Quote of the Day:
“Congress seems to want to cure every ill known to man except unconstitutional government and high taxes.” – Charley Reese
Subject: Downsizers vs. Upsizers
The media tells us that the Presidential campaign is bitter and nasty. They tell us the partisanship in Congress is poisonous.
But the real poison is that Washington isn’t partisan enough. If it actually was partisan, our work at DownsizeDC.org would be a whole lot easier.
To illustrate, here are the roll call votes for eleven pieces of legislation that have defined the Bush Era of big, unlimited, unchecked government, the “Upsize DC Agenda:”
107th CONGRESS (2001-02)
* creating the Dept. of Homeland Security
* Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform (McCain-Feingold)
108th CONGRESS (2003-04)
109th CONGRESS (2005-06)
110th CONGRESS (2007-08)
35 Democratic Senators have served throughout all four terms. Of the 35,
* Just one, Russ Feingold, voted against the Republican President as many as nine times
* Only four others voted against the President as many as six times: Akaka, Byrd, Leahy, Levin
* 21 – 60% – voted against the President three or fewer times, including Majority Leader Reid, Majority Whip Durbin, Vice Presidential nominee Biden, Presidential candidates Clinton and Dodd, John Kerry, and the iconic “liberal” Ted Kennedy.
Among others who did not serve all four terms,
* Former Majority Leader Tom Daschle voted against the President once in seven opportunities.
* As did presidential candidate John Edwards.
* Barack Obama voted against the President just once in four opportunities.
Does this look like an “opposition” party to you?
Had the Democrats been more “partisan” and rejected bills that went against their supposed liberal and progressive principles, they would have filibustered and defeated at least seven of the measures. No Iraq War. No Patriot Act. No Bailout. If they had their way, perhaps only Campaign Finance Reform, Sarbanes-Oxley, and No Child Left Behind would have passed.
But if Republicans held to their conservative principles of smaller government, they would have defied their President and defeated these bills as well.
Had either party behaved according to their supposed principles, they would in many ways do Downsize DC’s work for us. They would defeat the other’s attempt to “upsize” government power.
But because they are all DC Upsizers, they often work together in “bi-partsian” fashion to take away our liberty and waste our money.
And they are relentless, which means we must be even more relentless.
In one week, Sept 22-26, the Senate passed an astonishing 73 bills totaling 1,031 pages. The House went far beyond that, passing 113 bills and 1,744 pages. (The list of bills is featured in the blog version of this Dispatch, below my signature.)
Some of the bills seem to be technical, housekeeping measures. A large number, however, continue the work of Upsizing DC. No doubt, many terrible specifics in the bills will come to our attention after the fact, leading us to wish we could have done something to stop them sooner.
But we can’t stop every bad bill, one-by-one. There are too many. We must instead strike at the root.
The Read the Bills Act strikes at the root. The Read the Bills Act forces Congress to pay the price of Big Government. Under the RTBA, every bill must be read before a quorum in Congress. If Congress wants Big Government, Congress will have to stay in session more hours per day, more days of the year.
It’s only fair. If the people have to pay for the programs and obey the laws contained in a bill, the least their representatives can do is explain what was in the bill. They shouldn’t be excused by saying “I didn’t have time to read the bill but was pressured by the President and party leaders to support it.”
The Read the Bills Act forces them to either make the time to read the bills, or to pass fewer bills.
Congress won’t pass the RTBA, unless it faces growing, relentless, overwhelming pressure to pass it.
And so we ask you to:
* Tell Congress to pass the Read the Bills Act, stating your objection to the massive number of bills it passed in the last few weeks.
* Get a Digg account, and then go to our blog and Digg this message.
* Spread this message by forwarding to friends and posting it on your blog.
* Add your blog or website to the Read the Bills Act Coalition by contacting us at RTBAcoalition@downsizedc.org
We welcome the newest additions to the Read the Bills Act Coalition.
Thank you for being part of the growing Downsize DC Army.
