Wednesday, April 27, 2005 [[Page D409]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S4351-S4443 Measures Introduced: Twenty-two bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 911-932, and S. Res. 126-127. Pages S4397-98 Measures Passed: Vermont Dairy Festival: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 118, recognizing June 2 through June 5, 2005, as the ``Vermont Dairy Festival,'' in honor of Harold Howrigan for his service to his community and the Vermont dairy industry, and the bill was then passed. Pages S4431-32 Honoring Fred T. Korematsu: Senate agreed to S. Res. 126, honoring Fred T. Korematsu for his loyalty and patriotism to the United States and expressing condolences to his family, friends, and supporters on his death. Pages S4432-34 Congratulating Charter Schools: Senate agreed to S. Res. 127, congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education. Pages S4434-35 Transportation Equity Act: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 3, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and then began consideration of the bill, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4370-77, S4380-84 Adopted: Talent Amendment No. 582 (to Amendment No. 567), to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a program to promote the safe and efficient operation of first responder vehicles. Pages S4377-78, S4380 Inhofe (for Shelby/Sarbanes) Amendment No. 573 (to Amendment No. 567), to amend chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, to improve the Nation's public transportation. Page S4384 Pending: Inhofe Amendment No. 567, to provide a complete substitute. Pages S4370-77, S4380-84 Bayh Amendment No. 568 (to Amendment No. 567), to amend title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the provisions relating to countervailing duties apply to nonmarket economy countries. Pages S4373-77, S4380-84 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 28, 2005. Page S4435 Nomination: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Robert J. Portman, of Ohio, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Page S4431 A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, April 29, 2005. Page S4431 Nomination: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Stephen L. Johnson, of Maryland, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Page S4431 A motion was entered to close further debate on the nomination and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Friday, April 29, 2005. Page S4431 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 98 yeas (Vote No. 111), J. Michael Seabright, of Hawaii, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii. Pages S4378-80, S4443 Luis Luna, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Major General Don T. Riley, United States Army, to be a Member and President of the Mississippi River Commission. Howard J. Krongard, of New Jersey, to be Inspector General, Department of State. Brigadier General William T. Grisoli, United States Army, to be a Member of the Mississippi River Commission. Charles F. Conner, of Indiana, to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. [[Page D410]] Routine lists in the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Pages S4435, S4443 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Ben S. Bernanke, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Council of Economic Advisers. Shara L. Aranoff, of Maryland, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2012. David Horton Wilkins, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador to Canada. Dennis P. Walsh, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring December 16, 2009. 11 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Page S4443 Messages From the House: Page S4395 Measures Referred: Pages S4395-96 Executive Communications: Pages S4396-97 Executive Reports of Committees: Page S4397 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4398-99 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S4399-S4429 Additional Statements: Pages S4392-95 Amendments Submitted: Pages S4429-30 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S4430 Authority for Committees to Meet: Pages S4430-31 Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. (Total--111) Pages S4379-80 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 6:59 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 28, 2005. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4435.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) NOMINATION Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Thomas C. Dorr, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, and to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Grassley, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for the Department of Defense, after receiving testimony from Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary, Tina Jonas, Under Secretary (Comptroller), and General Richard Myers, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, all of the Department of Defense. CONSTELLATION ARCHITECTURE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a closed hearing to examine the Constellation Architecture Panel, after receiving testimony from General James E. Cartwright, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; Charlie Allen, Deputy Director of Intelligence for Collection; Dennis Fitzgerald, Acting Director, National Reconnaissance Office; Leo Hazelwood, Constellation Architecture Panel; and Tom Boehling, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. APPROPRIATIONS: SAA/CAPITOL POLICE BOARD/CAPITOL GUIDE SERVE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2006 for activities of the Sergeant at Arms, the U.S. Capitol Police Board, and the Capitol Guide Service, after receiving testimony from William H. Pickle, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and Alan Hantman, Architect of the Capitol, all on behalf of the Capitol Police Board and Capitol Guide Board; and Terrance Gainer, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police. NOMINATIONS Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Maria Cino, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Phyllis F. Scheinberg, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Joseph H. Boardman, of New York, to be Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration Department of Transportation, Nancy Ann Nord, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and William Cobey, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported the following bills: [[Page D411]] S. 655, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and S. 898, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a demonstration grant program to provide patient navigator services to reduce barriers and improve health care outcomes, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. CHEMICAL FACILITIES SAFETY Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the vulnerability of the United States to a chemical attack, focusing on federal and industry efforts to address security issues at chemical facilities as targets of terrorism, after receiving testimony from Senator Corzine; Carolyn W. Merritt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Government Accountability Office; Richard