Wednesday, May 13, 2009
[[Page D544]]
Daily Digest
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S5397-S5457
Measures Introduced: Nine bills and one resolution were introduced, as
follows: S. 1027-1035, and S. Res. 148.
Page S5435
Measures Reported:
S. 384, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through
2014 to provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food
security, to stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency
response to food crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 111-19)
S. Con. Res. 19, expressing the sense of Congress that the Shi'ite
Personal Status Law in Afghanistan violates the fundamental human
rights of women and should be repealed, with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute and with an amended preamble.
Page S5435
Measures Passed:
Authorizing the Use of Emancipation Hall: Senate agreed to H. Con.
Res. 80, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol
Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King
Kamehameha.
Pages S5455-56
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research, Awareness, and Education:
Senate agreed to S. Res. 148, expressing the sense of the Senate that
there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education
about cerebral cavernous malformations.
Pages S5456-57
Measures Considered:
Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act: Senate continued consideration
of H.R. 627, to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and
transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open
end consumer credit plan, taking action on the following amendments
proposed thereto:
Pages S5409-29
Adopted:
Isakson Amendment No. 1104 (to Amendment No. 1084), to require the
Comptroller General to conduct a study on the relationship between
fluency in the English language and financial literacy.
Pages S5416-21
Gillibrand Amendment No. 1084 (to Amendment No. 1058), to amend the
Fair Credit Reporting Act to require reporting agencies to provide free
credit reports in the native language of certain non-English speaking
consumers.
Page S5409
Rejected:
By 28 yeas to 65 yeas (Vote No. 190), Vitter Amendment No. 1066 (to
Amendment No. 1058), to specify acceptable forms of identification for
the opening of credit card accounts.
Pages S5409, S5421-23
Pending:
Dodd/Shelby Amendment No. 1058, in the nature of a substitute.
Page S5409
Landrieu Amendment No. 1079 (to Amendment No. 1058), to end abuse,
promote disclosure, and provide protections to small businesses that
rely on credit cards.
Pages S5425-26
Collins/Lieberman Amendment No. 1107 (to Amendment No. 1058), to
address criminal and fraudulent monetary transfers using stored value
cards and other electronic devices.
Pages S5426-29
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the
following action:
By 33 yeas to 60 nays (Vote No. 191), three-fifths of those Senators
duly chosen and sworn not having voted in the affirmative, Senate
rejected a motion to waive section 302 (f) of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974 with respect to consideration of Sanders Modified Amendment
No. 1062 (to Amendment No. 1058), to establish a national consumer
credit usury rate. Subsequently, a point of order that the amendment
was not germane to the provisions of the Budget Resolution was
sustained, and the amendment thus fell.
Pages S5409, S5423
By 59 yeas to 35 nays (Vote No. 192), three-fifths of those Senators
duly chosen and sworn not having voted in the affirmative, Senate
rejected a motion to waive section 305 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974 with respect to consideration of McConnell (for Gregg)
Amendment No. 1085 (to Amendment No. 1058), to enhance public knowledge
regarding the national debt by requiring the publication of the facts
about the national debt on IRS instructions,
[[Page D545]]
Federal websites, and in new legislation. Subsequently, a point of
order that the amendment was not germane to the provisions of the
Budget Resolution was sustained, and the amendment thus fell.
Pages S5409, S5423-25
A motion was entered to close further debate on Dodd/Shelby Amendment
No. 1058 and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday,
May 15, 2009.
Page S5426
A motion was entered to close further debate on the bill and, in
accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of
the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, May 15, 2009.
Page S5426
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further
consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May
14, 2009, and that all first-degree amendments be filed at the desk by
1 p.m., on Thursday, May 14, 2009.
Page S5457
Hayes Nomination: Senate resumed consideration of the nomination of
David J. Hayes, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior.
Pages S5399-S5409
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the
following action:
By 57 yeas to 39 nays (Vote No. 189), three-fifths of those Senators
duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate
rejected the motion to close further debate on the nomination.
Page S5407
Subsequently, Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider the vote by
which cloture was not invoked on the nomination of David J. Hayes, of
Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior.