James Wilson
Assistant to the President
DownsizeDC.org
The following are the bills the House and Senate passed last week. The bills were passed by voice vote except where indicated. Roll call votes for the House are found here, and for the Senate here. The descriptions of bills are essentially taken verbatim from the Congressional Record Daily Digest. Page numbers of bills are based on the pdf display of the latest version from the Government Printing Office.
SENATE 73 bills; 1,031 pages
Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act: Senate passed S. 3341, to reauthorize and improve the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999. 13 pages
Albuquerque Indian School Act: Senate passed S. 1193, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust 2 parcels of Federal land for the benefit of certain Indian Pueblos in the State of New Mexico. 6 pages
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act: Senate passed H.R. 6893, to amend parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act to connect and support relative caregivers, improve outcomes for children in foster care, provide for tribal foster care D1129and adoption access, improve incentives for adoption, clearing the measure for the President. 33 pages
North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5834, to amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea, and the bill was then passed, 5 pages
ALS Registry Act: Senate passed S. 1382, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry, 4 pages
Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act: By 93 yeas to 2 nays (Vote No. 205), Senate passed H.R. 6049, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, 332 pages
Homeland Security Act: Senate passed S. 3328, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for a one-year extension of other transaction authority, 4 pages
Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform Act: Senate passed H.R. 3068, to prohibit the award of contracts to provide guard services under the contract security guard program of the Federal Protective Service to a business concern that is owned, controlled, or operated by an individual who has been convicted of a felony, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 2 pages
Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act: Senate passed S. 1255, to protect Indian arts and crafts through the improvement of applicable criminal proceedings, after agreeing to the committee amendments. 12 pages
Airport and Airway Trust Fund: Senate passed H.R. 6984, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, clearing the measure for the President. 3 pages
Chief Human Capital Officer: Senate passed S. 2816, to provide for the appointment of the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security by the Secretary of Homeland Security. 1 page
Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of S. 2932, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the poison center national toll-free number, national media campaign, and grant program to provide assistance for poison prevention, sustain the funding of poison centers, and enhance the public health of people of the United States, and the bill was then passed, 5 pages
Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act: Senate passed S. 1810, to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 4 pages
Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4120, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for more effective prosecution of cases involving child pornography, and the bill was then passed, 4 pages
Drug Endangered Children Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1199, to extend the grant program for drug-endangered children, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act: Senate passed H.R. 923, to provide for the investigation of certain unsolved civil rights crimes, clearing the measure for the President. 4 pages
Health Centers Renewal Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1343, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide additional authorizations of appropriations for the health centers program under section 330 of such Act, and the bill was then passed, 8 pages
Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act: Senate passed S. 2840, to establish a liaison with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to expedite naturalization applications filed by members of the Armed Forces and to establish a deadline for processing such applications, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 3 pages
Oregon Surplus Federal Land Act: Senate passed H.R. 6370, to transfer excess Federal property administered by the Coast Guard to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, clearing the measure for the President. 3 pages
John W. Warner Rapids: Senate passed S. 3550, to designate a portion of the Rappahannock River in the Commonwealth of Virginia as the “John W. Warner Rapids”. 2 pages
Improving Government Accountability Act: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 928, to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and the bill was then passed, 42 pages
United States Supreme Court Police: Senate passed S. 3296, to extend the authority of the United States Supreme Court Police to protect court officials off the Supreme Court Grounds and change the title of the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice, 6 pages
Michelle’s Law: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2851, to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. 6 pages
Social Security Act: Committee on Finance was discharged from further consideration of S. 3560, to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide additional funds for the qualifying individual (QI) program, and the bill was then passed. 5 pages
Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5057, to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, and the bill was then passed, 2 pages
Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act: Senate passed S. 1276, to facilitate the creation of D1172methamphetamine precursor electronic logbook systems, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 8 pages
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 6063, to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the bill was then passed, 68 pages
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act: Senate passed H.R. 6460, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern, 4 pages
