Thursday, October 8, 2009
[[Page D1152]]
Daily Digest
HIGHLIGHTS
Senate agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2997,
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
House agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2647,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S10257-S10329
Measures Introduced: Ten bills and two resolutions were introduced, as
follows: S. 1763-1772, and S. Res. 309-310.
Page S10318
Measures Passed:
145th Anniversary of the Entry of Nevada into the Union: Senate
agreed to S. Res. 309, recognizing and celebrating the 145th
anniversary of the entry of Nevada into the Union as the 36th State.
Page S10326
National Day on Writing: Senate agreed to S. Res. 310, expressing
support for the designation of October 20, 2009, as the National Day on
Writing.
Page S10327
Measures Considered:
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act--Agreement: Senate continued consideration of H.R.
2847, making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and
Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2010, taking action on the following amendments proposed
thereto:
Pages S10265-80, S10284-S10307, S10328
Rejected:
By 33 yeas to 64 nays (Vote No. 317), McCain Amendment No. 2626, to
eliminate funding for Public Telecommunications Facilities, Planning
and Construction.
Pages S10265-68, S10271-72
By 33 yeas to 65 nays (Vote No. 319), Ensign motion to recommit the
bill to the Committee on Appropriations, with instructions to report
the same back to the Senate with changes that reduce the aggregate
level of appropriations in the Act for fiscal year 2010, excluding
amounts provided for the Bureau of the Census, by $3,411,000,000 from
the level currently in the Act.
Pages S10272-73, S10284
Pending:
Vitter/Bennett Amendment No. 2644, to provide that none of the funds
made available in this Act may be used for collection of census data
that does not include a question regarding status of United States
citizenship.
Page S10265
Johanns Amendment No. 2393, prohibiting the use of funds to fund the
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).
Page S10265
Levin/Coburn Amendment No. 2627, to ensure adequate resources for
resolving thousands of offshore tax cases involving hidden accounts at
offshore financial institutions.
Page S10265
Durbin Modified Amendment No. 2647, to require the Comptroller
General to review and audit Federal funds received by ACORN.
Page S10265
Begich/Murkowski Amendment No. 2646, to allow tribes located inside
certain boroughs in Alaska to receive Federal funds for their
activities.
Page S10271
Ensign Modified Amendment No. 2648, to provide additional funds for
the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program by reducing corporate
welfare programs.
Page S10272
Shelby/Feinstein Amendment No. 2625, to provide danger pay to Federal
agents stationed in dangerous foreign field offices.
Page S10280
[[Page D1153]]
Leahy Amendment No. 2642, to include nonprofit and volunteer ground
and air ambulance crew members and first responders for certain
benefits.
Page S10285
Graham Amendment No. 2669, to prohibit the use of funds for the
prosecution in Article III courts of the United States of individuals
involved in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Pages S10285-86
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the
following action:
Chair sustained a point of order against Bunning Amendment No. 2653,
to require that all legislative matters be available and fully scored
by CBO 72 hours before consideration by any subcommittee or committee
of the Senate or on the floor of the Senate, as being in violation of
Rule XVI, paragraph 4, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, which
prohibits legislation on an appropriation bill, and the amendment thus
fell.
Pages S10265, S10272
A motion was entered to close further debate on the committee-
reported amendment in the nature of a substitute, and, in accordance
with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, October 8,
2009, a vote on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October
13, 2009.
Page S10328
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 Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
Page S10328
A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that Senate
resume consideration of the bill at approximately 3 p.m., on Tuesday,
October 13, 2009, with the hour prior to the vote on the motion to
invoke cloture on the committee-reported amendment in the nature of a
substitute, be for debate with the time equally divided and controlled
between Senators Mikulski and Shelby, or their designees; provided
further, that the filing deadline for first-degree amendments be 3 p.m.
on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
Page S10328
Conference Reports:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act Conference Report: By 76 yeas to 22
nays (Vote No. 318), Senate agreed to the conference report to
accompany H.R. 2997, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010.
Pages S10280-84
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
Conference Report-Cloture: Senate began consideration of the conference
report to accompany H.R. 3183, making appropriations for energy and
water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2010.
