granule_id,date,congress,session,volume,issue,title,chamber,granule_class,sub_granule_class,page_start,page_end,speakers,bills,citation,full_text CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH-FrontMatter,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,FRONTMATTER,H7471,H7471,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Vol. 158 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 No. 171" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7471-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7471,H7471,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker: Washington, DC, December 31, 2012. I hereby appoint the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. John A. Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7471-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,MORNING-HOUR DEBATE,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7471,H7471,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MORNING-HOUR DEBATE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of January 17, 2012, the Chair will now recognize Members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning-hour debate. The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with each party limited to 30 minutes and each Member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to 5 minutes each, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 9:50 a.m. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7471-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7471,H7471,"[{""name"": ""Earl Blumenauer"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE FISCAL CLIFF The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) for 5 minutes. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, Congress is here on New Year's Eve with the people they love: themselves, the special interests, and the policies of the past. The overhyped fiscal cliff may well be upon us, and we will find $600 billion of deficit reduction with tax increases and spending cuts, and then there will be the howls that we are doing it too abruptly from some of the same people who demanded this system of expiring cuts and sequestration in the first place. Make no mistake. There will be some real damage. We will be squeezing some people who deserve far better, and then we'll be scrambling to refine the budget reductions in a way that makes sense. And some time in the hours, days, and weeks ahead, we will get a semibalanced small agreement, very likely, struggling throughout the new Congress with budget bluster, especially in the House, moving from crisis to deadline to showdown. It's ironic because it doesn't need to be this hard. We could use the pressure and revenue from expiring temporary tax cuts to enact tax reform to provide the money that a growing and aging American population needs, but do it in a simpler, fairer way. We could actually reduce entitlement spending on Medicare by accelerating the health care reform, which is what, in Oregon, we've committed to do in exchange for some flexibility and some upfront funding. We have in place a program going forward that, if done on a national level, would save over $1 trillion over the next 10 years. We shouldn't be fooling around with patching an outmoded, unfair farm bill. Let's reform it to support family farmers and ranchers, beginning farmers, especially those who grow food, not large agribusiness producing heavily subsidized commodities. We can save money, protect the environment, enhance wildlife, the experience for hunters and fishermen, and have a healthier America. The military is the greatest source of money. We can start with 135,000 soldiers scattered in over 1,000 bases across the globe. We have a nuclear arsenal where we are spending several hundred billion dollars on weapons we can't use, we don't need and can't afford. Mr. Speaker, the good news is that the public would support us in these steps. The good news is that, if we ever got the chance to consider them in a fair and open debate on the floor of the House, we would find bipartisan support for each of these real saving options. The good news is that, ultimately, we are going to take these steps, proving, once again, the wisdom of Winston Churchill when he observed that you could always count on the Americans to do the right thing after they have exhausted every other possibility. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7471-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,GOING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF WITH POCKETS FULL OF SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7471,H7472,"[{""name"": ""Ted Poe"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7471-H7472] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] GOING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF WITH POCKETS FULL OF SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) for 5 minutes. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.'' That was Ronald Reagan in 1982. President Reagan went on to lead America out of a recession, but history has a way of repeating itself. Somehow, Washington never gets the message, and here we are, 30 years later on the brink of another crisis on New Year's Eve, still addicted to spending money. Now we are over $16 trillion in debt. President Reagan's words and principles remain true today, and they were true when he said them: the problem is spending money. Mr. Speaker, the American people know this. Why doesn't the Federal Government and Congress understand it? Why? Because Washington is obsessed with spending someone else's money. It's the arrogance of power that Congress spends the people's money without regard to how this obsession affects those very people. When American families are in debt, they sacrifice and they cut spending, whether that means taking one less [[Page H7472]] family vacation or fewer presents under the Christmas tree. Homes across the fruited plain are feeling the pain of the economic squeeze in their wallets, and they adjust accordingly, because that's what happens when times are tough. American families don't have a limited credit card like Congress does. The people are angry because they wonder why reckless Washington can't do the same. I hear that message every day from southeast Texans. These citizens are wiser than the tax-and-spendocrats here in Washington, D.C. Let me share a few of those straight-talking Texans' words with you. Michael says this: You can't have the cookies without the milk. Tax reform and spending cuts, not one without the other. Hubert from Baytown, Texas, says this: Our children and grandchildren will have to recover from reckless spending. Washington has a