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# 

# Legislative Bulletin....................................................September 20, 2006

**Contents:**

> **S. 1025** --- Wichita Project Equus Beds Division Authorization Act
> of 2005
>
> **H.R. 2334** --- City of Oxnard Water Recycling and Desalination Act
> of 2005\
> **H.R. 5664** --- Jacob Fletcher Post Office Building Designation Act\
> **H.R. 4768 ---** Robert Linn Memorial Post Office Building
> Designation Act\
> **H.R. 4586** --- Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission Act of
> 2005\
> **H.R. 4653 ---** To repeal a prohibition on the use of certain funds
> for tunneling in certain areas with respect to the Los Angeles to San
> Fernando Valley Metro Rail project, California
>
> **H.R. 3858** --- Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of
> 2006
>
> **H.R. 5450** --- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act

S. 1025 --- Wichita Project Equus Beds Division Authorization Act of
2005

--- *as received* (Sen. Roberts, R-KS)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, under a motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S. 1025 would permit the Secretary of the
Interior to assist in the funding of the Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and
Recovery Component (Equus Beds) which is a part of the Integrated Local
Water Supply Plan, Wichita, Kansas, up to the lesser of 25 percent of
the project cost or \$30 million. The amount available for the project
may vary, "by reason of fluctuations in construction costs as indicated
by engineering cost indexes applicable to the type of construction
involved."

Additionally, S. 1025 includes several minor provisions stating that
operation and maintenance of the project is the sole responsibility of
the City of Wichita, Kansas; that the building of Equus Beds must follow
the current plans for construction; that title, liability, and
responsibility for Equus Beds remains with the City of Wichita
regardless of federal contributions to the project; that the sums
expended on behalf of Equus Beds is non-reimbursable; and that the
authority of the Secretary of the Interior under S. 1025 ceases in ten
years.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[109-192](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_reports&docid=f:sr192.109.pdf),
the project is intended to capture "excess river flows" after rain or
snow, and divert the water into the Equus Beds Aquifer. The project is
deemed necessary because of increased demand for water, and the threat
of contamination by saltwater.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S. 1025 was received from the Senate
on December 17, 2005, and referred to the House Committee on Resources'
Subcommittee on Water and Power, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, the bill
authorizes \$20 million to be spent in the period from 2007 to 2010.
Enacting S. 1025 would not affect direct spending or revenues.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: The bill allows the Secretary of the
Interior to fund another project.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Senate is not required
by Senate rules to cite constitutional authority in Senate committee
reports.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.R. 2334 --- City of Oxnard Water Recycling and Desalination Act of
2005

--- *as amended* (Capps, D-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, under a motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2334 would amend the Reclamation
Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to allow the
Secretary of the Interior to fund up to 25% of the cost for constructing
permanent buildings in Phase I of the Groundwater Recovery Enhancement
and Treatment project near Oxnard, California. The bill would restrict
the funding from being used for operation and maintenance of the
project, or for the visitor's center. H.R. 2334 sunsets the Secretary's
authority to fund the construction of the project after 10 years from
enactment.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Committee
Report
[109-625](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(hr625)),
the Phase I of the Groundwater Recovery Enhancement and Treatment
project includes a desalinization plant and a wastewater recycling
plant.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2334 was introduced on May 12,
2005, and referred to the Committee on Resources' Subcommittee on Water
and Power. The bill was marked-up by the full committee and was ordered
to be reported, as amended, to the House by unanimous consent on July
19, 2006.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO estimates authorizations of
\$16 million over the period from 2007 to 2011.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: The bill allows the Secretary of the
Interior to fund another project.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: Committee Report 109-625,
cites constitutional authority for this legislation in Article 1,
Section 8, and Clause 3 of the Constitution, the power to regulate
commerce.

**[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

H.R. 5664 --- Jacob Fletcher Post Office Building Designation Act ---
*as introduced* (Hart, R-PA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:** The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}:** H.R. 5664 would designate the U.S. Postal
Service facility located at 110 Cooper Street in Babylon, New York, as
the "Jacob Fletcher Post Office Building."

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.25in" height="1.875in"}**[Additional
Background]{.underline}:** Army Private First Class (Pfc.) Jacob
Fletcher was killed in Samara, Iraq on November 13, 2003, when an
improvised explosive device (IED) exploded under the bus in which he was
riding. He was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd
Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.