Page S10328
A motion was entered to close further debate on the conference
report, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Tuesday,
October 13, 2009.
Page S10328
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the cloture
vote on the conference report occur upon disposition of H.R. 2847,
provided that if cloture is not invoked on the substitute amendment to
H.R. 2847, then a motion to reconsider the vote by which cloture was
not invoked on the substitute be considered entered; that the cloture
vote on the bill be delayed to occur upon reconsideration, and that
upon reconsideration and cloture is not invoked on the substitute, then
the cloture motion on the bill be withdrawn; provided further, that if
cloture has not been invoked as specified above, then the vote on the
motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R.
3183, occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday, October
14, 2009.
Page S10328
Appointments:
United States-China Interparliamentary Group: The Chair, on behalf of
the President pro tempore, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276n, as amended,
appointed the following Senator as Chairman of the United States-China
Interparliamentary Group conference during the 111th Congress: Senator
Murray.
Page S10327
President's Export Council: The Chair, pursuant to Executive Order
12131, renewed by Executive Order 13446, reappointed and appointed the
following Members to the President's Export Council:
Reappointment:
Senator Cornyn.
Appointment:
Senators Crapo and Enzi.
Page S10327
Senators Kennedy and Martinez Tributes--Agreement: A unanimous-consent
agreement was reached providing that the deadline for the tributes to
Senators Kennedy and Martinez to be submitted to the Congressional
Record be extended until Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Page S10327
Message from the President: Senate received the following message from
the President of the United States:
[[Page D1154]]
Transmitting, pursuant to law, a message relative to the World Trade
Organization waiver required by The Clean Diamond Trade Act; which was
referred to the Committee on Finance. (PM-32)
Page S10316
Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations:
Bartholomew Chilton, of Maryland, to be a Commissioner of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring April 13,
2013. (Prior to this action, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry was discharged from further consideration.)
Edward M. Avalos, of New Mexico, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture
for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. (Prior to this action, Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from further
consideration.)
Jill Sommers, of Kansas, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring April 13, 2014. (Prior
to this action, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was
discharged from further consideration.)
Kenneth Albert Spearman, of Florida, to be a Member of the Farm
Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration for the
remainder of the term expiring May 21, 2010. (Prior to this action,
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from
further consideration.)
Kenneth Albert Spearman, of Florida, to be a Member of the Farm
Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration for a term
expiring May 21, 2016.
Edward M. Avalos, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Board of
Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. (Prior to this action,
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from
further consideration.)
Scott D. O'Malia, of Michigan, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission for the remainder of the term expiring April
13, 2010 vice Walter Lukken, resigned. (Prior to this action, Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from further
consideration.)
Scott D. O'Malia, of Michigan, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring April 13, 2015. (Prior
to this action, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was
discharged from further consideration.)
Harris D. Sherman, of Colorado, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture
for Natural Resources and Environment. (Prior to this action, Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from further
consideration.)
Harris D. Sherman, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of
Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. (Prior to this action,
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged from
further consideration.)
Army nomination in the rank of general.
Pages S10313, S10326-27, S10329
Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:
Neil G. McBride, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of
Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18,
2013.
David Huebner, of California, to be Ambassador to New Zealand, and to
serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to
Samoa.
David Daniel Nelson, of Minnesota, to be Ambassador to the Oriental
Republic of Uruguay.
2 Army nominations in the rank of general.
1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral.
Pages S10328-29
Messages from the House:
Pages S10316-17
Measures Referred:
Page S10317
Measures Read the First Time:
Pages S10317, S10327
Executive Communications:
Page S10317
Executive Reports of Committees:
Pages S10317-18
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S10318-19
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S10320-22
Additional Statements:
Pages S10315-16
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S10322-25
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Pages S10325-26
Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. (Total--319)
Pages S10271-72, S10284
Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 9:18 p.m.,
until 10 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009. (For Senate's program, see
the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S10328.)
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the
nomination of Lieutenant General David M. Rodriguez, USA, for
reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general and to be Commander,
International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.