Page S5407
Messages from the House:
Pages S5432-33
Measures Referred:
Page S5433
Executive Communications:
Pages S5433-35
Executive Reports of Committees:
Page S5435
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S5435-37
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S5437-43
Additional Statements:
Pages S5431-32
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S5443-48
Notices of Hearings/Meetings:
Page S5448
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Pages S5448-49
Privileges of the Floor:
Page S5449
Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--192)
Pages S5407, S5423, S5424
Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 6:19 p.m.,
until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009. (For Senate's program, see
the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page
S5457.)
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BUDGET
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, Education, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to
examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2010
for the Department of Labor, after receiving testimony from Hilda L.
Solis, Secretary of Labor.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BUDGET
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine the President's
proposed budget request for fiscal year 2010 for the Environmental
Protection Agency, after receiving testimony from Lisa P. Jackson,
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security
concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request
for fiscal year 2010 for the Department of Homeland Security, after
receiving testimony from Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland
Security.
MANUFACTURING AND THE CREDIT CRISIS
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on
Economic Policy concluded a hearing to examine manufacturing and the
credit crisis, after receiving testimony from Holly Hart, Steelworkers
Union, and David Marchick, The Carlyle Group, both of Washington, D.C.;
Eugene R. Haffely, Jr., Assembly and Test Worldwide, Inc., Dayton,
Ohio, on behalf of the Association for Manufacturing Technology;
Lieutenant General Lawrence P. Farrell, Jr., USAF (Ret.), National
Defense Industrial Association, Alexandria, Virginia; and William E.
Gaskin, Precision Metalforming Association, Independence, Ohio, on
behalf of the National Tooling and Machining Association.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the
[[Page D546]]
nominations of Peter M. Rogoff, of Virginia, to be Federal Transit
Administrator, Department of Transportation, who was introduced by
Senator Murray, Francisco J. Sanchez, of Florida, to be Under Secretary
of Commerce for International Trade, who was introduced by Senators
Nelson (FL) and Martinez, Raphael William Bostic, of California, to be
Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, who was
introduced by Representative Schiff, Sandra Brooks Henriquez, of
Massachusetts, to be Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing,
who was introduced by Representative Frank, and Mercedes Marquez, of
California, to be Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and
Development, all of the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
and Michael S. Barr, of Michigan, to be Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury for Financial Institutions, after the nominees testified and
answered questions in their own behalf.
TOURISM IN TROUBLED TIMES
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on
Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion concluded a hearing
to examine tourism in troubled times, focusing on the state of the U.S.
travel and tourism industry, after receiving testimony from Senator
Reid; Mary Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and
Services, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce;
Chad Prosser, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and
Tourism, Columbia; Jay Rasulo, Walk Disney Parks and Resorts, Burbank,
California; Jay S. Witzel, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Minnetonka,
Minnesota; Sam Gilliland, Sabre Holdings Corporation, South Lake,
Texas; Rossi Ralenkotter, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority,
Las Vegas, Nevada; and Judy Zehnder, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth,
Michigan.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on
Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security concluded a hearing to
examine reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
focusing on perspectives of aviation stakeholders, after receiving
testimony from Charles M. Barclay, American Association of Airport
Executives, Alexandria, Virginia; Marion C. Blakey, Aerospace
Industries Association, Arlington, Virginia; James C. May, Air
Transport Association of America, Inc., Ed Bolen, National Business
Aviation Association, Patrick Forrey, National Air Traffic Controllers
Association, John Prater, Air Line Pilots Association International,
Ken Hall, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Tom Brantley,
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, and William McGlashen,
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, all of Washington, D.C.;
and Robert Roach, Jr., International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably
reported the nominations of Daniel B. Poneman, of Virginia, to be
Deputy Secretary, David B. Sandalow, of the District of Columbia, to be
Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Domestic Policy, both
of the Department of Energy, and Rhea S. Suh, of California, to be
Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, and Michael L.