For additional information on Jacob Fletcher and other fallen heroes of
Operation Iraqi Freedom, please visit:
<http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/fletcherjacobs.html>.
Also, a 501 (c)(3) charity has been created Jacob's name to assist and
encourage soldiers still serving in Iraq and the War on Terror:
<http://www.jacobsprogram.org/>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:** H.R. 5664 was introduced on June 21,
2006, and referred to the Committee on Government Reform. The bill was
marked-up on July 20, 2006, and it was reported to the House by
unanimous consent the same day.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 5664 is
unavailable, but the only costs associated with a post office renaming
are those for sign and map changes, none of which significantly affect
the federal budget.

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

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

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

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

**H.R. 4768 --- To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 777 Corporation Street in Beaver, Pennsylvania, as
the "Robert Linn Memorial Post Office Building" --- *as reported* (Hart,
R-PA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5107 designates the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 777 Corporation Street in
Beaver, Pennsylvania, as the "Robert Linn Memorial Post Office
Building."

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: The Guinness World Book of
Records lists Robert Linn as America's longest serving mayor. In 1945,
he "was approached by a group of Republicans who wanted to defeat the
incumbent mayor." "Initially, he did not want the job, but later gave
in. Afterward he changed his mind." He won his first mayoral race
despite taking out a newspaper advertisement encouraging voters to vote
for his opponent. Linn passed away in August of 2004 at the age of 95
while serving his 58^th^ year as mayor of Beaver, Pennsylvania. (source:
<http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04237/366570.stm> and
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Linn>)

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4768 was introduced on February
16, 2006, and referred to the Committee on Government Reform. The bill
was marked-up on May 4, 2006, and it was reported to the House by
unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: The only costs associated with a
postal facility 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}**: Marcus Kelley;
<marcus.kelley@mail.house.gov>; (202) 226-9717

**H.R. 4586 --- Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission Act of 2005
--- *as amended* (Castle, R-DE)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill, as amended.

[Note]{.underline}: Under House Republican Conference Rules, legislation
creating new programs or reauthorizing sunset programs may
[not]{.underline} be considered by the House on the Suspension Calendar.
This rule may be waived by a vote of the elected leadership. This
legislation, which extends a Commission with a sunset in current law,
received a waiver from the elected Leadership.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4586 would extend until January 16,
2009, the time allotted for the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Commission to submit its final report to Congress. Under current law,
the Commission would be required to submit their final report on January
16, 2007. Moving back the deadline for the report extends the life of
the Commission, which expires four months after the submission of the
final report. (The original legislation contained a provision extending
an authorization for the Commission to received federal funds. This
provision was removed.)

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to the Commission's
[website](http://www.benfranklin300.com/about.htm), in 2002, Congress
established the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission and tasked it
with "recommending government programs to commemorate the 300^th^
anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth in 2006." The Commission has
been supported by both federal and private funding, as well as revenue
from sale of Benjamin Franklin coins.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4586 was introduced on December
16, 2005, and referred to the Committee on Government Reform, which
considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the bill by unanimous
consent on March 30, 2006, as amended.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO "the legislation
would allow the commission to continue to solicit and spend gifts and
donations without further appropriation action. Gifts are classified in
the budget as governmental receipts, and the spending of such sums would
constitute direct spending. CBO estimates that receipts and direct
spending under H.R. 4586 would be less than \$500,000 annually." As
previously noted, the Commission is funded with private donations, and
the collection of such donations is recorded as "governmental receipts"
even though the funds are never deposited in the Treasury. As the
Commission spends money received through private sources, CBO scores
these expenditures as direct spending -a somewhat misleading label since
they funds are not actually leaving the federal treasury.

**[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. 4653 --- To repeal a prohibition on the use of certain funds for
tunneling in certain areas with respect to the Los Angeles to San
Fernando Valley Metro Rail project, California--- *as reported* (Waxman,
D-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, under a motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4653 would repeal a restriction in
current law which does not allow federal funds made available to the
Urban Mass Transportation Administration for a contract with the
Southern California Rapid Transit District to be used for any segment of
the downtown Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley Metro Rail project,
unless certain requirements are met. Thus, repealing this section of law
would make these projects now eligible to receive federal funding.

Specifically, the bill repeals (strikes) the second sentence of Section
321 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act of 1986, which is below in red bold.