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act: Committee on Indian Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2786, to reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans, and the bill was then passed, 25 pages
Combating Child Exploitation Act: Senate passed S. 1738, to require the Department of Justice to develop and implement a National Strategy Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, to improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and to make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators, after withdrawing the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 66 pages
Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act: Senate passed S. 2982, to amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 7 pages
Extend Waiver Authority: Senate passed H.R. 6890, to extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under section 105 of subtitle A of title IV of division B of Public Law 109-148, relating to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief, clearing the measure for the President. 1 pages
Defense Production Act Extension and Reauthorization: Senate passed H.R. 6894, to extend and reauthorize the Defense Production Act of 1950, clearing the measure for the President. 2 pages
Need-Based Educational Aid Act: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1777, to amend the Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 to make permanent the favorable treatment of need-based educational aid under the antitrust laws, and the bill was then passed, 1 page
White Mountain Apache Tribe Rural Water System Loan Authorization Act: Senate passed S. 3128, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to provide a loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe for use in planning, engineering, and designing a certain water system project, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 6 pages
Community Food Projects: Senate passed S. 3597, to provide that funds allocated for community food projects for fiscal year 2008 shall remain available until September 30, 2009. 4 pages
Submersible Vessels and Semi-Submersible Vessels: Senate passed S. 3598, to amend titles 46 and 18, United States Code, with respect to the operation of submersible vessels and semi-submersible vessels without nationality. 13 pages
International Medical Graduates: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5571, to extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates, 2 pages
Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program: Senate passed S. 3606, to extend the special immigrant nonminister religious worker program. 2 pages
Criminal History Background Checks: Senate passed S. 3605, to extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks. 1 pages
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act: Senate passed S. 3325, to enhance remedies for violations of intellectual property laws, after agreeing to the committee amendments, 25 pages
Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act: Senate passed S. 2304, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide grants for the improved mental health treatment and services provided to offenders with mental illnesses, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 12 pages
FEMA Accountability Act: Senate passed S. 2382, to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to quickly and fairly address the abundance of surplus manufactured housing units stored by the Federal Government around the country at taxpayer expense, 6 pages
Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments: Senate passed H.R. 5265, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for research with respect to various forms of muscular dystrophy, including Becker, congenital, distal, Duchenne, Emery-Dreifuss facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, D1185myotonic, and oculopharyngeal, muscular dystrophies, 3 pages
Immigration and Nationality Act: Senate passed S. 3166, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose criminal penalties on individuals who assist aliens who have engaged in genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings to enter the United States. 4 pages
Mayor William “Bill” Sandberg Post Office Building: Senate passed S. 3309, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2523 7th Avenue East in North Saint Paul, Minnesota, as the Mayor William “Bill” Sandberg Post Office Building. 1 page
Cpl. John P. Sigsbee Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 5975, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Main Street in Waterville, New York, as the “Cpl. John P. Sigsbee Post Office”, clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building: Senate passed H.R. 6092, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the “Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building”, clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Corporal Alfred Mac Wilson Post Office: Senate passed H.R. 6437, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 North Texas Avenue in Odessa, Texas, as the “Corporal Alfred Mac Wilson Post Office”, clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act: Senate passed H.R. 2963, to transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, after agreeing to the committee amendments. 6 pages
Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act: Senate passed H.R. 2631, to strengthen efforts in the Department of Homeland Security to develop nuclear forensics capabilities to permit attribution of the source of nuclear material, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 10 pages
Broadband Data Improvement Act: Senate passed S. 1492, to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the Nation, 24 pages
Authority for Trust Land: Senate passed S. 3192, to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Coquille Indian Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 4 pages
Presidential Historical Records Preservation Act: Senate passed S. 3477, to amend title 44, United States Code, to authorize grants for Presidential Centers of Historical Excellence, after agreeing to the committee amendments, 6 pages
Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments: Senate passed S. 1582, to reauthorize and amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, after withdrawing the committee amendments. 10 pages
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5618, to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and the bill was then passed, 13 pages
