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# Legislative Bulletin.................................................November 13, 2007

**Contents:**

**H.R. 2627---**Act Commemorating the LITE, or Lifetime Innovations of
Thomas Edison

**H.Con.Res. 229---**Expressing the sense of the Congress that the
United States should seek a review of compliance by all nations with the
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas'
conservation and management recommendations for Atlantic bluefin tuna
and other species, and should pursue strengthened conservation and
management measures to facilitate the recovery of the Atlantic bluefin
tuna, and for other purposes

**H.R. 2614---**To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater
Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
participate in certain water projects in California

**H.R. 3315---**To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor
Center shall be known as Emancipation Hall

**H.Res. 812---**Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support
of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for
the victims of the devastating flooding in southern Mexico

**H.R. 2705---**Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007

**H.R. 3320---**Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act
of 2007

**H.Res. 811---**Condemning the November 6, 2007, terrorist bombing in
Afghanistan and expressing condolences to the people of Afghanistan and
the members of the Wolesi Jirga

**H.R. 3703---**To amend section 5112(p)(1)(A) of title 31, United
States Code, to allow an exception from the \$1 coin dispensing
capability requirement for certain vending machines

**H.Res. 335**---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that the President should declare lung cancer a public health priority
and should implement a comprehensive interagency program to reduce the
lung cancer mortality rate by at least 50 percent by 2015

**H.Res. 760**---Supporting the goals and ideals of Children's Health
Month

**H.Con.Res. 122**---Supporting the goal and mission of America Recycles
Day\
**H.R. 1534**---Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007

**H.R. 3403**---911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007

**H.R. 3919**---Broadband Census of America Act of 2007

**H.R. 3461**---Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and
Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007

**H.R. 3013**---Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007

**H.R. 1593**---Second Chance Act of 2007

**H.R. 3845**---PROTECT Our Children Act of 2007

**H.R.719**---Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of
2007

**H.R. 4120**---Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007

**H.R. 3577**---To direct the Attorney General to provide grants for
Internet safety education programs

**H.R. 4136**---The Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child
Pornography Act of 2007

**H.Res. 684---**Congratulating Shawn Johnson on her victory in becoming
the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Champion in women's gymnastics

**H.R. 3569---**To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, California, as the
"Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building"

**H.R. 3470**---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia,
as the "John Sidney 'Sid' Flowers Post Office Building"

**H.R. 3974**---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the
"Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building"

**H.Res. 808**---Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments

**S.Con.Res. 45**---A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block
Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families
affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National
Courage Month

**H.Con.Res. 211**---Supporting the goals and ideals of World Diabetes
Day

**H.Res. 365**---Honoring San Jose State University for its 150 years of
commitment to public higher education

**H.Res. 709**---Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the
dedication of the Sam

Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, and for other purposes

H.R. 2627---Act Commemorating the LITE, or Lifetime Innovations of
Thomas Edison *(Payne, D-NJ)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2627 would establish the Thomas Edison
National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey, as a new National
Park. The park would include the grounds that the park currently
operates (about 16 acres) and all property authorized to be acquired for
inclusion in the Historical Park by this Act or other law enacted after
the date of the enactment of this Act.

In addition, the bill grants authority to the Secretary to acquire 1)
land or interests in land within the Historical Park's boundaries from
willing sellers only, and 2) personal property associated with, and
appropriated for, interpretation of the Historical Park. The act also
repeals P.L. 87-628, regarding the establishment and administration of
the Edison National Historic Site. The bill authorizes such sums as may
be necessary to carry out the act.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: In 1962, P.L. 87-628
established the Thomas Edison National Historical Park to honor and
preserve the memory of the famous inventor. The park includes Edison's
home, Glenmont, along with roughly 16 acres of adjacent land. The park
is currently open year-round and offers tours of the home and grounds.
The 109^th^ Congress passed a similar bill, H.R. 1096 in February, 2006,
by a vote of [399 -- 1](http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll014.xml).
For more information about the Edison Historical Park [click
here](http://www.nps.gov/edis/).

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2627 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources'
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, which took no
official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2627 was not
available at press time. However, a CBO score for similar legislation
(H.R. 1096) estimated that, "implementing this bill would have no
significant effect on the federal budget. Under the bill, the unit's
boundaries, the agency's authority to acquire land and execute
cooperative agreements with local entities, and annual operating costs
would be similar or identical to those under existing law. We expect
that one-time costs to revise NPS brochures, maps, and signs would be
minimal because most such revisions would take place in conjunction with
scheduled reprinting and other routine maintenance."

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.Con.Res. 229---Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United
States should seek a review of compliance by all nations with the
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas\'
conservation and management recommendations for Atlantic bluefin tuna
and other species, and should pursue strengthened conservation and
management measures to facilitate the recovery of the Atlantic bluefin
tuna, and for other purposes *(Pallone, D-NY)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 229 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 229 would express the sense that
the United States should:

-   "pursue a review and assessment of compliance with conservation and
    management measures adopted by the Commission and in effect for the
    2006 Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery,
    occurring east of 45 degree west longitude, and other fisheries that
    are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, including data
    collection and reporting requirements;

-   "seek to address noncompliance by nations with such measures through
    appropriate actions, including, as appropriate, deducting a
    proportion of a future quota for a country to compensate for such
    country exceeding its quota in prior years;

-   "pursue a meaningful discussion of the implementation and
    effectiveness of the Commission recommendation entitled
    'Recommendation by ICCAT to Establish a Multi-Annual Recovery Plan
    for Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean'
    (Recommendation 06-05), including seeking detailed explanations from
    Commission members that have failed to fully implement the terms of
    the recommendation; and

-   "seek to strengthen the conservation and management of the Eastern
    Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna by making recommendations to
    halt the decline of the stock and begin to rebuild it."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Atlantic bluefin tuna are a valuable commercial and recreational
    fishery of the United States and many other countries;

-   "the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
    (hereinafter referred to as 'the Convention') was signed in 1966;

-   "the Convention established the International Commission for the
    Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (hereinafter referred to as 'the
    Commission') to coordinate international research and develop
    conservation and management recommendations on Atlantic bluefin tuna
    and other highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean and the
    adjacent seas, including the Mediterranean Sea;

-   "total allowable catches for the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean
    stock have been consistently set at levels significantly above
    scientific recommendations intended to maintain bluefin tuna
    populations at levels that will permit the maximum sustainable
    catch;

-   "despite the establishment by the Commission of fishing quotas based
    on total allowable catch levels for the Eastern Atlantic and
    Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery that exceed scientific
    recommendations, compliance with such quotas by parties to the
    Convention that harvest that stock has been very poor, most recently
    with harvests exceeding such total allowable catch levels by over 50
    percent for each of the last 4 years;

-   "poor data reporting has frequently thwarted efforts by the
    Commission to assign quota overharvests to specific countries;

-   "despite adoption and full implementation of a science-based
    rebuilding program for the western Atlantic bluefin tuna stock by
    countries fishing west of 45 degree west longitude, catches and
    catch rates remain very low; and

-   "poor management and compliance with recommendations for the Eastern
    Atlantic and Mediterranean stock are of grave concern because the
    condition of the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock could
    adversely affect recovery of the western Atlantic bluefin tuna due
    to mixing between the two stocks."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 229 was introduced on
October 9, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources'
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, 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. 2614--- To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
participate in certain water projects in California (Calvert, R-CA)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2614 would authorize the Secretary of
the Interior (in cooperation with the

Western Municipal Water District) to participate in the planning,
designing, and constructing of the Riverside-Corona Feeder water-supply
(i.e. wells and pipeline) project in San Bernardino and Riverside
Counties, California. The federal cost share of the project could not
exceed 25% of the project's total cost. The bill would authorize \$20
million for the cost of the project. Federal funds could not be used for
operating or maintaining the project.

