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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10650-S10659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

  The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and 
were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:

       POM-448. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature relative to security and defense matters; to the 
     Committee on Armed Services.

                    House Joint Resolution No. 40 am

       Whereas the Constitution of the United States imposes on 
     the national government a duty to provide for the common 
     defense, and the states and the national government work 
     together toward the security of each state; and
       Whereas the Congressionally mandated Commission to Assess 
     the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse 
     Attack found, in its report delivered July 2004, that an 
     enemy using a low-yield nuclear weapon detonated at a high 
     altitude above the United States, delivered by even a 
     relatively unsophisticated short-range or medium-range 
     ballistic missile, could make an electromagnetic pulse attack 
     against the United States, and that an electromagnetic pulse 
     attack has the potential to place our society at risk and to 
     defeat our military forces; and
       Whereas the Alaska State Legislature views with growing 
     concern the development of nuclear weapons technology 
     worldwide and the proliferation of ballistic missile delivery 
     systems that are controlled by unstable and potentially 
     hostile foreign regimes; and
       Whereas the threat from nuclear-armed ballistic missile 
     attack has been reduced but not eliminated by the initial 
     limited deployments of ground-based interceptors in Alaska 
     and California; and
       Whereas the Cold War doctrine of mutually assured 
     destruction no longer represents a plausible security 
     strategy because of the proliferation of ballistic missiles 
     around the world; and
       Whereas the testing of ballistic missiles launched from 
     ships by enemies of the United States could indicate the 
     intention of those enemies to use a platform off the coast of 
     Alaska to employ short-range or medium-range missiles for a 
     nuclear-generated electromagnetic pulse attack on American 
     citizens; and
       Whereas, in 1997, the Alaska State Legislature was the 
     first of many state legislatures to petition the federal 
     government to develop and deploy a robust and layered missile 
     defense system that includes the most effective combination 
     of land-based, sea-based, air-based, and space-based 
     architectures;
       Be it Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States to work with the State of Alaska to ensure that 
     the state is prepared to respond to and recover from an 
     electromagnetic pulse attack; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States to expand its ballistic missile defense system, 
     and also to develop other methods, to defend against 
     electromagnetic pulse attacks delivered by ballistic 
     missiles, including missiles launched at American cities from 
     ships off the coast of Alaska; and be it further
       Resolved, That it is the policy of the state to include in 
     its preparedness planning defense against electromagnetic 
     pulse attacks, as those attacks intersect with the full range 
     of risks, threats, and hazards confronting the state; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, That it is the policy of the state to educate 
     Alaskans about the threat of electromagnetic pulse attacks 
     causing massive losses of electric power and disruption to 
     telecommunications and other vital services, including 
     health, public safety, food, and transportation services that 
     depend on reliable electric power; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature encourages 
     municipalities and private industry in the state to examine 
     critical vulnerabilities in their infrastructures and to 
     prepare for massive disruptions that could be caused by 
     electromagnetic pulse attacks.
       Copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable 
     George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable 
     Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and 
     President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Harry Reid, 
     Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Mitch 
     McConnell, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable 
     Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; 
     the Honorable Steny H. Hoyer, Majority Leader of the U.S. 
     House of Representatives; the Honorable John Boehner, 
     Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; the 
     Honorable Robert M. Gates, United States Secretary of 
     Defense; the Honorable Samuel W. Bodman, United States 
     Secretary of Energy; the Honorable

[[Page S10651]]

     Michael O. Leavitt, United States Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services; the Honorable Michael Chertoff, United States 
     Secretary of Homeland Security; the Honorable Condoleezza 
     Rice, United States Secretary of State; the Honorable Mary E. 
     Peters, United States Secretary of Transportation; the 
     Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr., United States Secretary of 
     the Treasury; the Honorable Robert S. Mueller, Director of 
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Honorable Mike 
     Mullen, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Honorable 
     Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence; and the 
     Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. 
     Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, 
     members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-449. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania memorializing 
     the Congress of the United States to urge the Comptroller of 
     the Currency for the United States Treasury to add the 
     Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area as a new Community 
     Reinvestment Act assessment area for Bank of America; to the 
     Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

                        House Resolution No. 789

       Whereas, Congress passed the Community Reinvestment Act 
     (CRA) in 1977, which states that ``regulated financial 
     institutions have continuing and affirmative obligations to 
     help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which 
     they are chartered''; and
       Whereas, the original act established a regulatory 
     mechanism for monitoring the level of lending, investments 
     and services in low-income and moderate-income neighborhoods, 
     traditionally underserved by lending institutions; and
       Whereas, in the spring of 1995, the Federal regulatory 
     agencies released new CRA regulations that outlined how 
     Federal agencies are to assess the activities of lending 
     institutions in traditionally underserved neighborhoods; and
       Whereas, the regulations, which became effective in January 
     1996, established three different tests for lending 
     institutions, involving the lending, investment and service 
     records of banks and provided a strategic plan option in lieu 
     of a regulator evaluation; and
       Whereas, examiners rate lending institutions as either 
     ``outstanding,'' ``satisfactory,'' ``needs to improve'' or 
     ``substantial noncompliance''; and
       Whereas, scores falling within the categories of ``needs to 
     improve'' or ``substantial noncompliance'' can result in 
     delays or denials of mergers, acquisitions or expansion of 
     services; and
       Whereas, Countrywide Home Loans currently issues the most 
     single-family home loans in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan 
     Statistical area at 4,763 loans and maintains 8.98% of the 
     market share; and
       Whereas, Bank of America is ranked tenth in the number of 
     single-family home loans issued in the Pittsburgh 
     Metropolitan Statistical Area at 888 loans, or 1.67% of the 
     market share; and
       Whereas, the total market share of home loans in the 
     Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area is likely to be 
     11.38% after the merger of Countrywide Home Loans and Bank of 
     America; and
       Whereas, the most recent examination under the Community 
     Reinvestment Act did not include the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania or the Pittsburgh region as an official 
     assessment area for Bank of America; and
       Whereas, an analysis of fair lending practices conducted by 
     the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) 
     reflected that Countrywide Home Loans provided African 
     Americans with only 2.3% of total prime loans issued, 
     although they represented 7.4% of all households in the 
     Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area and lagged behind 
     all lenders as a group; and
       Whereas, the analysis further reflected that Countrywide 
     Home Loans lagged behind all lenders in the Pittsburgh region 
     in the proportion of both prime and subprime loans to 
     residents of low-income and moderate-income tracts, and 
     borrowers in minority tracts received a disproportionately 
     small share of prime loans at 0.99%; and
       Whereas, Bank of America also provided African Americans 
     with a disproportionately small share of prime loans issued, 
     1.65%, as compared to representing 7.4% of Pittsburgh's 
     population; and
       Whereas, the NCRC's analysis further reflected that while 
     low-income and moderate-income borrowers comprised 40.4% of 
     the households in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical 
     Area in 2006, they received a disproportionately small number 
     of the bank's prime loans, 30.6%, and a larger share of 
     subprime loans, 72.2%; and
       Whereas, a merger of these institutions would make Bank of 
     America the largest lender in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan 
     Statistical Area; and
       Whereas, without oversight under the Community Reinvestment 
     Act, the credit needs of the local community could be 
     disproportionately affected and impact the level of lending, 
     investments and services in Pittsburgh's underserved 
     populations; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania memorialize the Congress of the 
     United States to urge the Comptroller of the Currency for the 
     United States Treasury to add the Pittsburgh Metropolitan 
     Statistical Area as a new Community Reinvestment Act 
     assessment area for Bank of America; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group in appreciation 
     and recognition of its efforts in providing economic justice, 
     equitable investment practices and sufficient financial 
     resources to revitalize communities throughout Allegheny 
     County; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Comptroller of the Currency for the United States 
     Treasury and the presiding officers of each house of Congress 
     and to each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
                                  ____

       POM-450. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Michigan memorializing the United States Congress and the 
     President of the United States to support additional funding 
     to expand Amtrak's capacity and routes in Michigan; to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                       Senate Resolution No. 200