Connor, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Reclamation, both of the
Department of the Interior.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nominations of Philip J. Crowley, of Virginia, to be
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, who was introduced by
Representative Moran, and Judith A. McHale, of Maryland, to be Under
Secretary for Public Diplomacy, who was introduced by Representative
Van Hollen, both of the Department of State, after the nominees
testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nominations of Daniel Benjamin, of the District of
Columbia, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and
status of Ambassador at Large, and Bonnie D. Jenkins, of New York, for
the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as Coordinator for
Threat Reduction Programs, after the nominees testified and answered
questions in their own behalf.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on African Affairs
concluded a joint hearing with Subcommittee on International Operations
and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues to
examine confronting rape and other forms of violence against women in
conflict zones, after receiving testimony from Melanne Verveer,
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, Esther Brimmer,
Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, and Phillip
Carter, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of African Affairs,
all of the Department of State; Chouchou Namegabe, South Kivu Women's
Media Association, Democratic Republic of Congo; Robert Warwick,
[[Page D547]]
International Rescue Committee, Baltimore, Maryland; Niemat Ahmadi,
Save Darfur Coalition, and John Prendergast, The Enough Project, both
of Washington, D.C.; and Eve Ensler, New York, New York.
D.C. OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee
concluded a hearing to examine the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship
Program, focusing on preserving school choice for all, after receiving
testimony from Anthony A. Williams, former Mayor of the District of
Columbia, on behalf of DC Children First, Bruce B. Stewart, Sidwell
Friends School, Latasha Bennett, Tiffany Dunston, and Ronald Holassie,
all of Washington, D.C.; and Patrick J. Wolf, University of Arkansas
College of Education and Health Professions, Fayetteville.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee
concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Florence Y. Pan, of
the District of Columbia, who was introduced by Representative
Gonzalez, and Marisa J. Demeo, of the District of Columbia, who was
introduced by Senator Bingaman, both to be an Associate Judge of the
Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and David Heyman, of the
District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered
favorably reported the nomination of Margaret A. Hamburg, of the
District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department
of Health and Human Services.
TORTURE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight
and the Courts concluded a hearing to examine torture and the Office of
Legal Counsel in the Bush Administration, after receiving testimony
from Philip Zelikow, University of Virginia, and Robert F. Turner,
University of Virginia Law School Center for National Security Law,
both of Charlottesville; Ali Soufan, Soufan Group, LLC, New York, New
York; David Luban, Georgetown University Law Center, Hyattsville,
Maryland; and Jeffrey F. Addicott, St. Mary's University School of Law
Center for Terrorism Law, San Antonio, Texas.
MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS
Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine problems for military and overseas voters, focusing on why many
soldiers and their families cannot vote, after receiving testimony from
Gail H. McGinn, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness; Donald Palmer, Director, Division of Elections, Florida
Department of State, Tallahassee; Bob Carey, National Defense
Committee, Alexandria, Virginia; Patricia M. Hollarn, Shalimar,
Florida; Joseph L. DeCaro, Hurlburt Field, Florida; and Eric Eversole,
Washington, D.C.
SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine small business financing, focusing on a progress
report on Recovery Act implementation and alternative sources of
financing, after receiving testimony from Karen G. Mills,
Administrator, Small Business Administration; Susan Sobbott, American
Express OPEN, Washington, D.C.; Marianne Garvin, Community Development
Corporation of Long Island, Centereach, New York; Bill Bynum,
Enterprise Corporation of the Delta and Hope Community Credit Union,
Jackson, Mississippi; and Stephen H. Watkins, Entrex Inc., Chicago,
Illinois.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 25 public bills, H.R. 2378-
2402; and 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 125-126; and H.Res. 432-433, 435-
436 were introduced.
Pages H5580-81
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H5581-82
Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows:
H. Res. 434, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2346)
making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2009 (H. Rept. 111-107).
Page H5580
Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed
Representative Salazar to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today.
Page H5489
[[Page D548]]
Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the Guest Chaplain, Reverend
Charles E. Smith, Berea Baptist Church, Forest Hill, Texas.