[[Page D1155]]
MORTGAGE MARKET AND HOUSING ENTERPRISES
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the future of the mortgage market and the housing
enterprises, focusing on the current financial crisis and weaknesses in
the United States financial regulatory system, after receiving
testimony from Edward J. DeMarco, Acting Director, Federal Housing
Finance Agency; William B. Shear, Director, Financial Markets and
Community Investment, Government Accountability Office; Peter J.
Wallison, American Enterprise Institute, and Andrew Jakabovics, Center
for American Progress Action Fund, both of Washington, D.C.; and Susan
M. Wachter, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, Philadelphia.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: On September 24,
2009, committee announced the following subcommittee assignments:
Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security: Senators
Dorgan (Chair), Inouye, Kerry, Boxer, Nelson (FL), Cantwell,
Lautenberg, Pryor, McCaskill, Klobuchar, Warner, Begich, Snowe, Ensign,
DeMint, Thune, Wicker, LeMieux, Isakson, Vitter, Brownback, and
Johanns.
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet: Senators
Kerry (Chair), Inouye, Dorgan, Nelson (FL), Cantwell, Lautenberg,
Pryor, McCaskill, Klobuchar, Udall (NM), Warner, Begich, Ensign, Snowe,
DeMint, Thune, Wicker, LeMieux, Isakson, Vitter, Brownback, and
Johanns.
Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation and Export Promotion:
Senators Klobuchar (Chair), Kerry, Dorgan, McCaskill, Udall (NM),
Warner, Begich, LeMieux, Ensign, DeMint, Thune, Brownback, and Johanns.
Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance:
Senators Pryor (Chair), Dorgan, Boxer, Nelson (FL), McCaskill,
Klobuchar, Udall (NM), Wicker, Snowe, DeMint, Thune, Isakson, and
Vitter.
Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard:
Senators Cantwell (Chair), Inouye, Kerry, Boxer, Lautenberg, Begich,
Snowe, Wicker, LeMieux, Isakson, and Vitter.
Subcommittee on Science and Space: Senators Nelson (FL), Inouye,
Kerry, Boxer, Pryor, Udall (NM), Warner, Vitter, Snowe, Ensign, Thune,
Isakson, and Johanns.
Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine
Infrastructure, Safety and Security: Senators Lautenberg (Chair),
Inouye, Kerry, Dorgan, Boxer, Cantwell, Pryor, Udall (NM), Warner,
Begich, Thune, Snowe, Ensign, DeMint, Wicker, Isakson, Vitter,
Brownback, and Johanns.
Senators Rockefeller and Hutchison are ex-officio members of the
subcommittees.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably
reported the nominations of Joseph G. Pizarchik, of Pennsylvania, to be
Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
Department of the Interior, Jose Antonio Garcia, of Florida, to be
Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of
Energy, and John R. Norris, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member
of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the
term expiring June 30, 2012.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the nominations of Marcia K. McNutt, of California,
to be Director of the United States Geological Survey, Department of
the Interior, who was introduced by Representative Farr, and Arun
Majumdar, of California, to be Director of the Advanced Research
Projects Agency-Energy, Department of Energy, after the nominees
testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
PUBLIC LANDS AND FOREST LEGISLATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands
and Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 522, to resolve the
claims of the Bering Straits Native Corporation and the State of Alaska
to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in the State of Alaska and to provide
for the conveyance to the Bering Straits Native Corporation of certain
other public land in partial satisfaction of the land entitlement of
the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, S. 865
and H.R. 1442, bills 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, S. 881, to provide for
the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act, S. 940, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to
convey to the Nevada System of Higher Education certain Federal land
located in Clark and Nye counties, Nevada, S. 1272, to provide for the
designation of the Devil's Staircase Wilderness Area in the State of
Oregon, to designate segments of Wasson and Franklin Creeks in the
State of Oregon as wild or recreation rivers, and S. 1689, to designate
certain land as components of the National Wilderness Preservation
System and
[[Page D1156]]
the National Landscape Conservation System in the State of New Mexico,
after receiving testimony from Senators Udall (NM) and Begich;
Marcilynn A. Burke, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management,
Department of the Interior; Jay Jensen, Deputy Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Forestry, Natural Resources and Environment; Oscar
Vasquez Butler, Dona Ana County Board of Commissioners, and Jerry G.