       Whereas, ridership has increased 47 percent on all three 
     Michigan Amtrak routes in the last six years. The Wolverine 
     route, from Pontiac through Detroit to Chicago, increased its 
     passenger load 2.5 percent in 2007 alone. The state-supported 
     Blue Water route between Port Huron and Chicago saw increased 
     ridership of 3 percent in 2007. Ridership on the state-
     supported Pere Marquette route between Grand Rapids and 
     Chicago increased 2.8 percent. All three corridors 
     experienced sold-out trains in 2007, some on a regular basis, 
     which may have limited their true earning potential. The 
     trains contributed $500,000 of unanticipated ticket income to 
     the state of Michigan; and
       Whereas, the trend of increasing passenger numbers 
     continues in 2008. Over the first ten months of the fiscal 
     year, Pere Marquette ridership is up 9.8 percent and Blue 
     Water ridership has increased 6.5 percent. Revenues have 
     grown as well, from 4.5 to 9.2 percent. These trends over the 
     last six years suggest continued record numbers of passengers 
     but less than potential revenue because of limited capacity, 
     as witnessed by frequent sold-out conditions; and
       Whereas, Amtrak employs 114 Michigan residents and pays 
     over $6.6 million annually in salaries and wages. Amtrak 
     contracts with Michigan businesses for more than $5.7 million 
     in goods and services.
       Whereas, Michigan residents continue to face increasing 
     fuel prices, traffic congestion, and limited access to public 
     transportation. We believe the time has come to generate 
     additional economic growth and public transportation 
     alternatives for Michigan and its residents by increasing 
     passenger rail capacity and service; Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize Congress and 
     the President to support additional funding for passenger 
     rail cars on Michigan's three train routes, to consider 
     increasing capacity and routes in Michigan, and to consider 
     the restoration of a second, mid-day passenger train from 
     Chicago to Grand Rapids; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional 
     delegation, the Governor of Michigan, the Surface 
     Transportation Board, the United States Department of 
     Transportation, the Michigan Department of Transportation, 
     and Amtrak.
                                  ____

       POM-451. A resolution adopted by the General Court of the 
     Commonwealth of Massachusetts relative to recommendations 
     resulting from the New Bedford Fisheries Summit; to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                               Resolution

       Whereas, on May 28, 2008, a fisheries summit was convened 
     in New Bedford with the purpose of sharing concerns regarding 
     the conservation of stocks and maintenance and survival of 
     fishing communities with our congressional delegation; and
       Whereas, as a result of this summit, a set of 
     recommendations was compiled to be forwarded to our 
     congressional delegation regarding the regulations of the 
     fishing industry; and
       Whereas, the recommendations were as follows:
       A) There should be a one-year delay in implementation of 
     Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management 
     Plan to properly align the amendment with the 2010 deadlines 
     set forth in the Magnuson Stevens Reauthorization Act and 
     until better scientific data is available; and
       B) The costs and benefits of management should be evaluated 
     taking into account the failure to maintain optimum yield and 
     discards; and
       C) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     approach to management needs to be revised, considering and 
     taking into account the advice from the fishing industry 
     while maintaining the conservation of stocks; and
       Whereas, under the leadership of our New England coastal 
     congressional members, these recommendations are being 
     advocated for; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Massachusetts General Court respectfully 
     urges the members of the Massachusetts congressional 
     delegation and

[[Page S10652]]

     the leaders of the Congress of the United States to advocate 
     for the recommendations set forth regarding the regulations 
     of the fishing industry; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded by 
     the clerk of the House of Representatives to the Majority 
     Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United 
     States House of Representatives and the members of the 
     Massachusetts congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-452. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania memorializing 
     the Congress of the United States to oppose the New York/New 
     Jersey/Pennsylvania metropolitan airspace redesign proposals; 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                        House Resolution No. 673

       Whereas, the basic air traffic structure of the New York/
     New Jersey/Philadelphia metropolitan area airspace was 
     designed and implemented in the 1960s and was last modified 
     in 1987 with the Expanded East Coast Plan (EECP); and
       Whereas, the EECP proved inadequate in addressing the 
     changes in volume and type of aircraft used by the National 
     Airspace System and also caused major noise problems that 
     resulted in a congressional mandate in the Aviation Safety 
     and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990, requiring the Federal 
     Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform an environmental 
     impact study of the EECP and mitigate the noise; and
       Whereas, in the 1995 final environmental impact study, the 
     FAA committed to mitigate noise in a follow-up regional 
     study; and
       Whereas, in 2001, the FAA determined that aircraft noise 
     pollution was the strongest and most widespread concern 
     raised by the public, however, the FAA failed to include the 
     reduction of aircraft noise as a formal goal of its regional 
     redesign project; and
       Whereas, on December 20, 2005, the FAA issued a draft 
     environmental impact statement containing several proposals 
     to redesign the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia metropolitan 
     airspace; and
       Whereas, the airspace redesign involves a 31,000 square 
     mile, five-state area with a population of 29 million 
     residents and 21 airports, with particular focus placed on 
     air traffic operations at five major airports, including the 
     Philadelphia International Airport in the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania; and
       Whereas, the FAA began implementation of the airspace 
     redesign in December 2007; and
       Whereas, the FAA did not conduct proper environmental 
     reviews or seek proper input from the public and air traffic 
     controllers at Philadelphia International Airport; and
       Whereas, the FAA has shunned additional public hearing 
     requests made by Federal and State legislators representing 
     affected areas; and
       Whereas, since southeastern Pennsylvania does not have a 
     regional airport authority, it lacks the ability to 
     coordinate airport planning and operations, ensuring underuse 
     of regional airports and the overuse of the Philadelphia 
     International Airport; and
       Whereas, the Commonwealth should not appropriate State 
     money for improvements to the infrastructure of the 
     Philadelphia International Airport until such time as the FAA 
     fully addresses the safety and environmental impact of the 
     airspace redesign plan and offers a modified plan that 
     incorporates the use of regional airports; and
       Whereas, the New Jersey Coalition Against Aircraft Noise 
     and the Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution oppose 
     these proposals, arguing that the interests of the citizens 
     of affected areas have not been considered and that the 
     proposals no longer promote aircraft noise reduction; and
       Whereas, it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania to oppose the FAA's proposal to redesign the New 
     York/New Jersey/Philadelphia metropolitan airspace; therefore 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania call upon the Congress of the 
     United States to immediately suspend the FAA's implementation 
     of the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia metropolitan airspace 
     redesign and hold additional hearings seeking the input of 
     elected officials and concerned citizens; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     each member of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation now 
     serving in the United States Senate and House of 
     Representatives.
                                  ____

       POM-453. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania relative to the 
     Susquehanna Flood Forecasting and Warning System; to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

                        House Resolution No. 929

       Whereas, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has 
     fiscal year 2009-2010 operation and maintenance funding for 
     six or seven stream gauges between the New York border and 
     Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that are a part of the Cooperative 
     Streamgauging Network in the Susquehanna River Basin, 
     necessitating stopgap measures to allow the United States 
     Geological Survey to continue ongoing operation and 
     maintenance of the gauges; and
       Whereas, Congress has reduced the appropriation and not 
     made available the entire $2 million necessary for the 
     Susquehanna Flood Forecasting and Warning System, which 
     includes the operation and maintenance of the stream gauges; 
     and
       Whereas, the real time data provided by the stream gauges 
     is of critical importance to water managers and others for a 
     host of water management programs such as flood forecasting 
     and warning, drought monitoring, water quality monitoring, 
     regulatory purposes and recreational uses; and
       Whereas, the Susquehanna River Basin is one of the most 
     flood-prone watersheds in the United States, with average 
     annual flood damages of nearly $150 million; and
       Whereas, real time data are of particular importance for 
     timely and accurate flood forecasts and warning activities in 
     the Susquehanna River Basin, where the Susquehanna Flood 
     Forecasting and Warning System has helped to prevent injury 
     and loss of life, to reduce flood damages by tens of millions 
     of dollars and to deliver a benefit-to-cost ratio of 20:1; 
     and
       Whereas, these water resource management programs are 
     inextricably linked to the public health, safety and welfare 
     of the citizens of the Susquehanna River Basin; and
       Whereas, given the above considerations, there is a long-
     term, ongoing need for the operation and maintenance of 
     stream gauges for these various purposes and for sustainable 
     sources of funding to allow that need to be met in the 
     future; and
       Whereas, in the interest of avoiding duplication of effort, 
     maximizing available resources and promoting good government, 
     the Susquehanna River Basin Commission plays an important 
     coordinative role with Federal and State agencies through the 
     Susquehanna Flood Forecasting and Warning System and also 
     provides important technical assistance and public 
     information services to the system; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge the Congress of the United 
     States to restore full funding for fiscal year 2009-2010 and 
     provide sufficient funding in the Federal fiscal year 2010-
     2011 budget and beyond for the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration to fully fund at $2 million the 
     Susquehanna Flood Forecasting and Warning System to enable 
     timely and accurate flood forecasts and warnings to be issued 
     by the National Weather Service for the Susquehanna River 
     Basin; and be it further
       Resolved, That the administrator of National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration be urged to discontinue 
     withholding funds that are used for administrative purposes, 
     are critically needed for program implementation and are 
     appropriated for the Susquehanna Flood Forecasting Warning 
     System; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States; the Director of the 
     Office of Management and Budget; to the presiding officers of 
     each house of Congress and to each member of the Congress 
     from Pennsylvania; the administrators of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration, to the United States 
     Geological Survey; the Assistant Secretary of the Army for 
     Civil Works; the Commander, United States Army Corps of 
     Engineers North Atlantic Division; the District Engineer, 
     United States Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District; the 
     Secretary of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of 
     Conservation and Natural Resources and the Secretary of 
     Community and Economic Development of Pennsylvania; the 
     Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management 
     Agency; the directors of all county emergency management 
     agencies in the Pennsylvania portion of the Susquehanna River 
     Basin; and the Executive Director of the Susquehanna River 
     Basin Commission.
                                  ____

