Wednesday, May 17, 2006 [[Page D497]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 376, Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2007. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S4647-S4726 Measures Introduced: Twelve bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 2818-2829, and S. Res. 482. Pages S4695-96 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act: Senate continued consideration of S. 2611, to provide for comprehensive immigration reform, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4648-87 Adopted: By a unanimous vote of 99 yeas (Vote No. 125), Kyl Amendment No. 4027, to make certain aliens ineligible for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status or Deferred Mandatory Departure status. Pages S4648-51 By 83 yeas to 16 nays (Vote No. 126), Sessions Amendment No. 3979, to increase the amount of fencing and improve vehicle barriers installed along the southwest border of the United States. Pages S4651-65, S4675 Obama Modified Amendment No. 3971, to amend the temporary worker program. Pages S4674-75 Leahy (for Stevens) Amendment No. 4018, to extend the deadline given to the Secretary of Homeland Security for the implementation of a new travel document plan for border crossings to June 1, 2009. Pages S4675-77 Santorum Amendment No. 4000, to allow additional countries to participate in the visa waiver program under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act if they meet certain criteria. Pages S4677-80 By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 128), Cornyn/Kyl Modified Amendment No. 3965, to modify the conditions under which an H-2C nonimmigrant may apply for an employment-based immigrant visa. Pages S4680-83, S4686-87 Rejected: By 33 yeas to 66 nays (Vote No. 127), Vitter Amendment No. 3963, to strike the provisions related to certain undocumented individuals. Pages S4665-74, S4676 Pending: Inhofe Amendment No. 4064, to amend title 4 United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the United States and to promote the patriotic integration of prospective U.S. citizens. Pages S4685-86 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2006; provided further, that the Senate proceed to the consideration of an amendment to be offered by Senator Kennedy and that there be 20 minutes for debate equally divided; and that the Senate then resume consideration of Inhofe Amendment No. 4064 (listed above). Page S4725 Appointments: NATO Parliamentary Assembly: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 1928a-1928d, as amended, appointed the following Senators as members of the Senate Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, during the 109th Congress: Senators Leahy and Wyden. Page S4725 NATO Parliamentary Assembly: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 1928a-1928d, as amended, appointed the following Senators to the Senate Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, during the 109th Congress: Senators Grassley, Allard, Sessions, Voinovich, and Coleman. Page S4725 Messages From the House: Page S4693 Measures Referred: Page S4693 Measures Placed on Calendar: Page S4693 Executive Communications: Pages S4693-95 [[Page D498]] Executive Reports of Committees: Page S4695 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4696-97 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S4697-S4710 Additional Statements: Pages S4692-93 Amendments Submitted: Pages S4710-24 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S4724 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S4724-25 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--128) Page S4651, S4675, S4676, S4687 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:15 a.m., and adjourned at 7 p.m., until 9 a.m., on Thursday, May 18, 2006. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S4725- 26.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE BROADBAND LOAN PROGRAM Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, after receiving testimony from Jim Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture; Larry Sevier, Rural Telephone Service Company, Lenora, Kansas; Mark Pagon, Pegasus Communications Corporation, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania; and Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Communications, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the Department of Defense, after receiving testimony from Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense; and General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. NATIONAL GUARD Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the roles and missions of the National Guard in support of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, after receiving testimony from Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense; Lieutenant General James T. Conway, USMC, Director of Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff; Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; and Chief David V. Aguilar, Office of Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. NOMINATIONS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Dale Klein, of Texas, to be Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who was introduced by Senator Hutchison, and Molly A. O'Neill, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. PHYSICIAN-OWNED SPECIALTY HOSPITALS Committee on Finance: Committee held a hearing to examine the quality of patient care and services at physician-owned specialty hospitals, receiving testimony from Mark B. McClellan, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Michael W. Wilson, Sellwood Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon; Cindy Morrison, Sioux Valley Health System, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on behalf of the Coalition of Full Service Hospitals; John M. House, Irving, Texas, on behalf of the American Surgical Hospital Association; Dan Mulholland, Horty, Springer and Mattern, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and James C. Cobey, Washington, DC. Hearing recessed subject to the call. IRAN Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee held a hearing to examine Iran's political and nuclear ambitions and the enrichment of uranium, focusing on United States policy options, the possibility of unilateral sanctions targeting European and Asian corporations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), receiving testimony from Robert J. Einhorn, Center for Strategic and International Studies, David Albright, Institute for Science and International Security, Kenneth M. Pollack, Brookings Institution, Karim Sadjadpour, International Crisis Group, Patrick Clawson, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and Geoffrey Kemp, Nixon Center, all of Washington, DC. Hearing will continue on tomorrow. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of April H. Foley, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, who was introduced by Representative Kelly, Michael D. Kirby, of Virginia, to [[Page D499]] be Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, John A. Cloud, Jr., of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania, Tracey Ann Jacobson, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, Michael Wood, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to Sweden, and Robert Anthony Bradtke, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. NOMINATION Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Robert J. Portman, of Ohio, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Voinovich, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia continued hearings to examine the Federal government's security clearance process, focusing on the progress of the Office of Personnel Management in implementing a plan to address the longstanding backlog of security clearance investigations, including the next steps by the Office of Management and Budget, and the recent halt by the Defense Security Service in processing government contractor security clearances, receiving testimony from Clay Johnson, III, Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget; Kathy L. Dillaman, Associate Director for Federal Investigative Services Division, Office of Personnel Management; Robert Andrews, Deputy Under Secretary for Counter-Intelligence and Security, and Robert W. Rogalski, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Intelligence, both of the Department of Defense; and Derek B. Stewart, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, Government Accountability Office. Hearing recessed subject to the call. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items: S. 2823, to provide life-saving care for those with HIV/AIDS; S. 2803, to amend the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to improve the safety of mines and mining, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 860, to amend the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act to require State academic assessments of student achievement in United States history and civics; and The nominations of Jerry Gayle Bridges, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, and Vince J. Juaristi, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors, both of the Corporation for National and Community Service, J.C.A. Stagg, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, Kent D. Talbert, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Education, and Horace A. Thompson, of Mississippi, to be a Member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. SUICIDE PREVENTION Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee continued oversight hearings to examine how suicide prevention programs and resources that exist outside of Indian country might be applied to American Indians and Alaska Natives, receiving testimony from Jerry Gidner, Deputy Bureau Director for Tribal Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; Charles W. Grim, Director, Indian Health Service, and Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, both of Department of Health and Human Services; Donna Vigil, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Whiteriver, Arizona; William E. Martin, Alaska State Suicide Prevention Council, Juneau; R. Dale Walker, Oregon Health and Science University One Sky Center, Portland; and Jo Ann Kauffman, Kauffman and Associates, Inc., Spokane, Washington, on behalf of Native Aspirations Project. Hearing recessed subject to the call. VOTING RIGHTS ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine understanding the benefits and cost of Section 5 pre-clearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act, after receiving testimony from Fred Gray, Gray, Langford, Sapp, McGowan, Gray and Nathanson, Montgomery, Alabama; Drew S. Days, III, Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut; Abigail M. Thernstrom, Manhattan Institute, New York, New York; Armand Derfner, Derfner, Altman and Wilborn, Charleston, South Carolina; and Nathaniel Persily, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Philadelphia. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing on certain intelligence matters from officials of the intelligence community. [[Page D500]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 15 public bills, H.R. 5399- 5414; 1 private bill, H.R.5415; and 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 402- 406; and H. Res. 819 were introduced. Pages H2704-05 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2705-06 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 817, providing for further consideration of H. Con. Res. 376, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 (H. Rept. 109-468); H. Res. 818, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5386) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007 (H. Rept. 109-469); and H.R. 5252, to promote the deployment of broadband networks and services (H. Rept. 109-470). Page H2705 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Ted A. Hartley, Pastor, Farina United Methodist Church, Farina, Illinois. Page H2643 Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act: The House passed H.R. 4200, to improve the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to promptly implement recovery treatments in response to catastrophic events affecting Federal lands under their jurisdiction, including the removal of dead and damaged trees and the implementation of reforestation treatments, to support the recovery of non-Federal lands damaged by catastrophic events, to revitalize Forest Service