Schickedanz, People for Preserving our Western Heritage, both of Las
Cruces, New Mexico; and Byron Mallott, Sealaska Corporation, and Bob
Claus, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, both of Juneau, Alaska.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nominations of William E. Kennard, of the District of
Columbia, to be Representative to the European Union, with the rank and
status of Ambassador, Cynthia Stroum, of Washington, to be Ambassador
to Luxembourg, who was introduced by Senator Cantwell, John F. Tefft,
of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of
Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to Ukraine, and Michael C. Polt,
of Tennessee, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of
Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia, all of
the Department of State, and James Legarde Hudson, of the District of
Columbia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development, who was introduced by Senator Kaufman,
after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own
behalf.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the
following business items:
S. 1692, to extend the sunset of certain provisions of the USA
PATRIOT Act and the authority to issue national security letters, with
an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
The nominations of Brendan V. Johnson, to be United States Attorney
for the District of South Dakota, Karen Louise Loeffler, to be United
States Attorney for the District of Alaska, and Steven Gerard
O'Donnell, to be United States Marshal for the District of Rhode
Island, all of the Department of Justice.
RESPONSE TO CERTAIN MILITARY EXPOSURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the Department of Defense and Veterans' Affairs response to
certain military exposures, after receiving testimony from Senators
Wyden and Hagan; Michael R. Peterson, Chief Consultant, Environmental
Health Strategic Healthcare Group, Office of Public Health &
Environmental Hazards, and Stephen C. Hunt, National Director, Post-
Deployment Integrated Care Initiative, both of the Veterans Health
Administration, and Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and
Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, all of the
Department of Veterans Affairs; and R. Craig Postlewaite, Acting
Director, Force Health Protection and Readiness Programs, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, Captain Paul Gillooly, Medical
Services Corps, United States Navy (Ret.), Navy/Marine Corps Public
Health Center, Major General Eugene G. Payne, Jr., Assistant Deputy
Commandant for Installations and Logistics (Facilities), and John J.
Resta, Scientific Adviser, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion &
Preventive Medicine, all of the Department of Defense; John R. Nuckols,
Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Robert F. Miller, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Charles E. Feigley,
University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health,
Washington, D.C.; Michael Sean Partain, Tallahassee, Florida; Stacy
Pennington, Pleasant View, Tennessee; Laurie Paganelli, California,
Maryland; Herman Gibb, Arlington, Virginia; and Russell Powell,
Moundsville, West Virginia.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to
receive a briefing on certain intelligence matters from officials of
the intelligence community.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 30 public bills, H.R. 3758-
3787; and 10 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 196-197; and H. Res. 814-821
were introduced.
Pages H11165-67
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H11167-68
Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows:
[[Page D1157]]
H.R. 481, to revise the authorized route of the North Country
National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota to include existing
hiking trails along Lake Superior's north shore and in Superior
National Forest and Chippewa National Forest, with an amendment (H.
Rept. 111-290);
H.R. 1593, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a
segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Washington, as a component
of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, with an amendment (H.
Rept. 111-291);
H.R. 1641, to amend the National Trails System Act to provide for a
study of the Cascadia Marine Trail, with an amendment (H. Rept. 111-
292);
H.R. 2806, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to adjust the
boundary of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and the North Cascades
National Park in order to allow the rebuilding of a road outside of the
floodplain while ensuring that there is no net loss of acreage to the
Park or the Wilderness (H. Rept. 111-293); and
H.R. 2499, to provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination
process for the people of Puerto Rico, with an amendment (H. Rept. 111-
294).
Page H11165
Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed
Representative Serrano to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today.
Page H11113
Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the Guest Chaplain, Rev. Todd
Jones, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee.
Page H11113
Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules
and agree to the following measure which was debated on Tuesday,
October 6th:
Recognizing that country music has made a tremendous contribution to
American life and culture: H. Res. 650, to recognize that country music
has made a tremendous contribution to American life and culture and to
declare country music to be a uniquely American art form, by a \2/3\
yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 766.