H.R. 3334 would also authorize the Secretary of the Interior (in
cooperation with the City of Corona Water Utility, California) to
participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to
reclaim and reuse wastewater, including degraded groundwaters within the
boundaries of the City of Corona Water Utility. The federal cost share
could not exceed 25% and could not be used for operation or maintenance
of the projects.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Legislation authorizing federal
participation in these two reclamation projects was passed in both the
108^th^ Congress (H.R. 3334) and the 109^th^ Congress (H.R. 540), but
were not acted upon by the Senate.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2614 was introduced on June 7,
2007, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Four
days later the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks,
Forests, and Public Lands, which took no official action.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 2614 authorizes millions of federal dollars for
two [local]{.underline} water projects.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 2614 was not
available at press time.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, the bill would authorize the federal
government to participate in two local water reclamation projects.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 3315---To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center
shall be known as Emancipation Hall (Wamp, R-TN)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3315 would designate the main hall of
the new Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) as "Emancipation Hall."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to [House Report 110
--
436](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr436)),
the CVC, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2008, will
host more than three million visitors annually. In 2004, Congress
commissioned the Architect of the Capitol to study and report the
contributions of slave laborers in the construction of the Capitol. The
2005 report resulted in the establishment of the Slave Laborers Task
Force, which was chaired by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), and recommended that
the great hall of the CVC be named "Emancipation Hall" to recognized the
efforts of slaves in building the Capitol and other federal buildings.

In the minority views contained in [House Report 110 --
436](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr436)),
Rep. John Mica (R-FL), a member of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, expressed some concerns about designating the CVC's
great hall as "Emancipation Hall." According to Rep. Mica, "Throughout
the history of the Capitol, none of the monumental spaces, such as the
House and Senate chambers or the Rotunda, have been named after specific
individuals or events in history. Instead, these great spaces of the
Capitol have long been called by their functional names. By doing so,
all people regardless of their race, ethnic heritage, culture, or human
travails are equally recognized." Despite these concerns, H.R. 3315 was
reported out of the Committee by voice vote.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3315 was introduced on August
2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. On September 25, 2007, the bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency
Management and a hearing was held. The full committee held a mark up on
October 31, 2007, and the bill was reported by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enactment of this
bill would have no significant impact on the federal budget and 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}**: No.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: The Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, in [House Report
110-436](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr436)),
asserts that, "H.R. 3315 contains no earmarks, limited tax benefits, or
limited tariff benefits."

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: The Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, in [House Report
110-436](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr436)),
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. 2705---Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007
*(Christensen, D-VI)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 2705 would amend the Compact of Free
Association Act of 2003, which defines the United State's relationship
with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Northern Mariana
Islands. Specifically, the bill would transfer responsibility of
America's disaster aid from FEMA to USAID and allow the two agencies to
transfer certain unobligated funds toward disaster relief. The bill
would also forgive a \$3 million payment owed by Palau if the nation
deposits the funds into a trust fund controlled by the Republic of Palau
in order to fund its own economic development.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Until 1986 the island nations
Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Northern Mariana
Islands in the south pacific were administered by the United States.
Since these nations have gained their independence, their relationship
with the United States has been governed by the Compacts of Free
Association, which requires the American Government to give financial
assistance to the countries and allow for eased immigration laws. H.R.
2705 alters certain conditions of the compacts in order to provide
disaster assistance more efficiently and to allow Palau to retain \$3
million to encourage economic development.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 2705 was introduced on June 13,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. On October 23,
2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by unanimous consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, H.R. 2705 would
increase direct spending by \$2 million in FY 2008 and \$6 million over
the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period to provide disaster relief through USAID.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.Res. 812---Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support
of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for
the victims of the devastating flooding in southern Mexico *(Sanchez,
D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 812 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 812 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating
    flooding affecting southern Mexico;

-   "conveys its sincere support to the people and Government of Mexico;

-   "urges the United States Government to immediately make available
    all possible assistance to Mexican authorities; and

-   "reaffirms its commitment to provide relief aid to the victims as
    the effects of the flooding continue to unfold."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "in late October 2007, a series of storms brought torrential
    rainfall to southern Mexico, especially the States of Tabasco and
    Chiapas, causing the Grijalva, Carrizal, and Puxcatan Rivers to
    overflow their banks;

-   "early reports have branded the resulting floods as the worst in
    Mexico in 50 years and Mexican President Calderon has called it 'one
    of the worst natural disasters in the history of our country. Not
    only because of the size of the area affected, but because of the
    number of people affected';

-   "the flooding is estimated to have affected 1,000,000 people so far;

-   "Mexico's Federal Social Development Department now estimates that
    the homes of over 500,000 people were damaged or destroyed;

-   "more than 300,000 people are reported to still be trapped inside
    their homes or on their rooftops, with uncertain access to food,
    medicine, and safe drinking water;

-   "Red Cross workers in Mexico have called for urgent supplies of
    water, food, and basic materials to assist in the rescue efforts;
    and

-   "health officials have begun warning against the serious possibility
    of cholera and waterborne diseases."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 812 was introduced on
November 8, 2007, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 3320---Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of
2007 (Smith, R-NJ)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3320 would authorize \$5 million for the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State to
assist in the development of a permanent exhibit at the Museum of the
History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.

H.R. 3320 lists the following findings:

-   "Current and future generations benefit greatly by visible reminders
    and documentation of the historical and cultural roots of their
    society.

-   "It is in the national interest of the United States to encourage
    the preservation and protection of artifacts associated with the
    heritage of United States citizens who trace their forbearers to
    other countries and to encourage the collection and dissemination of
    knowledge about that heritage.

-   "According to the 2000 United States Census, nearly 9,000,000
    Americans are of Polish ancestry.

-   "At the beginning of World War II, Poland had the largest Jewish
    population in Europe.

-   "In 1996, Yeshayahu Weinberg, a founding director of Tel Aviv\'s
    Diaspora Museum and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,
    created an international team of experts with the goal of
    establishing a Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

-   "The Museum of the History of Polish Jews will preserve and present
    the history of the Jewish people in Poland and the wealth of their
    culture spanning a period of 1,000 years.

-   "In 1997, the City of Warsaw donated a parcel of land, opposite the
    Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial, for the explicit use for the Museum
    of the History of Polish Jews.

-   "In 2005, the Government of Poland and the City of Warsaw agreed to
    provide 40,000,000 Polish zlotys for the construction of the Museum
    of the History of Polish Jews.

-   "In 2005, an international architectural competition selected a
    Finnish firm to design the building for the Museum of the History of
    Polish Jews.