Page H5489
Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, May
12th:
Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military
Appreciation Month: H. Con. Res. 84, to support the goals and
objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month, by a \2/3\ yea-
and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 247;
Pages H5498-99
Herbert A Littleton Postal Station Designation Act: H.R. 2162, to
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
123 11th Avenue South in Nampa, Idaho, as the ``Herbert A Littleton
Postal Station'', by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 420 ayes with none voting
``no'', Roll No. 248; and
Pages H5499-H5500
Congratulating the American Dental Association for its 150th year: H.
Res. 204, to congratulate the American Dental Association for its 150th
year of working to improve the public's oral health and promoting
dentistry, supporting initiatives to improve access to oral health care
services for all Americans, and emphasizing the benefits of prevention
of disease through support of community prevention initiatives and
promotion of good oral hygiene, by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 424 ayes
with none voting ``no'', Roll No. 253.
Page H5549
21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act: The
House began consideration of H.R. 2187, to direct the Secretary of
Education to make grants to State educational agencies for the
modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities.
Further proceedings were postponed.
Pages H5492-98, H5500
Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the
bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment under the 5-minute rule.
Page H5507
Agreed to:
George Miller (CA) amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that
replaces the bill's provision regarding charter schools (section 308)
with a new provision that makes technical corrections and clarifies the
disposition of excess funds. Expands the allowable uses of funds to
include repairing, replacing, and installing water supply and building
envelopes. Adds a new section to Title I of the bill giving priority
consideration to schools that would use funding to remove asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, mildew, lead-based hazards, or a
proven carcinogen. Increases the set-aside for tribal and outlying
schools from 1% to 2%;
Pages H5509-10
McKeon amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that requires
states to be in compliance with the public school choice, supplemental
education services, private school participation, and military
recruiters provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to
be eligible to receive funding under the bill;
Pages H5510-11
McKeon amendment (No. 6 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that prohibits
funds appropriated under the bill to be used for congressional earmarks
as defined by clause 9(d) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives;
Pages H5513-14
Reichert amendment (No. 8 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that allows
funds to be used to install or upgrade technology to ensure schools are
able to respond to emergencies such as acts of terrorism, campus
violence, and natural disasters;
Page H5515
Maffei amendment (No. 9 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that requires
the Education Secretary, in consultation with the Labor Secretary, to
work with funding recipients to promote opportunities for individuals
enrolled in Job Corps to gain employment experience on modernization,
repair, and construction projects funded under the Act. Requires the
Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to
work with recipients of funds to promote appropriate opportunities for
individuals enrolled in a junior or community college;
Pages H5515-16
Heinrich amendment (No. 12 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that allows
funds to be used to install and upgrade recreational structures and
physical education facilities;
Pages H5518-19
Schwartz amendment (No. 13 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that permits
funds to be used for constructing greenhouses, gardens (including
trees), and other facilities for environmental, scientific, or other
educational purposes, or to produce energy savings;
Pages H5519-20
Schrader amendment (No. 14 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that requires
the GAO to conduct a study within one year of enactment on the extent
and types of projects in keeping with the uses of funds authorized, the
geographic distribution of green, high-performing schools (including by
urban, suburban, and rural areas), and the relative access to such
schools of the demographic groups described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. These groups
include: economically disadvantaged students, students from major
racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, and students with
limited English proficiency;
Pages H5520-21
[[Page D549]]
Titus amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that adds a new
section 314 requiring the Secretary of Education to establish an
Advisory Council to the Secretary on green, high-performing schools.