United States Postal Service Air Transportation Contracts: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further consideration of S. 3536, to amend section 5402 of title 39, United States Code, to modify the authority relating to United States Postal Service air transportation contracts, and the bill was then passed. 12 pages
Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act: Senate passed S. 2913, to provide a limitation on judicial remedies in copyright infringement cases involving orphan works, after to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 22 pages
Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act: Senate passed H.R. 5001, to authorize the Administrator of General Services to provide for the redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building located in the District of Columbia, clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act: Senate passed S. 3109, to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a hazardous waste electronic manifest system, 22 page
Mercury Market Minimization Act: Senate passed S. 906, to prohibit the sale, distribution, transfer, and export of elemental mercury, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, 8 page
Capitol Visitor Center Act: Senate passed H.R. 5159, to establish the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center within the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, headed by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services, to provide for the effective management and administration of the Capitol Visitor Center, 42 pages
Operation and Administration of Federal Courts: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of S. 3569, to make improvements in the operation and administration of the Federal courts, and the bill was then passed. 5 pages
Victims of Crime Act: Senate passed S. 3641, to authorize funding for the National Crime Victim Law Institute to provide support for victims of crime under Crime Victims Legal Assistance Programs as a part of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. 4 pages
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3229, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the legacy of the United States Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. 3 pages
Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5872, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President. 3 pages
PRICE of Homeland Security Act: Senate passed H.R. 6098, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve the financial assistance provided to State, local, and tribal governments for information sharing activities, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. 6 pages
Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act: Senate passed H.R. 1157, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of research centers regarding environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer, clearing the measure for the President. 4 pages
Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act: Senate passed H.R. 1532, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to making progress toward the goal of eliminating tuberculosis, clearing the measure for the President. 18 pages
NET 911 Improvement Act: Senate passed H.R. 6946, to make a technical correction in the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008, clearing the measure for the President. 2 pages
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008: S. 3325, to enhance remedies for violations of intellectual property laws, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 381 yeas to 41 nays, Roll No. 664–clearing the measure for the President; 25 pages
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6460, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 411 yeas to 9 nays, Roll No. 665–clearing the measure for the President; 4 pages
Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act: S. 2840, to establish a liaison with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to expedite naturalization applications filed by members of the Armed Forces and to establish a deadline for processing such applications, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 416 ayes with none voting “no”, Roll No. 668–clearing the measure for the President. 3 pages
HOUSE 113 bills, 1744 pages
Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008: S. 1315, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance veterans’ insurance and housing benefits and to improve benefits and services for transitioning servicemembers; 30 pages
Minute Man National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act: H.R. 5853, to expand the boundary of the Minute Man National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to include Barrett’s Farm; 4 pages
Authorizing the expansion of the Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis, Texas: H.R. 6176, to authorize the expansion of the Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis, Texas; 4 pages
Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act: H.R. 6159, amended, to provide for a land exchange involving certain National Forest System lands in the Mendocino National Forest in the State of California; 8 pages
Trail of Tears Documentation Act: H.R. 5335, amended, to amend the National Trails System Act to provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail; 4 pages
Camp Hale Study Act: H.R. 3336, amended, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a historic district to the Camp Hale on parcels of land in the State of Colorado; 4 pages
Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act: H.R. 3849, amended, to provide for the conveyance of parcels of land to Mantua, Box Elder County, Utah; 4 pages
Providing for a boundary adjustment and land conveyances involving Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, to correct the effects of an erroneous land survey that resulted in approximately 7 acres of the Crystal Lakes Subdivision, Ninth Filing, encroaching on National Forest System land: H.R. 3299, amended, to provide for a boundary adjustment and land conveyances involving Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, to correct the effects of an erroneous land survey that resulted in approximately 7 acres of the Crystal Lakes Subdivision, Ninth Filing, encroaching on National Forest System land; 8 pages
Authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans: H.R. 6685, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 302 yeas to 72 nays, Roll No. 616; 4 pages
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act: H.R. 1907, amended, to authorize the acquisition of land and interests in land from willing sellers to improve the conservation of, and to enhance the ecological values and functions of, coastal and estuarine areas to benefit both the environment and the economies of coastal communities, by a 2/3 D1131yea-and-nay vote of 313 yeas to 59 nays, Roll No. 617; 14 pages
Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act of 2008: H.R. 6853, amended, to establish in the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to address mortgage fraud in the United States, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 350 yeas to 23 nays, Roll No. 618; 6 pages
Extending the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under section 105 of subtitle A of title IV of division B of Public Law 109-148, relating to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief: H.R. 6890, amended, to extend the waiver authority for the Secretary of Education under section 105 of subtitle A of title IV of division B of Public Law 109-148, relating to elementary and secondary education hurricane recovery relief; 3 pages
Oregon Surplus Federal Land Act of 2008: H.R. 6370, to transfer excess Federal property administered by the Coast Guard to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians; 3 pages
Authorizing the Administrator of General Services to take certain actions with respect to parcels of real property located in Eastlake, Ohio, and Koochiching County, Minnesota: H.R. 6524, to authorize the Administrator of General Services to take certain actions with respect to parcels of real property located in Eastlake, Ohio, and Koochiching County, Minnesota; 6 pages
Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008: H.R. 6897, amended, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain payments to eligible persons who served in the Philippines during World War II, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 392 yeas to 23 nays, Roll No. 624; 8 page
Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008: H.R. 5352, amended, to protect seniors in the United States from elder abuse by establishing specialized elder abuse prosecution and research programs and activities to aid victims of elder abuse and to provide training to prosecutors and other law enforcement related to elder abuse prevention and protection, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 387 yeas to 28 nays, Roll No. 626; 22 page
College Fire Prevention Act: H.R. 642, amended, to establish a demonstration incentive program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing and dormitories, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 365 yeas to 51 nays, Roll No. 627. 8 pages
Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: The House passed H.R. 5244, to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan, by a recorded vote of 312 ayes to 112 noes, Roll No. 623. 28 pages
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008, Part II: H.R. 6984, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; 7 pages
Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008: H.R. 6983, amended, to amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 376 yeas to 47 nays, Roll No. 625; 38 pages
United States-Republic of Korea Defense Cooperation Improvement Act of 2008: H.R. 5443, to improve defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States; 8 pages
Requiring the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to provide detailed briefings to Congress on any recent discussions conducted between United States Government and the Government of Taiwan and any potential transfer of defense articles or defense services to the Government of Taiwan: H.R. 6646, amended, to require the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to provide detailed briefings to Congress on any recent discussions conducted between United States Government and the Government of Taiwan and any potential transfer of defense articles or defense services to the Government of Taiwan; 5 pages
North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendments to H.R. 5834, to amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea–clearing the measure for the President; 5 pages
Health Insurance Source of Injury Clarification Act of 2008: H.R. 6908, amended, to require that limitations and restrictions on coverage under group health plans be timely disclosed to group health plan sponsors and timely communicated to participants and beneficiaries under such plans in a form that is easily understandable; 6 pages
Healthy Start Reauthorization Act: S. 1760, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the Healthy Start Initiative–clearing the measure for the President; 2 pages
Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2008: H.R. 2583, amended, to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to establish a loan program for eligible hospitals to establish residency training programs; 10 pages
Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008: H.R. 6353, amended, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies; 40 pages
Defense Production Act Extension and Reauthorization of 2008: H.R. 6894, to extend and reauthorize the Defense Production Act of 1950; 2 pages
Extending the authorization of the national flood insurance program: H.R. 6965, to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program. 4 pages
Family Self-Sufficiency Act: H.R. 3018, to provide for payment of an administrative fee to public housing agencies to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with D1152the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 8 pages
Lance Corporal Eric Paul Valdepenas Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6874, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 156 Taunton Avenue in Seekonk, Massachusetts, as the “Lance Corporal Eric Paul Valdepenas Post Office Building”. 1 page
Kenneth Peter Zebrowski Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6199, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 245 North Main Street in New City, New York, as the “Kenneth Peter Zebrowski Post Office Building”. 1 page
CeeCee Ross Lyles Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass S. 3241, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1717 Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the “CeeCee Ross Lyles Post Office Building”–clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Murphy A. Tannehill Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 3511, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2150 East Hardtner Drive in Urania, Louisiana, as the “Murphy A. Tannehill Post Office Building”. 1 page
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009: S. 3001, amended, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 392 yeas to 39 nays, Roll No. 631; 54 pages
Amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for individuals for 2008: H.R. 7005, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for individuals for 2008, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 393 yeas to 30 nays, Roll No. 634; 6 pages
Amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide disaster assistance relief: H.R. 7006, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide disaster assistance relief, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 635; 32 pages
Amending the commodity provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008: H.R. 6849, amended, to amend the commodity provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to permit producers to aggregate base acres and reconstitute farms to avoid the prohibition on receiving direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, or average D1163crop revenue election payments when the sum of the base acres of a farm is 10 acres or less; 6 pages
Elevating the Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to an Inspector General appointed pursuant to section 3 of the Inspector General Act of 1978: H.R. 6406, amended, to elevate the Inspector General of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to an Inspector General appointed pursuant to section 3 of the Inspector General Act of 1978; 6 pages
Providing for agreement by the House of Representatives to the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 2095, with an amendment: H. Res. 1492, to provide for agreement by the House of Representatives to the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 2095, to amend title 49, United States Code, to prevent railroad fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials releases and to authorize the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, with an amendment; 308 pages
J. James Exon Federal Bureau of Investigation Building Designation Act: S. 3009, to designate the Federal Bureau of Investigation building under construction in Omaha, Nebraska, as the “J. James Exon Federal Bureau of Investigation Building”–clearing the measure for the President; 1 page
Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008: S. 2162, amended, to improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders; 34 pages
Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008: H.R. 3023, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and enhance compensation and pension, housing, labor and education, and insurance benefits for veterans; 6 pages
Amending title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by up to $1,000: H.R. 6980, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by up to $1,000. 3 pages
Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009: The House agreed to the Senate amendment with an amendment, made in order by the rule and printed in H. Rept. 110-875, to H.R. 2638, to make appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, by a yea-and-nay vote of 370 yeas to 58 nays with 1 voting “present”, Roll No. 632. 143 pages
Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008: H.R. 5265, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for research with respect to various forms of muscular dystrophy, including Becker, congenital, distal, Duchenne, Emery-Dreifuss facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, myotonic, and oculopharyngeal, muscular dystrophies, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 418 ayes to 2 noes, Roll No. 633; 12 pages
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008: S. 2606, to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 636–clearing the measure for the President. 7 pages
Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act of 2008: H.R. 2933, amended, to amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for that Act; 4 pages
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Boundary Expansion and Redesignation Act of 2008: H.R. 4828, amended, to amend the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1991 to expand the boundaries of the historic site; 4 pages
Establishing a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program to promote research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles: H.R. 6323, amended, to establish a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program to promote research of appropriate technologies for heavy duty plug-in hybrid vehicles; 10 pages
National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008: H.R. 2994, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to pain care; 16 pages
Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2008: H.R. 1532, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to making progress toward the goal of eliminating tuberculosis. 18 pages
Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2008: H.R. 1157, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of research centers regarding environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer; 9 pages
Tom Lantos Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Education Act of 2008: H.R. 6568, amended, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage research and carry out an educational campaign with respect to pulmonary hypertension; 8 pages
Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act: S. 1810, to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions–clearing the measure for the President; 4 pages
Health Centers Renewal Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1343, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide additional authorizations of appropriations for the health centers program under section 330 of such Act–clearing the measure for the President; 19 pages
Travel Promotion Act of 2008: H.R. 3232, amended, to establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business, and scholarly travel to the United States; 24 pages
Calling Card Consumer Protection Act: H.R. 3402, amended, to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services. 16 pages
Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008: H.R. 4544, amended, to require the issuance of medals to recognize the dedication and valor of Native American code talkers; 4 pages
Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2008: H.R. 758, amended, to require that health plans provide coverage for a minimum hospital stay for mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer and coverage for secondary consultations, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 421 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 639; 24 pages