-   "In 2006, the building for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews
    moved into the last phase of project design."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3320 was introduced on August
2, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. On October
23, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by unanimous
consent.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3320 was
unavailable at press time.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.Res. 811---** **Condemning the November 6, 2007, terrorist bombing
in Afghanistan and expressing condolences to the people of Afghanistan
and the members of the Wolesi Jirga *(Price, D-NC)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 811 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 811 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "condemns in the strongest terms the November 6, 2007, attack in the
    Baghlan province of Afghanistan and all other attacks against the
    democratic freedom and sovereignty of the Afghan people;

-   "expresses its condolences to the people of Afghanistan and the
    members of the Wolesi Jirga;

-   "supports the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to
    investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice;

-   "reaffirms the long-term commitment of the United States to the
    establishment of security, the strengthening of democratic and civil
    institutions, and the promotion of economic opportunity as the basis
    for a stable, secure, and democratic Afghanistan; and

-   "calls upon the United States and other responsible nations to
    strengthen their efforts to further the goals and standards set
    forth in the Afghanistan Compact for improvements in security,
    governance, and economic development."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "on November 6, 2007, a terrorist carried out a suicide bombing in
    the Baghlan province of Afghanistan that deliberately targeted a
    delegation of 18 members of the Wolesi Jirga, the directly elected
    chamber of the National Assembly of Afghanistan;

-   "this horrific bombing was the deadliest suicide attack since the
    liberation of Afghanistan from the brutal Taliban regime in 2001,
    reportedly killing at least 50 Afghan citizens, including several
    schoolchildren, and wounding dozens of others;

-   "the security of Afghanistan is closely intertwined with the
    security of its regional neighbors, and therefore cooperation and
    support from its neighbors in defeating insurgents and establishing
    security is urgently required;

-   "the international community, including the Government of the United
    States, has expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting the
    efforts of the Government and people of Afghanistan to build a
    stable, secure, and democratic nation with the achievement of the
    Afghanistan Compact in 2006;

-   "the House Democracy Assistance Commission of the United States
    House of Representatives has worked in partnership with the Wolesi
    Jirga to strengthen its institutional capacity, and remains
    committed to a strong and mutually-beneficial partnership."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 811 was introduced on
November 8, 2007, 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}**: Andy Koenig;
<andy.koenig@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-9717.

H.R. 3703---To amend section 5112(p)(1)(A) of title 31, United States
Code, to allow an exception from the \$1 coin dispensing capability
requirement for certain vending machines *(Scott, D-GA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3703 would exempt vending machines on
federal property and those used by transit systems that accept federal
funding from being required to accept \$1 coins if the machines do not
accept a denomination higher than \$1.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: The Presidential Dollar Coin
Act of 2005 includes a requirement that all vending machines on federal
land or used by a transit system that accepts federal funds must accept
\$1 coins by January, 2008.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3703 was introduced on
September 27, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Financial Services.
On October 31, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported by
voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting H.R.
3703 would result in a small savings to state and local entities that
operate transit systems.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.Res. 335---Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
the President should declare lung cancer a public health priority and
should implement a comprehensive interagency program to reduce the lung
cancer mortality rate by at least 50 percent by 2015 *(Capps, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res.335 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res.335 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives that the President should:

-   "declare lung cancer a public health priority and immediately lead a
    coordinated effort to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate by 50
    percent by 2015;

-   "direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase
    funding for lung cancer research and other lung cancer-related
    programs as part of a coordinated strategy with defined goals,
    including: translational research and specialized lung cancer
    research centers, expansion of existing multi-institutional,
    population-based screening programs incorporating state-of-the-art
    image processing, centralized review, clinical management, and
    tobacco cessation protocols, research on disparities in lung cancer
    incidence and mortality rates, graduate medical education programs
    in thoracic medicine and cardiothoracic surgery, new programs within
    the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the development of
    chemoprevention and targeted therapies for lung cancer, annual
    reviews by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of lung
    cancer screening and treatment protocols, the appointment of a lung
    cancer director within the Centers for Disease Control and
    Prevention with authority to improve lung cancer surveillance and
    screening programs, and lung cancer screening demonstration programs
    under the direction of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
    Services;

-   "direct the Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretary
    of Veterans Affairs, to develop a broad-based lung cancer screening
    and disease management program among members of the Armed Forces and
    veterans, and to develop technologically advanced diagnostic
    programs for the early detection of lung cancer;

-   "appoint a Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee,
    comprised of medical, scientific, pharmaceutical, and patient
    advocacy representatives, to work with the National Lung Cancer
    Public Health Policy Board described in paragraph five and report to
    the President and Congress on the progress toward and the obstacles
    to achieving the goal described in paragraph one of reducing the
    lung cancer mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015; and

-   "convene a National Lung Cancer Public Health Policy Board,
    comprised of multiagency and multidepartment representatives and at
    least 3 members of the Lung Cancer Scientific and Medical Advisory
    Committee, to oversee and coordinate all efforts to accomplish the
    goal described in paragraph (1) of reducing the lung cancer
    mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and
    women, accounting for 28 percent of all cancer deaths;

-   "lung cancer kills more people annually than breast cancer, prostate
    cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, and kidney cancer
    combined;

-   "since the National Cancer Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-218; 85 Stat.
    778), coordinated and comprehensive research has raised the 5-year
    survival rates for breast cancer to 88 percent, for prostate cancer
    to 99 percent, and for colon cancer to 64 percent;

-   "the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is still only 15 percent
    and a similar coordinated and comprehensive research effort is
    required to achieve increases in lung cancer survivability rates;

-   "60 percent of lung cancer cases are now diagnosed in nonsmokers or
    former smokers;

-   "2/3 of nonsmokers diagnosed with lung cancer are women;

-   "certain minority populations, such as Black males, have
    disproportionately high rates of lung cancer incidence and
    mortality, notwithstanding their lower smoking rate;

-   "members of the baby boomer generation are entering their sixties,
    the most common age at which people develop cancer;

-   "tobacco addiction and exposure to other lung cancer carcinogens
    such as Agent Orange and other herbicides and battlefield emissions
    are serious problems among military personnel and war veterans; and

-   "the United States must enhance its response to the issues raised in
    the Report of the Lung Cancer Progress Review Group."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.335 was introduced on April
24, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce's
Subcommittee on Health, 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. 760---Supporting the goals and ideals of Children's Health
Month *(Castor, D-FL)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res.760 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res.760 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives:

-   "supports the goals and ideals of Children\'s Health Month;

-   "invites the chief executive officers of the States, territories,
    and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations
    recognizing the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month;

-   "commends the efforts of States, territories and possessions of the
    United States, localities, non-profit organizations, businesses, and
    the people of the United States who support the goals and ideals of
    Children's Health Month;

-   "recognizes and reaffirms our Nation\'s commitment to providing
    access to health care, ensuring preventative care, seeking cures for
    debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy
    living habits for America\'s children;

-   "recognizes and salutes the health care professionals who provide
    care and treatment for childhood illnesses and afflictions;

-   "recognizes and salutes the officials who protect children from
    environmental health and safety risks;

-   "recognizes and salutes the officials who educate parents, schools
    and communities about health risks and related issues for children;
    and

-   "encourages states, territories, and possessions of the United
    States to educate children about healthy living habits when they are
    young so that they will be more likely to lead healthy lives as
    adults."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "children comprise one quarter of the population of the United
    States;

-   "nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States are overweight;

-   "more than 9,000,000 children do not have health insurance;

-   "7 percent of children in the United States have limitations on
    activity due to chronic health conditions;

-   "an estimated 12 percent of high school seniors put themselves at
    risk by smoking cigarettes daily;

-   "children account for 30,000,000 annual visits to the emergency room
    to receive care for injuries or illnesses;

-   "asthma affects nearly 5,000,000 American children;

-   "allergies affect about 50,000,000 American children;

-   "motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for
    children and adolescents ages 1 to 21;

-   "dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting American
    children, and is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more
    common than hay fever;

-   "during FY 2005, an estimated 899,000 children in the 50 States, the
    District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims
    of abuse or neglect; and

-   "every year since 1928 the President has issued a proclamation
    designating the month October as 'Children's Health Month.'"