Page H11125
Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules
and pass the following measures which were debated on Wednesday,
October 7th:
Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United
States posthumously: H.J. Res. 26, to proclaim Casimir Pulaski to be an
honorary citizen of the United States posthumously, by a \2/3\ yea-and-
nay vote of 422 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 767;
Pages H11125-26
Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009: H.R. 3590, to amend
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the first-time homebuyers
credit in the case of members of the Armed Forces and certain other
Federal employees, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 416 yeas with none
voting ``nay'', Roll No. 768; and
Pages H11126-27
Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to
H.R. 1016, with amendment: H. Res. 804, to provide for the concurrence
by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1016, with amendment, by a
\2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas to 1 ``nay'', Roll No. 771.
Page H11142
Recess: The House recessed at 1:31 p.m. and reconvened at 2:47 p.m.
Page H11140
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010--Conference
Report: The House agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R.
2647, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and
for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, to provide special
pays and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, and to
expand concurrent receipt of military retirement and VA disability
benefits to disabled military retirees, by a recorded vote of 281 ayes
to 146 noes, Roll No. 770.
Pages H11115-25, H11127-42
Rejected the McKeon motion to recommit the conference report on the
bill H.R. 2647 to the committee of conference with instructions to the
managers on the part of the House by a yea-and-nay vote of 208 yeas to
216 nays with 2 voting ``present'', Roll No. 769.
Pages H11140-41
H. Res. 808, the rule providing for consideration of the conference
report, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 234 ayes to 188 noes, Roll
No. 765.
Pages H11124-25
Agreed to the Slaughter amendment to the rule by voice vote, after
agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 237
yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 764.
Pages H11123-24
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 808, as amended, H. Con. Res.
196, making corrections in the enrollment of the bill H.R. 2647, is
adopted.
Pages H11123-24
Meeting Hour: Agreed that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to
meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow, and further, when the House adjourns on that
day, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13th for
morning hour debate.
Page H11144
Presidential Message: Read a message from the President wherein he
certified that an applicable
[[Page D1158]]
waiver, within the meaning of the Clean Diamond Trade Act (Public Law
108-19), granted by the World Trade Organization has been in effect
since January 1, 2003, and will remain in effect through December 31,
2012--referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Foreign Affairs
and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-67).
Pages H11143-44
Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate today appear on
pages H11113 and H11156.
Senate Referrals: S. 942 was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform and the Committee on Armed Services.
Pages H11113, H11163
Quorum Calls--Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes
developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H11124,
H11124-25, H11125, H11126, H11126-27, H11140-41, H11141-42 and H11142.
There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Committee Meetings
DEFENSE RAPID ACQUISITION PROCESS
Committee on Armed Services: Defense Acquisition Reform Panel held a
hearing on the Department of Defense's Rapid Acquisition Process: Is It
a Model for Improving Acquisition? Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: BG Michael Brogan,
USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command; and Tom Dee, Director,
Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, Office of the Under Secretary,
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Mike Sullivan, Director,
Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and Dov Zakheim, former Under
Secretary (Comptroller), Department of Defense.
IMPROVING CHILD NUTRITION
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and
Communities held a hearing to Examining Innovative Practices to Improve
Child Nutrition. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Communications,
Technology, and the Internet approved for full Committee action the
following bills: H.R. 1147, amended, Local Community Radio Act of 2009;
H.R. 1084, amended, Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act;
H.R. 1258, as amended, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009; and H.R. 3633,
To allow the funding for the interoperable emergency communications
grant program established under the Digital Television Transition and
Public Safety Act of 2005 to remain available until expended through
fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.
CREDIT CARD REFORM
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the following bills:
H.R. 2382, Credit Card Interchange Fees Act of 2009; and H.R. 3639,
Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act of 2009. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Welch and Shuster; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION CAPITAL RESERVES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled ``The Future of the Federal Housing
Administration's Capital Reserves: Assumptions, Predictions and
Implications for Homebuyers.'' Testimony was heard from David Stevens,
Assistant Secretary, Housing and Federal Housing Administration
Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public
witnesses.
