![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.489583333333333in"
height="1.15625in"}**Legislative
Bulletin.....................................February 12, 2008**

> **Contents:**
>
> **H.Res. 954---**Honoring the life of senior Border Patrol agent Luis
> A. Aguilar, who lost his life in the line of duty near Yuma, Arizona,
> on January 19, 2008
>
> **H.R. 2251---**Acadia National Park Improvement Act of 2007
>
> **H.R. 3332---**Kalaupapa Memorial Act of 2007
>
> **H.Res. 868---**Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the declaration
> of Muir Woods National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt
>
> **H.Con.Res. 209---**Expressing the sense of Congress that the Museum
> of the American Quilter\'s Society, located in Paducah, Kentucky,
> should be designated as the "National Quilt Museum of the United
> States"
>
> **H.R. 29---**To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct
> facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic,
> military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River, California,
> and for other purposes
>
> **H.R. 664---**Dana Point Desalination Project Authorization Act
>
> **H.R. 5270---**Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008
>
> **H.Res. 909---**Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers
> that fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and
> for Haiti\'s independence and renunciation of slavery
>
> **H.Res. 960---**Congratulating the National Football League champion
> New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and completing one of the
> most remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history
>
> **H.Con.Res. 281---**Celebrating the birth of Abraham Lincoln and
> recognizing the prominence the Declaration of Independence played in
> the development of Abraham Lincoln's belief
>
> **H.R. 3468---**To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North
> Carolina, as the "Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office"
>
> **H.R. 3532---**To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the
> "Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office"
>
> **H.R. 4203---**To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as
> the "Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building"
>
> **H.R. 5135---**To designate the facility of the United States Postal
> Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the
> "Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building"
>
> **H.Res. \_\_---**Expressing the condolences of the House of
> Representatives on the death of the Honorable Tom Lantos

H.Res. 954---Honoring the life of senior Border Patrol agent Luis A.
Aguilar, who lost his life in the line of duty near Yuma, Arizona, on
January 19, 2008 *(Lofgren, D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 954 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 954 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Recognizes the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women
    who have lost their lives while serving as United States Border
    Patrol agents;

-   "Honors Luis Aguilar for his service as a Border Patrol agent and
    for his sacrifice to the United States; and

-   "Extends its deepest condolences to the family of Luis Aguilar."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Luis Aguilar was born in El Paso, Texas, on November 26, 1976, to
    Luis Aguilar and Cecilia G. Silva;

-   "Luis Aguilar resided in Somerton, Arizona, and is survived by his
    mother and father, his wife, Erica Aguilar, his two children, Luis
    and Ariana, his brother, senior Border Patrol agent Marco Antonio
    Aguilar, and his sister, Angie Aguilar;

-   "Luis Aguilar joined the United States Border Patrol on July 21,
    2002;

-   "On January 19, 2008, after over 5 years of dedicated service in the
    United States Border Patrol, Luis Aguilar selflessly paid the
    ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States;

-   "Border Patrol agents carry out the vital role of protecting our
    Nation's borders and ensuring the safety of the United States;

-   "Border Patrol agents work devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the
    people of the United States, without regard for the peril or danger
    to themselves; and

-   "The United States will forever be grateful for the service of Luis
    Aguilar and mourn his loss."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 954 was introduced on
January 29, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 2251---Acadia National Park Improvement Act of 2007**

***(Michaud, D-ME)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2251 would amend the federal
government's land conveyance authority within the Acadia National Park,
located on Mt. Desert Island in Maine. The bill would also increase the
maximum amount of funds authorized for the Secretary of the Interior to
expand the park.

Specifically, the bill would stipulate that no town could receive
federal land outside of the park unless the town conveys any land it
owns within the park to the Secretary. Any conveyance of land between
the Secretary and an applicable town must be done without encumbrance
and without monetary consideration. The bill also retroactively extends
the authority of the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission for a
period of twenty years, from September 25, 2006, to September 25, 2026.

H.R. 2251 would also increase the ceiling on the amount of money
authorized for the Secretary to acquire park land from \$9.1 million to
\$28 million.

