![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin................................................April 8, 2008**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 265**---Honoring military children during "National Month of
> the Military Child"
>
> **H.J.Res. 70**---Congratulating the Army Reserve on its centennial,
> which will be formally celebrated on April 23, 2008, and commemorating
> the historic contributions of its veterans and continuing
> contributions of its soldiers to the vital national security interests
> and homeland defense missions of the United States
>
> **H.Res. 1020**---Recognizing the tremendous service that members of
> the Armed Forces have given to the Nation, especially those who have
> been wounded in combat
>
> **H.R. 1198**---The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of
> 2008
>
> **H.R. 2464**---The Wakefield Act
>
> **H.R. 1237**---The Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007
>
> **S. 845**---The Safety of Seniors Act of 2008
>
> **H.R. 2063**---The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of
> 2008
>
> **S. 1858**---The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008
>
> **S. 793**---The Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008
>
> **H.Res. 1077**--- Calling on the Government of the People\'s Republic
> of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive
> dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated
> solution that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious
> identity, and fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and for other
> purposes

**H. Res. 265---** **Honoring military children during "National Month
of the Military Child" *(Moran, D-VA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 265 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 265 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members
    of the Armed Forces and recognizes that they too share in the burden
    of protecting the Nation;

-   "urges Americans to join with the military community in observing
    the 'National Month of the Military Child' with appropriate
    ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and thank military
    children; and

-   "recognizes with great appreciation the contributions made by
    private-sector organizations that provide resources and assistance
    to military families and the communities that support them."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

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

-   "43 percent of the members of the Armed Forces, when deployed away
    from their permanent duty stations, have left families with children
    behind;

-   "no one feels the effect of those deployments more than the children
    of deployed service members;

-   "as of March 31, 2005, approximately 2,000 of these children have
    lost a parent serving in the Armed Forces during the preceding 5
    years;

-   "the daily struggles and personal sacrifices of children of members
    of the Armed Forces too often go unnoticed;

-   "the children of members of the Armed Forces are a source of pride
    and honor to all Americans and it is fitting that the Nation
    recognize their contributions and celebrate their spirit;

-   "the 'National Month of the Military Child', observed in April each
    year, recognizes military children for their sacrifices and
    contributes to demonstrating the Nation's unconditional support to
    members of the Armed Forces;

-   "in addition to Department of Defense programs to support military
    families and military children, various programs and campaigns have
    been established in the private sector to honor, support, and thank
    military children by fostering awareness and appreciation for the
    sacrifices and the challenges they face; and

-   "a month-long salute to military children will encourage support for
    those organizations and campaigns established to provide direct
    support for military children and families."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 265 was introduced on March
23, 2007, and referred to the 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; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>.

**H. J. Res. 70---** **Congratulating the Army Reserve on its
centennial, which will be formally celebrated on April 23, 2008, and
commemorating the historic contributions of its veterans and continuing
contributions of its soldiers to the vital national security interests
and homeland defense missions of the United States *(Sanford, D-GA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. J. Res. 70 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. J. Res. 70 would express the sense that
the House:

-   "congratulates the Army Reserve on the occasion of the 100th
    anniversary of the enactment of its original authorizing law;

-   "recognizes and commends the Army Reserve for the selfless and
    dedicated service of its past and present citizen-soldiers whose
    personal courage, contributions, and sacrifices have helped preserve
    the freedom and advance the national security and homeland defense
    of the United States; and

-   "extends its gratitude to the veterans, soldiers, families, and
    employers whose essential and constant support have enabled the Army
    Reserve to accomplish its vital missions and renews our Nation's
    commitment in support of their noble efforts."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on January 9, 1905, the 26th President of the United States,
    Theodore Roosevelt, dispatched a 'special message' to the Senate and
    the House of Representatives that 'earnestly recommended passage' of
    legislation to establish a Federal reserve force of skilled and
    trained personnel to bring 'our Army \... to the highest point of
    efficiency';