Organ Transplant Authorization Act of 2008: H.R. 6469, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize increased Federal funding for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network; 3 pages
Meth Free Families and Communities Act: H.R. 6901, amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a drug-free workplace information clearinghouse, to support residential methamphetamine treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, and to improve the prevention and treatment of methamphetamine addiction; 10 pages
Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act: H.R. 1014, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in women, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 418 ayes to 4 noes, Roll No. 642; 12 pages
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008: H.R. 6950, to establish the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal for organ donors and the family of organ donors, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 420 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 643. 10 pages
First Lieutenant Noah Harris Ellijay Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 6847, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 801 Industrial Boulevard in Ellijay, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Noah Harris Ellijay Post Office Building” 1 page
Making a technical correction in the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6946, to make a technical correction in the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008. 2 pages
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008: H.R. 6045, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2012, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 404 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 647; 2 pages
ALS Registry Act: S. 1382, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry, by a yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 650–clearing the measure for the President; 4 pages
Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008: S. 2932, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the poison center national toll-free number, national media campaign, and grant program to provide assistance for poison prevention, sustain the funding of poison centers, and enhance the public health of people of the United States, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 403 ayes to 6 noes, Roll No. 653–clearing the measure for the President; 5 pages
Senior Professional Performance Act of 2008: S. 1046, to modify pay provisions relating to certain senior-level positions in the Federal Government, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas with none voting “nay”, Roll No. 659–clearing the measure for the President. 4 pages
Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008: The House passed H.R. 7060, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief, by a yea-and-nay vote of 257 yeas to 166 nays, Roll No. 649. 154 pages
Making supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009: The House passed H.R. 7110, to make supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, by a yea-and-nay vote of 264 yeas to 158 nays, Roll No. 660. 48 pages
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008: H.R. 7112, to impose sanctions with respect to Iran, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, and to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran. 38 pages
Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 2982, to amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations–clearing the measure for the President. 7 pages
Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3068, to prohibit the award of contracts to provide guard services under the contract security guard program of the Federal Protective Service to a business concern that is owned, controlled, or operated by an individual who has been convicted of a felony–clearing the measure for the President; 2 pages
Repealing the provision of title 46, United States Code, requiring a license for employment in the business of salvaging on the coast of Florida: S. 2482, to repeal the provision of title 46, United States Code, requiring a license for employment in the business of salvaging on the coast of Florida–clearing the measure for the President; 1 page
Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008: H.R. 6999, amended, to restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program; 54 pages
Program Supplemental Funding Act of 2008: S. 3560, to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide additional funds for the qualifying individual (QI) program–clearing the measure for the President; 5 pages
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6063, to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration–clearing the measure for the President; 68 pages
Charity Enhancement Act of 2008: H.R. 7083, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance charitable giving and improve disclosure and tax administration; 12 pages
Inmate Tax Fraud Prevention Act of 2008: H.R. 7082, amended, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose certain prisoner return information to the Federal Bureau of Prisons; 7 pages
Presidential Historical Records Preservation Act of 2008: S. 3477, to amend title 44, United States Code, to authorize grants for Presidential Centers of Historical Excellence–clearing the measure for the President; 6 pages
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2786, to reauthorize the programs for housing assistance for Native Americans–clearing the measure for the President; 24 pages
Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2008: S. 1738, to require the Department of Justice to develop and implement a National Strategy Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, to improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and to make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators–clearing the measure for the President; 66 pages
Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5057, to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program–clearing the measure for the President; 2 pages
Amending title 28, United States Code, to prohibit recognition and enforcement of foreign defamation judgments: H.R. 6146, amended, to amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit recognition and enforcement of foreign defamation judgments; 6 pages
Equal Justice for Our Military Act: H.R. 3174, to amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to allow for certiorari review of certain cases denied relief or review by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; 4 pages