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.760 was introduced on October
18, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On
November 8, 2007, the resolution was referred to Subcommittee on Health,
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. 122---Supporting the goal and mission of America Recycles
Day *(Inslee, D-WA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res.122 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res.122 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives "supports the goal and mission of America
Recycles Day; and encourages all Americans to participate in promoting
the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying
recycled-content products."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "America Recycles Day is on November 15th of each year;

-   "America Recycles Day is an annual national awareness event, the
    mission of which is promoting the social, environmental, and
    economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled-content products;

-   "in 2003, homes, businesses, and institutions in the United States
    produced more than 236,000,000 tons of municipal solid waste;

-   "this amounts to approximately 4.5 pounds of waste per person in the
    United States per day, and is almost triple the amount of municipal
    solid waste generated in 1960;

-   "Federal, State, and local governments should encourage increased
    recycling of recyclable household products; and

-   "there remains significant opportunity to increase recycling in the
    United States, and Americans should be encouraged to participate in
    educational, organizational, and legislative endeavors that promote
    waste separation methods, community-based recycling programs, and
    expanded utilization of recovered materials."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res.122 was introduced on
April 20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On
April 23, 2007, the resolution was referred to Subcommittee on
Environment and Hazardous Materials, 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. 1534---Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007 *(Allen, D-ME)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 1534 would prohibit the federal
government from selling or distributing elemental mercury to any
government or private entity. The bill would also prohibit the export of
elemental mercury beginning January 1, 2010.

The prohibition would allow the government to grant exemptions to the
mercury ban for "essential use" in foreign facilities if:

-   No non-mercury alternatives are available in the country;

-   No domestic source of mercury is available;

-   The mercury will be exported in a way that ensures it goes to the
    proper facility;

-   The country where the mercury is being exported to certifies its
    support for exempting the facility;

-   The mercury will be used in a way that does not harm humans or the
    environment; and

-   The export would not be inconsistent with any current U.S.
    obligations overseas.

H.R. 1534 would also require the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish
a long-term mercury storage facility that would be prepared to accept
mercury deliveries by January 1, 2010. Government agencies would be
exempt from the prohibition against transfers of mercury if the purpose
of the transfer was for storage in the facility. After the mercury was
stored, the DOE would take full responsibility for the mercury and no
legal action could be taken by an entity that delivered the mercury in
the event of a hazardous release.

Finally, H.R. 1534 would require the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to conduct a study on the international supply and trade of
mercury and report the findings within one year.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to findings listed in
the bill as introduced, as many as 10% of childbearing age women in the
U.S. have mercury levels in their blood that could present a risk to a
child and as many as 630,000 children born annually face a possible risk
of neurological disorders as a result of exposure to mercury. The main
source of mercury exposure in the U.S. is through contact with
contaminated fish. H.R. 1534 seeks to curb mercury contamination by
ceasing all exports, thus limiting the international availability of
mercury and encouraging alternatives. The European Commission has
suggested that Europe prohibit the export of mercury by 2011.

Though H.R. 1534 was passed in the Energy and Commerce Committee by a
vote of 45 -- 2, a committee report including dissenting views was not
available as of press time.

Earlier today, the Bush Administration released this [Statement of
Administration Policy
(SAP)](http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sap/110-1/hr1534sap-h.pdf)
against H.R. 1534. According to the SAP, "it is not clear that such a
ban would lead to the reduction in high-mercury release uses, such as
artisanal gold mining, in developing countries. The Administration urges
the Congress not to legislate until potential impacts are better
understood and efforts have progressed to reduce mercury demand and
improve mercury management in key countries."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 1534 was introduced on March
15, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On June
22, 2007, Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a
mark-up and the bill was reported, as amended, to the full committee by
voice vote on August 2, 2007. On October 30, 2007, a full committee
mark-up was held and the bill was reported by a vote of 45 -- 2.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservative may
be concerned that H.R. 1534 was quickly brought to the floor without a
proper analysis of the possible environmental and economic outcomes.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting H.R.
1534 would authorize \$8 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period. In
addition, H.R. 1534 would reduce direct spending by \$8 million over the
FY 2008 -- FY 2017 period by increasing offsetting receipts from the
one-time fee that would be paid by firms transferring mercury to DOE.

**[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. According to CBO, H.R.
1534 would impose private sector mandates because "it would prohibit the
export of elemental mercury from the United States beginning in 2010."
The mandate would not be above the UMRA threshold.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 3403---911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007 *(Gordon,
D-TN)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3403 would require
Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) service providers (such as Vonage)
to provide 911 and Internet-based enhanced 911 services to its
costumers.

H.R. 3403 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to
coordinate with VoIP providers and make regulations regarding
Internet-based services. The FCC would also be required to give VoIP
providers full access to the current 911 phone service network.

The bill would exempt VoIP providers and emergency call centers from any
liability from suits arising from emergency calls.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3403 was introduced on August
3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On
October 10, 2007, the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a mark-up and reported the bill, as amended, by voice
vote. On October 30, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and
reported the bill by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting H.R.
3403 would authorize \$1 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period for
administrative costs. CBO also estimates that increased regulation by
the FCC could result in additional revenue from fines, but any such
funds would be insignificant to 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}**: Yes. According to CBO, H.R.
3403 would impose state and local mandates by limiting the fees that
state and local governments impose on VoIP services. CBO estimates that
any private sector mandates would not exceed the threshold established
in UMRA.

H.R. 3403 also imposes private sector mandates on telecommunications
companies that provide VoIP services by requiring them to provide 911
services. According to CBO, "the direct cost of complying with this
mandate would be small."

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 3919---Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 *(Markey, D-MA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3919 would, among other things, require
the FCC, working with the Secretary of Commerce and the National
Technology Information Administration (NTIA), conduct a survey of
broadband Internet access throughout the country and create a
comprehensive broadband inventory map. The bill would authorize grants
for state and local entities that assist the federal agencies in
creating and maintaining the map.

Specifically, the bill would require the FCC to conduct an annual survey
to determine the deployment of broadband Internet services across the
nation, including the types of services available. The survey would be
required to include specific information on which residences and
businesses have broadband services and what type of access is available
in different geographic areas.

H.R. 3919 would require the NTIA to develop a broadband inventory map
that includes the entire country. The bill would require that the map
show complete listings of where broadband services are available and to
what extent. The bill allows the NTIA to make grants to state and local
governments and non-profit entities to collect the information.

In addition, H.R. 3919 would authorize \$275 million in grants to
approved state, local, and private sector entities to assist the agency
through the NTIA. The funds could be used to "set goals for improving
the use of broadband, develop a plan for achieving goals, collaborate
with service providers, identify local demand, establish programs to
improve computer ownership and Internet access, and facilitate the
exchange of information."

Finally, the bill would require the FCC to conduct annual surveys
concerning broadband access nationwide. The FCC would be required to
make the information public following the report.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3919 was introduced on October
22, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On
October 30, 2007, a mark-up was held and the bill was reported, as
amended, by voice vote.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 3919 would authorize \$311 million to conduct
studies of broadband access and create a broadband inventory map. Some
conservatives may also be concerned that such a large authorization is
being considered under suspended rules, and thus no amendments are
allowed.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3919 was not
available at press time. However, the bill would authorize \$62 million
in FY 2008 and \$311 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2012 period to
conduct broadband surveys and create a broadband inventory map.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, it creates two new grant programs to
create a broadband inventory map.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 3461---Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and
Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007 *(Bean, D-IL)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3461 would establish a new federal
program, administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to increase
awareness and provide education regarding Internet safety.

