granule_id,date,congress,session,volume,issue,title,chamber,granule_class,sub_granule_class,page_start,page_end,speakers,bills,citation,full_text CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgD1170-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Daily Digest/House of Representatives,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDHCHAMBER,D1170,D1170,,,152 Cong. Rec. D1170,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1170] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] House of Representatives Chamber Action The House was not in session today. The House will meet at 12 noon on Thursday, January 4, 2007, for the convening of the first session of the 110th Congress." CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgD1170-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Daily Digest/NEW PUBLIC LAWS,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDNEWPUBLAWS,D1170,D1172,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""843""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1219""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1472""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1820""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2250""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2383""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3678""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3699""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3759""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3817""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4000""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4050""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4073""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4246""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4377""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4559""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4720""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4766""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5061""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5103""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5108""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5466""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5585""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5690""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5736""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5857""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5923""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5989""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5990""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6078""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6121""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6143""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6151""}]",152 Cong. Rec. D1170,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1170-D1172] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D11127) H.J. Res. 102, making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007. Signed on December 9, 2006. (Public Law 109-383) H.R. 2383, to redesignate the facility of the Bureau of Reclamation located at 19550 Kelso Road in Byron, California, as the ``C.W. `Bill' Jones Pumping Plant''. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109- 384) H.R. 3817, to withdraw the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest in New Mexico from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-385) H.R. 4000, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise certain repayment contracts with the Bostwick Irrigation District in Nebraska, the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, the Frenchman- Cambridge Irrigation District, and the Webster Irrigation District No. 4, all a part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-386) H.R. 4559, to provide for the conveyance of certain National Forest System land to the towns of Laona and Wabeno, Wisconsin. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-387) H.R. 5061, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey Paint Bank National Fish Hatchery and Wytheville National Fish Hatchery to the State of Virginia. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109- 388) H.R. 5103, to provide for the conveyance of the former Konnarock Lutheran Girls School in Smyth [[Page D1171]] County, Virginia, which is currently owned by the United States and administered by the Forest Service, to facilitate the restoration and reuse of the property. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109- 389) H.R. 5585, to improve the netting process for financial contracts. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-390) H.R. 5690, to adjust the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest in the States of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-391) H.R. 6121, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize a program relating to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Signed on December 12, 2006. (Public Law 109-392) H.R. 4377, to extend the time required for construction of a hydroelectric project. Signed on December 13, 2006. (Public Law 109- 393) H.R. 4766, to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs. Signed on December 14, 2006. (Public Law 109-394) S. 2250, to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. Signed on December 14, 2006. (Public Law 109-395) H.R. 3699, to provide for the sale, acquisition, conveyance, and exchange of certain real property in the District of Columbia to facilitate the utilization, development, and redevelopment of such property. Signed on December 15, 2006. (Public Law 109-396) H.R. 1472, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 167 East 124th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Tito Puente Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-397) H.R. 4246, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-398) H.R. 4720, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, California, as the ``Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-399) H.R. 5108, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1213 East Houston Street in Cleveland, Texas, as the ``Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-400) H.R. 5682, to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-401) H.R. 5736, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-402) H.R. 5857, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, as the ``Morris K. `Mo' Udall Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-403) H.R. 5923, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 29-50 Union Street in Flushing, New York, as the ``Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-404) H.R. 5989, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10240 Roosevelt Road in Westchester, Illinois, as the ``John J. Sinde Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-405) H.R. 5990, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 South 5th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, as the ``Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-406) H.R. 6078, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 West Wheat Street in Woodville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-407) H.R. 6102, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Lawyers Road, NW in Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Captain Christopher Petty Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-408) H.R. 6151, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Oak Street in Farmington, Minnesota, as the ``Hamilton H. Judson Post Office''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-409) S. 1219, to authorize certain tribes in the State of Montana to enter into a lease or other temporary conveyance of water rights to meet the water needs of the Dry Prairie Rural Water Association, Inc. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-410) S. 1820, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the ``Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-411) S. 3759, to name the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, Montana, in honor of Captain William Wylie Galt, a recipient of the Congressional [[Page D1172]] Medal of Honor. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-412) S. 4050, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Thompson Street in Thomaston, Georgia, as the ``Sergeant First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-413) S. 4073, to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Farmington, Missouri, as the ``Robert Silvey Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''. Signed on December 18, 2006. (Public Law 109-414) H.R. 6143, to amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing lifesaving care for those with HIV/AIDS. Signed on December 19, 2006. (Public Law 109-415) S. 843, to amend the Public Health Service Act to combat autism through research, screening, intervention and education. Signed on December 19, 2006. (Public Law 109-416) S. 3678, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response. Signed on December 19, 2006. (Public Law 109-417) H.R. 5466, to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Signed on December 20, 2006. (Public Law 109-418)" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgD1170,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Daily Digest/Highlights + Senate,SENATE,DAILYDIGEST,DDSCHAMBER,D1170,D1170,,,152 Cong. Rec. D1170,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1170] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Wednesday, December 27, 2006 [[Page D1170]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS See Resume of Congressional Activity. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S11851-S11857 The Senate stands in sine die adjournment until 12 noon, on Thursday, January 4, 2007 for the convening of the first session of the 110th Congress. Measures Reported: Special Report entitled ``Activities of the Committee on Governmental Affairs: Report of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, and Its Subcommittees for the One Hundred Eighth Congress''. (S. Rept. No. 109-368) Page S11857 NOMINATIONS--CORRECTION: The Senate Daily Digest of Friday, December 8, 2006, incorrectly reported the following nominations as confirmed; both nominations were returned to the President in lieu of being confirmed: Jill E. Sommers, of Kansas, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and Leon R. Sequeira, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor. Page S11857 Messages From the House: Pages S11856-57 Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S11857" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgD1173-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Daily Digest/Next Meeting of the SENATE + Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES + Other End Matter,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDENDMATTER,D1173,D1174,,,152 Cong. Rec. D1173,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1173-D1174] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087�09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional Record is published. The database includes both text and graphics from the beginning of the 103d Congress, 2d session (January 1994) forward. It is available through GPO Access at www.gpo.gov/gpoaccess. Customers can also access this information with WAIS client software, via telnet at swais.access.gpo.gov, or dial-in using communications software and a modem at 202�09512�091661. Questions or comments regarding this database or GPO Access can be directed to the GPO Access User Support Team at: E-Mail: gpoaccess@gpo.gov; Phone 1�09888�09293�096498 (toll-free), 202�09512�091530 (D.C. area); Fax: 202�09512�091262. The Team's hours of availability are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, except Federal holidays. The Congressional Record paper and 24x microfiche edition will be furnished by mail to subscribers, free of postage, at the following prices: paper edition, $252.00 for six months, $503.00 per year, or purchased as follows: less than 200 pages, $10.50; between 200 and 400 pages, $21.00; greater than 400 pages, $31.50, payable in advance; microfiche edition, $146.00 per year, or purchased for $3.00 per issue payable in advance. The semimonthly Congressional Record Index may be purchased for the same per issue prices. To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250�097954, or phone orders to 866�09512�091800 (toll free), 202�09512�091800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202�09512�092250. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D1174]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 12 noon, Thursday, January 4 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will convene the first session of the 110th Congress. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 noon, Thursday, January 4 House Chamber Program for Thursday: The House will convene the first session of the 110th Congress. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Barton, Joe, Tex., E2240 Boustany, Charles W., Jr., La., E2242 Camp, Dave, Mich., E2242 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E2244 Davis, Jo Ann, Va., E2240 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E2241 Fattah, Chaka, Pa., E2239 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E2255 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E2240 Inslee, Jay, Wash., E2243 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E2239, E2239, E2240 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E2244 McKinney, Cynthia A., Ga., E2253 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E2239, E2240 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E2243 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E2241 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E2242 Thomas, William M., Calif., E2244 Walsh, James T., N.Y., E2241 Westmoreland, Lynn A., Mac, Ga., E2240 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E2244" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgD1173,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Daily Digest/Resume of Congressional Activity,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDRESUMEONGOING,D1173,D1173,,,152 Cong. Rec. D1173,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1173] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] *These figures include all measures reported, even if there was no accompanying report. A total of 155 reports have been filed in the Senate, a total of 366 reports have been filed in the House. [[Page D1173]] Resume of Congressional Activity SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS The first table gives a comprehensive resume of all legislative business transacted by the Senate and House. The second table accounts for all nominations submitted to the Senate by the President for Senate confirmation. DATA ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY January 3 through December 9, 2006 Senate House Total Days in session............... 138 101 . . Time in session............... 1,027 hrs., 48 850 hrs., 19 . . Congressional Record: Pages of proceedings........... 11,849 9,202 . . Extensions of Remarks.......... . . 2,187 . . Public bills enacted into law. 73 175 248 Private bills enacted into law 1 . . 1 Bills in conference........... 1 4 5 Measures passed, total........ 635 710 1,345 Senate bills................... 142 87 . . House bills.................... 211 319 . . Senate joint resolutions....... 2 2 . . House joint resolutions........ 8 8 . . Senate concurrent resolutions.. 20 8 . . House concurrent resolutions... 41 77 . . Simple resolutions............. 211 209 . . Measures reported, total...... *231 *345 576 Senate bills................... 160 10 . . House bills.................... 57 223 . . Senate joint resolutions....... 3 . . . . House joint resolutions........ . . 1 . . Senate concurrent resolutions.. 4 . . . . House concurrent resolutions... . . 9 . . Simple resolutions............. 7 102 . . Special reports............... 9 12 . . Conference reports............ 1 9 . . Measures pending on calendar.. 303 159 . . Measures introduced, total.... 2,302 2,451 4,753 Bills.......................... 1,953 1,785 . . Joint resolutions.............. 14 27 . . Concurrent resolutions......... 48 174 . . Simple resolutions............. 287 465 . . Quorum calls.................. 1 2 . . Yea-and-nay votes............. 279 287 . . Recorded votes................ . . 252 . . Bills vetoed.................. . . 1 . . Vetoes overridden............. . . . . . . DISPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS January 3 through December 9, 2006 Civilian nominations, totaling 618 (including 148 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed..........................................415... Withdrawn...........................................21... Returned to White House............................182... Other Civilian nominations, totaling 3,266 (including 780 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................3,263... Withdrawn............................................1... Returned to White House..............................2... Air Force nominations, totaling 7,830 (including 100 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................7,829... Returned to White House..............................1... Army nominations, totaling 9,785 (including 608 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................9,772... Returned to White House.............................13... Navy nominations, totaling 7,036 (including 21 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................7,035... Returned to White House..............................1... Marine Corps nominations, totaling 1,293 (including 2 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................1,289... Returned to White House..............................4... Summary Total nominations carried over from the First Session1,659 Total nominations received this Session.............28,169 Total confirmed.....................................29,603 Total unconfirmed........................................0 Total withdrawn.........................................22 Total returned to the White House......................203" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2239-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,HONORING MR. GEORGE MARTIN FOR HIS LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND JUSTICE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2239,E2239,"[{""name"": ""Gwen Moore"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2239,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2239] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING MR. GEORGE MARTIN FOR HIS LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND JUSTICE ______ HON. GWEN MOORE of wisconsin in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent, Mr. George Paz Martin, a longtime activist, community leader and cherished friend who is being honored this month with the Lifetime Peacemaker Award by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. I can think of no more appropriate recipient for this award. Throughout his life, Mr. Martin has exhibited tireless activism, a limitless command of skills and approaches, and a relentless pursuit of justice and peace. There is scarcely a social justice issue on which George Martin has not served a crucial leadership role. Coming of age in the civil rights movement, he fought for equality and desegregation in housing, education, and employment, among other things. He has served numerous organizations that provide community development and services for housing, healthcare, and economic development. An internationally renowned peace activist and Green Party leader, he is also extremely involved in local efforts to address the needs of the veterans' community. Not only do his social justice interests know no bounds, but his combination of skills and approaches to the pursuit of justice make him a relentless champion. Having worked in the corporate world, he understands the utility of marketing and promotions in broadening the peace movement. He has built local, national and international coalitions against violence within neighborhoods and among nations. He is a highly sought-after public speaker, who has participated in nearly every major peace rally since the invasion of Iraq. He has traveled throughout the world building relationships with other peace movements, and serving as a witness to the devastation caused by war and violence. Finally, Mr. Martin demonstrates seemingly limitless personal commitment. He brings care and compassion to every struggle. It is the hallmark of his style that he has crafted a movement against the Iraq war that takes account of the humanity of everyone involved, including those involved in the fighting, the policymakers, the peace leaders and those who support the war. I am indebted to George for his expertise, his friendship, and the example of his leadership and I am honored to have this opportunity to thank him for his lifelong commitment to equality, peace, non-violence and justice. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2239-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2239,E2239,"[{""name"": ""Chaka Fattah"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1088""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1091""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2239,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2239] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. CHAKA FATTAH of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, had I been present for the vote on H. Res. 1088 and H. Res. 1091, I would have voted ``yea.'' ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2239-4,2006-12-27,109,2,,,COMMENDING CHAIRMAN HENRY HYDE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,COMMENDING,E2239,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2239,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2239-E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMENDING CHAIRMAN HENRY HYDE ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Chairman Henry Hyde on a remarkable career and to congratulate him on his retirement from the U.S. Congress. Chairman Hyde has honorably served the citizens of Illinois' 6th District since 1975. He has an impressive record of legislative accomplishments, has led two powerful committees and has been conferred 8 honorary degrees. I have had the honor to serve under Chairman Hyde on the House International Relations Committee for the past four years. During a time of growing international pressures, he has led this committee with skill and dignity. His commitment to the integrity of the House has taught me a great deal about the legislative process. His respect for the minority, interest in listening to all voices and his common-sense leadership has been critical in ensuring civil debate and productive solutions to extremely difficult problems. This leadership was evident during the successful passage of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, which has helped to bring needed urgency and attention to this global crisis. Mr. Hyde and his committee staff enabled me, as a first term member, to ensure that my amendment to set aside 10 percent of funding for orphans and vulnerable children was passed as part of this bill. The enactment of this legislation is a testament to Mr. Hyde's ability to bring people and ideas together to make a real difference for families around the world. In March of 2005, I had the pleasure of traveling with a congressional delegation led by Chairman Hyde to Mexico and Panama. We had the opportunity to meet with President [[Page E2240]] Vincente Fox of Mexico and President Torrijos of Panama to discuss issues of mutual importance to our countries. It was a wonderful experience for me to see firsthand the respect that leaders around the world have for Mr. Hyde. Chairman Hyde has been a mentor and a friend and I will miss his leadership in the U.S. House. I thank him for his service to the 6th District of Illinois, the country and the world, and wish him the very best in his retirement. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2239,2006-12-27,109,2,,,HONORING CONGRESSMAN MARTIN OLAV SABO'S CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2239,E2239,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2239,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2239] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E2239]] HONORING CONGRESSMAN MARTIN OLAV SABO'S CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a fellow Minnesotan, Congressman Martin Sabo of Minneapolis, on his distinguished career of public service. The neighboring cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN, are known as the ``Twin Cities.'' As the representative from St. Paul, it has been my privilege to serve in Congress with my ``Twin brother'' Martin Sabo. After I was first elected to the U.S. House, he immediately became an expert mentor, always generous with time-tested insights. I will never forget the much-needed help he and his staff offered me as I made a difficult transition into Congress following the death of my predecessor, Congressman Bruce Vento. Six years on, we are partners working to solve the problems facing the families of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Through these collaborations, I have come to admire his wisdom--garnered through his personal experience, knowledge and integrity--and recognize what the Congress will lose following his much-deserved retirement. Martin's public life began 45 years ago when he was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives at the young age of 22. He went on to serve with distinction as both House Speaker and minority leader until his election to Congress in 1978. During his nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Sabo's patient dedication to results and sound governance earned him the respect and trust of his colleagues. In his position on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Sabo directed federal funds to advance Minnesota's transportation system and improve the quality of life for U.S. soldiers and their families. As Chairman of the House Budget Committee in 1993, he played a central role in shaping and supporting President Clinton's landmark budget, which righted America's fIscal course and set the stage for years of unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Outside of the House Chamber and Capitol Hill committee rooms, Mr. Sabo championed causes close to his heart. He promoted educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Norway as a co-founder of the Friends of Norway Caucus in the House. As a fellow Norwegian, I can attest to the success of these exchanges in reinforcing the bonds between Minnesota and Norway. Mr. Sabo also combined his passion for Minnesota Twins baseball with big league Washington politics by serving as the long-time manager for the Democratic squad at the annual congressional baseball game where, in my opinion, he equaled Minnesota Twin greats Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire. Congressman Sabo's tactical mastery and commonsense approach in the dugout is an honest metaphor for his model of leadership in Congress. He worked on behalf of Minnesota in the tradition of Minnesotans--with quiet dignity, progressive ideals and intent of purpose. His instinct for good policy and a focus on the needs of real people over partisan politics has served his constituents and his country well. We are honored to inherit his legacy of a public life, honorably lived. While I am certain his wife Sylvia and his children and grandchildren look forward to spending more time with him, he will be dearly missed by his colleagues at the Capitol. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Susan A. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JO ANN DAVIS of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, due to a medical treatment, I was not able to attend votes on December 8th and 9th, 2006. Had I been present and had there been a rollcall vote, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 6407, legislation to reform the postal laws of the United States. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Brian Higgins"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3546""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3718""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. BRIAN HIGGINS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I missed two Rollcall votes late in the night on Friday, December 8, 2006. I would like to enter into the record how I intended to vote on the missed Rollcall votes: On Roll #542, On a Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 3718, the Pool and Spa Safety Act, I would have voted YES. On Roll #543, On a Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 3546, the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act, I would have voted YES. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240-4,2006-12-27,109,2,,,IN RECOGNITION AND REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE OF U.S. ARMY SERGEANT BRYAN T. McDONOUGH,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION AND REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE OF U.S. ARMY SERGEANT BRYAN T. McDONOUGH ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and courage of U.S. Army Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough. Sergeant McDonough was on patrol near Fallujah, Iraq when a bomb exploded near his vehicle, killing him and fellow Minnesotan Spec. Corey Rystad, and injuring two others, on December 2nd, 2006. A graduate of Roseville Area High School, SGT McDonough, 22, was enrolled in classes at St. Cloud Technical College before he was deployed to Iraq in March 2006. Sergeant McDonough's father, Tom, shared how after learning more about the families left behind by the many men and women who were injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, McDonough decided to enlist in the Minnesota Army National Guard in September 2003. He was assigned to B Company 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, based out of Crookston, Minnesota. As testimony to his leadership and dedication while in the Minnesota Army National Guard, he was posthumously promoted from the rank of Specialist to Sergeant. The McDonough family lovingly describes Bryan as an avid sportsman who enjoyed spending time bass fishing and hunting with his family at their cabin in Wisconsin. They cherish their memories of a considerate, generous young man who always tried to make sure that those he was with were happy. Perhaps the most poignant example of SGT McDonough's concern for others was his stated desire that his family and friends not worry about his safety during his deployment. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Sergeant McDonough for his brave and honorable service to the United States and his commitment to protecting our freedom. He possessed great courage, love of our country and a strong sense of duty toward his fellow Americans. Sergeant McDonough's parents, Tom and Renee, his brother and sisters, Shannon, Katie, and Kevin, and his many friends have my deepest sympathies for their profound loss. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240-5,2006-12-27,109,2,,,U.S. SAFE WEB ACT OF 2005,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Joe Barton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1608""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] U.S. SAFE WEB ACT OF 2005 ______ speech of HON. JOE BARTON of texas in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1608, the ``Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers Beyond Borders Act'', also known as the SAFE WEB Act. Mr. Speaker, my Committee dealt with this issue in the 108th Congress because it is a growing problem. The issue is important because fraud perpetrated against our citizens increasingly originates or is committed outside the United States: the Federal Trade Commission reports 20 percent of the complaints it received are ``cross-border'' fraud complaints. Under current law, there is little the FTC can do to stop or prosecute a perpetrator outside the United States. The Safe Web Act will make two significant changes to help stop the fraud and protect consumers. First, it amends the FTC Act definition of ``unfair or deceptive acts or practices'' to include acts or practices involving foreign commerce. Second, it allows the FTC to share information and cooperate with foreign governments to investigate and take action on fraud complaints consistent with existing law enforcement practices. I am pleased to see that S. 1608 reflects and codifies the interagency agreement reached in 2004. We have an amendment that will make a few minor changes to S. 1608. The Amendment strikes the findings, eliminates the gift provision to the FTC, and sunsets the legislation after 7 years. This is good consumer protection legislation and will help law enforcement agencies find and prosecute criminals outside our borders committing fraud against our citizens. I would like to thank FTC Chairwoman Majoras as well as Jeanne Bumpus at the FTC for their efforts to help make this legislation a law. I urge my colleagues to pass the bill so we can continue to protect consumers and prosecute criminals. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240-6,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ROBERT LEE ``BOBBY'' HOLLAR, JR. POST OFFICE BUILDING",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2240,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Lynn A. Westmoreland"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4050""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2240-E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ROBERT LEE ``BOBBY'' HOLLAR, JR. POST OFFICE BUILDING ______ speech of HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND of georgia in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I would like to respectfully recognize and thank Senator Chambliss for his efforts with Senator Isakson to have S. 4050 passed in the Senate. Both Senators played an important role in seeing that S. 4050 was promptly passed in [[Page E2241]] the Senate so the bill could be addressed in the House before the adjournment of the 109th Congress. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2240,2006-12-27,109,2,,,IN TRIBUTE TO THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Gwen Moore"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN TRIBUTE TO THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE ______ HON. GWEN MOORE of wisconsin in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee. Since 1916, this non-profit organization in my district has provided invaluable legal services to low-income people and other vulnerable members of society. Now serving over 8,000 people a year, the Legal Aid Society specializes in advocating for children, people living with HIV/ AIDS, the elderly, immigrants, those with mental illnesses, prisoners, and victims of domestic abuse. As a result of their work, thousands of people in my district have been protected from exploitation and discrimination, and many others have received redress when their basic human rights were violated. The Legal Aid Society has been a pioneer not only in representing vulnerable people, but also in developing mechanisms to ensure consumer relief, protection against discrimination, and equal access to legal representation. The Legal Aid Society took the lead in establishing the first small claims court in Milwaukee and together with the Milwaukee Bar Association, set up the state's first lawyer referral service. In 1957, the Legal Aid Society initiated the state's first public defender system. Widely recognized throughout the State for these innovations, the Legal Aid Society is one of the foremost organizations in Wisconsin working to make sure that the law serves everyone. Several current and former Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justices worked at the Legal Aid Society before ascending to the high court, a testament both to the quality of legal representation this organization provides and to the role it plays in ensuring that attention to consumer law and the issues that affect low-income people are considered throughout the legal system. I am very grateful to the Legal Aid Society, and its current and former employees, for their commitment to ensuring that everyone has a voice in the system. It is a privilege to thank them for their dedicated service and salute this impressive progressive record. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2241-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Mike Rogers"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS ACT ______ speech of HON. MIKE ROGERS of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and specifically the Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act. I would like to thank Chairman Barton, and the Energy and Commerce Committee staff for their support. I would also like to extend a special thanks to my colleague Congresswoman Anna Eshoo for her work on the issue. Biological weapons have been proven to work, are capable of causing massive disaster, are relatively cheap, and are increasingly easy to design, build and disseminate. The materials and technical know-how needed to make a bio-weapon that could infect hundreds of thousands of people are already widely distributed around the planet, and the number of people who possess the expertise needed to create bioweapons is rapidly growing as biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and production expand into developing countries. Preventing either a natural epidemic or a bioterrorist attack is, unfortunately, unlikely. Therefore, the Nation's ability to rapidly and effectively respond in the face of a bio-security crisis must be a central pillar in our bio-security strategy. Medicines and vaccines that can counter illnesses caused by exposure to bioterror agents are obviously an essential component of biodefense and would be critical to controlling the spread of contagious disease. This legislation will enable the government to better develop, procure, and make available countermeasures to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents for use in a public health emergency. Bioterror countermeasures for agents of terrorism have no market other than the government. This legislation will provide assurance to companies that the government is fully engaged and a willing and able business partner. This legislation will speed up the development and procurement process by reorganizing and enhancing these responsibilities into the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency, BARDA. 1. BARDA would create a single point of authority within government. 2. BARDA would streamline the approval and acquisition process to help bridge the ``valley of death'' for bio-pharmaceutical research. 3. BARDA is an aggressive partnering with universities, research institutions and industry on the advanced development of promising drugs and vaccines and would of these countermeasures. As the Chairman and my colleagues on both sides of our aisle know, the House passed version of this legislation also included specific authority under BioShield for HHS to enter into procurement contracts with multiple companies for multiple products and technologies. We all know from lessons learned that this is a complicated and uncertain process. These vaccines and other medical countermeasures are only in the early stage of development and history suggests that most will not be successfully developed or only a few will receive FDA approval. That is why the House-passed bill included a provision intended to direct a risk mitigation strategy that the Department not put all their eggs in one basket. Is it the understanding that while the bill passed by the Senate had no similar provision, that currently the BioShield statute provides authority for the Department to enter into multiple procurement contracts for products and technologies for the development and acquisition of countermeasures and that this is an important risk mitigation strategy for the government. I have been in communication with Senator Burr and he agrees with this policy. I urge your support of this important piece of legislation. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2241-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5682, HENRY J. HYDE UNITED STATES-INDIA PEACEFUL ATOMIC ENERGY COOPERATION ACT OF 2006",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2242,"[{""name"": ""James T. Walsh"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2241-E2242] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5682, HENRY J. HYDE UNITED STATES-INDIA PEACEFUL ATOMIC ENERGY COOPERATION ACT OF 2006 ______ speech of HON. JAMES T. WALSH of new york in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to affirm the significance of our Nation's friendship with India through implementation of the U.S.- India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006. Our friendship with India is among the most important bilateral relationships for our Nation's security and prosperity. As a fellow partner in democracy, India has stood firm with the United States in many different arenas--from fighting the war on terrorism, to advancing both the U.S. and Indian economies, to assisting in the formulation of a productive dialogue with China. Time and again, India has shown herself to be a proven ally and this legislation represents yet another historic milestone in the association between our two great nations. This agreement marks a I80-degree policy shift pertaining to nuclear relations between India and the United States. This agreement permits the U.S. to sell technology to India for nuclear power development and in return, India will open up for inspection its civilian nuclear program, agree not to test nuclear weapons, and abide by nuclear export controls. In essence, this legislation brings India to the [[Page E2242]] world stage as a verifiable and accountable nuclear power while reaffirming the U.S. and India as economic partners in peace. Mr. Speaker, this is a good and appropriate piece of legislation. This bill has undergone months of deliberation, been subject to modification and amendment and finally, brought forth for a vote. I would like to commend Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for all their hard work on this bill and reemphasize the significance it carries in furthering economic and technological cooperatives amongst democratic partners. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2241,2006-12-27,109,2,,,PREMATURITY RESEARCH EXPANSION AND EDUCATION FOR MOTHERS WHO DELIVER INFANTS EARLY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Anna G. Eshoo"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PREMATURITY RESEARCH EXPANSION AND EDUCATION FOR MOTHERS WHO DELIVER INFANTS EARLY ______ speech of HON. ANNA G. ESHOO of california in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, as the Democratic sponsor of this bill, I am proud to rise today in strong support of this legislation. Since 1981, the CDC estimates that the number of infants born too soon has increased by over 30 percent. More than 500,000 infants are born prematurely each year. Tragically, premature infants are 14 times more likely to die in their first year of life and premature babies who survive may suffer lifelong consequences including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman and in nearly half of the cases, no one knows why. This legislation will help identify the causes of prematurity and reduce the episodes of preterm labor and delivery. It also aims to reduce the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity. But the overarching goal of this legislation is to bring hope to the 1,305 babies born too soon each day, and extend hope to their families. This legislation gives us a chance to make a difference. The PREEMIE Act requires HHS and the CDC to expand and coordinate their research activities on preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality, and to conduct research on the relationship between prematurity, birth defects, and developmental disabilities. In order to increase awareness of preterm birth as a serious, common and costly public health problem, the bill also requires the Surgeon General to conduct an expert conference on prematurity and report to Congress its recommendations for how the public and private sectors can identify the causes of and risk factors for preterm labor and delivery, and improve treatments. This bill has the strong endorsement of the March of Dimes, which has worked closely with us to craft this legislation. I salute and thank them for their advocacy. This legislation has broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and the Senate. I thank the bill's many cosponsors for their support and I especially want to pay tribute to the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Fred Upton, for his leadership on this issue. We introduced this bill together in previous Congresses and I'm proud to have worked with him to make this bill a reality. I also want to thank the bill's champions in the Senate, Senators Lamar Alexander and Chris Dodd. It has been a rewarding experience for me to work in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion to enact this legislation, and I think our collective efforts have made this bill stronger because of it. I want to thank Chairman Barton for acknowledging the importance of acting on this legislation before the end of the year and bringing it to the floor today. I also want to thank the staff members who have put so much time and energy into this legislation: Page Kranbuhl with Senator Alexander, Tamar Magarik with Senator Dodd, Jane Williams with Representative Upton, Randy Pate with Chairman Barton, and Jennifer Nieto of my staff. Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill which will help make a difference in the lives of families across America and around the world and I urge my colleagues to support it. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2242-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,SUSPENSION OF LIMITATION ON PERIOD FOR WHICH BORROWERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GUARANTEED ASSISTANCE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2242,E2242,"[{""name"": ""Charles W. Boustany, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4093""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2242,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2242] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SUSPENSION OF LIMITATION ON PERIOD FOR WHICH BORROWERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GUARANTEED ASSISTANCE ______ speech of HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR. of louisiana in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill, S. 4093. This bill will modify the expiration date of a provision of a farm bill dealing with farm credit so that it expires concurrent with the rest of the farm bill. Currently a provision of the farm bill dealing with guaranteed loans for farmers and ranchers expires on December 31 of this calendar year. The rest of the farm bill, however, does not begin to expire until December 30 of 2007. By passing this bill, we are ensuring that this credit program has the opportunity to be fully debated during the development of the next farm bill. Furthermore, should this provision expire in the next few days, it would create a hardship on the part of those farmers, ranchers, and lenders to whom it would apply. I ask my colleagues to support this bill so that this credit program, which is so important for America's young and beginning farmers, has the opportunity to be debated and reevaluated during the development of the next farm bill without causing undue hardship with limited notice to the farmers and ranchers that use this important program. I would also like to thank Michael Hare of my staff for his diligent work in the last week to bring this bill to the floor. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2242-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,TAX RELIEF AND HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2006,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2242,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Dave Camp"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2242,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2242-E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TAX RELIEF AND HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2006 ______ speech of HON. DAVE CAMP of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that extends meaningful tax relief to American manufacturers, families, students, and teachers. As the 109th Congress closes, and an era of Republican control ends, it is fitting that one of the last bills considered provides Americans with the opportunity to keep more of their hard- earned money. H.R. 6111 does much more than lower taxes--it will help America keep its competitive edge. For example, H.R. 6111 includes incentives for companies to engage in research and development work, allows students to deduct their college tuition costs, and encourages the use of solar, wind, landfill gas, and other clean energy technologies. Importantly too, this legislation extends tax benefits for individuals and families to use for their health care needs through the use of health savings accounts. In my view, one of the highlights of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act is the 2-year extension and enhancement of the research and development tax credit. As one of the leading advocates in the House of Representatives for the R&D tax credit, I am particularly pleased that companies will be able to use a new, Alternative Simplified Credit. The ASC will enable more companies to utilize the credit. As foreign-based R&D spending has grown faster than U.S.-based R&D spending, it is imperative that the U.S. offer American companies tax incentives for high-risk, long-term research projects. Extension and enhancement of the R&D credit is vitally important for companies doing business in my home state of Michigan. Michigan ranks as one of the top 10 states in reported R&D activity with more than 1,300 companies performing research and development in the state. Another tax item of significance in H.R. 6111 provides teachers with a $250 tax deduction for the purchase of classroom supplies, equipment, and other related school materials. I have long sponsored legislation that provides tax relief to teachers. America's K-12 teachers spend literally thousands of their own dollars on classroom supplies. The average educator spends $1,180 on non-reimbursed [[Page E2243]] expenses such as books, lesson materials, math flash cards, crayons, and countless other items that help children learn. H.R. 6111 provides teachers with tax relief that will help defray the significant out-of- pocket cost of educational items for their students and classrooms. Regarding clean energy, this legislation will extend tax credits for renewable electricity production from sources such as wind, biomass, and landfill gas. It will also extend incentives for commercial and residential use of solar power. Greater tax credits and deductions will help lessen the higher costs typically associated with these types of clean energy. These incentives will also help expand consumer acceptance of renewable energy. And, without consumer demand, businesses are reluctant to develop the technologies to harness these energy sources. H.R. 6111 will extend current tax policies that will foster the development and use of clean energy. I appreciate Chairman Thomas' hard work in bringing this legislation to the floor. His skill and dedication to putting together good tax policy will be missed. It has been an honor serving with him on the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to vote in favor of H.R. 6111 and am confident that these incentives will help more Americans keep more of what they earn while further stimulating our already robust national economy. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2242,2006-12-27,109,2,,,INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESERVING CRIME VICTIMS' RESTITUTION ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2242,E2242,"[{""name"": ""Adam B. Schiff"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4055""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2242,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2242] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESERVING CRIME VICTIMS' RESTITUTION ACT ______ HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I introduced the Preserving Crime Victims' Restitution Act of 2006. This legislation would clarify the procedures that should be applied when a criminal defendant dies after he or she has been duly convicted but before the appeals are final. The need for this legislation has been made evident in recent months. Earlier this year, Enron founder Kenneth Lay was found guilty in both jury and bench trials of 10 criminal charges, including securities fraud, wire fraud involving false and misleading statements, bank fraud and conspiracy. Prosecutors sought $43.5 million in restitution for the victims of Mr. Lay's crimes. However, prior to the scheduled sentencing, Mr. Lay died from a heart attack. As a result, on October 17, 2006, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake wiped clean Mr. Lay's criminal record. The convictions were dismissed under a common law rule known as ``abatement,'' which nullifies a conviction when a defendant dies before the conviction is affirmed on appeal, regardless of the merits of the claim. Judge Lake made clear that his ruling simply followed the binding precedent issued in 2004 by the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the fifth circuit, in a case called United States v. Estate of Parsons. Last month, the Department of Justice withdrew its notice of appeal on Judge Lake's ruling. Congress holds a serious responsibility to address this situation in a timely manner. Unless we act quickly, thousands of Enron shareholders and employees, many of whom lost their entire life savings when Enron's $60 billion in market share and $2 billion in pension funds suddenly disappeared, will further lose out on what little restitution they might otherwise receive on the loss of their hard-earned assets and pension funds. The Preserving Crime Victims' Restitution Act of 2006 is the House companion to S. 4055 in the Senate, introduced by Senators Feinstein and Sessions. The Department of Justice strongly supports the principles contained in this legislation and the effort to fix this problem to ensure that despite a defendant's death, convictions are preserved and restitution remains available for victims of crime. The legislation that I am introducing today will do the following: Establish that if a defendant dies after being convicted of a Federal offense, his conviction will not be vacated. Instead, the court will be directed to issue a statement stating that the defendant was convicted--either by a guilty plea or a verdict finding him guilty--but then died before his case or appeal was final; Codify the current rule that no further punishments can be imposed on a person who is convicted if they die before a sentence is imposed or they have an opportunity to appeal their conviction; Clarify that unlike punishment, all other relief, such as restitution to the victims, that could have been sought against a convicted defendant can continue to be pursued and collected after the defendant's death; Establish a process to ensure that after a person dies, a representative of the estate can stand in the shoes of the defendant and challenge or appeal his or her conviction, and can also secure a lawyer or have one appointed; and Grant the Government an additional 2 years after the defendant's death to file a parallel civil forfeiture lawsuit to recover assets linked to the defendant's crimes when the Government had already filed a criminal forfeiture action to recover the same assets. Enron's collapse in 2001 eliminated thousands of jobs, tens of billions of dollars in market value, and $2 billion in pension plans. Countless former Enron employees and shareholders lost their entire life savings after investing in Enron's retirement plan. These victims have been closely following the years of preparation by the Enron Task Force, and the 4-month jury trial and separate 1-week bench trial, hoping to finally recover some restitution in this criminal case. Despite prosecutors finally securing a conviction, following the death of Mr. Lay, these efforts to achieve justice for the victims to make up for the harm they have suffered were eliminated. Instead, these individuals have been forced to start anew in their efforts to rebuild their lives. Now is the time for Congress to take action to remedy this situation. This legislation offers a fair solution and an orderly process in the event that a criminal defendant dies prior to his final appeal. I am hopeful that Congress will act quickly enough to assist these Enron victims and ensure that such an injustice never occurs again. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2243-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2243,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Nick J. Rahall II"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5946""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2243-E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006 ______ speech of HON. NICK J. RAHALL II of west virginia in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The pending measure, as passed by the Senate, may be one of the last items on our schedule this Congress, but it is certainly not the least important. The bill would reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in order to guide the management of our marine fisheries through 2013. We would not be here today if Senators Ted Stevens and Daniel Inouye had not extended an olive branch. I am extremely appreciative of the hard work that they and their staffs put into this legislation. I also commend our colleague Tom Allen who worked tirelessly on behalf of the fishermen in his district to improve this legislation. While the pending measure does not do everything I would have liked, it does not roll back the conservation principles in this important fisheries management law. The legislation actually strengthens the Magnuson-Stevens Act. For the first time, regional fishery management councils will be required to establish catch limits that may not exceed the recommendations of the councils' scientific and statistical committees. We expect the scientific committees are to take into account a wide range of scientific opinions when making their recommendations. Members of the scientific committees will be required to file financial disclosure forms with the Secretary. This requirement will enable the general public to use the Freedom of Information Act to ascertain whether the scientists are truly independent. For the most depleted fisheries in our country, the legislation will require the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and implement a rebuilding plan that puts an end to overfishing immediately. This is a significant improvement in the law. Studies have shown that the clearest cause of the lack of progress in rebuilding is the failure of many plans to reduce overfishing on those critically depleted stocks. H.R. 5946 addresses this concern. Notwithstanding efforts by this Congress to undermine the National Environmental Policy Act, H.R. 5946, as amended, requires full compliance with the law. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to update the procedures for complying with NEPA, but these new procedures will not supercede existing NEPA regulations and guidance issued by the Council on Environmental Quality. Additionally, H.R. 5946 places a 10-year limit on permits, known as limited access privileges, which are issued to fishermen to harvest a quantity of fish. On this issue, I commend our colleague Tom Allen, who worked to ensure that the limited access privilege program conserves fisheries, is accountable, and protects small fishermen from those who would like to consolidate fisheries. The privileges are to be held by fishermen who are actively engaged and substantially participate in the fishery. The regional fishery associations are to maintain free and open markets for fishermen to sell their catch, and are not to force fishermen into unwilling or involuntary arrangements. H.R. 5946 also encourages the conservation of coral reefs. The bill directs the Secretary to map the locations of deep sea corals for the councils, monitor activity occurring where deep sea corals exist, and develop technologies to assist fishermen in reducing the interactions that fishing gear has with corals. Finally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to undertake activities to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in international waters. This will assist domestic fishermen who bear the costs when fish harvested illegally result in degraded fish stocks and depressed prices worldwide. In summary, H.R. 5946 will promote the conservation of our fisheries. The bill does not include everything on my wish list, but it improves upon existing law. [[Page E2244]] By reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act in the 109th Congress, we will have more time in the 110th Congress to devote to other ocean issues, including considering the recommendations of the Joint Oceans Commission Initiative. It is a rare day that I agree with our President, but several months ago he said, ``Overfishing is harmful. It's harmful to our country and it's harmful to the world.'' I agree wholeheartedly and understand that this legislation takes corrective action to curtail overfishing, especially in our most depleted fisheries. I support the bill, encourage my colleagues to do so as well. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2243,2006-12-27,109,2,,,MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2243,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Jay Inslee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5946""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006 ______ speech of HON. JAY INSLEE of washington in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5946, a bill to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This bill is critically important as it will improve the management of our Nation's fisheries, providing a better future for tomorrow. Among other things, the bill ensures that the role of science in the fishery management decision-making process requires annual harvest limits at sustainable levels for virtually all U.S. fisheries and sets out a clear process for ending overfishing where it is occurring. These strict conservation measures are already in effect in the fisheries of the northwest--I am pleased that our management successes will now be replicated in all other regions. Another key advancement for our Nation's fisheries in this bill is Congress' clarification that certain processes going through the Council process currently will not be negatively affected by the positive changes in current law. Specifically, the cap and trade systems will improve the economics of fishing and enhance the safety of our fishing fleets. Our existing cap and trade programs for sulfur dioxide--which have cut down on acid rain--are being replicated within our fisheries management systems. These programs have helped in curbing some of the effects of global warming, they will now improve fisheries conservation. I am also pleased that the new legislation will not disrupt the ongoing efforts by the Pacific Fishery Management Council to enhance the management of its ground fish fisheries. The Pacific Council is working diligently to develop a cap and trade or ``rationalization'' program for its ground fish fisheries. This process has been underway for more than 3 years, and is nearing completion. While the bill requires the Pacific Council to implement an appropriate ground fish management program within 24 months from the date of enactment, and to meet other requirements in law, it does not require the Pacific Council to begin anew in developing that program. Yet another important provision included in this legislation will create a study on the effects of ocean acidification within the National Research Council. Research into the impacts of high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the oceans is in its infancy and needs to be developed rapidly. This study is a first step in understanding the problems our oceans will face. The provisions included in this bill requiring the scientific and statistical committees to provide Councils with recommendations for allowable biological catch, preventing overfishing and achieving rebuilding targets are perhaps the most important. I will be closely following the performances of the regional fisheries councils, their decisions regarding harvest, and their operation and utilization of their respective scientific and statistical committees, as well as the council's use of their scientific and statistical committees' recommendations. The oceans are absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and this is causing chemical changes by making the oceans more acidic (that is, decreasing the pH of the oceans). In the past 200 years the oceans have absorbed approximately half of the CO2 produced by fossil fuel burning and cement production. Future generations will benefit greatly from the governments research into this subject. Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is a positive step on the road to the healthy management of our ocean systems. I look forward to working with the Resources Committee in the 110th Congress on other positive steps to ensure that our oceans are safe and healthy for future generations. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2244-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,HONORING MS. GERMAINE BROUSSARD,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Frank R. Wolf"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING MS. GERMAINE BROUSSARD ______ HON. FRANK R. WOLF of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor on behalf of Rep. Tom Davis and myself to recognize Ms. Germaine Broussard of McLean, Virginia, for her dedication to sending many cookies and other packages to U.S. troops overseas. Ms. Broussard is known as the Cookie Lady to those who have benefitted from her kindness. She has already baked and shipped over 51,000 cookies to servicemembers. She has dedicated many hours of her free time and her own resources toward baking cookies to thank U.S. troops. I am proud to call attention to the dedication of Ms. Broussard. I would also like to share a recent article from The Stars and Stripes which describes Ms. Broussard's hard work. [From the Stars and Stripes, Nov. 21, 2006] Va. Woman Cooking Up Eats Galore for Troops (By Kirsten Brown) Washington.--When Lt. j.g. Gregory Trach, 34, received an e-mail from Germaine Broussard two years ago asking permission to send cookies to his ship, he thought little of it. ``Thank you for your support of the U.S. military,'' he responded, then dismissed the request as a thoughtful but meaningless gesture. A few weeks later, the USS Shreveport received 12 boxes packed with more than 1,800 chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal and sugar cookies. Shocked, Trach sent Broussard a second e-mail: ``We thought you were kidding!'' That was Trach's first brush with ``the Cookie Lady.'' So far, Broussard, 39, has baked and shipped more than 51,000 cookies to servicemembers. The McLean, Va., resident calls her mostly one-woman program ``Troop Treats.'' It felt like Christmas to Lt. Col. Skip Goodwillie, 45, each time he and his unit opened a box from Broussard. Goodwillie, who is in the Army Reserves, was stationed northeast of Baghdad at Kir Kush military base when he started getting cookies. ``It was just wonderful to have mail call and hear, `Hey Skip, the Cookie Lady sent us another box,' '' Goodwillie said. ``It was wonderful for our morale.'' The Cookie Lady does get donations, but she pays for most of it out of her own pocket. After her job as a Smith Barney business development associate, Broussard comes home to start mixing batter about 7 p.m. She pulls the last cookies from the oven between 1 and 3 a.m. ``Some people can be a little hesitant about why am I doing this,'' Broussard said. ``I had wanted to do something, but with the Red Cross, you donate money, and they send the box. But our family has always used home-baked cookies, bread, whatever, to be able to say thank you.'' Broussard also sends necessities such as travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mouthwash and other treats, including DVDs, Cocoa Rice Krispies and cheesecake mix. ``It's a small piece of home,'' she said. Embedded teddy bears are also part of her effort. Broussard's six ``Battle Buddies'' bears are dressed in camouflage and she could fill an album with pictures of beaming soldiers posing with their brown battle buddy. Broussard will soon launch her second holiday project, ``Operation Santa's Little Helpers,'' which enlists children to write cheery cards to the troops. These notes are tucked in red or blue stockings along with presents such as Slinky toys, Silly Putty, playing cards and, of course, candy. In junior high school, Broussard earned only a ``B'' in her home economics class. ``I don't use a standard one-cup measuring method,'' she said. ``It's just a little of this, little of that. The home ec teacher went crazy. I'd love to go back to that teacher and say, hmm! Wonder who's right now?'' ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2244-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Danny K. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""22""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT ______ speech of HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as was noted during the December 8, 2006, debate on H.R. 6407, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, this landmark postal reform legislation reflects the final version of H.R. 22, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act as passed by the House and Senate. H.R. 22 passed the House on July 26, 2005 by a vote of 410-20, and the Senate then passed H.R. 22 with an amendment by unanimous consent on February 9, 2006. H.R. 6407 represents the combination of the Senate and House versions of H.R. 22. As such, the Committee on Government Reform's Report on H.R. 22, 109-66, Part I, as reported on April 28, 2005 is relevant and necessary to understanding the provisions of H.R. 6407, particularly because many of the provisions of H.R. 6407 are unchanged from H.R. 22 as reported by the Government Reform Committee. For those looking for additional legislative history on H.R. 6407, the Government Reform Committee Report accompanying H.R. 22, 109-66, Part I, will provide useful explanations and information. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2244-4,2006-12-27,109,2,,,TAX RELIEF AND HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2006,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2244,E2253,"[{""name"": ""William M. Thomas"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2244-E2253] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TAX RELIEF AND HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2006 ______ speech of HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS of california in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, allow me to recite from explanatory material prepared for H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. DIVISION B--MEDICARE AND OTHER HEALTH PROVISIONS Section 1. Short title of division Current law No provision. Explanation of provision This division may be cited as the ``Medicare Improvements and Expansion Act of 2006''. Title I--Medicare Improved Quality and Provider Payments Section 101. Physician payment and quality improvement Current law Medicare payments for services of physicians and certain nonphysician practitioners are made on the basis of a fee schedule. The fee schedule assigns relative values to services that reflect physician work (i.e., the time, skill, and intensity it takes to provide the service), practice expenses, and malpractice costs. The relative values are adjusted for geographic variations in costs. The adjusted relative values are then converted into a dollar payment amount by a conversion factor. The conversion factor for 2006 is $37.8975. The conversion factor is the same for all services. It is updated each year according to a formula specified in law. The intent of the formula is to place a restraint on overall spending for physicians' services. Several factors enter into the calculation of the formula. These include: (1) the sustainable growth rate (SGR) which is essentially a cumulative target for Medicare spending growth over time (with 1996 serving as the base period); (2) the Medicare economic index (MEI) which measures inflation in the inputs needed to produce physicians services; and (3) the update adjustment factor which modifies the update, which would otherwise be allowed by the MEI, to bring spending in line [[Page E2245]] with the SGR target. In no case can the adjustment factor be less than minus seven percent or more than plus three percent. The law specifies a formula for calculating the SGR. It is based on changes in four factors: (1) estimated changes in fees; (2) estimated change in the average number of Part B enrollees (excluding Medicare Advantage beneficiaries); (3) estimated projected growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) growth per capita; and (4) estimated change in expenditures due to changes in law or regulations. In order to even out large fluctuations, MMA changed the GDP calculation from an annual change to an annual average change over the preceding 10 years (a ``10-year rolling average''). The SGR target is not a limit on expenditures. Rather, the fee schedule update reflects the success or failure in meeting the target. If expenditures exceed the target, the update for a future year is reduced. This is what occurred for 2002. It was also slated to in subsequent years; however, legislation kept this from occurring. Most recently, the Deficit Reduction Act froze the 2006 conversion factor at the 2005 level. A negative 5 percent update is slated to occur in 2007. Explanation of provision The conversion factor for 2007 would be the conversion factor otherwise applicable for 2007 divided by the product of: (i) 1 plus the Secretary's estimate of the percentage increase in the MEI for 2007 (divided by 100), and (ii) 1 plus the Secretary's estimate of the update adjustment factor for 2007. These changes would not be considered in the computation of the conversion factor for 2008. The provision would also implement a voluntary quality reporting system for Medicare payments for covered professional services tied to the reporting of claims data. Physicians and other eligible professionals (including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, registered dietitians or nutritional professionals as defined under current law, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and qualified speech- language pathologists) who report the quality information would be eligible for a bonus incentive payment (BIP) for services between July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The Secretary would also address a mechanism whereby an eligible professional could provide data on quality measures through an appropriate medical registry (such as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database) as identified by the Secretary. For covered professional services furnished beginning July 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007, the quality reporting measures are those identified as physician quality measures under the CMS Physician Voluntary Reporting Program (PVRP) as published on the CMS public website as of the date of enactment of this provision. The Secretary may modify these quality measures if changes are based on the results of a consensus-based process meeting in January of 2007 and if such changes are published on the CMS website by April 1, 2007. The Secretary may subsequently refine the quality measures (without notice or opportunity for public comment) up until July 1, 2007 by publishing modifications or refinements to previously published quality measures but may not change the quality measures. Eligible professionals who (1) furnish services for which there are established quality measures as determined by this provision and (2) satisfactorily submit quality measures would be paid a single additional bonus payment amount equal to 1.5% of the allowed charges for covered professional services furnished during the reporting period. The bonus incentive payments would be paid from the Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund (Part B). These bonus incentive payments would not be taken into account in the calculations and determination of payments for providers in health professional shortage areas or Physician Scarcity Areas, nor would these bonus payments be taken into account in computing allowable charges under this subsection. The Secretary would presume that if an eligible professional submits data for a measure, then the measure is applicable to the professional. However, the Secretary may validate (by sampling or other means as the Secretary determines to be appropriate) to determine if an eligible professional reports measures applicable to such professional services. If the Secretary determines that an eligible professional has not reported applicable measures, the Secretary would not pay the bonus. Satisfactory reporting of data determines whether the provider is eligible for the bonus payment. If there are no more than 3 quality measures that are applicable to the professional services furnished, the provider must report each measure for at least 80 percent of the cases to meet the criteria. If there are 4 or more quality measures that are applicable, the provider must report at least 3 of the quality measures for at least 80 percent of the cases. In specifying the form and manner for the submission of data on quality measures under the physician quality reporting system to be implemented under section 1848(k) of the Social Security Act (as added by section 101(b) of the legislation), the House intends that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should recognize reporting of quality measures under demonstrations including the Physician Group Practice demonstration project (under section 1866A of the Social Security Act) and the Medicare Care Management Performance demonstration project (under section 649 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act) as permissible forms and manners of reporting under the system. The provision also places a limit on bonus payments. No provider would receive payments in excess of the product of the total number of quality measures for which data are submitted and three times the average per measure payment amount. The average per measure payment amount would be estimated by the Secretary and would equal (the total amount of allowed charges under Medicare part B for all covered professional services furnished during the reporting period on claims for which quality measures are reported) divided by (the total number of quality measure for which data are reported during the reporting period under the physician reporting system). The Secretary would provide for education and outreach to eligible professionals regarding these changes. The Secretary would implement these provisions acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This provision would allow no administrative or judicial review, under the existing Medicare appeals process or through a Provider Reimbursement Review Board as currently codified in statute, of the determination of measures, satisfactory reporting, payment limitation, or bonus incentive payment. A determination under the provisions of this section would not be treated as a determination under current appeals processes for Medicare. For 2008, the quality measures would change to a set of measures adopted or endorsed by a consensus organization (such as the National Quality Forum or the AQA, originally known as the Ambulatory Care Quality Alliance) that may include measures that have been submitted by a physician specialty developed through a consensus-based process (such as through the American Medical Association (AMA) convened Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement) as identified by the Secretary. Such measures shall include structural measures, such as the use of electronic health records and electronic prescribing. The CMS administrator would publish a proposed set of quality measures for 2008 in the Federal Register no later than August 15, 2007 with a public comment period. The final set of measures appropriate for eligible professionals to use to submit quality data in 2008 would be published no later than November 15, 2007. The Secretary would be required to establish a Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative (PAQI) Fund which would be available to the Secretary for physician payment and quality improvement initiatives. Such initiatives may include application of an adjustment to the update to the conversion factor. The amount available to the Fund would be $1.35 billion for 2008. The Secretary would be required to provide for expenditures from the Fund for the obligation of the entire amount (to the maximum extent feasible) for payment for physicians services furnished in 2008. The specified amount available to the Fund would be made to the Fund from the Part B trust fund as expenditures are made from the Fund. The amounts in the Fund are to be available in advance of appropriations, but only if the total amount obligated to the Fund does not exceed the amount available to it. The Secretary may obligate funds from the Fund only if the Secretary determines (and the CMS Chief actuary and the appropriate budget officer certifies) that there are sufficient amounts available in the Fund. If the expenditures from the fund affect the conversion factor for a year, this would not affect the computation of the conversion factor for a subsequent year. Congress intends that CMS would continue to develop quality measures for reporting for 2008. The amounts in the fund are available at the Secretary's discretion to make payments for physician services provided in calendar year 2008 in a manner the Secretary sees fit, including for quality purposes. The Secretary would be required to transfer $60 million from the Part B trust fund to the CMS Program Management Account for the period of FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009 for the purposes of implementing this section. Reason for change Physicians are scheduled to receive a negative 5 percent update in 2007. The physician update should be addressed to prevent access issues to physician services. In addition, the update should include additional payment for quality reporting in 2007. The House encourages all physicians to participate in quality reporting and encourages CMS to continue to develop measures in consultation with the physician community and the existing structures available through the National Quality Foundation and the AQA. Section 102. Extension of floor on Medicare work geographic adjustment Current law Medicare's physician fee schedule assigns relative values to services that reflect physician work (i.e., the time, skill, and intensity it takes to provide the service), practice expenses, and malpractice costs. The relative values are adjusted for geographic variations in costs. The adjusted relative values are then converted into a dollar payment amount by a conversion factor. [[Page E2246]] The geographic adjustment factors are indices that reflect the relative cost difference in a given area in comparison to a national average. An area with costs above the national average would have an index greater than 1.00 while an area with costs below the average would have an index below 1.00. The physician work geographic adjustment factor is based on a sample of median hourly earnings in six professional specialty occupational categories. Unlike the other geographic adjustments, the work adjustment factor reflects only one-quarter of the cost differences in an area. The practice expense adjustment factor is based on employee wages, office rents, medical equipment and supplies. The malpractice adjustment factor reflects differences in malpractice insurance costs. The Secretary is required to periodically review and adjust the geographic indices. MMA required the Secretary to increase the value of any work geographic index that was below 1.00 to 1.00 for services furnished on or after January 1, 2004 and before January 1, 2007. Explanation of provision The requirement is extended for an additional year, for services provided before January 1, 2008. Reason for change To provide a one-year extension to increase the value of any work geographic index that was below 1.00 to 1.00 to allow for higher adjustments under the work component in certain areas. Section 103. Update of the composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted prospective payment system for dialysis services Current law The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) required the Secretary to establish a basic case-mix adjusted prospective payment system for dialysis services furnished either at a facility or in a patient's home, for services furnished beginning on January 1, 2005. The basic case-mix adjusted system has two components: (1) the composite rate, which covers services, including dialysis; and (2) a drug add-on adjustment for the difference between the payment amounts for separately billable drugs and biologicals and their acquisition costs, as determined by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Secretary is required to update the basic case-mix adjusted payment amounts annually beginning with 2006, but only for that portion of the case-mix adjusted system that is represented by the add-on adjustment and not for the portion represented by the composite rate. The DRA increased the composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted system for services beginning January 1, 2006 by 1.6 percent, over the amount paid in 2005. For 2006, the base composite rate is $130.40 for independent ESRD facilities and $134.53 for hospital-based ESRD facilities. The total drug add-on adjustment, with inflation, is 14.5%. Explanation of provision The composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted system shall be increased by 1.6 percent above the 2005 rate, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2006 and before April 1, 2007. For services furnished on or after April 1, 2007, the composite rate component of the basic case-mix adjusted system shall be increased by 1.6 percent, above the amount of such rate for services furnished on March 31, 2007. Not later than January 1, 2009, GAO shall submit a report to The House on the costs for home hemodialysis treatment and patient training for both home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The report shall include recommendations for a payment methodology that measures, and is based on, the cost of providing such services and takes into account the case mix of patients. Reason for change Unlike other facilities, dialysis facilities do not have an inflation update for labor and capital costs. This provision addresses that inequity. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a clinical trial on dialysis, partially in the home settings. This report would develop recommendations on how payments could incentivize the use of home dialysis. Section 104. Extension of Treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare Current law In general, independent laboratories cannot directly bill for the technical component of pathology services provided to Medicare beneficiaries that are inpatients or outpatients of acute care hospitals. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA) permitted independent laboratories with existing arrangements with acute care hospitals to bill Medicare separately for the technical component of pathology services provided to inpatients and outpatients. The arrangement between the hospital and the independent laboratory had to be in effect as of July 22, 1999. The direct payments for these services applied to services furnished during 2001 and 2002. Despite expiration of the BIPA moratorium after 2002, CMS directed the carriers to continue the moratorium until they received further instructions from CMS. MMA continued this policy for 2005 and 2006. Explanation of provision The provision is extended through 2007. Reason for change The provision expires on December 31, 2006 and independent laboratories will no longer be able to directly bill Medicare for the technical component for physician pathology services. Section 105. Extension of Medicare reasonable costs payments for certain clinical diagnostic laboratory tests furnished to hospital patients in certain rural areas Current law Generally, hospitals that provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under Part B are reimbursed under a fee schedule. MMA specified that hospitals with under 50 beds in qualified rural areas (low density population rural areas) would receive 100 percent reasonable cost reimbursement for clinical diagnostic tests covered under Part B that are provided as outpatient services. The provision applied to services furnished during a cost-reporting period beginning during the 2-year period starting July 1, 2004. Explanation of provision The provision is modified to apply to services furnished during a cost-reporting period beginning during the 3-year period starting July 1, 2004. The provision is effective as if included in the enactment of MMA. Reason for change The MMA provision expired and this extends it for one more cost reporting year. Section 106. Hospital Medicare reports and clarifications (a) Correction of Mid-Year Reclassification Expiration Current law Generally speaking, the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board's (MGCRB) classification decisions are required to extend geographic reclassification for 3 years in the inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) and end on September 30th each year. Explanation of provision This provision corrects the mid year expiration of certain hospital geographic reclassifications. Reason for change The provision creates consistency in the end dates for reclassification decisions for hospitals to be consistent with the Federal Fiscal Year. It is the intent of the House authors that group reclassifications made by the MGCRB that begin April 1, 2007 would be unaffected by this provision, with the exception of the continuing reclassifications of hospitals whole individual reclassifications would have lapsed prior to April 1 2007. (b) Revision of the Medicare Wage Index Classification System Current law As directed by Medicare statute, the amount of a hospital's operating and capital payments will vary according to the relative level of hospital wages in its geographic area compared to the national average. The geographic areas or hospital labor markets that have been used by Medicare are urban areas as established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Essentially, a hospital's payment will depend upon whether it is in an urban area (and if so, which one) and the wage data reported by the hospitals in that area. Counties that are not in an urban area are grouped into one statewide rural labor market. Also, with modifications, the hospital wage data are used to adjust for geographic cost differences in Medicare's payment systems for other services, such as inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), long-term care hospital (LTCH), home health agency (HHA), skilled nursing facility (SNF), and hospice care. Unlike these other providers, IPPS hospitals have an administrative process, through appeals to the MGCRB (The Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board), to reclassify to different geographic areas. Other statutory provisions affecting a hospital's geographic designation also have been established. Explanation of provision The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) would be required to submit a report to The House no later than June 30, 2007 on the wage index classification system used in Medicare's prospective payment systems, including IPPS. This report would include recommendations for alternatives to the current methods used to compute the wage index. $2 million in funds from the Treasury would be appropriated to MedPAC for FY2007 for these activities. The Secretary would be required to include in the proposed rule making process for FY2009 one or more proposals to revise the IPPS wage adjustment, after taking into account MedPAC's recommendations. The proposals would consider problems associated with labor market definitions; modification or elimination of geographic reclassifications and other adjustments; the use of Bureau of Labor Statistics data to calculate relative wages; minimizing variations in wage index adjustments between and within metropolitan statistical areas and rural areas; the feasibility of applying all components of the proposal to other settings, including HHAs and SNFs; methods to minimize the volatility of wage index adjustments while maintaining the budget neutrality; the effect on health care providers and on each region of the country; implementation of proposal, including the transition methods; and occupational mix issues such as staffing practices, effect on [[Page E2247]] quality of care and alternative recommendations. (c) Elimination of unnecessary report Historically, under IPPS, hospitals in different geographic areas have had their Medicare payments calculated using different per discharge amounts. For example, at one point, hospitals in large urban areas had been paid on the basis of a larger per discharge amount than hospitals in smaller urban areas or those in rural areas. This classification system had changed over time. By FY1995, discharge amounts were calculated for large urban hospitals and all other hospitals. The implementation of the MMA permanently equalized the per discharge payment rates for all hospitals except for those in Puerto Rico. Starting in 1987, the Secretary has been required to submit a report to The House that includes an initial estimate of the percentage update (change factor) in the per discharge payment amounts. The Secretary's estimate is required to take into consideration the recommendations of Medicare's payment commission and may vary for hospitals in different geographic areas Explanation of provision This provision would eliminate the requirement that the Secretary include recommendations with respect to the update factors no later than March 1 before the beginning of the fiscal year. Section 107. Extension of payment rule for brachytherapy Current law The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) established that brachytherapy devices consisting of radioactive sources (or seeds) would be paid on the basis of a hospital's cost for such device (computed by reducing a hospital's charges to costs) for services furnished starting January 1, 2004 until January 1, 2007. The Secretary was directed to create additional groups of covered Outpatient Department Services (OPD) that classify such devices separately from other services (or group of services) in a manner that reflects the number, isotope, and radioactive intensity, including separate groups for palladium-103 and iodine-125 devices. Starting January 1, 2007, CMS will continue to pay separately for brachytherapy sources, but will base payment on the source-specific median costs. CMS has not created new brachytherapy source codes to differentiate stranded from nonstranded brachytherapy sources. The historical data used to establish the source-specific median costs should reflect utilization of stranded brachytherapy sources. Explanation of provision This provision would extend payment for brachytherapy sources on the basis of a hospital's costs (adjusted from its charges) established under MMA until January 1, 2008. The provision would direct the Secretary to create additional groups of covered OPD services in a manner that reflects the number, isotope, and radioactive intensity, including separate groups for palladium-103 and iodine-125 devices and for stranded and nonstranded devices furnished on or after July 1, 2007. These provisions may be implemented by program instruction or otherwise. Reason for change This provision allows brachytherapy devices to continue to be paid based on a hospital's cost, to allow CMS further time to collect data in order to base payments on the source- specific median costs after one year, and requires CMS to establish additional groups of services for stranded and non- stranded devices. Section 108. Payment process under the competitive acquisition program (CAP) Current law MMA revised the way Medicare pays for Part B drugs. Beginning in 2005, payments for these drugs are based on an average sales price (ASP) payment methodology, which sets payments at the weighted average ASP plus 6%; the Secretary has the authority to reduce the ASP payment amount if the widely available market price is significantly below the ASP. Alternatively, beginning in 2006, drugs can be provided through a newly established competitive acquisition program (CAP). The intent of the program is to enable physicians to acquire certain drugs from an approved CAP vendor thereby enabling them to reduce the time they spend buying and billing for drugs and finance risk. Explanation of provision The provision deletes the requirement that payments to CAP contractors are conditioned upon the administration of the drugs and biologicals. It specifies that payment may only be made to the contractor upon receipt of a claim for a drug or biological supplied by the contractor for administration to a beneficiary. Further, the Secretary is required to establish a post-payment review process to assure that payment is made for a drug or biological only if it has been administered. The process may be established by program instruction or otherwise and may include the use of statistical sampling. The Secretary is required to recoup, offset or collect any overpayments determined by the Secretary. The section further clarifies that nothing in this provision is to be construed as requiring any additional competition by entities under the CAP program. Further the provision is not to be construed as requiring any additional process for elections by physicians under the program or additional selection by a selecting physician of a CAP contractor. The House, however, intends that the normal competitive bidding process and physician election as authorized by the MMA should continue as authorized by that law. The provision applies to payments for drugs and biologicals supplied on or after April 1, 2007. Additionally, it applies, for claims that are unpaid as of April 1, 2007, to drugs and biologicals supplied on or after July 1, 2006 and before April 1, 2007. In addition, the House would like to clarify an additional issue regarding Medicare Part B drugs. The Social Security Act (SSA) currently provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the authority to revise the list of compendia that are used to determine Medicare Part B coverage of oncology drugs for off-label uses. Of the three compendia currently listed in statute, one no longer is published and another will soon be published under a different name. To address this situation, requests for official recognition of additional compendia have been made by the public. The Medicare Coverage and Advisory Committee (MCAC) has reviewed and voted on the desirable characteristics of new compendia; however, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not yet acted on the MCAC's review. A current list of compendia which contain the most current clinical information about which drugs show the greatest promise of treating various diseases is critical to ensure that beneficiaries have access to the most appropriate therapies. Correcting and expanding the list of compendia organizations recognized by CMS for Medicare Part B coverage purposes is a major step forward in accomplishing that objective. While preserving the list of functioning compendia currently covered by the SSA, the House directs the Secretary to act as soon as possible to update the list of three compendia, and report back to the House no later than January 30, 2007. The House is also concerned by reports that some Medicare beneficiaries have trouble accessing IVIG therapies from providers. It is our hope that the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) studies focused on IVIG are promptly completed. The House hopes the Secretary would promptly review such studies, and report to the House regarding the adequacy of supply and Medicare reimbursement related to the cost of acquiring IVIG and the complexity of IVIG infusions. The House strongly urges the Secretary to continue the IVIG pre-administration fee until the Secretary either assures the House that Medicare reimbursement is adequate or a new payment methodology is implemented to address concerns regarding access to IVIG. Reason for change To provide clarification in order to allow for a post- payment review process to ensure that payment is made for a drug or biological only if the drug or biological is delivered for administration to a beneficiary. The House intends for CMS to implement this provision by not matching a claim for drugs to a claim with drug administration prior to being paid. The post payment review is intended to sufficiently protect against inappropriate claims. Section 109. Quality reporting for hospital outpatient services and ambulatory surgical center services (a) Outpatient Hospital Services Current law Each year the hospital outpatient department (OPD) fee schedule is increased by a factor that is generally based on the hospital market basket (MB) percentage increase. In certain years, the MB has been reduced by percentage points as specified by statute. Explanation of provision Starting in 2009 and for each subsequent year, a hospital paid under the inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) that does not submit required measures will receive an OPD fee schedule increase of the MB minus 2.0 percentage points. A reduction under this provision would only apply to payments for the year involved and would not be taken into account when computing the OPD fee schedule increase in a subsequent year. Each IPPS hospital is required to submit data on measures under this section in the form, manner, and timing specified by the Secretary. The Secretary would be required to develop appropriate measures for the measurement of the quality of care (including medication errors) furnished by hospitals in outpatient settings and that reflect consensus among affected parties. To the extent feasible and practicable, the measures shall include those set forth by one or more national consensus building entitles. Nothing would prevent the Secretary from selecting all hospital quality measures or a subset of such measures. The Secretary would be able to replace any measures as appropriate, such as where all hospitals are effectively in compliance or the measures have subsequently been shown not to represent the best clinical practice. The Secretary would be required to establish procedures for making the submitted data available to the public. These procedures would ensure that a hospital has the opportunity to review data prior to being made available to the public. The Secretary would be required to report quality measures of process, structure, outcome, patients' perspective on care, efficiency, and costs of care on the Internet website of the Centers for [[Page E2248]] Medicare and Medicaid Services. Other conforming amendments would also be established. Reason for change The Provision promotes the development of quality measures for outpatient medical services and services provided in ASC's. The House intends the measures to be developed in consultation with affected entities and quality organizations. (b) Application to Ambulatory Surgical Centers Current law Presently, Medicare pays for surgery-related facility services in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) based on a fee schedule. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2006 (MMA) required the Secretary to implement a revised payment system for ASCs no later than January 1, 2008, taking into account recommendations issued by a required report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO report, which has just been issued, was required to examine the relative costs of ASC services to those in hospital outpatient departments. GAO was also required to recommend whether CMS should use the outpatient prospective payment system as the basis for the revised ASC system. Total payments under the new system should be equal to total projected payments under the old system. Explanation of provision In the revised payment system, the Secretary would be able to provide for a reduction in any annual update of 2.0 percentage points for failure to report required quality measures. A reduction under this provision would only apply to payments for the year involved and would not be taken into account when computing any annual increase factor in subsequent years. Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, the provisions of subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) of the newly established Section l833(t)(17) concerning the form and submission of data, the development of outpatient measures, the replacement of measures, and the availability of quality measures in a hospital outpatient setting would apply to ASC services. Reason for change The Provision promotes the development of quality measures for outpatient medical services and services provided in ASC's. The House intends the measures to be developed in consultation with affected entities and quality organizations. (c) Effective date Current law No provision. Explanation of provision The amendments made by the section would apply to payment for services furnished starting January 1, 2009. Section 110. Reporting of anemia quality indicators for Medicare part B cancer anti-anemia drugs Current law Medicare Part B covers certain drugs used as anticancer chemotherapeutic agents and certain oral anti-emetic drugs used as part of an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen. It also covers epoetin alpha for patients with kidney disease; the drug may also be used to counter anemia for cancer patients. Explanation of provision The provision requires that all claims submitted for drugs for treatment of anemia in connection with cancer must include information on the hemoglobin or hematocrit levels for the individual. The information is to be submitted in the form and manner specified by the Secretary. The provision applies to drugs furnished on or after January 1, 2008. The Secretary is required to address the implementation of the provision in the physician fee schedule regulations for 2008. Reason for change Since 1989, ESRD facilities have provided lab values on red blood cell counts to CMS to ensure that anemia is addressed. This requires physician offices and hospital outpatient departments to provide the same information. Section 111. Clarification of hospice satellite designation Current law Section 1814(i)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act limits total Medicare payment amounts to individual hospice providers by an absolute dollar amount, or ``cap amount.'' This amount is based on the number of Medicare patients the agency serves and is calculated by dividing total payments to a hospice per year by the total number of beneficiaries served to get the per beneficiary payment amount. If the per beneficiary payment amount does not exceed the cap amount, the hospice may retain all payments. If the result exceeds the cap amount, the hospice must repay excess funds to the Medicare program. For purposes of calculating whether or not a hospice exceeds the cap amount, increasing the number of beneficiaries a hospice serves reduces the per beneficiary payment amount. A lower per beneficiary payment amount reduces the likelihood that a hospice will exceed the annual hospice cap and be required to repay excess funds to the Medicare program. Explanation of provision For purposes of calculating the hospice cap for 2004, 2005 and 2006 and for hospice care provided after November 1, 2003 and before December 27, 2005, this provision would designate hospice with provider number 290-1511 as a multiple location of hospice with provider number 29-1500. Reason for change To prevent application of the Hospice cap in this circumstance. Title II--Medicare Beneficiary Protections Section 201. Extension of exceptions process for Medicare therapy caps Current law The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 established annual per beneficiary payment limits for all outpatient therapy services provided by non-hospital providers. The limits applied to services provided by independent therapists as well as to those provided by comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities (CORFs) and other rehabilitation agencies. The limits did not apply to outpatient services provided by hospitals. Beginning in 1999, there were two beneficiary limits. The first was a $1,500 per beneficiary annual cap for all outpatient physical therapy services and speech language pathology services. The second was a $1,500 per beneficiary annual cap for all outpatient occupational therapy services. Beginning in 2002, the amount would increase by the Medicare economic index (MEI) rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. The Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (BBRA) suspended application of the limits for 2000 and 2001. The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA) extended the suspension through 2002. Implementation of the provision was delayed until September 2003. The caps were implemented from September 1, 2003 through December 7, 2003. MMA reinstated the moratorium from December 8, 2003 through December 31, 2005. The caps went into effect again beginning January 1, 2006. The 2006 caps are each $1,740. However, DRA required the Secretary to implement an exceptions process for expenses incurred in 2006. Under the process, a Part B enrollee, or a person acting on behalf of the enrollee, can request an exception from the physical therapy and occupational therapy caps. The individual may obtain such exception if the provision of services is determined medically necessary. The exceptions process only applies for 2006. Explanation of provision The provision extends the exceptions process through 2007. In addition, during consideration of the bill, the issue of whether speech language pathologists should have a separate provider number was raised in order to better report more accurately on the bill's quality reporting program. The House urges CMS to investigate this issue. Reason for change Provides a one-year extension of the exceptions process established under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) to allow patients to apply for additional therapy services if their treatment is expected to exceed the annual cap. During consideration of the bill, the issue of whether speech language pathologists should have a separate provider number was raised in order to better report more accurately on the bill's quality reporting program. The House urges CMS to investigate this issue in order to promote quality initiatives. Section 202. Payment for administration of part D vaccines Current law Medicare Part B covers pneumoccoccal vaccine and its administration, influenza vaccine and its administration, and hepatitis B vaccine and its administration when furnished to a high or intermediate risk individual. Medicare Part D covers other vaccines licensed under the Public Health Service Act. Explanation of provision The provision specifies that during 2007, the costs of administering Part D vaccines will be paid under Part B, as if it were the administration of a hepatitis B vaccine. Beginning in 2008, Part D coverage will include the administration costs. Reason for change CMS has chosen not to reimburse providers for administering vaccines that are covered under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D). If doctors and their staff are not being paid to provide these vaccines, it will undoubtedly create access problems to these important preventive medicines. This provision ensures that providers will be paid for their services through Part B funds in 2007 and through Part D thereafter. Section 203. OIG study of never events Current law No provision. Explanation of provision The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to conduct a study on the incidence of never events for Medicare beneficiaries, including types of such events and payments by any party, including beneficiaries, of such events. This study would also include the extent to which Medicare paid, denied or recouped payment for such services as well as the administrative process of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify such events and to deny or recoup associated payments. The OIG would be required to audit a representative sample of claims and medical [[Page E2249]] records of the events; would be able to request access to claims and records from any Medicare contractor; and would not be able to release individually identifiable or facility specific information. The OIG would be required to submit a report to The House no later than two years from enactment. This report would include recommendations for legislative or administrative action on the processes to identify, deny or recoup payments for never events, the potential process for public disclosure of never events which ensure patient privacy and permit the use of disclosed information for root cause analysis. $3 million of funds in the Treasury will be appropriated which will be available until January 1, 2010. Never event are those that are listed and endorsed as ``serious reportable events'' by the National Quality Forum as of November 16, 2006. Reason for change This would provide useful information on serious adverse medical events where a patient was harmed but the Medicare program nevertheless reimbursed the facility where the serious injury occurred. Section 204. Medicare medical home demonstration project Current law No provision. Explanation of provision The Secretary is required to establish a medical home demonstration project in Medicare law for the purpose of redesigning the healthcare delivery system to provide targeted, accessible, continuous and coordinated, family- centered care to high-need populations (i.e., those with multiple chronic illnesses that require regular monitoring, advising, or treatment). Under the project, case management fees would be paid to personal physicians, and incentive payments would be paid to physicians participating in practices that provide ``medical home'' services. Medical homes are physician practices in charge of targeting beneficiaries for project participation. They are responsible for: (1) providing safe and secure technology to promote patient access to personal health information; (2) developing a health assessment tool for the targeted individuals; and (3) providing training for personnel involved in the coordination of care. The project is to operate for three years in urban, rural, and underserved areas in up to 8 states and would include physician practices with fewer than three full-time equivalent physicians, as well as larger practices, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In addition to meeting Medicare requirements for physicians, personal physicians who provide first contact and continuous care for their patients must be board certified. Personal physicians must also have staff and resources to manage the comprehensive and coordinated health care of each of their patients. Participating physicians may be specialists or subspecialists for patients requiring ongoing care for specific conditions, multiple chronic conditions, (e.g., severe asthma, complex diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatologic disorder) or for those with a prolonged illness. Personal physicians must perform (or provide for the performance of): (1) advocates for and provides ongoing support, oversight, and guidance to implement a plan of care; that provides an integrated, coherent, cross discipline plan for ongoing medical care developed in partnership with patients and including all other physicians furnishing care to the patient involved and other appropriate medical personnel or agencies (such as home health agencies); (2) uses evidence-based medicine and clinical decision support tools to guide decision-making at the point-of-care (based on patient-specific factors); (3) uses health information technology that may include remote monitoring and patient registries; and (4) encourages patients to engage in management of their own health through education and support systems. Payments for care management to personal physicians are to be provided under a care management fee under Section 1848 of the Social Security Act. The Secretary would be required to develop a care management fee code and a value for these payments using the relative value scale update committee (RUC) process. Payments for a medical