-   "on December 14, 1905, the then-Secretary of War and later 27th
    President of the United States, William Howard Taft, transmitted to
    the Senate and the House of Representatives a draft bill and letter
    authored by Major General Leonard Wood, 'strongly commending \...
    proposed legislation' to 'increase the efficiency of the Medical
    Corps of the Army' by establishing a Federal reserve force comprised
    of specially trained personnel;

-   "in response to the recommendations of President Theodore Roosevelt
    and senior military and civilian leaders, the 60th Congress enacted
    Public Law 101, entitled 'An Act to increase the efficiency of the
    Medical Department of the United States Army', ch. 150, 35 Stat. 66,
    which was signed into law on April 23, 1908, by President Theodore
    Roosevelt;

-   "Public Law 101 authorized the establishment of the first Federal
    reserve force and the first reservoir of trained officers in a
    reserve status for a United States military service;

-   "Congress subsequently adapted, expanded, and amended the reserve
    organization of the Army to include additional military occupational
    specialties and capabilities and established the organization today
    known as the Army Reserve;

-   "the Army Reserve has played a major role in the defense of our
    Nation and in furtherance of United States interests for 100 years;

-   "many distinguished Americans have served honorably and with
    distinction in the Army Reserve, including Presidents Harry S.
    Truman and Ronald W. Reagan, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
    of Staff, General Henry H. Shelton, Brigadier General Theodore
    Roosevelt, Jr., Major General William J. Donovan (Director of the
    Office of Strategic Services during World War II), Drs. Charles H.
    Mayo and William J. Mayo, and Captain Eddie Rickenbacker;

-   "since September 11, 2001, the Army Reserve has provided
    indispensable and sustained support for Operations Enduring Freedom,
    Noble Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom, with 98 percent of units either
    deploying or providing mobilized soldiers and more than 180,294
    individual soldiers either being mobilized or deployed in support of
    the Global War on Terrorism;

-   "24,329 Army Reserve soldiers were forward-deployed in Iraq,
    Afghanistan, and 18 other countries on October 30, 2007, and 102
    soldiers of the Army Reserve had borne the ultimate sacrifice in
    support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom through
    October 31, 2007;

-   "the Army cannot go to war or sustain a military operation without
    the highly skilled and trained personnel of the Army Reserve;

-   "the Army Reserve provides more than 37 percent of the mission
    essential combat support and combat service support forces of the
    Army;

-   "the Army Reserve is a community-based force with an active presence
    in 1,100 communities and 975 Army Reserve centers in operation
    throughout the United States;

-   "the Army Reserve makes these contributions to the security of our
    nation in return for less than 5 percent of the Army's total
    budget."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. J. Res. 70 was introduced on
December 13, 2007, and referred to the 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; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>.

**H. Res. 1020---** **Recognizing the tremendous service that members of
the Armed Forces have given to the Nation, especially those who have
been wounded in combat *(Welch, D-VT)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1020 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1020 would express the sense that the
House:

-   " recognizes the tremendous service that our soldiers, sailors,
    airmen, and Marines have given to the Nation, especially those who
    have sustained injury in combat;

-   " is committed to providing wounded warriors with the highest
    quality medical care available, and to supporting wounded members of
    all Armed Forces and their families during their recovery;

-   "commends the actions of private citizens and organizations who
    volunteer their continued support to America's wounded warriors; and

-   "encourages Members and all citizens to take steps to show support
    and appreciation for returning troops, especially those who have
    been wounded."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their
    families have made extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country in
    Afghanistan and Iraq;

-   "more than 1,600,000 members of the Armed Forces of the United
    States have been deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation
    Iraqi Freedom since September 2001;

-   "more than 30,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have been
    wounded in battle;

-   "advances in battlefield medicine have resulted in hundreds of lives
    being saved;

-   "mental and psychological injuries sustained in battle can be as or
    more damaging than physical injuries; and

-   "both physical and mental injuries sustained during combat have a
    life-altering impact on our servicemen and women as well as their
    families."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1020 was introduced on March
4, 2008, and referred to the 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; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>.