> **SEC. 321**. The Urban Mass Transportation Administration shall enter
> into a contract with the Southern California Rapid Transit District to
> conduct a study of the potential methane gas risks relating to the
> proposed alignment of the Metro Rail project beyond the Minimum
> Operable Segment, MOS-1. **None of the funds described in section 320
> may be made available for any segment of the downtown Los Angeles to
> San Fernando Valley Metro Rail project unless and until the Southern
> California Rapid Transit District officially notifies and commits to
> the Urban Mass Transportation Administration that no part of the Metro
> Rail project will tunnel into or potential risk zone or high potential
> risk zone in the report of the City of Los Angeles dated June 10,
> 1985, entitled 'Task Force Report on the March 24, 1985 Methane Gas
> Explosion and Fire in the Fairfax Area'.** Funds for this study, in an
> amount not to exceed \$1,000,000, shall be made available from funds
> previously allocated for the MOS-1 project, commencing within 30 days
> of enactment.

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: According to Committee Report
[109-610](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(hr610)),
"When the fiscal year 1986 Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act was considered on the House floor, two provisions
were added to the bill that:

-   "Directed the Secretary of Transportation to enter into negotiations
    for a full funding grant agreement to construct a minimum operable
    segment of the downtown Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley Metro
    Rail project (Public Law 99-190, section 320);

-   "Required the Federal Transit Administration to contract with the
    local transit authority to conduct a study of potential methane gas
    risks related to the proposed alignment of the Metro Rail project
    beyond the first minimum operable segment (Public Law 99-190,
    section 321); and

-   "Prohibited any of the funds made available for the first minimum
    operable segment of the San Fernando Valley Metro to be made
    available for any segment of the Metro Rail project unless and until
    a formal commitment is made to the Federal government by the local
    transit authority that no part of the Metro Rail project will tunnel
    into or through any potential risk zone or high potential risk zone
    for methane gas (Public Law 99-190, section 321)."

The Committee contends that "the effect of the funding prohibition in
section 321 of the Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act for fiscal year 1986 has been to prevent the consideration of any
underground transit options in the areas along the Wilshire Boulevard
corridor west from downtown Los Angeles toward Santa Monica. Although
the prohibition in section 321 was included in appropriations
legislation, which normally would limit the provision's applicability to
the fiscal year in which funds are appropriated, the Federal Transit
Administration has determined that this language was drafted in such a
way to prevent tunneling on any segment of the Los Angeles to San
Fernando Valley Metro Rail project in areas that were characterized as
methane risk zones."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4653 was introduced on December
22, 2005, and referred to the Committees on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the
bill to the full House by voice vote on July 19, 2006.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, "enacting H.R.
4653 *by itself* would have no cost to the federal government" (emphasis
added). However, CBO acknowledges that "Enacting H.R. 4653 would lift
the prohibition, making future proposals involving tunneling in the
region eligible for federal funding.  Any such funding would be
dependent on future Congressional actions." 

**[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
[109-610](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(hr610))
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8 of the
Constitution, but failed to 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}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-0718.

H.R. 3858 --- Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
--- *as received* (Lantos, D-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, under a motion to
suspend the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3858 would amend the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 USC 5196b) to require
states to consider the needs of individuals with household pets and
service animals in their emergency preparedness plans. Specifically, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director would be required to
"ensure" state and local emergency preparedness operational plans take
into account the "needs of individuals with household pets and service
animals following a major disaster or emergency" when approving the
standards of these plans.

The bill permits the FEMA Director to make financial contributions to
the states and local authorities for animal emergency preparedness
purposes, including the procurement, construction, leasing, or
renovating of emergency shelter facilities and materials that will
accommodate people with pets and service animals. **Finally, H.R. 3858
would permit FEMA to provide for the rescue, care, shelter, and
essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals
and to the actual pets and animals.**

**[Additional Information]{.underline}**: FEMA's authority and powers
during emergencies are governed by the Stafford Act. FEMA currently
provides financial assistance to states for emergency preparedness
personnel and administrative expenses (up to 50 percent of the total
cost of such emergency preparedness expenses). In turn, states must
submit emergency preparedness plans for approval by the FEMA director.
For additional information on the Stafford Act, see this RSC Policy
Brief: <http://www.house.gov/pence/rsc/doc/FEMA_Disaster_Response.pdf>.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3858 was introduced on
September 22, 2005, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings
and Emergency Management. The bill was marked-up on April 5, 2006, and
it was reported to the House by voice vote the same day. The House
passed H.R. 3858 on May 22, 2006 ([349 -
24](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll178.xml)). The Senate passed the
bill by unanimous consent on August 3, 2006, with an amendment.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: CBO estimates that implementing
H.R. 3858 would have no significant impact on 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}**: 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}**: Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-0718.