Finally, the bill would authorize "such sums" for the Secretary to
provide assistance in the planning, construction, and operation of an
"intermodal transportation center" located outside of the boundary of
the park in the town of Trenton, Maine. The bill would allow the
Secretary to enter into agreements with federal, state, and local
agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, in or order to:

-   Provide exhibits, interpretive services and technical assistance;

-   Conduct activities that facilitate the dissemination of information
    relating to the Park and the Island Explorer transit system;

-   Provide financial assistance for the construction of the intermodal
    transportation center; and

-   Assist with the operation and maintenance of the intermodal
    transportation center.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the National Park
Service (NPS), the [Acadia National Park](http://www.nps.gov/acad/) was
the first National Park established east of the Mississippi. The land
for the park was initially donated by private owners in the early 20^th^
century and the park was officially established by President Woodrow
Wilson in 1919. The park currently occupies some 47 square miles of Mt.
Desert Island, just off the coast of central Maine. Towns located on and
around park land on the island include Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and
Southwest Harbor. The town of Trenton, where the intermodal
transportation center would be established under the bill, is located on
the mainland some three miles from the Acadia National Park.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 2251 would increase the maximum amount of money
that the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to use to acquire land
for the Acadia National Park by nearly \$20 million. Conservatives may
also be concerned that the bill would authorize the appropriation of
"such sums" for the creation and operation of an "intermodal
transportation center" in the vicinity of the park.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2251 was introduced on May 9,
2007 and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On May 14,
2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks,
Forests, and Public Lands, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2251 was not
available at press time, but the bill authorizes "such sums" for the
expansion of the Acadia National Park.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee report
designating compliance with clause 9 of rule XXI is unavailable.

**[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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 3332---Kalaupapa Memorial Act of 2007**

***(Hirono, D-HI)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3332 would authorize the establishment
of a memorial on the grounds of Kalaupapa National Historical Park to
honor the individuals who were forcibly relocated to Kalaupapa between
1866 and 1969. The memorial would be created by Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa, a
non-profit organization consisting of current and former residents of
Kalaupapa National Historical Park land, their families, and their
friends.

The bill requires that the memorial include the names of some 8,000
people who were sent to the leprosy colony on Kalaupapa between 1866 and
1969.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Molokai
Island visitor's bureau, the Kalaupapa Pensuila, located on the north
central portion of the island, was first used as a leprosy colony
shortly after the disease migrated to Hawaii from China in 1848.
Kalauapapa was an ideal geographical location for isolating patients
with Hansen's Disease (leprosy's proper name) because the peninsula was
separated from the rest of the island by 1600-foot sea cliffs. The mass
deportation of victims of leprosy began in 1866. Between 1866 and 1896,
some 5,000 patients were forcibly sent to the colony, with another 3,000
to follow in later years. The Kalaupapa National Historic Park was
established in 1980 to commemorate those who were subjected to forced
isolation on the remote peninsula.

**[RSC Bonus Fact]{.underline}**: Father Damien, the patron saint of the
Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu whose statue can be found
representing Hawaii in U.S. Capitol building, ministered to the
residents of the Kalaupapa colony.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3332 was introduced on August
2, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On
August 8, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on National
Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3332 was not
available at press time, but the bill does not authorize and spending.

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

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee report
designating compliance with clause 9 of rule XXI is unavailable.

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

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

H.Res. 868---Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the declaration of
Muir Woods National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt *(Woolsey,
D-CA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 868 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 868 would express the sense that the
House:

-   "Recognizes the foresight of President Roosevelt in using the
    Antiquities Act in declaring Muir Woods National Monument;

-   "Recognizes the 100 years of careful preservation of America's
    Coastal Redwood forest within Muir Woods National Monument; and

-   "Recognizes the natural and historical importance of the Muir Woods
    National Monument in the State of California and to the Nation."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Congressman William Kent of California recognized the transcendent
    beauty and national significance of the coastal redwood trees and he
    set aside his private land for future generations;