       POM-454. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Pennsylvania relative to the natural gas market and energy 
     policy; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

                       Senate Resolution No. 375

       Whereas, the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) of 1978 
     authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to 
     oversee the natural gas market; and
       Whereas, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that 
     state regulatory agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Public 
     Utility Commission, have no authority over interstate gas 
     pipelines; and
       Whereas, the NGPA also continues the authority of natural 
     gas companies to acquire private and public property through 
     eminent domain; and
       Whereas, these various Federal public policy decisions and 
     rulings have resulted in a proliferation of interstate 
     natural gas pipelines over which state and local governments 
     have no authority; and
       Whereas, the FERC natural gas certification process does 
     not properly protect the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's 
     natural resources; and
       Whereas, the FERC natural gas certification process also 
     fails to properly take into account the interests and values 
     of property owners; and
       Whereas, some property owners state that they were not 
     properly notified of a project in their neighborhood, and the 
     Natural Gas Act of 1938 does not statutorily require that 
     FERC hold a public hearing in the locality affected by a 
     proposed gas pipeline; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate of Pennsylvania recognize fully 
     the energy and environmental challenges facing the 
     Commonwealth

[[Page S10653]]

     of Pennsylvania in general and the United States in 
     particular; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate believe that the demand for 
     energy continues to be a concern nationwide and that an 
     effective national energy policy must include increased 
     emphasis on conservation, renewable energy, demand-side 
     management, as well as increased production, and an emphasis 
     on siting power generation near demand; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate recognize that an effective 
     energy policy must be addressed nationally but should reflect 
     traditional State and local authority over environmental and 
     energy matters; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate urge the members of the 
     Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to support legislation 
     to amend section 7(e) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938 to 
     require that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hold a 
     public hearing in localities prior to authorization if so 
     requested; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate urge the members of the 
     Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to further amend the 
     Natural Gas Act of 1938 so as to preserve the fundamental 
     rights of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its local 
     governments and its citizens to determine the future of land-
     use polices; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to each 
     member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
                                  ____

       POM-455. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania urging the 
     Congress of the United States relative to gas and energy 
     prices; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

                        House Resolution No. 546

       Whereas, coal, oil and natural gas currently provide more 
     than 85% of all the energy consumed in the United States, 
     which accounts for nearly two-thirds of our electricity 
     consumption and virtually all of our transportation fuels; 
     and
       Whereas, even with aggressive development and deployment of 
     new renewable and nuclear technologies, it is likely that 
     this nation's burgeoning and debilitating dependence on 
     foreign oil will surely increase over at least the next two 
     decades; and
       Whereas, with continued strife in the Middle East and 
     unrest in other oil-producing regions, the price and supply 
     of gas and energy have grown increasingly unstable in today's 
     complex, globalized economy; and
       Whereas, the Department of Energy forecasts a sharp and 
     definite spike in gas and energy prices over the winter 
     months, further crippling consumers of this nation, 
     especially those living in the northeast; and
       Whereas, more than 50% of this Commonwealth's citizens and 
     58% of this nation's households utilize natural gas, forcing 
     families with low income to spend 10% of their annual incomes 
     on energy costs; and
       Whereas, America's economic viability, national security 
     and citizens' welfare depend on the continued availability of 
     reliable and affordable fossil fuels; and
       Whereas, the economic duress of this nation is further 
     exacerbated by increasing energy prices, thus depressing 
     consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic 
     activity in the United States; and
       Whereas, the lack of oversight and inquiry by Congress into 
     the energy policy of this nation resulted in the five largest 
     United States refineries earning $228 billion in profits from 
     2001 to 2005; and
       Whereas, these unscrupulous and inordinate profits were 
     procured on the backs of hard-working Americans who struggle 
     just to fill their gas tanks and heat their homes; therefore 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge the Congress of the United 
     States to exercise due diligence on behalf of the citizens of 
     this Commonwealth and of this nation by implementing 
     oversight, inquiry and investigation into gas and energy 
     prices to ensure that these exceedingly high prices are both 
     necessary and ethically ascertained.
                                  ____

       POM-456. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature relative to revenue generated from oil and gas 
     development on the outer continental shelf; to the Committee 
     on Energy and Natural Resources.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 17

       Whereas, under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920, the 
     federal government shares with the states 50 percent of 
     revenue from mineral production on federal land within each 
     state's boundaries; and
       Whereas, the shared mineral production revenue is 
     distributed to the states automatically, outside of the 
     budget process, and is not subject to appropriation; and.
       Whereas, there is not a similar authority for the federal 
     government to share federal oil and gas revenue generated on 
     the outer continental shelf with adjacent coastal states, 
     despite the vital contribution made by those states to our 
     nation's energy, economic, and national security needs in 
     support of production from the outer continental shelf; and
       Whereas, the states that sustain this critical energy 
     production and development deserve a share of the revenue 
     generated because they provide infrastructure to support 
     offshore operations and because of the environmental effects 
     and other risks associated with oil and gas development on 
     the outer continental shelf; and
       Whereas, under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 
     2006, the federal government recognized the contributions 
     made by Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to 
     national security and agreed to give them 37.5 percent of 
     revenue from oil and gas development in newly leased federal 
     waters in the Gulf of Mexico; and
       Whereas, other coastal states, including Alaska and 
     California, also support and should receive, on a regular and 
     ongoing basis, a fair share of revenue generated through 
     development on the outer continental shelf as compensation 
     and reward for their contributions to the nation's energy 
     supply, security, and economy; and
       Whereas, there are presently 263 active oil and gas leases 
     off Alaska's coast, covering more than 550,000 hectares; and
       Whereas, since statehood, oil and gas production from the 
     outer continental shelf off Alaska's coast has generated 
     millions of dollars in revenue for the federal government; 
     and
       Whereas, the February 2008 lease sale in the Chukchi Sea 
     generated an additional $2,600,000,000 in revenue for the 
     federal government;
       Be it Resolved, that the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States Congress to provide a means for consistently 
     sharing, on an ongoing basis, revenue generated from oil and 
     gas development on the outer continental shelf with all 
     coastal energy-producing states to ensure that those states 
     develop, support, and maintain necessary infrastructure and 
     preserve environmental integrity.
       Copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable 
     George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable 
     Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and 
     President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, 
     United States Secretary of the Interior; the Honorable Harry 
     Reid, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Mitch 
     McConnell, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable 
     Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; 
     the Honorable John Boehner, Minority Leader of the U.S. House 
     of Representatives; the Honorable Jeff Bingaman, Chair of the 
     U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; the 
     Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. 
     Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, 
     members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; and all other 
     members of the 110th United States Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-457. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania endorsing the 
     request for Federal funding to address vitally important 
     water resource needs; to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works.