A. Falkenrath, The Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.; and Stephen E. Flynn, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York. INDIAN GAMING REGULATION Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee held an oversight hearing to examine the state of Indian gaming regulation, focusing on concerns of Congress expressed in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act regarding the operation and regulation of gaming on Indian lands, receiving testimony from Philip N. Hogen, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission; Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General, Department of the Interior; Thomas B. Heffelfinger, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Department of Justice; Norman DesRosiers, Viejas Tribal Government Gaming Commission, Alpine, California; Charles Colombe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, South Dakota, and Mark Van Norman, Washington, D.C., both on behalf of the National Indian Gaming Association; Kevin K. Washburn, University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis; and Steven A. Light and Kathryn R.L. Rand, School of Law, both of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. Hearings recessed subject to the call. NOMINATION Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Paul D. Clement, of Virginia, to be Solicitor General of the United States, Department of Justice, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Feingold, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill, to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify when organizations described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must register as political committees, in lieu of S. 271. PATRIOT ACT Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the history and application of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56) and the importance of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Public Law 95-511), focusing on their role in improving the ability of the intelligence and law enforcement communities to fight the global war on terrorism, after receiving testimony from Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, and Robert S. Mueller III, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, both of the Department of Justice; and Porter J. Goss, Director, Central Intelligence Agency. REDEFINING RETIREMENT Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine redefining retirement in the 21st century workplace, focusing on demographic and labor force trends and the economic and fiscal need to increase labor force participation among older workers, after receiving testimony from Barbara D. Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, Government Accountability Office; Frank Robinson, Washington Nationals, and Douglas Holbrook, AARP Board of Directors, both of Washington, D.C.; Kathlyn Peterson, SSM Health Care, Madison, Wisconsin; Laurie Barr, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland; and Valerie Paganelli, Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Seattle, Washington. [[Page D412]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Measures Introduced: 79 public bills, H.R. 1868-1946; 3 private bills, H.R. 1947-1949; and 10 resolutions, H.J. Res. 45; H. Con. Res. 139-140, and H. Res. 239-240, 243-247, were introduced. Pages H2646-48 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2648-49 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 239, dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee (H. Rept. 109-57); H. Res. 170, a resolution of inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain information to the House of Representatives respecting a claim made by the President on February 16, 2005, at a meeting Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that there is not a Social Security trust, adversely (H. Rept. 109-58); H. Res. 241, providing for the adoption of H. Res. 240, amending the rules of the House of Representatives to reinstate certain provisions of the rules relating to procedures of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to the form in which those provisions existed at the close of the 108th Congress (H. Rept. 109-59); H. Res. 242, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules (H. Rept. 109-60); and H.R. 742, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for the award of attorneys' fees and costs to small employers when such employers prevail in litigation prompted by the issuance of a citation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (H. Rept. 109-61, pt.1). Page H2645 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Emerson to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H2553 Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Rev. Fred S. Holloman, Chaplain, Kansas Senate in Topeka, Kansas. Page H2553 Journal: Agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by a yea-and- nay vote of 371 yeas to 47 nays, with one voting ``present,'' Roll No. 135. Pages H2553, H2557-58 Recess: The House recessed at 10:59 a.m. and reconvened at 11 a.m. Page H2558 Official Photograph of the House in Session: The official photograph of the House in session was taken pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 232, permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker. Page H2558 Recess: The House recessed at 11:02 a.m. and reconvened at 11:15 a.m. Page H2558 Expressing the sense of the House that American small businesses are entitled to a small business bill of rights: The House agreed to H. Res. 22, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that American small businesses are entitled to a Small Business Bill of Rights, by voice vote. Pages H2580-91 Rejected the Velazquez motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Small Business by a yea-and-nay vote of 188 yeas to 222 nays, Roll No. 140. Pages H2590-91 Pursuant to the rule, the amendments to the resolution and the preamble recommended by the Committee on Small Business printed in the resolution were adopted. H. Res. 235, the rule providing for consideration of the measure was agreed to by voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 221 nays, Roll No. 138. Pages H2558-62, H2578-79 Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act: The House passed H.R. 748, to amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent the transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws relating to abortion, by a recorded vote of 270 ayes to 157 noes, Roll No. 144. Pages H2593-H2616 Rejected the Nadler motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 183 yeas to 245 nays, Roll No. 143. Pages H2614-15 Agreed that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary, now printed in the bill be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. Page H2606 Rejected: Scott of Virginia amendment that sought to immunize taxi drivers, bus drivers, others in the business of professional transport, doctors, nurses, and/or other medical providers or their staff from the transportation provision of the bill (by a recorded vote of 179 ayes to 245 noes, Roll No. 141); and Pages H2607-09, H2712-13 Jackson-Lee amendment that sought to add to the exceptions to the offense of transporting minors for [[Page D413]] the purpose of obtaining