SUPREME COURT CIVIL RIGHTS DECISIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights
and Civil Liberties held a hearing on Civil Rights Under Fire: Recent
Supreme Court Decisions. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HEALTH INSURANCE ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2009
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Competition
Policy held a hearing on H.R. 3596, Health Insurance Industry Antitrust
Enforcement Act of 2009. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HIGH-RISK, HIGH-REWARD RESEARCH
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and
Science Education held a hearing on Investing in High-Risk, High-Reward
Research. Testimony was heard from James Collins, Assistant Director,
Biological Sciences, NSF; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3723, Small Business Credit
Expansion and Loan Markets Stabilization Act; H.R. 3739, Job Creation
and Economic Development Through CDC Modernization Act of 2009; H.R.
3737, Small Business Microlending Expansion Act of 2009; H.R. 3740,
[[Page D1159]]
Small Business Investment Company Modernization and Improvement Act of
2009; H.R. 3722, Enhanced New Markets and Expanded Investment in
Renewable Energy for Small Manufacturers Act of 2009; H.R. 3014, Small
Business Health Information Technology Financing Act; H.R. 3738, Small
Business Early Stage Investment Act of 2009; and H.R. 3743, Small
Business Disaster Readiness and Reform Act of 2009.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance
and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 761,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the eligibility
of parents of certain deceased veterans for interment in national
cemeteries; H.R. 3485, Veterans Pensions Protection Act; H.R. 2243,
Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 3544, National
Cemeteries Expansion Act of 2009; and draft legislation. Testimony was
heard from Representative Frank of Massachusetts; the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Steve L. Muro, Acting
Under Secretary, Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration;
James P. Terry, Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals; and Thomas
Pamperin, Deputy Director, Policy and Procedures, Compensation and
Pension Service, Veterans Benefit Administration; representatives of
veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2696,
amended, Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act; H.R. 1182, Military
Spouses Residence Relief Act; H.R. 2416, To require the Department of
Veterans Affairs to use purchases of goods or services through the
Federal supply schedules for the purpose of meeting certain contracting
goals for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled
by veterans, including veterans with service-connected disabilities;
H.R. 2461, Veterans Small Business Verification Act; H.R. 2614,
Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education Reauthorization Act of 2009;
H.R. 2874, amended, Helping Active Duty Deployed Act of 2009; and H.R.
1168, amended, Veterans Retraining Act of 2009.
SAFETY NET PROGRAMS RESPONSE DURING RECESSION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family
Support held a hearing to evaluate the response of ``safety net''
programs during the recession. Testimony was heard from Chip Rogers,
Senate Majority Leader, Legislature, State of Georgia; Ismael Ahmed,
Director, Department of Human Services, State of Michigan; Virginia T.
Lodge, Commissioner, Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee;
and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--AFGHANISTAN CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Afghanistan Center of Excellence. The Committee
was briefed by departmental witnesses.
Joint Meetings
No joint committee meetings were held.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY,
OCTOBER 9, 2009
(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
Senate
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on
Economic Policy, to hold hearings to examine restoring credit to
manufacturers, 9:30 a.m., SD-538.
House
No Committee meetings are scheduled.
CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD
Week of October 12 through October 17, 2009
Senate Chamber
On Tuesday, at approximately 3 p.m., Senate will resume consideration
of H.R. 2847, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, and vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the
committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute at 5:30 p.m.
Upon completion of H.R. 2847, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, Senate will resume consideration of the
conference report to accompany H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Development
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
During the balance of the week, Senate may consider any cleared
legislative and executive business.
Senate Committees
(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: October 14,
Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, to hold hearings to examine
the state of the banking industry, 2:30 p.m., SD-538.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: October 14, to
hold hearings to examine combating distracted
[[Page D1160]]
driving, focusing on managing behavioral and technological risks,
2:30 p.m., SR-253.
October 15, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the
nominations of Erroll G. Southers, of California, to be Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security, Patrick Gallagher, of Maryland, to
be Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Department of Commerce, and Elizabeth M. Robinson, of Virginia, to
be Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, 2:30 p.m., SR-253.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: October 14, to hold
hearings to examine energy and related economic effects of global
climate change legislation, 10 a.m., SD-366.
Committee on Finance: October 13, business meeting to resume
consideration of an original bill entitled ``America's Healthy
Future Act of 2009'', 10 a.m., SH-216.