The Council will advise the Secretary on the impact of green, high-
performing schools on teaching and learning, health energy costs and
environmental impact; work with the Secretary to recommend Federal
policies to increase the number of green, high-performing schools;
provide technical assistance to states; and identify Federal policies
that are barriers to helping states make schools green and high-
performing. The Council will consult with the Chair of the Council on
Environmental Quality, the Commerce Secretary, Energy Secretary, Health
and Human Services Secretary, Labor Secretary, EPA Administrator, and
the GSA Administrator (by a recorded vote of 270 ayes to 160 noes, Roll
No. 249);
Pages H5511-12, H5521
Roe (TN) amendment (No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that adds a
new section 314 requiring the Education Secretary to enter into an
agreement with the Department's Institute of Educational Sciences to
evaluate the impact of projects funded under the bill on student
academic achievement, including a comparison of students attending
public schools receiving funding under the bill with students attending
public schools that are not receiving such funding (by a recorded vote
of 432 ayes to 2 noes, Roll No. 250); and
Pages H5512-13, H5521-22
Ellsworth amendment (No. 5 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that amends
section 309 (green schools) to provide that nothing in the bill shall
be construed to prohibit a local educational agency from using
sustainable, domestic hardwood lumber for public school modernization,
renovation, repairs, or construction. Amends section 310 (reporting) to
require agencies receiving grant funds under the bill to disclose
whether any flooring installed was from renewable sources (by a
recorded vote of 425 ayes to 7 noes, Roll No. 251).
Pages H5513, H5523-24
Proceedings Postponed:
Giffords amendment (No. 7 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that seeks to
specify that local educational agencies receiving funds under the act
may encourage schools receiving funds for projects to educate students
about those projects, including how they function, and their
environmental, energy, sustainability, and other benefits;
Pages H5514-15
Bright amendment (No. 10 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that seeks to
require the Secretary to reserve 5 percent of section 102 grant funds
for grants to local educational agencies serving geographic areas with
significant economic distress or recovering from a natural disaster;
and
Pages H5516-17
Griffith amendment (No. 11 printed in H. Rept. 111-106) that seeks to
include reducing the incidence and effects of asthma and other
respiratory illnesses in children among the voluntary guidelines for
high performing school buildings. It also will add reducing the
incidence and effects of asthma and other respiratory illnesses to the
list of demonstrable and expected benefits. The amendment includes the
reduction and elimination of human exposure to airborne particles such
as dust, sand, and pollens among the approved uses for grant funds used
by local educational agencies.
Pages H5517-18
H. Res. 427, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was
agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 248 yeas to 175 nays, Roll No. 246,
after agreeing to order the previous question without objection.
Pages H5492-98
Suspension: The House agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the
following measure:
Providing for passage of the bill (H.R. 2101) to promote reform and
independence in the oversight of weapons system acquisition by the
Department of Defense: H. Res. 432, to provide for passage of the bill
(H.R. 2101) to promote reform and independence in the oversight of
weapons system acquisition by the Department of Defense, by a \2/3\
yea-and-nay vote of 428 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 252.
Pages H5524-30, H5538-39
The Chair announced that pursuant to H. Res. 432, H.R. 2101, as
amended by the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the
bill, is considered as passed; S. 454, as amended by the text of H.R.
2101 as passed by the House, is considered as passed; and the House is
considered to have insisted on its amendment and requested a conference
with the Senate thereon. H.R. 2101 was laid upon the table without
objection.
Page H5539
The Chair appointed the following conferees: Representatives Skelton,
Spratt, Ortiz, Taylor, Abercrombie, Reyes, Snyder, Smith (WA), Loretta
Sanchez (CA), McIntyre, Tauscher, Brady (PA), Andrews, Davis (CA),
Langevin, Cooper, Ellsworth, Sestak, McHugh, Bartlett, McKeon,
Thornberry, Jones, Akin, Forbes, Miller (FL), Wilson (SC), Conaway,
Hunter, and Coffman (CO).
Pages H5549-50
Agreed to authorize conferees to close meetings of the conference
when sensitive national security information may be broached by a yea-
and-nay vote of 409 yeas to 11 nays, Roll No. 254.
Page H5550
Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following
measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were
postponed:
Recognizing Armed Forces Day and the exemplary service of the members
of the United States Armed Forces: H. Res. 377, to recognize Armed
[[Page D550]]
Forces Day and the exemplary service of the members of the United
States Armed Forces;
Pages H5530-31
Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009: H.R. 1209, to require
the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and
celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861,
America's highest award for valor in action against an enemy force
which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services
of the United States, to honor the American military men and women who
have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, and to promote awareness of
what the Medal of Honor represents and how ordinary Americans, through
courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism, can challenge fate
and change the course of history; and
Pages H5531-34
Granting the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th
Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States
Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II:
H.R. 347, to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the
100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United
States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War
II.