                        House Resolution No. 719

       Whereas, the water resources of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania are vitally important for domestic purposes, 
     production of food and fiber, power generation, industrial 
     and commercial purposes and recreational uses; and
       Whereas, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a member of 
     several interstate river basin commissions, including the 
     Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Delaware River Basin 
     Commission and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River 
     Basin, hereinafter referred to as the ``Mid-Atlantic 
     Commissions''; and
       Whereas, the jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions 
     encompasses approximately two-thirds of the land area of this 
     Commonwealth and approximately two-thirds of the stream miles 
     in the State; and
       Whereas, the Mid-Atlantic Commissions provide invaluable 
     water resource functions, including planning and management 
     activities to avoid conflicts between states sharing the same 
     watersheds and among water users; and
       Whereas, the Mid-Atlantic Commissions were established by 
     legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 
     the other member jurisdictions to each of the compacts, 
     including the Federal Government; and
       Whereas, the interstate compacts that were created as a 
     result of this legislation require their member 
     jurisdictions, including the Federal Government, to provide 
     equitable shares of funding in support of the Mid-Atlantic 
     Commissions' annual expense budgets; and
       Whereas, the Federal Government has provided no direct 
     funding to the Mid-Atlantic Commissions for the past decade 
     in fulfillment of its interstate compact obligations, 
     resulting in the burden of financial responsibility being 
     shifted to the member states of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions, 
     including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
       Whereas, the President of the United States did not request 
     funding in his budget request for fiscal year 2009 to fulfill 
     the Federal Government's equitable share of funding in 
     support of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions' annual expense 
     budgets for fiscal year 2009; and
       Whereas, the 110th Congress of the United States, in its 
     first session, enacted the Water Resources Development Act of 
     2007; and
       Whereas, section 5019(b) of the Water Resources Development 
     Act of 2007 requires the Secretary of the Army to allocate 
     funds to the Mid-Atlantic Commissions to fulfill the 
     equitable funding requirements of the respective interstate 
     compacts; and
       Whereas, the Mid-Atlantic Commissions have officially 
     requested that funding be included in the fiscal year 2009 
     Energy and

[[Page S10654]]

     Water Development Appropriations Bill in the amount of $1 
     million for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, $715,000 
     for the Delaware River Basin Commission and $650,000 for the 
     Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; and
       Whereas, Federal funding is needed for the Mid-Atlantic 
     Commissions to address vitally important water resource 
     needs, among them the establishment of flow targets to guide 
     the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's management of major 
     withdrawals in the Susquehanna River Basin, the initiation of 
     flood mitigation activities in the Delaware River Basin and 
     the coordination with community leaders on drinking water 
     source water protection activities; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania wholeheartedly endorse the 
     request of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions for funding from the 
     Federal Government in fiscal year 2009; and be it further
       Resolved, That all members of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania's Congressional Delegation are strongly 
     encouraged to actively support the funding request of the 
     Mid-Atlantic Commissions; and be it further
       Resolved, That the United States Senate and the United 
     States House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees 
     on Energy and Water Development be urged to place a high 
     priority on the request of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions and 
     to include said request in the fiscal year 2009 Energy and 
     Water Development Appropriations Bill; and be it further
       Resolved, That pursuant to the requirements of section 
     5019(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, the 
     Secretary of the Army be urged to recommend funds for the 
     Mid-Atlantic Commissions in the fiscal year 2010 budget it 
     submits to the Office of Management and Budget; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That pursuant to the requirements of the 
     interstate compacts of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions, the 
     President of the United States be urged to include funds for 
     the Federal Government's equitable share of funding in 
     support of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions' 2010 budget in the 
     President's 2010 budget request; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania and the governors and general assemblies of the 
     other member states of the Mid-Atlantic Commissions be urged 
     to consider the adoption of similar resolutions; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, the chairmen and ranking 
     members of the United States Senate and United States House 
     of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittees for Energy 
     and Water Development, the Secretary of the Army, the 
     director of the Office of Management and Budget, each member 
     of Congress from Pennsylvania and the governors and general 
     assemblies of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, 
     Virginia and West Virginia.
                                  ____

       POM-458. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania directing the 
     Joint State Government Commission to conduct an in-depth 
     study of the subject of developments of regional significance 
     and impact; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

                        House Resolution No. 845

       Whereas, on September 19, 2006, a massive landslide 
     occurred in Kilbuck Township, Allegheny County; and
       Whereas, on October 24, 2006, the House of Representatives 
     adopted House Resolution 897, which directed the Joint State 
     Government Commission to conduct an in-depth investigation 
     into the September 19, 2006, landslide and compile a report 
     on its findings and recommendations; and
       Whereas, House Resolution 897 authorized the appointment of 
     a four-member legislative task force and an advisory 
     committee to assist the task force in this undertaking; and
       Whereas, the advisory committee established under House 
     Resolution 897 represented a broad range of expertise and 
     interests and included attorneys, geologists, engineers, land 
     use planners, representatives of local and county 
     governments, representatives of community development 
     organizations, environmental advocates, representatives of 
     Communities First!, the executive director of the Joint 
     Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation 
     Committee, a representative from the Department of 
     Conservation and Natural Resources, a representative from the 
     Department of Environmental Protection and a representative 
     from the Department of Transportation; and
       Whereas, the task force and advisory committee noted that 
     possible issues contributing to the Kilbuck landslide 
     included geologically hazardous conditions at the site, 
     inadequate coordination among regulatory decisionmakers and 
     lack of capacity by some municipalities, particularly with 
     respect to approvals of large, complex developments; and
       Whereas, the task force and advisory committee agreed to 
     address the following seven subject areas that could help 
     prevent the occurrence of such landslides:
       (1) revisions to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning 
     Code;
       (2) regional planning and review;
       (3) resources to local governments;
       (4) the permitting and inspection process;
       (5) coordination of agencies' actions;
       (6) standing and jurisdiction; and
       (7) disclosure of geologic concerns; and
       Whereas, the task force and advisory committee reached 
     consensus on findings and recommendations as contemplated by 
     House Resolution 897; and
       Whereas, on June 9, 2008, the task force authorized the 
     release of the report of the task force and advisory 
     committee and the introduction of the legislation contained 
     in the report; and
       Whereas, as part of the findings and recommendations 
     contained in the report, the task force and advisory 
     committee acknowledged that further consideration, discussion 
     and analysis should be given to the subject of developments 
     of regional significance and impact, which was addressed only 
     briefly in the report; and
       Whereas, the members of the task force and advisory 
     committee desired to continue their work regarding the 
     subject of development of regional significance and impact; 
     and
       Whereas, the task force recommended that further 
     consideration, discussion and analysis regarding the subject 
     of developments of regional significance and impact should be 
     authorized by a new resolution; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Joint State Government Commission be 
     authorized to reconstitute the task force and advisory 
     committee established under House Resolution 897 to conduct 
     an in-depth study of the subject of developments of regional 
     significance and impact; and be it further
       Resolved, That the composition of the reconstituted 
     advisory committee be modified as necessary and that 
     additional persons may be appointed as members of the 
     advisory committee; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Joint State Government Commission 
     compile a report based on the findings and recommendations of 
     the reconstituted task force and advisory committee and 
     submit the report to the House of Representatives as soon as 
     possible but no later than two years following the adoption 
     of this resolution.
                                  ____

       POM-459. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature opposing the enactment of the Protect America's 
     Wildlife Act of 2007 that intends to prohibit aerial hunting 
     of wildlife; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.

                             CSHJR 31(Res)

       Whereas the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has 
     experienced and knowledgeable biologists familiar with Alaska 
     wildlife; and
       Whereas the Alaska Board of Game openly discusses game 
     management at board meetings and makes decisions based on 
     scientific data; and
       Whereas Alaska is a sovereign government within the United 
     States with its own Board of Game responsible for managing 
     the wildlife asset to be utilized, developed, and maintained 
     on the sustained yield principle, subject to preferences 
     among beneficial uses, under art. VIII, sec. 4, Constitution 
     of the State of Alaska; and
       Whereas many areas in Alaska are accessible only by boat or 
     aircraft; and
       Whereas Alaska presents unique living and wildlife 
     situations of which many people outside the state might not 
     be aware; and
       Whereas there is no shortage of predators in Alaska; and
       Whereas predator imbalance will destroy other species that 
     are important to the ecosystem of Alaska; and
       Whereas there is legislation before the United States 
     Congress to prevent aerial predator control; and
       Whereas the use of aircraft is a necessary tool for 
     managing the asset of game animals to provide for abundance 
     for personal use in Alaska; and
       Whereas much of Alaska's wildlife represents a natural food 
     source for many Alaskans; therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges all 
     members of the United States Congress to oppose H.R. 3663, 
     the Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2007; and be it further
       Resolved, That management of fish and game in Alaska should 
     be left to the experts in state. Copies of this resolution 
     shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of 
     the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice 
     President of the United States; and President of the U.S. 
     Senate; the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa 
     Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. 
     Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; 
     and all other members of the 110th United States Congress.
                                  ____

       POM-460. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Michigan memorializing the United States Congress to enact 
     legislation to help revitalize the economy in states with 
     exceptionally high rates of unemployment by the creation of a 
     Recovery State Renaissance Zone Act; to the Committee on 
     Finance.