-   "Congressman Kent donated his lands to be known as Muir Woods in the
    State of California as the first National monument, presenting them
    to the United States Government as a gift to the people of the
    United States;

-   "Muir Woods provides a keystone for conservation stewardship and a
    rich natural laboratory to explore the philosophy of its namesake,
    the admired conservation activist John Muir;

-   "Muir Woods was recognized 100 years ago to be 'of extraordinary
    scientific interest and importance because of the primeval character
    of the forest and the character, age and size of the trees';

-   "Muir Woods National Monument is preserved today through the
    dedicated staff and volunteers of the National Park Service; and

-   "In 1972 Muir Woods National Monument became part of the Golden Gate
    National Recreation Area and today attracts up to a million visitors
    annually:"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 868 was introduced on
December 11, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
On December 14, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.Con.Res. 209---Expressing the sense of Congress that the Museum of the
American Quilter's Society, located in Paducah, Kentucky, should be
designated as the "National Quilt Museum of the United States"
(Whitfield, R-KY)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 209 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 209 would express the sense of the
Congress that "the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, located at
215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, Kentucky, should be designated as the
'National Quilt Museum of the United States.'"

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "The Museum of the American Quilter's Society is the largest quilt
    museum in the world, with a total of 13,400 square feet of
    exhibition space and more than 150 quilts exhibited year-round in
    its 3 galleries;

-   "The mission of the Museum is to educate the local, national, and
    international public about the art, history, and heritage of
    quiltmaking;

-   "Quilts in the Museum's permanent collection are made by quilters
    from 44 of the 50 States and many foreign countries;

-   "The Museum, centrally located in Paducah, Kentucky, and open to the
    public year-round, averages 40,000 visitors per year;

-   "Individuals from all 50 States and from more than 25 foreign
    countries have visited the Museum; and

-   "Quilts exhibited in the Museum are representative of the Nation and
    its cultures thanks to the wide diversity of themes and topics,
    quilts, and quiltmakers."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 209 was introduced on
September 14, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
On September 17, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 29---To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct
facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic,
military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River, California, and
for other purposes (Issa, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 29 would authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to construct, operate, and maintain facilities to use the Santa
Margarita River to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic,
military, and other uses. The facilities would be located on the lower
part of the river on Camp Pendleton. Water produced by the construction
of the project would be divided between Camp Pendleton and the Fallbrook
Public Utility District. Construction of the project could begin only if
the following conditions were met:

-   The Fallbrook Public Utility District and the U.S. Navy have entered
    into a repayment contracts with the United States for its allocation
    of the construction costs, with interest, as applicable;

-   The State of California has granted permits to the Bureau of
    Reclamation;

-   The Fallbrook District has agreed not to assert any prior right it
    may have to water in excess of the quantity deliverable to it under
    this Act; and

-   The Secretary of the Interior has determined that the project has
    engineering, environmental, and economic feasibility.

The bill would stipulate that the Department of the Navy would only be
required to repay the portion of construction and maintenance costs that
result in direct benefits for the Navy. H.R. 29 would also require that
sixty percent of the water yield from the project would go to the Navy
while the Fallbrook District would be allotted forty percent.

H.R. 29 would require the Secretary to determine and execute a repayment
plan for the Fallbrook District. The bill would also authorize the
Secretary to transfer its operations and maintenance obligation to a
third party if all concerned parties agree.

Finally, H.R. 29 would authorize \$60 million to carry out the project
and sunset the authority of the Secretary ten years after enactment.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Natural Resources
[Committee Report
110--503](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr503)),
water usage in the Santa Margarita River basin has been locally disputed
for over a century. Since 1940, there have been four separate lawsuits
filed by residents in the lower basin objecting to water users in the
upper basis, claiming that water had been taken unlawfully. As a result
of the lawsuits, water was partitioned between residents in the upper
and lower basis. Despite the attempted settlement, water availability
has continued to decline rapidly in the Santa Margarita River basin,
especially with the recent population boom and the expansion of Camp
Pendleton, which is located in the lower basin. Currently the [Fallbrook
Public Utility District](http://www.fpud.com/) relies on water supplies
imported from the Colorado River and northern California. H.R. 29
attempts to alleviate some of the area's water concerns by authorizing
the federal government to carry out a water recovery and distribution
project.