Pages H5534-38
Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native
Culture and Arts Development--Appointment: The Chair announced the
Speaker's appointment of the following Member of the House of
Representatives to the Board of Trustees of the Institute of American
Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development: Representative
Lujan.
Page H5550
Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on pages
H5489, H5577.
Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and five recorded votes
developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H5498,
H5499, H5499-H5500, H5521, H5522, H5523, H5538-39, H5549, H5550. There
were no quorum calls.
Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a
hearing on the Secretary of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Tom
Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of the Interior.
Testimony was heard from Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Eric Shinseki, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations,
and Related Programs held a hearing on the State Department. Testimony
was heard from Jack Lew, Deputy Secretary, Management and Resources,
Department of State.
DEFENSE BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2010
National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of
Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates, Secretary; and ADM Michael G.
Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
ENERGY DEPARTMENT NATIONAL SECURITY BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a
hearing on the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request for the Department of Energy national security programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Energy: Thomas P. D'Agostino, Administrator, National Nuclear Security
Administration; Ines R. Triay, Assistant Secretary, Environmental
Management (Acting); and Glenn S. Podonsky, Chief, Health, Safety, and
Security Officer.
PREVENTING FORECLOSURES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled ``The Role of NeighborWorks and
Housing Counseling Intermediaries in Prevention of Foreclosures.''
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[[Page D551]]
LOW INCOME COUNTRIES/GLOBAL ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on International Monetary
Policy and Trade held a hearing entitled ``Implications of the G-20
Leaders Summit for Low Income Countries and the Global Economy.''
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Building Capacity to
Protect U.S. National Security: The Fiscal Year 2010 International
Affairs Budget. Testimony was heard from Jacob J. Lew, Deputy
Secretary, Management and Resources, Department of State.
HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled ``The
President's FY 2010 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland
Security.'' Testimony was heard from Janet Napolitano, Secretary of
Homeland Security.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
848, amended, Performance Rights Act; and H.R. 2344, Webster Settlement
Act of 2009.
The Committee began consideration of the following bills: H.R. 1741,
Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2009; and H.R.
2247, Congressional Review Act Improvement Act.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business, including a
resolution expanding the responsibilities of the impeachment task force
to conduct an inquiry into whether U.S. District Judge Samuel B. Kent
should be impeached.
STRENGTHENING FORENSIC SCIENCE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and
Homeland Security held a hearing on the National Research Council's
publication ``Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A
Path Forward.'' Testimony was heard from Kenneth Melson, Acting
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and
former Director, Executive Office for the U.S. Attorneys, Department of
Justice; Pete Marone, Director, Department of Forensic Science, State
of Virginia; and public witnesses.
MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans
and Wildlife held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1916,
Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act; H.R. 2062,
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Penalty and Enforcement Act of 2009; and H.R.
2188, Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act of 2009.
Testimony was heard from Representative Dingell; Paul Schmidt,
Assistant Director, Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; Kristin Saunders Evans, Assistant
Secretary, Land Resources, Department of Natural Resources, State of
Maryland; and public witnesses.
AIG COLLAPSE AND RESCUE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on AIG:
Where is the Taxpayer's Money Going? Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009.
The rule provides for one hour of debate equally divided and controlled
by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill
except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule
provides that the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report shall
be considered as adopted. The rule provides that the bill, as amended,
shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against provisions in the bill, as amended. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit the bill with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Obey and Representatives Kaptur, Doggett,
Hinojosa, Cuellar, Lewis of California and Wolf.
NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE ACT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
National Climate Service Act of 2009.
JOB CREATION THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT OF 2009; AUTO INDUSTRY SMALL
SUPPLIERS MANUFACTURERS
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2352,
Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009.
The Committee also held a hearing entitled ``The Role of Small
Business Suppliers and Manufacturers in the Domestic Auto Industry.''
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[[Page D552]]
CIVIL RESERVE AIR FLEET'S ECONOMIC VISIBILITY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Aviation held a hearing on the Economic Viability of the Civil Reserve
Air Fleet, (CRAF) Program. Testimony was heard from GEN Duncan J.