Committee on Foreign Relations: October 15, Subcommittee on
International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy
and Global Women's Issues, to hold hearings to examine, 2:30 p.m.,
SD-419.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: October 14,
business meeting to consider any pending nominations, 10 a.m., SD-
430.
October 15, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine equal
health care for equal premiums, focusing on women, 10:30 a.m., SD-
430.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: October
14, to hold hearings to examine the past, present, and future of
policy czars, 10 a.m., SD-342.
October 14, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management,
the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, with the
Special Committee on Aging, to hold joint hearings to examine the
cost of federal long-term care insurance, 2:30 p.m., SD-342.
Committee on the Judiciary: October 14, to hold hearings to
examine prohibiting price fixing and other anticompetitive conduct
in the health insurance industry, 10 a.m., SD-226.
October 15, Full Committee, business meeting to consider S. 448
and H.R. 985, bills to maintain the free flow of information to the
public by providing conditions for the federally compelled
disclosure of information by certain persons connected with the news
media, S. 369, to prohibit brand name drug companies from
compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic
drug into the market, and S. 379, to provide fair compensation to
artists for use of their sound recordings, and the nominations of
Jacqueline H. Nguyen and Dolly M. Gee, both to be a United States
District Judge for the Central District of California, and Edward
Milton Chen and Richard Seeborg, both to be a United States District
Judge for the Northern District of California, 10 a.m., SD-226.
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: October 15, to
hold hearings to examine health care solutions for America's small
businesses, 10 a.m., SD-628.
Select Committee on Intelligence: October 13, to hold hearings to
examine the nomination of David C. Gompert, of Virginia, to be
Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Office of the
Director of National Intelligence, 2:30 p.m., SD-106.
October 15, Full Committee, to hold closed hearings to consider
certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., S-407, Capitol.
Special Committee on Aging: October 14, with the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on
Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the
District of Columbia, to hold joint hearings to examine the cost of
federal long-term care insurance, 2:30 p.m., SD-342.
House Committees
Committee on Armed Services, October 14, hearing on Afghanistan:
Getting the Strategy Right, 10 a.m., 210 HVC.
October 15, Defense Acquisition Reform Panel, hearing on Can the
Department of Defense Protect Taxpayers: When It Pays Its
Contractors? 8 a.m., 1310 Longworth.
Committee on the Budget, October 14, hearing on the Cost of
Current Defense Plans: An Analysis of Budget Issues, 10 a.m., 210
Cannon.
Committee on Education and Labor, October 14, Subcommittee on
Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, hearing on
Ensuring Student Eligibility Requirements for Federal Aid, 10 a.m.,
2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce, October 15, Subcommittee on
Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, hearing on The Minority
Business Development Agency: Enhancing the Prospects for Success, 1
p.m., 2322 Rayburn.
October 15, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing
entitled ``Insured But Not Covered: The Problem of Underinsurance,''
1:30 p.m., 2322 Rayburn.
October 16, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on
H.R. 515, Radioactive Import Deterrence Act, 9:30 a.m., 2123
Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Assistance, October 14, to consider the
following measures: October 2, Discussion Draft of the Over-the-
Counter Derivatives Markets Act of 2009; September 25, Discussion
Draft of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 (to be
reported as H.R. 3126, Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of
2009); H.R. 3763, To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide
for an exclusion from Red Flag Guidelines for certain businesses;
and H.R. 3606, Credit CARD Technical Corrections Act of 2009, 10
a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs, October 14, Subcommittee on Asia,
The Pacific and The Global Environment, to mark up H. Con. Res. 153,
Honoring the 111th anniversary of the independence of the
Philippines; followed by a hearing on the Future of APEC (Asian-
Pacific Economic Cooperation), 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
October 15, full Committee, hearing on Afghanistan Policy at the
Crossroads, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
October 15, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, to mark up
H.R. 2134, Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009;
followed by a hearing on Assessing U.S. Drug Policy in the Americas,
2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
[[Page D1161]]
Committee on Homeland Security, October 14, hearing entitled
``Diversity at the Department of Homeland Security: Continuing
Challenges and New Opportunities,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
Committee on the Judiciary, October 15, hearing on Ramifications
of Auto Industry Bankruptcies, Part IV, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Natural Resources, October 15, Subcommittee on
Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, hearing on H.R. 3644, Bay-
Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and
National Environment Literacy Grant Program Act, 10 a.m., 1324
Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, October 14, hearing
at which the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief
Program will report the results of his audit of bonus payments made
to AIG executives, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Science and Technology, October 14, Subcommittee on
Technology and Innovation, to consider pending business, 10 a.m.,
2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business, October 14, hearing entitled
``Increasing Access to Capital for Small Businesses, 1 p.m., 2360
Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, October 14,
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials,
hearing on High-Speed Rail in the United States: Opportunities and
Challenges, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, October 14, hearing on the Update