Similar legislation passed the House in both the 108^th^ Congress (H.R.
4389) and the 109^th^ Congress (H.R. 125) by voice vote.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 29 was introduced on January 4,
2007 and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources as well as
the Committee on Armed Services. On February 7, 2007, the bill was
referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which discharged the
bill on October 10, 2007. The same day the full committee held a mark-up
and reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 29 would
authorize \$0 for fiscal year 2008 and \$63 million (\$60 million plus
such sums for operations) over five years, subject to appropriations.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill creates a new federal water
reclamation project.

**[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}** According to Natural
Resources [Committee Report
110--503](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr503)),
"H.R. 29 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Natural Resources [Committee
Report
110--503](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr503))
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that
all committee reports contain a statement citing the *specific* powers
granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the
bill or joint resolution. *\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.R. 664---Dana Point Desalination Project Authorization Act**

**(Campbell, R-CA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 664 would authorize \$2.5. million for
the Secretary of the Interior to assist in research, development, and
environmental and feasibility studies, as well as preliminary
engineering, for the Dana Point Desalination Project in the Municipal
Water District of Orange County, California. The bill would not
authorize funding for construction of equipment or facilities for the
project.

The bill would stipulate that the federal government shall not provide
more than twenty-five percent of the total cost of the project. H.R. 664
would also sunset the authority of the Secretary to participate in the
project ten years after enactment.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Natural Resources
[Committee Report
110--511](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr511)),
the Municipal Water District of Orange County provides water to more
than 30 Southern Californian cities. The vast majority of the district's
water is imported from non-local sources, such as the Colorado River and
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta. The proposed Dana Point
Desalination Project would produce an estimated 15,000 to 20,000
acre-feet (an acre foot is the volume of water needed to cover one acre
one foot deep---approximately 325,851 gallons) of new, drinkable water
for residents in the Orange County area.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 664 was introduced on January
24, 2007 and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On
February 7, 2007, the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water and
Power, which discharged the bill on October 10, 2007. The same day the
full committee held a mark-up and reported the bill by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 664 would
authorize \$2.5 million over the FY 2008---FY 2012 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** Yes, the bill creates a new federal water
reclamation project.

**[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}** According to Natural
Resources [Committee Report
110--511](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr511)),
"H.R. 664 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e) or
9(f) of rule XXI."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Natural Resources [Committee
Report
110--511](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr511))
cites constitutional authority in Article 1, Section 8, but does not
cite a specific clause. House Rule XIII, Section 3(d)(1), requires that
all committee reports contain a statement citing the *specific* powers
granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the
bill or joint resolution. *\[emphasis added\]*

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

**H.R. 5270---Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2008**

***(Rangel, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.\
\
**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5270 would extend the Federal Aviation
Administration's (FAA) authority to collect taxes and administer certain
programs for four months while a permanent FAA reauthorization bill is
vetted by Congress. The last permanent authorization lapsed on September
30, 2007, and the FAA has been operating on extensions since. The
current extension, which was passed in the FY 2008 omnibus
appropriations bill, will expire on February 29, 2008.

Specifically, H.R. 5270 would allow the FAA to continue to levy aviation
taxes on passengers, cargo, and fuel. Revenue from the extension of
those taxes would be used to finance the FAA's Airport and Airway Trust
Fund (AATF) through June 30, 2008. The bill would also extend the FAA's
authority to spend money from the AATF on airport improvements through
July 1, 2008.

The bill would also retroactively provide \$2.756 billion to fund the
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for nine months, from October 1, 2007,
through June 30, 2008.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The FAA's authority to collect
taxes that fund the AATF has been reauthorized twice since it was
initially set to expire at the end of September, 2007. The AATF provides
money for capital improvements at airports across the nation. According
to current law, the AATF is funded completely by excise taxes that are
imposed on air passengers, cargo, and fuel purchases. Without an
extension, the FAA's authority to collect and spend these taxes will
expire on March 1, 2008.