H. R. 1198---Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2007
*(Capps, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 1198 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1198 would amend the Public Health
Service Act to expand the newborns and infants hearing loss program to
include services for young children (which are currently limited only to
infants and newborns) and to include diagnostic services.

H.R. 1198 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
assist in the recruitment, retention, education, and training of
qualified personnel and health care providers for such services.

Furthermore, H.R. 1198 would require the Director of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a postdoctoral fellowship
program to foster research and development in the area of early hearing
detection and intervention.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1198 was introduced February
27, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On March
13, 2008, a mark-up was held in Committee, and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote.

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

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, H.R. 1198 would expand the newborns and
infants hearing loss program to include young children, and diagnostic
services.

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

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

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

H. R. 2464---Wakefield Act *(Matheson, D-UT)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 2464 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2464 would extend the length of time for
which a grant may be awarded under the emergency medical services for
children grant program by one year. This grant program allows the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states or
schools of medicine to support projects to expand and improve emergency
medical services for children who need treatment for trauma or critical
care.

The bill would require that the Secretary support emergency medical
services for children by supporting projects that develop and present
scientific evidence; promote existing innovative technologies
appropriate for the care of children; and provide information on health
outcomes and effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, H.R. 2464 states that the purpose of the legislation is to
"reduce child and youth morbidity and mortality by supporting
improvements in the quality of all emergency medical care children
receive."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2464 was introduced May 23,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On March 13,
2008, a mark-up was held in Committee, and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: There is no CBO score 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}**: Currently, no House
Report exists.

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

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

H. R. 1237--- Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007

(*Gordon, D-TN)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 1237 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1237 amends the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Act (CLIA) by requiring clinical laboratories to ensure that
all individuals involved in screening and interpreting cytological
preparations participate in annual continuing medical education programs
in gynecologic cytology. The bill would repeal the current requirement
for proficiency testing for laboratory personnel performing cytology
laboratory tests.

**[Background]{.underline}**: According to CBO, CLIA activities, which
are administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),
are funded though user fees, which cover 100 percent of the cost of
implementing the program. This legislation would have a minor impact on
CMS's workload. However, because the CLIA program recovers 100 percent
of its costs through fees (which are accounted for in the budget as
offsetting collections), any change in its administrative costs would be
offset by an equal change in the fees that CMS charges.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1237 was introduced February
28, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On March
13, 2008, a mark-up was held in Committee, and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing H.R.
1237 would have no net budgetary effect. Furthermore, CBO finds that
enacting the legislation 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}** Yes, the bill would require
clinical laboratories, including laboratories of public and private
hospitals, to comply with record-keeping and management standards for
personnel performing cytology laboratory tests. That requirement would
impose intergovernmental and private-sector mandates as defined in the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). However, according to CBO, the
costs to laboratories would be small because compliance would probably
involve minor adjustments to existing administrative procedures. The
bill also would impose a private-sector mandate on individuals who
screen and interpret cytological preparations by requiring them to
participate in continuing medical education programs. CBO estimates that
the costs of carrying out that mandate also would be small because only
several thousand individuals would be subject to the education
requirements and most of them are already enrolled in such programs.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: Currently, no House
Report exists.

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

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

S. 845--- Safety of Seniors Act of 2007

(Enzi, R-WY)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 845 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 845 would modify the Public Health Service
Act to authorize funding for programs to detect, prevent, and treat
injuries among senior citizens. S. 845 would also direct the Secretary
of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undertake research, education, and
other activities aimed at reducing the extent and effect of falls among
older adults.