Need-Based Educational Aid Act of 2008: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1777, to amend the Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 to make permanent the favorable treatment of need-based educational aid under the antitrust laws–clearing the measure for the President; 1 page
Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program Act: S. 3606, to extend the special immigrant nonminister religious worker program–clearing the measure for the President; 2 pages
Extending for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5571, to extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates–clearing the measure for the President; 2 pages
Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2008: H.R. 6838, to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety; 6 pages
Making improvements in the operation and administration of the Federal courts: S. 3569, to make improvements in the operation and administration of the Federal courts–clearing the measure for the President; 5 pages
Providing that funds allocated for community food projects for fiscal year 2008 shall remain available until September 30, 2009: S. 3597, to provide that funds allocated for community food projects for fiscal year 2008 shall remain available until September 30, 2009–clearing the measure for the President; 1 page
Providing for the appointment of the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security by the Secretary of Homeland Security: S. 2816, to provide for the appointment of the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security by the Secretary of Homeland Security–clearing the measure for the President; 1 page
Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008: H.R. 7177, to authorize the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign recipients; 12 pages
Amending section 114 of title 17, United States Code, to provide for agreements for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings by webcasters: H.R. 7084, to amend section 114 of title 17, United States Code, to provide for agreements for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings by webcasters. 4 pages
Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2008: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 1283, as amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for arthritis research and public health. 16 pages
Leo J. Ryan Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6982, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 210 South Ellsworth Avenue in San Mateo, California, as the “Leo J. Ryan Post Office Building”. 1 page
Gordon N. Chan Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6558, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 Lundy Avenue in San Jose, California, as the “Gordon N. Chan Post Office Building”. 1 page
CWO Richard R. Lee Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6834, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4 South Main Street in Wallingford, Connecticut, as the “CWO Richard R. Lee Post Office Building”. 1 page
Dr. Walter Carl Gordon, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6859, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Slappey Boulevard in Albany, Georgia, as the “Dr. Walter Carl Gordon, Jr. Post Office Building”. 1 page
Reverend Earl Abel Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass S. 3082, to designate the facility D1200of the United States Postal Service located at 1700 Cleveland Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, as the “Reverend Earl Abel Post Office Building”–clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Harry Lee Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 5932, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2801 Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, Louisiana, as the “Harry Lee Post Office Building”. 1 page
Judie Hammerstad Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6489, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 4th Street in Lake Oswego, Oregon, as the “Judie Hammerstad Post Office Building”. 1 page
Helen Berg Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6585, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 311 Southwest 2nd Street in Corvallis, Oregon, as the “Helen Berg Post Office Building”. 1 page
Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ray Carnes Post Office Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6902, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 513 6th Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky, as the “Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ray Carnes Post Office”. 1 page
Dr. Bernard Daly Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass S. 3015, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 18 S. G Street, Lakeview, Oregon, as the “Dr. Bernard Daly Post Office Building”–clearing the measure for the President. 1 page
Pickwick Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6197, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7095 Highway 57 in Counce, Tennessee, as the “Pickwick Post Office Building”. 1 page
Private First Class Irving Joseph Schwartz Post Office Building Designation Act: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass H.R. 6837, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7925 West Russell Road in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the “Private First Class Irving Joseph Schwartz Post Office Building”. 1 page
Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 928, to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General and to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 414 ayes with none voting “no”, Roll No. 661–clearing the measure for the President. 16 pages
Approving the United States-India Agreement for Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy: H.R. 7081, to approve the United States-India Agreement for Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 298 yeas to 117 nays with 1 voting “present”, Roll No. 662. 7 pages
Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators Act of 2008: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 431, as amended, to require convicted sex offenders to register online identifiers. 5 pages
Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act of 2008: The House agreed to discharge from committee and pass S. 3605, to extend the pilot program for volunteer groups to obtain criminal history background checks–clearing the measure for the President. 2 pages