On September 20, 2007, the House passed H.R. 2881, its version of a
long-term FAA reauthorization. The Senate has yet to act on the
legislation.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5270 was introduced on February
7, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means as well as
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Neither committee
took any official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 5270 is not
currently available. A CBO score for an earlier extension (H.R. 3540)
indicated that the bill would authorize a large amount of discretionary
spending over the FY 2008---FY 2012 period by authorizing the
appropriation of revenues expected to be collected over the duration of
the extension.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}** No, it reauthorizes current law.

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

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}** A Committee report
designating compliance with clause 9 of rule XXI is unavailable.

**[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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.Res. 909---Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that
fought for American independence in the "Siege of Savannah" and for
Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery *(Meek, D-FL)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 909 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 909 would express the sense that the
House "commemorates the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for
American independence in the 'Siege of Savannah' and for Haiti's
independence and renunciation of slavery."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "In the fall of 1779, Haitian soldiers of the Chasseurs-Volontaires
    de Saint Domingue volunteered to join in the fight for American
    independence;

-   "The unit was comprised of over 500 men of color from the island of
    Haiti;

-   "On October 9, 1779, the soldiers of Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint
    Domingue served as the largest unit of soldiers of African descent
    to fight in the 'Siege of Savannah';

-   "Records show that over 500 men sailed treacherous waters to join
    the effort against the British;

-   "Over 300 of them lost their lives attempting to drive the British
    from Savannah;

-   "The Savannah Monument, a project of the Haitian American Historical
    Society represents the Haitian soldiers that fought in the 'Siege of
    Savannah';

-   "The Savannah Monument was erected in Savannah, Georgia on Monday,
    October 8, 2007, to recognize the Haitian involvement in the fight
    for American independence; and

-   "The Savannah Monument includes a statute of a 12-year-old drummer
    boy, depicting Mr. Henri Christophe, who became a leader in Haiti's
    Revolution to gain independence and renounce slavery."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 909 was introduced on
December 19, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affair,
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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.Res. 960---Congratulating the National Football League champion New
York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and completing one of the most
remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history *(Rothman,
D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. 960 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. 960 would express the sense that the
House "congratulates the National Football League champion New York
Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and completing one of the most
impressive seasons in professional sports history."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "On February 3, 2008, in Glendale, Arizona, the New York Giants
    achieved the improbable and upset the previously undefeated New
    England Patriots by a score of 17 to 14 in Super Bowl XLII to win
    the National Football League (NFL) Championship;

-   "During the 2007-2008 post season, the Giants were the epitome of
    determination, fortitude, and resiliency as they made their way
    through the playoffs and ultimately triumphed over the previously
    undefeated New England Patriots, who were favored by 12 points to
    win the championship game;

-   "Giants owner and Chief Executive Officer John Mara and Executive
    Vice President Steve Tisch have done a remarkable job leading this
    storied franchise with the assistance and dedication of their
    talented staff;

-   "The New York Giants have played all their home games in the
    Meadowlands Sports Complex, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey,
    since 1976 and have supported Bergen County and the northern New
    Jersey and New York areas with community outreach projects; and

-   "The entire Giants franchise has become a model of professionalism,
    teamwork, and community service in representing the entire New York
    and New Jersey metropolitan area."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. 960 was introduced on
February 6, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.Con.Res. 281---Celebrating the birth of Abraham Lincoln and
recognizing the prominence the Declaration of Independence played in the
development of Abraham Lincoln's beliefs (Manzullo, R-IL)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 281 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 281 would express the sense that
the Congress:

-   "Requests that the President issue a proclamation each year
    recognizing the anniversary of the birth of President Abraham
    Lincoln and calling upon the people of the United States to observe
    such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and

-   "Encourages State and local governments and local educational
    agencies to devote sufficient time to study and appreciate the
    reverence and respect Abraham Lincoln had for the significance and
    importance of the Declaration of Independence in the development of
    American history, jurisprudence, and the spread of freedom around
    the world."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born
    of humble roots on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky;