                       Senate Resolution No. 222

       Whereas, our nation, the state of Michigan in particular, 
     is being buffeted by the tumultuous seas of economic change. 
     Global manufacturing shifts have had a disproportionate 
     impact on the Great Lake State's manufacturing sector. 
     Indeed, despite years of diversifying our economy and 
     streamlining our state's governmental operations, Michigan 
     continues to be one of those states trapped in this economic 
     maelstrom; and
       Whereas, according to the latest U.S. Department of Labor 
     employment statistics, Michigan continues to lead the nation 
     in the

[[Page S10655]]

     rate of unemployment. Our average unemployment rate has 
     exceeded the national average by more than 50 percent in each 
     of the past two calendar years, and the state is on track to 
     break this mark again in 2008. This disparity clearly points 
     to the fact that Michigan cannot wait for its long-term 
     economic development initiatives to see fruition. The need 
     for federal assistance in our efforts is immediate and 
     pressing; and
       Whereas, Congress must enact a federal law that mirrors 
     Michigan's Renaissance Zone statute to create federal 
     Renaissance Zones. States with average unemployment rates of 
     50 percent above the national average for at least the past 
     two years must be designated as renaissance states. As 
     renaissance states, they would qualify for two recovery 
     benefits: (1) a statewide 100 percent increase in the federal 
     investment tax credit; and (2) the ability to designate 
     certain areas of the state as exempt from federal corporate 
     taxes with a cap of $1 billion per year; now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby memorialize the 
     Congress of the United States to enact legislation to help 
     revitalize the economy in states with exceptionally high 
     rates of unemployment by the creation of a Recovery State 
     Renaissance Zone Act; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-461. A joint resolution adopted by the California 
     Legislature encouraging the President and the Congress of the 
     United States to provide a long-term extension of the 
     investment and production tax credits for all renewable 
     energy technologies; to the Committee on Finance.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 27

       Whereas, a diverse energy portfolio will result in a 
     reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, stimulate 
     economic growth and investment, and encourage a secure energy 
     future; and
       Whereas, a diverse energy portfolio will better position 
     the nation's energy system to respond to new local, regional, 
     and environmental challenges and population growth, and will 
     take advantage of the development of new technologies that 
     will lower the cost of renewable energy; and
       Whereas, Congress has shown a multiyear commitment to 
     supporting the development of a diverse energy portfolio by 
     implementing and repeatedly extending federal tax credits for 
     renewable energy; and
       Whereas, extending the federal investment and production 
     tax credits will ensure continued robust growth of the 
     renewable energy industry, which will help protect the 
     American economy from energy shortages and price spikes that 
     are harmful to business and consumers and are disruptive to 
     investment; and
       Whereas, in 2008, there were over 42,000 megawatts of 
     renewable energy power generation projects under development 
     in 45 states; and
       Whereas, the federal investment and production tax credits 
     will provide the market stability and investor confidence 
     that is necessary in the wind, solar, geothermal, small 
     irrigation power, municipal solid waste, noncom ethanol-based 
     closed-loop and open-loop biomass, and small hydropower 
     sectors to encourage increased investment and growth in these 
     technologies; and,
       Whereas, extending the federal investment and production 
     tax credits for renewable energy sources will create more 
     than 100,000 jobs, will attract tens of billions of dollars 
     in investment within the next year, and will continue to 
     create thousands of jobs at high, medium, and entry levels; 
     and
       Whereas, extending the federal investment and production 
     tax credits for renewable energy sources will foster new 
     business opportunities within California and generate revenue 
     for local economies; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of 
     California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of 
     California encourages the President and the Congress of the 
     United States to provide a long-term extension of the 
     investment and production tax credits for all renewable 
     energy technologies; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies 
     of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the 
     United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, and to 
     each Senator and Representative from California in the 
     Congress of the United States.
                                  ____

       POM-462. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature opposing the imposition of the milk tax on 
     Alaskans; to the Committee on Finance.

                     House Joint Resolution No. 16

       Whereas Alaska residents consume more milk, cheese, butter, 
     yogurt, and other dairy products than Alaska dairy farmers 
     are able to produce, making Alaska a ``milk-deficit'' state; 
     and
       Whereas, because of their milk-deficit status, the United 
     States Congress wisely excluded Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto 
     Rico from the mandatory dairy promotion assessment or ``milk 
     tax'' of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983; and
       Whereas this exemption was maintained in the Farm Security 
     and Rural Investment Act of 2002; and
       Whereas the National Milk Producers Federation and other 
     dairy interests in the lower 48 states want to extend the 
     milk tax to Alaska dairy farmers; and
       Whereas the milk tax would require Alaska dairy farmers to 
     pay into the national dairy promotion program that presently 
     benefits only the lower 48 states and does nothing to help 
     Alaska dairy farmers or consumers; and
       Whereas Alaska dairy farmers and consumers cannot benefit 
     from the various dairy promotion, advertising, and research 
     programs funded by the milk tax imposed on milk marketed by 
     dairy farmers in the lower 48 states; and
       Whereas the mandatory dairy promotion assessment would 
     constitute an onerous, costly, and unacceptable new milk tax 
     on all Alaskans, including dairy farmers, consumers, school 
     children, day care centers, residents of rural Alaska, Alaska 
     Natives, small businesses, and others who would be forced to 
     pay more for milk and dairy products that already are among 
     the most expensive in the nation: be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature strongly 
     condemns and resolutely opposes imposition of the milk tax on 
     Alaskans.
                                  ____

       POM-463. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature urging the United States Congress to enact H.R. 
     2419, sec. 12801; to the Committee on Finance.

                              CSHJR No. 14

       Whereas it is well documented that the Exxon Valdez oil 
     spill has adversely affected the coastal region of the state 
     and affected the economic status of communities in this 
     region for many years; and
       Whereas the state's commercial fishermen, who make up 80 
     percent of the plaintiffs seeking to recover damages from the 
     Exxon Valdez oil spill, suffered economically as a result of 
     the oil spill and, as a result, lost the opportunity to 
     establish retirement plans or were limited in their ability 
     to save for retirement; and
       Whereas these Alaskans would benefit from the contributions 
     to retirement accounts they could make by using money 
     received from the award of damages; and
       Whereas H.R. 2419, sec. 12801, would benefit these 
     commercial fishermen by authorizing increases in the 
     deductions and income caps applicable to traditional 
     individual retirement accounts, Roth IRAs, and other 
     qualified retirement plans to the extent of the amount of the 
     damage award; and
       Whereas the bill would authorize individual plaintiffs to 
     average income from the award for tax purposes over the 
     period January 1, 1994, through the end of the year in which 
     the award is made: Therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States Congress to enact H.R. 2419, sec. 12801, to 
     provide relief to those individuals who suffered economic 
     damages as a result of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
                                  ____

       POM-464. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature urging the United States Congress to repeal sec. 
     511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and 
     Reconciliation Act of 2005); to the Committee on Finance.

                              CSHJR No. 41

       Whereas sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention 
     and Reconciliation Act of 2005) will require states, cities, 
     counties, and boroughs that spend more than $100,000,000 each 
     year on goods and services after December 31, 2010, to 
     withhold three percent of their payments to nearly all 
     vendors and contractors for federal income purposes and to 
     report nonwage payments; and
       Whereas sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention 
     and Reconciliation Act of 2005) was added by a congressional 
     conference committee without benefit of any public hearings 
     in either the United States House of Representatives or the 
     United States Senate; and
       Whereas, although sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase 
     Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005) was inserted into 
     the legislation to save approximately $7,000,000,000 in 
     federal taxes between 2011 and 2015, the effect of the 
     provision is to increase the burden and costs to state and 
     local governments by making these governments uncompensated 
     and involuntary federal tax collectors because no federal 
     funding is provided to cover the costs of implementing sec. 
     511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and 
     Reconciliation Act of 2005); and
       Whereas sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention 
     and Reconciliation Act of 2005) creates another unfunded 
     federal mandate that will add a cost to state and local 
     governments that exceeds the threshold of P.L. 104-04 
     (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995), and sec. 511 of P.L. 
     109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 
     2005) will therefore short-circuit the public process 
     required by P.L. 104-04 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
     1995) and thus violate that Act; and
       Whereas the Department of Administration, the University of 
     Alaska, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Fairbanks North 
     Star Borough, and the Anchorage School District, all 
     governmental entities in Alaska that are affected by sec. 511 
     of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation 
     Act of 2005), have expressed serious concerns about it and 
     have urged its repeal; and
       Whereas local governmental officials have stated that sec. 
     511 of PL. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and 
     Reconciliation Act of