The program would coordinate efforts between federal, state, and local
governments and private entities with the goal of

-   "identifying, promoting, and encouraging best practices for Internet
    safety;

-   "establishing and carrying out a national outreach and education
    campaign regarding Internet safety utilizing various media and
    Internet-based resources;

-   "facilitating access to, and the exchange of, information regarding
    Internet safety to promote up-to-date knowledge regarding current
    issues; and

-   "facilitating access to Internet safety education and public
    awareness efforts the Commission considers appropriate to States,
    units of local government, schools, police departments, nonprofit
    organizations, and such other entities."

The bill would require the FTC to make annual reports describing the
activities that have been carried out with regard to the program. H.R.
3461 would authorize \$5 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2009 period to
carry out the program.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3461 was introduced on August
4, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. On
October 23, 2007, a mark-up was held in the Subcommittee on Commerce,
Trade and Consumer Protection and the bill was reported to the full
committee. On October 30, 2007, the full committee held a mark-up and
reported the bill, as amended, by voice vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3461 was not
available at press time. However, the bill would authorize \$5 million
over the FY 2008 -- FY 2009.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, it creates a new government program to
raise awareness about Internet safety.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 3013---Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007 *(Scott,
D-VA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3013 would limit the ability of the
federal government to request information that is protected under
attorney-client privilege. The bill prohibits the federal government
from considering any disclosures made under attorney-client privilege
when determining whether to bring charges. H.R. 3013 also prohibits the
government from demanding that a company or individual not be allowed to
assert attorney-client privilege for any circumstance.

The bill defines "attorney-client privilege" as "the attorney-client
privilege as governed by the principles of the common law, as they may
be interpreted by the courts of the United States in the light of reason
and experience."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to findings listed in
the bill, "Despite the existence of these legitimate tools, the
Department of Justice and other agencies have increasingly employed
tactics that undermine the adversarial system of justice, such as
encouraging organizations to waive attorney-client privilege and work
product protections to avoid indictment or other sanctions." H.R. 3013
is aimed at cracking down on any tactics perceived as excessively
aggressive.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3013 was introduced on July 12,
2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On July 24, 2007,
a mark-up was held in the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security and the bill was reported to the full committee. On August 1,
2007, the full committee held a mark-up and reported the bill by voice
vote.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting H.R.
3461 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.

**[Does the Bill Comply with House Rules Regarding Earmarks/Limited Tax
Benefits/Limited Tariff Benefits?]{.underline}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R. 1593---Second Chance Act of 2007 (*Davis, D-IL*)

**[Order of Business]{.underline}:**  H.R. 1593 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill. 

**[Background]{.underline}: ** This bill was initially scheduled to be
considered by the House in May of 2007.  Due to the concerns of many
conservatives, the bill was taken down from the legislative calendar and
revised.  As such, changes were made to the original bill to accommodate
some of the concerns of Republicans and conservatives. 

The most notable changes made to the legislation are the following:

-   Reduces the authorization amount from \$427 million over the FY
    2007-FY 2012 period to \$330 million over two years. 

-   Reduces the amount of programs from 14 mandatory ("shall") programs
    to nine; four discretionary ("may") programs to three; and retains
    one policy provision, adds one new Bureau of Prisons policy
    provision (see below), and authorizes one Department of Labor
    program.

-   Includes a provision which prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from
    reenacting the Standardized Chapel Library Project or any program
    which "seeks to compile, list, or otherwise restrict prisoners'
    access to reading materials, audiotapes, videotapes, or any other
    materials made available in a chapel library, except that the Bureau
    of Prisons may restrict access to any materials in a chapel library
    that seek to incite, promote, or otherwise suggest the commission of
    violence or criminal activity and any other materials prohibited by
    any other law or regulation." 

-   Clarifies that monies available under this Act are for competitive
    grants to states, local governments and community-based
    organizations.  In addition, the bill specifies that, with the
    exception of a few grant programs which are intended to operate
    longer, all grants are to be made for 12 months.  This correction
    was meant to address a concern that this bill was creating an
    entitlement for ex-offenders. 

-   Consolidates the allowable uses for state and local demonstration
    grants from 21 allowable uses to 8, including education, job
    training, housing, substance abuse, coordination of services,
    support for family relationships, mentoring, and victim's services,
    supervision and other safety programs. 

-   Consolidates four drug and alcohol treatment grant programs into one
    grant program, two family-based substance abuse treatment grant
    programs into one grant, and federal reentry programs into one
    federal initiative.

-   Authorizes the current Department of Labor grant program for
    mentoring and employment-focused reentry grants which was requested
    under the President's faith-based initiatives program. 

While these changes are an improvement, it is important to note that
many of the programs are still retained in the bill, but under the
heading or name of a different program (i.e. consolidated) as opposed to
being removed completely from the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}: ** H.R. 1593 would reauthorize and
significantly expand federal programs related to prisoner reentry and
recidivism.  The bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new
prisoner reentry program that includes services such as job placement,
nutrition and money management training, and other services.\
The bill reauthorizes and expands the Adult and Juvenile Offender State
and Local Reentry Demonstration Projects.

Requires grant applicants, as a condition of receiving financial
assistance under demonstration projects, to develop a comprehensive
strategic reentry plan that contains measurable annual and 5-year
performance outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the program. 
Grant applications also must establish a Reentry Task force to examine
ways to pool resources and funding streams to promote lower recidivism
rates.

**New federal grant program. ** Authorizes the Attorney General to award
grants to eligible organizations to establish National Adult and
Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Centers, and defines additional
center requirements, fund restrictions, and eligibility requirements.

**New federal grant program.**  Authorizes the Attorney General to make
grants to state and local prosecutors to develop or expand drug
treatment programs as alternatives to imprisonment. Offenders must meet
eligibility requirements to enter such programs, and state and local
prosecutors must submit applications to the Attorney General for
funding.  The federal share of the cost of the programs may not exceed
75 percent.

**New federal grant program. ** Authorizes the Attorney General to make
grants available to state and local authorities to develop and expand
family-based substance abuse treatment programs as alternatives to
incarceration for nonviolent parent drug offenders.  The bill would also
authorize the Attorney General to make grants available to provide for
prison-based family treatment programs for incarcerated parents of minor
children.

**New federal grant program. ** Requires the Attorney General to make
grants available to state, local, public, and private entities to
evaluate methods to improve education for imprisoned offenders; these
recommendations evaluations would be submitted to the Attorney General. 

**New federal grant program. ** Requires the Attorney General to make
grants available to state and local authorities, community based
organizations, independent researchers, and federal agencies that offer
demonstration programs to reduce drug use among long-term substance
abuse users in jail or prison.  The bill requires the Attorney General
to make competitive awards available for any of these organizations that
help reduce illegal drug demand by offering drug treatment.

**New federal grant program. ** Requires the Attorney General to make
incentive grants available for prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities
that increased the number of offenders in drug treatment programs.  The
bill would also authorize grants to make pharmacological drug treatment
a part of treatment programs in prison or jail.

**New federal grant program.** Requires Attorney General, through the
National Institute on Justice and the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
to establish grants for public or private researchers that work with
jails or prisons to produce a study of the effectiveness of depot
naltrexone for the treatment of heroine addiction. 