-   "Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1846 to serve in the United States
    House of Representatives, ably representing central Illinois;

-   "Abraham Lincoln re-entered political life as a reaction to the
    passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 which he opposed;

-   "Abraham Lincoln, through a legacy of courage, character, and
    patriotism, was elected to office as the 16th President of the
    United States on November 6, 1860;

-   "The year 2009 will be the Bicentennial anniversary of the birth of
    Abraham Lincoln, and the United States will observe 2 years of
    commemorations beginning February 12, 2008; and

-   "All Americans could benefit from studying the life of Abraham
    Lincoln as a model of achieving the American Dream through honest,
    integrity, loyalty, and a lifetime of education."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 281 was introduced on
January 23, 2008, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

**H.R. 3468---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North
Carolina, as the "Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office"
*(Butterfield, D-NC) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3468 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3468 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the "Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr.
Post Office."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to Congressional
Quarterly, Dr. Clifford Bell Jones was a noted oral surgeon, civic
leader, and deacon of Corner Stone Missionary Baptist Church in
Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Jones was born in Washington County,
N.C., in 1895 and received his bachelor's degree from Shaw University.
Jones received his doctorate in dental surgery from Meharry Medical
College Dental School and practiced in Elizabeth City for 66 years
before his death in 1995.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3468 was introduced on August
4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote on
December 12, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 3468 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[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. 3532---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the "Private
Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office" (Deal, R-GA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3532 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3532 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula,
Georgia, as the "Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the Washington
Post, Private Johnathon C. Millican was born in Lula, Georgia, in 1987.
Private Millican spent his childhood in Lula before moving with his
family to Trafford, Alabama. After graduating High School in Alabama,
Millican joined the U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field
Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, operating out of Fort
Richardson, Alaska. On January 20, 2007, Private Millican was serving in
Karbala, Iraq, when his patrol was ambushed. Private Millican was killed
by enemy forces while conducting dismounted operations. Private Millican
was 20 years old at the time of his death.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3532 was introduced on
September 14, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote on January 29, 2008.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 3532 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[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. 4203---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as
the "Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building" *(Johnson, D-GA) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 4203 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4203 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in
Lithonia, Georgia, as the "Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to the Washington
Post, Army Specialist Jamaal Addison, of Lithonia, Georgia, was killed
in Nasiriyah, Iraq, when his company became separated from a supply
convoy. Addison's company had stopped to help repair several stalled
vehicles when they were ambushed. According to a statement made by the
bill's sponsor, "Specialist Addison paid the ultimate price for this
nation. A former honor student at Lakeside High School in Tucker, he
joined the service in 2000 to gain training as a computer technician. He
was a quiet young man who wanted to open his own computer business."
Specialist Addison was 22 years old when he died.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4203 was introduced on November
15, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote on
January 29, 2008.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 4203 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[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. 5135---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the
"Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building" (Tiahrt, R-KS)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 5135 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5135 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in
Derby, Kansas, as the "Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans was
killed with three other soldiers after an accidental detonation of enemy
rockets on April 15, 2002, in Afghanistan. According to a CBS News
report following his death, Maugans and the other men that died with him
were part of 710th Ordnance Company, a small Army unit on a Navy
submarine base stationed in San Diego. Sergeant Maugans, who had served
in the Army since joining in 1997, was laid to rest in Arlington
National Cemetery along side the men that he served and died with.
Sergeant Maugans was 27 years old when he died.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5135 was introduced on January
23, 2008, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice vote on
January 29, 2008.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 5135 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a U.S. post office
renaming are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly
affect the federal budget.

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

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

**[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. Res. \_\_---Expressing the condolences of the House of
Representatives on the death of the Honorable Tom Lantos

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H. Res. \_\_ is scheduled to be
introduced and considered on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, under a motion
to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H. Res. \_\_ would express the condolences of
the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Tom Lantos
(D-CA). The text of the resolution was not available at press time.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H. Res. \_\_ will likely be
introduced on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.\
\
**[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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.