H.R. 5450 --- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act--- *as
reported* (Ehlers, R-MI)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 5450 would reestablish the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the Department of
Commerce (DoC). Originally established in the DoC by executive order
1970, NOAA includes the National Ocean Service, the National Weather
Service, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, the National
Marine Fisheries Service and several other offices. According to
Committee Report
[109-545](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp109:FLD010:@1(hr545)),
"The plan \[establishing NOAA\], however, did not provide an overall
mission for the agency, and neither has Congress in the years since.
Instead, Congress has enacted laws on specific issues. Since that time
NOAA has evolved into the central civilian Federal agency for oceans and
atmospheric issues." The Committee outlines that the purpose of this
legislation is to establish NOAA in law and to describe its mission and
function. The bill does not provide for any new authorizations.

The specific provisions of H.R. 5450 are as follows:

-   Establishes this mission for NOAA: "to understand the systems of the
    Earth's oceans and atmosphere and predict changes in the Earth's
    oceans and atmosphere and the effects of such changes on the land
    environment, to conserve and manage coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes
    ecosystems to meet national economic, social, and environmental
    needs, and to educate the public about these topics."

-   Outlines 12 specific functions of NOAA, including the following:

    -   "collecting, through observation and other means, communicating,
        analyzing, processing, and disseminating comprehensive
        scientific data and information about weather and climate, solar
        and geophysical events on the Sun and in the space environment,
        and about the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes, upper reaches of
        estuaries, and hydrologic systems;

    -   "operating and maintaining a system for the storage, retrieval,
        and dissemination of data relating to weather and climate, solar
        and geophysical events on the Sun and in the space environment,
        and about the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes, upper reaches of
        estuaries, and hydrologic systems;

    -   "using observational data and technologies developed by other
        Federal agencies to improve the NOAA's operations;

    -   "issuing weather, water, climate, space weather, tsunami, and
        other forecasts and warnings related to Earth's oceans and
        atmosphere; and

    -   "administering public outreach and education programs and
        services to increase scientific and environmental literacy about
        weather and climate, solar and geophysical events on the Sun and
        in the space environment, and the coasts, oceans, Great Lakes,
        upper reaches of estuaries, and hydrologic systems."

        -   Establishes at NOAA, an Under Secretary of Commerce for
            Oceans and Atmosphere, to be appointed by the President
            (with Senate consent), and to be paid at a basic level III
            on the Executive Schedule (\$152,000 annually).

        -   Establishes at NOAA, a Deputy Administrator, to be appointed
            by the President (with Senate consent), and to be paid at a
            basic level IV on the Executive Schedule (\$143,000
            annually).

        -   Also establishes a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science
            and Education, up to two additional Deputy Assistant
            Secretaries, and a General Counsel.

        -   Reestablishes at NOAA, the Administration the National
            Weather Service (NWS), and defines its mission as, "to
            provide weather, water, climate, tsunami, and space weather
            forecasts and warnings for the United States, its
            territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas for the
            protection of life and property and the enhancement of the
            national economy."

        -   Directs the NWS Administrator to ensure that the Service:

    ```{=html}
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    ```
    -   "provides timely and accurate weather, water, climate, tsunami,
        and space weather forecasts; and

    -   "provides timely and accurate warnings of natural hazards
        related to weather, water, climate, and tsunamis, and of space
        weather hazards."

        -   Establishes at NOAA, a Science Advisory Board (not currently
            in existence), which would provide scientific advice on
            long-range and short-range strategies for research,
            education, and the application of science to resource
            management and environmental assessment and prediction.

        -   Requires NOAA to submit a report to Congress, within 18
            months of enactment, on an assessment by the National
            Academy of Sciences on the adequacy of the environmental
            data and information systems of NOAA.

        -   Directs the NOAA Administrator to, at least once every five
            years, develop and submit to Congress a policy that defines
            processes for making decisions about the roles of the NOAA,
            the private sector, and the academic community in providing
            environmental information, products, technologies, and
            services.

        -   Directs the Administrator to develop a reorganization plan
            for NOAA publish the plan in the Federal Register. The
            Administrator is also directed to establish a plan for
            strategic research and development.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 5450 was introduced on May 22,
2006, and referred to the Committees on Science and Resources. The
Science Committee considered it, held a mark-up, and reported the bill,
as amended, on June 29, 2006.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, implementing H.R.
5450 would have no significant impact on the federal budget and no
effect on direct spending or revenues. However, CBO estimates that
"complying with the additional reporting requirements and making the
minor changes to personnel authorized by the bill would cost less than
\$500,000 annually."

**[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 109-545
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8 of the
Constitution, but fails to 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}** Joelle Cannon;
<joelle.cannon@mail.house.gov>, (202) 226-0718.