McNabb, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force
Base, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
COAST GUARD/MARITIME BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2010
Budget Requests of the Coast Guard, Maritime Administration, and the
Federal Maritime Commission. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security: ADM
Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant; and Master Chief Petty Officer, Charles
Bowen, USCG; David J. Rivait, Associate Administrator, Budget and
Programs, and Chief Financial Officer, Maritime Administration,
Department of Transportation; and the following Commissioners of the
Federal Maritime Commission: Joseph E. Brennan; Harold J. Creel, Jr.,
and Rebecca F. Dye.
INNOVATIVE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES/TREATMENTS HELPING VETERANS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on Innovative
Technologies and Treatments Helping Veterans. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
BRIEFING--INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY DIVERSITY REPORT
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Intelligence Community Diversity Report. The
Committee was briefed by Patricia T. Taylor, Director, Equal Employment
Opportunity and Diversity Office, Office of the Director of National
Intelligence.
Joint Meetings
No joint committee meetings were held.
NEW PUBLIC LAWS
(For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D530)
H.R. 586, to direct the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution to carry out a joint project at the Library
of Congress and the National Museum of African American History and
Culture to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and
testimonials of individuals who participated in the Civil Rights
movement. Signed on May 12, 2009. (Public Law 111-19)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY,
MAY 14, 2009
(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
Senate
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, to hold
hearings to examine the proposed budget request for fiscal year 2010
for national intelligence program and military intelligence program,
10:30 a.m., SVC-217.
Full Committee, business meeting to mark up proposed budget
request for fiscal year 2009 supplemental for Iraq, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, and the pandemic flu, 2 p.m., SD-106.
Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine proposed
defense authorization request for fiscal year 2010 for the Future
Years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., SD-106.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to
examine S. 1013, the Department of Energy Carbon Capture and
Sequestration Program Amendments Act of 2009; to be followed by a
business meeting, 2:30 p.m., SD-366.
Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to
consider S. 1005, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
and the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve water and wastewater
infrastructure in the United States, S. 849, to require the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a
study on black carbon emissions, H.R. 80, to amend the Lacey Act
Amendments of 1981 to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited wildlife
species under that Act, to make corrections in the provisions
relating to captive wildlife offenses under that Act, H.R. 388, to
assist in the conservation of cranes by supporting and providing,
through projects of persons and organizations with expertise in
crane conservation, financial resources for the conservation
programs of countries the activities of which directly or indirectly
affect cranes and the ecosystems of cranes, S. 529, to assist in the
conservation of rare fields and rare canids by supporting and
providing financial resources for the conservation programs of
countries within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations
and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the
conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations, H.R. 813, to
designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located
at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the
``J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States
Courthouse'', H.R. 837, to designate the Federal building located at
799 United Nations Plaza in New York, New York, as the ``Ronald H.
Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building''; and
Army Corps of Engineers Study Resolution: Miles City and Vicinity,
Montana, 10 a.m., SD-406.
Committee on Finance: to hold a closed meeting to examine
expanding health care coverage, 10 a.m., SD-215.
Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the
nominations of Jeffrey D. Feltman, of Ohio, to be Assistant
Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, and Robert Orris Blake, Jr., of
Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs, both of
the Department of State, 9:45 a.m., SD-419.
[[Page D553]]
Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the Middle East,
focusing on the road to peace, 2 p.m., SD-419.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold
hearings to examine delivery reform, focusing on the roles of
primary and specialty care in innovative new delivery models, 10
a.m., SD-430.
Committee on Indian Affairs: business meeting to consider the
nomination of Larry J. Echo Hawk, of Utah, to be Assistant Secretary
of the Interior for Indian Affairs, 10:30 a.m., SD-628.
Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to
examine certain intelligence matters, 3:30 p.m., S-407, Capitol.
House
Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic
Agriculture, hearing to review food safety standards for
horticulture and organic agriculture, 10 a.m., 1399 Longworth.