S. 845 authorizes \$58.4 million for 2008 and such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 845 was introduced March 12,
2007, and on August 1, 2007, the bill passed the Senate, with an
amendment, by unanimous consent. S. 845 was referred to the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, assuming that the
costs in 2009 and 2010 would be equal to the 2008 authorization adjusted
for inflation, HHS would require \$178 million in budget authority to
carry out those activities over the 2008---2010 period. Based on
historical spending patterns for similar activities, and assuming
appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing
S. 845 would cost \$22 million in 2008 and \$172 million over the
2008---2012 period. CBO finds that enacting S. 845 would not affect
direct spending or receipts.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, S. 845 authorizes funding for new
programs under the Public Service Health Act.

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

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

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

H. R. 2063--- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007

(*Lowey, D-NY)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. R. 2063 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2063 would require the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of
Education, to develop a policy for managing the risk of food allergies
and anaphylaxis in schools. (Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction
that involves multiple organs.) The bill would require that the policy
be made available to schools within one year of enactment.
Implementation of the policy by schools would be voluntary. The bill
authorizes \$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be
necessary for each of the four succeeding fiscal years to carry out
these programs.

**[Background]{.underline}**: The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention received an appropriation of \$491,000 for fiscal year 2008
to develop guidelines for schools regarding food allergies and
anaphylaxis.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2063 was introduced April 26,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On March 13,
2008, a mark-up was held in Committee, and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, because the
development of the policy set forth in H.R. 2063 currently is underway,
CBO estimates that the bill would not result in any additional federal
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}**: Currently, no House
Report exists.

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

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

S. 1858--- Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007

(*Dodd, D-CT)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 1858 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1858 would amend the Public Health Service
Act to authorize grant programs and other initiatives to promote
expanded screening of newborns and children for heritable diseases. S.
1858 authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2008---2012 for grants
for demonstration programs to evaluate the effectiveness of screening,
counseling, or health care services in reducing the morbidity and
mortality caused by heritable disorders in newborns and children.

S. 1858 would also require the Secretary to establish and maintain a
central clearinghouse of current information on newborn screening.
Furthermore, S. 1858 requires the Secretary to develop a national
contingency plan for newborn screening in the event of a public health
emergency. S. 1858 also authorizes the Secretary to continue to carry
out, coordinate, and expand research in newborn screening (to be known
as the Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Research Program).

**[Background]{.underline}**: According to the CDC's website, for more
than 26 years,

> "CDC's Environmental Health Laboratory has been the only comprehensive
> source in the world for quality assurance and proficiency testing
> involving the testing of newborns for preventable diseases. If these
> diseases are not accurately diagnosed and treated, they cause mental
> retardation, severe illness, and premature death in newborns. Within
> 48 hours of a child's birth, a sample of blood is obtained from a
> 'heel stick,' and the blood is analyzed for treatable diseases,
> including phenylketonuria, sickle cell disease, and hypothyroidism.
> More than 98% of all children born in the United States are tested for
> these disorders. The sample, called a 'blood spot,' is tested at a
> state public health or other participating laboratory. CDC's
> Environmental Health Laboratory evaluates the performance of all
> participating laboratories (73 domestic and one or more laboratories
> in 53 other nations), ensuring that they analyze the blood spots
> correctly and providing technical assistance to resolve any diagnostic
> problems. Each year, at least 4 million babies in the United States
> are tested for these diseases, and severe disorders are detected in
> about 5,000 newborns. Accurate screening ensures that--- affected
> babies are identified quickly; cases of disease are not missed; the
> number of false-positive results is minimized; early treatment will
> begin that will prevent negative and irreversible health outcomes for
> affected newborns.
>
> "Thousands of children are living healthy and productive lives as a
> result of newborn screening and the CDC Environmental Health
> Laboratory's quality assurance and proficiency testing program."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1858 was introduced July 23,
2007, and on December 13, 2007, the bill passed the Senate, with
amendment, by unanimous consent. S. 1858 was referred to the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the act would
authorize the appropriation of \$45 million for 2008 and \$229 million
over the 2008---2012 period. Assuming the appropriation of those
amounts, CBO estimates that implementing the act would cost \$11 million
in 2008 and \$218 million over the 2008---2013 period. S. 1858 would not
affect direct spending or revenues.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, S. 1858 would expand existing programs
at the CDC.