[[Page S10656]]

     2005) will be extremely difficult and expensive to implement, 
     requiring major programming changes to financial and 
     accounting systems and the hiring of additional staff; and
       Whereas, because of the three percent withholding 
     requirement, local businesses will be discouraged from 
     bidding on state and local governmental contracts for 
     products and services, thereby dampening competitive bidding 
     and driving up the prices to offset the three percent 
     withholding, and this, in turn, is likely to increase the 
     cost of procurement by state and local governments; and
       Whereas sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention 
     and Reconciliation Act of 2005) will pose significant 
     difficulties for the State of Alaska in its efforts to 
     procure goods and services for the state, because
       (1) the state accounting system is 23 years old and cannot 
     accommodate mandatory backup withholding;
       (2) it would take about a year to make the necessary 
     systemic changes and require substantial additional record 
     keeping to reconcile the amounts paid to vendors and those 
     amounts reported and remitted to the Internal Revenue 
     Service;
       (3) obtaining exemptions to sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax 
     Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005) would be 
     difficult and costly; and
       (4) vendors might inflate their bids to compensate for the 
     tax withheld, resulting in higher prices to the state; and
       Whereas the state government accounting system does not 
     currently have the capability to withhold vendor payments, 
     and the state need only report payments for services over 
     $600 a year to each unincorporated vendor; sec. 511 of P.L. 
     109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 
     2005) will increase the accounting burden on the state by
       (1) requiring most but not all payments, no matter how 
     small, to be reported, an extremely expensive and burdensome 
     mandate;
       (2) requiring payments to all corporations to be reported, 
     significantly increasing the number of vendors for which 
     information reports would have to be submitted to the 
     Internal Revenue Service;
       (3) requiring withholding on credit card purchases, a 
     process unknown complexity; and
       (4) exempting certain types of payments that will likely 
     require manual intervention, which would drive up the cost of 
     compliance with sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase 
     Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005) even further; and
       Whereas government agencies will have to obtain employee 
     identification numbers or social security numbers for 
     numerous individual vendors to allow reporting to the 
     Internal Revenue Service, thereby invading those citizens' 
     rights of privacy and exposing them to the dangers of 
     identity theft; and
       Whereas complying with sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 (Tax 
     Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005) will have 
     serious adverse effects on the procurement practices of 
     larger local governments in Alaska; for example, the 
     Municipality of Anchorage, the state's largest city, with a 
     population of about 261,446, which is 42 percent of the 
     State's total population, will incur costs of approximately 
     $250,000 a year to reprogram municipal computers and 
     financial systems, plus an estimated $100,000 to $200,000 a 
     year of additional costs for ongoing operating expenses; the 
     Municipality of Anchorage's financial computer system is not 
     set up for this procedure and will require extensive 
     modifications at a significant cost, including the hiring of 
     at least one full-time municipal employee; the use of 
     procurement cards by the Municipality of Anchorage may have 
     to be discontinued, and the use of checks, which are slower 
     and more costly, may be reinstituted; the Municipality of 
     Anchorage's online purchasing system will have to be modified 
     and likely will no longer be cost-effective; and
       Whereas the additional costs of complying with sec. 511 of 
     P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act 
     of 2005) will place the State of Alaska and Alaska local 
     governments at a competitive disadvantage in the procurement 
     of goods and services; and
       Whereas, as a result of these burdens and difficulties, the 
     state and affected local governments believe that sec. 511 of 
     P.L. 109-222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act 
     of 2005) will not accomplish its stated goal of closing the 
     budget gap; and
       Whereas these concerns were previously expressed by the 
     state to the United States Congress through the National 
     Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers; 
     and
       Whereas S. 777 and H.R. 1023 have been introduced in the 
     110th United States Congress to repeal sec. 511 of P.L. 109-
     222 (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005): 
     Therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States Congress to repeal sec. 511 of P.L. 109-222 
     (Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005).
                                  ____

       POM-465. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of 
     Pennsylvania relative to hydrocephalus; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                       Senate Resolution No. 406

       Whereas, hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, 
     characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids 
     in the ventricles of the brain; and
       Whereas, there is no known cure for hydrocephalus, which 
     affects an estimated one million Americans; and
       Whereas, out of every 1,000 babies, one to two are born 
     with hydrocephalus; and
       Whereas, more than 375,000 older Americans have 
     hydrocephalus, which often goes undetected or misdiagnosed as 
     dementia, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease; and
       Whereas, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people 
     with hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive 
     lives; and
       Whereas, the standard treatment for hydrocephalus was 
     developed in 1952 and carries multiple risks, including shunt 
     failure, infection and over drainage; and
       Whereas, there are fewer than ten centers in the United 
     States specializing in the treatment of adults with normal 
     pressure hydrocephalus; and
       Whereas, each year, the people of the United States spend 
     in excess of $1 billion to treat hydrocephalus; and
       Whereas, a September 2005 conference sponsored by seven 
     institutes of the National Institutes of Health, and 
     entitled, ``Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Facts, Clear 
     Directions,'' resulted in efforts to initiate new, 
     collaborative research and treatment efforts; and
       Whereas, the Hydrocephalus Association is one of the 
     nation's oldest and largest patient and research advocacy and 
     support networks for individuals suffering from 
     hydrocephalus; and
       Whereas, further research into the epidemiology, 
     pathophysiology, disease burden and improved treatment of 
     hydrocephalus should be conducted or supported; and
       Whereas, public awareness and professional education 
     regarding hydrocephalus should increase through partnerships 
     between the Federal Government and patient advocacy 
     organizations, such as the Hydrocephalus Association; 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate urge the Federal Government to 
     collect comprehensive statistical and data regarding the 
     seriousness of hydrocephalus and its impact on American 
     families; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Senate designate the month of November 
     2008 as ``Hydrocephalus Awareness Month'' in Pennsylvania so 
     that Pennsylvanians can become more familiar with 
     hydrocephalus and the individuals dedicated to finding its 
     cure.
                                  ____

       POM-466. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania expressing 
     support for National Food Safety Education Month; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 896

       Whereas, in 1994, the National Restaurant Association 
     Educational Foundation's (NRAEF) International Food Safety 
     Council created ``National Food Safety Education Month'' as 
     an annual campaign; and
       Whereas, the purpose of ``National Food Safety Education 
     Month'' is to strengthen food safety education and training 
     among persons in the restaurant and food service business and 
     to educate the public on the safe handling and preparation of 
     food; and
       Whereas, there are more than 200 known foodborne diseases 
     caused by viruses, toxins and metals and usually stemming 
     from the improper handling, preparation or storage of food; 
     and
       Whereas, bacteria are the common cause of the foodborne 
     illness; and
       Whereas, foodborne illness costs the United States economy 
     billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, 
     hospitalization, long-term disability and even death; and
       Whereas, the United States Department of Agriculture 
     estimated that in 2000, medical costs and losses in 
     productivity resulting from five bacterial foodborne 
     pathogens was $6.9 billion; and
       Whereas, it is estimated that in 2001 the annual cost of 
     salmonellosis caused by the Salmonella bacteria was $2.14 
     billion, including medical costs, the cost of time lost from 
     work and the cost or value of premature death; and
       Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
     (CDC) estimates that in the United States, there are 76 
     million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths 
     per year due to consumption of food contaminated with 
     pathogenic microorganisms; and
       Whereas, numerous cases have occurred in the United States 
     and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 2007--Salmonella from 
     peanut butter in 44 states, 425 cases; 2006--E. coli in eight 
     states from fresh spinach, 205 cases, including 3 deaths; and 
     2003--hepatitis A from Chi-Chi's sourced green onions in the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
       Whereas, up to 2,000 cases of salmonellosis occur each year 
     in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
       Whereas, following four simple steps, consumers can keep 
     food safe from bacteria: clean--wash hands and surfaces 
     often; separate--do not cross-contaminate; cook--cook to 
     proper temperature; and chill--refrigerate promptly; 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania express full and enthusiastic 
     support for ``National Food Safety Education Month'' in 
     September 2008; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to each 
     member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