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services,
General Government and Related Agencies, on District of Columbia,
9:15 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, and Related Agencies, on
National Park Service, 9 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2010
National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of
the Navy, 10 a.m., and a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2010 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the
Army, 2:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Health, Families
and Communities, hearing on Improving Child Nutrition Programs to
Reduce Childhood Obesity, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled
``How Should the Federal Government Oversee Insurance?'' 10 a.m.,
2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe, hearing on
The United States and Turkey: A Model Partnership, 10:30 a.m., 2172
Rayburn.
Committee on Homeland Security, to mark up H.R. 2200,
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, 10 a.m.,
311 Cannon.
Committee on the Judiciary, oversight hearing on the Department of
Justice, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks,
Forests and Public Lands, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 129,
To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands
in the Los Padres National Forest in California; H.R. 762, To
validate final patent number 27-2005-0081, and for other purposes;
H.R. 865, To convey the New River State Park campground located in
Mount Rodgers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National
Forest in Carroll County, Virginia, to the Commonwealth of Virginia,
and for other purposes; H.R. 1442, To provide for the sale of the
Federal Government's reversionary interest in approximately 60 acres
of land in Salt Lake City, Utah, originally conveyed to the Mount
Olivet Cemetery Association under the Act of January 23, 1909; H.R.
1471, To expand the boundary of the Jimmy Carter National Historic
Site in the State of Georgia, to redesignate the unit as a National
Historical Park, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1641, Cascadia
Marine Trail Study Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Subcommittee on Water and Power, hearing on H.R. 2008, Bonneville
Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,, hearing entitled
``Protecting the Public from Waste, Fraud, and Abuse: H.R. 1507,
Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2009,'' 10 a.m., 2154
Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District
of Columbia, hearing entitled ``Protecting the Protectors: An
Assessment of Front-line Federal Workers in Response to the H1N1
Flu,'' 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Science and Technology, hearing on An Overview of the
Federal R&D Budget for Fiscal Year 2010, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``The Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act and Small Business,'' 10 a.m., 2360
Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing on An
Independent FEMA: Restoring the Nation's Capabilities for Effective
Emergency Management and Disaster Response, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials,
hearing on Reauthorization of the Department of Transportation's
Hazardous Materials Safety Program, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on Examining Appellate
Processes and Their Impacts on Veterans, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on Federal Contract
Compliance, 1:30 p.m., 334 Cannon.
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade. hearing on
Investment Protections in U.S. Trade and Investment Agreements, 10
a.m., 1100 Longworth.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, briefing on
Intelligence Support in Afghanistan, 4 p.m., 304 HVC.
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[[Page D554]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Next Meeting of the SENATE
9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 14
Senate Chamber
Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business
(not to extend beyond one hour), Senate will continue consideration of
H.R. 627, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act.
Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10 a.m., Thursday, May 14
House Chamber
Program for Thursday: Complete consideration of H.R. 2187--21st Century
Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. Consideration of
H.R. 2346--Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 (Subject to a Rule).
_______________________________________________________________________
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE
Berman, Howard L., Calif., E1132
Bilbray, Brian P., Calif., E1135
Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E1135
Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1134
Buyer, Steve, Ind., E1132
Calvert, Ken, Calif., E1135, E1140
Carson, Andre, Ind., E1134, E1141
Castle, Michael N., Del., E1131
Foster, Bill, Ill., E1145
Frank, Barney, Mass., E1138
Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E1139
Guthrie, Brett, Ky., E1145, E1146
Holt, Rush D., N.J., E1131
Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E1141
Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E1133
Jordan, Jim, Ohio, E1142
Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E1134
King, Peter T., N.Y., E1132
Lewis, John, Ga., E1144
Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1140
McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E1135
Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E1132
Matheson, Jim, Utah, E1142
Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E1133
Myrick, Sue Wilkins, N.C., E1139
Neal, Richard E., Mass., E1139
Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E1141, E1141, E1142, E1142, E1143, E1143, E1144,
E1145, E1145, E1146
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1133, E1134, E1141
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E1139, E1142, E1146
Sanchez, Linda T., Calif., E1143
Sires, Albio, N.J., E1134
Smith, Adam, Wash., E1145
Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E1131, E1132, E1134
Wexler, Robert, Fla., E1143