spending problem, not a taxing problem. Jeff says: You don't become fiscally responsible by continued increases in your credit card spending limit. Folks in Congress need to quit running from the hard choices and stop burying our children and grandchildren in debt. David from Humble, Texas, said this: This isn't really rocket science. Stop spending money we don't have, cut back on what we do spend, and stop sending money to our enemies. Now there's a novel idea. Paul from Beaumont said this: We do not have a revenue problem; instead, we have a spending problem. And it's been a spending problem for a long time. Larry said: If I'm out of cash, I stop spending. Perhaps Congress should do the same thing that I do in my house. When I don't have enough money, I quit spending. But Congress has its own printing press backed by the Chinese. Ashley says: Spending must be stopped. Just taking more from Americans will not fix this problem. Even if my direct taxes are not affected here, my employer's are. So what will that mean for me in the long run? I'm afraid I'm going to find out. Yes, Ashley, you're going to find out here on New Year's Eve. Jimmy from Crosby, Texas, says: I'm fed up with them never agreeing to a budget and spending like there is no tomorrow. This out-of-control action has got to stop. And, finally, Renee from Crosby, Texas, said: Please demand that spending be cut; fraud, waste, and abuse in government spending be addressed before any new taxes be forced upon hardworking Americans. Mr. Speaker, the American people, they actually do get it--at least those people who work and pay taxes. The backbone of America--the workers of America--say stop the spending obsession. Mr. Speaker, the problem is spending. We got here by spending too much, not by taxing too little. We're going off the cliff with our pockets full of somebody else's money. And that's just the way it is. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7471,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,CALLTOORDER,H7471,H7471,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7471,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H7471]] House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Harper). ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7472-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,THE SGR NEEDS TO BE PATCHED NOW,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7472,H7473,"[{""name"": ""Tom Price"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7472,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7472-H7473] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE SGR NEEDS TO BE PATCHED NOW The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) for 5 minutes. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in the late 1990s, Congress came up with a new formula to determine how much to pay doctors for taking care of seniors in the Medicare program. It's called the ``sustainable growth rate,'' or the SGR. And like so many Washington solutions, it doesn't work. Before coming to Congress, I was a doctor. I took care of patients for over 20 years. I remember thinking at the time that the SGR program was put into place, Well, that won't work. It's a house of cards. It's destined to fail. Mr. Speaker, here we are. America's seniors are on the verge of losing access to health care. Let me repeat that, Mr. Speaker. America's seniors are on the verge of losing access to health care. How? If Congress and President Obama don't act by January 1, tomorrow, Medicare payments to physicians will be reduced, will be cut by nearly 27 percent. You see, Mr. Speaker, the fiscal cliff is more than just the tax increases that President Obama so dearly wants. The effect of the SGR formula means that physicians who treat Medicare patients will be forced to limit the number of seniors that they see, fewer patients being seen, doctors forced not to see patients because of foolish Washington policy. This jeopardizes health care for millions of folks. The sustainable growth rate, the formula used by Medicare to determine physician reimbursement, needs to be repealed. It doesn't work for patients, and it doesn't work for doctors. It's destructive to the very principles that we hold dear about health care. It violates accessibility, it violates quality, and it limits choices. It harms real people. There are positive solutions that we're working on so that we may responsibly reform this broken system. But while we work to put in place a system that actually does make sense, we must provide certainty for patients and their doctors for the new year. Mr. Speaker, slashing payments to doctors is a terrible idea, and it must be stopped. The SGR needs to be patched now so that seniors may continue to see their doctors, and then we [[Page H7473]] should move forward with real solutions that work for real people, not just for Washington bureaucrats. The sad thing about our current dysfunction in this town is that people all across this country get harmed. It's not because of something that they did, but because of something that government did to them or forced them to do. It's time to let Americans be Americans, and in health care that means caring for each other and allowing patients and families and doctors to make medical decisions, not Washington. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7472,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,MIDNIGHT MAGIC,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7472,H7472,"[{""name"": ""Peter A. DeFazio"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7472,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7472] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 0910 MIDNIGHT MAGIC The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for 5 minutes. Mr. DeFAZIO. All but those in total denial--and there is a lot of that inside the D.C. Beltway--would admit that we need a combination of increased revenues, taxes--the gentleman before me disagrees--and spending cuts to restore fiscal stability. Especially with a still-weak economy, we don't need blanket tax increases that would hit the hardworking families of the middle class, and we don't need brain-dead, across-the-board spending cuts that mete out the same percentage cuts to wasteful and unneeded programs and high-functioning essential programs. We can do better, and the American people deserve better. In that spirit, I offer the following ideas. Pick one of the numbers floating out there. Let's restore the Clinton-era tax rates on income over $250,000, $400,000, $450,000. They are bargaining out there. Whatever. We are restoring the Clinton-era tax rates. We're not going back to