[[Page S10657]]

     
                                  ____
       POM-467. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan memorializing the 
     Congress and the President of the United States to enact the 
     Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 296

       Whereas, in spite of progress that has been made in its 
     diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains one of the 
     most serious threats to the health of women. Its devastating 
     impact is felt across our country. According to the American 
     Cancer Society, excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer 
     is the most common cancer among women and accounts for one of 
     every 4 cancers diagnosed. It is estimated that 178,000 new 
     cases of invasive breast cancer were identified in 2007 and 
     that an estimated 40,000 women died; and
       Whereas, although the frightening realities of breast 
     cancer can strike any woman, success in combating the disease 
     is, unfortunately, less universal. A patient's chances of 
     survival are increased with early identification of the 
     disease, access to good care at all stages of treatment, and 
     comprehensive monitoring afterwards; and
       Whereas, congress is considering legislation that would 
     take a strong step in the effort to combat breast cancer in 
     our country. The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, S. 459 
     and H.R. 758, would require health plans to provide coverage 
     for minimum hospital stays for mastectomies, lumpectomies, 
     and lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer, 
     as well as secondary consultations. Among the legislation's 
     specific provisions is a requirement that a patient 
     undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat breast cancer 
     be permitted a hospital stay of no less than 48 hours; and
       Whereas, the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act would 
     increase access to a level of care that can save lives and 
     mitigate suffering; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, By the House of Representatives, that we 
     memorialize the Congress and the President of the United 
     States to enact the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Office of the President of the United States, the 
     President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-468. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan relative to Agent 
     Orange and Parkinson's disease; to the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 273

       Whereas, Agent Orange was an herbicide used in Vietnam to 
     kill unwanted plants and to remove leaves from trees which 
     otherwise provided cover for the enemy. After its use, it was 
     realized that Agent Orange contained dioxin, which is related 
     to a number of diseases, cancers, and other disorders. Many 
     U.S. veterans are known to have been exposed to significant 
     amounts of Agent Orange while fulfilling their military 
     obligations; and
       Whereas, as required by law, the U.S. Department of 
     Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes many diseases as being 
     associated with Agent Orange, including chloracne, acute 
     peripheral neuropathy, and numerous cancers such as Hodgkin's 
     disease, multiple myleoma, and prostate cancer. Veterans who 
     served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, 
     and who acquire one of the recognized diseases are entitled 
     to VA-furnished hospital care, medical services, and possibly 
     nursing home care; and
       Whereas, several studies performed at internationally 
     recognized research institutions, including St. Jude 
     Children's Research Hospital, have linked Parkinson's disease 
     to Agent Orange and other pesticides. Research work at St. 
     Jude Children's Research Hospital linked genetic alterations 
     associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease to 
     pesticide exposures; and
       Whereas, Parkinson's disease should be added to the VA list 
     of recognized diseases associated with Agent Orange. The 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Winston-
     Salem, North Carolina, has determined in two cases that the 
     Parkinson's disease of veterans could have been caused by 
     their contact with Agent Orange while on active military 
     duty; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we 
     memorialize the United States Congress to acknowledge that 
     the neurological disorder known as Parkinson's disease can be 
     caused by exposure to Agent Orange and to require that the 
     United States Department of Veterans Affairs offer assistance 
     to U.S. Military members who, while serving their country, 
     have acquired Parkinson's disease through their exposure to 
     Agent Orange; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, and the Secretary of the 
     U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
                                  ____

       POM-469. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Michigan urging the Congress 
     of the United States and the United States Department of 
     Agriculture to continue to promote and prioritize the 
     establishment of local farm-to-school initiatives; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 413

       Whereas, local farm-to-school initiatives improve child 
     nutrition and promote local farming communities. These 
     programs emphasize the purchase and availability of fresher 
     and more nutritious local foods for consumption in schools. 
     In addition, they provide an opportunity for students to gain 
     a greater appreciation of where their food comes from and 
     enhance markets for local farmers. Strong local markets 
     reduce food costs and fuel use associated with transporting 
     foods long distances and increase food security; and
       Whereas, the federal government plays a critical role in 
     the success of local farm-to-school initiatives. Federal 
     support can make the difference between a successful farm-to-
     school program and a failed one. In particular, placing a 
     priority on farm-to-school programs and giving schools 
     flexibility in the use of federal funding received for school 
     meal programs would make a huge difference; and
       Whereas, the 2008 federal farm bill (P.L. 110-246) made 
     major strides to remove roadblocks and encourage the 
     establishment of farm-to-school initiatives. Under the 
     enacted bill, schools will now be able to show a preference 
     for locally grown and raised foods without risking the loss 
     of critical funds. In addition, the bill authorizes funding 
     for grants that may be used to make fresh fruits and 
     vegetables available in elementary schools and develop hands-
     on school vegetable gardening and nutrition education 
     programs at high-poverty schools; and
       Whereas, the promise of the 2008 federal farm bill will 
     only be met if Congress and the U.S. Department of 
     Agriculture follow through and continue to expand on the 
     commitments made. Full funding, regulatory flexibility, and a 
     cooperative and collaborative relationship with the states 
     and local schools are needed to maintain the momentum; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the 
     Congress of the United States and the U.S. Department of 
     Agriculture to continue to promote and prioritize the 
     establishment of local farm-to-school initiatives; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of the 
     Michigan congressional delegation, and the Secretary of 
     Agriculture.
                                  ____

       POM-470. A joint resolution adopted by the California 
     Legislature relative to fibromyalgia; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 25

       Whereas, fibromyalgia is defined by the American College of 
     Rheumatology as a disabling pain condition. Fibromyalgia 
     symptoms include chronic pain throughout the body, extreme 
     fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness, weakness, migraine 
     headaches, and impairment of memory and concentration; and
       Whereas, fibromyalgia is a common condition with no known 
     cure that affects women, men, and children of all 
     ethnicities; and
       Whereas, an estimated 10 million people in the United 
     States and millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed 
     with fibromyalgia; and
       Whereas, there is no test for fibromyalgia, so it often 
     takes an average of five years to receive a diagnosis. 
     Furthermore, medical professionals are frequently 
     inadequately educated on diagnosis and treatment of 
     fibromyalgia; and
       Whereas, many fibromyalgia patients find themselves 
     underinsured or uninsured because they are too sick to work 
     or have been denied health care coverage and access to 
     treatments because they have fibromyalgia; and
       Whereas, fibromyalgia costs the United States health care 
     system $20 billion annually and strongly impacts families who 
     experience lost wages and extensive out-of-pocket medical 
     costs; and
       Whereas, the California Legislative Women's Caucus 
     recognizes that 80 percent of fibromyalgia patients are 
     women, that hundreds of thousands of those affected by 
     fibromyalgia live in California, and that there is an urgent 
     need to respond to the vast needs of this patient population; 
     and
       Whereas, the California Legislative Women's Caucus has 
     taken the National Fibromyalgia Association's Pledge to Care 
     by advocating for improved treatments, expanded research, 
     comprehensive health insurance coverage, and increased 
     awareness of fibromyalgia; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of 
     California, jointly, That the Legislature respectfully urges 
     the Congress of the United States to accelerate the federal 
     investment in fibromyalgia research at the National 
     Institutes of Health, to ensure adequate Medicare and 
     Medicaid reimbursement and coverage of fibromyalgia 
     therapies, and to launch a multifaceted public awareness 
     campaign on fibromyalgia; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies 
     of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the 
     United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, and to 
     each Senator and Representative from California in the 
     Congress of the United States.

[[Page S10658]]

     
                                  ____
       POM-471. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature relative to the funding for special education in 
     public schools; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions.