**New federal grant program. ** Requires the Attorney General to make
grants available to state and local authorities to provide technology
career training and mentoring programs for adult and juvenile offenders.
 

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new federal prisoner reentry
program to prepare prisoners for reentry into the community.  The
program would offer classes to help offenders find a job, locate
housing, manage money, socialize with other members of the community,
and deal with health and nutrition issues.  In order to assess the
effectiveness of this program, the bill would require the Bureau of
Prisons to obtain identification for prisoners and track their progress
after reentry.

Requires the Attorney General to create a new federal program to educate
employers about tax credits incentives offered to businesses that employ
former prisoners.

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to create a new pilot program to allow
eligible, non-violent prisoners over the age of 60 to serve the second
half of their sentence under home detention.  [Note]{.underline}:  It is
unclear how this program would affect federal mandatory minimum
sentences that a prisoner may be serving.

Requires the Attorney General to make grants available to states to
conduct studies regarding offender recidivism, parole violations, and
the needs of children of incarcerated parents.

Requires the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that each prisoner in a
community confinement facility (in order to ensure a minimum standard of
health and habitability) has access to necessary medical care, mental
health care, and medicine.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}:**  The bill creates
numerous new federal programs regarding treatment and services available
for inmates and former inmates, including provisions to provide job
placement, health care, nutrition, and money management training, among
other items.  Conservatives may be concerned by this significant
expansion of federal programs related to prisoner services and community
reentry, considering the number of existing federal programs that
address these issues.  Further, conservatives may be concerned that this
bill (98 pages long) is being considered under suspension of the rules,
and thus denies Members the opportunity to offer an amendment or
extended debate on the provisions of the bill.

As a Dear Colleague in support of H.R. 1593 noted in May (when the
legislation was initially scheduled for the House floor), "faith-based
nonprofit organizations like Prison Fellowship and Catholic Charities
have been providing re-entry and mentoring services for years and with
significant success -- and they support the Second Chance Act." 
However, considering the "significant success" of these organizations,
some conservatives may not believe the federal government is needed to
step in and provide millions of dollars annually to further address this
problem. In addition, it is not clear how the federal government would
be more effective (or as effective) as non-profits in combating
recidivism and prisoner reentry---particularly because all the
provisions provided for in this bill are devoid of the faith element
that Prison Fellowship and Catholic Charities utilize and state is so
fundamental to their success.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}:**  H.R. 1593 was introduced on March
20, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee
on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.  The bill was marked-up at
the subcommittee and full committee level, and it was reported (amended)
to the House by voice vote on March 28, 2007 (House Report
[110-140](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr140))).

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}:**  No modified CBO score of H.R. 1593
is available.  H.R. 1593 will authorize \$330 million over FY2009 and
FY2010.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}:**  Yes.  As noted above, the bill creates
numerous new federal programs regarding treatment and services available
for inmates and former inmates.

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

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}:**  The Judiciary Committee, in
House Report
[110-140](http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr140)),
cites constitutional authority in Article I, Section 8 (powers of
Congress), but fails to cite specific Clause or foregoing power of
authority.

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}:**  Sarah Makin;
<sarah.makin@mail.house.gov>; 202-226-0718

H.R. 3845---PROTECT Our Children Act of 2007 *(Wasserman Schultz ,
D-FL)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3845 would create a new special counsel
office within the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Child Exploitation
Prevention and Interdiction. The bill would also establish and fund a
new Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) program, fund
additional labs and units for the FBI, and require certain agencies to
report to Judiciary Committee annually concerning resources being used
to investigate and prosecute child exploitation and child obscenity
cases.

The new DOJ special counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and
Interdiction would be require to:

-   Direct and oversee the ICAC Task Force Program

-   Direct and oversee the National Internet Crimes Against Children
    Data Network Center

-   Develop, and coordinate technical assistance and training for
    Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies related
    to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of child
    exploitation crimes

-   Develop and oversee research programs related to child exploitation
    prevention

-   Provide information to the President, Congress, the judiciary,
    State, local, and tribal governments, and the general public on
    matters relating to child exploitation.

-   Serve at the request of the Attorney General, as the representative
    of the Department of Justice on domestic task forces, committees, or
    commissions addressing policies or issues relating to child
    exploitation.

The new ICAC Task Force would be responsible for:

-   "increasing the investigative capabilities of State and local law
    enforcement officers in the detection, investigation, and
    apprehension of Internet crimes against children offenses or
    offenders, including technology-facilitated child exploitation
    offenses;

-   "conducting proactive and reactive Internet crimes against children
    investigations;

-   "providing training and technical assistance to ICAC Task Forces and
    other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the
    areas of investigations, forensics, prosecution, community outreach,
    and capacity-building, using recognized experts to assist in the
    development and delivery of training programs;

-   "increasing the number of Internet crimes against children offenses
    being prosecuted in both Federal and State courts;

-   "creating a multiagency task force response to Internet crimes
    against children offenses within each State;

-   "enhancing nationwide responses to Internet crimes against children
    offenses, including assisting other ICAC task forces, as well as
    other Federal, State, and local agencies with Internet crimes
    against children investigations and prosecutions;

-   "developing and delivering Internet crimes against children public
    awareness and prevention programs; and

-   "participating in such other activities, both proactive and
    reactive, that will enhance investigations and prosecutions of
    Internet crimes against children."

H.R. 3845 would authorize \$625 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2015
period for the ICAC Task Force to carry out its duties.

In addition, the bill would authorize \$165 million over the FY 2008 --
FY 2015 period for the FBI to hire additional field agents and \$49 over
the same period for new FBI forensic labs.

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to findings listed in
the bill, "In testimony before Congress, law enforcement experts have
expressed consensus that lack of dedicated forensic analysis capacity is
a severe problem at the Federal, State, and local level, severely
limiting the number of predators that can be interdicted and children
that can be identified and rescued. The Federal Bureau of Investigation,
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the United
States Postal Inspection Service have each developed highly specialized
and successful child exploitation investigative capabilities, yet these
agencies have testified to Congress that they must triage the
overwhelming number of child exploitation crimes and cannot investigate
a large percentage of known crimes."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3845 was introduced on October
16, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which took no
official action.

**[Possible Conservative Concerns]{.underline}**: Some conservatives may
be concerned that H.R. 3845 would authorize \$839 million and create
numerous new government programs. Some conservatives may also be
concerned that such a large authorization is being considered under a
suspension of the rules, and thus no amendments are allowed.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 3845 was not
available at press time. However, the bill would authorize \$87 million
in FY 2008 and \$839 million over the FY 2008 -- FY 2015 period.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes. H.R. 3845 would create a new office of
counsel in the DOJ, create a new federal task force, and expand
resources for the FBI.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

H.R.719---Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2007
*(Pomeroy, D-ND)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 719 would require social networking Web
sites to provide and maintain a system that allows registered sex
offenders to be identified as registered users of the site. The Web site
would reserve the right to charge a fee to access the information. The
bill defines a social networking site as a site that "allows users to
create web pages or profiles that provide information about themselves
and are available publicly or to other users and offers a mechanism for
communication with other users, such as a forum, chat room, electronic
mail, or instant messenger."

Finally, the bill would make it a federal crime, punishable by up to 20
years in prison, for a person 18 years or older to knowingly
misrepresent their age on the Internet in order to "engage in criminal
sexual conduct involving a minor, or to facilitate or attempt such
conduct."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 719 was introduced on January
30, 2007, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. March 1, 2007,
the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and
Homeland Security, which took no official action.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: According to CBO, enacting H.R.
3461 would have no significant impact on the federal budget.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, it creates a federal crime for a person
18 years or older to knowingly misrepresent their age on the Internet in
order to "engage in criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, or to
facilitate or attempt such conduct."

