** H.Res. 296 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 296 would express that the House:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of National Eosin Phil Awareness
    Week; and

-   "encourages health care providers and the American Partnership for
    Eosinophilic Disorders to increase education and awareness regarding
    eosinophilic disorders."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the term 'eosinophilic disorders' is a general term used to
    describe a group of diseases and disorders caused by the production
    of too many white blood cells called eosinophils;

-   "eosinophilic disorders patients suffer from their immune system
    attacking their body\'s own normal, healthy tissue, resulting in
    inflammation or swelling;

-   "an estimated 50,000 people are affected by eosinophilic disorders
    in the United States, many of whom remain undiagnosed or
    misdiagnosed;

-   "eosinophilic disorders cause chronic illness that significantly
    impacts a person's quality of life and ability to attend school and
    work, and dramatically alters dietary lifestyles;

-   "some eosinophilic disorders cause life-threatening and sometimes
    fatal illnesses by causing inflammation of the vital organs, such as
    the heart, lungs, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract;

-   "eosinophilic disorders are difficult to diagnose and treatment is
    often delayed, resulting in unnecessary suffering;

-   "some eosinophilic disorder patients will suffer permanent
    irreversible organ damage as a result of delays in diagnosis and
    proper treatment; and

-   "the American Partnership For Eosinophilic Disorders has identified
    the third week of May as an appropriate time to recognize National
    Eosinophil Awareness Week in order to educate communities across the
    Nation about eosinophilic disorders and the need for research
    funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments."

# [Committee Action]{.underline}: H.Res. 296 was introduced on April 16, 2006 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.

**\###**