Eisenhower. We're talking about Clinton-era tax rates for income above that level. Restore the same Clinton-era tax rates on unearned income when there were a lot more productive investments out there, delay the across-the- board cuts for 30 days, give the new Congress a chance to make smarter, targeted cuts of equal value, and fix the Medicare reimbursement so that seniors aren't threatened in the middle of the month from not being able to get medical care, and extend unemployment. Come on, don't be cruel to people who can't find jobs and want to find them, although some on that side deny they're looking for work. It's not the specifics really that I want to talk about here. It's the procedure. That's what will solve this because this is Washington. It's not about reality. Now, here it is: the midnight magic plan. We begin debate at 10 p.m. For the first 2 hours, everybody can go to their usual corners. The Republicans could decry the increased taxes on job creators, on income over $250,000 or $400,000 or $450,000. The Republicans could stay true to their pledge to Grover Norquist to never, ever raise taxes for any purpose, never. Democrats could say it's not enough; it doesn't restore tax fairness. We could have the usual debate for 2 hours. At midnight we stop, sing ``Auld Lang Syne,'' come together a little bit, and then the midnight magic. Now, the same bill is cutting taxes for 98 percent of the working people in the United States of America, the Democrats would have protected Social Security and Medicare, and both sides get a chance over 30 days to legislate--God forbid we should legislate around here-- targeted cuts instead of the meat-axe approach to cutting spending. I think that's the best we can do for the American people. We transmogrify this bill with the magic of midnight from one that increases taxes on the job creators--income over $250,000 or $450,000-- to one that actually gives tax cuts to 98 percent of America, something both sides can go home and brag about. No cliff. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7473-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF AND BUSH TAX CUT HISTORY,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7473,H7473,"[{""name"": ""Mo Brooks"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7473,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7473] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 0920 FISCAL CLIFF AND BUSH TAX CUT HISTORY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Brooks) for 5 minutes. Mr. BROOKS. Mr. Speaker, the Bush tax cuts' history illuminates why American families face huge tax increases on January 1. The Bush tax cuts had two purposes. First, stimulate the economy, create jobs, cut unemployment, and cut the deficit. Second, cut taxes to help American families take care of their own needs. In just 3 years, thanks to the Bush tax cuts, unemployment dropped from a high of 6.3 percent in 2003 to a low of 4.4 percent in 2006; 7 million American jobs were created between 2003 and 2006. Most importantly and paradoxically to those who do not understand economics, this robust economic growth cut America's deficit 60 percent--from $413 billion in FY 2003-2004 to $161 billion in FY 2006- 2007. By every economic measure, the Bush tax cuts were a spectacular success. The Bush tax cuts, part 1, became law in 2001. Republican Congressmen and Senators voted 258-2--99 percent--to cut taxes and protect family incomes. In contrast, Democrat Congressmen and Senators who now say they are for protecting family incomes voted 184-40--a whopping 81 percent--against American families and for higher taxes. The Bush tax cuts, part 2, became law in 2003. Republican Congressmen and Senators voted 272-3--that's 99 percent--to cut taxes and protect family incomes. In contrast, Democrat Congressmen and Senators who now say they are for protecting family incomes voted 245-9--an eye-popping 96 percent--against American families and for higher taxes. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats had enough votes to prevent the Bush tax cuts from being permanent. But for these Senate Democrats, America would not be facing a fiscal cliff today. President Obama and a radically different Congress, controlled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, revisited the Bush tax cuts. In two separate votes in February 2009 and December 2010, Democrats could have increased taxes on the wealthy if they'd really believed what they now say. Did they raise taxes on the wealthy? No. Why not? Democrats could have permanently protected lower- and middle-income families from higher taxes if Democrats had really believed what they now say. Did they? No. Why not? Mr. Speaker, why would a Democrat Congress and White House say they want to tax the wealthy but not do it? Why would a Democrat Congress and White House say they want permanent tax relief for lower- and middle-income taxpayers yet not give it? The answer is simple: Washington Democrats voted twice against tax increases on the wealthy and twice voted against giving permanent tax relief to lower- and middle-income families so that they could run campaigns on base human emotions like greed, envy, and class warfare, and campaign against the very tax policies Democrats kept in place, thus deflecting attention from the Democrats' abysmal record on the economy--trillion-dollar deficits and a $16 trillion national debt. To their credit, in 2012, their strategy worked. Democrats won the White House and the Senate. Ultimately, however, American voters will learn from history and truth will prevail. Ultimately, the American people will look at their property taxes, income taxes, estate taxes, sales taxes, and every other tax that they are being forced to pay, and they will ask: Who taxes and undermines my ability to take care of my family? History proves Democrats raise taxes whenever they believe they can get away with it. Conversely, history proves that Republicans protect as many American families as possible from Democrat tax increases. Mr. Speaker, that is the fight the Republican House fights today. Republicans will fight today and Republicans will fight tomorrow to protect as many American families as possible from the tax increases Democrats passed when they controlled Congress and the White House, and it is that difference, Mr. Speaker, that caused American voters to give Republicans in the 2010 and 2012 elections their largest number of House of Representative victories in more than six decades. Fighting Democrat tax increases: now that's a mandate. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7473-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,A TIME OF PERSONAL REFLECTION,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7473,H7474,"[{""name"": ""Russ Carnahan"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7473,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7473-H7474] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TIME OF PERSONAL REFLECTION The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carnahan) for 5 minutes. Mr. CARNAHAN. On this last day of the year and on one of the last days of this 112th Congress, we are awaiting a fiscal deal that will strengthen the fiscal health of this country. I want to take a few moments to reflect on my service here in the House of Representatives and to personally thank many who helped me get here and to do the work of the people whom I represent and love in the State of Missouri. First, Mr. Speaker, Debra Carnahan, my wife but also an accomplished attorney, a former State and Federal prosecutor. She's really been the rock of our family and has been with me through the great highs and tough lows of this job. So I want to thank her. Also, our two great sons--Austin and Andrew--who have shared me with thousands of constituents for several years. They have grown into amazing young men, young men who I think will, in their own rights, make a difference as they work their way through their lives. Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank some of my amazing staff who are too numerous to name--dozens over many years--but there are four in particular who worked with me through the entire 8 years that I served in this Congress: Jeremy Haldeman, who has [[Page H7474]] staffed the Foreign Affairs Committee for me and the Oversight Subcommittee, and who has also been my chief of staff in the Washington office; Jim McHugh, who has been my district director and longtime friend and colleague in St. Louis; Suzanne Archer, who has been my deputy director; and Kathy Waltz from Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, a former mayor there but an invaluable part of our constituent outreach team. There are many other staff members, but I thank those in particular for their long and loyal service and for the difference they make in so many people's lives. To the Missourians whom I've had the great honor to represent, I am gratified and humbled beyond belief to have been able to represent them in this U.S. House of Representatives for 8 years and to also have represented many in the State house of representatives for 4 years prior to that. In working with them and for them we've been able to get some great things done on big national issues but also on important local issues back home. From ribbon cuttings and orange cones and construction signs all across the St. Louis region to investments in our infrastructure, which have created real jobs at home and have helped rebuild our region's roads, bridges, ports, lochs, dams, levees, flood walls, airports, high-speed rail, light rail, and our bus systems, those have made a real difference in people's lives. It was the reason I got on the Transportation Committee in the first place. We had two of the most deadly roads in America in Jefferson County, Missouri, and we got special funding to help rebuild those roads--to not only help their economy but to save lives. Recently, our firefighters were able to obtain a Federal grant for special patrol boats-rescue boats on the Mississippi River, which will serve the region for years to come. These kinds of investments are important, and I want to urge this new Congress that will be taking over in just a few days to pass a major transportation bill. It's one of the best investments we can make in this country in order to continue to grow this economy. We've seen after growing out of this Great Recession over the last few years the Recovery Act passed, the auto industry saved, major Wall Street reforms passed, health care reform passed, and stem cell research measures adopted in unprecedented bipartisan ways. I'll never forget the mothers with their young children who were sitting in my office the day that the health care bill was approved. There was not a dry eye in the room because all of their kids had preexisting conditions. Because of the new health care law, that cannot be the case anymore. I was also proud to serve on our House Foreign Affairs Committee and to chair the international organization's committee, so I just want to urge this Congress to take on the needed reforms to make this Congress work better for the American people. In closing, we recently greeted World War II veterans here at the monument built in their honor. They said that this Congress needed to take on the spirit they had in World War II--to put the country first and to put our differences aside--and that we could achieve great things. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7473,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,IN RECOGNITION OF DEDICATED STAFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,RECOGNIZING,H7473,H7473,"[{""name"": ""Jason Altmire"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7473,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7473] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF DEDICATED STAFF The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire) for 5 minutes. Mr. ALTMIRE. Mr. Speaker, on this last day of 2012, I want to take a moment to highlight the work of a number of hardworking Federal employees, people who serve with distinction, but often without the credit they deserve. All of us in the House have dedicated staff who, though unheralded, are committed to their country and the constituents they serve. Without them, we could never do our jobs, and I want to thank those who have worked for me over the past 6 years: Susan and Ed Anfinson, Lin Banks, Mark Perkins, Noel Warren, and the great George Greenfield. They were all shared employees that we shared with other offices. Then we have our full-time employees: Ben Barasky, Olivia Benson, Evan Brennan, Mike Butler, Julie Cain, Richard Carbo, Jennifer Dale, Nick Demicheli, Michelle Dorothy, Serronn Emerson, Jim Ferruchie, Dori Friedberg, Jesse Haladay, Angela Hayden, Kathleen Janoski, Carolyn Kahler, Rachel Kaufman, Erik Komendant, Jennifer Kraus, Chris Lombardi, Cody Lundquist, Greg Malinak, Caitlin Mathis, Stephanie Bone, Tess Mullen, Beth Newman, Bennett Reed, Nathan Robinson, Emily Schmitt, Mariel Schwartz, Abby Silverman, Lee Slater, Shannon Smith, Christina Stacey, P.J. Tabit, Alexandra Taylor, Nikki Tesla, Randy Stapleford and John Galanski--the two best veteran constituent service reps you could ever want--Sharon Werner, Rachael Heisler, and Cara Toman. Mr. Speaker, all of them were loyal to the district, and I read their names into the Record to thank them for their service and loyalty to me, but especially for their service to the district. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7474-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,BELARUS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7474,H7475,"[{""name"": ""John Shimkus"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7474,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7474-H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BELARUS The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for 5 minutes. Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, it's good to come down for morning-hour, especially today, to hear my colleagues come down and thank staff and people who've been important in their lives, especially in their careers. Jason Altmire, what a great job he did thanking his staff. My friend, Russ Carnahan from across the Mississippi River, thanking family, wife, sons, and staff. For the work we do here, too frequently, many go unappreciated. [[Page H7475]] But, Mr. Speaker, I did break the code on why we're here so late today. I know a lot of people want to know. We can blame Jay Pierson for that. Jay is retiring today. This is his last day, and we wanted to make sure that we got the last ounce of flesh and blood from him. So if the American people want to know why we're here, it's Jay Pierson's fault. Jay Pierson is Speaker Boehner's floor assistant. He obviously carries around a copy of Jefferson's Manual. He has been a servant of the House of Representatives for 34 years. He's a truly dedicated public servant. I thank him for his friendship and his support to this body and especially to me personally. Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to take time out, as I do, to speak about democratic movements around the world, especially in the former captive nations of Eastern Europe, and remember those who are jailed just because they want political freedoms and liberties. Two years ago after the brutal and bloody crackdown on peaceful demonstrations after the 2010 presidential elections, the human rights of ordinary Belarusian citizens continue to be violated by the Lukashenko government. One candidate who ran against Lukashenko during that election, Nikolai Statkevich, remains in jail. The other jailed candidate, Andrei Sannikov, was pardoned earlier this year and is in exile in Britain. Ales Byalyatski, the head of Viasna Human Rights Center, also remains imprisoned after being convicted to a 4\1/2\-year jail sentence for trumped-up charges of tax evasion. These are two of 12 political prisoners who today remain behind bars under deplorable prison conditions in Belarus. The general human rights situation in Belarus has not improved since the events of 2010, despite international condemnation and sanctions on the regime. In its 2012 report, Freedom House ranked Belarus as ``not free'' in the categories of civil liberties and political rights, and Belarus ranked 193 out of 197 countries on Freedom House's 2012 press freedom index. The Reporters Without Borders press freedom index ranks Belarus 168 out of 179 countries. Laws have passed that regulate demonstrations and political information, stifling freedom of assembly. Independent journalists and political activists are under a constant threat of intimidation and arbitrary detention. Belarus held parliamentary elections on September 23, 2012. Unsurprisingly, the elections failed to meet international standards and were widely condemned as not free or fair. While some democratic opposition parties boycotted the elections, the candidates who did attempt to run were denied registration by election authorities, intimidated, and given unfair access to media resources. No opposition figures were elected to the 110-seat legislature. Official turnout was reported as 74.3 percent, although observers claim the turnout was closer to 30 percent of eligible voters. Belarus remains mired in its worst financial crisis since independence, which has put Lukashenko under increasing pressure. In the past month, he has reshuffled several top figures in his government and made some controversial economic decisions that have been met with criticism in the international community. This includes signing a presidential decree making it illegal for workers in Belarus' wood processing industry to quit their jobs, and announcing that Belarus would begin shifting its exporting business from ports in the Baltic to Russian ports. This will only strain the relationship between Belarus and its democratic neighbors and increase Russia's stronghold on key Belarusian markets. {time} 0940 Belarus already depends on Russia for nearly all its energy supplies. The United States and the European Union must remain united, impose economic sanctions, and have a single plan for action regarding the promotion of democratic process in Belarus. So again, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this time coming down, and I wish everybody a Happy New Year. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7474,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7474,H7474,"[{""name"": ""Robert J. Dold"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7474,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7474] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 0930 FISCAL CLIFF The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Dold) for 5 minutes. Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I want to first start off by thanking my friend from Missouri for his service and working with him on legislation in the past. Just to pick up on what he said about our World War II heroes, we do need to put the country first. I think that certainly we're here on New Year's Eve and we're upon the fiscal cliff. What we do need to focus on is how do we find that common ground, because what we do know is I believe Democrats and Republicans alike want to put our country on a course to some fiscal discipline--we hope. Is there a course where we can find enough common ground to move it forward so that we don't have a downgrade, so that we don't spike unemployment, so that the markets don't go down. Mr. Speaker, I'm a small business owner. I employ 100 people. For me, it's 100 families. I meet a budget and a payroll. What they're looking for when I talk to people back home, they're looking for some stability, they're looking for certainty, and what we're doing here is not providing any of those things. And yet I do believe that there is a spirit of comity that we want to find that common ground and move forward. I'm sorry that we're here on New Year's Eve and