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.R. 4120---Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007**

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

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4120 would make technical changes to
title 18 of U.S. Code to provide for more effective prosecution of cases
involving child pornography. The bill lists the following findings:

-   "Child pornography is estimated to be a multibillion dollar industry
    of global proportions, facilitated by the growth of the Internet;

-   "Recent data has shown that 83 percent of child pornography
    possessors had images of children younger than 12 years old, 39
    percent had images of children younger than 6 years old, and 19
    percent had images of children younger than 3 years old;

-   "Child pornography is a permanent record of a child\'s abuse and the
    distribution of child pornography images revictimizes the child each
    time the image is viewed;

-   "Child pornography is readily available through virtually every
    Internet technology, including Web sites, email, instant messaging,
    Internet Relay Chat, newsgroups, bulletin boards, and peer-to-peer;

-   "The technological ease, lack of expense, and anonymity in obtaining
    and distributing child pornography over the Internet has resulted in
    an explosion in the multijurisdictional distribution of child
    pornography;

-   "The Internet is well recognized as a method of distributing goods
    and services across State lines;

-   "The transmission of child pornography using the Internet
    constitutes transportation in interstate commerce."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4120 was introduced on November
8, 2007 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary where no
official action was taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: There is no CBO cost estimate for
H.R. 4120.

**[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}**: Though the bill
contains no earmarks, and there's no accompanying committee report, the
earmarks rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a)) does not apply, by
definition, to legislation considered under suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.R. 3577 --- To direct the Attorney General to provide grants for
Internet safety education programs *(Sanchez, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, under a motion to suspend the rules
and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3577 creates two new grant programs for
Internet safety education programs. The bill authorizes \$5 million for
each grant program for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012
(authorizing a total of \$50 million for both programs over FY
2008-2012). One of the grants is for i-Safe, Inc. to carry out Internet
safety education programs, and the other grant program would be a
competitive grant program for organizations to carry out such education
programs.

The bill defines 'Internet safety education programs' as "programs that
serve to educate parents, children, educators, and communities about
Internet technology and culture, appropriate online behavior, and
recognition and prevention of potential Internet dangers."

**[Additional Information:]{.underline}** According to [[i-Safe's
website]{.underline}](http://www.isafe.org/channels/?ch=ai), i-Safe was
founded in 1998 and "is the leader in Internet safety education.
Available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Department of Defense
schools located across the world, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation
whose mission is to educate and empower youth to make their Internet
experiences safe and responsible. The goal is to educate students on how
to avoid dangerous, inappropriate, or unlawful online behavior. i-SAFE
accomplishes this through dynamic K-12 curriculum and community outreach
programs to parents, law enforcement, and community leaders. It is the
only Internet safety foundation to combine these elements."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3577 was introduced on
September 18, 2007 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary,
as well as the Committee on Energy and Commerce. No official action was
taken.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: There is no CBO cost estimate for
H.R. 4120, but the bill authorizes \$50 million over FY 2008-2012.

**[Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal
Government?]{.underline}**: Yes, the bill creates two new grant programs
for Internet safety education programs.

**[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}**: Though the bill
contains no earmarks, and there's no accompanying committee report, the
earmarks rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a)) does not apply, by
definition, to legislation considered under suspension of the rules.

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

[RSC Staff Contact]{.underline}: Sarah Makin;
[[sarah.makin@mail.house.gov]{.underline}](mailto:sarah.makin@mail.house.gov);
202-226-0718.

H.R. 4136---The Enhancing the Effective Prosecution of Child Pornography
Act of 2007 *(Carney, D-PA)*

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: The bill is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 4136 would amend current law to clarify
certain laws against child pornography, particularly with respect to the
Internet.

The bill adds language that specifically makes it a federal crime to
knowingly access child pornography on the Internet with the intent of
viewing it.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 4136 is expected to be
introduced today.

**[Cost to Taxpayers]{.underline}**: A CBO score for H.R. 4136 was not
available at press time.

**[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}**: An earmarks/revenue
benefits statement required under House Rule XXI, Clause 9(a) was not
available at press time

**[Constitutional Authority]{.underline}**: A committee report citing
constitutional authority was not available at press time.

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

**H.Res. 684---Congratulating Shawn Johnson on her victory in becoming
the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Champion in women's gymnastics**

***(Boswell, D-IA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res.684 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res.684 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "congratulates Shawn Johnson on her outstanding
accomplishment in becoming the 2007 World Gymnastics Champion in women's
gymnastics."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Shawn Johnson won four gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games
    in Rio de Janiero for team competition, all around, uneven bars, and
    balance beam, as well as one silver medal for floor;

-   "Shawn Johnson won the 2007 Visa Championships in San Jose,
    California, to become the United States champion in gymnastics;

-   "Shawn Johnson won three gold medals at the 2007 World Artistic
    Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, making her the 2007
    world all-around champion, one of only four American women to have
    achieved such recognition; and

-   "Shawn Johnson has brought great pride and honor to her family,
    friends, and the citizens of Iowa with her numerous accomplishments
    at the age of 15."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.684 was introduced on
September 26, 2007, and referred to the Oversight and Government Reform,
which held a mark-up and reported the resolution by unanimous consent on
October 23, 2007.\
\
**[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. 3569---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, California, as the
"Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building" *(Baca, D-CA) ***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3569 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3569 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in
Fontana, California, as the "Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to CQ, "Beatrice
Watson was born in 1924 and moved to Fontana, Calif., in 1960. She
served as an elected councilwoman from 1992 through 1996. She was
elected city clerk in 1998 and re-elected in 2002, completing her term
in 2006. She also served as Women's Club president and Historical
Society officer, and was principally responsible for the revival of the
annual Fontana Days Parade. Watson died on August 5."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3569 was introduced on
September 18, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as
amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 3569 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 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute
tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8,
Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to
make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in
Article I, Section 8.

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

**H.R. 3470---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia,
as the "John Sidney 'Sid' Flowers Post Office Building" (Kingston,
R-GA)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3470 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3470 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in
Hinesville, Georgia, as the "John Sidney 'Sid' Flowers Post Office
Building."

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: According to CQ, John Sidney
Flowers was a lawyer in Hinseville, Georgia, and did pro-bono work in
the area throughout his career. Flowers also served as the town's
comptroller general. Flowers, who served in the Army before graduating
from Mercer Law School, died in August, 2006.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3470 was introduced on
September 4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as
amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. 3470 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 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute
tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8,
Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to
make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in
Article I, Section 8.

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

**H.R. 3974---To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the
"Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building**"**(Carter,
R-TX)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.R. 3974 is scheduled for
consideration on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.R. 3974 would designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock,
Texas, as the "Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office
Building"

**[Additional Background]{.underline}**: Marine Corporal Steven P. Gill,
of Round Rock, Texas, served during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the
4^th^ Marine Division serving out of San Antonio, Texas. On July 21,
2005, Cpl. Gill was serving with his unit, then attached to the
Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division, when the regiment was
attacked. Cpl. Gill was killed by a improvised explosive device during
the combat near Zaidon, Iraq.

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.R. 3974 was introduced on
September 4, 2007, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the bill, as
amended, by unanimous consent on October 23, 2007.