experimental forests, by a recorded vote of 243 ayes to 182 noes, Roll No. 151. Pages H2648-80, H2687-90 Pursuant to the rule, in lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Congressional Record and numbered 1 pursuant to clause 8 of rule XVIII, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule and shall be considered as read. Pages H2648, H2667 Rejected: Rahall amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 109-467) that sought to strike all waivers of existing conservation laws by removing the bill's exemptions from requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The amendment also specifically requires that the Secretary concerned comply with the NEPA in utilizing the authorities under H.R. 4200 (by a recorded vote of 189 ayes to 236 noes, Roll No. 147); Pages H2673-75, H2687-88 Defazio amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 109-467) that sought to allow the emergency procedures authorized by H.R. 4200 to be used on lands managed for timber production. For all other lands, except where prohibited, such as wilderness areas, the Secretary would be required to amend land management plans to incorporate salvage and restoration activities (by a recorded vote of 184 ayes to 240 noes, Roll No. 148); Pages H2675-77, H2688 Inslee amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 109-467) that sought to exempt any provision in the underlying bill from being applicable to any inventoried roadless area within the National Forest System set forth in the maps contained in the Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 2, dated November 2000 (by a recorded vote of 191 ayes to 231 noes, Roll No. 149); and Pages H2677-79, H2688-89 Udall of New Mexico amendment (No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 109-467) that sought to add language in Sec 102(e) directing the relevant Secretary to consider the effect of any pre-approved management practice or catastrophic event recovery or research project on fire risk and forest regeneration. It further states that the Secretary may not implement the practice or carry out the recovery or research project unless the Secretary is able to certify that the activity will not increase fire risk or decrease forest regeneration (by a recorded vote of 197 ayes to 228 noes, Roll No. 150). Pages H2679-80 H2689-90 H. Res. 816, the rule providing for consideration of the bill was agreed to by voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous question without objection. (See next issue.) Recess: The House recessed at 4:09 p.m. and reconvened at 5:45 p.m. Page H2691 Recess: The House recessed at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened at 8 p.m. Page H2701 Agreed by unanimous consent that during consideration of H. Con. Res. 376 , pursuant to H. Res. 817, the amendment that Representative Spratt placed at the desk may be in order in lieu of amendment No. 3 printed in part B of H. Rept 109-468. (See next issue.) Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2007: The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 376, to establish the [[Page D501]] congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 through 2011, by a yea-and-nay vote of 218 yeas to 210 nays, Roll No. 158, after ordering the previous question. Consideration of the measure began on April 6th and was concluded as unfinish business. (See next issue.) Pursuant to the rule, the amendments printed in part A of this report shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution, as amended, shall be considered as read. (See next issue.) Rejected: Watt amendment in the nature of a substitute (Congressional Black Caucus), (No. 1 printed in part B of H. Rept. 109-468) that sought to balance the budget in FY 2011, and assumes a savings of almost $25 billion on interest on the national debt. Funds essential social services--especially education, health care and reconstruction of the Gulf Coast--and national security needs--particularly providing support for the troops in Iraq, increasing the Army's active duty personnel, maintaining current National Guard Strength and funding Navy Shipbuilding, as well as funding port security and Veterans programs and benefits (by a recorded vote of 131 ayes to 294 noes, Roll No. 155); (See next issue.) Hensarling amendment in the nature of a substitute (Republican Study Committee), (No. 2 printed in part B of H. Rept. 109-468) that sought to balance the federal budget by FY 2011, without increasing taxes. Extends the President's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and provide AMT relief. Eliminates roughly 150 federal programs, realizes a $392 billion net deficit reduction over five years, while increasing defense and veterans' spending and making no changes to Social Security. Calls for $358 billion in reconciliation savings over five years, achieved in part by block granting Medicaid, SCHIP, and most federal education and job training programs, and capping the growth of Medicare at 5.4% annually. Significantly restructures the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Education, reduces foreign aid by $31 billion over five years, allows drilling in ANWR, repeals the Davis-Bacon, and eliminates highway (SAFTEA-LU) earmarks. Repeals the Gephardt rule, includes reforms to emergency spending, and creates Budget Protection Accounts to divert spending to deficit reduction and further tax relief (by a recorded vote of 94 ayes to 331 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 156); and (See next issue.) Spratt amendment in the nature of a substitute (Democrat), (Modified, in lieu of No. 3 printed in part B of H. Rept. 109-468) that sought to establish a 10-year budget through fiscal year 2016. Balances the budget by 2012. Contains smaller deficits than the House Republican budget for 2007 and over five years. Accumulates less debt over five years than House Republican budget. Rejects cuts to important domestic priorities, such as education, health, veterans, and the environment. Provides more funding than the Republican budget for homeland security functions, including port security. Contains no reconciliation instructions. Provides middle-class tax relief. Provides for budget enforcement rules to restore fiscal discipline (by a recorded vote of 184 ayes to 241 noes, Roll No. 157). Pages H2680, H2691 Agreed to H. Res. 815, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, by a yea-and-nay vote of 227 yeas to 195 nays, Roll No. 152. Pages H2691, H2701-02 H. Res. 817, the rule providing for further consideration of the measure was agreed to by a recorded vote of 226 ayes to 193 noes, Roll No. 154, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 224 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 153. (See next issue.) Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure which were debated on Tuesday, May 16th: Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Pat Finucane, as recommended by international Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park agreement and a way forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process: H. Res. 740, amended, to call on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Pat Finucane, as recommended by international Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park agreement and a way forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process, by a yea-and-nay vote of 390 yeas to 5 nays with 6 voting ``present'', Roll No. 159. (See next issue.) Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom immediately to establish a full, independent, public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern Ireland Peace Process.''. (See next issue.) Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H2643. Senate Referrals: S. 879 was referred to the Committee on Science. Page H2703 [[Page D502]] Amendments: Amendments ordered printed pursuant to the rule appear on page H2707. Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and nine recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H2687-88, H2688, H2688-89, H2689-90, H2690, H2691, H2701-02, H2702. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 1:14 a.m. Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY; ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FY 2007 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the following appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007: Homeland Security; and Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies. SENIOR INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2006 Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5293, Senior Independence Act of 2006. MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS' RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT OF 2005 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing on H.R. 2048, Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; and public witnesses. PLANNING FOR LONG-TERM CARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Planning for Long-Term Care. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the State of the International Financial System. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury. REFORM OF NATIONAL SECURITY REVIEWS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 5337, Reform of National Security Reviews of Foreign Direct Investments Act. Testimony was heard from Clay Lowery, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; Stewart A. Baker, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Planning, and International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; Alice Fisher, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; Peter C.W. Flory, Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. DOD PRIVATE SECTOR CLEARANCES Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled ``Low Clearance: Why Did DOD Suddenly Stop Processing Private Sector Security Clearances?'' Testimony was heard from Clay Johnson, III, Acting Director, OMB; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert Andrews, Deputy Under Secretary, Counterintelligence and Security; Robert W. Rogalski, Special Assistant, Under Secretary (Intelligence); and Thomas F. Gimble, Principal Deputy Inspector General; and Kathy L. Dillaman, Associate Director, Federal Investigative Services Division, OPM. RU-486 SAFETY Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources held a hearing entitled ``RU-486-- Demonstrating a Low Standard for Women's Health?'' Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner, Operations, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REFORM AND ENHANCEMENT ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5451, National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006. U.S. AND SOUTH ASIA AGENDA Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific held a hearing on the United States and South Asia: An Expanding Agenda. Testimony was heard from Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State. U.S. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO EGYPT Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia held a hearing to review U.S. Assistance Programs to Egypt. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: David C. Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; James Kunder, Assistant Administrator, Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Michael W. Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; and public witnesses. [[Page D503]] FEDERAL AGENCY PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT; OVERSIGHT--HOMELAND SECURITY AND PERSONAL PRIVACY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved for full Committee action H.R. 2840, Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act of 2005. The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Privacy in the Hands of the Government: The Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland Security and the Privacy Officer for the Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from Maureen Cooney, Acting Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Jane C. Horvath, Chief Privacy and Civil Liberties Officer, Department of Justice; Linda D. Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; and a public witness. AMERICAN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND MARINE LIFE ENHANCEMENT ACT Committee on Resources: Ordered reported, amended, H.R. 5018, American Fisheries Management and Marine Life Enhancement Act. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES; APPROPRIATIONS FY 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule proving 1 hour of debate on H.R. 5386, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Section 2 provides that upon adoption of H. Con. Res. 376, and until a concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2007 has been adopted by the Congress, the provisions of H. Con. Res. 376 and its accompanying report shall have force and effect in the House for all purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as though adopted by the Congress. The rule provides that nothing in section 2 may be construed to engage rule XXVII. Testimony was heard from Representative Dicks. MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 2007 Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Representative Walsh, but action was deferred on H.R. 5385, making appropriations for the military quality of life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FY 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote of 6 to 4, a structured rule providing for further consideration of H. Con. Res. 376, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 through 2011. The rule provides that the amendments printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in part B of the report accompanying the resolution may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in part B of the report, except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. The rule provides that upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment there shall be a final period of general debate, not to exceed 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. The rule permits the chairman of the Committee on the Budget to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption. The rule provides that after adoption of H. Con. Res. 376, it shall be in order to consider in the House S. Con. Res. 83, to move to strike all after the resolving clause of S. Con. Res. 83, and to insert the provisions of H. Con. Res. 376 as adopted by [[Page D504]] the House. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of S. Con. Res. 83 and against the motion to strike and insert. Finally, the rule provides that if the motion is adopted and the Senate concurrent resolution, as amended, is adopted, then it shall be in order to move that the House insist on its amendment to the Senate concurrent resolution and request a conference with the Senate thereon. PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES OF 2006 Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles of 2006. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5013, Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006; H.R. 5187, 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; and as amended, H.R. 5316, RESPOND Act of 2006. The Committee also approved additional lease resolutions from the GSA FY 2007 Capital Investment and Leasing Program. Joint Meetings HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY PROGRAMS Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission): Committee concluded a hearing to examine the role of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights relating to advancing the human dimension in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), focusing on the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and its role in monitoring elections in OSCE countries, after receiving testimony from Kurt Volker, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; Christian Strohal, Director, Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE, Austria; and Carl Gershman, National Endowment for Democracy, Jeff Fischer, International Foundation for Election Systems, Patrick Merloe, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, and Lorne Craner, International Republican Institute, all of Washington, D.C. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2006 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: business meeting to consider S. 1881, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the Old Mint at San Francisco otherwise known as the ``Granite Lady'', S. 633, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled for life while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, and S. 2784, 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; to be followed by a hearing to examine the report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies, 9:30 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine S. 2686, to amend the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes, 10 a.m., SD-106. Full Committee, business meeting to markup S. 2802, to improve American innovation and competitiveness in the global economy, 2:30 p.m., SD-562. Committee on Finance: business meeting to consider proposed legislation implementing the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and the nomination of W. Ralph Basham, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Customs, Department of Homeland Security, 10:30 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: to continue hearings to examine Iran's political/nuclear ambitions and U.S. policy options, 9:30 a.m., SD-419. Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, to hold hearings to examine transition from crisis to peaceful democracy in Nepal, 2:30 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Robert Irwin Cusick, Jr., of Kentucky, to be Director of the Office of Government Ethics, Office of Personnel Management, 10 a.m., SD-342. Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security, to hold hearings to examine unobligated balances, focusing on their treatment and how they affect agency budgeting and programming, including what happens to these accounts when they expire, and how Office of Management and Budget, the Treasury and the agencies treat them, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider the nominations of Sandra Segal Ikuta, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, and Kenneth L. Wainstein, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney General, S. 2453, to establish procedures for the review of electronic surveillance programs, S. 2455, to provide in statute for the conduct of electronic surveillance of suspected terrorists for the purposes of protecting the American people, the Nation, and its interests from terrorist attack while ensuring that the civil liberties of [[Page D505]] United States citizens are safeguarded, S. 2468, to provide standing for civil actions for declaratory and injunctive relief to persons who refrain from electronic communications through fear of being subject to warrantless electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes, S. 2039, to provide for loan repayment for prosecutors and public defenders, S.J. Res. 1, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage, and S.J. Res. 12, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States, Time to be announced, S-216, Capitol. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of General Michael V. Hayden, United States Air Force, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine caring for seniors during a national emergency, 10 a.m., SD-628. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, hearing on No Child Left Behind: How Innovative Educators Are Integrating Subject Matter To Improve Student Achievement, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to mark up H.R. 4591, Stockholm and Rotterdam Toxics Treaty Act of 2005, 1:30 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, hearing entitled ``Unlocking America's Energy Resources: Next Generation,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing on H.R. 5126, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2006, 9 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, hearing on H.R. 5341, Seasoned Customer CTR Exemption Act of 2006, 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Financial Services Needs of Military Personnel and Their Families,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Government Reform, to consider the following bills: H.R. 5316, RESPOND Act of 2006; and H.R. 5388, District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2006, 3 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight, hearing entitled ``Retention, Security Clearances, Morale, and Other Human Capital Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security,'' 9:30 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on International Relations, hearing on the Prospects for Peace in Darfur, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, hearing on Nigeria's Struggle with Corruption, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, to mark up H.R. 5333, Shoulder-fired Missile Threat Reduction Act of 2006, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 5005, Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act; H.R. 1384, Firearm Commerce Modernization Act; H.R. 1415, NICS Improvement Act; and H.R. 5318, Cyber-Security Enhancement and Consumer Data Protection Act of 2006; followed by a hearing on H.R. 817, Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2005, 11:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, hearing on H.R. 4997, Physicians for Underserved Areas Act, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on the Energy and Mineral Requirements for Renewable and Alternative Fuels Used for Transportation and Other Purposes, 11 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, oversight hearing on EPA Grants Management 2003-2006: Progress and Challenge, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Intelligence Policy, executive, Briefing on Denial and Deception, 9 a.m., H-405 Capitol. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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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 D506]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9 a.m., Thursday, May 18 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of S. 2611, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, and proceed to the consideration of an amendment to be offered by Senator Kennedy with 20 minutes for debate equally divided; and that the Senate then resume consideration of Inhofe Amendment No. 4064. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, May 18 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 5384--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Bass, Charles F., N.H., E860 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E854 Bradley, Jeb, N.H., E855 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E847, E848, E850, E851 Chocola, Chris, Ind., E855 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E864 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E861, E864 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E863, E864 Davis, Tom, Va., E853 Drake, Thelma D., Va., E856 Everett, Terry, Ala., E859 Frank, Barney, Mass., E857 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E863 Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E855 Green, Al, Tex., E860 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E854 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E865 Johnson, Sam, Tex., E863 Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E847, E849 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E858, E859 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E847, E848, E850, E851, E852 LaHood, Ray, Ill., E855 Langevin, James R., R.I., E865 Levin, Sander M., Mich., E861 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E865 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E851 McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E858, E859 McKeon, Howard P. ``Buck'', Calif., E848, E849 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E857 Miller, Gary G., Calif., E853 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E854 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E853 Neugebauer, Randy, Tex., E852 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E850 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E861 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E857, E859 Salazar, John T., Colo., E856 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E852, E863 Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr., Wisc. E861 Shays, Christopher, Conn., E852 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E855 Upton, Fred, Mich., E856 Weiner, Anthony D., N.Y., E863 Wilson, Heather, N.M., E860 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E847, E849 (House proceedings for today will be continued in the next issue of the Record.)