                     House Joint Resolution No. 29

       Whereas the Constitution of the State of Alaska and other 
     laws and policies of the state require educational 
     opportunities for all children, including children with 
     disabilities; and
       Whereas enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act by the United States Congress transferred from 
     the states to the federal government decisions pertaining to 
     the provision of education and related services to students 
     with disabilities; and
       Whereas the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
     requires the provision of a ``free appropriate public 
     education'' for students with disabilities; and
       Whereas the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
     authorized the federal appropriation of a sum equal to 40 
     percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for general 
     education students under 34 C.F.R. 300.701(a)(1); and
       Whereas the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-
     4, March 22, 1995) provides that ``the federal government 
     should not shift certain costs to the States, and States 
     should end the practice of shifting costs to local 
     governments''; and
       Whereas, according to recent estimates, Alaska received 
     approximately 16 percent of the total cost of providing a 
     free appropriate public education for students with 
     disabilities from the Congress for Part B services under the 
     Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and
       Whereas the lack of adequate federal funding for students 
     with disabilities has forced states and local school 
     districts to make up the difference through payments made for 
     other critical education programs; and
       Whereas the lack of adequate federal funding for federally 
     mandated services under the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act places a tremendous strain on all Alaska public 
     school districts and on the ability of the districts to 
     provide quality education for all students; and
       Whereas Alaska shares with every other state a chronic 
     shortage of qualified special education teachers; and
       Whereas teacher preparation programs would benefit from 
     full federal funding of the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act by attracting prospective applicants interested 
     in a career of teaching special education; and
       Whereas the underfunding of special education programs 
     affects the depth of services provided to students with 
     disabilities; and
       Whereas, despite significant strides made in increasing and 
     enhancing public education for students with disabilities, 
     many of those students still do not receive the services and 
     assistance they need to succeed in public schools; and
       Whereas the federal No Child Left Behind Act requires that 
     100 percent of students with disabilities attain proficiency 
     in meeting state education standards by the end of the 2013-
     2014 school year; and
       Whereas improvement in the rate of proficiency of students 
     in meeting state education standards is a primary indicator 
     of school success under the No Child Left Behind Act, 
     creating the need for public school districts to provide 
     greater access to and progress in the general curriculum for 
     students with disabilities; and
       Whereas the task of meeting the rising costs associated 
     with attaining proficiency in the general curriculum for 
     students with disabilities requires a strong partnership 
     between local, state, and federal government agencies; now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature strongly urges 
     the President of the United States and the United States 
     Congress to fulfill their obligation to provide adequate 
     funding of educational services for students with 
     disabilities by providing 40 percent of the average per-pupil 
     expenditure for general education students in Alaska as 
     authorized in the Individuals with Disabilities Education 
     Act.
                                  ____

       POM-472. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature urging the United States Congress to reauthorize 
     the Debbie Smith DNA backlog grant program; to the Committee 
     on the Judiciary.

                     House Joint Resolution No. 34

       Whereas DNA technology is increasingly vital to ensuring 
     accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system, but is 
     not yet considered a routine tool for criminal identification 
     by law enforcement; and
       Whereas over 50,000 law enforcement investigations have 
     already been aided nationwide because of DNA matches made 
     through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Combined DNA 
     Index System, bringing justice to victims and removing 
     criminals from the streets; and
       Whereas the Innocence Project has used DNA in over 200 
     cases to exonerate persons who were wrongfully convicted of 
     crimes; and
       Whereas Alaska and other states throughout the nation have 
     significantly expanded their DNA programs to include a 
     growing number of convicted and arrested felons to match 
     against unsolved crimes; and
       Whereas the demand for DNA testing in both violent and 
     nonviolent crimes has continued to increase as the 
     reliability of this evidence is proven; and
       Whereas many laboratories still maintain DNA backlogs of 
     six months or longer and are unable to meet the growing 
     demand for DNA testing, despite funding commitments from 
     state and local governments; and
       Whereas the Debbie Smith DNA backlog grant program has 
     permitted state and local governments an opportunity to begin 
     to maximize the full potential of forensic DNA through 
     backlog reduction, but much work remains to be done: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature strongly urges 
     the United States Congress to reauthorize the Debbie Smith 
     DNA backlog grant program at current or increased levels.
                                  ____

       POM-473. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature encouraging the repeal of the Real ID Act of 
     2005; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                           Resolution No. 68

       Whereas the federal government has failed to show any 
     measurable evidence that the implementation of the Real ID 
     Act of 2005 will make our borders more secure and better 
     protect our citizens from terrorism; and
       Whereas the state, under the Tenth Amendment to the 
     Constitution of the United States, has always exercised its 
     exclusive power to establish standards and regulations for 
     the issuance of Alaska state driver's licenses and Alaska 
     state identification cards; and
       Whereas the federal government imposes a huge fiscal burden 
     on the division of motor vehicles to implement the Real ID 
     Act of 2005; and
       Whereas noncompliance with the Real ID Act of 2005 will 
     result in the federal government punishing individual 
     Alaskans for the actions of the state by placing limitations 
     on Alaska residents' freedom of travel and access to federal 
     facilities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved That the Alaska State Legislature does not believe 
     government should wage the war on terrorism at the expense of 
     states' rights and liberties of citizens protected by the 
     United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature does not 
     believe the Real ID Act of 2005 will make the United States 
     measurably safer and encourages the United States Congress to 
     repeal the Real ID Act of 2005.
                                  ____

       POM-474. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania memorializing 
     Congress to enact H. Res. 111, which establishes a Select 
     Committee on Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action 
     (MIA) Affairs; to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

                        House Resolution No. 715

       Whereas, it is essential to fully investigate unresolved 
     cases involving military personnel who served in the Vietnam 
     Conflict, Korean Conflict, World War II, Cold War and Gulf 
     War and who are missing in action (MIA), otherwise 
     unaccounted for or known to have been prisoners of war 
     (POWs); and
       Whereas, H. Res. 111, currently under consideration in 
     Congress, would establish a select committee to be known as 
     the Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs; and
       Whereas, the select committee will conduct a full 
     investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any 
     United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam 
     Conflict, Korean Conflict, World War II, Cold War and Gulf 
     War; and
       Whereas, it is appropriate that the select committee be 
     established to conduct this investigation; and
       Whereas, many of these POWs and MIAs are citizens of this 
     Commonwealth; therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives memorialize 
     Congress to enact H. Res. 111 and establish a Select 
     Committee on POW and MIA Affairs; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to 
     each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
                                  ____

       POM-475. A joint resolution adopted by the Alaska State 
     Legislature supporting federal funding for veterans' health 
     care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate 
     funding for veterans' health care; to the Committee on 
     Veterans' Affairs.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 11

       Whereas the United States Department of Veterans Affairs 
     provides medical care for veterans who have risked their 
     lives to protect the security of the nation; and
       Whereas the United States Department of Veterans Affairs 
     has the largest integrated health care system in the United 
     States; and
       Whereas the missions of the United States Department of 
     Veterans Affairs include providing health care to veterans, 
     educating and training health care personnel, conducting 
     medical research, serving as backup to the United States 
     Department of Defense, and supporting communities in times of 
     crisis; and
       Whereas the United States Department of Veterans Affairs 
     provides a wide range of specialized services to meet the 
     unique needs of veterans, including treatment and care for 
     spinal cord injury, blindness, traumatic brain injury, post 
     traumatic stress disorder, amputation injuries, mental health 
     and substance abuse, and conditions requiring long-term care; 
     and
       Whereas federal discretionary funding for veterans' health 
     care is controlled by the executive branch and Congress 
     through the budget and appropriation process; and

[[Page S10659]]

       Whereas the United States Government Accountability Office 
     report in 2005 highlighted the lack of resources and staffing 
     available to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs 
     for processing an increasing backlog of veterans' claims; and
       Whereas discretionary funding for the United States 
     Department of Veterans Affairs lags behind both medical 
     inflation and the increased demands for services; for 
     example, the enrollment for veterans' health care increased 
     134 percent between fiscal years 1996 and 2004, but funding 
     only increased 34 percent during the same period when 
     adjusted to 1996 dollars; and
       Whereas former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
     Anthony Principi has publicly stated that the United States 
     Department of Veterans Affairs has been struggling to provide 
     health care to the rapidly rising number of veterans who 
     require health care; be it
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature expresses its 
     profound gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans who 
     suffer from medical or mental problems resulting from 
     injuries that occurred while serving in the United States 
     Armed Forces; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Alaska State Legislature urges the 
     United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for 
     veterans' health care.
                                  ____

       POM-476. A resolution adopted by the California State Lands 
     Commission supporting the Ocean Conservation, Education, and 
     National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 21) and the 
     National Oceans Protection Act of 2008 (S. 3314); to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
                                  ____

       POM-477. A resolution adopted by the California State Lands 
     Commission requesting that Congress continue to enact, and 
     the President reinstitute, the moratorium on oil and gas 
     leasing within protected offshore areas; to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources.
                                  ____

       POM-478. A resolution adopted by the legislature of the 
     Republic of the Philippines thanking the U.S. Senate for the 
     passage of S. 1315 known as the Veterans' Benefits 
     Enhancement Act of 2007; to the Committee on Veterans' 
     Affairs.

                          ____________________
```