home shall be based on the payment methodology applied to physician group practices under section 1866A of the Social Security Act. Under this methodology, 80 percent of Medicare reductions (determined by using assumptions with respect to the reductions in the occurrence of health complications, hospitalization rates, medical errors, and adverse drug reactions) resulting from the medical home participation (as reduced by the total project-related care management fees), would be paid to the medical home. Project payments are to be paid from Part B. The Secretary would be required to provide a yearly project evaluation and submit it to The House on a date specified by the Secretary. In addition, the Secretary would be required to submit to The House a project evaluation no later than one year after project completion. Reason for change The proposal tests the effectiveness of the medical home model to provide targeted and coordinated care to patients suffering from one or more chronic conditions. A personal physician and physician practice work together to manage these patients. Section 205. Medicare DRA technical corrections (a) PACE clarification Current law The House appropriated $10 million for FY2006 for the outlier funds for rural Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) providers. Outlier costs are those inpatient and other costs in excess of $50,000 incurred within a given 12-month period by a PACE provider for an eligible participant who resides in a rural area. These appropriated funds would remain available for expenditure through FY2010. Explanation of provision The provision clarifies that the appropriated $10 million would be applied to fiscal years 2006 through 2010, rather than only for FY2006. It also specifies that the funds would remain available for obligation, rather than for expenditure, through FY2010. Reason for change CMS has issued the start-up grants but cannot obligate the outlier payments yet because CMS does not know to whom the outlier payments will be distributed. (b) Miscellaneous technical corrections (1) Correction of Margin (Section 5001) Current law No provision. Explanation of provision Section 1886(b)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(B)), as amended by section 5001(a) of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171), is amended by moving clause (viii) (including subclauses (I) through (VII) of such clause) 6 ems to the left. (2) Reference Correction (Section 5114) Current law P.L. 109-171 provision modified the first sentence of Section 1842(b)( 6)(F) of the Social Security Act to add a new paragraph H to 1842(b)(6) so that a federally qualified health center (FQHC) would be paid directly for FQHC services provided by a health care professional under contract with that FQHC. Explanation of provision Instead of modifying Section 1842(b)(6)(F) to add paragraph H, the amendment would modify Section 1842(b)(6) of the Social Security Act. (c) Effective date These amendments would become effective as if they had been included in DRA 2005, enacted on February 8, 2006. Section 206. Limited continuous open enrollment of original Medicare fee-for-service enrollees into Medicare Advantage non-prescription drug plans Current law Since the inception of Medicare Part C, beneficiaries had been allowed to enroll into and/or disenroll from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans on a monthly basis throughout the year. Beneficiaries were able to change plans as often as they wanted because The House had delayed (on three occasions) a provision, that locked Medicare beneficiaries into their plan choice after their enrollment period ended. However, since The House has not further delayed its implementation, the lock-in began to take affect on July 1, 2006. Explanation of provision This provision allows Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in traditional fee-for-service but not enrolled in a prescription drug plan to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that does not offer drug coverage after their enrollment period ended. These beneficiaries would be allowed to make this change once during the year, after their enrollment period had ended. This provision would sunset in two years. Reason for change This provision, allows qualified beneficiaries to enroll in certain MA plans throughout the year. Title III--Medicare Program Integrity Efforts Section 301. Offsetting adjustment in Medicare Advantage Stabilization Fund Current law The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 established a stabilization fund to provide incentives for plans to enter into and to remain in the Medicare Advantage (MA) regional program. Money in the fund is available to the Secretary for expenditures from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013. Initially $10 billion is to be provided to the stabilization fund and additional amounts are to be added to the fund from a portion of any average per capita monthly savings amounts. The Secretary is responsible for determining the amounts that may be given to MA plans from this fund, based on statutory requirements. For example, the national bonus payment will be available to an MA organization that offers an MA regional plan in every MA region in the year, but only if there was no national plan in the previous year. Explanation of provision This provision would delay the initial availability of the stabilization fund until January 1, 2012, and reduce the amount of the fund to $3.5 billion. Reason for change The payment changes made by the MMA have strengthened the MA program, thereby increasing enrollment in, and availability of, MA plans. In 2003, just 54 percent of seniors had access to an MA plan. Today, nearly 100 [[Page E2250]] percent of beneficiaries have access to at least two MA plans and the average county provides seniors with a choice of 12 MA plans. Attracting plans to the MA program today is not an issue. The stabilization fund has been rendered unnecessary under the current payment system. Section 302. Extension and expansion of recovery audit contractor program under the Medicare Integrity Program (a) Use of recovery audit contractors Current law The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-73) authorized a 3-year demonstration project using recovery audit contractors to identify both under and overpayments made to Part A & B Medicare providers and recoup overpayments in the Medicare program. The demonstration is being conducted as part of the Medicare Integrity Program, created by Section 1893 of the Social Security Act, which enables the Secretary to enter into contracts with entities to carry out a range of activities designed to prevent health care fraud and abuse in Parts A & B of the Medicare program. The Medicare Integrity Program was established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 along with the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program. The program is financed via the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Explanation of provision Section 302 would allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to continue using recovery audit contractors to identify both under and overpayments made under Medicare Parts A & B and recoup any overpayments made to providers. To pay the contractors, the Secretary would be required to use only those funds recovered by the contractors. From these recoveries, the bill would require the Secretary to pay the contractors in two ways: (1) on a contingent basis for collecting overpayments; and (2) in amounts that the Secretary may specify for identifying underpayments. A portion of the recovered funds to the CMS program management account would be available for activities conducted under the recovery audit contractor program. Any remaining recovered amounts--those recoveries that are not paid to the contractors or applied to the CMS program management account--would be used to reduce expenditures under Medicare Parts A & B. Each contract would be required to provide that audit and recovery activities be conducted during the fiscal year and retrospectively for not more than 4 fiscal years. The Secretary would be allowed to waive Medicare statutory provisions to pay for the services of the recovery audit contractors. By January 1, 2010, the Secretary would be required to contract with enough recovery audit contractors to cover Medicare activities in all states. When awarding contracts, the Secretary would be required to contract only with recovery audit contractors that have the staff with the appropriate clinical knowledge of and experience with Medicare payment rules and regulations, or recovery audit contractors that will contract with another entity that has the staff with the appropriate knowledge of and experience with Medicare payment rules and regulations. The Secretary shall give preference to entities with more than three years direct management experience and a demonstrated proficiency in audits with private insurers, health care providers, health plans, or state Medicaid programs. Recovery audit contractors cannot be fiscal intermediaries, carriers, or Medicare Administrative Contractors, and the recovery of overpayments by these contractors would not prohibit the Secretary or the Attorney General from prosecuting allegations of fraud and abuse arising from these overpayments. Finally, the Secretary would be required to submit a report to The House annually on the use of these recovery audit contractors. Specifically the report would include information on the performance of these contractors as it relates to identifying over and underpayments and in collecting overpayments. The report would also be required to include an evaluation of the comparative performance of these contractors and any Medicare savings that have accrued as a result of their activities. (b) Access to Coordination of Benefits Contractor Database Current law The Coordination of Benefits (COB) Contractor consolidates the activities that support the collection, management, and reporting of other insurance coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. The purposes of the COB program are to identify the health benefits available to a Medicare beneficiary and to coordinate the payment process to prevent mistaken payment of Medicare benefits. Explanation of provision For the purpose of carrying out their audit and recovery activities, the Secretary of HHS would provide recovery audit contractors with access to the database of the Coordination of Benefits Contractors of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the current fiscal year and for a period of up to 4 fiscal years prior to the current fiscal year. (c) Conforming Amendments to Current Demonstration Project Current law Section 306 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 requires that the Secretary's demonstration project using recovery audit contractors last for no longer than three years. After the completion of the program, the Secretary shall submit to The House a report on the project and its impact on savings to the Medicare program. Explanation of provision The provision would continue the use of recovery audit contractors until all contracts could be entered into. The provision would also eliminate the requirement that the Secretary submit to The House a report not later than 6 months after the project's completion on the impact of recovery audit contractors' activities on Medicare savings. Reason for change Recovery audit contractors provide a valuable service in identifying and recovering improper payments in the Medicare program. The services provided by these auditors are highly skilled and specialized, and were never utilized by the Medicare program prior to the current demonstration. The results of the demonstration document that significant amounts of funds have been returned to Medicare, and are expected to be returned to the program in the future. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office expects that this program would reduce net Medicare spending--that is, recoveries of overpayments would exceed the payments to contractors, program management costs, and outlays to correct underpayments. Based on the results of the demonstration, extension and national expansion of the recovery audit program will result in the return of substantial funds to Medicare in an efficient and cost effective manner. Section 303. Funding for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account (a) Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice Current law The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA, P.L. 104-91) established section 1128C of the Social Security Act, which authorized the creation of a national health care fraud and abuse control program headed by the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General. In Section 1817(k) of the Social Security Act, HIPAA created an expenditure account within the Medicare Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund called the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) Account. Within the HFCFAC account, the legislation appropriated funds to HHS and DOJ at an amount of $104 million in FY97 and for FY98 through FY03 at annual increases of 15 percent above the preceding year. For each fiscal year after 2003, the annual appropriation available to HHS and DOJ was to be capped at the FY 2003 level of $240.6 million. The legislation also established a separate funding stream within the HCFAC account to support activities undertaken by the FBI. Funding for the FBI was increased from $47 million in FY97 to $114 million in FY03. The legislation capped FBI funding at the FY03 level for FY03 and beyond. Explanation of provision Section 303 would extend appropriations for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program through FY06 and beyond. For FY98 through FY03, the annual appropriation to HHS and DOJ is the limit for the preceding fiscal year increased by 15 percent. This bill would extend the annual appropriation for FY04 through FY06 to the FY03 level. For fiscal years 2007 through 2010, the annual appropriation would be the limit for the preceding year plus the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers. For each fiscal year beyond 2010, the legislation would cap the appropriation at the FY10 level. For the Office of the Inspector General of HHS, Section 303 would extend the annual appropriation of $160 million through FY06. For FY07, the bill would increase the FY06 appropriation to OIG by the percentage increase in the consumer price index. For fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, the annual appropriation would increase by the limit for the preceding year plus the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers. For each fiscal year after FY10, the legislation would cap the appropriation at the FY10 level. Reason for change Funding levels are capped under law, and increased funding will be provided to continue activities covered by the HCFAC Account to help combat waste, fraud and abuse. (b) Federal Bureau of Investigations Current law The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA, P.L. 104-91) established section 1128C of the Social Security Act, which authorized the creation of a national health care fraud and abuse control program headed by the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General. In Section 1817(k) of the Social Security Act, HIPAA created an expenditure account within the Medicare Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund called the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) Account. Within the HFCFAC account, the legislation appropriated funds to HHS and DOJ at an amount of $104 million in FY97 and for FY98 through FY03 at annual increases of 15 percent above the preceding year. For each fiscal year after 2003, the annual appropriation available to HHS and [[Page E2251]] DOJ was to be capped at the FY 2003 level of $240.6 million. The legislation also established a separate funding stream within the HCFAC account to support activities undertaken by the FBI. Funding for the FBI was increased from $47 million in FY97 to $114 million in FY03. The legislation capped FBI funding at the FY03 level for FY03 and beyond. Explanation of provision Section 303 would extend the annual appropriation to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). For fiscal years 2003 through 2006, the annual appropriation to the FBI for fraud and abuse activities would be capped at the FY02 level of $114 million. For fiscal years 2007 through 2010, the annual appropriation would be the limit for the preceding year plus the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers. For each fiscal year after 2010, the legislation would cap the appropriation at the FY2010 level. Reason for change Funding levels are capped under law, and increased funding will be provided to continue activities covered by the HCFAC Account. Section 304. Implementation funding Current law No current law. Explanation of provision For implementation of provisions and amendments made by this title and titles I and II of this division, other than the section requiring the Inspector General in the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study of never events, the provision would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer $45,000,000 to the CMS Program Management Account for FY2007 and FY2008, from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust, in appropriate proportions. Title IV--Medicaid and Other Health Provisions Section 401. Extension of Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) and Abstinence Education Program Current law States are required to continue Medicaid benefits for certain low-income families who would otherwise lose coverage because of changes in their income. This continuation is known as transitional medical assistance (TMA). Federal law permanently requires four months of TMA for families who lose Medicaid eligibility due to increased child or spousal support collections, as well as those who lose eligibility due to an increase in earned income or hours of employment. The House expanded work-related TMA under Section 1925 of the Social Security Act in 1988, requiring states to provide TMA to families who lose Medicaid for work-related reasons for at least six, and up to 12, months. The sunset date for Section 1925 has been extended a number of times, most recently through December 31, 2006 by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Under Section 510 of the Social Security Act, federal law appropriated $50 million annually for each of the fiscal years 1998-2003 for matching grants to states to provide abstinence education and, at state option, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision to promote abstinence from sexual activity, with a focus on groups that are most likely to bear children out-of-wedlock. Funds must be requested by states when they apply for Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH) Block Grant funds and must be used exclusively for the teaching of abstinence. States must match every $4 in federal funds with $3 in state funds. A state's allotment of abstinence education block grant program funding is based on the proportion of low-income children in the state as compared to the national total. Funding for the abstinence education block grant has been extended a number of times, most recently through December 31, 2006 by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Explanation of provision The provision would extend TMA under Section 1925 of the Social Security Act through June 30, 2007. It would also fund the abstinence education block grant program through June 30, 2007 at the level provided through the third quarter of FY2006. Section 402. Grants for research on vaccine against Valley Fever Current law Under existing National Institutes of Health (NIH) authority, the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases has supported projects to study coccidioidomycosis, known as Valley Fever. Grants have included projects to study the organism that causes Valley Fever; to improve the ability to evaluate vaccine candidates; to support the clinical development of potential drug therapies; and to support acquisition of equipment and facilities for research on the disease, among others. Explanation of provision The Secretary is required to conduct research on the development of a vaccine against coccidioidomycosis, known as Valley Fever. Grants may not be made on or after October 1, 2012. This does not have any legal effect on payments for grants for which amounts appropriated under this section were obligated prior to October 1, 2012. To carry out this section, $40 million is authorized for fiscal years 2007-2012. Section 403. Change in Threshold for Medicaid Indirect Hold Harmless Provision of Broad-Based Health Care Taxes Current law Under federal law and regulations, a state's ability to use provider-specific taxes to fund their state share of Medicaid expenditures is limited. If states establish provider- specific taxes, those taxes cannot generally exceed 25 percent of the state (or non-federal) share of Medicaid expenditures and the state cannot provide a guarantee to the providers that the taxes will be returned to them. However, there is what is referred to as a ``safe harbor.'' If the taxes returned to a provider are less than 6 percent of the provider's revenues, the prohibition on guaranteeing the return of tax funds is not violated. Those taxes do not have to undergo the process, defined in section 433.68 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, of determining if a guarantee exists. As a result, a state could impose a provider tax of 6 percent of revenues, return those revenues right back to those providers in the form of a Medicaid ``payment'' and receive a federal match for those amounts. In effect, the state has temporarily borrowed funds from the provider to receive additional federal funds. The President's FY2006 budget proposes to phase the 6 percent ``safe harbor'' for provider taxes down to 3 percent although no new regulation has been issued on this subject to date. Explanation of provision For the fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2008 and ending before October 1, 2011, the ``safe harbor'' percentage would be reduced from 6 percent to 5.5 percent. Section 404. DSH allotments for fiscal year 2007 for Tennessee and Hawaii (A) Tennessee Current law Tennessee operates its Medicaid program under a comprehensive statewide waiver, the terms and conditions of which have been negotiated by the state and CMS. Medicaid demonstration waivers, authorized under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, allow states a great deal of flexibility on how eligibility for Medicaid is determined, how Medicaid services are provided, and what those services are comprised of. States operating under a waiver are subject to a budget neutrality requirement intended to hold program spending under the waiver to estimates of amounts that would have been spent in the absence of the waiver. Because Tennessee receives its Medicaid funds under the provisions of the waiver, it does not receive federal matching for Medicaid payments to disproportionate share (DSH) hospitals nor do they receive an allotment for DSH payments (state by state allotments are calculated based on a formula in Medicaid law and represent a federal cap on the amount that the federal government will provide in DSH matching payments to any state.) DSH payments, however, continue to be counted as a component in Tennessee's budget neutrality calculation since, in the period prior to the waiver approval, the state was required to make DSH payments, and if the waiver had not been granted, the requirement to make those payments would continue to have applied. Explanation of provision The provision would establish a DSH allotment for the state of Tennessee for fiscal year 2007 equal to the greater of the amount that is reflected in the budget neutrality provision for the TennCare demonstration year ending in 2006 and $280 million. Federal matching payments to the state for DSH hospitals for fiscal year 2007 would, however, be limited to one-third of the DSH allotment. Those amounts would be considered TennCare project expenditures and would be subtracted from TennCare demonstration payments for Essential Access Hospital supplemental pool payments. The sum of the DSH payments and the Essential Access Hospital supplemental pool payments would be prohibited from exceeding the allotment amount. The state would be permitted to submit a state plan amendment describing the methodology to be used to identify DSH hospitals and to make payments to such hospitals. (B) Hawaii Current law Like Tennessee, Hawaii operates its Medicaid program under a statewide waiver, the terms and conditions of which have been negotiated by the state and CMS. The state does not make DSH payment under their waiver program and does not have a DSH allotment in Medicaid law. Explanation of provision The provision would set a DSH allotment for Hawaii for fiscal year 2007 at $10 million. The Secretary shall permit Hawaii to submit an amendment to its State plan under this title that describes the methodology to be used by the State to identify and make payments to disproportionate share hospitals, including children's hospitals and institutions for mental diseases or other mental health facilities. The Secretary may not approve such plan amendment unless the methodology described in the amendment is consistent with the requirements under this section for making payment adjustments to disproportionate share hospitals. [[Page E2252]] Section 405. Certain Medicaid DRA technical corrections (a) Technical corrections relating to State option for alternative premiums and cost sharing (Sections 6041 through 6043) Current law P.L. 109-171 allows states to impose premiums and cost- sharing for any group of individuals for any type of service (except prescribed drugs which are treated separately), through Medicaid state plan amendments (rather than waivers), subject to specific restrictions. Preferred drugs are defined as those that are the least (or less) costly effective prescription drugs within a class of drugs (as defined by the state). Premium and cost-sharing rules for workers with disabilities were not changed in P.L. 109-171. Individuals in families with income below 100% of the federal poverty line (FPL). Premiums and service-related cost-sharing imposed under this option are allowed to vary among classes or groups of individuals, or types of service. Explicit rules are provided by income level for those with income between 100-150% FPL and for those with income over 150% FPL. States are allowed to condition the provision of medical assistance on the payment of premiums, and to terminate Medicaid eligibility on the basis of failure to pay a premium if that failure continues for at least 60 days. States may apply this provision to some or all groups of beneficiaries, and may waive premium payments in cases where such payments would be an undue hardship. In addition, the provision allows states to permit providers participating in Medicaid to require a Medicaid beneficiary to pay authorized cost-sharing as a condition of receiving care or services. Providers may be allowed to reduce or waive cost-sharing amounts on a case- by-case basis. For the purposes of cost-sharing, two income-related groups are identified: (1) individuals in families with income between 100 and 150% FPL, and (2) individuals in families with income over 150% FPL. For both groups, the total aggregate amount of all cost-sharing (including special cost- sharing rules for prescribed drugs and emergency room copayments for non-emergency care) cannot exceed 5% of family income as applied on a quarterly or monthly basis as specified by the state. Treatment of non-preferred drug cost-sharing. Special cost- sharing for prescribed drugs is subject to the general 5% aggregate cap on cost-sharing for individuals with income between 100-150% FPL and for individuals with income over 150% FPL who are not otherwise exempt from service-related cost-sharing. Treatment of non-emergency cost-sharing. Individuals exempt from premiums or service-related cost-sharing under other provisions of P.L. 109-171 may be subject to nominal copayments for non-emergency services in an ER, only when no cost-sharing is imposed for care in hospital outpatient departments or by other alternative providers in the area served by the hospital ER. For non-exempt populations with income between 100-150% FPL, cost-sharing for non-emergency services in an ER cannot exceed twice the nominal amounts. For non-exempt populations with income exceeding 150% FPL, no cost-sharing limit is specified for non-emergency care in an ER. Aggregate caps on cost-sharing (described above) still apply. Definition of non-emergency services. The term ``non- emergency services'' means any care or services furnished in an emergency department of a hospital that the physician determines do not constitute an appropriate medical screening examination or stabilizing examination and treatment required to be provided by the hospital under Medicare law (Section 1867 of the Social Security Act). Exemption from cost-sharing for newly eligible children with disabilities. Section 6062 of P.L. 109-171 created a new optional Medicaid eligibility group for children with disabilities under age 19 who meet the severity of disability required under the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) without regard to any income or asset eligibility requirements applicable under SSI for children, and whose family income does not exceed 300% FPL. (States can exceed 300% FPL, without federal matching funds for such coverage.) Special premium and cost-sharing rules apply to this new group of eligibles. Explanation of provision The definition of preferred drugs would be amended to include those that are the most (or more) cost effective prescription drugs within a class of drugs (as defined by the state). In addition to separate cost-sharing provisions for prescribed drugs, the amendment would clarify that separate cost-sharing provisions also apply to nonemergency services provided in an emergency room. Individuals in families with income below 100% of the federal poverty line (FPL). The amendment would exempt from the general cost-sharing rules in new Section 1916A (a) all individuals in families with income below 100% of the federal poverty line (FPL). However, Section 1916 of Title XIX (nominal cost-sharing provisions) would still apply to this income group, as would the comparability rule regarding amount, duration and scope of available benefits (Section 1902(a)(10)(B)). States would still have the option to impose the special cost-sharing rules for prescribed drugs and non- emergency care provided in an emergency room to individuals in families with income below 100% FPL. The amendment would exempt individuals in families with income below 100% FPL from the provisions defining enforceability of premiums and other cost-sharing. Protections regarding payment of premiums and cost-sharing in Section 1916(c)(3) and Section 1916(e) would continue to apply to this income group. The amendment would apply the total aggregate cap of 5% of family income to individuals in families with income below 100% FPL for applicable cost-sharing with respect to nominal amounts (as defined in Section 1916), and prescribed drugs and emergency room copayments for non-emergency care (as defined in new Sections 1916A(c) and 1916A(e)). Treatment of non-preferred drug cost-sharing. The amendment would clarify that no cost-sharing for preferred drugs can be imposed on individuals exempt from service-related cost- sharing under the general cost-sharing provisions (identified in new Section 1916A(a)). It would also clarify that no more than nominal cost-sharing amounts may be imposed for non-preferred drugs on individuals exempt from services-related cost-sharing under the general cost- sharing provisions. Treatment of non-emergency cost-sharing. The amendment would clarify that for non-exempt persons with income between 100-150 percent FPL, cost-sharing for nonemergency care in an ER may not exceed twice the applicable nominal amount (up to the 5 percent aggregate cap). For persons with income below 100 percent FPL or who are exempt from service-related cost- sharing, cost-sharing for non-emergency care in an ER may not exceed the applicable nominal amount when no cost-sharing is imposed by the outpatient department or alternative providers. The 5 percent aggregate cap on all service-related costsharing for all income groups remains in effect. Definition of non-emergency services. The amendment would strike the phrase ``the physician determines'' from the definition of non-emergency services as provided in P.L. 109- 171. Exemption from cost-sharing for newly eligible children with disabilities. The amendment would exempt this new optional eligibility group for children with disabilities established under P.L. 109-171 from the premium and service- related costsharing rules under new Section 1916A. Correction of IV-B References. Among the groups explicitly exempted from the general cost-sharing provisions for premiums and cost-sharing, the amendment would change references to Title IV-B to mean child welfare services made available under Title IV-B on the basis of being a child in foster care. Effective Date. The amendment specifies that all changes made by this amendment are effective as if included in the affected sections and subsections of P.L. 109-171. (b) Clarifying Treatment of Certain Annuities (Section 6012) Current law Under Section 6012(b) of P.L. 109-171, the purchase of an annuity is treated as a disposal of an asset for less than fair market value unless certain criteria are met. One of these criteria is that the state be named as the remainder beneficiary in the first position for at least the total amount of Medicaid expenditures paid on behalf of the annuitant or be named in the second position after the community spouse or minor or disabled child and such spouse or a representative of such child does not dispose of any such remainder for less than fair market value. Explanation of provision The provision would strike the term ``annuitant'' and replace it with ``institutionalized individual.'' This change would become effective as if it had been included in DRA 2005, enacted on February 8, 2006. (c) Additional Miscellaneous Technical Corrections (1) Documentation (Section 6036) Current law Under Section 6036 of P.L. 109-171, states are prohibited from receiving federal Medicaid reimbursement for an individual who has not provided satisfactory documentary evidence of citizenship or nationality. Documents that provide satisfactory evidence are described in the law, as are exceptions to the documentation requirement. Section 6036(a)(2) of the law specifies that the documentation requirements do not apply to an alien who is eligible for Medicaid: And is entitled to or enrolled for Medicare benefits; On the basis of receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; or On such other basis as the Secretary may specify that satisfactory documentary evidence had been previously presented. The provision applies to initial determinations and to redeterminations of eligibility for Medicaid made on or after July 1, 2006. Explanation of provision The provision would specify that the documentation requirements do not apply to an individual declaring to be a citizen or national of the United States who is eligible for Medicaid: And is entitled to or enrolled for Medicare benefits; And is receiving (1) Social Security benefits on the basis of a disability or (2) SSI benefits; And with respect to whom (1) child welfare services are made available under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act or (2) adoption or foster care assistance is made available under Title IV-E; or [[Page E2253]] On such basis as the Secretary may specify that satisfactory documentary evidence has been previously presented. The provision would also make reference corrections. These changes would be effective as if included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. In addition, effective 6 months after enactment, the provision would (1) require states to have procedures in effect for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of children in foster care under the responsibility of the state under Title IV-E or IV-B of the Social Security Act and (2) specify that in reviews of state programs under IV-E and IV-B, the requirements subject to review shall include determining whether the state program is in conformity with the requirement to verify citizenship or immigration status. (2) Miscellaneous Technical Corrections Current law Section 5114(a)(2). This P.L. 109-171 provision modified the first sentence of Section 1842(b)(6)(F) of the Social Security Act to add a new paragraph H to 1842(b)(6) so that a federally qualified health center (FQHC) would be paid directly for FQHC services provided by a health care professional under contract with that FQHC. Section 6003(b)(2). This P.L. 109-171 provision modified Section 1927 of the Social Security Act by referencing subsection (k) relating to Section 505(c) drugs. Section 6031(b), 6032(b), and 6035(c). These sections referenced Section 6035(e) of P.L. 109-171, which does not exist, to provide exceptions to effective dates. Section 6034(b). Section 6034 of P.L. 109-171 establishes the Medicaid Integrity Program. It references modifications made to the Social Security Act by Section 6033(a). Section 6036(b). Section 6036 of P.L. 109-171 deals with improved enforcement of documentation requirements. Section 6036(b) references Section 1903(z) of the Social Security Act. This section does not exist. Section 6015(a)(I). Section 6015 of P.L. 109-171 pertains to continuing care retirement community admissions contracts. It makes reference to clause (v) of Section 1919(c)(5)(A)(i)(II) of the Social Security Act. Explanation of provision Section 5114(a)(2). Instead of modifying Section 1842(b)(6)(F) to add paragraph H, the amendment would modify Section 1842(b)(6) of the Social Security Act. Section 6003(b)(2). Instead of referencing subsection (k) of Section 1927 of the Social Security Act, the amendment would reference subsection (k)(1). Section 6031(b), 6032(b), and 6035(c). Instead of referencing Section 6035(e), the amendment would reference the effective date exception in Section 6034(e) of P.L. 109- 171. Section 6034(b). Instead of referencing modifications made by Section 6033(a) of P.L. 109-171, the amendment would reference Section 6032(a). Section 6036(b). Instead of referencing Section 1903(z) of the Social Security Act, the amendment would reference Section 1903(x). Section 6015(a)(1). Instead of referencing clause (v) of Section 1919(c)(5)(A)(i)(II) of the Social Security Act, the amendment would reference subparagraph (B)(v). ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2244,2006-12-27,109,2,,,POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""John M. McHugh"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""22""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT ______ speech of HON. JOHN M. McHUGH of new york in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, as I noted during the December 8, 2006, debate on H.R. 6407, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, this legislation reflects the final version of H.R. 22, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act as passed by the House and Senate. H.R. 22 passed the House on July 26, 2005 by a vote of 410-20, and the Senate then passed H.R. 22 with an amendment by Unanimous Consent on February 9, 2006. Given that H.R. 6407 is the blended result of the two Chamber's versions of H.R. 22, I believe it is important to make note of the Committee on Government Reform's report on H.R. 22, 109-66, part I, as reported on April 28, 2005. This committee report is relevant to understanding the provisions of H.R. 6407, particularly because many of the provisions of H.R. 6407 are unchanged from H.R. 22 as reported by the Government Reform Committee. For those looking for additional legislative history on H.R. 6407, the Government Reform Committee report accompanying H.R. 22, 109-66, part I, will provide useful explanations and information. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2253,2006-12-27,109,2,,,REMARKS ON H. RES. 1106,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2253,E2255,"[{""name"": ""Cynthia A. McKinney"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1106""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2253,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2253-E2255] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REMARKS ON H. RES. 1106 ______ HON. CYNTHIA McKINNEY of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to enter the following into the Congressional Record: ADDENDA TO A RESOLUTION INTRODUCING ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST GEORGE WALKER BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND OTHER OFFICIALS: FURTHER ACTIONS BY THE PRESIDENT THAT WARRANT FURTHER INVESTIGATION AS POSSIBLE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT AS IDENTIFIED BY MANY SCHOLARS, LAWYERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS I. FAILURE TO ENSURE THE LAWS ARE FAITHFULLY EXECUTED (1) Self-Exemption from Laws upon Signing. (2) Suspension of Basic Legal Proceedings. (3) Promoting Illegal War. (4) Promoting Torture. (5) Promoting Kidnappings and Renditions for Torture. (6) Use of Illegal Weapons. II. ABUSE OF OFFICE AND OF EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE (1) Obstructing Inquiry and Detection. (2) Replacing the Veto with Signing Statements. III. FAILURE TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION (1) Suspension of Due Process. (2) Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. (3) Non-Cooperation with Congress. (4) Establishment of an Unconstitutional, Parallel Legal System. I. FAILURE TO ENSURE THE LAWS ARE FAITHFULLY EXECUTED Under Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution of the United States of America, the President has a duty to ``take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.'' George Walker Bush, during his tenure as President of the United States, has repeatedly violated the letter and spirit of laws and rules of criminal procedure used by civilian and military courts, and has violated or ignored regulatory codes and practices that carry out the law, has contravened the laws governing agencies of the executive and the purposes of these agencies, and in conducting the foreign affairs of the United States of America has proceeded in flagrant violation of the core body of international laws, to which the United States of America is bound by treaty. With respect to domestic law, this conduct has included one or more of the following: (1) Self-Exemption from Laws upon Signing. Since assuming the office of President of the United States, George Walker Bush has attached signing statements to more than one hundred bills before signing them, within which he has made over eight hundred challenges to provisions of laws passed by Congress, a figure that exceeds the total number of such challenges by all previous presidents combined, and has used this practice to exempt himself, as President of the United States, from enforcing or from being held accountable to provisions of the said laws. (2) Suspension of Basic Legal Proceedings. In dereliction of his duty to uphold the law, George Walker Bush has systematically violated basic legal and criminal procedures that require any search, seizure, arrest or detention to be non-discriminatory, based on probable cause and sufficient evidence to warrant a stated charge, that provide access to legal counsel, arraignment and the option of bail within a period of days, and that require reasonable and non-coercive interrogations, rights of silence, as well as privy communications with counsel and with others, pending an outcome of either release or a speedy and public trial, conducted in accord with federal and state statutes on criminal and court process, the provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, applicable international law, or appeals to higher courts that apply. By ordering mass arrests and indefinite detentions based on indiscriminate profiling of specific populations, George Walker Bush has also systematically violated laws prohibiting harmful extraditions, secret arrest and custody, and denial of defined and legal periods of detention or incarceration. With respect to international law, this conduct has included one or more of the following: (3) Promoting Illegal War. Abraham Lincoln wrote in 1848, ``Allow the President to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invaslon and you will allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose, and you will allow him to make war at pleasure. If today, he should choose to say he thinks it necessary to invade Canada, to prevent the British from invading us, how could you stop him? You may say to him, `I see no probability of the British invading us,' but he will say to you, `Be silent; I see it, if you don't.' '' In direct violation of Articles 41 and 42 of the United Nations Charter, a treaty ratified by the United States Senate in 1945 and therefore the supreme law of the land as according to Article VI of the Constitution, George Walker Bush has advanced and executed a policy based on so-called pre-emptive or preventive war, whereby the United States of America claims the right to unilaterally assault, invade or occupy other nations without first engaging in collective measures with other member states of the United Nations or first gaining the prior assent of the United Nations Security Council, and whereas George Walker Bush did apply this doctrine by launching a war of aggression against the sovereign nation of Iraq, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians and thousands of United States military personnel, without United Nations Security Council authorization, whereby said George Walker Bush, as President of the United States, by advancing a doctrine of preventive war and initiating and continuing the invasion and occupation of Iraq by United States forces did commit and was guilty of precisely such abuses as Abraham Lincoln foresaw. (4) Promoting Torture. In direct violation of, and as part of a pattern of consistent attempts through executive orders, legal memoranda and alterations to regulations such as the Army Field Manual, to undermine the Federal Torture Statute [18 USC Sec. 2340A]; the Third Geneva Convention banning torture and abuse of Prisoners of War, as well as non- combatants and unarmed (``enemy'') combatants held in detention; and Articles 4 and 32 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which expressly prohibit not merely torture but physical abuse of any kind being inflicted upon ``persons protected by the Convention,'' defined as ``those who, at a given moment and in any manner whatsoever, find themselves, in case of a conflict or occupation, in the hands of a Party to the conflict or Occupying Power of which they are not nationals,'' this language being written as a precaution against and in anticipation of alternate definitions of torture, these declarations and treaties being ratified by the United States Senate and therefore the supreme law of the land as according to Article VI of the Constitution, George Walker Bush, as President of the United States of America, has condoned and presided over a vast expansion of the use of torture against unarmed combatants and civilian non- combatants, both foreign and domestic, detained or kidnapped by forces or agents of the United States, leading to extreme pain, psychological trauma, disfigurement and in [[Page E2254]] some cases, death. By signing a legal memorandum on February 7, 2002 (declassified on June 17, 2004), in which he wrote that ``The war on terror ushers in a new paradigm,'' one which requires ``new thinking in the law of war,'' and decreeing that, contrary to all past military practices of an official nature, the United States would no longer be constrained by the laws of war presently in force in its treatment of those captured during its invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and subsequently detained, a legal opinion which the Supreme Court struck down on June 29, 2006 (Hamdan v. Rumsfeld) by its ruling that the Third Geneva Convention did apply to detainees in the custody of the United States, George Walker Bush, President of the United States, by his concerted efforts to undermine any legal limits on the use of torture by United States personnel, did commit and was guilty of high crimes against the United States of America. (5) Promoting Kidnappings and Renditions for Illegal Torture. In direct violation of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, Article 3, which states that ``No State party shall expel, return or extradite a person to another state where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture,'' and the Fourth Geneva Convention, Articles 31 and 45, the said conventions having been ratified by the United States Senate and therefore the supreme law of the land as according to Article VI of the Constitution, George Walker Bush, as President of the United States of America, did sign, on September 17, 2001, an executive order (still classified) granting unilateral authority to the Central Intelligence Agency to render detainees to countries where torture is routinely practiced for the express purpose of interrogation, thereby subverting an established program of rendering detainees to justice by bringing them to the United States or to a country in which they were wanted to face criminal charges in a court of law. And whereas the Central Intelligence Agency did thereafter carry out this order not only by rendering hundreds of detainees to countries where they were subsequently tortured, but also in many cases first illegally kidnapping the detainees, and did subsequently establish secret detention centers, operating outside any known laws, for the express purpose of circumventing all legal protections to which the said detainees were entitled under international law. (6) Use of lllegal Weapons. In violation of multiple and diverse tenets of international law, George Walker Bush, as President of the United States, has authorized or sanctioned the use of illegal weapons, including but not limited to the following: (a) land mines, deployed by United States forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, which indiscriminately injure and kill combatants and innocent civilians alike, and which are therefore illegal under Geneva Conventions Protocol I, Article 85, which states that it is a war crime to launch ``an indiscriminate attack affecting the civilian population in the knowledge that such an attack will cause an excessive loss of life or injury to civilians,'' and which are banned under the Protocol II of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which forbids the deployment of any ``mine, booby-trap or other device which is designed or of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering;'' (b) cluster bombs, including those which upon explosion project lethal plastic fragments not detectable by X-ray, deployed by United States forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, which leave unexploded ordnance known to maim and kill innocent civilians and which are therefore also illegal under Geneva Conventions Protocol I, Article 85, as well as under Protocol I of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which bans the use of ``the use of any weapon the primary effect of which is to injure by fragments which in the human body escape detection by X-rays,'' and under Annexed Articles 22 and 23 of the Hague Convention IV, which states that ``It is especially forbidden to kill treacherously individuals belonging to the hostile nation or army;'' (c) depleted uranium munitions, being radiological weapons used extensively by United States Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, in violation of Geneva Conventions Protocol 1, Articles 35.2, 35.3, 48 and 55.1, which prohibit the use of ``projectiles and material and methods of warfare of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering'' or weapons ``which are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment'' or damage to ``the health or survival of the population,'' and which have been classified as ``weapons of mass destruction'' by the United Nations Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities; (d) napalm, a weapon widely used in Vietnam, an upgraded kerosene-based version of which has more recently been used by United States forces in Iraq, being dubbed the ``Mark 77 firebomb'', in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Article II.1.b, which expressly prohibits ``Munitions and devices, specifically designed to cause death or other harm through the toxic properties'' of the device when used as a weapon; (e) white phosphorous, which Defense Department spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Venable confirmed on November 15, 2005 was deployed ``as an incendiary weapon'' in urban areas of Fallujah, Iraq, where there were high concentrations of civilians, during Operation Phantom Fury (November 2004- January 2005), making the said deployment of white phosphorous a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Article II.1.b; (f) BLU-82B/C-130 ``daisy cutter'' bombs, being massive incendiary bombs deployed by United States forces in Afghanistan, and which upon detonation create a firestorm the size of five football fields or greater, and a vacuum pressure capable of collapsing internal organs, in violaton of Geneva Conventions Protocol I, Articles 35, 48, 51 and 55, which expressly forbid such indiscriminate destruction of civilian life and the environment; the United States of America being a signatory to all the above cited international legislation, as ratified by the Senate and therefore being the supreme law of the land under Article VI of the Constitution, whereby said George Walker Bush, President of the United States, did commit war crimes. In all of this, George Walker Bush's conduct has followed a pattern of not merely failing to uphold the laws he took an oath to defend as President of the United States, but of flouting such laws with the impunity of a dictator. Indeed, on numerous occasions, George Walker Bush has openly expressed his desire to become a dictator, as he did while President-Elect on December 18, 2000, when he stated: ``If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier . . . just as long as I'm the dictator . . .'' This arrogant posture has also been typical in foreign aftairs where he has made concerted efforts to undermine international law and international treaties, including his termination of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty without the assent of the legislative branch, his decision to rescind the authorizing signature of the United States from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, his willingness to offend the 152 nations who are signatories to the Ottawa Treaty by refusing to sign and continuing the use of land mines by the world's most powerful military rather than asserting America's moral leadership, his willingness to offend the 93 nations who are parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Protocol III by refusing to sign and continuing the use of incendiary weapons against civilian targets, his defiance of the United Nations Security Council by launching a unilateral war of aggression against the government and the people of Iraq, and in general showing little remorse over or regard for the tens of thousands of innocent civilians and American service personnel who have perished as a direct or indirect result of his foreign policy. II. ABUSE OF OFFICE AND OF EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE In taking his oath of office, the President swore to ``faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.'' George Walker Bush, in his conduct while President of the United States, has consistently demonstrated disregard for that oath by obstructing and hindering the work of investigative bodies, by seeking to expand the scope of the powers of his office, by failing to ensure a swift response to a natural disaster where lives were in the balance, and by failing to appoint competent officials or to hold those whom he appoints or those to whom the government grants contracts accountable in cases of dereliction of duty, abuse and outright fraud. (1) Obstructing Inquiry and Detection. At the Virginia Convention on ratification of the Constitution, George Mason argued that the President might usurp his powers to ``pardon crimes which were advised by himself'' or prior to indictment or conviction ``to stop inquiry and prevent detection,'' to which James Madison responded that if he did so, ``the House of Representatives would impeach him.'' In an effort to conceal the high crimes and misdemeanors here mentioned, George Walker Bush, in his conduct as President of the United States of America, has presided over the most secretive Presidency in this nation's history, and an administration which actively interferes with the free flow of information by manipulating the press and frustrating its ability to provide an oversight function by being actively hostile to questioning from the press, by placing imposters posing as agents of the press at press conferences, by threatening reporters with prosecution under espionage laws, and by purchasing television segments and placing newspaper stories falsely posing as unbiased reporting in an effort to promote Administration policies. The conduct of this Administration follows a pattern of seeking to hush ``whistleblowers'' who come forward to share potentially incriminating information with the public, rather than investigating the alleged crime. This Administration has also refused to provide key information to Congressional investigations, and to prosecutors investigating the outing of a Central Intelligence Agency Officer in an apparent act of retribution, or to actively pursue the identity of the guilty informant, despite the President's public pledge to fire the guilty party once discovered, and even after one Administration official was charged in the case with obstruction of justice. George Walker Bush has abused his office by consistently invoking executive privilege in order to shelter his office and his appointees from both Congressional oversight and judicial accountability. (2) Replacing the Veto with Signing Statements. By declining to veto even one bill, and instead attaching signing statements challenging hundreds of laws passed by Congress, thereby seeking to exempt the executive branch from accountability to said laws, [[Page E2255]] George Walker Bush has subverted the very nature of his office by seeking to add to his office extraordinary and unconstitutional powers and privileges. III. FAILURE TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION At the Constitutional Convention, James Madison argued that ``high Crimes and Misdemeanors'' intentionally included ``[a]ttempts to subvert the Constitution.'' In taking his oath of office, the President swore to ``preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States'' to the best of his ability, which includes the duty not to abuse his powers or transgress their limits, the duty not to violate the rights of citizens, including those guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and not to act in derogation of powers vested elsewhere by the Constitution, George Walker Bush, in his conduct while President of the United States has not only failed in this regard, but has demonstrated a pattern of disregard or contempt for the Constitution itself, as he clearly demonstrated in November 2005 when he shouted at a group of Republican lawmakers, ``Stop throwing the Constitution in my face. It's just a [expletive] piece of paper!'' This conduct has included one or more of the following: (1) Suspension of Due Process. In direct dereliction of his duty to defend the Constitution, George Walker Bush has systematically deprived citizens and residents of the United States of their constitutional rights to due process under the law, by sanctioning or ordering, at the discretion of the executive, their detention without charge and without trial, a fundamental right to which they are entitled under habeus corpus and the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights; by denying the right to a fair and speedy trial and blocking access to counsel for the defense, both of which are rights guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment in the Bill of Rights; by denying those so illegally detained the opportunity to appear before a judicial officer that they might challenge the legal grounds of their detention; by sanctioning and ordering mass arrests and detentions which inevitably involve all of the above named abuses; and by refusing to disclose the identities and locations of those detained. (2) Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. In violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, George Walker Bush did clandestinely direct the National Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to conduct electronic surveillance, including a new form of spying using sophisticated software to track internet usage, of citizens of the United States on U.S. soil without seeking to obtain, before or after, a judicial warrant, including spying on groups and individuals who had committed no illegal acts, involving penetration, entrapment and provocation, thereby reviving practices previously discontinued after they were deemed prejudicial to justice by the United States Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, chaired by Senator Frank Church. (3) Non-Cooperation with Congress. In derogation of the legislative functions of the Congress, granted under Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution, and the implied power to see that the laws made by Congress are faithfully executed, George Walker Bush, in his conduct as President of the United States, has engaged in a consistent pattern of obstructing and frustrating Congressional investigations. George Walker Bush opposed and delayed the formation of a commission to investigate the attacks of September 11, 2001, and once it was formed, refused to turn over key documents and information in compliance with subpoenas, and also sought and gained exemption from testifying under oath for all but one top administration official. (Condoleezza Rice). He refused requests from the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina and requests from the 9/11 Commission to turn over key documents and information. Under his administration the Justice Department made it official policy to refuse cooperation with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, to refuse the release of records or testimony, central to informing government decisions, to re-classify previously unclassified records and to withhold even non-secret documents. These actions severely restrict the ability of the people and their representatives in Congress seeking to hold government officials accountable for their decisions to have access to a record of how official decisions were reached, or even to know what the official polices are. Wherefore, George Walker Bush, by obstructing the work of the Congress, did commit and was guilty of high misdemeanors against the United States of America. (4) Establishment of an Unconstitutional, Parallel Legal System. Edmund Randolph stated at the Constitutional Convention that: ``The Executive will have great opportunitys [sic] of abusing his power, particularly in time of war when the military force, and in some respects the public money will be in his hands.'' In direct dereliction of his duty to defend the Constitution, George Walker Bush has, during his tenure as President of the United States of America, sanctioned the establishment of a parallel legal system operating outside the scope of the Constitution under which the participants would not be bound by due process or basic rights of the accused to speedy and fair trials, access to counsel, or even the right to know the charges and evidence against them, by replacing these measures with a new form of law involving: secret and indefinite detention without trial or hearing; renditions to other countries outside the reach of law and justice; the use of military tribunals to replace civilian courts; detentions outside normal writ of habeus rules and without access to effective counsel, unmonitored conversations or judicial attention and review; exclusion of the accused from portions of the trial and from access to evidence used against them; acceptance of hearsay, including testimony gained under torture or duress; and a lack of independent judiciary or appeal of conviction. An unknown number of individuals, many of whose names the Administration has refused to release, have already been held in undisclosed locations or secret prisons, and mass arrests have been accompanied by deportations. By failing to conduct timely status review hearings, as required under Article 5 of the Geneva Convention, the Bush Administration has made it effectively impossible to determine the status and the rights of those held in secret detention. Although the Supreme Court has ruled that the denial of rights under the Geneva Accords is illegal [Hamdan vs. Rumsfeld], new proposals from the Bush Administration expand the definition of those who can be detained as ``enemy combatants'' as no longer limited to aliens abroad, and assert that neither the Uniform Code of Military Justice alone, nor federal criminal procedures will guide the functions of these new courts. George Walker Bush, as President of the United States of America, in defiance the Supreme Court, and in keeping with a pattern of conduct seeking to exempt himself from its rulings and from constitutional law, did commit violations of domestic law and was guilty of war crimes. In all of this, George Walker Bush has sought to arrogate unprecedented power to his executive office and to undermine the system of check and balances established by the Founders, by using war and national emergency as the basis for his claims in support of a unitary presidency. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgE2255,2006-12-27,109,2,,,STATEMENT VOICING CONCERN OVER THE DELAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRACING SERVICE (ITS) IN RELEASING THE BAD AROLSEN HOLOCAUST ARCHIVES,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2255,E2257,"[{""name"": ""Alcee L. Hastings"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2255,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2255-E2257] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] STATEMENT VOICING CONCERN OVER THE DELAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRACING SERVICE (ITS) IN RELEASING THE BAD AROLSEN HOLOCAUST ARCHIVES ______ HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today deeply concerned about the consistent delay of the commission members of the International Tracing Service (ITS) to permit Holocaust survivors and their families access to the millions of Holocaust records located at Bad Arolsen, Germany. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the nations who have yet to approve the recently agreed upon amendments to the Bonn Accords regarding these archives to give this issue the utmost elevated attention and to be made a top priority in their respective Parliaments. The ITS Commission, comprised of the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom, currently possesses nearly 50 million records documenting Holocaust victims and survivors experiences pre-World War II and during the Holocaust. The records are used to substantiate benefit claims by Holocaust survivors and their heirs and operate under the 1955 agreements, the Bonn Accords. For the past decade, Holocaust researchers and most survivors have sought and failed to access the Bad Arolsen archive, because the ITS Commission believed it would violate the privacy of the survivors and their families. Following years of delay, in May 2006, the Commission adopted amendments to the Bonn Accords permitting each Commission member to make the archives public and to receive a digitized copy of the Bad Arolsen archive, which they would be able to make available to researchers under their own country's respective privacy laws. Unfortunately, 9 out of the 11 ITS Commission member nations have yet to ratify the amendments. With the express acknowledgement of the variance in each country's internal procedures, and the utmost respect for the letter of international law, I strongly encourage parliamentarians from other members of the ITS Commission to ratify the ITS amendments promptly so that the Bad Arolsen archives can be opened at the earliest possible date. This ongoing delay is a further example of how the Holocaust survivors, who have been part of such unimaginable, horrendous genocide, and the greatest crime against humanity, are perpetually forced to endure severe obstacles and difficulties. Now, the few Holocaust survivors who are here with us today remain tormented by the unknown. In the Holocaust's aftermath, there have been far too many demonstrations of survivors and heirs of Holocaust victims who have been [[Page E2256]] refused their moral and legal right to information, restitution of assets, or compensation for slave labor from the entities that profited during the Holocaust. As the few remaining survivors pass away, many still pass away deprived of information concerning their loved ones and the assets that were rightfully theirs. Let us not continue to waste the precious time left for the remaining survivors. After all of the horrific acts to which they have been subjected, they are completely justified in uncovering the truth about their families and their loved ones without hassle or delay. This issue is of particular importance to me, given the fact that South Florida is home to the second largest concentration of Holocaust survivors in the United States, and the third largest in the world outside of Israel. Furthermore, as the President Emeritus of the Organization for Security and Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly in Europe (OSCE), I am committed to the issue of fair and just treatment of Holocaust survivors, and remain dedicated to the prevention of all bigotry, especially anti-Semitism. Let us not forget that anti-Semitism has not diminished; if anything we have seen a resurgence in recent years. The threat or occurrence of anti-Semitism is still very real to many Jews in the United States and across the world. Only last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad held the second Holocaust denial conference in one year in Tehran; the latest in a series of abominable threatening and anti-Semitic, Holocaust denial statements and actions he has taken since he rose to power. While extremist radicals may continue to spew such hatred and intolerance, I find it embarrassing that others who know better can turn their backs on the remaining Holocaust survivors or on the memory of those who perished in such a tragedy. I can think of no better way to commemorate the 6 million murdered in the Holocaust, than for each and every international community member to seriously commit to monitor and combat anti-Semitic acts and promote Holocaust remembrance and education. While tolerance takes time to teach, it is not too late for international member nations of the ITS Commission to assist the remaining Holocaust survivors and grant them direct access to the Bad Arolsen archives as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, we should never forget the horrific crimes of murder and destruction committed by the Nazis; and we must commit ourselves to ensuring that future generations shall never be forced to endure the suffering, humiliation, and ultimate death experienced by the victims of the Holocaust. Holocaust Survivors' Foundation--USA, Miami, FL, December 18, 2006. Congressman Alcee Hastings, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Hastings: We are Holocaust survivors, and elected leaders of grass roots survivor organizations with thousands of members in 15 states. As individual claimants and class members, we have witnessed the failed enterprise known as ``Holocaust asset restitution'' as it has proceeded over the last decade, in litigation over and negotiations over thefts and human exploitation by European manufacturers, banks, insurance companies, railroads, and governments. Sunday's important story in the Associated Press about the monumental documentation of Nazi crimes at the Bad Arolsen archive highlights the absurdity of the process survivors have been forced to endure over this past decade. One would have thought that Holocaust survivors, at the end of our lives, would have been treated with the utmost respect and dignity. In reality, however, much of what has passed for ``restitution'' has been the opposite of what we would have expected, with catastrophic results. Instead, the process has been driven by institutional and organizational imperatives, instead of by the rights, interests, and priorities of the survivors. Too often; these forays have yielded incomplete information disclosure and absurdly low financial compensation. Instead of being principals, we the survivors have been treated as pawns. Instead of receiving dignity and respect, we have received lip service and been patronized by organizations, judges, executive branch officials, and members of Congress. Another hallmark of restitution, up until now, has been the imperative to give European business and governmental miscreants ``legal peace'' while calling for arbitrarily set financial settlements to be doled out by institutions that are self-interested or worse in their motives and practices. For example, when the institutions and lawyers we didn't selected ``settled'' with German industry, they agreed to limit insurance claims against German industry to a ridiculously low, arbitrary sum, without ever conducting an audit of the amount of insurance theft by German insurers and reinsurers. Now, it has been reported that class action lawyers want to forgive Italian insurance giant Generali without ever requiring full disclosure and disgorgement, despite recent evidence that the company stole billions and used the same punch card technology to manage its business used by the Nazis in the Final Solution. The media and Congress have ignored the fact that in almost every instance, survivors have been denied access to the necessary information required to mount full and effective disgorgement of the ill-gotten gains of the European plunderers. They have ignored the rush to judgment by representatives we didn't select to close the books on restitution. Now, with 16 miles of previously suppressed documents from the Nazi period being made public, isn't it time to halt the rush to judgment, the rush for ``closure,'' and require the full, transparent accounting that we survivors are morally and legally entitled to move forward without any further impediments? We call on all institutions of good faith, in government, in the media, and in the institutional world, to support us in our morally justified demand for transparence and justice. Israel Arbeiter, Boston, MA. Nesse Godin, Washington, DC. David Mermelstein, Miami, FL. Alex Moskovic, Palm Beach, FL. Leo Rechter, Flushing, NY. David Schaecter, Miami, FL. Henry and Anita Schuster, Las Vegas, NV. Fred Taucher, Seattle, WA. Lea Weems, Houston, TX. Esther Widman, Brooklyn, NY. Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami, FL, December 11, 2006. Hon. Alcee Hastings, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Hastings: On November 25, Arthur Max, Chief of the Amsterdam Bureau of the Associated Press, published an astonishing report about the massive and previously closed collection of information from the Nazi death camps under the jurisdiction of the International Red Cross and now located at Bad Arolsen, Germany. The scope of the records reported by Mr. Max is breathtaking, as are the moral and policy implications of the revelation. South Florida is the home to the second largest concentration of Holocaust survivors in the United States, and the third largest in the world outside of Israel. According to Mr. Max's report, survivors and their families have been unjustly denied access to many of the records at Bad Arolsen regarding their own experiences in the camps, or those of their family members. We are mandated by history and morality to remember that this greatest crime against humanity was in fact millions of crimes against millions of human beings, all of whom have the absolute right to receive all of the unvarnished truth about their fate and the fate of their loved ones they wish to learn about today. We are also painfully aware that far too many examples exist of survivors and heirs of Holocaust victims who have attempted to obtain morally and legally justified restitution of assets, or compensation for horrific slave labor from the entities that profited from the Holocaust, only to be met with rejections, and then, as added insult, to be denied access to the available sources of information they are told justify these rejections. In addition, there is now abundant evidence that tens of thousands of destitute survivors live in our midst, in the United States and Canada, in Israel, in the Former Soviet Union, in Europe and Australia, and in Latin America, and that government, and community--and restitution-based resources are inadequate to meet their basic human needs. In the United States alone, there are over 45,000 Holocaust survivors living near or below the federal poverty level, and who cannot afford adequate nutrition, housing, home care, medications, or simple and necessary devices such as dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. This is unthinkable in the year 2006, but it is true. As the following chart attests, these numbers are staggering, and widespread around the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Survivors living Survivor below or population near poverty line ------------------------------------------------------------------------ United States................................. 175,000 87,500 Israel........................................ 393,000 137,300 Former Soviet Union........................... 146,000 126,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sources: Sheskin, Estimates of the Number of Nazi Victims and Their Economic Status, January 2004; Brodsky and DellaPergola, Health Problems and Socioeconomic Neediness Among Jewish Shoah Survivors in Israel, April 2005; American Joint Distribution Committee, Presentation on the Condition and Needs of Jewish Nazi Victims in the Former Soviet Union. January 2004. We would hope that a thorough accounting of the real thefts suffered by the families of the Holocaust would not only allow for proper and overdue restitution to individuals, but would be a step toward creating sufficient financial resources to provide a dignified level of human existence for every survivor in the world who needs or requests relief. As leaders of our general and Jewish communities, locally and nationally and even internationally, the Federation Board believes that our generation owes the survivors the dignity of justice in their final years. In light of these compelling facts, we call upon Congress to take all steps necessary to guarantee immediate access to the Bad Arolsen archive by a qualified group of researchers in order to create a comprehensive and accessible database of information for all affected families without any further delay. As a starting point, we urge you to bring together the responsible U.S. and Red Cross officials to determine the scope of the task and identify the personnel and resources to make this information accessible as soon as humanly possible, beginning immediately. If necessary, we are asking that [[Page E2257]] Congress enact legislation, with funding if necessary, for the immediate completion of these tasks. In addition, we ask the United States Congress to explore and encourage any and all methods, including on an emergency basis, legislation, to provide all survivors and heirs a full opportunity to access the Bad Arolsen materials and to utilize said materials in support of their claims without regard to any previous denials or deadlines. We look forward to working with you to complete this historically and morally necessary task with the utmost speed. You will find enclosed two relevant articles pertaining to this letter. Please contact either one of us if you have any questions or concerns or wish to discuss in more detail. Sincerely, Saby Behar, President. Jacob Solomon, Executive Vice President." CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH-FrontMatter,2006-12-27,109,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,FRONTMATTER,H9319,H9319,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9319,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9319] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Vol. 152 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2006 No. 136" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9319-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9319,H9319,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""503""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9319,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9319] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 11, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 11, 2006, at 9:30 am: That the Senate agrees to House amendment to Senate amendment to the bill; Senate agrees to House amendment to the title of the bill H.R. 6111. That the Senate agreed to without amendment H. Con. Res. 503. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6407. That the Senate agrees to House amendments to the bill S. 3421. That the Senate agrees to Conference Report H.R. 5682. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely, Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9319-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,FURTHER COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9319,H9319,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""101""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""495""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""502""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4055""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4997""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5483""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5948""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6060""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6429""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9319,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9319] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FURTHER COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 11, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 11, 2006, at 9:50 am: That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 5483. That the Senate passed S. 4055. That the Senate passed without amendment H.J. Res. 101. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 5948. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4997. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6060. That the Senate passed without amendment H. Con. Res. 495. That the Senate passed without amendment H. Con. Res. 502. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6429. Appointments: MINER Act Technical Study Panel. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely, Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9319-4,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9319,H9319,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9319,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9319] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, December 13, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to formally notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, that I have been served with a subpoena--directed to ``Custodian of Records, the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Member of Congress''--for documents and testimony issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. After consulting with the Office of General Counsel, I have determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House. Sincerely, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.N O T I C E The Government Printing Office will publish corrections to the Congressional Record as a pilot program that has been authorized by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Corrections to the online Congressional Record will appear on the page on which the error occurred. The corrections will also be printed after the History of Bills and Resolutions section of the Congressional Record Index for print-only viewers of the Congressional Record. By order of the Joint Committee on Printing. TRENT LOTT, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9319,2006-12-27,109,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9319,H9319,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9319,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9319] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H9319]] House of Representatives PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT OF THE 109TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9320-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. DUNCAN HUNTER, MEMMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9320,H9320,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9320,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. DUNCAN HUNTER, MEMMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT =========================== NOTE =========================== December 27, 2006_On Page H 9320 the following appeared: Sincerely, Jerry Lewis, Chairman. House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, The online has been corrected to read: Sincerely, Jerry Lewis, Chairman. COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. DUNCAN HUNTER, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, ========================= END NOTE ========================= House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, December 21, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Represenatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to formally notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, that the House Armed Services Committee has been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The subpoena is returnable on January 11, 2007, after the 110th Congress convenes. Accordingly, I have advised Chairman-designate Skelton of the Committee's receipt of the subpoena, and he will make the determinations required by House Rule VIII in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. Sincerely, Duncan Hunter, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9320-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. PETER HOEKSTRA, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9320,H9320,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9320,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. PETER HOEKSTRA, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Washington, DC, December 22, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to formally notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, that the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The subpoena is returnable on January 11, 2007, after the 110th Congress convenes. Accordingly, I have advised Chairman-designate Reyes of the Committee's receipt of the subpoena, and he will make the determinations required by House Rule VIII in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. Sincerely, Peter Hoekstra, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9320-4,2006-12-27,109,2,,,COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9320,H9320,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9320,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, December 22, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to formally notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, that I have been served with a grand jury subpoena for testimony issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. After consulting with the Office of General Counsel, I will make the determinations required by Rule VIII. Sincerely, Elizabeth Phillips. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9320-5,2006-12-27,109,2,,,ENROLLED BILLS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H9320,H9320,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""101""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""482""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""486""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1245""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3248""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4588""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4709""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4997""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5483""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5782""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5946""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5948""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6060""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6143""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6164""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6338""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6342""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6344""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6345""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6429""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9320,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ENROLLED BILLS AND A JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Mrs. Haas, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker on Tuesday, December 12, 2006: H.R. 5682. An act to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India. On Wednesday, December 13, 2006: H.R. 6143. An act to amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing life-saving care for those with HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Haas, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, further reported and found truly enrolled bills and a joint resolution of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, on Tuesday, December 19, 2006: H.R. 5946. An act to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to authorize activities to promote improved monitoring and compliance for high seas fisheries, or fisheries governed by international fishery management agreements, and for other purposes. H.R. 6111. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the Tax Court may review claims for equitable innocent spouse relief and to suspend the running on the period of limitations while such claims are pending. H.R. 6344. An act to reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy Act. H.R. 6407. An act to reform the postal laws of the United States. H.R. 6429. An act to treat payments by charitable organizations with respect to certain firefighters as exempt payments. H.J. Res. 101. Joint Resolution appointing the day for the convening of the first session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Mrs. Haas, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, further reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Wolf, on Wednesday, December 20, 2006: H.R. 3248. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care, and for other purposes. H.R. 5782. An act to amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhanced safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation, to provide for enhanced reliability in the transportation of the Nation's energy products by pipeline, and for other purposes. H.R. 6342. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, and for other purposes. Mrs. Haas, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, further reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, on Wednesday, December 27, 2006: H.R. 482. An act to provide for a land exchange involving Federal lands in the Lincoln National Forest in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes. H.R. 486. An act to provide for a land exchange involving private land and Bureau of Land Management land in the vicinity of Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, for the purpose of removing private land from the required safety zone surrounding munitions storage bunkers at Holloman Air Force Base. H.R. 1245. An act to provide for programs to increase the awareness and knowledge of women and health care providers with respect to gynecologic cancers. H.R. 4588. An act to reauthorize grants for and require applied water supply research regarding the water resources research and technology institutes established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. H.R. 4709. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen protections for law enforcement officers and the public by providing criminal penalties for the fraudulent acquisition or unauthorized disclosure of phone records. H.R. 4997. An act to extend for 2 years the authority to grant waivers of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to certain international medical graduates. H.R. 5483. An act to increase the disability earning limitation under the Railroad Retirement Act and to index the amount of allowable earnings consistent with increases in the substantial gainful activity dollar amount under the Social Security Act. H.R. 5948. An act to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. H.R. 6060. An act to authorize certain activities by the Department of State, and for other purposes. H.R. 6164. An act to amend title IV of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the authorities of the National Institutes of Health, and for other purposes. H.R. 6338. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent and repress the misuse of the Red Crescent distinctive emblem and the Third Protocol (Red Crystal) distinctive emblem. H.R. 6345. An act to make a conforming amendment to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to examinations of certain insured depository institutions, and for other purposes. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9320,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. JERRY LEWIS, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9320,H9320,,,152 Cong. Rec. H9320,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9320] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H9320]] COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. JERRY LEWIS, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, December 22, 2006. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to formally notify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, that the House Appropriations Committee has been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The subpoena is returnable on January 11, 2007, after the 110th Congress convenes. Accordingly, I have advised Chairman-designate Obey of the Committee's receipt of the subpoena, and he will make the determinations required by House Rule VIII in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. Sincerely, Jerry Lewis, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9321-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9321,H9322,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""101""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""394""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""758""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""854""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""864""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1285""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1472""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1492""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1674""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3248""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4057""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4246""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4416""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4510""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4583""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4720""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4766""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5076""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5103""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5132""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5136""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5466""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5646""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5736""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5782""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5837""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5923""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5989""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5990""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6078""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6131""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6143""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6151""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6316""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6342""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6344""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6429""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9321,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Pages H9321-H9322] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House reports that on December 9, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.J. Res. 102. Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House further reports that on December 11, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 394. To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary study to evaluate the significance of the Colonel James Barrett Farm in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the suitability and feasibility of its inclusion in the National Park System as part of the Minute Man National Historical Park, and for other purposes. H.R. 758. To establish an interagency aerospace revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for aerospace workforce recruitment, training, and cultivation. H.R. 854. To provide for certain lands to be held in trust for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe. H.R. 864. To provide for programs and activities with respect to the prevention of underage drinking. H.R. 1285. To extend for 3 years changes to requirements for admission of non-immigrant nurses in health professional shortage areas made by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantage Areas Act of 1999. H.R. 1472. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 167 East 124th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Tito Puente Post Office Building''. H.R. 1492. To provide for the preservation of the historic confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II, and for other purposes. H.R. 1674. To authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be carried out by the National Weather Service, and for other purposes. H.R. 4057. To provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code. H.R. 4246. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building''. H.R. 4416. To reauthorize permanently the use of penalty and franked mail in efforts relating to the location and recovery of missing children. H.R. 4510. To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and to display the bust in a suitable location in the rotunda of the Capitol. H.R. 4583. To amend the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to revise the requirements for labeling of certain wool and cashmere products. H.R. 4720. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, Californiia, as the ``Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building''. H.R. 4766. To amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs; and for other purposes. H.R. 5076. To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and for other purposes. H.R. 5103. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1213 East Houston Street in Cleveland, Texas, as the ``Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building''. H.R. 5132. To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of including in the National Park System certain sites in Monroe County, Michigan, relating to the Battles of the River Raisin during the War of 1812. H.R. 5136. To establish a National Integrated Drought Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve drought monitoring and forecasting capabilities. H.R. 5466. To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. H.R. 5646. To study and promote the use of energy efficient computer servers in the United States. H.R. 5736. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 5837. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, as the ``Morris K. `Mo' Udall Post Office Building''. H.R. 5923. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 29-50 Union Street in Flushing, New York, as the ``Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office''. H.R. 5989. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10240 Roosevelt Road in Westchester, Illinois, as the ``John J. Sinde Post Office Building''. H.R. 5990. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 South 5th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, as the ``Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building''. H.R. 6078. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 West Wheat Street in Woodville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building''. [[Page H9322]] H.R. 6102. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Lawyers Road, NW in Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Captain Christopher Petty Post Office Building''. H.R. 6131. To permit certain expenditures from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. H.R. 6151. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Oak Street in Farmington, Minnesota, as the ``Hamilton H. Judson Post Office''. H.R. 6316. To extend through December 31, 2008, the authority of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of permits. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House further reports that on December 13, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 5682. To exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House further reports that on December 15, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 6143. To amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing life- saving care for those with HIV/AIDS. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House further reports that on December 19, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.J. Res. 101. Appointing the day for the convening of the first session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. H.R. 6111. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend expiring provisions, and for other purposes. H.R. 6344. To reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy Act. H.R. 6407. To reform the postal laws of the United States. H.R. 6429. To treat payments by charitable organizations with respect to certain firefighters as exempt payments. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House further reports that on December 20, 2006, she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 3248. To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care, and for other purposes. H.R. 5782. To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhance safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation, to provide for enhanced reliability in the transportation of the Nation's energy products by pipeline, and for other purposes. H.R. 6342. To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, and for other purposes. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9321,2006-12-27,109,2,,,SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H9321,H9321,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""214""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""362""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""707""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""895""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1096""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1378""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1529""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1608""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2125""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2150""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2205""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2653""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2735""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3546""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3678""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3821""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4042""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4091""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4092""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4093""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9321,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9321] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H9321]] SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The Speaker announced his signature to enrolled bills of the Senate of the following titles on December 12, 2006: S. 214. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the States on the border with Mexico and other appropriate entities in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers, and for other purposes. S. 1096. An act to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate portions of the Musconetcong River in the State of New Jersey as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. S. 1378. An act to amend the National Historic Preservation Act to provide appropriation authorization and improve the operations of the Advisory Council on historic Preservation. S. 1529. An act to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona. S. 1608. An act to enhance Federal Trade Commission enforcement against illegal spam, spyware, and cross-border fraud and deception, and for other purposes. S. 2150. An act to direct the Secretary of Interior to convey certain Bureau of Land Management Land to the city of Eugene, Oregon. S. 2653. An act to direct the Federal Communications Commission to make efforts to reduce telephone rates for Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas. S. 2735. An act to amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to reauthorize the national dam safety program, and for other purposes. S. 3821. An act to authorize certain athletes to be admitted temporarily into the United States to compete or perform in an athletic league, competition, or performance. S. 4042. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit disruptions of funerals of members of former members of the Armed Forces. S. 4091. An act to provide authority for restoration of the Social Security Trust Funds from the effects of a clerical error, and for other purposes. S. 4093. An act to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance. On December 13, 2006: S. 362. An act to establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard to help identify, determine sources of, assets, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment and navigation safety, in coordination with non-Federal entities, and for other purposes. S. 707. An act to reduce preterm labor and delivery and the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and to reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity. S. 895. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents. S. 2125. An act to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. S. 2205. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain parcels of land acquired for the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal features of the initial stage of the Oahe Unit, James Division, South Dakota, to the Commission of Schools and Public Lands and the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks of the State of South Dakota for the purpose of mitigating lost wildlife habitat, on the condition that the current preferential leaseholders shall have an option to purchase the parcels from the Commission, and for other purposes. S. 3421. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal certain limitations on attorney representation of claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, to otherwise improve veterans' benefits, memorial affairs, and health-care programs to enhance information security programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. S. 3546. An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to serious adverse event reporting for dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs, and for other purposes. S. 3678. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. S. 4092. An act to clarify certain land use in Jefferson County, Colorado. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9322,2006-12-27,109,2,,,BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9322,H9324,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""9""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""86""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""100""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""138""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""233""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""315""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""318""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""326""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""409""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""479""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""562""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""683""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""860""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""866""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1036""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1129""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1442""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1463""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1556""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1728""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2066""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2107""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2322""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2720""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2808""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2977""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3085""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3127""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3408""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3440""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3443""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3508""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3549""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3858""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3934""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4019""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4101""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4108""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4109""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4456""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4472""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4561""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4646""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4674""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4688""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4768""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4786""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4805""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4811""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4841""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4902""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4954""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4957""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4962""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4995""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5026""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5074""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5094""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5104""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5107""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5122""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5160""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5169""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5187""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5224""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5245""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5381""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5428""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5434""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5441""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5504""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5539""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5540""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5546""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5574""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5606""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5631""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5664""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5683""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5684""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5842""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5865""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5929""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6033""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6051""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6061""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6075""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6106""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6138""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6159""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6197""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6198""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6326""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9322,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Pages H9322-H9324] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, prior to sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following dates, he had approved and signed bills and joint resolutions of the following titles: July 27, 2006: H.R. 9. An act to amend the Voting Rights Act of 1065. H.R. 5865. An act to amend section 1113 of the Social Security Act to temporarily increase funding for the program of temporary assistance for United States citizens returned from foreign countries, and for other purposes. H.R. 4472. An act to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crime, to prevent child abuse and child pornography, to promote Internet safety, and to honor the memory of Adam Walsh and other child crime victims. August 1, 2006: H.J. Res. 86. A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, and for other purposes. H.R. 2977. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 306 2nd Avenue in Brockway, Montana, as the ``Paul Kasten Post Office Building''. H.R. 3440. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Avenida RL Rodriquez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, as the ``Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa Post Office Building''. H.R. 3549. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 210 West 3rd Avenue in Warren, Pennsylvania, as the ``William F. Clinger, Jr. Post Office Building. H.R. 3934. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 80 Killiam Road in Massapequa, New York, as the ``Gerald A Fiorenza Post Office Building''. H.R. 4101. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 East Main Street in Patchogue, New York, as the ``Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post Office Building''. H.R. 4108. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3000 Homewood Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, and the ``State Senator Verda Welcome and Dr. Henry Welcome Post Office Building''. August 2, 2006: H.R. 4456. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2404 Race Street in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as the ``Hattie W. Caraway Station''. H.R. 4561. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2404 Ferguson Road in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Francisco `Pancho' Medrano Post Office Building''. H.R. 4688. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1 Boyden Street in Badin, North Carolina, as the ``Mayor John Thompson `Tom' Garrison Memorial Post Office''. H.R. 4786. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 535 Wood Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, ``H. Gordon Payrow Post Office Building''. H.R. 4995. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7 Columbus Avenue in Tuckahoe, New York, as the ``Ronald Bucca Post Office''. H.R. 5245. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1 Marble Street in Fair Haven, Vermont, as the ``Mathew Lyon Post Office Building''. August 3, 2006: H.R. 4019. An act to amend title 4 of the United States Code to clarify the treatment of self-employed for purposes of the limitation on State taxation of retirement income. August 4, 2006: H.S. 5877. An act to amend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 to extend the authorities provided in such Act until September 29, 2006. August 12, 2006: H.R. 3682. An act to re-designate the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia as the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wild Refuge. August 14, 2006: H.R. 5683. An act to preserve the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego, California, by providing for the immediate acquisition of the memorial by the United States. August 17, 2006: H.R. 4. An act to provide economic security for all Americans, and for other purposes. H.R. 4646. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7320 Reseda Boulevard in Reseda, California, as the ``Coach John Wooden Post Office Building''. H.R. 4811. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 215 West Industrial Park Road in Harrison, Arkansas, as the ``John Paul Hammerschmidt Post Office Building''. H.R. 4962. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Pitcher Street in Utica, New York, as the ``Captain George A. Wood Post Office Building''. H.R. 5104. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 16th Street South in Petersburg, Florida, as the ``Morris W. Milton Post Office''. H.R. 5107. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1400 West Jordan Street Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Earl D. Hutto Post Office Building''. H.R. 5169. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1310 Highway 64 NW in Ramsey, Indiana, as the ``Wilfred Edward `Cousin Wilie' Sieg, Sr., Post Office''. H.R. 5540. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 217 Southeast 2nd Street in Dimmitt, Texas, and the ``Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office''. September 26, 2006: H.R. 5684. An act to implement the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement. September 27, 2006: H.R. 866. An act to make technical corrections to the United States Code. H.R. 2808. An act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of birth of Abraham Lincoln. September 29, 2006: H.R. 5631. An act making appropriations for the Department of defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes. September 30, 2006: H.R. 6138. An act to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. H.R. 6198. An act to hold the current regime in Iran accountable for its threatening behavior and to support a transition to democracy in Iran. October 4, 2006: H.R. 5441. An act making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes. October 5, 2006: H.R. 3408. An act to reauthorize the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 and to amend the swine reporting provisions of the Act. [[Page H9323]] October 6, 2006: H.R. 683. An act to amend the Trademark Act of 1046 with respect to dilution by blurring or tarnishment. H.R. 1036. An act to amend title 17, United States Code, to make technical corrections relating to Copyright Royalty Judges, and for other purposes. H.R. 1442. An act to complete the codification fo title 46, United States, ``Shipping'', as positive law. H.R. 2066. An act to amend title 40, United States code, to establish a Federal Acquisition Service, to replace the General Supply Fund and the Information Technology Fund with an Acquisition Services, and for other purposes. H.R. 2107. An act to amend Public Law 104-329 to modify authorities for the use of the National Law enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund, and for other purposes. H.R. 3858. An act to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. H.R. 4841. An act to amend the Ojito Wilderness Act to make a technical correction. H.R. 5074. An act to amend the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide for continued payment of railroad retirement annuities by the Department of the Treasury, and for other purposes. H.R. 5187. An act to amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize additional appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for fiscal year 2007. H.R. 5574. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for graduate medical education programs in children's hospitals. October 10, 2006: H.R. 5664. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 Cooper Street in Babylon, New York, as the ``Jacob Samuel Fletcher Post Office Building''. H.R. 6159. An act to extend temporarily certain authorities of the Small Business Administration. October 11, 2006: H.R. 318. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms located on St. Croix, Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. H.R. 326. An act to amend the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 to adjust the boundary of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, and for other purposes. H.R. 1728. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating portions of Ste. Genevieve County in the State of Missouri as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. H.R. 2720. An act to further the purposes of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 by directing the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to carry out an assessment and demonstration program to control salt cedar and Russian olive, and for other purposes. H.R. 3443. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain water distribution facilities to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. H.R. 5539. An act to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. H.R. 6106. An act to extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under title IV, section 105, of Public Law 109-148. October 12, 2006: H.R. 4109. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6101 Liberty Road in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ``United States Representative Parren J. Mitchell Post Office''. H.R. 4674. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 North Chestnut Street in Olathe, Kansas, as the ``Governor John Anderson, Jr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 5224. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 350 Uinta Drive in Green River, Wyoming, as the ``Curt Gowdy Post Office Building''. H.R. 5504. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6029 Broadmoor Street in Mission, Kansas, as the ``Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 5546. An act to designate the United States courthouse to be constructed in Greenville, South Carolina, as the ``Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. United States Courthouse''. H.R. 5606. An act to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 221 and 211 West Ferguson Street in Tyler, Texas, as the ``William M. Streger Federal Building and United States Courthouse''. H.R. 5929. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the ``Katherine Dunham Post Office Building''. H.R. 6033. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 39-25 61st Street in Woodside, New York, as the ``Thomas J. Manton Post Office Building''. H.R. 6051. An act to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 2 South Main Street in Akron, Ohio, as the ``John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse''. H.R. 6075. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 East Gay Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert J. Thompson Post Office Building''. October 13, 2006: H.R. 315. An act to designate the United States courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the ``John Milton Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse''. H.R. 562. An act to authorize the Government of Ukraine to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the victims of the manmade famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932-1933. H.R. 1463. An act to designate a portion of the Federal building located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building''. H.R. 1556. An act to designate a parcel of land located on the site of the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri as the ``Clyde S. Cahill Memorial Park''. H.R. 2322. An act to designate the Federal building located at 320 North Main Street in McAllen, Texas, as the ``Kika de la Garza Federal Building''. H.R. 3127. An act to impose sanctions against individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, to support measures for the protection of civilians and humanitarian operations, and to support peace efforts in the Darfur region of Sudan, and for other purposes. H.R. 4768. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 777 Corporation Street in Beaver, Pennsylvania, as the ``Robert Linn Memorial Post Office Building''. H.R. 4805. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 105 North Quincy Street in Clinton, Illinois, as the ``Gene Vance Post Office Building''. H.R. 4954. An act to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes. H.R. 5026. An act to designate the Investigation Buildings of the Food and Drug Administration located at 466 Fernandez Juncos Avenue in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the ``Andes Toro Building''. H.R. 5428. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 East Washington Street in Morris, Illinois, as the ``Joshua A. Terando Morris Post Office Building''. H.R. 5434. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 40 South Walnut Street in Chillicothe, Ohio, as the ``Larry Cox Post Office''. October 16, 2006: H.R. 138. An act to revise the boundaries of John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Jekyll Island Unit GA-06P. H.R. 479. An act to replace a coastal Barrier Resources System map relating to Coastal Barrier Resources System Grayton Beach Unit FL-95P in Walton County, Florida. H.R. 3508. An act to authorize improvements in the operation of the government of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes. H.R. 4902. An act to award a Congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his significant contributions to the game of golf as a player, a teacher, and a commentator. H.R. 5094. An act to require the conveyance of Mattamuskeet Lodge and surrounding property, including the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, to the State of North Carolina to permit the State to use the property as a public facility dedicated to the conservation of the natural and cultural resources of North Carolina. H.R. 5160. An act to establish the Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative. H.R. 5381. An act to enhance an existing volunteer program of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and promote community partnerships for the benefit of national fish hatcheries and fisheries program officers. October 17, 2006: H.R. 233. An act to designate certain National Forest System lands in the Mendocino and Six Rivers National Forests and certain Bureau of Land Management lands in Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Napa Counties in the State of California as wilderness, to designate the Elkhorn Ridge Potential Wilderness Area, to designate certain segments of the Black Butte River in Mendocino County, California as a wild or scenic river, or for other purposes. H.R. 4957. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Tylersville division of the Lamar National Fish Hatchery and Fish Technology Center to the State of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes. H.R. 5122. An act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. H.R. 6197. An act to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2007 through 2011, and for other purposes. H.R. 6326. An act to clarify the provision of nutrition services to older Americans. October 26, 2006: H.R. 6061. An act to establish operational control over the international land and maritime borders of the United States. November 17, 2006: H.J. Res 100. Joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for the United States. [[Page H9324]] December 1, 2006: H.R. 409. An act to provide for the exchange of land within the Sierra National Forest, California, and for other purposes. H.R. 860. An act to provide for the conveyance of the reversionary interest of the United States in certain lands to the Clint Independent School District, El Paso County, Texas. H.R. 1129. An act to authorize the exchange of certain land in the State of Colorado. H.R. 3085. An act to amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes. H.R. 5842. An act to compromise and settle all claims in the case of Pueblo of Isleta v. United States, to restore, improve, and develop the valuable on-reservation land and natural resources of the Pueblo, and for other purposes. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9324-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9324,H9325,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""394""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""758""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""854""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""864""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1285""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1472""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1674""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2383""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3699""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3817""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4000""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4057""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4246""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4377""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4416""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4510""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4559""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4583""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4720""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4766""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5061""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5103""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5108""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5132""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5136""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5466""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5585""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5646""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5690""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5736""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5857""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5923""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5989""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5990""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6078""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6102""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6111""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6121""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6131""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6143""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6151""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6316""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6407""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9324,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Pages H9324-H9325] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following dates, he had approved and signed bills and a joint resolution of the following titles: December 9, 2006: H.J. Res. 102. Joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes. December 12, 2006: H.R. 2383. An act to re-designate the facility of the Bureau of Reclamation located at 19550 Kelso Road in Bryon, California, as the ``C.W. `Bill' Jones Pumping Plant''. H.R. 3817. An act to withdraw the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest in New Mexico from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and for other purposes. H.R. 4000. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise certain repayment contracts with the Bostwick Irrigation District in Nebraska, the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District, and the Webster Irrigation District No. 4, all a part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, and for other purposes. H.R. 4559. An act to provide for the conveyance of certain National Forest System land to the towns of Laona and Wabeno, Wisconsin, and for other purposes. H.R. 5061. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey Paint Bank National Fish Hatchery and Wytheville National Fish Hatchery to the State of Virginia. H.R. 5103. An act to provide for the conveyance of the former Konnarock Lutheran Girls School in Smyth County, Virginia, which is currently owned by the United States and administered by the Forest Service, to facilitate the restoration and reuse of the property, and for other purposes. [[Page H9325]] H.R. 5585. An act to improve the netting process for financial contracts, and for other purposes. H.R. 5690. An act to adjust the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest in the States of Oklahoma and Arkansas. H.R. 6121. An act to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize a program relating to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, and for other purposes. December 13, 2006: H.R. 4377. An act to extend the time required for construction of a hydroelectric project, and for other purposes. December 14, 2006: H.R. 4766. An act to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs, and for other purposes. December 15, 2006: H.R. 3699. An act to provide for the sale, acquisition, conveyance, and exchange of certain real property in the District of Columbia to facilitate the utilization, development, and redevelopment of such property, and for other purposes. December 18, 2006: H.R. 1472. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 167 East 124th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Tito Puente Post Office Building''. H.R. 4246. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the ``Dr. Robert E. Price Post Office Building''. H.R. 4720. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Gateway Drive in Lincoln, California, as the ``Beverly J. Wilson Post Office Building''. H.R. 5108. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1213 East Houston Street in Cleveland, Texas, as the ``Lance Corporal Robert A. Martinez Post Office Building''. H.R. 5682. An act to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India. H.R. 5736. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building''. H.R. 5857. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, as the ``Morris K. `Mo' Udall Post Office Building''. H.R. 5923. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 29-50 Union Street in Flushing, New York, as the ``Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office''. H.R. 5989. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10240 Roosevelt Road in Westchester, Illinois, as the ``John J. Sinde Post Office Building''. H.R. 5990. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 South 5th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, as the ``Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building''. H.R. 6078. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 West Wheat Street in Woodsville, Texas, as the ``Chuck Fortenberry Post Office Building''. H.R. 6102. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Lawyers Road, NW., in Vienna, Virginia, as the ``Captain Christipher P. Petty and Major William F. Hecker, III Post Office Building''. H.R. 6151. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Oak Street in Farmington, Minnesota, as the ``Hamilton H. Judson Post Office.'' December 19, 2006: H.R. 5466. An act to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. H.R. 6143. An act to amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing life-saving care for those with HIV/AIDS. December 20, 2006: H.R. 394. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary study to evaluate the significance of the Colonel James Barret Farm H.R. 758. An act to establish an interagency aerospace revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for aerospace workforce recruitment, training, and cultivation. H.R. 854. An act to provide for certain lands to be held in trust for the Utu Utu Gwaitu paiute Tribe. H.R. 864. An act to provide for programs and activities with respect to the prevention of underage drinking. H.R. 1285. An act to extend for 3 years changes to requirements for admission of nonimmigrant nurses in health professional shortage areas made by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999. H.R. 1674. An act to authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be carried out by the National Weather Service, and for other purposes. H.R. 4057. An act to provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code. H.R. 4416. An act to reauthorize permanently the use of penalty and franked mail in efforts relating to the location and recovery of missing children. H.R. 4510. An act to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and to display the bust in a suitable location in the Capitol. H.R. 4583. An act to amend the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to revise the requirements for labeling of certain wool and cashmere products. H.R. 5132. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of including in the National Park System certain sites in Monroe County, Michigan, relating to the Battles of the River Basin during the War of 1812. H.R. 5136. An act to establish a National Integrated Drought Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve drought monitoring and forecasting capabilities. H.R. 5646. An act to study and promote the use of energy efficient computer servers in the United States. H.R. 6111. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend expiring provisions, and for other purposes. H.R. 6131. An act to permit certain expenditures from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. H.R. 6316. An act to extend through December 31, 2008, the authority of the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the processing of permits. H.R. 6407. An act to reform the postal laws of the United States. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9324,2006-12-27,109,2,,,SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9324,H9324,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""56""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""101""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""176""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""203""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""213""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""244""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""250""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""260""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""310""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""418""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""435""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""819""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1025""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1131""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1140""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1275""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1323""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1496""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1773""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2146""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2430""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2464""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2562""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2590""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2690""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2784""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2856""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3187""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3525""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3534""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3613""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3661""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3693""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3728""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3741""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3850""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3880""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3930""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4001""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9324,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9324] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, prior to sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following dates, he had approved and signed bills and a joint resolution of the following titles: August 3, 2006: S. 310. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Newlands Project Headquarters and Maintenance Yard Facility to the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District in the State of Nevada. S. 1496. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a pilot program under which up to 15 States may issue electronic Federal migratory bird hunting stamps. August 4, 2006: S. 3741. An act to provide funding authority to facilitate the evacuation of persons from Lebanon, and for other purposes. August 12, 2006: S. 250. An act to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to improve the Act. S. 3693. An act to make technical corrections to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. September 22, 2006: S. 3534. An act to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for a YouthBuild program. September 26, 2006: S. 2590. An act to require full disclosure of all entities and organizations receiving Federal Funds. September 27, 2006: S. 1773. An act to resolve certain Native American claims in New Mexico, and for other purposes. S. 2784. An act to award a congressional gold medal to Tenzin Gyatso. The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights, and religious understanding. September 28, 2006: S. 3525. An act to amend part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the promoting safe and stable families program, and for other purposes. September 29, 2006: S. 418. An act to protect members of the Armed Forces from unscrupulous practices regarding dales of insurance, financial, and investment products. S. 3850. An act to improve ratings quality for the protection of investors and in the public interest by fostering accountability, transparency, and competition in the credit rating agency industry. October 3, 2006: S. 260. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners to restore, enhance, and manage private land to improve fish and wildlife habitats through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. October 5, 2006: S. 176. An act to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska. S. 244. An act to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Wyoming. S. 1025. An act to extend the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the construction of the Cheney division, Wichita Federal reclamation project, Kansas, and for other purposes'' to authorize the Equus Beds Division of the Wichita Project. S. 1275. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7172 North Tongass Highway, Ward Cove, Alaska, as the ``Alice R. Brusich Post Office Building''. S. 1323. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on Lindbald Avenue, Girdwood, Alaska, as the ``Dorothy and Connie Hibbs Post Office Building''. October 6, 2006: S. 2690. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8801 Sudley Road in Manassas, Virginia, as ``Harry J. Parrish Post Office''. S. 3187. An act to designate the Post office located at 5755 Post Road, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, as the ``Richard L. Cevoli Post Office''. S. 3613. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2951 New York Highway 43 in Averill Park, New York, as the ``Major George Quamo Post Office Building''. October 11, 2006: S. 213. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. S. 2146. An act to extend relocation expenses test programs for Federal employees. S. 2430. An act to amend the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 to provide for implementation of recommendations of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service contained in the Great Lakes Fishery Resources Restoration Study. October 12, 2006: S. 56. An act to establish the Rio Grande Natural Area in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes. S. 203. An act to reduce temporarily the royalty required to be paid for sodium produced, to establish certain National Heritage Areas, and for other purposes. October 13, 2006: S. 2856. An act to provide regulatory relief and improve productivity for insured depository institution, and for other purposes. S. 3661. An act to amend section 29 of the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 relating to air transportation to and from Love Field, Texas. S. 3728. An act to promote nuclear nonproliferation in North Korea. October 16, 2006: S. 2562. An act to increase, effective as of December 1, 2006, the rates of compensation for veterans with service- connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. October 17, 2006: S. 3930. An act to authorize trial by military commission for violations of the law of war, and for other purposes. November 27, 2006: S. 435. An act to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers act to designate a segment of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. S. 819. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reallocate costs of the Pactola Dam and Reservoir, South Dakota, to reflect increased demands for municipal, industrial, and fish and wildlife purposes. S. 1131. An act to authorize the exchange of certain Federal land within the State of Idaho, and for other purposes. S. 2464. An act to revise a provision relating to a repayment obligation of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation under the Fort McDowell Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990, and for other purposes. S. 3880. An act to provide the Department of Justice the necessary authority to apprehend, prosecute, and convict individuals committing animal enterprise terror. December 1, 2006: S. 101. An act to convey to the town of Frannie, Wyoming, certain land withdrawn by the Commissioner of Reclamation. S. 1140. An act to designate the State Route 1 Bridge in the State of Delaware as the ``Senator William V. Roth, Jr. Bridge''. S. 4001. An act to designate certain land in New England as wilderness for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation system and certain land as a National Recreation Area, and for other purposes. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgH9325,2006-12-27,109,2,,,SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H9325,H9325,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""843""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1219""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1346""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1820""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1998""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2250""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3678""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3759""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3938""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4044""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4046""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4050""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4073""}]",152 Cong. Rec. H9325,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [House] [Page H9325] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, after sine die adjournment of the second session, 109th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following dates, he had approved and signed bills and a joint resolution of the following titles: December 14, 2006: S. 2250. An act to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. December 18, 2006: S. 1219. An act to authorize certain tribes in the State of Montana to enter into a lease or other temporary conveyance of water rights to meet the water needs of the Dry Prairie Rural Water Associations, Inc. S. 1820. An act to designate the facility of the United States postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the ``Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office''. S. 3759. An act to name the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, Montana, in honor of Captain William Wylie Galt, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. S. 4050. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Thompson Street in Thomaston, Georgia, as the ``Sergeant First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office building''. S. 4073. An act to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Farmington, Missouri, as the ``Robert Silvey Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''. December 19, 2006: S. 843. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to combat autism through research, screening, intervention and education. S. 3678. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. December 20, 2006: S. 1346. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of maritime sites in the State of Michigan. S. 1998. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to enhance protections relating to the reputation and meaning of the Medal of Honor and other military decorations and awards, and for other purposes. S. 3938. An act to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States. S. 4044. An act to clarify the treatment of certain charitable contributions under title 11, United States Code. S. 4046. An act to extend oversight and accountability related to United States reconstruction funds and efforts in Iraq by extending the termination date of the Office of the Special Inspector General John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail." CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS-FrontMatter-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,Senate,SENATE,SENATE,FRONTMATTER,S11851,S11851,,,152 Cong. Rec. S11851,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Page S11851] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] S E N A T E Vol. 152 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2006 No. 136" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11851-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,HONORING SENATORIAL SERVICE,SENATE,SENATE,HONORING,S11851,S11854,"[{""name"": ""Ted Stevens"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Susan M. Collins"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. S11851,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Pages S11851-S11854] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING SENATORIAL SERVICE bill frist Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with Senator Bill Frist for the past 12 years. Bill has been a solid leader for our party and he has served the people of Tennessee with distinction. Senator Frist came to politics through a nontraditional route-- through the operating room. Bill got involved in politics because he believed he could do even more for his patients--and the people of Tennessee--in the Senate. And he was right. Bill's meticulous approach to this job is exactly what you would expect of a person with his training. He never gave up on his goals and worked tirelessly to see them into law. I became President Pro Tempore of the Senate close to the time when Bill became our majority leader. I enjoyed working by his side and thank Leader Frist for including me--as President Pro Tempore--in all leadership meetings. Senator Frist also traveled with us to China for U.S. Interparliamentary Group meetings. Once our meetings were finished, he continued on to Africa for medical mission work. As majority leader, Bill carried the administration's message. He fought hard for the President's judicial nominees. And as we saw yesterday during his farewell address, Bill leaves us with great honor and recognition. Our leader will now return to where, in some ways, his heart has always been--the practice of medicine. But deep in my heart, I feel that public service will again call Bill to give of his time and talents to help preserve our democracy and our freedoms. Catherine and I will miss being with Bill and Karyn. rick santorum Mr. President, yesterday I was moved by the emotional farewell of Senator Rick Santorum. He said he still feels the thrill of coming to work in this building every day. The energy he put toward his work in this Chamber, I will remember as one of Senator Santorum's most striking qualities. Senator Santorum's enthusiastic direction of the Republican conference rallied our majority. I believe he jeopardized his own future in Pennsylvania by urging us to think and act for the national good. Pennsylvania has been served well during his time in Congress and so has our Nation. Rick's energy has been of great benefit to many charities, and he has taken a special interest in helping those affected by autism. His efforts on behalf of each of these causes have been exceptional. And despite his many commitments, Rick's dedication to his family and personal convictions never wavered. Catherine and I wish Rick and his family well. george Allen Mr. President, Senator George Allen has served the Commonwealth of Virginia with honor and integrity. George is a principled person, following bedrock beliefs gained growing up in a strong family. These principles have led George to promote and defend freedom in this country and around the world. His legislative accomplishments are aligned with this philosophy. Senator Allen's major accomplishments include the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, increased benefits for the families of fallen troops, funding to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure for minority- serving institutions, and greater protections for intellectual property. In all of this, Senator Allen has not forgotten who his real boss is: the American people. He has always, and will continue, to put the interests of this country above his own. That is a true mark of a leader, ald all Virginians can be proud to have been represented by a man with Senator Allen's character. As many of his constituents, colleagues, and friends know, Senator Allen closed much of his correspondence with the words ``keep winning.'' Just like his dad, a Hall of Fame coach who reached great heights and suffered tough losses on the gridiron, we know George won't let this setback define him. We all expect him to ``keep winning'' for Virginia. Catherine and I wish him and Susan the very best. We know we will hear N O T I C E The Government Printing Office will publish corrections to the Congressional Record as a pilot program that has been authorized by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Corrections to the online Congressional Record will appear on the page on which the error occurred. The corrections will also be printed after the History of Bills and Resolutions section of the Congressional Record Index for print-only viewers of the Congressional Record. By order of the Joint Committee on Printing. TRENT LOTT, Chairman. [[Page S11852]] more about this dedicated public servant in the future. conrad burns Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I say farewell to a great friend and Senator, Conrad Burns of Montana. His loss will be felt in Montana and here in the Senate. Conrad is a man of the West and worked hard to make sure those values were represented in the Senate. Senator Burns, a marine with a background in radio and TV and as an auctioneer, came to the Senate in 1988. He, his wonderful wife Phyllis, and their family have become close friends with Catherine and me and to Alaska. In fact, Conrad's daughter, Dr. Keely Burns, spent time in Alaska after medical school working as a resident. Conrad is a great auctioneer and fine fisherman who often joined me in Alaska. Conrad served with me on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee as well as the Committee on Appropriations. During his time on those committees he accomplished a great deal for Montana, the West, and our Nation. Conrad worked to ensure more than 70 rural Montana communities have enforceable safe drinking water programs and protected the Big Sky through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He authored section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a provision which ensures advanced telecommunications are accessible in our schools and classrooms. And as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, he helped to secure funding for the Bureau of Land Management to expedite land conveyances in Alaska, which my State has pushed for since statehood. He worked hard to bring infrastructure and high tech to rural Montana. He worked to create E-911 legislation for the Nation. Conrad Burns is a hard worker, but he has an easy going way about him. Many Senators and staff know that he used to pick up carpoolers on his way to work. Few probably know about his protecting penguins in Antarctica. During a trip to our research station, there was a group of us watching penguins shuffling nervously near the water's edge. Conrad got the group together to pose for a photo, when suddenly all of the penguins jumped between us and the edge of the water. Conrad just smiled and took the photo, never mentioning the large killer whale that was circling behind the Senators. Conrad's humor is legendary and he can often spring it on you when you least expect it. As President pro tempore, I opened the Senate on my 80th birthday, dreading any birthday greetings I might receive. The first Member seeking recognition after the prayer was Conrad. Sure enough, Conrad launched into a long speech about a great American icon, a fighter, a scrappy character. I got more and more uncomfortable in the chair, but Conrad knew something I didn't--Mickey Mouse and I share a birthday. Conrad knew I would think all this high-minded talk was about me, but instead he was praising America's most lovable cartoon character. That's Conrad Burns. A man who loves to laugh, loves people, and loves his home state of Montana. We will miss the good Senator from Montana. mike dewine Mr. President, I will always remember Senator Mike DeWine for his commitment to his family. Mike pursued his own conscience until the end of his tenure in this Chamber. That conscience led Mike DeWine to be a staunch defender for the people of Haiti. In a time of constant conversation about the importance of family values and community standards, Mike has led by example. As a member of a large family, the father of six, and grandfather of eleven, I admire Mike's ability to balance the needs of his family with the demands of his position in the Senate. The senior Senator from Ohio has also devoted much of his time and energy to causes often overlooked. Senator DeWine's tireless work for the people of Haiti demonstrated his commitment. I believe his commitment to those who need a defender and protector should be commended. Jim Talent Mr. President, Senator Jim Talent has served the people of Missouri with great distinction. He is a hard worker, and while he never sought the spotlight, Jim quickly earned the respect of his colleagues in the Senate. It has been my privilege to work with Jim on a number of issues. He understood the threat methamphetamines pose to our Nation and helped establish the Senate's anti-meth caucus to fight this epidemic. Jim has also been a determined leader on defense and energy issues. We worked together to secure the funding required to modernize the Department of Defense and sought to ensure our troops have the resources they need. Jim, also, understands the importance of diversifying our energy resources. His leadership on renewable energy greatly benefited his constituents and the rest of our Nation. We will all miss Senator Talent's intelligence and knowledge of the issues. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors. Lincoln Chafee Mr. President, I have known Senator Lincoln Chafee and his family for a long time. I met his father, our former colleague, Senator John Chafee, while standing in line to register for Harvard Law School in 1947. Lincoln's uncle, Zachariah Chafee, was one of my law professors at Harvard. John and I served together in the Senate for more than 20 years. When John passed away in 1999, Lincoln chose to continue his family's tradition of excellence in public service. Senator Chafee and I have not always agreed on the issues, but I have always respected the courage of his convictions and his firm commitment to his ideals. Senator Chafee, it's been my good fortune to serve alongside you and your father for nearly 30 years. It's hard to imagine this Chamber without a member of your family. We will miss your spirit and dedication. Paul Sarbanes Mr. President, I've come to the floor to pay tribute to Senator Paul Sarbanes for his outstanding service. The senior Senator from Maryland has served longer than any other Senator from his State. Throughout the years, I have been jealous of one thing--his short ride home. There are, actually, other things I admire about Paul. For instance, we are a Chamber with many lawyers, and I can say Paul has been one of our best. Senator Sarbanes has used his skill to greatly benefit his State. We recently worked together on a bill that will enhance the security of our Nation's ports. As a Senator, Paul Sarbanes has worked tirelessly to ensure the ports in his home State, and all ports in America, are safe. This distinguished gentleman from Maryland has served his constituents admirably and I wish him well. jim jeffords Mr. President, Senator Jim Jeffords' service has been unique but no doubt beneficial to his home State of Vermont and to our country. On May 21, 2001, Senator Jeffords pursued his conscience and made a difficult decision to leave our party. While unexpected, I respect Senator Jeffords for following his heart and doing what he thought was best for his constituents in Vermont. Jim has now served three full terms in the Senate. Over the years, he has stood out as a champion for education and the disabled. In 2004, he co-authored the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. His work here has helped improve millions of lives. I wish the distinguished gentleman from Vermont well in his future endeavors. Mark Dayton Mr. President, Senator Mark Dayton's path to the Senate was marked by years spent in service to others. As a teacher, a counselor to troubled children, and then as an administrator of a Boston social service agency, Mark has long fought for those less fortunate--and his service in the Senate reflects this commitment. It was my pleasure to travel to China with him this past August for meetings with the U.S.-China Interparliamentary Group. He was a fine addition to our bipartisan delegation. During those meetings he brought a unique insight and perspective to many issues. I commend Senator Mark Dayton on his public service to the people of Minnesota. Catherine and I wish him the best in the years ahead. [[Page S11853]] tribute to senator chafee Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Lincoln Chafee came to the Senate in 1999 under the most difficult of circumstances. He had just lost his beloved father, and was being asked to fill the shoes of one of the most noble and principled Members ever to serve in this Chamber. He rose to that challenge, and I have been honored to work alongside him. Like the illustrious Senator John Chafee, Senator Lincoln Chafee came from a political tradition I am proud to share--that of the New England moderate. This tradition stands for a strong defense of freedom and for fiscal responsibility, for government that is unobtrusive in people's lives when it can be, yet compassionate and involved when it must be. Lincoln Chafee was a quiet voice of moderation, but spoke with a strong voice, a voice of conviction and integrity, on such issues of critical importance to our Nation as environmental protection and energy independence. When, in the spring of 2005, the very fabric of the Senate was threatened by a bitter impasse over the issue of judicial filibusters, I was proud to join Senator Chafee in the so- called gang of 14 that forged a productive, bipartisan solution. I had the opportunity to work closely with Linc in the 109th Congress when he joined the Homeland Security Committee. The committee brought about great progress during that Congress with successful legislation on port security, chemical security, and rebuilding our Nation's emergency management structure after the catastrophic government response to Hurricane Katrina. Linc's steady, thoughtful, and informed approach to the issues greatly aided these endeavors. I was especially impressed by Linc's understanding that true homeland security begins at home. As the 2006 hurricane season approached, and as we were still struggling to overcome the failures of government in the 2005 season, he called for and organized a Homeland Security field hearing in Rhode Island so his colleagues could better appreciate the daunting challenges faced by our first responders in coastal States and communities. That hands-on approach, devoid of pretense and directed toward results, exemplifies Lincoln Chafee's approach to government. I know that the father would be proud of the son. And I know that all Americans join me in thanking Lincoln Chafee for 7 years of outstanding service, and in wishing him the very best in the years to come. tribute to senator frist Mr. President, As we come to the close of a Congress that has seen too much partisan struggle, it has been heartening to observe the bipartisan outpouring of deep respect and kind regard for the retiring senior Senator from Tennessee, Doctor Bill Frist. I join in that praise. Senator Frist has exemplified the collegial traditions of the Senate, balancing forthright advocacy for his views and for his party's positions with courtesy and respect for those who disagreed with him. He has been an effective Senator for his beloved State of Tennessee, a skillful leader for his party caucus, and a gentleman in his dealings with Senate colleagues. We all know that many of our fellow citizens are cynical about Congress, seeing this branch of government as a haven for politicians fixated on short-term political advantage and personal aggrandizement. They should take note of people like Senator Frist, who is truly an example of a Renaissance man in government. If a writer created a protagonist with the interests and accomplishments that Senator Frist has shown, an editor would be nervous about taxing readers' credulity. Yet the facts are plain. Our friend from Tennessee is not only a hard-working and successful political leader, but also a surgeon, a teacher, a philanthropist, an author, an aircraft pilot, a marathon runner, and a devoted family man. Members of Congress have many opportunities to enact measures that will protect, enrich, and save lives. But we usually act at a distance, as agencies use the authorities and carry out the mandates we create. Few of us can take credit for personally saving lives as Doctor Frist has done many times at the operating table. And few of us can bring to bear the combination of professional training and personal dedication that he has displayed on his repeated medical missions to Africa and in his policy work on the HIV-AIDS crisis. He was also the first doctor on the spot for the 1998 shootings of two Capitol Police officers, and he ably served as an informed spokesman for Congress during the 2001 anthrax attacks in the Capitol mail system. Senator Frist has served his party well. As chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2002, he helped restore the party's majority in the Senate. As the unanimously elected majority leader, he served both his party and his country well on policy matters like tax- law changes that eased burdens on citizens and encouraged growth in business activity and employment. Senator Frist also supported the Medicare prescription-drug benefit and the creation of Health Savings Accounts--measures that have saved billions of dollars for the elderly and given millions of Americans new opportunities for controlling their health-care costs. These are especially helpful legislative initiatives in States like my native Maine, where the proportions of senior citizens, small-business owners, and the self-employed are significant. Senator Frist leaves this chamber with an overflowing and bipartisan store of goodwill and gratitude. I am pleased to be among the many Senators offering thanks for his years of service and best wishes for many years of good works to come. TRIBUTE TO SENATOR SANTORUM Mr. President. In his eloquent and touching farewell address delivered to this body on December 6, 2006, Senator Rick Santorum began with one word to describe his feelings as he concluded this phase of his life. The word was ``gratitude,'' and it describes the feeling I have for his 12 years of outstanding service here. Rick Santorum is a person of strong convictions--convictions that are built upon a solid foundation of faith, love of country, and devotion to the people of Pennsylvania. But as he stood firm for his political philosophy, Rick Santorum recognized the obligation we all share to overcome our differences to work on behalf of our citizens. He spoke his mind, but he acted from his heart. Two issues in particular exemplify Rick's dedication to meeting the real needs of real people. Like Maine, Pennsylvania is a large rural State in which access to home health care services is essential for our older and disabled Americans. Home health has become an increasingly important part of our health care system. The kinds of highly skilled, and often technically complex, services that our Nation's home health caregivers provide have enabled millions of our most frail and vulnerable citizens to avoid hospitals and nursing homes and stay just where they want to be--in the comfort and security of their own homes. When Medicare payments for home health care were in jeopardy, Rick Santorum joined me as an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to restore funding, and he was a key to its success. Throughout his Senate career, he has been a compassionate champion of quality health care for those in need. It is telling that his Senate career, which included so much valuable work in this area, ended with passage of his landmark bipartisan Combating Autism Act, which will do much to improve the quality of life for children with autism and their families. The second issue I would like to highlight is education. Rick Santorum has been a leader in making our schools safer, and in strengthening math and science education. But he also understands that quality education begins not in Washington or in the State capitals, but in the classroom. From my talks with teachers throughout Maine, I know that a great many of them expend not just great amounts of energy to educate our children, but often dig deep into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies and to advance their own professional development. The $250 tax deduction I authored in 2001 for educators who use their own funds to cover these expenses would not have become law without the strong advocacy of Rick Santorum with his former colleagues in the House of Representatives. And, finally, when the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held hearings in early [[Page S11854]] 2006 in response to the lobbying scandals in Washington, one of our first witnesses was Rick Santorum, a long-time advocate of lobbying reform. When our reform legislation passed our Chamber overwhelmingly, Senator Santorum said the Senate ``stepped up in a big way.'' The Senate stepped up in large part because this person of high ideals was pushing it along. Mr. President, in his farewell address, Senator Santorum stated that although he often disagreed--often vigorously--with many of his Senate colleagues on the issues, he never doubted the sincerity of their convictions. Staunch advocacy tempered with respect for the views of others is the hallmark of the Senate, and it is a central part of Rick Santorum's legacy. I thank him for his service, and wish him and his family all the best in the future. TRIBUTE TO SENATOR TALENT Mr. President. As the 109th Congress draws to a close, I want to say thanks and farewell to one of its hardest-working and most dedicated members, Senator Jim Talent of Missouri. I have had the privilege of working with Senator Talent as a member of the Armed Services Committee and its Seapower Subcommittee, which he has chaired. Working with Senator Talent has always been rewarding. He has been a prodigious Senator and brings to bear on defense issues both detailed knowledge and long-range vision. His final speech on the floor of the Senate displayed those qualities, as he surveyed the state of readiness and equipment in our national defense, and persuasively warned of the dangers of under-investment in personnel and material. Senator Talent's focus on seapower issues may seem to go against type. Missouri does not spring readily to mind in a word-association test for ``Navy'' or ``shipbuilding,'' as Maine or Mississippi might. But the Senator from Missouri has been as dedicated to working through seapower issues as any coastal Senator. Senator Talent was a key player in settling on a dual-lead shipyard strategy for the Zumwalt-class DDG-1000 destroyers, formerly known as the DD(X). As a Senator from a shipbuilding State, I am naturally well pleased with this policy. But as a United States Senator, I also share Senator Talent's conviction that it is a wise national strategy to preserve shipbuilding capabilities in multiple locations. He has also been a leading voice in deliberations on the CGX ship class that will constitute our next generation of guided-missile cruisers. Senator Talent brought extraordinary intellectual gifts to the Senate. After distinguishing himself in undergraduate work at Washington University and in legal studies at the University of Chicago, he clerked for Judge Richard Posner of the Seventh Circuit and taught at the Washington University School of Law. His academic prowess was reinforced with practical political experience. After winning a seat against long odds in the Missouri legislature, he established himself as a popular and respected political figure. Moving on to the U.S. House, he was an early and influential voice in the debate that ultimately led to a fundamental reform of Federal welfare law. This combined 16 years of legislative service served him well when he took his seat in the Senate. Besides his dedication to chairing the Seapower Subcommittee, Senator Talent has been a leading advocate for promoting alternative energy, for helping small businesses form associations to buy health insurance, and for expanding the Federal fight against sickle-cell blood disease. To these and other issues he brings a powerful combination of intellect, research, deliberation, and collegiality. In November, Senator Talent lost a close contest for reelection in a difficult campaign year. We cannot quarrel with the decision of the voters, but we can respectfully regret that the Senate will lose the benefit of Jim Talent's wise and gentlemanly presence. I join my colleagues in wishing him and his family well, and in expecting many more contributions to the public good from this man of many gifts and accomplishments. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11854,2006-12-27,109,2,,,"VETERANS BENEFITS, HEALTHCARE, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 2006",SENATE,SENATE,ALLOTHER,S11854,S11855,"[{""name"": ""Daniel K. Akaka"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""716""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""716""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1537""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2659""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2753""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2762""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}]",152 Cong. Rec. S11854,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Pages S11854-S11855] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] VETERANS BENEFITS, HEALTHCARE, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 2006 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I urge my colleagues to support our veterans, current servicemembers, and their families by supporting S. 3421, an omnibus veterans measure entitled Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006. This measure is a compromise agreement between the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and is based on several pieces of legislation. Like all compromises, no one got all he or she wanted, but in the end, I believe that it represents a good package of provisions. This legislation would improve and expand a wide variety of services to our veterans, and includes provisions relating to veterans benefits, health care, and information technology matters for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of particular importance are provisions to enhance mental health and readjustment services for veterans returning to civilian life, to improve long-term care services for aging veterans, and to modify the State veterans' home program. At the outset, I note my dissatisfaction with the undue haste with which the legislative package, the bill itself and the accompanying explanatory statement that my colleague, the committee chairman, Senator Craig, will include at the end of his remarks, was assembled. Because of the way this legislation was negotiated, we were not able to reach final agreement on its contents until Wednesday morning, just two days ago. At that time, the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for the first time agreed to negotiate on a particular provision passed by the House relating to a construction project in South Carolina. As a consequence of his belated agreement to enter into discussions, we were able to arrive at a compromise, a result that we could have achieved in September. Because the final agreement was reached so late in the session, staff of the two committees and from the two Offices of Legislative Counsel, worked many long hours trying to accomplish the nearly impossible task of assembling the bill, which is over 160 pages, and then drafting an explanatory statement on the legislation. In the best of times, such a process can easily take a week or more. We were forced to try to do it all in just 2 days. It is near certainty that this haste has led to the inclusion of errors in both the legislation and the explanatory statement, errors which could have been caught and remedied had there been sufficient time. This is certainly no way to do our business and, to the extent it will be in our power, we will not legislate this way in the future. That said, the bill is now before the Senate, and I will touch on some of the key provisions. The Department of Veterans Affairs has been tasked with meeting the needs of those who serve in the military, with a particular emphasis on those injured during their service. A number of provisions in the compromise agreement are intended to help VA fulfill that obligation. Often, the types of injuries endured in combat are invisible in nature. We must make sure that returning servicemembers receive the readjustment and mental health care services they need for a seamless reintegration to civilian life. Provisions in the compromise agreement seek to do just that by establishing VA systemwide guidelines for screening primary care patients for potential mental health issues, as well as appropriately training clinicians to carry out mental health consultations. Identifying the need for assistance is the first step; this measure also provides for the next step by ensuring that VA has the capacity to furnish mental health services at every VA community- based outpatient clinic. Because veterans often seek readjustment counseling and other mental health care in their own communities, it is imperative that VA's veterans centers are able to provide needed services. The compromise agreement contains provisions, derived from S. 716, legislation I introduced which cleared the Senate nearly a year ago, which would authorize resources needed by [[Page S11855]] veterans centers to carry out their long standing mission of helping veterans. These provisions would also help ensure that VA has sufficiently trained outreach workers to encourage veterans to seek assistance. Veterans centers provide veterans with a safe place to turn for readjustment counseling or assistance; they make over 100,000 referrals a year for benefits and VA medical services. In addition to providing counseling services to veterans, family members too can find solace at veterans centers. This legislation would clarify that parents of those servicemembers who have died would be eligible to receive bereavement counseling at veterans centers. The compromise agreement also addresses the goal of encouraging and supporting alternatives to institutional long-term care. It includes provisions derived from S. 2753, a bill I introduced, that was designed to promote assistance to those who look after veterans, especially in noninstitutional, home-based settings. The relevant provision in the compromise agreement would authorize VA to carry out a pilot program to assist family members who care for their disabled loved ones. Caregivers, particularly those who live in rural and geographically remote areas, would receive a helping hand through services such as adult day care and respite care. Furthermore, the compromise agreement seeks to ensure more appropriate payment for the cost of long-term care provided to certain seriously disabled veterans who are receiving care in State veterans' homes. In January 2006, the committee held field hearings in my home State of Hawaii. Tom Driskill, the president and CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, testified about the soon-to-be-built State home in Hilo. He said, ``The synergy of a combined Federal and State funding of the home has been the catalyst for making this dream a reality.'' The adjustments this legislation would make to the current cost-sharing arrangement between VA and the States, which are derived from S. 2762, legislation I introduced, will help ensure high quality care in State homes not only in Hawaii, but across the entire Nation. Currently, care is provided at no cost to the veteran when VA provides institutional, long-term care services to those with service- connected disabilities rated 70 percent or higher in a VA nursing home or a private nursing care facility with which VA contracts. However, when the care is provided in a State veterans' home, VA pays only a per diem to the State, which then may bill the veteran for the remaining costs. This measure would provide for the same payment to State veterans' homes that is provided to community nursing homes. This compromise agreement also includes a provision from a bill I introduced, S. 1537, that would authorize VA to designate at least two Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence and six Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. VA centers of excellence have been the model of innovation in the delivery of highly specialized health care and research for chronic disease in the veteran population. Providing a statutory basis for these centers will ensure continued research and development of progressive treatments to help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for veterans battling with these neurological diseases. This provision is especially significant as it will be part of Congressman Lane Evans' legislative legacy, as ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It is fitting that we pay tribute to his service through this measure. I thank my good friend and colleague for his leadership on this issue and for his service to our great Nation, as a marine and in Congress. The compromise agreement includes a provision that would allow VA to extend its State Cemetery Grants Program to tribal organizations. This change, derived from my bill, S. 2659, would allow for the establishment, expansion, and improvement of veterans cemeteries on trust lands. If enacted, it will enable veterans living on trust lands to have an option for burial much closer to their family members and other loved ones. Another provision in the compromise would authorize VA to provide home loan guarantees to veterans who want to use their home loan eligibility to purchase stock in a cooperative housing corporation. Under current law, VA is authorized to guarantee loans for eligible veterans and their survivors to build or buy a home, including residential condominiums. In many large cities, housing cooperatives make up a large percentage of available affordable housing. This provision, derived originally from legislation introduced by Senator Schumer, would give veterans greater housing choice by allowing them to use their hard-earned benefits to buy shares in a housing cooperative. In response to the concerns of some individuals, the provisions in the compromise agreement related to allowing veterans and other claimants to hire attorneys to represent them before VA have been modified from what originally passed the Senate earlier this year, so as to allow individuals to hire attorneys only after a notice of disagreement has been filed in a case. This change should result in there being no impact on the claims adjudication system until after VA renders its first final decision. Currently, veterans are prohibited from retaining counsel until after the Board of Veterans' Appeals renders a final decision. Additionally, I am pleased that we were able to reach a compromise on information security matters. I remain committed to ensuring that VA takes aggressive action to protect our veterans' personal information, and in the event of a data breach, that they provide the affected veterans with appropriate identity and credit protection services. I also express my satisfaction at our success in maintaining the provisions in current law which prohibit the use of appropriated VA health care funds for conducting public and private cost comparison studies. This prohibition protects veterans by precluding the use of scarce health care dollars for other purposes and protects VA employees from efforts to privatize their duties. This legislation is appropriate and needed at a time when our service-members are in harm's way. We must always remember the sacrifices that our servicemembers, both past and present, have made on behalf of this great Nation, and we must do our part to respond to their service by remaining strong in our support of veterans services. I am proud that our committee continues its tradition of bipartisanship. The effort that produced the final version of this legislation, vital to the continued provision of quality health care and benefits to our Nation's veterans, is just the latest example of that spirit. I thank Senator Craig for his leadership and for his cooperation and assistance. I also thank the staff of the majority, especially Bill Cahill, Jon Towers, Amanda Meredith, Helen Walker, and Lupe Wissel, as well as those on the Democratic staff, Kim Lipsky, Alexandra Sardegna, Dahlia Melendrez, Ted Pusey, Michelle Moreno, and Bill Brew for their hard work on this legislation. At this time, Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to wish my warmest aloha to Senator Jim Jeffords, who is retiring after 32 years in Congress. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs will be losing one of its finest and most esteemed members. A veteran himself, Senator Jeffords has been a strong voice and advocate for veterans. I thank Senator Jeffords for his service. He will truly be missed. I urge my colleagues to support this compromise agreement on behalf of America's veterans and their families. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11855,2006-12-27,109,2,,,RETIREMENT OF ANTHONY J. ZAGAMI,SENATE,SENATE,RETIREMENT,S11855,S11856,"[{""name"": ""Ted Stevens"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Paul S. Sarbanes"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. S11855,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Pages S11855-S11856] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RETIREMENT OF ANTHONY J. ZAGAMI Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, a well-respected public servant will soon retire after 40 years of outstanding service to our Government and the American people. Anthony J. ``Tony'' Zagami first came to Capitol Hill in 1965, at the age of 13, to serve as a page in the United States Senate. Several years later, Tony returned as an assistant to the Secretary of the Senate. I was the whip for the Republican party at the time, and in this capacity, it was my privilege to work closely with Tony and the Secretary. Tony also spent 9 years as the general counsel to the Joint Committee on Printing, which I was ranking member of from 1987 to 1992. Tony left the halls of Congress in 1990 to become general counsel at the U.S. [[Page S11856]] Government Printing Office, and he has remained in this post for the past 16 years. Tony's legislative background has proven to be a tremendous asset during his tenure as general counsel. His leadership and vision have helped transform the GPO into a profitable, efficient, and thoroughly modern organization. In January, Tony will retire as the longest serving general counsel in the GPO's 145-year history. In honor of his many accomplishments, Tony has also been named the first general counsel emeritus of the GPO. On behalf of my colleagues in Congress, I thank Tony for his dedication and hard work over the years. We all wish Tony, his wife, and their three children the very best. Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, as the 109th Congress comes to a close, I would like to recognize a longtime public servant and Maryland resident. Anthony J. ``Tony'' Zagami will soon retire as the general counsel of the U.S. Government Printing Office after more than 40 years of Federal service. I met Tony during my first term in the Senate while he was finishing law school and working as a young intern in the Senate Democratic Cloakroom. Tony went on to serve in a number of other positions here on Capitol Hill before leaving in 1990 to become the general counsel for the GPO. Tony Zagami began his Federal service as a page in the U.S. Senate during the 1960s and will end it as the longest serving general counsel in GPO history. Along the way, he also earned degrees from the University of Maryland School of Business and Public Administration and the George Mason University School of Law. Tony has earned the respect and admiration of many of us here in the Congress as well as his colleagues in other legislative branch agencies and the executive branch. I know that my colleagues here in the Senate would join me in wishing him all the best in health and happiness as he completes a very long and noteworthy career. In retirement, I'm sure that Tony will remain a very active citizen of Montgomery County, MD, where he resides with his wife, Erin, and three children. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11856,2006-12-27,109,2,,,MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE RECEIVED SUBSEQUENT TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,SENATE,SENATE,ALLOTHER,S11856,S11857,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""214""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""362""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""482""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""486""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""707""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""895""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1096""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1245""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1378""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1529""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1608""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2125""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2150""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2205""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2653""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2735""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3546""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3678""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3821""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4042""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4091""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4092""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4093""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4588""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5682""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6143""}]",152 Cong. Rec. S11856,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Pages S11856-S11857] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE RECEIVED SUBSEQUENT TO SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT ______ ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 5, 2005, the Secretary of the Senate, on December 12, 2006, subsequent to the sine die adjournment of the Senate, received a message from the House of Representatives announcing that the Speaker had signed the following enrolled bills: S. 214. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the States on the border with Mexico and other appropriate entities in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers, and for other purposes. S. 1096. An act to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate portions of the Musconetcong River in the State of New Jersey as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. S. 1378. An act to amend the National Historic Preservation Act to provide appropriation authorization and improve the operations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. S. 1529. An act to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona. S. 1608. An act to enhance Federal Trade Commission enforcement against illegal spam, spyware, and cross-border fraud and deception, and for other purposes. S. 2150. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Bureau of Land Management Land to the City of Eugene, Oregon. S. 2653. An act to direct the Federal Communications Commission to make efforts to reduce telephone rates for Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas. S. 2735. An act to amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to reauthorize the national dam safety program, and for other purposes. S. 3821. An act to authorize certain athletes to be admitted temporarily into the United States to compete or perform in an athletic league, competition, or performance. S. 4042. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces. S. 4091. An act to provide authority for restoration of the Social Security Trust Funds from the effects of a clerical error, and for other purposes. S. 4093. An act to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance. H.R. 5682. An act to exempt from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 a proposed nuclear agreement for cooperation with India. Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 5, 2005, the enrolled bills were signed on December 12, 2006, subsequent to the sine die adjournment, by the Acting President pro tempore (Mr. Frist). Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 5, 2005, the Secretary of the Senate, on December 13, 2006, subsequent to the sine die adjournment of the Senate, received a message from the House of Representatives announcing that the Speaker had signed the following enrolled bills: S. 362. An act to establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard to help identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment and navigation safety, in coordination with non-Federal entities, and for other purposes. S. 707. An act to reduce preterm labor and delivery and the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and to reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity. S. 895. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents. S. 2125. An act to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. S. 2205. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain parcels of land acquired for the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal features of the initial stage of the Oahe Unit, James Division, South Dakota, to the Commission of Schools and Public Lands and the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks of the State of South Dakota for the purpose of mitigating lost wildlife habitat, on the condition that the current preferential leaseholders shall have an option to purchase the parcels from the Commission, and for other purposes. S. 3421. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal certain limitations on attorney representation of claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, to otherwise improve veterans' benefits, memorial affairs, and healthcare programs, to enhance information security programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. S. 3546. An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to serious adverse event reporting for dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs, and for other purposes. S. 3678. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. S. 4092. An act to clarify certain land use in Jefferson County, Colorado. Under the authority of the order of the Senate on December 9, 2006, the enrolled bills were signed on December 14, 2006, subsequent to the sine die adjournment, by the Acting President pro tempore (Mr. Lott). Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 5, 2005, the Secretary of the Senate, on December 18, 2006, subsequent to the sine die adjournment of the Senate, received a message from the House of Representatives announcing that the House agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 482) to provide for a land exchange involving Federal lands in the Lincoln National Forest in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes. The message also announced that the House agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 486) to provide for a land exchange involving private land and Bureau of Land Management land in the vicinity of Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, for the purpose of removing private land from the required safety zone surrounding munitions storage bunkers at Holloman Air Force Base. The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1245) to provide for programs to increase the awareness and knowledge of women and health care providers with respect to gynecologic cancers. The message also announced that the House agreed to the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 4588) to reauthorize grants for and require applied [[Page S11857]] water supply research regarding the water resources research and technology institutes established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. The message further announced that the House agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 6143) to amend title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for providing life- saving care for those with HIV/AIDS. The message also announced that pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), amended by division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (22 U.S.C. 6901), the Speaker reappoints the following member on the part of the House of Representatives to the United States China Economic and Security Review Commission: Mr. Larry Wortzel of Williamsburg, Virginia, for a term expiring December 31, 2008. The message further announced that pursuant to section 206 of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5616), the Speaker reappoints the following member on the part of the House of Representatives to the coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Ms. Adele I. Grubbs of Georgia, to a one-year term and Ms. Pamela F. Rodriguez of Illinois, to a three- year term. The message also announced that pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 9355(a), amended by Public Law 108-375, the Speaker appoints the following member on the part of the House of Representatives to the Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy: Mr. Terry Isaacson of Tempe, Arizona. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11857-2,2006-12-27,109,2,,,REPORTS OF COMMITTEES,SENATE,SENATE,SCOMMREPORT,S11857,S11857,,,152 Cong. Rec. S11857,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Page S11857] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Under the authority of the order of the Senate of December 9, 2006, the following reports of committees were submitted on December 22, 2006: By Ms. COLLINS, from the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Special Report entitled ``Activities of the Committee on Governmental Affairs: Report of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, and Its Subcommittees for the One Hundred Ninth Congress'' (Rept. No. 109-368). By Mr. SPECTER, from the Committee on the Judiciary: Special Report entitled ``Activities Report of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, 2005-2006'' (Rept. No. 109-369). ____________________" CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11857-3,2006-12-27,109,2,,,NOMINATIONS RETURNED TO THE PRESIDENT,SENATE,SENATE,SNOMINATIONS,S11857,S11857,,,152 Cong. Rec. S11857,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Page S11857] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NOMINATIONS RETURNED TO THE PRESIDENT The following nominations, upon which no action was had, at the time of the sine die adjournment of the Senate, failed of confirmation under the provisions of Rule XXXI, paragraph 6, of the Standing Rules of the Senate and were returned to the President in lieu of being confirmed on December 9, 2006: JILL E. SOMMERS, OF KANSAS, TO BE A COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM EXPIRING APRIL 13, 2009; AND LEON R. SEQUEIRA, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR." CREC-2006-12-27-pt1-PgS11857,2006-12-27,109,2,,,ENROLLED BILLS PRESENTED,SENATE,SENATE,ENROLLEDPRESENTED,S11857,S11857,,"[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""214""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""362""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""707""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""843""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""895""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1096""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1346""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1378""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1529""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1608""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1820""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1998""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2125""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2150""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2205""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2250""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2370""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2653""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2735""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3421""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3546""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3678""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3759""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3821""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3938""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4042""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4044""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4046""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4050""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4073""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4091""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4092""}, {""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4093""}]",152 Cong. Rec. S11857,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)] [Senate] [Page S11857] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ENROLLED BILLS PRESENTED The Secretary of the Senate reported that she had presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills: On December 11, 2006: S. 843. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to combat autism through research, screening, intervention and education. S. 1346. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of maritime sites in the State of Michigan. S. 1820. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6110 East 51st Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the ``Dewey F. Bartlett Post Office''. S. 1998. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to enhance protections relating to the reputation and meaning of the Medal of Honor and other military decorations and awards, and for other purposes. S. 2250. An act to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. S. 2370. An act to promote the development of democratic institutions in areas under the administrative control of the Palestinian Authority, and for other purposes. S. 3759. An act to name the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, Montana, in honor of Captain William Wylie Galt, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. S. 3938. An act to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States. S. 4044. An act to clarify the treatment of certain charitable contributions under title 11, United States Code. S. 4046. An act to extend oversight and accountability related to United States reconstruction funds and efforts in Iraq by extending the termination date of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. S. 4050. An act to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 East Thompson Street in Thomaston, Georgia, as the ``Sergeant First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building''. S. 4073. An act to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in Farmington, Missouri, as the ``Robert Silvey Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''. On December 14, 2006: S. 3678. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes. On December 15, 2006: S. 214. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the States on the border with Mexico and other appropriate entities in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers, and for other purposes. S. 362. An act to establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard to help identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment and navigation safety, in coordination with non-Federal entities, and for other purposes. S. 707. An act to reduce preterm labor and delivery and the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and to reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity. S. 895. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents. S. 1096. An act to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate portions of the Musconetcong River in the State of New Jersey as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. S. 1378. An act to amend the National Historic Preservation Act to provide appropriation authorization and improve the operations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. S. 1529. An act to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona. S. 1608. An act to enhance Federal Trade Commission enforcement against illegal spam, spyware, and cross-border fraud and deception, and for other purposes. S. 2125. An act to promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. S. 2150. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Bureau of Land Management Land to the City of Eugene, Oregon. S. 2205. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain parcels of land acquired for the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal features of the initial stage of the Oahe Unit, James Division, South Dakota, to the Commission of Schools and Public Lands and the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks of the State of South Dakota for the purpose of mitigating lost wildlife habitat, on the condition that the current preferential leaseholders shall have an option to purchase the parcels from the Commission, and for other purposes. S. 2653. An act to direct the Federal Communications Commission to make efforts to reduce telephone rates for Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas. S. 2735. An act to amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to reauthorize the national dam safety program, and for other purposes. S. 3421. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal certain limitations on attorney representation of claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, to otherwise improve veterans' benefits, memorial affairs, and healthcare programs, to enhance information security programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. S. 3546. An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to serious adverse event reporting for dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs, and for other purposes. S. 3821. An act to authorize certain athletes to be admitted temporarily into the United States to compete or perform in an athletic league, competition, or performance. S. 4042. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces. S. 4091. An act to provide authority for restoration of the Social Security Trust Funds from the effects of a clerical error, and for other purposes. S. 4092. An act to clarify certain land use in Jefferson County, Colorado. S. 4093. An act to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2133-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. BERNARD SIDNEY DITTMAN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2133,E2133,"[{""name"": ""Jo Bonner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2133,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. BERNARD SIDNEY DITTMAN ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Bernard Sidney Dittman, known as ``Bernie'' to his many friends and family, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life. Bernie purchased WABB-AM in Mobile, Alabama, in 1959. This station, previously owned by the Mobile Press-Register newspaper organization, first went on the air in 1948 with call letters that stand for ``Alabama's Best Broadcasters.'' One year later, Bernie moved to Mobile and completely changed the broadcast format of the station. His conversion of WABB from a country station to Top 40 propelled WABB to the position of the leading station in that format and one of the premiere stations anywhere along Alabama's Gulf Coast. In 1973, Bernie took WABB in a new direction when the station added a new FM signal and began to broadcast a progressive rock format. At a time when most automobiles were not equipped with FM receivers, Bernie and his team ran an extensive series of on-air promotions encouraging the installation of low-cost FM receivers. Under Bernie Dittman's leadership, WABB became one of the longest- running and most successful Top 40 radio stations in the United States. The station has also spearheaded over the years the move to more equality in the hiring of on-air personalities and staff members. In fact, WABB was one of the first stations in south Alabama to hire both women and African-Americans for important announcer positions. WABB has also been a critical part of Mobile's emergency broadcast community and played a crucial role in providing information to listeners during Hurricane Frederic (1979) and Hurricane Ivan (2004). During Ivan, WABB was one of the few stations in the area able to transmit continuously during the storm without losing power. Following the end of the storm, the station also led the effort to collect and distribute relief material to neighboring States which had also been severely affected. Aside from his professional obligations, Bernie ensured that WABB and its family of employees took an active role in the life of the Mobile community. For the past 47 years, the station has operated the WABB Community Club Awards Program of Greater Mobile, which has provided over $250,000 in financial awards to local civic, religious, and cultural institutions. Additionally, the station has been a 40-year sponsor of the Greater Gulf State Fair, a 35-year sponsor of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, and a long-time sponsor of both the Senior Bowl and GMAC Bowl college football games. Additionally, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Mobile, the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, the Mobile Ronald McDonald House and numerous other organizations advocating area youth have benefited tremendously from Bernie's leadership and community involvement. In fact, the area Toys for Tots program holds the record for the single largest toy collection anywhere in the United States, with over 100,000 toys collected--due in no small part to the efforts of Bernie and his entire team. Bernie was a longtime member of the Alabama Broadcasters' Association and the National Association of Broadcasters and in 2000 was the recipient of the Greater Mobile Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award. Mr. Speaker, there have been few individuals more important to the broadcast profession in Alabama or to the life of their local community than Bernie Dittman. He was an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of broadcasting, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Bernie Dittman loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing marks a tremendous loss for all of south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by many, most especially his wife, Judith S. Dittman; his 3 daughters, Betsy Dittman, Stephanie Teichmer, and Marsha Scimo; his sister Sylvia Scott; and 3 grandchildren; as well as countless friends and loyal employees that he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2133-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,PAYING TRIBUTE TO JEANETTE ROBINSON,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2133,E2133,"[{""name"": ""Jon C. Porter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2133,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PAYING TRIBUTE TO JEANETTE ROBINSON ______ HON. JON C. PORTER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeanette Robinson in recognition of her multiple accomplishments as a professional bowler. Jeanette has been inducted into seven bowling halls of fame and is the only person to have attained this great honor. Her competition and coaching endeavors have allowed her to travel the world and work with the best players internationally. Jeanette has also bowled a competitive frame in 49 of 50 states. Jeanette grew up in Flint, Michigan and picked up her first bowling ball in 1956 at age 28. By 1957, Jeanette was coaching youth and seniors in addition to running leagues and tournaments full-time. As the first known person to organize and promote national bowling tournaments for the deaf and the blind in 1958 and 1959, she laid the foundation for making bowling a sport for everyone. As more coaching opportunities became available, Jeanette's travels increased, and she was chosen president of the Professional Women's Bowlers Association in 1965. She held this position for 10 years until stepping down in 1975. Under her leadership, the women's professional bowling tour grew exponentially. Although Jeanette still bowls today, her true love is coaching and she currently holds the position of resident professional at The Orleans Bowling Center. Her work with the local Las Vegas high school leagues, professional tours and family bowlers at The Orleans is most rewarding because it is the legacy of her sport that she hopes to see passed on from generation to generation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Jeanette Robinson. Her lifetime contributions to the sport of bowling are truly commendable. I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2133-4,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"IN RECOGNITION OF THE AUXILIARY TO BELLEVUE HOSPITAL CENTER, INC. ON THE OCCASION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2133,E2134,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn B. Maloney"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2133,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2133-E2134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE AUXILIARY TO BELLEVUE HOSPITAL CENTER, INC. ON THE OCCASION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital Center, Inc., which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of service to the community. During that [[Page E2134]] time, the Auxiliary has developed into an invaluable resource for Bellevue Hospital, one of our Nation's most renowned hospitals. Over the past 100 years the Auxiliary has provided in excess of $45 million in support, piloted numerous new programs and been a source of satisfying work for thousands of volunteers. At their gala recognizing, they are honoring Rita J. Kaplan, for her philanthropy, Dr. Robert S. Holzman, for patient care, and Michael ``Buzzy'' O'Keeffe, for community service. They are all sterling examples of the extraordinary volunteers who have made the Auxiliary such a superb institution. The Auxiliary was founded in 1906 by a group of socially conscious women who wanted to support the Bellevue Tuberculosis Clinic. Among other things, they created a Day Camp in 1908 on the old ferryboat ``Southfield,'' anchored off the Bellevue Hospital grounds, so that patients could spend time in the open air. Contemporaneously, another group of philanthropic-minded women formed the Convalescent Relief Committee to assist in the well-being, care and convalescence of Bellevue patients. In 1907 a third group, The Synagogue Committee formed to translate for Yiddish-speaking Bellevue patients and provide for their social service needs. The three groups grew steadily until their work encompassed every ward and clinic at the hospital. Eventually they recognized that they would accomplish more by working together. Thus, in 1940 the Auxiliary merged with the Convalescent Relief Committee and the Synagogue Committee and in 1945 the Auxiliary was legally incorporated as the Social Service Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital. In 1956, the organization adopted its current name: the Auxiliary to Bellevue Hospital Center, Inc. Volunteers have entertained patients and provided caring assistance to those in need. Additionally, through the years, the Auxiliary's volunteers have launched innumerable projects to serve Bellevue's patients. For example, in 1941 the Auxiliary founded and began staffing three patient libraries located in the TB, general and psychiatric divisions. The Interfaith Chaplaincy Program also counts on Auxiliary volunteers to help them attend to the patients' spiritual needs. Volunteers have raised money for the hospital through a number of different enterprises and fundraising events, providing millions of dollars for the Hospital's needs. From thrift shops through coffee shops, the Auxiliary has been entrepreneurial in its approach to fundraising. The Auxiliary's Stuyvesant Square Thrift Shop at 80th Street is considered one of the best places in Manhattan to find inexpensive designer wear and other interesting clothes. The thrift shop is the successor to The Little Jack Horner Shop which opened during the Depression to serve patients and their families by providing low priced wares and clothing. The Bellevue Snack Bar opened on May 23, 1956 and has served physicians, staff and visitors to Bellevue Hospital while providing revenue for the Auxiliary's needs. Fifty years later the snack bar, now the Coffee Shop, continues to operate. The Bellevue Newsstand was created by the Auxiliary in 1970 and continues as a combination Newsstand/Gift Shop. Notwithstanding the changes that have taken place during the past 100 years, service continues to be the Auxiliary's primary mission. Today's Auxiliary is a vibrant organization comprised of caring and involved people who pride themselves on having an impact on the well-being of all of the patients of Bellevue Hospital Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the hard- working, caring and compassionate volunteers of the Auxiliary to Bellevue for their 100 years of service to the patients of Bellevue Hospital. Every patient who passed through its doors has benefitted from their dedication. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2133,2006-12-08,109,2,,,RECOGNIZING BRADLEY C. KEENEY FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2133,E2133,"[{""name"": ""Sam Graves"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2133,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2133] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E2133]] RECOGNIZING BRADLEY C. KEENEY FOR ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT ______ HON. SAM GRAVES of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Keeney, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Bradley has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Bradley has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. It is with extreme pleasure that I commend the dedication Bradley has shown. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bradley for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am proud to represent Bradley in the United States House of Representatives. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2134-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING JACK FINNEY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2134,E2134,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2134,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING JACK FINNEY ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my friend Jack Finney. Jack recently celebrated his 90th birthday by donating more than $1 million to the Hunt Memorial Hospital District Charitable Health Foundation. Jack's generous donation will ultimately enhance the soon- to-be-built cancer center on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville. Jack has a long history of making generous gifts to the community, having donated land, money, and his time to a variety of institutions such as Texas A&M University at College Station, Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, Greenville YMCA, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Paris Junior College, Texas A&M University-Commerce, the Greenville schools and many others. Other institutions that have benefited from his leadership include the local Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and Board of DeveIopment as well as Texas A&M Universtiy, the Texas Baptist Foundation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Jack's efforts have led to multiple honors from Texas A&M, including his selection as a Distinguished Alumnus and election to the Hall of Honor of the A&M Corps of Cadets. Jack has also been honored with Greenville's ``Worthy Citizen'' Award, for which he donated $50,000 establishing an endowment to maintain the annual award in perpetuity. In appreciation of Jack's latest gift, the Hospital District's Board of Directors have decided to name the new cancer center the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center in honor of Jack and his late wife, Lou House Finney. Lou and Jack were married for 68 years prior to her death in 2005. During the reception honoring Jack's gift, Mayor Tom Oliver of Greenville proclaimed August 15th ``Jack Finney Day'' in the City of Greenville. It has been speculated that Jack's gift is the largest single gift that an individual has ever made to a non-profit organization in Hunt County, and that certainly speaks volumes about Jack's generosity. Having given his time, money, and energy to so many worthy causes it is not surprising for Jack to have celebrated his 90th birthday with so large and charitable a gift. The community is fortunate indeed to have so generous a benefactor. Jack has spent his life serving and enriching the community, and his latest gift only further reinforces this legacy. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us do so in appreciation of the benevolence of this fine man and my friend--Jack Finney. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2134-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,CONGRATULATING ST. THOMAS' EPISCOPAL SCOTTISH ARTS PROGRAM,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,CONGRATULATIONS,E2134,E2135,"[{""name"": ""John Abney Culberson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2134,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2134-E2135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING ST. THOMAS' EPISCOPAL SCOTTISH ARTS PROGRAM ______ HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Pipe Band and Highland Dancers of St. Thomas' Episcopal Scottish Arts Program for their success and community service in Houston, Texas. On August 26, 2006, the St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band won their fifth Juvenile World Pipe Band Championship title in Glasgow, Scotland. They also received 1st Place in Grade III Competitions at the Inverkeithing and Crieff Highland Games. The Highland Dancers won more than 120 medals during the August, 2006 Scotland competitions. The 2006 U.S. and North American Highland Dancing Champion, Carla Gardner, received 4th overall at the World Highland Dancing Championships. The Highland Dancers have won 21 U.S. Championships and one World Championship. The St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band and Highland Dancers are regularly invited to civic and charitable events and have performed for the United States Marine Corps, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Children's Cancer Hospital at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Special Olympics, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Center, the Boy Scouts of America, NASA, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Houston Fire Department, the Houston Police Department, the Galveston Historical Society, the British American Business Council, the Heather and Thistle Society, and the British Consulate. The St. Thomas' Episcopal Scottish Arts Program serves to inform, educate, and entertain the public about the Scottish performing arts, and has helped to underscore the importance of maintaining and preserving ethnic artistic traditions. The Scottish Arts Program of [[Page E2135]] St. Thomas' Episcopal School annually performs at Houston's Scottish Festival Spectacular in March at Houston's Toyota Center. This year's festival will be held on March 16, 2007. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2134,2006-12-08,109,2,,,CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,CELEBRATING,E2134,E2134,"[{""name"": ""Frank R. Wolf"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2134,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM ______ HON. FRANK R. WOLF of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, when the Congress was in recess this fall, a significant milestone in the fight for freedom occurred. This past October 23 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. I want to recognize the young freedom fighters who on that day against monumental odds, put their lives on the line to fight for the liberation of their country from the oppression of a dominating communist empire. They are true heroes, not only to citizens of Hungarian origin who have come to America, but to freedom-loving people around the world. As we remember the sacrifice of these freedom fighters, it is important to take the time to reflect upon the importance to freedom and liberty, and remember those who dedicate their lives to defending human rights. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2135-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,PAYING TRIBUTE TO CLAYTON GLENN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2135,E2135,"[{""name"": ""Jon C. Porter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2135,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PAYING TRIBUTE TO CLAYTON GLENN ______ HON. JON C. PORTER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor American Legionnaire Emeritus Clayton Glenn for his lifetime of service and dedication to this nation and its veterans. Mr. Glenn was born 86 years ago in Brockton, MA, and has served this country since late 1941. It was the attack on Pearl Harbor nearly 65 years ago that spurred his enlistment into the U.S. Armed Forces. This path of service took him to military bases all across the United States and abroad for the ensuing 23 years. Mr. Glenn's first stop was Ft. Devins, west of Boston, MA, where he served as infantryman, and then he moved on to the Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO. He soon endeavored to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, which was to be the predecessor to the U.S. Air Force. There he served as an aircraft mechanic until 1948. Mr. Glenn desired to be stationed in New England, and so landed at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Over the next 2 years, he worked as a floor man--sanding and refinishing floors, laying tiles and linoleum. This occupation allowed him the adventure of even flooring inside the Kennedy home while in Massachusetts. By 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves and got recalled to active duty for Korea. Although Mr. Glenn never made it to Korea, he did get sent to Tooele, Greenland. His return to the States brought him from Wichita Falls, TX to Mobile, AL. From Mobile he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for a short span of time where he purchased a home in Boulder City. Mr. Glenn's final military stop was at Rantoul Air Force Base just south of Chicago, IL, in 1960 where be finished his military journey and retired 4 years later in 1964. From Rantoul, Mr. Glenn and his wife, Theo, returned to Boulder City where he has resided ever since. Having been a member of the American Legion for over 60 years and an active leader at the Boulder City's Post 31 since his time at Nellis Air Force Base has earned him the title ``Mr. American Legion'' by fellow members and friends. Mr. Glenn has served as post commander three times--something accomplished by only two other persons, and he served as district commander from 1991- 92 where he oversaw 15 State posts and over 6,000 members. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Clayton Glenn today. His service and loyalty to the community, our country and our veterans has earned him many accolades. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2135-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"IN HONOR OF THE PANCYPRIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA CHOIR AND ITS HONOREE, NIKOS MOUYIARIS",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2135,E2136,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn B. Maloney"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2135,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2135-E2136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF THE PANCYPRIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA CHOIR AND ITS HONOREE, NIKOS MOUYIARIS ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Pancyprian Association of America Choir and its 2006 honoree Nikos Mouyiaris. The Pancyprian Association of America Choir makes a remarkable contribution to American culture by combining the best of Cypriot and American song and music. Their focus on Cypriot music helps keep the dynamic culture of their heritage alive in the United States. The choir provides its fans a rich education in the music of both cultures. On November 4, the choir will be honoring my good friend, Nikos Mouyiaris. Nikos is an important, albeit unassuming, leader in the Hellenic-American community. He never seeks recognition for his actions, but he is unquestionably the one to go to get things done. If you need someone who will fight for human rights or help a student get an education, Nikos is the one to turn to. At a conference or gathering, Nikos will make his ideas and concerns heard, softly. Furthermore, because people know that Nikos is worth listening to, his thoughts often prompt people to take action. In short, Nikos is a man of deeds and vision. Nikos Mouyiaris was born in Athienou, Cyprus where he attended elementary and high school. He went to England for a short time and then emigrated to the United States. In the United States he received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry and was awarded a scholarship to Rutgers University where he received his masters of science. Since arriving in the United States, Nikos has achieved the American dream. Starting with $6,000 that he borrowed from his brother, Apostolos, Nikos created a successful business, Mana Products, that employs over 600 people. For nearly three decades, Mana Products has been an innovative participant in the beauty industry. Headquartered in New York, the company offers research, development, manufacturing and other operations. The company works with some of the most respected brands and professionals around the globe. In addition to his company, Nikos has interests in real estate as well as investments in other businesses. Nikos has never forgotten the place of birth, Athienou in Cyprus, where he helps to support the local home for the elderly, and has helped build a day care center. He has also provided funding for an archaeological expedition in the area of Athienou, Cyprus for Davidson College of North Carolina for several years. Nikos also works to promote Cypriot culture and human rights interests in the United States. As a member of the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Pancyprian Association of America, Nikos works to educate young Cypriot-Americans about the culture and ethnic customs of Cyprus and Greece, and to sponsor cultural events. He is a member of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, PSEKA, which seeks freedom and justice for the Cypriot people and promotes international human rights. [[Page E2136]] Nikos and his wife Carol, who is his partner in business as well as in their personal lives, have two children, Alexis and Ariana. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Nikos Mouyiaris, a true American hero and a remarkable member of the Hellenic-American community. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2135,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"IN HONOR AND IN MEMORY OF ARMY SPECIALIST CHRIS MASON OF MOBILE, AL",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2135,E2135,"[{""name"": ""Jo Bonner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2135,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR AND IN MEMORY OF ARMY SPECIALIST CHRIS MASON OF MOBILE, AL ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young man from the First Congressional District of Alabama who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country while helping to spread freedom abroad. Army SPC Chris Mason, a longtime Mobilian, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, NC. Chris joined the Army 2 years ago and comes from a family with a long and highly respected history of military service--his father, who served two tours of duty with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and completed a career in the Army, retiring with the rank of first sergeant, and his brother, an Army officer currently studying to become a chaplain. During his career in the Army, Specialist Mason set a standard of excellence and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to country that are the hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and distinguished history of the American military. Following his 1994 graduation from Baker High School in Mobile, Chris became a professional rodeo clown with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association. He also taught a commercial drivers license qualification course at Bishop State Community College. No matter what the task, Chris Mason undertook every challenge with a determination to succeed. Mr. Speaker, at this difficult time, it is only appropriate for us to pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Chris Mason. Chris's life and actions personify the very best America has to offer. I feel certain his many friends and family, as well as his comrades in the United States Army, while mourning the loss of this fine young man, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives. He was not only a physical presence in their lives but a spiritual leader in every sense of the word. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to SPC Chris Mason and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a people who are in the demanding but important stages of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land. Mr. Speaker, we should also remember his parents, Garland and Susie Mason, his brother, Garland Mason III, and his other relatives and many friends. Our prayer is that God will give them all the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead. It was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.'' Make no mistake, Chris Mason was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero. May he rest in peace. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2136-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING HIRING OF MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2136,E2136,"[{""name"": ""Silvestre Reyes"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1070""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2136,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING HIRING OF MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES ______ speech of HON. SILVESTRE REYES of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Duncan Hunter for his leadership in introducing this legislation. I am a strong supporter of H. Res. 1070, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that members of Congress should actively engage in hiring wounded military veterans. Earlier this year the House Veterans Affairs Committee, of which I am a member, held a hearing for private sector representatives to discuss their initiatives aimed at hiring veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Although companies such as Home Depot, Exxon Mobile Corporation and R&L Carriers have initiated plans to increase the number of veterans, and specifically disabled veterans, other companies and the public sector can also improve their veterans hiring practices. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, younger veterans have a significantly higher unemployment rate than those of the general population in the same age range. Mr. Speaker, I find this situation unacceptable and I believe most Americans would agree that our country should do more to assist these veterans in transitioning from active duty to the civilian workforce. For that reason, I helped establish a ``Veterans Opportunity Conference'' in my Congressional district of El Paso, TX, earlier this year. This conference brought together members of the community, Federal and State agencies, and businesses to assist veterans seeking to start a business, learn about State and Federal programs, and inquire about employment opportunities. Having had a great response from our veteran community, I now plan on making this a yearly event and encourage all of my colleagues in Congress to do the same in their respective districts. Furthermore, as a U.S. Army veteran, a strong advocate of hiring qualified veterans, and a member of Congress, I practice what I preach. I am proud to have five former servicemembers in my El Paso and Washington, DC, offices. Mr. Speaker, our veterans deserve our utmost commitment to helping them succeed after their military service, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting for H. Res. 1070. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2136-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,SAN JOAQUIN RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2136,E2136,"[{""name"": ""George Radanovich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2136,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SAN JOAQUIN RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT ______ HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, today, I submit to the House bipartisan legislation, the ``San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act,'' which implements an historic water settlement to resolve an 18-year lawsuit to restore a salmon fishery on the San Joaquin River. The settlement legislation achieves two coequal goals: it restores the San Joaquin River and secures water management objectives to mitigate water losses to farmers in the restoration process. These two elements are crucial to the success the Act, and they are to be implemented in tandem. The main reason I became involved in this issue last year was to ensure a stable water supply for Valley farmers. With that premise, the provisions in this measure were designed to make certain that water supply levels will remain manageable for farmers as the river is restored. It was also important to me that impacts to third parties, if any, be minimal and voluntary and the negotiators worked hard to create such language. The landmark bill introduced today gives the people of our Valley a say in how the river is restored, as opposed to waiting for an uncertain outcome from the Federal court. This solution is science- based and included involvement from individuals throughout the Valley, the State and Federal agencies. The significance of this bill cannot be understated. Over the past year and a half, countless hours have been spent in developing this measure, and I commend all those involved in this balanced resolution. I especially want to express my appreciation to the Friant Water Users Authority, Natural Resources Defense Council, Department of Interior, Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce and numerous third parties who were involved in the development of this bill. I also thank Senator Feinstein, who has introduced an identical bill in the Senate, for her steadfast commitment to this measure along with the members of the Valley delegation. I'm dedicated to the passage of this measure in Congress and will work toward that end until it is signed into law. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2136-4,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"ON THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESS IN TAIPEI, TAIWAN",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2136,E2137,"[{""name"": ""Patrick J. Kennedy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2136,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2136-E2137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ON THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESS IN TAIPEI, TAIWAN ______ HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY of rhode island in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, on December 8 and 9 in Taiwan, there will be an important gathering of legislators from Pacific Rim nations to discuss the role of congresses or legislatures in the growing number of democracies developing across Asia. The meeting has been convened by the Pacific Congressional Caucus, an arm of the Democratic Pacific Union, DPU, a regional organization of Pacific Rim democracies. [[Page E2137]] Legislative leaders from 20 nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and the host Taiwan are expected to participate. It is unfortunate that, because of our legislative schedule, no member of this House or of the other body are able to attend. However, Mr. Speaker, I did want to take note of this important meeting that will focus on the role of Congress in the various democratic governing models, such as the parliamentary system and the presidential system. Another important set of discussions will focus on the issue of legislative elections in various democracies, how they are conducted, and how they are financed. I congratulate Taiwan's political leaders who were instrumental in creating the DPU and the Pacific Congressional Caucus. Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu was the prime mover in bringing the DPU into existence and the Speaker of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, Wang Jin-Pyng, was instrumental in establishing the Pacific Congressional Caucus and in organizing such meetings as the one this weekend. This effort in Taiwan has been truly bipartisan, with Vice President Lu a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, and Speaker Wang a key leader of the Nationalist Party, known as the KMT. Because Taiwan is one of Asia's most dynamic democracies, it is fitting that Taiwan has been instrumental in forming the DPU and the Caucus and in organizing this symposium. I congratulate Taiwan and wish all the participants a rewarding series of meetings. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2136,2006-12-08,109,2,,,REMEMBERING BILLY EARL HIBBS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2136,E2136,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2136,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REMEMBERING BILLY EARL HIBBS ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, today it is my privilege to honor the life of a dear friend, Billy Earl Hibbs, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 67. Billy was a native Texan, born on September 25, 1938 in Quitman. He graduated from Quitman High School and married his high school sweetheart, Eugenia Stroud, in 1957. Eugenia and Billy had one child, Billy Earl Hibbs, Jr. Starting with a small, three-person insurance agency, Billy grew his business into Heartland Security Insurance Group, one of the largest insurance holding companies in the Southwest. Heartland is one of the largest providers of claims services to the Federal Government, including all branches of the military as well as non-military personnel injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite its size, Heartland maintains its Texas roots with its headquarters in Tyler and continues to serve almost half the school districts in Texas. The Texas Legislature recognized Billy's accomplishments in 1981 for his success in handling the John Tyler High School fire loss. In 1990, he led the passage of a bond measure to provide upgrades to the city of Tyler's infrastructure. A patron of the arts, Billy served as president of the East Texas Symphony Association and worked to relocate performances to the Cowan Center at U.T. Tyler. Billy also served as president of the Tyler Civic Theatre where he oversaw construction of the Braithwaite Theater and the opening of the Rogers Children's Theatre. As president of the Tyler Rotary Club he became a Paul Harris Fellow. Billy was a member of the Henry Bell Masonic Lodge, and a founding board member of the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas. He served as a board member for Leadership Tyler, the Tyler Independent School District Foundation, and the Tyler Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Order of the Rose. He was a member of the Pairs and Parents Sunday School class, an usher, and a past trustee of Marvin United Methodist Church. Billy also remained active in the Independent Insurance Agents at local, State, and national levels throughout his life. In 2004, Billy was inducted into the Junior Achievement ``Business Hall of Fame,'' and made a member of the honor business fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma, at the University of Texas at Tyler. In 2005, Hibbs- Hallmark & Company was honored with the Better Business Bureau's ``Torch Award'' for demonstrating a commendable ethical record over the years, and recently, the Tyler Rotary Club honored Hibbs by distinguishing all present and future donors of $1,000 as ``Billy Hibbs Fellows.'' Billy is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Eugenia ``Jeannie'' Hibbs, his son Billy E. Hibbs, Jr., and daughter-in-law Tisa Weiss Hibbs, two grandchildren, Stratton Weiss Hibbs and London Elizabeth Hibbs, and two sisters, Dorma Shields and Betty Cassels of Quitman, as well as other relatives. Billy was always generous with his time and leadership and he shared his many blessings with his community and his country. Mr. Speaker, Billy Hibbs was a valuable member of the community whose years of service will provide a legacy for many years to come. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2137-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,PAYING TRIBUTE TO WALTER CASEY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2137,E2137,"[{""name"": ""Jon C. Porter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2137,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PAYING TRIBUTE TO WALTER CASEY ______ HON. JON C. PORTER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Walter Casey for his numerous contributions to his community. Walter moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1951 under the advice of his doctor. He started out working for a maintenance company and eventually started a water conditioning and purification company called Walt Casey Water Conditioning and later Walt Casey's Culligan in the 1950s. Walt Casey's Culligan is now known as the largest water conditioning company in the state. Walter also dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others in the community. He was a founding board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas and served as the vice chairman of the Colorado River Commission. According to his son, Walter's optimism helped him to devote his time and effort to developing promising ideas into large successes. November 30, 2006, just 2 days after Walter and his wife, Peggy, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, Walter passed away from a heart attack. He was 88 years old. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Walter Casey for his outstanding efforts to improve the state of Nevada. He will be greatly missed by the entire community. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2137-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHIAN FEDERATION AND ADAMANTIOS (DIMIS) TH.,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2137,E2137,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn B. Maloney"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2137,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHIAN FEDERATION AND ADAMANTIOS (DIMIS) TH. VASSILAKIS PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF GREECE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, RECIPIENT OF THE 29TH ANNUAL HOMERIC AWARD ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Chian Federation, which is presenting its 29th annual Homeric Award to Adamantios (Dimis) Th. Vassilakis, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations. Their gala event has been organized under the leadership of the Chian Federation's President, George Almiroudis, and the Event Chair, who is also First Vice President of the Chian Federation, Alexandros Doulis. The Chian Federation was founded in 1974. Since then it has educated and empowered the Hellenic American community to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as American citizens. The Chian Federation has a strong record of advocating human rights and striving to promote democratic ideals. In addition to its political objectives, the organization sponsors a dance group; cultural events; a Web site; a magazine; business card exchanges; food, clothing and toy drives; a Senior Citizens' breakfast; and lectures on topics ranging from archaeology to health care. The Federation's accomplishments extend beyond the borders of the United States. On Chios, the Chian Federation has financially aided nursing homes, environmental groups for reforestation of the island, the Korais Library and the Office of the Repatriated Chians Organization, in addition to making substantial donations to the educational and health systems of Chios. The Chian Federation established the Homeric Award in 1977, with the idea of recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the Hellenic community. Ambassador Vassilakis earned this honor through his outstanding service to Greece as a diplomat, and as a friend to the Hellenic community in New York. Ambassador Vassilakis was born on the island of Chios on June 13, 1942, where he grew up and received his basic education, graduating from the Commercial High School of Chios. He then attended the Free University of Brussels, Belgium earning a Licence in Political and Diplomatic Sciences. Mr. Vassilakis entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1972 as Embassy Attache, and was appointed Third Secretary of Embassy at the Greek Embassy in Tirana, Albania in 1975. In 1977, he moved to the Foreign Ministry's First Department of Political Affairs, he was Head of Section for the U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe. He served as a member of various Greek delegations visiting Eastern European countries and was a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Common Market political experts meetings. In 1985, Mr. Vassilakis was made Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, California, where he was promoted to First Counsellor of Embassy. In 1989, he was appointed Head of Section for Bilateral Greek- United States, Iranian, Turkish and Arab Countries in the Foreign Ministry's Department of Bilateral Economic Relations. In 1990, Mr. Vassilakis entered the Department of European Community Affairs. In 1991, he was named Deputy Permanent Representative in the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, and in 1994, he became Charge d'Affaires. In 1998, he was promoted to Minister Plenipotentiary (1st class). From 1999, Mr. Vassilakis served as Director General for European Affairs and Director of the Centre for Analysis and Planning in Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2002, he was appointed to his present position. Ambassador Vassilakis is married to Fay Malouf-Vassilakis and they have two children, Theodore and Athena. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Chian Federation and its honoree, the Honorable Adamantios (Dimis) Th. Vassilakis. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2137-4,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"TRIBUTE TO JERRIS LEONARD, A GREAT AMERICAN",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2137,E2138,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2137,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2137-E2138] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO JERRIS LEONARD, A GREAT AMERICAN ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to a great American, outstanding public servant, and an esteemed colleague and good friend, the Honorable Jerris Leonard, whose sudden passing on July 27, 2006, [[Page E2138]] was mourned by his family and countless friends whose lives he touched. Jerris's life was devoted to God, family, country, and his fellow man, and he leaves a legacy of integrity and service that will long be remembered and appreciated. Jerris received his undergraduate and law degrees from Marquette University, where he was president of the Marquette student body and was elected to Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. Following graduation from Marquette University Law School in 1955, Jerris began his career in Wisconsin. He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1956, representing the North Shore suburbs of Milwaukee. In 1960 he was elected to the state Senate and became Senate majority leader in 1967. In 1968 he was the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, but lost to incumbent Senator Gaylord Nelson. In 1969 Jerris moved his family to Washington, DC, when he was appointed by President Nixon and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. He served in that capacity until 1971, when President Nixon appointed him the first Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, a position he held for the next 2 years. Jerris remained in Washington, where he has been actively engaged in the practice of law and advocacy. Most recently, in 2005, he launched The Leonard Group to focus on legislative and lobbying activities. He also served on the Bush-Cheney Transition Department of Justice Advisory Committee, which helped the Administration find key candidates for the agency. In recognition of his considerable accomplishments, Jerris was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquette University Law School in 2000. In 1969 he received the Belle Case Lafollette Outstanding Professional Award from the Wisconsin Law Foundation. He is the author of numerous articles and was frequently invited to speak to groups throughout the United States. Jerris was one of the original true conservatives, who championed core conservative values throughout his career and through his service in various organizations, such as Free Congress. His intellect and experience were invaluable to advancing the conservative agenda, and his engaging personality and enthusiasm for policy and politics were contagious. Jerris was a true statesman who made friends on both sides of the political aisle. His friendships extended well beyond the realm of politics and career, however. He made friends in all walks of life. ``He treated everyone the same, and that is what I think made him special,'' said his daughter Kate Leonard. On the day he was to be sworn in by President Nixon as an assistant attorney general, Jerris gathered his children and instructed them that they were going to meet the President, but they were to remember that the man who parks the car is just as important and just as deserving of respect. Jerris was devoted to his wife, Mariellen, to whom he was married for 52 years, and to his family. He took an active interest in the lives of his six children and attended countless sports events and other activities in which they were involved. In addition to Mariellen, he is survived by his children, Mary Leonard Ralston and husband David, Gib Leonard and wife Joni, John Leonard and wife Jeannine, Kathleen (Kate) Leonard, Francis Leonard and wife Kelly, and Daniel Leonard and wife Kelly, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was greatly loved. Mr. Speaker, many of our colleagues in the House of Representatives knew and admired Jerris Leonard. I valued his friendship and advice, as did so many others, and we will greatly miss him. It is impossible to fully grasp the breadth and depth of a life of someone like Jerris, who gave every project or responsibility his very best effort and who lived his life with boundless enthusiasm and compassion. He was a role model and mentor to so many, and he leaves a powerful legacy that will last for generations to come. As we adjourn today, let us do so in tribute to this great American, dedicated public servant, and truly great man-- Jerris Leonard. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2137,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"RECOGNIZING ALABAMA STATE REPRESENTATIVE F.P. ""SKIPPY"" WHITE FOR OVER THREE DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2137,E2137,"[{""name"": ""Jo Bonner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2137,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING ALABAMA STATE REPRESENTATIVE F.P. ``SKIPPY'' WHITE FOR OVER THREE DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize Alabama State Representative F.P. ``Skippy'' White for his dedicated, faithful public service to the citizens of Baldwin and Escambia Counties. Representative White has been a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama for over three decades. He began his public service career as a councilman for the city of Pollard, AL, and served for 7 years. In 1982, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and served in that capacity for 24 years. During his career in the Alabama State Legislature, Representative White worked tirelessly on behalf of south Alabama. He was distinguished as an outstanding legislator and served on the House Rules Committee. Mr. Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Skippy White has aided in an immeasurable way to the well being of our community. I would like to offer my congratulations for his many personal and professional achievements. I know his wife, Clara; his children, Todd, Hugh, and Sarah Anne; and his family and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts on behalf of south Alabama. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2138-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,SAVING ENERGY THROUGH RECYCLING,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2138,E2138,"[{""name"": ""Joe Barton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2138,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2138] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SAVING ENERGY THROUGH RECYCLING ______ HON. JOE BARTON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the energy security issues we face and to highlight the important role renewable energy plays in producing reliable electricity and curbing demand for power transmission equipment. Given this importance, we must continue to support initiatives to improve transmission, increase generation nationally and encourage renewable energy and conservation. Effective renewable energy policy must include the significant invested energy available through greater recycling. Manufacturing recycled products requires, on average, 17 times less energy than manufacturing the same products from virgin materials. In addition to the traditionally understood benefits of recycling as a conservation and waste management tool, recycling is becoming increasingly understood as an energy source available to combat the Nation's growing energy crisis. For example, recycling aluminum cans saves 95 percent of the energy required to make the same amount of aluminum from its virgin source. The amount of lost energy from throwing away aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging was equivalent to the annual output of 15 medium sized coal power plants. Increasing the recycling rate of these commodities by 10 percent would save enough energy annually to heat 74,350 million American homes, provide the required electricity for 2.5 million Americans, and save about $771 million in avoid costs for barrels of crude oil. As a result, recycling should be an integral component of our Nation's energy efficiency strategy. The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 acknowledged the high invested energy content of recyclables. Section 1353 mandated the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a study to determine and quantify the energy savings achieved through the recycling of glass, paper, plastic, steel, aluminum, and electronic devices, and to identify tax incentives that would encourage recycling of such materials. As chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I was deeply involved in the creation of this legislation, which I am proud to say was achieved with strong bipartisan participation and support. The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that recycling saves billions in energy costs and hundreds of millions of tons of raw materials. American companies that engage in the use of renewable resources and recyclable materials are already contributing countless billions of dollars per year to our Nation's energy grid. These companies are engaging in practices that are environmentally friendly and energy conservative. By harvesting the invested energy in recycling, this country saves tens of millions of tons of ore, coal, trees and billions of dollars in energy costs. Recycling programs offer a means to conserve natural resources, ease the burden on the grid, reduce excessive municipal waste, protect the environment, create jobs, and save energy. Like the energy drawn from wind or from water behind a dam, recyclable materials contain a vast amount of energy that is available to be harvested. Recyclables possess invested energy, and in order to remain competitive, we must focus on capturing the energy that is already invested in recycling. Through recognition of these policy objectives, we will create the most efficient market-based solutions to ensure a safe, abundant, and stable energy supply to our citizens for years to come. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2138,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MIAMI COUNTY COMMISSIONER ANN BAIRD,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2138,E2138,"[{""name"": ""John A. Boehner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2138,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2138] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MIAMI COUNTY COMMISSIONER ANN BAIRD ______ HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mrs. Ann Baird, County Commissioner of Miami County, OH, and to express my appreciation for her dedication and commitment to public service. For more than 40 years, Mrs. Baird has contributed her talents to the betterment of Miami County, and for this, I offer her my utmost congratulations and thanks. Her love of Miami County is unmistakable. During her long career in public service, Mrs. Baird has served on countless community boards and organizations in various roles including: Director of Community Services at Upper Valley Medical Center, Past President of the Miami County Chapter for the American Cancer Society, Past President of the United Methodist Women, Past President of the Troy United Fund, member of the Edison Community College Board of Trustees, and of course serving as the first female Miami County Commissioner for the past 12 years. Mrs. Baird's record--as an elected official, a church leader, and as a good neighbor helping those in need--will leave an enduring legacy in Miami County. Her leadership will be missed, but the footprint she has left will inspire many to emulate her good works. Mrs. Baird, I offer my congratulations and gratitude for your long and successful career in public service. I wish you well in your future retirement, and I hope you continue to achieve happiness and success wherever your life journey may lead you. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2139-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING LARRY STEWART,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2139,E2139,"[{""name"": ""Sam Graves"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2139,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING LARRY STEWART ______ HON. SAM GRAVES of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about a very special Missourian. Larry Stewart has spent the past 27 years selflessly giving to the people of Kansas City. Mr. Stewart is a kind-hearted businessman from Lee's Summit, Missouri, and until recently, was known to many only as the ``Secret Santa.'' Every December since 1979, Mr. Stewart has wandered the streets of Kansas City quietly searching for people in need, and handing them $100 bills. This honorable tradition began with a generous tip to a stranger. Mr. Stewart had just been fired from his job, the week before Christmas, and drove to a drive-in restaurant to cheer himself up. As soon as he saw what the $20 bill he had handed the waitress meant to her, he withdrew $200 from his bank account and drove around looking for people who seemed like they could use a lift. He has been handing out cash to people in need every December since. This year, with the help of a few special elves and four specially trained Secret Santas, he will hand out $165,000. Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart will also be spending this December fighting his esophageal cancer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to keep Mr. Stewart in their thoughts, and use him as an example of kindness and generosity this holiday season. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2139-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM RYUN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2139,E2139,"[{""name"": ""Todd Tiahrt"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2139,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM RYUN ______ HON. TODD TIAHRT of kansas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker of the many friends and colleagues, who will not be returning for the 110th Congress, I am especially disappointed that my fellow Kansan Jim Ryun is one of them. It was at an event in Wichita, where I first encouraged Jim to run for Congress. Most Kansans knew Jim as the world record holder in the mile run and as an American Olympic hero. I knew him as a loving father and family man and someone who cares deeply about his country. Jim Ryun won a hard fought battle in 1996 and served honorably in this House for five terms. He was an effective legislator and tough advocate for the constituents of the Second District of Kansas. You only need to look as far as Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth to see the results of Congressman Ryun's efforts. They not only survived the BRAC process, both installations have expanded missions and are well positioned for the future. Jim Ryun not only stood strong for the men and women of the military, he has been a tireless fighter for the issues that are of greatest importance to his constituents. Jim Ryun is a budget hawk, defender of life and someone on whom you can always rely. He is a man of integrity and has already left an indelible mark on Kansas, our country and the world. He will be sorely missed. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2139-4,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"HONORING ARKEMA INC., AXIS PLANT ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2139,E2139,"[{""name"": ""Jo Bonner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2139,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING ARKEMA INC., AXIS PLANT ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arkema Inc., Axis Plant on the completion of their 25th year. For the past 25 years, the Axis plant has been an economically vital contributor to both the town of Axis and the State of Alabama. The plant began operations in 1981 as M&T Chemicals, producing inorganic and organic tin compounds. After numerous expansions over the years, the plant was purchased in 2004 by Arkema Inc., a global leader in the chemical production industry. Since its inception, Arkema has earned a very respectable reputation as a world class chemicals producer. They have amassed nearly $7.3 billion in revenue and have over 18,400 employees in 40 different countries. With such immense size and diversity, Arkema Inc. brings countless opportunities to the people of the First Congressional District. In particular, the Axis plant specializes in producing a wide variety of chemical additives, such as heat stabilizers and impact modifiers. Heat stabilizers are compounds added to PVC to slow color development during processing and extend the life of a product. Impact modifiers are added to PVC to make it less brittle and to increase its strength. These products are used in everyday items such as hair dryers, plastic piping, and vinyl siding. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the administration and staff of the Arkema Inc., Axis Plant and their continuing leadership in the chemical production industry. It is my sincere hope that they will continue to set highly commendable examples for others in their industry, and I rise today to recognize and thank Arkema Inc., Axis Plant for its contributions to the local economy and to the quality of life enjoyed in the State of Alabama. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2139-5,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING FEDERAL JUDGE PAUL BROWN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2139,E2140,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2139,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2139-E2140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING FEDERAL JUDGE PAUL BROWN ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to one of the outstanding Federal judges in our Nation, U.S. District Judge Paul Brown, who is retiring after 21 years of distinguished service on the bench in the Eastern District of Texas. Judge Brown has been my good friend for many years, and he is a respected and beloved Judge and member of the community in Sherman, Texas. Judge Brown represents the finest qualities of jurisprudence. Hanging on his wall in the Sherman Federal Courthouse are Socrates' four qualities for a good judge--to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially. Judge Brown embodied all of these qualities, and he dispensed justice accordingly. He was highly regarded, well-respected, and was a role model for many. Paul Brown was the youngest of a family of six raised on a farm near Pottsboro, TX. He graduated from Denison High School and although underage, he got his parents' consent to join the U.S. Navy when World War II broke out. He served as a minesweeper in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and as a part of the occupation forces in Japan. He was discharged as an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class in June, 1946. He returned to his studies and received a law degree in 1950 from The University of Texas before being recalled to active duty in the Korean War. He saw combat aboard a minesweeper which was sunk by mines, and he received an honorable discharge in December of 1951. Judge began his practice of law following the war and following President Dwight Eisenhower's election, he went to work as an assistant U.S. Attorney in Texarkana under U.S. Attorney William Steger, who would become his mentor, good friend, and fellow colleague [[Page E2140]] on the bench in the Eastern District until Judge Steger's passing this year. He served as Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1953 to 1959, then followed in Judge Steger's footsteps as U.S. District Attorney from 1959 to 1961. While in Texarkana, Judge Brown met and married Frances Morehead, and the two returned home to Sherman, where Judge Brown practiced law for a number of years. In 1985 Senator Phil Graham recommended him to President Ronald Reagan for a new judge's position created for the Eastern District of Texas, and Judge Brown was confirmed that year. He held court in Beaumont, Paris, Sherman, and Texarkana, and as the caseload in Sherman grew, he eventually presided over the Sherman courthouse exclusively. Premiere cases over the years included intellectual property, patent cases, and criminal cases precipitated by the bank and savings and loan failures of the 1980s and 1990s. In recent years he noted the increase in drug cases and expressed his regret that, in spite of all the efforts that have been made to prosecute drug dealers, the nation is not making much progress in curtailing the use of drugs. No matter what type of cases came before him, Judge Brown always enjoyed the work and ran an efficient and orderly courtroom. His personal work ethic and judicial integrity have been remarkable, and his reputation for punctuality has been legendary. At his retirement reception, hundreds of local attorneys, area judges and friends and family paid tribute to Judge Brown. The Eastern District Chief Judge, Thad Heartfield, speaking for the fifteen judges on their court, has recommended that Congress name the U.S. District Courthouse in Sherman the ``Paul Brown U.S. Courthouse.'' Judge Heartfield noted that Judge Brown has demonstrated the finest qualities of a U.S. district judge: knowledge of the law, courtesy, patience, wisdom and compassion. It will be my pleasure to introduce legislation to that end. As we near adjournment of the 109th Congress, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of a great American, outstanding public servant, and respected jurist, the Honorable Paul Brown, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2139,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM DAVIS, CONGRESSMAN CLAY SHAW, CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL BILIRAKIS AND CONGRESSWOMAN KATHERINE HARRIS",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2139,E2139,"[{""name"": ""Kendrick B. Meek"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2139,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E2139]] TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM DAVIS, CONGRESSMAN CLAY SHAW, CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL BILIRAKIS AND CONGRESSWOMAN KATHERINE HARRIS ______ HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as the 109th Congress comes to an end, I rise to honor the Congressional service of four outstanding members of our Florida Congressional Delegation; Jim Davis, Clay Shaw, Michael Bilirakis and Katherine Harris. Together, these outstanding Members have decades of experience in public service and have worked on a broad range of issues of lasting importance to the great State of Florida. I believe that public service is a truly a noble calling. Any person who assumes the challenges and responsibilities associated with this profession, and who makes the sacrifices necessary to achieve the success of these Members of Congress, merits the respect of our nation, and our thanks. Legislating in the Congress requires men and women who are masters of the traditional skills of American government--compromise, negotiation and bargaining. While we may disagree at times on policy and share different political philosophies, our objective should always be to serve the best interests of our constituents, our state and our nation. It is part of the genius of American government that the institution of Congress continues on and is not dependent on any particular individuals. Still, there is no doubt that the quality of people elected to Congress has a lot to do with the kinds and quality of legislation that becomes law. Each of these Members has, in his or her own way, left their mark on our laws and our nation. I am therefore proud to join with my colleagues in the Florida Delegation and, indeed, the entire Congress, in thanking you all for your service and wishing you much happiness and success in all your future endeavors. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2140-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,RECOGNIZING MR. G. FRED SCHUTZ FOR HIS TREMENDOUS LEADERSHIP,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2140,E2140,"[{""name"": ""John R. \""Randy\"" Kuhl Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2140,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING MR. G. FRED SCHUTZ FOR HIS TREMENDOUS LEADERSHIP ______ HON. JOHN R. ``RANDY'' KUHL, JR. of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. KUHL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a tireless and unselfish community leader from my congressional district, Mr. G. Fred Schutz. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1928, Fred joined the U.S. Naval Reserve at the age of 19, and then transferred to the U.S. Air Force for 8 years during the Korean conflict. In 1988, Fred ended his military career with the U.S. Army reserve-retiring as a command Sergeant Major of the 98th division. During his 22 years of service, he received 9 personal medals and 21 service awards. After active duty, Fred returned to Canandaigua, New York to work for the Penn Central Transportation Company and later became a small business owner. Fred has been a dedicated leader, being instrumental in many crucial projects including: the founding of a downtown park--The Commons, and the revitalization of Phoenix Street. He has also organized the Memorial Day parade for as long as anyone can remember and, for the past five years, has led the 9/11 (patriot day) ceremonies. Fred has worked tirelessly to retain the VA medical facility in Canandaigua; he has fought to establish a museum for military art and has lobbied for a ship to be named after the city of Canandaigua. Fred continues to provide sage advice and economic assistance to veterans who are seeking records, medical treatment, and transportation or lodging. For a number of years, Fred has served a free Thanksgiving turkey dinner for homeless or needy veterans in the area. His concern for others is evident in his employment of handicapped and older veterans and his enthusiastic fundraising for camp good days and special times, the Make a Wish Foundation, and a church summer carnival. Fred has also volunteered as a fireman for 20 years. He has been an American Legion member for 53 years, having served as a post, county and district commander and has served on numerous committees on the local, state and national level. Fred was a financial contributor to the Vietnam moving wall in 1999 and instrumental in organizing the ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean war. He was named Seventh District Legionnaire of the Year in 2003 and Seventh District Humanitarian of the year in 2005. The city of Canandaigua named him volunteer of the year in 2006 and recently named a day in his honor. Again, I thank Fred for his tremendous contributions, and I look forward to continue working with Fred to help those in need and do what is best for our community. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2140-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,IN HONOR OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PACIFIC UNION (DPU),HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2140,E2141,"[{""name"": ""Pete Sessions"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2140,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2140-E2141] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PACIFIC UNION (DPU) ______ HON. PETE SESSIONS of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Democratic Pacific Union. On the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II (August 14, 2005), the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) was formally inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan. The ceremony drew 76 dignitaries from 23 countries, including the presidents and vice presidents of Taiwan, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Palau. The Union's goal is to promote democracy and encourage contacts among its 28 member democracies. Taiwan Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien was elected Chair of the Union. Since its inception, the Union has established a Secretariat and published its first quarterly, planned regular regional meetings in the East and the West Pacific regions, initiated the Pacific Economic Advisory Group and the Pacific Congressional Caucus, and additionally established a training program for typhoon and flood disaster reduction. The DPU has offered scholarships to students of member states to study in Taiwan, planned a Pacific university network in Taiwan, and invited distinguished women to come to Taiwan to discuss women's issues in the Pacific region. Other initiatives have been introduced to promote democratic values and prosperity among member states. There is little question that the Democratic Pacific Union has achieved a great deal during its short history. Its goals of promoting and spreading democracy are laudable and complement with our values. We should encourage the leaders of the Democratic Pacific [[Page E2141]] Union by endorsing their goals and objectives as well as learning from them. I am certain that the Union will attract more members and win even greater international recognition in the months and years ahead. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2140,2006-12-08,109,2,,,COMMENDING NATALIE WILSON CRAWFORD,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,COMMENDING,E2140,E2140,"[{""name"": ""Jane Harman"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2140,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2140] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMENDING NATALIE WILSON CRAWFORD ______ HON. JANE HARMAN of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, although women have climbed to the highest reaches of outer space, the number of women who have risen to positions of prominence within the U.S. aerospace industry can be counted on one hand. I am therefore particularly proud to commend a fellow Californian, Mrs. Natalie Wilson Crawford, for her four decades of service promoting the security of the American people through her work at the Santa Monica headquarters of RAND. In 1964, Mrs. Crawford became a member of the professional staff of the RAND Corporation, an internationally known and highly respected think tank, and has since held a broad range of research-related senior management positions. For the past nine years, Mrs. Crawford has been a Vice President of RAND and the Director of Project AIR FORCE, RAND's first research division founded in 1946 under the name of Project RAND. For 60 years, Project AIR FORCE has been the Air Force's only federally funded center for studies and analyses; and it has provided independent, objective research on a full range of issues critical to national defense. Mrs. Crawford's international reputation as an expert on air and space power made her especially well suited for this role. During her tenure, she worked closely with senior leaders of the Air Force to build a powerful research agenda in areas such as geopolitical strategy, aerospace force development, resource management, and manpower. The Air Force has formally honored Mrs. Crawford many times. She has twice been awarded the Air Force's Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. In 2003, she received both the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Air Force Analytic Community and the Lieutenant General Glenn Kent Leadership Award. She has also been the Department of the Air Force's Woman of the Year. Today, the members of the United States House of Representatives have the opportunity to add our expression of appreciation for her loyal and dedicated service. In October, Mrs. Crawford stepped down from her administrative roles in Project AIR FORCE. However, she will continue to act as a senior advisor to RAND's chief executive officer and she will be a senior mentor to the USAF Scientific Advisory Board, a group with which she has been affiliated since 1988. I thank Natalie Crawford for all that she has done to ensure the safety and security of the United States, and I wish her every success in her future endeavors. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2141-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING PRESIDENT WILSON ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2141,E2141,"[{""name"": ""Rush Holt"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2141,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2141] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING PRESIDENT WILSON ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH ______ HON. RUSH D. HOLT of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, December 28 will mark the 150 anniversary of the birth of our 28th president, Woodrow Wilson. Throughout 2006, a number of organizations--including the Woodrow Wilson House, the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, Princeton University, and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library--have held multiple public events to commemorate the life and work of President Wilson. Today, along with my colleague, Mr. Goodlatte, I'm pleased to offer a resolution both recognizing the 150th anniversary of President Wilson's birth and the contributions of the many organizations that have made this sesquicentennial successful. It also affords us a moment to reflect on how important Woodrow Wilson's legacy is for the United States. President Wilson lived to see three major wars in his lifetime, each of which reshaped America's role in the world: the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. In the wake of the First World War, President Wilson had the vision to understand that if America was going to prosper in the 20th century, it needed to be a part of the world, not separated from it. That vision was encapsulated in the last of his famous ``14 points'' in his January 8, 1918 address to a joint session of Congress: XIV. A general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike. Wilson sought to create a just peace for the defeated Triple Alliance powers and a secure world for all nations. He understood both the value and need for collective security, and above all the moral imperative underlying it, as he revealed in his 1918 State of the Union speech: We have spoken now, surely, in terms too concrete to admit of any further doubt or question. An evident principle runs through the whole program I have outlined. It is the principle of justice to all peoples and nationalities, and their right to live on equal terms of liberty and safety with one another, whether they be strong or weak. Unless this principle [can] be made its foundation, no part of the structure of international justice can stand. Wilson's vision for America's role abroad--U.S. participation and leadership in the League of Nations--was ultimately undone by his lack of vision in dealing with a Senate that his party no longer controlled and by some flaws in the design of the League. Then-Senate Majority Leader Henry Cabot Lodge was skeptical of the value of the League and wary of the risks of committing America to a permanent, high-profile role in international affairs. The personal animosity between the two men undoubtedly contributed to Lodge's opposition to ratification of the League treaty. The intransigence of both men doomed the League treaty's chances in the Senate. Today, there is little debate among historians about the consequences. Had Wilson and Lodge been able to set aside their differences and ensure Senate passage of the treaty, America's membership in the League might well have moved the body to take far more decisive action against the fascist dictatorships that emerged in Germany, Italy, and Japan in the 1920s and 1930s, perhaps preventing the Second World War. Other presidents since have relearned the lesson that unless the Congress--the representatives of the people--are true partners in America's foreign policy initiatives, the results are usually tragic. Such was the case in Vietnam, and it is the case in Iraq today. History ultimately validated Wilson's vision for America's role in the world, and his dream of an international body designed to mediate conflicts between nations did become a reality in the form of the United Nations. Wilson was an innovator in international affairs, and we need to recapture his spirit of innovation and inclusiveness if we are to meet both the threats and the opportunities that lie before us. I want to once again thank all of the fine organizations involved with the Wilson sesquicentennial celebrations for reminding us all what President Wilson has bequeathed to our Nation and the world. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2141-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JACQUE MUTHER,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2141,E2142,"[{""name"": ""John Lewis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2141,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2141-E2142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JACQUE MUTHER ______ HON. JOHN LEWIS of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate Jacque Muther--a true champion in building and sustaining HIV/AIDS care and treatment services in Atlanta--on her tenure as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief Coalition. CAEAR Coalition is a leading national voice for the treatment and care needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and Ms. Muther has served on its Board of Directors for 12 years, including eight as treasurer. She will leave the board at the end of this year and I take this opportunity to acknowledge her service at the local and the national levels. Ms. Muther's commitment to the care and treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS goes back almost to the beginning of the epidemic. Since the mid 1980s, she has worked at the Grady Health System Infectious Disease Program--a program that now serves over 4,500 indigent people living with HIV/AIDS. She also served as Chair of Atlanta's Ryan White Title I Planning Council and as a member of the Georgia ADAP Task Force, which focuses on increasing state contributions to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. She also serves as Treasurer of HIVDent and is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta's AIDS Survival Project. This impressive list of contributions does not fully capture Ms. Muther's important role in our community, nor her effectiveness as an advocate for high quality HIV/AIDS care for all who [[Page E2142]] need it. Her service and advocacy are rooted deeply in her strong sense of justice and wherever she goes she is a compassionate and effective voice for the urgent need for the nation to redouble its commitment to HIV/AIDS. I know well the power of her work in Atlanta and here on Capitol Hill where she is a highly regarded expert. She has the ability to help members and staff alike understand the needs on the frontlines and what we, in turn, must do to respond to those needs. I rise to honor Ms. Muther's contributions and to express my gratitude that she continues on in service to this vital cause. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2141,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"IN HONOR OF ROCKFORD, IL, BURPEE MUSEUM FOR RECEIVING TWO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUM AWARDS",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2141,E2141,"[{""name"": ""Donald A. Manzullo"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2141,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2141] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF ROCKFORD, IL, BURPEE MUSEUM FOR RECEIVING TWO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUM AWARDS ______ HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL. The Burpee museum is a remarkable cultural institution that has received two prestigious American Association of Museum-AAM-Awards. Both of these awards are for the Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur exhibit at the museum, which opened to outstanding reviews in June 2005. The museum submitted entries in two categories: Overall Exhibit Excellence and the MUSE Award for the use of media and technology in the Jane exhibit. Burpee received the Exhibit Excellence Award, which is considered the museum profession's highest honor. It also received an Honorable Mention MUSE award for Jane's interactive Meet the Researcher video. Lew Crampton, Burpee president and CEO, accepted the awards at the AAM's 100th International Conference in Boston in the company of 7,000 other museum profession delegates from around the world. Judges who presented the awards to Mr. Crampton praised Burpee, stating the ``whole project was so solid . . . and you just did everything right . . . your work could and should serve as a model to other institutions (including much larger ones) as a way to create an excellent exhibit.'' Jane's exhibit is a reflection of the dedication and professional excellence that is demonstrated by the personnel at Burpee. Burpee's personnel overcame three daunting tasks in order to successfully create the exhibit. First, after transporting Jane from Montana to the museum lab, Jane's 66 million-year-old bones were carefully removed from the rocks in which they were embedded. Second, identifying Jane's place in the dinosaur family tree presented a unique challenge because many scientists consulted in the process disagreed on this matter. Finally, in the midst of the first two tasks, Burpee's personnel had to consider how to create an exhibit that would be able to bridge the gap between science education and family enjoyment. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my recognition and support of the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL. Since its founding in May of 1942 as a part of the Works Progress Administration, the mission of Burpee has been to inspire all people to engage in a lifetime of learning about the natural world, and they have been very successful in doing so. To this day, Burpee reaches out to the public through its creative event programming and excellent education offerings for educators, families, and other members of the local community. Burpee is a prime example for other cultural institutions across the country, and I am honored to recognize the museum and its personnel here today. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2142-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,TRIBUTE TO ZACHARY L. COOPER,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2142,E2142,"[{""name"": ""Tammy Baldwin"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2142,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO ZACHARY L. COOPER ______ HON. TAMMY BALDWIN of wisconsin in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a remarkable citizen, Mr. Zachary L. Cooper of Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. Cooper was an educator and scholar who devoted his life to the study and teaching of black history. He was widely known as one of the state's most prominent chroniclers of African-American history. Zachary Cooper was born in Brunswick, GA, in 1935, and eventually settled in Madison, Wisconsin. After spending 2 years in the Army Medical Corps, Mr. Cooper went on to earn a bachelor's degree in European history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He followed that with a master's degree in American history and earned his Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from the Ohio State University-Columbus. Mr. Cooper spent much of his career documenting the history of black settlers, authoring ``Black Settlers in Rural Wisconsin'' and creating a documentary called ``Coming Together, Coming Apart'' which used oral histories, photos and diaries to preserve evidence of early black families in Wisconsin. Mr. Cooper was also a lecturer for a variety of institutions including the Wisconsin Historical Society, the University of Wisconsin, Edgewood College, Madison Area Technical College, and the Madison School District. Mr. Cooper's passion was working with children. As president of the board of directors at the Early Childhood Learning Center, he was able to impact the lives of all the children at the center. In the spring of 1992, Cooper co-founded JAMAD (Jamaica-Madison Cultural Exchange), a program that creates connections between hardworking students in Wisconsin and Jamaica. Through the program, students establish pen pal relationships which culminate in the students from Wisconsin making a trip to Jamaica to learn more about their peers and the culture. With the passing of Zachary L. Cooper, the world has lost a great scholar, and Wisconsin has lost a great teacher, citizen, and friend. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2142-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,VARIOUS FOREIGN POLICY SUSPENSION BILLS AT THE END OF THE 109TH CONGRESS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2142,E2142,"[{""name"": ""Ron Paul"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2142,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] VARIOUS FOREIGN POLICY SUSPENSION BILLS AT THE END OF THE 109TH CONGRESS ______ HON. RON PAUL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my concern about the House of Representatives at the last minute rushing to the floor dozens of bills spending tens of millions of dollars and interfering in the affairs of foreign countries. Mr. Speaker, we woke up this morning with the surprise announcement that we would face at least 35 of these suspension bills. Suspension bills are customarily noncontroversial-- naming post offices and the like. I can hardly think of anything more controversial than sending tens of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars overseas to interfere in the affairs of foreign countries. The suspension calendar is being used to pass the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, which funnels millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to foreign governments. For example, through the Export-Import Bank, Americans are forced to subsidize China's economic growth with some $4 billion dollars per year. Is this not controversial? Additionally, today's suspension bills will turn an additional 52 million dollars in foreign aid over to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Is this not controversial? Possibly more damaging in today's ``noncontroversial'' suspension bills are the several bills that seek to meddle in the affairs of foreign countries. Today's suspension bills, whether they regard Lebanon, Iran, Congo, or Nepal, make it clear that we still have not learned the lessons we should have learned from Iraq and all of our previous interventions that have gone awry. Mr. Speaker, it is bad enough that Congress acts as if its jurisdiction extends across the entire globe, must we add insult to injury by treating this as simply run of the mill, noncontroversial legislation? ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2142-4,2006-12-08,109,2,,,SOBER TRUTH ON PREVENTING UNDERAGE DRINKING ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2142,E2142,"[{""name"": ""John Sullivan"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""109"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""864""}]",152 Cong. Rec. E2142,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SOBER TRUTH ON PREVENTING UNDERAGE DRINKING ACT ______ speech of HON. JOHN SULLIVAN of oklahoma in the house of representatives Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (Stop Act), which tackles an important issue facing families in every congressional district, the issue of underage drinking. If present for rollcall vote 521 on H.R. 864, the measure would have my strong support. The Stop Act serves to restate the importance of state alcohol laws in fighting underage drinking while supplementing federal research and advocacy with additional funds. I am proud to support this legislation to confront the growing problem of underage drinking. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2142-5,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING DR. PATRICK McKIERNAN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2142,E2143,"[{""name"": ""Ron Lewis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2142,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2142-E2143] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING DR. PATRICK McKIERNAN ______ HON. RON LEWIS of kentucky in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Patrick McKiernan, a remarkable public servant and advocate from my home state of Kentucky. Dr. McKiernan presently serves as Outreach Coordinator to Homeless Veterans for the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. [[Page E2143]] Tragically, more than 1,000 veterans will be sleeping on the streets of Kentucky tonight. Dr. McKiernan recognizes that there is something fundamentally wrong when individuals who once wore the uniform of the United States are forced by circumstances to live on the streets. Under his compassionate leadership, the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs continues to work to establish special assistance programs to help get veterans off the streets and into housing or treatment facilities. Dr. McKiernan represents his agency on the Kentucky Council on Homeless Policy, advising the Governor and his staff on homelessness and housing issues across the state. He also represents Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs at the annual conference of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in Washington, DC and the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. In addition to his current work and responsibilities, Dr. McKiernan is developing plans to establish the Homeless Veterans Coordination Committee to provide additional guidance and support to help homeless veterans. Dr. McKiernan's colleagues, and countless veterans touched by his exemplary work, note his unique ability to navigate bureaucracy and successfully resolve casework with unusual expedience. Recently, Dr. McKiernan intervened in a case involving a veteran afflicted with esophageal cancer who nearly became homeless due to the financial challenges of his illness. Because of his efforts, an American hero is receiving the care and assistance that he deserves. This is but one example in a long career of helping others. It is my great honor to recognize Dr. Patrick McKiernan today before my assembled colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives. His leadership and service make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and appreciation. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2142,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. HOOPER MATTHEWS, JR.",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2142,E2142,"[{""name"": ""Jo Bonner"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2142,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. HOOPER MATTHEWS, JR. ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Escambia County and indeed the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Hooper Matthews, Jr., known as ``Big Hoop'' to his children and grandchildren, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life. Hooper was born in Nashville but made his way to Atmore, Alabama, in 1948. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in Forestry, which he used while managing his family timberlands as a registered forester. He also owned the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore and South Alabama Vending Company. He was awarded the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce's lifetime achievement award in 2005. Hooper was a strong believer in the future of Atmore. His work as president of the A.C. Moore Elementary PTA as well as his work on the board of directors of Escambia Academy exemplified his vision for creating a strong foundation in the community's children. He also supported programs such as Read America, the Huxford Elementary School Reading Initiative, scouting events, the YMCA, and drug and alcohol education, to name just a few of his many pet projects. Not only did Hooper give back to Atmore through his work with children, but he contributed in more ways than most people might realize to Atmore's economic viability through his business ventures. His work with the Atmore Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a past president, brought Masland Carpets to the area and raised funds for Atmore schools as well as The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, Williams Station Day, Mayfest, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Even with his numerous professional obligations, Hooper always found time to share his love for the land with anyone and everyone who was interested. Many a child in south Alabama shot their first deer by his side, and on any given day, you could expect to see someone hunting with him. His kind generosity touched many people throughout the First District but was felt with the most warmth back at home. He always had an infectious smile on his face and a love for people that was real and genuine. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Hooper Matthews, Jr., loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing marks a tremendous loss for all of south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by many, most especially his family and the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2143-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,HONORING REPRESENTATIVES J.D. HAYWORTH AND JIM RYUN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2143,E2143,"[{""name"": ""Cliff Stearns"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2143,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2143] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING REPRESENTATIVES J.D. HAYWORTH AND JIM RYUN ______ HON. CLIFF STEARNS of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege of working with some great men and women over my years in Congress, and I rise today to pay my respect to two of my colleagues who will be leaving at the end of this year: Representatives J.D. Hayworth and Jim Ryun. Anyone who has worked with J.D. Hayworth can readily testify that he is a charismatic man of many talents. His career in Congress has been highlighted by his leadership on immigration reform, advocacy for enhanced border security and prioritization of national security in these threatening times. In addition, he has received the ``Taxpayer Hero'' award from Citizens Against Government Waste 10 times, and was recently awarded the ``Lifetime Tax Fighter'' award from the National Tax Limitation Committee. He has also worked tirelessly for protection of children. His provisions for a centralized law enforcement database of child abusers strengthened the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, which President Bush signed into law this July. These are some of the many distinctive achievements of J.D. Hayworth as a public official, but many may not know some of the unique characteristics he possesses as an individual. I got to know J.D. better when I went and campaigned for him. I met his wonderful family and enjoyed their warm hospitality during my times in Arizona. He is a loving family man with a great sense of humor. Many may not be aware of one of his unique talents. He has an uncanny ability to mimic the speech of other Members. His impersonation of Representative Howard Coble in particular is one of the best I have ever heard. I greatly respect J.D., will sorely miss him, and I hope he will consider returning to public office sometime in the near future. I would also like to take a moment to honor Representative Jim Ryun. He has greatly impressed me with his leadership--both in his public office and in his personal life. He has fervently worked for traditional family values, fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and improving the lives of our men and women in uniform. For several years now, he worked to pass the Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act, which protects service members from coercive tactics employed by some credit institutions. This legislation overwhelmingly passed the House and paved the way for its companion legislation to be signed into law this past September. I was also impressed and touched by his eloquence during the debate on the Respect for Fallen Heroes Act when he stated, ``Our service members embody the exact opposite of hate by sacrificing their lives so that we can keep ours. I pay tribute to them . . .'' It is this selflessness and integrity that has made it a pleasure to work with him. It is also an honor to know him as a friend. Jim is a committed family man. He and his wife Anne have worked as a ``dynamic duo'' to strengthen and promote family values through their work with the Statesmen Leaders Conference and the Congressional Wives' Club. He is most famously identified as the man who broke the 4-minute mile, an incredible feat of athleticism that many of us, myself included, wish we could replicate. But I would not identify him that way. Instead, I would identify him most readily with his faith, for that is how he lives his life. I have had the pleasure of attending many Bible studies with him here at the Capitol, and I have found the source of his strength of character stems from his deep faith in God. His love for God and his fellow man has inspired many of us, and led some to a deeper relationship with God themselves. I value the time I have had to work with Jim. I will miss his calming presence and insight in the 110th Congress, and I pray that God blesses him and his family in his future endeavors. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2143-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,REGARDING INTENT TO INTRODUCE THE BROADBAND EXPENSING ACT OF 2007 IN THE 110TH CONGRESS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2143,E2144,"[{""name"": ""Doris O. Matsui"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2143,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2143-E2144] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REGARDING INTENT TO INTRODUCE THE BROADBAND EXPENSING ACT OF 2007 IN THE 110TH CONGRESS ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important piece of legislation I will reintroduce early next year, along with my colleague, Mr. English of Pennsylvania, to encourage the deployment of broadband high- [[Page E2144]] speed Internet service throughout the United States. The Broadband Expensing Act of 2007 will allow immediate depreciation of the costs of new infrastructure investments providing broadband connectivity. In previous Congresses this measure has received extensive bipartisan support with as many as 225 House cosponsors and 65 Senate cosponsors. As the Congress and administration consider various methods of encouraging innovation in America, a broadband incentive of this nature must be of high priority. This bill was a priority for my late husband, who worked with Mr. English, Senator Rockefeller, Senator Baucus, and the late Senator Moynihan to craft it in 2000. They all worked hard on it for several years and built tremendous bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. My husband spent a lot of time discussing this measure with his colleagues in the House, explaining how it would work, seeking cosponsorships. It has been a popular measure. On three separate occasions it has almost passed the Congress, but each time fell short in the House. Three times this bill has passed the Senate, and three times it has been rejected in conference with the House, to the disappointment of my husband, my colleague Mr. English, and many other members of this body who supported it and felt it could make a significant contribution to improving America's telecommunications and information technology infrastructure. Now we are prepared to make another push for this bill in the 110th Congress. The Broadband Expensing Act will provide a temporary two- tiered tax incentive to stimulate new investment in this crucial infrastructure: 50 percent expensing for investment in ``current- generation'' broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, and full expensing for ``next generation'' broadband investments in those same areas, as well as residential areas generally. Moreover, it is designed to be technology neutral, making delivery of service, not the delivery medium, the factor for eligibility. Any broadband provider meeting the required speeds, measured in megabits of data delivered to and from the consumer per second, is eligible, whether such service is provided over telephone wire, cable modem, optical fiber, wireless, satellite, or other forms of technology. It is important to act quickly. Recent reports by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Telecommunications Union find the United States lagging in broadband penetration compared to other nations. We should not sit idly by and allow the United States to fall behind in this crucial area. Just as the federal government stepped in to provide national availability of electrification and transportation in the mid-1900s, we must now ensure a national system of electronic information. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important measure. I look forward to working with my cosponsors and the leadership of both parties to see the Broadband Expensing Act become law in 2007. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2143,2006-12-08,109,2,,,TRIBUTE TO DR. POLLEYS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2143,E2143,"[{""name"": ""Sanford D. Bishop, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2143,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2143] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO DR. POLLEYS ______ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great woman who has without reserve given her all to Muscogee County, GA. On this day, Dr. Polleys is retiring as chair of the Muscogee County School Board, a position which she has held for 13 years. She has faithfully served her community while blazing new trails for those who would follow. Dr. Polleys grew up in Harris County, GA and knew early on that she wanted to make a difference in her community. To that end, she came back to Columbus to teach school after graduating from Mercer University. Not long thereafter, Mary Sue completed her master's degree at Auburn University and taught speech at the college level for 7 years, tutored extensively, and became involved in corporate training. In accordance with her ambitious nature, she did not stop with her master's but went on to receiver her doctor of philosophy degree from Auburn and served as director of the Servant Leadership Program at Columbus State University until her retirement. After being elected to the Muscogee County School Board in November of 1993, Dr. Polleys led the school board to a place where consensus was the norm, mutual respect was expected, and discourtesy was simply not acceptable. In less than 5 years, the school system resolved its leadership issues, passed a $160 million capital program by a 3-to-1 margin, developed a fund balance of over 30 days, resolved its litigation, reversed the fall in test scores, and restored the confidence of administrators and teachers. More importantly, she restored the confidence of the parents and children whom the board serves. Other members of the Muscogee County School Board characterize her this way: As Chair, Dr. Polleys exemplified true leadership by pushing us when we needed to be pushed, calmed us when we needed to be calmed and taught us when we needed to be taught. She helped take us from a group of nine individuals, with nine separate agendas, to a school board of nine public servants, with a single agenda, service to the community and care for all its children. In a lasting tribute to Dr. Polleys, the school board entered this resolution: It has been said that all of us should be ashamed not to have made at least one victory for mankind during our lifetimes. By that standard, Dr. Polleys has earned not just the right to be unashamed, but the right to be proud. If she thought in terms of pride, she would be. She doesn't. If her accomplishments are to be praised, we must praise them because she won't. Today, as Dr. Polleys moves into retirement from government service, we honor her and thank her for all she has done for the benefit of Columbus, GA--as an elected official and as a private citizen dedicated to the good of others. Her exemplary service to her community has set a standard of dedication and leadership that has inspired many and will inspire many others. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2144-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2144,E2144,"[{""name"": ""George Miller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2144,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2144] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT ______ HON. GEORGE MILLER of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation introduced today by Congressman Radanovich to implement a practical agreement to revive our State's second-longest river. This is a remarkable accomplishment, and I congratulate the parties who have worked tirelessly to get to this point. When we debated and passed the Central Valley Project Improvement Act in the early 1990s, we anticipated a program to reestablish the San Joaquin River's salmon run that was eliminated by the construction of Friant Dam. But bringing about something as momentous as this agreement is easier said than done. This settlement has been literally decades in the making, and I think we should all be very glad we're at this point, rather than watching another several years of litigation and argument. It took a collaborative effort to bring this settlement about, and I'd like to take a moment to recognize the leaders of this effort. Congressman Radanovich and Senator Dianne Feinstein took the lead in directing the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Friant water users to settle the 18-year legal dispute, and in negotiating the legislation to implement their settlement. Attorney Hal Candee has shepherded NRDC's effort to reverse 60 years of destruction on the San Joaquin, and Friant's counsel, Dan Dooley, ensured that the river could flow without devastating his farmers. My hat is off to each of the parties who have made this happen. There is still a lot of work to be done before the salmon can return to the San Joaquin River again, and I look forward to working in the 110th Congress and beyond to help move the restoration efforts forward. I will also make sure that this worthy effort does not detract from other ongoing restoration efforts, like the important work taking place on the Trinity River in northern California. There is still much to be done in order to implement and fund the 2000 Record of Decision for Trinity River restoration, and I intend to work with my colleagues to restore that river and its fishery, including the resources that the United States holds in trust for the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Again, I want to thank those who have led in this collaborative effort, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to settle a very long legal dispute and finally to bring salmon back to the once- great San Joaquin River. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2144-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,A TRIBUTE TO MR. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE JR.,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2144,E2145,"[{""name"": ""Jim Costa"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2144,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2144-E2145] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO MR. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE JR. ______ HON. JIM COSTA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and join my colleagues Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Radanovich and Mr. Nunes in honoring and remembering the life of Mr. Cruz Bustamante Jr., who passed away on Friday, December 1, 2006. Mr. Bustamante was a respected member of his community and his memory will forever be cherished. Mr. Bustamante, was born on November 2, 1933 in Loving, New Mexico. In his youth, he and his family left New Mexico and made California's San Joaquin Valley their new home. Cruz graduated from Dinuba High School and [[Page E2145]] Mohler Barber College. He successfully pursued careers as a barber and later as the Administrator for the Greater California Employment Program and United Health Centers. Like his son, Cruz, who served two-terms as the California's Lieutenant Governor and as a Member of the State Assembly representing the San Joaquin Valley, Mr. Bustamante also had an appetite for public service and never shied away from the opportunity to influence change in his community. Following that passion, he served the City of San Joaquin both as a member and Mayor Pro Tem. In addition, many civic, educational and community boards and committees were the beneficiaries of Mr. Bustamante's interest in his community's welfare. Mr. Cruz Bustamante Jr. is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dominga and their children: Cruz M., Belinda, Dorothy, Ron, Andrew and Naomi. Also surviving him are nine siblings, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Although his passing leaves a community in mourning, his devotion to his family, loyalty to friends, and commitment to helping others will never be forgotten. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and reassure them that his memory will live on through the lives he so graciously touched. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2144,2006-12-08,109,2,,,TURKEY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2144,E2144,"[{""name"": ""Joe Knollenberg"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2144,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2144] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TURKEY ______ HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Turkey to honor their commitments and implement important economic, regional, and political advancements in order to gain membership in the European Union (EU). Today, December 6, 2006, marks an important deadline in the pursuit of international partnership and cooperation. Turkey must begin to demonstrate to the EU and the international community that it is willing to implement changes in its policy prior to the Ascension Summit, where it will be decided whether Turkey may continue toward EU membership. The significance of this deadline is undeniable; Turkey must decide: do they continue to pursue a policy which alienates and impedes other nations? Or, do they adopt policy changes to join an important international cooperative body. It is a well-known fact the regional policies of Turkey cause strain in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the welfare of their neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has repeatedly called for the cessation of the Turkish Blockade of Armenia as well as normalization of relations between the countries. However, these two pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade of a fellow Council of Europe state. This is simply unacceptable, and I implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in order to ensure these iniquitous economic practices are eliminated. Mr. Speaker, Armenia is a friend of the United States; and too many countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the benefits Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has led to fierce tension within the region, as well as unfair economic outcomes that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member of the European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes, foster cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their neighbor, Armenia. I encourage the European Parliament to consider the ramifications of Turkey's actions before granting them membership to the EU. The purpose of the EU is to create economic, political and most importantly regional cooperation between nations with similar interests. Turkey, with a history of bullying their neighbor, does not deserve membership until they change their ways. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2145-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,"HONORING LLOYD C. HILLARD, JR.",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2145,E2145,"[{""name"": ""Ron Lewis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2145,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2145] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING LLOYD C. HILLARD, JR. ______ HON. RON LEWIS of kentucky in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public tribute to Lloyd C. Hillard, Jr., an exemplary community leader, businessman and citizen from my congressional district. Lloyd received this year's Hardin County Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America during ceremonies earlier this month. A native of Kentucky, Lloyd grew up on a farm in Pine Grove and earned college degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin. Lloyd has distinguished himself as a business leader, serving as President and CEO of First Citizens Bank, and a good neighbor, through his active involvement in many community and charitable organizations. Though never a scout himself, Lloyd's lifelong example of honesty and devotion to his family and community parallel ideals championed by the Boy Scouts. He first became involved with the Scouts as a young adult, running a school recruitment program. Lloyd has been an especially active member of our community, having served as past president and director of the Bluegrass Council Boy Scouts of America, past chairman of the North Central Kentucky Education Foundation, and former treasurer and director of the Cavalry Armor Foundation. Lloyd was also past chairman of the Hardin County Community Foundation, Helping Hand of the Heartland, and the Hardin County Fund for the Arts. He remains an active member of the local United Way and the Elizabethtown Rotary Club. It is my great privilege to recognize Lloyd C. Hillard, Jr. today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his example of leadership and service. His unique achievements make him an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2145-3,2006-12-08,109,2,,,RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE SHERWOOD BOEHLERT FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE SCIENCE COMMITTEE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2145,E2145,"[{""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2145,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2145] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE SHERWOOD BOEHLERT FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE SCIENCE COMMITTEE ______ HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Sherwood Boehlert for his outstanding service as Chairman of the House Science Committee. Chairman Sherwood Boehlert, in honor of your long-term commitment to scientific research, I congratulate you on all of your remarkable achievements as Chairman of the House Science Committee. It has been my pleasure to serve alongside you as we worked diligently on many scientific matters which affected every American across the country. While I congratulate you on your service and celebrate your retirement, I recognize without reservation that your valued insights and contributions to the Science Committee will be deeply missed. As Chairman of the Science Committee, you spearheaded advancement in nanotechnology through the ``21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act,'' that was signed in December 2003, by President George W. Bush. This was an important bill which allowed for a more coordinated and better funded interagency program in nanotechnology--an emerging field of science that the National Science Foundation estimates will be a $1 trillion industry within the next decade. You have also been an esteemed advocate for the environment having authored the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990, which for the first time established a federal response to acid rain. Furthermore, your dedication did not stop there. In 1996, you authored the Conservation Title in the Farm bill, which provided over $9 billion for conservation programs critical to hunters and fishermen. Such crucial programs included the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. I can confidently say that through your distinguished 24 years of service, you have made a lasting and valuable impact on American society. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and successful efforts in drawing the necessary attention to the competitive challenges facing U.S. companies, and to the importance of math and science education in overcoming those challenges. I also thank you for your excellent efforts of ensuring that our nation remains number one in the global economy. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2145,2006-12-08,109,2,,,FOND FAREWELL TO DEPARTING FLORIDA DELEGATION MEMBERS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2145,E2145,"[{""name"": ""Cliff Stearns"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2145,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2145] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FOND FAREWELL TO DEPARTING FLORIDA DELEGATION MEMBERS ______ HON. CLIFF STEARNS of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, Florida is a state like no other. Our distinct regions range from the white-sanded beaches of the panhandle to the pink-sanded, sophisticated boutiqued avenues of Miami, passing through the space coast, home to Kennedy Space Center, and, most exquisitely, through the beautiful, rolling horse country of Marion and Alachua counties. Our congressional delegation is no less diverse. We have our rock- solid fiscal conservatives, our steady moderates, and our progressive liberals. I am proud to be associated with them all. Tonight, I join my Sunshine State colleagues to bid a fond farewell to Clay Shaw, Mike Bilirakis, Jim Davis, and Katherine Harris. Each of them are unique seashells, sparkling on the beach that we call Florida. Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Davis and I have spent many years together on the Committee on Energy & Commerce. For countless hours, we have debated the Outer Continental Shelf, Medicaid, and telecommunications issues. There were never dull moments, but even as we disagreed, I think that the three of us asked a common question as we legislated: what is best for Floridians? In Mr. Bilirakis, further, one could ask for no more dedicated advocate for our Nation's veterans. He has introduced the fix for the unfair offset of concurrent receipt of veteran disability pay and military retirement pay for 20 years now. Happily, he must leave here with the satisfaction that Congress has made substantial progress in ending this century-old problem. Mr. Shaw's leadership in Medicare is peerless. Physicians around Florida and around the nation have him to thank for his tireless efforts on their reimbursement, as well as medical liability reform. I am honored that he asked me to carry the torch for his work on medical screenings for first responders. I shall not let him down. Mrs. Harris has served honorably as a brilliant stateswoman, both for Florida and for the United States. As Secretary of State for Florida, she represented and advanced our interests in trade, with diplomacy and aplomb. And, she is an accomplished horsewoman and solid booster and alumna of the University of Florida, with strong family ties. As an example of our unity, like other States with no income taxes, our delegation has lobbied hard for federal income tax fairness, via the deduction for state and local sales taxes. When I gathered the support of the Florida delegation for this deduction in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 in a letter in the summer of 2004, I am proud to say that I collected the signatures of 100 percent of our delegation, all 25 of our House Members, and our two Senators. One of our delegation, the Honorable Porter Goss, in fact had one foot out the door, to head the Central Intelligence Agency, but he still took a moment to sign our letter. I don't think any of the other non-income tax states, including the even larger delegation of Texas, secured 100 percent support. This solidarity just exemplifies who Floridians are. Representatives Bilirakis, Shaw, Harris, and Davis, fare thee well. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2146-2,2006-12-08,109,2,,,COUNCIL OF KHALISTAN URGES SIKHS TO WORK TO FREE KHALISTAN SEES DISINTEGRATION OF INDIA,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2146,E2147,"[{""name"": ""Edolphus Towns"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2146,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2146-E2147] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COUNCIL OF KHALISTAN URGES SIKHS TO WORK TO FREE KHALISTAN SEES DISINTEGRATION OF INDIA ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, December 7, 2006 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, last month, Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, spoke at the Press Club in Lahore, Pakistan. In that speech, he predicted disintegration of India, according to the newspaper Dawn from Lahore. ``There is nothing common in the culture of the Hindu living in Bengal and the one in Tamil area,'' the paper quotes Dr. Aulakh as saying. ``A country having 18 official languages cannot hold its people together for a long time, especially when there is state sponsored suppression against minorities,'' he went on to say. Dr. Aulakh cited the BJP's statement that if you want to live in Hindustan, you must be a Hindu. He discussed India's long record of violence against the minorities within its borders, including the murders of over a quarter of a million Sikhs, more than 90,000 Kashmiri Muslims, over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims in Gujarat, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims around the rest of the country, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalit ``untouchables'', Manipuris, Tamils, and other minorities. He cited numerous other incidents, including the murder of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the kidnapping and murder by the police of human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the recent attack on the Convent of Loreto, the attack on the Babri mosque, and many other such events. Dr. Aulakh said that the only solution to this situation is a free, sovereign, independent Khalistan, which was declared on October 7, 1987. It is time for the United States to help protect the dignity of all people in South Asia by helping them to live in freedom. There should be a free and fair plebiscite in Punjab on the independence of Khalistan, as well as a plebiscite in Kashmir, as promised to the United Nations in 1948, in Nagaland, and wherever people are seeking freedom from India. The essence of democracy is the right to self- determination. The United States Congress should be on record in support of that. In addition, we should stop our aid and trade with India until such time as the tyranny stops and all people there enjoy full human rights. We seek good relations with India, but not at the expense of our principles. India must spread the blessings of freedom and democracy to all its people, not just the ruling elite and its friends. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the Dawn article and an article from The News concerning Dr. Aulakh's statement into the Record. [From Dawn Lahore, Nov. 7, 2006] Khalistan Council Sees India's Disintegration (By Our Staff Reporter) Lahore, Nov. 6: India will break up in many states like the former USSR, says Council of Khalistan president Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh. ``There is nothing common in the culture of the Hindu living in Bengal and the one in Tamil area. A country having 18 official languages cannot hold its people together for a long time, especially when there is state-sponsored suppression against minorities,'' Dr. Aulakh said at a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Monday. The BJP had conveyed to all the minorities in the strongest terms that if they wanted to live in `Hindustan', they have to become Hindus. Over a million people have been killed since independence merely because they were not Hindus. The Indian government has committed terrorism against its own minorities. More than 250,000 Sikh infants, children, youth, men, women and elderly had been murdered since 1984, in addition to more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout the country besides tens of thousands of Assameese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils and other minorities. Indian police arrested human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of Sikhs. Over 50,000 Sikhs were arrested, tortured, murdered and then their bodies were declared unidentified and secretly cremated, said Dr. Aulakh. Mr. Khalra was murdered in police custody and his body was not handed over to his family. No one was brought to justice for his kidnap and murder. The only witness to the Khalra kidnapping, Rajiv Singh Randbawa, had been repeatedly harassed by the police, including having been arrested for trying to hand a note to the then British home secretary Jack Straw. The Khalistan Council chief said 35 Sikhs were arrested in Punjab last year for delivering speeches in support of Khalistan and raising its flag. How can delivering speeches and raising a flag be considered crimes in a democratic society? The police never released the body of Gurdeve Singh Kaunke, the former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. The police officer had never been tried for the murder. Mr. Graham Stains, missionary, was murdered along with his two sons, ages 8 and 10, by a mob of militant, fundamentalist Hindu nationalists who set fire to the jeep, surrounded it, and chanted Hannuman ki jay (Victory to Hannuman). Another missionary, Joseph cope, was beaten so badly that he had to remain in an Indian hospital for a week. Later, the Indian government threw him out of the country and none of the people involved had been tried. ``Police broke up a Christian religious festival with gunfire but the people who murdered priests, raped nuns and burnt churches had yet to be charged or tried. Recently, militants from the Bharatiya Januata Yuva, the youth movement affiliated with the BJP and the fascist RSS, attacked the Convent of Loreto. ``The murderers of 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims in Gujarat have never been brought to trial. An [[Page E2147]] Indian newspaper reported that the police were ordered not to get involved in that massacre, a frightening parallel to the Delhi massacre of Sikhs in 1984. Militant Hindu fundamentalists destroyed the most important mosque in india, the Babri Masjid, but no one had ever been held responsible,'' said Dr. Aulakh. ``What good it did to the Sikh nation if the Indian government apologized for the Delhi massacres, in which over 20,000 sikhs were killed? Where are the apologies for the golden Temple attack, the destruction of the Akal Takht, the desecration of Darbar Sahib and the other atrocities? Where is the compensation for the victims' families?'' asked a charged Khalistan Council chief. Sikh farmers were expelled from Uttaranchal last year and their land was seized, police thrashed them, their homes that were built out of their life savings and by their own hands, were bulldozed by paratroopers. ``We condemn this act of state terrorism by the government of Uttaranchal,'' he said. Sikhs could not buy land in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and now Uttaranchal had been added to the list while there were no restrictions on land ownership in Punjab by non- Sikhs. India was trying to subvert Khalistan's independence by overrunning Punjab with non-Sikhs while keeping Sikhs from escaping the brutal repression in Punjab. ``It is now incumbent on the Sikh diaspora to free Khalistan. We must redouble our efforts. That is the only way to keep these atrocities from continuing and to protect the Sikh nation and the religion.'' The Akali Dal, Dr. Aulakh alleged, conspired with the Indian government in 1984 to invade the Golden Temple to murder Sant Bhindranwale and 20,000 other Sikhs in June 1984 in Punjab. In response to a question, he said the Indian prime minister was a puppet. ``Mr. Manmohan Singh lied before the Geneva Commission in 1992 that there were no atrocities against Sikhs in India in spite of the fact that there were 52,000 Sikhs in Indian jails under the notorious TADA. He lacks the true Sikh spirit, if a Sikh is not Khalistani, he is not a Sikh,'' declared Dr. Aulakh. Sikhs would never get any justice from Delhi. Ever since independence, India had mistreated the Sikh nation, starting with Patel's memo calling Sikhs `a criminal tribe.' ``What a shame for Home Minister Patel and the Indian government to issue this memorandom when the Sikh nation gave over 80 percent of the sacrifices to free India. There is no place for Sikhs in supposedly secular, democratic India. Our moment of freedom is closer than ever. Sikhs will continue to work to make certain that we shake ourselves loose from the yoke of Indian oppression and liberate our homeland, Khalistan, so that all Sikhs may live lives of prosperity, freedom and dignity. ``The flame of freedom continues to burn brightly in the heart of every Sikh and no force can suppress it. Recently, Dal Khalsa and the Shironment Khalsa Dal announced that they are uniting for sovereignty for Khalistan. The Punjab legislative assembly proclaimed the sovereignty of Punjab when it cancelled the water agreements. Only by liberating Khalistan can we put an end to the repression and terrorism against the Sikh nation by the Indian regime. Now is the time to rededicate ourselves to the liberation of Khalistan. ``The Sikhs are a free nation and they would neither compromise on their freedom nor they could be subjugated. Freedom is the right of every nation. We have been struggling for the independence of our homeland from the day when the Golden Temple was attacked. We have been exposing the indian atrocities worldwide since then,'' the Khalistan Council chief said. [From The News International, Nov. 7, 2006] Sikhs Urged to Work for Homeland Sardar Gurmeet Singh Aulak, president of Council of Khalistan, has said that it is the moral duty of Sikhs to establish free homeland and get freedom from India. While addressing a press conference here Monday at Lahore Press Club, he said Sikhs had to come forward to get free homeland for the Sikhs living around the world. He said the foundation of Khalistan was laid after the attack on Golden Temple in 1984 adding that now the Sikhs were fighting for their birth right though the war was long but it has to meet logical end. He said the biggest mistake which the Sikh nation had committed was that they did not accept the offer of Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and for that they have to pay for few more decades. He said their struggle was peaceful and political but India turned into violent by killing innocent Sikhs in East Punjab and tagged them as terrorists. He said in India, 18 different languages were being spoken and when there was no commonality in cultures, the country was bound to be divided into parts like the USSR. He said on October 17, 1987, the resolution was passed by Council of Khalistan for free homeland and from that date the Sikhs were struggling to get their homeland. He said Sikhs has no claim on that piece of land where they did not have any population but they want homeland on areas of East Punjab, Himachal and Haryana, where the Sikhs were in majority. About Kashmir issue, he said he was surprised to note that with so many Muslim countries around the world, the state was not freed yet as if the Sikhs have the same number of countries, they had freed their land from the cruel clutches of India. About Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said he was a puppet PM and dance to the tunes of Sonia Gandhi and lacks confidence of Sikh nation. ____________________" CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2146,2006-12-08,109,2,,,UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON--CONFERENCE USA CHAMPS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2146,E2146,"[{""name"": ""Ted Poe"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,152 Cong. Rec. E2146,"Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2146] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E2146]] UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON--CONFERENCE USA CHAMPS ______ HON. TED POE of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, December 7, 2006 Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize my alma mater, the University of Houston Cougars whose football team won the Conference USA Championship on December 1, 2006 against Southern Mississippi in front of a hometown crowd of 31,818, the largest crowd in the history of UH's Robertson Stadium. After being down at halftime by a score of 17-13, the Cougars rallied by to win by 34-20. I am immensely proud of the Cougar football program, which in the space of 5 years has turned itself completely around from a winless season in 2001. This lion's share of this tremendous success is attributed to Mr. Art Briles, the head coach of the Cougars--the brilliant architect of the turnaround. When Briles came to the Cougars in 2003, he found a team and school demoralized and devastated from years of mediocrity. A mere three years later, due to his leadership, the Coogs are conference champs and headed to the Liberty Bowl. In football, statistics are misleading, because the game is above all a team effort. It is hard to describe the contribution of an individual player to such an effort through their statistics, because one's performance is mortally dependent on so many other variables--broadly speaking, the performance of every other player on the team. Therefore, it could be said that the most important, perhaps only, statistic that matters is that of wins and losses, which reflects the performance of the team, not the individual player. This statistic is really the coach's statistic--Mr. Briles is ultimately responsible for it. In this the Cougars excelled, with a record of ten wins and only three losses. In recognition of excellence in leadership and performance, on December 6, Briles won the Coach of the Year award from the Conference USA--An award well-deserved. Mr. Speaker, in football, extreme importance is paid to the position of the quarterback. In the realm of sports, the vitality of this position is matched only by the pitcher in baseball. Fortunately, UH had an excellent quarterback in Kevin Kolb. In the championship game, Kevin completed 19-for-31 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a 46-yard touchdown. But this was the continuation of an equally stellar season, in which Kevin completed 266-for-393 passes for 3,423 yards. He threw a league-high 27 touchdowns with only three interceptions. This touchdown-to- interception ratio was the second lowest in all of NCAAI-A football. For these exceptional accomplishments, Kevin has deservedly won the C- USA Offensive Player of the Year award. I must also recognize Vincent Marshall, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Vincent, a wide receiver, rushed for a touchdown and had 224 all-purpose yards--100 receiving, 22 rushing, and 102 yards on three kickoff returns. Also notable is the fact that Vincent has made a reception in 36 straight games, allowing him to be the Nation's top returning career receiver. He is also just 31 catches, and 557 yards, away from holding the UH record in both categories. Mr. Speaker, I commend Coach Briles, Kevin, Vincent, and the entire Cougar football team for a superb season, a conference championship, and for making students of the University of Houston, past and present, proud to be a Cougar. I look forward to the Liberty Bowl, where the un- daunted Cougars will face the Southeastern Conference South Carolina GameCocks. They will meet for the first time since October 5, 1974, but whom the Cougars are 2-0 against. I look forward to a Cougar victory. My pride goes to UH. ``Eat `em up, eat `em up; rah, rah, rah,'' Mr. Speaker. That's just the way it is. ____________________"