an illegal abortion grandparents of the minor and members of the clergy (by a recorded vote of 177 ayes to 252 noes, Roll No. 142). Pages H2609-12, H2613-14 H. Res. 236, the rule providing for consideration of the bill was agreed to by voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 234 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 139. Pages H2562-73, H2579 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Providing for expenses of certain committees of the House in the 109th Congress: H. Res. 224, amended, providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred and Ninth Congress; Pages H2573-76 Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005: Debated yesterday, April 26: H.R. 902, amended, to improve circulation of the $1 coin, create a new bullion coin, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 422 yeas to 6 nays, Roll No. 136; and Page H2577 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: to improve circulation of the $1 coin, create a new bullion coin, provide for the redesign of the reverse of the Lincoln 1-cent coin in 2009 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. Page H2577 Sense of Congress regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba: Debated yesterday, April 26: H. Con. Res. 81, expressing the sense of Congress regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 398 yeas to 27 nays, with 2 voting ``present,'' Roll No. 137. Pages H2577-79 Suspension--Proceedings Postponed: The House completed debate on the following measure under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings will resume tomorrow, April 28. Supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day: H. Res. 210, amended, supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day and recognizing the importance of intellectual property in the United States and worldwide. Pages H2591-93 Dismissing Election Contest--6th District of Tennessee: The House agreed to H. Res. 239, dismissing the election contest relating to the office of Representative from the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. Pages H2576-77 Amending the Rules of the House: The House agreed to H. Res. 241, providing for adoption of H. Res. 240, amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to reinstate certain provisions of the rules relating to procedures of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to the form in which those provisions existed at the close of the 108th Congress, by a yea-and-nay vote of 406 yeas to 20 nays, and one voting ``present,'' Roll No. 145. Pages H2616-26 Pursuant to the rule, upon adoption of the rule, H. Res. 240 was adopted. Page H2625 Earlier agreed to consider H. Res. 241 by voice vote. Page H2616 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H2553. Senate Referral: S. Con. Res. 28 was held at the desk. Quorum Calls--Votes: Eight yea-and-nay votes and three recorded votes developed during the proceedings today and appear on pages H2557-58, H2577, H2577-78, H2578-79, H2579, H2590-91, H2612-13, H2613-14, H2615, H2615-16, and H2624-25. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 11:22 p.m. Committee Meetings ASIAN SOYBEAN RUST Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research and the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a joint hearing to Review the Impact of Asia Soybean Rust on the U.S. farm sector. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Joseph Glauber, Deputy Chief Economist; and Joseph J. Jen, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Jim Jones, Director, Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA; and public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Panel: SAMHSA, NIDA, NIMH, and NIAAA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse; Thomas R. Insel, M.D., Director, National Institute on Mental Health; and Faye Calhoun, M.D., Deputy Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. [[Page D414]] DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Railroad Administration and on AMTRAK. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Robert Jamison, Acting Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration; Jeff Rosen, General Counsel; and Roger Nober, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board; and David Gunn, CEO, AMTRAK. FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on State Department FY 2006 Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Robert Zoellick, Deputy Secretary, Department of State. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; LONG-TERM CARE AND MEDICAID Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 1812, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a demonstration grant program to provide patient navigator services to reduce barriers and improve health care outcomes; H.R. 184, Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 869, To amend the Controlled Substances Act to lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices; and H. Res. 169, amended, Recognizing the importance of sun safety. The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled ``Long-Term Care and Medicaid: Spiraling Costs and the Need for Reform.'' Testimony was heard from Mark D. McClellan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care-- Medicaid and Private Health Insurance Issues, GAO; Carol V. O'Shaughnessy, Specialist in Social Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. INTERNET PROTOCOL COMMUNICATIONS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing on How Internet Protocol-Enabled Services Are Changing the Face of Communications: A View from Government Officials. Testimony was heard from Lewis K. Billings, Mayor, Provo City, Idaho; Kenneth Fellman, Mayor, Arvada, Colorado; Diane Munns, Commissioner, State Utilities Board, Iowa; Charles M. Davidson, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Florida; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1768, To amend the provision of law establishing the Presidential 9/11 Heroes Medals of Valor to make certain technical corrections to carry out the intent of the provision; H.R. 358, amended, Little Rock Central High School Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act; H.R. 1185, amended, Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 1224, amended, Business Checking Freedom Act of 2005; and H.R. 68, amended, NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. STEROID USE IN SPORTS Committee on Government Reform: Continued hearings on Steroid Use in Sports Part II: Examining the National Football League's Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National Football League: Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner; Harold Henderson, Executive Vice President, Labor Relations; and Gene Upshaw, Executive Director, Players Association; John Lombardo, M.D., NFL Advisor, Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances; Bryan S. Finkle, M.D., NFL Consulting Toxicologist on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances; Linn Goldberg, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Health Sciences, Oregon University; Gary I. Wadler, Associate Professor, Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, New York University; Steve Courson, former NFL Player, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Bobby Barnes, Head Football Coach, Buckeye Union High School, Arizona; and Willie Stewart, Head Football Coach, Anacostia High School, District of Columbia. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF FISCAL YEAR 2006 Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1817, Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT Committee on International Relations: By unanimous consent, the Chairman was authorized to request consideration of the following measures under suspension of the rules in the House: H. Con. Res. 127, [[Page D415]] Calling on the Federal Republic of Nigeria to transfer Charles Ghankay Taylor, former President of the Republic of Liberia, to the Special Court for Sierra Leone to be tried for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law; H. Res. 195, amended, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the Liberation of Western Bohemia; H. Res. 233, amended, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day during World War II; H. Res. 193, Expressing support to the organizers and participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to Promote the Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana; and H. Res. 228, amended, Observing the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Republic of Vietnam to the Communist forces of North Vietnam. The Committee also held a hearing on Millennium Challenge Account: Does the Program Match the Vision? Testimony was heard from Paul V. Applegarth, Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation; David B. Gootnick, M.D., Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; and a public witness. EUROPE--ISLAMIC EXTREMISM Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats held a hearing on Islamic Extremism in Europe. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--OFF-RESERVATION TRIBAL GAMING Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled ``Tribal proposals to acquire land-in-trust for gaming across state lines and how such proposals are affected by the off-reservation discussion draft bill.'' Testimony was heard from Representatives Weller and Jackson of Illinois; J. Bradley Burzynski, member Senate, State of Illinois; Craig Foltin, Mayor, Lorain, Ohio; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL FOREST REFORESTATION Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an oversight hearing on Reforestation Problems on National Forests: A GAO Report on the Increasing Backlog. Testimony was heard from Robin Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Ed Shepard, Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. AMENDING HOUSE RULES--REINSTATING CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO PROCEDURES OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing that upon adoption of the rule, H. Res. 240, Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to reinstate certain provisions of the rules relating to procedures of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to the form in which those provisions existed at the close of the 108th Congress, is hereby adopted. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of Rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any special rule reported on the legislative day of April 28, 2005, providing for consideration or disposition of conference report to accompany the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 95) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006, revising appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2005, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010 or establishing a separate order relating to budget enforcement. DOE--SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Science and Technology Priorities for the Department of Energy in Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Robert Shane Johnson, Deputy Director, Technology, Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; Raymond Orbach, Director, Office of Science; Mark Maddox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Fossil Energy; Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Electricity and Energy Assurance; and Douglas Faulkner, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. CLOSING THE TAX GAP--IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Closing the Tax Gap and the Impact on Small Businesses.'' Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury; Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses. [[Page D416]] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1412, amended, Delaware River Protection Act of 2005; H.R. 1496, amended, To return general aviation to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; H.R. 1630, Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2005; and H.R. 1631, Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century. Joint Meetings CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION Conferees met to resolve the differences between the Senate and House passed versions of H. Con. Res. 95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006, revising appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2005, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010, but did not complete action thereon, and recessed subject to the call. SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT Conferees met to resolve the differences between the Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 1268, making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense, the global war on terror, and tsunami relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, but did not complete action thereon, and will meet again on Thursday, April 28, 2005. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2005 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security, to hold hearings for an overview of Bioterrorism and BioShield, 10:30 a.m., SD-192. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine defense intelligence in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2006; to be followed by a closed hearing in S-407, 9:30 a.m., SD-106. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, to hold hearings to examine S. 242, to establish 4 memorials to the Space Shuttle Columbia in the State of Texas, S. 262, to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for the restoration of the Angel Island Immigration Station in the State of California, S. 336, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study of the feasibility of designating the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Watertrail as a national historic trail, S. 670, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the life of Cesar Estrada Chavez and the farm labor movement, S. 777, to designate Catoctin Mountain Park in the State of Maryland as the ``Catoctin Mountain National Recreation Area,'' and H.R. 126, to amend Public Law 89-366 to allow for an adjustment in the number of free roaming horses permitted in Cape Lookout National Seashore, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Finance: Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy, to hold hearings to examine building assets for low-income families, 10:30 a.m., SD-628. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold hearings to examine access and accountability relating to providing quality post-secondary education, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold hearings to examine Department of Defense business practices, focusing on business transformation, 2 p.m., SD-562. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 852, to create a fair and efficient system to resolve claims of victims for bodily injury caused by asbestos exposure, and the nominations of Terrence W. Boyle, of North Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, William H. Pryor, Jr., of Alabama, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, and certain committee matters, 9:30 a.m., SD-226. Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, with the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, to hold joint hearings to examine the use of technology to protect the borders relating to strengthening border security between the ports of entry, 3 p.m., SD-138. Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, on public witnesses, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations, hearing on Challenges to Employer Efforts to Preserve Retiree Health Care Benefits, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, hearing on Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), 11 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology, hearing entitled ``Combating Trafficking in Persons: Status Report on Domestic and International Developments,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Government Reform, hearing entitled ``Who's Watching the COOP? A Re-Examination of Federal Agencies' Continuity of Operations Plans,'' 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. [[Page D417]] Subcommittee on Energy and Resources, hearing entitled ``The Role of Nuclear Power Generation in a Comprehensive National Energy Policy,'' 10 a.m., 2247 Rayburn. Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, joint hearing on The North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004: Issues and Implementation, 1:30 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, hearing on Previewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on The Role of BNP-Paribas SA (Banque National de Paris) in the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, to continue oversight hearings entitled ``Committee Print Regarding Patent Quality Improvement,'' (Part 2) 12 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act: Sections of the Act that Address Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) (Part 2)--Section 206: Roving Surveillance Authority Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; and Section 215: Access to Records and Other Items Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 9:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Crime, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, oversight hearing/hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act: Section 218, Foreign Intelligence Information (``The Wall''), 2:30 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on ``Improving the Competitiveness of America's Mining Industry,'' 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, hearing on NASA Earth Science, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight, hearing on the Administration's Program To Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden on Manufacturers--A Promise to be Kept? 10:30 a.m., 311 Canon. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, oversight hearing on New Technologies for Rail Safety and Security, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, Briefing on Oversight Subcommittee Activity Update, 9 a.m.; followed by, executive, Briefing on Global Updates, 9:30 a.m., H-405 Capitol. Joint Meetings Conference: meeting of conferees on H.R. 1268, making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, 2:30 p.m., S-207, Capitol. Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to examine medical liability reform, 10 a.m., 2226 RHOB. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). 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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 D418]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 28 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any routine morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act. Also, Senate will consider the conference report to accompany the Concurrent Budget Resolution, if it should become available. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, April 28 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Rollcall vote on H.R. 210, supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day and recognizing the importance of intellectual property in the United States and worldwide. Possible consideration of conference report to accompany H.R. 1268, Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriations Act (subject to a rule). Possible consideration of conference report to accompany H. Con. Res. 95, Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2006 (subject to a rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Baca, Joe, Calif., E797 Bilirakis, Michael, Fla., E804 Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E799 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E798 Bonner, Jo, Ala., E784 Boustany, Charles W., Jr., La., E799 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E800 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E803 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E799 Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E801 Capuano, Michael E., Mass., E783 Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E801 Costa, Jim, Calif., E785 Costello, Jerry F., Ill., E784 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E777, E779, E781, E785, E787, E796, E799, E800, E801 Cummings, Elijah E., Md., E800, E802 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E797 English, Phil, Pa., E803 Farr, Sam, Calif., E805 Filner, Bob, Calif., E789 Gingrey, Phil, Ga., E782 Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E787 Graves, Sam, Mo., E785 Hinchey, Maurice D., N.Y., E780 Hinojosa, Ruben, Tex., E778, E801 Hunter, Duncan, Calif., E798 Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E787 Kelly, Sue W., N.Y., E780 LaTourette, Steven C., Ohio, E800 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E797 Lynch, Stephen F., Mass., E778, E780 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E786 McDermott, Jim, Wash., E797 McGovern, James P., Mass., E804 Miller, Gary G., Calif., E804 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E779 Moore, Dennis, Kans., E788 Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E777, E781 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E804 Paul, Ron, Tex., E799 Radanovich, George, Calif., E798 Sanders, Bernard, Vt., E785 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E786 Shimkus, John, Ill., E777, E781 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E786 Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E781 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E779, E802 Tanner, John S., Tenn., E787 Thornberry, Mac, Tex., E781 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E796 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E802 Udall, Tom, N.M., E778 Wu, David, Ore., E789, E789 Young, Don, Alaska, E798