[**Cost to Taxpayers**:]{.underline} A CBO score of H.R. H.R. 3974 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 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to constitute
tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; and Article I, Section 8,
Clause 18, the Necessary and Proper Clause, grants Congress the power to
make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated powers in
Article I, Section 8.

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

**H.Res. 808---Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments *(Moran, D-VA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res.808 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res.808 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "offers its sincerest congratulations to the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in recognition of its
50th Anniversary and its legacy of outstanding service to the
governments and citizens of greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan region
and expresses its appreciation for a job well done."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is an
    independent, nonprofit organization, founded in 1957, and comprised
    of elected officials from 21 local governments of the District of
    Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, plus area
    members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate,
    and the U.S. House of Representatives;

-   "in April 1957 forty officials from Washington area jurisdictions
    voluntarily gathered to establish an organization where they could
    exchange ideas and work together on regional issues such as
    transportation, the environment, and public safety; this
    organization became the Metropolitan Washington Council of
    Governments;

-   "during the past half century COG's activities have touched every
    aspect of the life of the citizens of the National Capital Region
    and have improved the quality of life for all residents;

-   "COG has facilitated the development of effective responses to such
    issues as the environment, affordable housing, economic development,
    human services, land use development, public safety and emergency
    response, and transportation that have had a profound and positive
    impact on the National Capital Region;

-   "COG's air quality committee created by the State of Maryland, the
    Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked
    successfully to reduce pollutants in the region's air; and

-   "COG managed a Federal pilot program to provide treatment and
    support services to women who abused alcohol and drugs, and
    currently works with area health officials to improve the region\'s
    emergency preparedness by developing a disease and syndromic
    surveillance system."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res.808 was introduced on November
8, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, which held a mark-up and reported the resolution by unanimous
consent.\
\
**[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.

**S.Con.Res. 45---A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block
Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families
affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National
Courage Month *(Cardin, D-MD)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives:

-   "National Courage Month provides an opportunity to educate the
    people of the United States about the positive role that
    professional athletes can play as inspirations for America's youth;
    and

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation should be recognized for its
    outstanding contributions toward helping those affected by child
    abuse."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding
    children and families affected by child abuse, and designating
    November 2007 as National Courage Month.

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award was established by Sam Lamantia in 1978
    in honor of Ed Block, the head athletic trainer of the Baltimore
    Colts and a respected humanitarian;

-   "each year in Baltimore, Maryland, the Foundation honors recipients
    from the National Football League who have been chosen by their
    teammates as exemplifying sportsmanship and courage;

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award has become one of the most esteemed
    honors bestowed upon players in the NFL;

-   "the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has grown from a
    Baltimore-based local charity to the Courage House National Support
    Network for Kids operated in partnership with 17 NFL teams in their
    respective cities; and

-   "Courage Houses are facilities that provide support and care for
    abused children and their families in these 17 locations across the
    country: Baltimore, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chicago,
    Illinois, Miami, Florida, Detroit, Michigan, Dallas, Texas,
    Westchester County, New York, Oakland, California, Seattle,
    Washington, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cleveland, Ohio, Atlanta,
    Georgia, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Buffalo, New
    York, San Francisco, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: S.Con.Res. 45 was agreed to in the
Senate by unanimous consent on October 3, 2007. On October 4, 2007, it
was received in the House and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, which held a mark-up on November 8, 2007, and
reported the resolution by voice vote.\
\
**[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. 211---Supporting the goals and ideals of World Diabetes Day
*(Payne, D-NJ)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 211 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 211 would express the sense that
the House of Representatives " supports the goals and ideals of World
Diabetes Day."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes
    Federation established World Diabetes Day in 1991 with the aim of
    coordinating diabetes advocacy worldwide;

-   "World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14;

-   "on December 20, 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations
    passed a landmark resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic,
    debilitating, and costly disease;

-   "in almost every country the incidence of diabetes is increasing,
    growing from an estimated 30,000,000 people worldwide in 1985 to an
    estimated 245,000,000 people in 2007, and to 380,000,000 by 2025, as
    reported by the International Diabetes Federation;

-   "diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases;

-   "according to the International Obesity Task Force of the
    International Association for the Study of Obesity, 155,000,000
    school-age children worldwide are overweight, representing at least
    1 out of every 10 school-age children;

-   "at least 30,000,000 of those overweight children are classified as
    obese, accounting for at least 2 percent of the world\'s children
    between the ages of 5 and 17 years of age;

-   "research has shown conclusively that type 2 diabetes can be
    prevented or significantly delayed through healthy weight
    maintenance and regular physical activity;

-   "by 2025 the largest increases in diabetes prevalence will take
    place in developing countries, whose economies are less able to
    support increased expenditures to provide for those with the disease
    and engage in effective prevention efforts; and

-   "the economic impact of diabetes threatens to undermine the
    achievement of the United Nation\'s Millennium Development Goals for
    developing countries."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Con.Res. 211 was introduced on
September 17, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform which held a mark-up on November 8, 2007, and reported
the resolution by voice vote.\
\
**[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. 365---** **Honoring San Jose State University for its 150 years
of commitment to public higher education *(Honda, D-CA)***

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 365 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 365 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "honors San Jose State University for its 150
years of commitment to public higher education."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "2007 commemorates the sesquicentennial year that San Jose State
    University was first established in 1857 as Minns Evening Normal
    School to train teachers for the growing population of California;

-   "the success of the Minns Evening Normal School in San Francisco led
    to an Act enacted by the California Legislature on May 2, 1862,
    providing for the establishment of the first California State Normal
    School in 1862 and thus beginning a new era for education in the
    State of California: the first State-wide program of free
    instruction in preparing teachers and prospective teachers;

-   "from these beginnings as the oldest public, four-year institution
    of higher education in California, San Jose State University has
    matured into a comprehensive university, offering bachelor\'s and
    master's degrees in 134 programs;

-   "San Jose State University-related spending in the San Francisco Bay
    Area is an estimated \$479 million, generating a total impact of
    \$829 million on the region's economy, sustaining 11,000 jobs, and
    generating \$48 million annually in tax revenue;

-   "San Jose State University ranks in the top 35 among 100 colleges
    and universities, leads the Nation in graduating Latino students,
    and is a recognized leader in graduating minority students;

-   "San Jose State University\'s faculty contribute to the quality of
    life in the Nation by their active engagement in scholarship,
    research, technological innovation, community service, and the arts;
    and

-   "San Jose State University is an active partner with educational
    institutions, industries, and communities to enhance the quality of
    education, research, development, and community service for the
    State of California."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 365 was introduced on May 2,
2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
On July 17, 2007, the resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on
Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, 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. 709---Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of the
dedication of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007, and
for other purposes (Hall, R-TX)**

**[Order of Business]{.underline}**: H.Res. 709 is scheduled to be
considered on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, under a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the resolution.

**[Summary]{.underline}**: H.Res. 709 would express the sense that the
House of Representatives "recognizes and honors the 50th anniversary of
the dedication of the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum on October 9, 2007,
as well as completion of phase one of the museum restoration program,
and also recognizes the many supporters and contributors whose efforts
have helped maintain and improve the Library and Museum."

The resolution lists a number of findings, including:

-   "Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn, affectionately known as 'Mr. Sam', held
    the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives for a record
    seventeen and a half years; and

-   "the legendary former Speaker of the House served twenty-four
    consecutive terms as United States Representative of the Fourth
    District of Texas, until his death in 1961."

**[Committee Action]{.underline}**: H.Res. 709 was introduced on October
3, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. On October 23, 2007, the resolution was referred to the
Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, 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.