on the State of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 10 a.m.,
334 Cannon.
October 15, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on VA
Status Report on Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon.
October 15, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Identifying the
Causes of Inappropriate Billing Practices by the VA, 10 a.m., 334
Cannon.
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming,
October 15, hearing entitled ``Fraudulent Letters Opposing Clean
Energy Legislation,'' 9:30 a.m., room to be announced.
Joint Meetings
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: October 14, to
hold hearings to examine promoting tolerance and understanding in
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
region, focusing on the role of the personal representatives, 10
a.m., SVC-208/209.
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[[Page D1162]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Next Meeting of the SENATE
10 a.m., Friday, October 9
Senate Chamber
Program for Friday: Senate will meet in a pro forma session.
Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10 a.m., Friday, October 9
House Chamber
Program for Friday: The House will meet in pro forma session at 10 a.m.
_______________________________________________________________________
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE
Aderholt, Robert B., Ala., E2485
Alexander, Rodney, La., E2463
Baca, Joe, Calif., E2486
Bachus, Spencer, Ala., E2485
Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E2463, E2478, E2485, E2488
Berkley, Shelley, Nev., E2465
Bilbray, Brian P., Calif., E2463, E2468, E2483
Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E2498
Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E2498
Brown, Henry E., Jr., S.C., E2491
Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E2464
Cardoza, Dennis A., Calif., E2480, E2496
Castor, Kathy, Fla., E2497
Christensen, Donna M., The Virgin Islands, E2488
Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E2497
Costa, Jim, Calif., E2467, E2491
Davis, Susan A., Calif., E2480
Dingell, John D., Mich., E2473
Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E2464, E2470, E2482, E2484, E2486, E2499
Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E2482, E2494
Farr, Sam, Calif., E2479
Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E2487
Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E2496
Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E2489
Gingrey, Phil, Ga., E2471
Gordon, Bart, Tenn., E2490
Granger, Kay, Tex., E2483
Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E2487, E2498
Holt, Rush D., N.J., E2477
Honda, Michael M., Calif., E2475
Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E2465
Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E2463, E2465, E2480, E2485
King, Steve, Iowa, E2473
Kingston, Jack, Ga., E2482
Klein, Ron, Fla., E2476
Lance, Leonard, N.J., E2500
Larson, John B., Conn., E2487
Levin, Sander M., Mich., E2490
LoBiondo, Frank A., N.J., E2478, E2492
Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E2463
McNerney, Jerry, Calif., E2499
Maffei, Daniel B., N.Y., E2501
Markey, Edward J., Mass., E2489
Massa, Eric J.J., N.Y., E2488, E2500
Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E2490
Miller, Candice S., Mich., E2489
Miller, Jeff, Fla., E2494, E2501
Murtha, John P., Pa., E2472
Pastor, Ed, Ariz., E2483
Platts, Todd Russell, Pa., E2467
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E2493
Reichert, David G., Wash., E2497
Richardson, Laura, Calif., E2475
Rodriguez, Ciro D., Tex., E2479, E2491
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E2466, E2468, E2471, E2473, E2476, E2478, E2481,
E2483
Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E2489
Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E2491
Sarbanes, John P., Md., E2474
Schwartz, Allyson Y., Pa., E2493
Scott, Robert C. ``Bobby'', Va., E2495
Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E2493
Thompson, Mike, Calif., E2487, E2492
Tiberi, Patrick J., Ohio, E2495, E2501
Turner, Michael R., Ohio, E2494
Waters, Maxine, Calif., E2499
Wilson, Joe, S.C., E2490
Wittman, Robert J., Va., E2465
Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E2482