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

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

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

S. 793--- Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act

(Hatch, R-UT)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S. 793 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 793 would reauthorize the Traumatic Brain
Injury Act under the Public Health Service Act to make grants for state
traumatic brain injury surveillance systems or registries (currently,
only for registries) in order to determine the incidence and prevalence
of traumatic brain injury and related disability; ensure the uniformity
of reporting under each such system or registry; link individuals with
traumatic brain injury to services and supports; and link such
individuals with academic institutions to conduct applied research.

S. 793 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
report to the relevant congressional committees on activities and
procedures that can be implemented by the CDC, the Department of
Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the
collection and dissemination of compatible epidemiological studies on
the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury in the military
and veterans populations who return to civilian life.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to: determine
the incidence of traumatic brain injury and prevalence of traumatic
brain injury related disability; report national trends in traumatic
brain injury; identify common therapeutic interventions which are used
for the rehabilitation of individuals with such injuries; identify
interventions and therapies that can prevent or remediate the
development of secondary neurologic conditions related to traumatic
brain injury; and develop practice guidelines for such rehabilitation.

S. 793 also authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2008---2011 for
the National Institute of Health's trauma research program.

S. 793 would allow the Secretary to make grants to states and American
Indian consortia (currently, only states are eligible) to improve access
to rehabilitation and other services (currently, to health and other
services) regarding traumatic brain injury. S. 793 authorizes
appropriations for such grants for fiscal year 2008---2011.

S. 793 directs the Administrator to make a grant for training and
technical assistance to protection and advocacy systems, if funds permit
(authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 2011).

Finally, S. 793 directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study
regarding members of the armed forces who have acquired a disability
resulting from a traumatic brain injury incurred while serving in
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom that examines how
these individuals are being reintegrated into their communities.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 793 was introduced March 7, 2007,
and on December 11, 2007, S. 793 passed the Senate, with amendment, by
unanimous consent. S. 793 was referred to the House Committee on Energy
and Commerce, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing the
bill would cost \$106 million in 2008 and \$1.5 billion over the
2008---2012 period, subject to the appropriation of the necessary
amounts. Furthermore, according to CBO, enacting S. 793 would not affect
direct spending or federal revenues.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, S. 793 authorizes new studies and
programs at the Department of Health and Human Services.

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

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

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

**H. Res. 1077---** **Calling on the Government of the People's Republic
of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and enter into a substantive
dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solution
that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious identity, and
fundamental freedoms of all Tibetans, and for other purposes *(Pelosi,
D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1077 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1077 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end
    its crackdown on nonviolent Tibetan protestors and its continuing
    cultural, religious, economic, and linguistic repression inside
    Tibet;

-   "calls on the Chinese Government to begin a results-based dialogue,
    without preconditions, directly with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to
    address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and provide
    for a long-term solution that respects the human rights and dignity
    of every Tibetan;

-   "calls on the Chinese Government to allow independent international
    monitors and journalists, free and unfettered access to the Tibet
    Autonomous Region and all other Tibetan areas of China for the
    purpose of monitoring and documenting events surrounding the Tibetan
    protests and to verify that individuals injured receive adequate
    medical care;

-   "calls on the Chinese Government to immediately release all Tibetans
    who are imprisoned for nonviolently expressing opposition to Chinese
    Government policies in Tibet;

-   " calls on the United States Department of State to publicly issue a
    statement reconsidering its decision not to include the People's
    Republic of China among the group of countries described as 'the
    world's most systematic human rights violators' in the introduction
    of the 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; and

-   "calls on the United States Department of State to fully implement
    the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 6901 note), including the
    stipulation that the Secretary of State 'seek to establish an office
    in Lhasa, Tibet to monitor political, economic and cultural
    developments in Tibet', and also to provide consular protection and
    citizen services in emergencies, and further urges that the
    agreement to permit China to open further diplomatic missions in the
    United States should be contingent upon the establishment of a
    United States Government office in Lhasa."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "March 10, 2008, marked the 49th anniversary of a historic uprising
    against Chinese rule over the Tibetan people, which forced His
    Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, to escape into exile in India;

-   "Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns in and around Lhasa were blocked by
    Chinese authorities from staging peaceful demonstrations on this
    anniversary date and were met with excessive force by the Chinese
    authorities;

-   "protests by Tibetans spread inside the Tibet Autonomous Region and
    other Tibetan areas of China;

-   "the accumulated grievances of almost six decades of cultural,
    religious, economic, and linguistic repression of the Tibetan people
    by the Government of the People's Republic of China has resulted in
    resentments which are at the root of the Tibetan protests;

-   "resentment of the Chinese Government by the Tibetan people has
    increased sharply since 2005 as a result of Chinese policies, laws,
    and regulations that have reduced economic opportunity for Tibetans
    and severely eroded the ability of Tibetans to preserve their
    distinctive language, culture, and religious identity;

-   "the response by the Chinese Government to the Tibetan protests was
    disproportionate and extreme, reportedly resulting in the deaths of
    hundreds and the detention of thousands of Tibetans;

-   "there have been reports that some Tibetans engaged in rioting that
    may have resulted in the destruction of government and private
    property, as well as the deaths of civilians;

-   "His Holiness the Dalai Lama has used his leadership to promote
    democracy, freedom, and peace for the Tibetan people through a
    negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue, based on autonomy within
    the context of China;

-   "six rounds of dialogue between representatives of the Dalai Lama
    and Chinese officials have not resulted in meaningful progress;

-   "the Chinese Government has rebuffed calls by the President of the
    United States, the United States Congress, and world leaders to
    respond positively to the Dalai Lama's willingness to be personally
    involved in discussions with Chinese leaders on the future of Tibet;

-   "the Chinese Government has denigrated the Dalai Lama, labeling him
    as 'a splittist' and 'a wolf in monk's robes', thereby further
    alienating Tibetans who consider the Dalai Lama their spiritual
    leader;

-   "the Dalai Lama was recognized for his contribution to world peace
    when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989;

-   "the United States Congress, in recognition of the Dalai Lama's
    outstanding moral and religious leadership and his advocacy of
    nonviolence, awarded him with the Congressional Gold Medal on
    October 17, 2007;

-   "the Chinese Government has failed to honor its commitment to
    improve the human rights situation in China as a condition for
    Beijing being selected as the site for the 2008 Summer Olympic
    Games;

-   "the Chinese Government has impeded the access of international
    journalists to Tibetan areas of China and distorted reports of
    events surrounding the Tibetan protests, thereby violating the
    commitment it made that 'there will be no restrictions on media
    reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the
    Olympic Games';

-   "for many years, the Chinese Government has restricted the ability
    of foreign journalists and foreign government officials, including
    United States Government officials, to freely travel in Tibetan
    areas of China, thereby curtailing access to information on the
    situation in Tibetan areas;

-   " the Chinese Government's use of propaganda during the protests to
    demonize Tibetans and incite ethnic nationalism is exacerbating
    ethnic tensions and is counterproductive to resolving the situation;

-   "the United States Department of State included the People's
    Republic of China among the group of countries described as 'the
    most systematic violators of human rights' in the introduction of
    the 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and in previous
    Human Rights Reports, but did not do so in the 2007 Human Rights
    Report, despite no evidence of significant improvements in the human
    rights situation in China in the past year; and

-   "it is the policy of the United States 'to support the aspirations
    of the Tibetan people to safeguard their distinct identity' and 'to
    support economic development, cultural preservation, health care,
    and education and environmental sustainability for Tibetans inside
    Tibet', in accordance with the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C.
    6901 note)."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 1077 was introduced on April
3, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which took no
official action.\
\
**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The resolution does not authorize
expenditures.\
\
**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or
Private-Sector Mandates?]{.underline}** No.\
\
**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Sarah Makin; 202-226-0718;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>.