that we haven't solved this problem long ago. I will say, Mr. Speaker, that the House did send a bill in August over to the United States Senate. Going back to my time as a small business owner, I can just tell you, if I'd given something to one of the people that I work with, marked it ``urgent'' and put it on their desk months ago and it sat for month after month after month, something would be wrong. Well, in essence, Mr. Speaker, that's exactly what we've done. We sent something over to the United States Senate months ago, marked it ``urgent'' because this is talking about the direction, the fiscal direction of our Nation, and yet nothing is coming back. Unfortunately, Washington works on brinksmanship. We don't want brinksmanship; we want stability. The world is watching, and we need to focus on the common ground to move things forward. We want to make sure that we can keep tax rates low. We want to make sure that we can bring additional revenue into the Federal Government. I believe that's going to be through growth. That's going to be sparking the American spirit, that entrepreneurial spirit across our country to bring more dollars into the Federal Treasury, to get more people back to work. The thing that's amazing, Mr. Speaker, is there's a lack of leadership, a lack of leadership here in Washington, D.C., that's palpable. We need to move forward. During the budget season, those on the other side of the aisle, myself, some of my colleagues on my side of the aisle, put forth a budget, the first bipartisan budget in a generation, based upon the Simpson-Bowles plan, talking about the need to bring additional revenue in, talking about the need to put spending cuts out there because Washington has this sense of spending, Mr. Speaker. Republicans have overspent; Democrats have overspent. I'm not here to point the finger. What I am looking for is a solution to the problems we face. My hope is that we can get those done today. The American people demand it, the American people need it, and the world is looking to America for leadership. Mr. Speaker, on a different note, I want to rise today to recognize an extraordinary lady, a great American, one who raised four children and instilled in them a love of family and country, taught those around her the idea that your integrity determines your identity. In fact, she gave me that plaque, and it hangs in my room today. I want to say it again, Mr. Speaker, because I think it is so very, very important: Your integrity determines your identity. She also instilled a fantastic work ethic in those around her. A teacher, first of special needs children, then in English as a high school English teacher for a number of years, she left the teaching profession to have a family and then became an entrepreneur. She went into the private sector, helped people get jobs, put food on the table for families, and helped those families get an education. Mr. Speaker, this great American lady celebrates a birthday today. I'm sorry that I'm not with her, but I am in spirit. Happy birthday, Mom. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7475,H7475,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECESS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until 10 a.m. today. Accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 41 minutes a.m.), the House stood in recess. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,AFTER RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7475,H7475,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1000 AFTER RECESS The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mrs. Emerson) at 10 a.m. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PRAYER,HOUSE,HOUSE,PRAYER,H7475,H7475,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PRAYER The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: Loving God, we give You thanks for giving us another day. On this last day of 2012, forget not Your people. There are many differences plaguing our Nation's discourse. Please send wisdom upon the leaders serving in government and goodwill among all the principals in current negotiations. We thank You for the service of so many who work every day in this building, whose labor provides the lubrication for the very public actions of the Members of this assembly. Though each deserves special mention, bless especially this day Jay Pierson, who works his last day of 34 years of faithful service on the floor of the House. May all that is done this day be for Your greater honor and glory. Amen. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,THE JOURNAL,HOUSE,HOUSE,HJOURNAL,H7475,H7475,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House her approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE,HOUSE,HOUSE,PLEDGE,H7475,H7475,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. HIGGINS led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475-7,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HANNOUNCEMENT,H7475,H7476,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7475-H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair will entertain up to 15 requests [[Page H7476]] for 1-minute speeches on each side of the aisle. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7475,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FAREWELL TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7475,H7475,"[{""name"": ""Tim Scott"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7475,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FAREWELL TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Scott) for 5 minutes. Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say farewell to the House. I first want to say thank you to the wonderful people of the South Carolina coast. From Myrtle Beach to my hometown of North Charleston to Hilton Head, your support over the last 3 years has truly humbled me and inspired me. I also want to thank my friends, my colleagues, and the members of the South Carolina delegation: Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Gowdy, and Mr. Mulvaney. We have a great group who truly understands we are here to represent the great State of South Carolina and the citizens of America, and I thank them all for their friendship. Finally, I'd like to thank all of my colleagues here in the House. We may not always agree on things, but we are here for a reason: to try and make this Nation better. As I prepare to move to the United States Senate, it is that belief that makes me incredibly optimistic about our future. The battles of today will, in the future, be seen as a positive turning point for our Nation, where we got our fiscal house back in order and revitalized the American Dream for our children and our grandchildren. I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of South Carolina, some of the most passionate people in the Nation. And I will never forget my time here in the people's House, where we worked every single day to build a brighter future for our Nation. Thank you. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7476,"[{""name"": ""Dennis J. Kucinich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""100""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""100""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KUCINICH. The question settling over this Capitol as we face the fiscal cliff is: How can this be happening? It's hyperpartisanship meets Citizens United. America's politics are so saturated with money and so politically polarized that the system cannot function to meet its obligations to keep the government running. But make no mistake about it--government does work. It's working for Pentagon contractors, for arms manufacturers, for oil companies, for coal companies. It's working for those who want to hold down wages and suppress the rights of workers. It's working for drug companies whose sweetheart deal on prescription drugs blew a hole in the Medicare budget. The apparent dysfunctionality of government masks the reality that the tax resources of government increasingly are going to the highest bidders in a $4 billion national election. The debris at the bottom of the fiscal cliff will be the wrecked hopes of doctors and Medicare patients, unemployed workers who can't protect their families, and middle class taxpayers who just can't pay any more. Our Nation's pose at the fiscal cliff is proof of the necessity of a constitutional amendment, H.J. Res. 100, to rid this Nation of the corrupting influence of special interest money with public financing, which recreates a true government of the people. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FACTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE ABOUT THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7476,"[{""name"": ""Pete Olson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FACTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE ABOUT THE FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. OLSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I want to give the American people seven facts about our fiscal crisis. Fact number one: we have a $16 trillion national debt that's expected to go up to over $22 trillion before President Obama leaves office. Fact number two: Washington's problem is not revenue. It's uncontrolled spending. Fact number three: in less than 14 hours, automatic tax hikes will give Washington more money to spend. Fact number four: the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says these automatic tax hikes threaten to put us back into another recession. Fact number five: the House has done its job to avoid this crisis by passing a bipartisan bill to stop the tax hikes. Fact number six: the Senate, with the President's approval, has refused to take up this bill. Fact number seven: we've done our job in the House. It's time for the Senate to do their job before the clock strikes midnight. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,REAL EFFECTS OF GOING OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7476,"[{""name"": ""Brian Higgins"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REAL EFFECTS OF GOING OVER THE FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, at midnight tonight, the Budget Control Act of 2011 and sequestration will trigger spending cuts of $1.2 trillion over 10 years, including $109 billion in 2013. We'll have 8.2 percent, or $54 billion, in domestic spending cuts funding to the National Cancer Institute that supports clinical trials for new cancer treatments. If you're a patient at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo and you're diagnosed with late-stage cancer, you don't have the luxury of time that these cuts demand. That's what sequestration means to cancer patients in Buffalo and throughout the Nation. We'll have 9.4 percent, or $55 billion, cut in defense spending. What does it mean to my community of Buffalo and western New York? MOOG, a world leader in motion control technology with a thriving defense unit, a $2.5 billion company that employs 8,400 people, takes a major hit. That's what sequestration means to the defense industry in Buffalo and throughout the Nation. Madam Speaker, sequestration cannot be viewed in the abstractions of Washington and this institution. Its real consequences will be felt hard by real people in real communities throughout this Nation, including in Buffalo and western New York. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PASS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO AVERT THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7476,"[{""name"": ""David N. Cicilline"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PASS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO AVERT THE FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, the 112th Congress has been defined as the least productive Congress in recent memory. And now we run the risk of being the Congress whose action will cause real harm to our country's economic future. The American people have consistently said they want Republicans and Democrats to act like adults and work together on the challenges we face. And yet here we are again, facing a critical financial deadline with no agreement in place to avert the so- called fiscal cliff and to protect seniors, middle class families, and business owners while we reduce our debt. There's just too much at stake right now for this Congress to keep playing the games of brinksmanship and partisan politics. Over the last 10 years, as I've met with Rhode Islanders from Woonsocket to Newport and everywhere in between, I've heard one clear message: now is the time for those of us who serve in this Chamber to get this hard work done on behalf of the men and women who sent us here. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to spend less time assigning blame to each other and instead pass a comprehensive plan that averts the fiscal cliff, cuts our debt, and protects middle class families, seniors, and small business owners. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PUT DOWN THOSE GUNS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7477,"[{""name"": ""Frederica S. Wilson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7476-H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PUT DOWN THOSE GUNS (Ms. WILSON of Florida asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. WILSON of Florida. Today is New Year's Eve. While we debate going over the fiscal cliff at midnight, there are people somewhere in America planning to shoot their guns in celebration at midnight. Put down those guns. Millions of people have died or been injured due to this dangerous celebratory custom. Put down those guns. If I were in my district of Miami today, I would be participating in a press conference that we started 10 years ago, calling an end to this deadly custom. As a result, celebratory gunfire has largely disappeared from our county. It is a result of repeated demands and media events over and over again. Now people get it. Remember, what goes up must come down. Bullets are no exception. Instead, hug your kids. Light a candle. Resolve to sell your gun in the next community gun buy-back initiative. Say a prayer for [[Page H7477]] all of the precious children who have lost their lives to gun violence in our Nation, especially those babies we lost most recently in Connecticut. Put down those guns. Don't even think about it. Because one bullet-- just one bullet--will kill the party. Please, America, put down those guns. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7476,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,BIG SPENDING LEADS TO FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7476,H7476,"[{""name"": ""Joe Wilson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7476,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7476] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BIG SPENDING LEADS TO FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, at midnight tonight, our Nation is scheduled to fall off the fiscal cliff, because the Augusta Chronicle editorial of December 2 is correct: It's that stubborn adherence to big spending that's powering the momentum toward the fiscal cliff. And halting big spending is what's going to stop it. Over the past year, House Republicans have passed effective bipartisan legislation to prevent the entire fiscal cliff. Unfortunately, these bills remain stalled in the Senate graveyard. This fact makes it very clear that House Republicans have addressed this issue, and Speaker John Boehner is holding firm for fiscal responsibility. With only a few hours to go, it's my hope the Senate will accept one of the House proposals and send legislation back to the House, which will attempt to tackle Washington's out-of-control spending, extend tax cuts for all Americans, and prevent the devastating defense budget cuts before it is too late and hundreds of thousands of jobs are destroyed. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Jay Pierson, for your years of service. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,AVOIDING THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7477,"[{""name"": ""Eddie Bernice Johnson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] AVOIDING THE FISCAL CLIFF (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to implore the House GOP leadership to address the looming fiscal cliff. We have only a few hours left, and we owe it to the American people to find a solution, pass legislation, and send it to the President for his signature tonight. There is too much at stake to let this critical situation devolve into the same politics as usual that we have seen throughout this Congress. The consequences of failure or inaction are dire. According to the Congressional Budget Office, going over the cliff would raise the unemployment rate from 7.9 to 9.1 percent in 2013. We would also see devastating cuts to programs that pay for education, food inspection, and air travel safety, nearing $55 billion. Madam Speaker, there is no more time, and the American people are depending on us for a solution to avoid this fiscal cliff. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,SENATE NEEDS TO GET TO WORK,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7477,"[{""name"": ""Steve Scalise"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE NEEDS TO GET TO WORK (Mr. SCALISE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, here we are on New Year's Eve working to avoid this latest fiscal cliff. Of course, if you wonder why we're here, just look at the fact that we shouldn't have to be here. Back on August 1, this House, with a bipartisan vote, passed a bill that would have avoided this fiscal cliff. It would have protected every American family from seeing a tax increase. The bill passed on August 1, and it's been sitting over in the Senate every day since then. But here we are on New Year's Eve, and the Senate is finally rolling up their sleeves and working to avoid this crisis. Well, here we are at another crisis, and, unfortunately, as we look towards this New Year tomorrow, this is not the last time that we may be here. We passed a budget here in the House months ago. It's been more than 3 years since the Senate passed a budget, yet months from now we'll be hearing another cliff approaching of a government shutdown because the Senate hasn't passed a budget. It's time for the Senate to start doing their work and stop creating these crises and forcing American families to wonder what's going to happen next and what's going to be the next crisis. We should not have any American family facing a tax increase. Let's get the American economy on track. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7477,"[{""name"": ""John A. Yarmuth"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FISCAL CLIFF DEADLINE (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, the American people are looking at Congress with disdain--and rightfully so. With the deadline on the fiscal cliff only hours away, we have failed to reach a reasonable compromise to move the economy forward and ward off painful tax hikes on the middle class. The majority of Americans have sent us a clear message of what they want--a fair tax system, an economy that works for everyone, and a strong social safety net. These are classic American values, and throughout our history Members of both parties have made compromises in order to protect them. Those compromises reflect not just the will of the people but the way normal people do business. Every day of their lives American workers solve problems and collaborate with their coworkers to meet objectives. They don't get to wait until after the deadline passes to get the job done; if they do, they lose their jobs. The American people can't just go home if they don't get their way. And yet that's exactly what House Republican leadership did earlier this month. I hope it's not what they plan to do again this week. Madam Speaker, if my colleagues don't wake up and respond to what the American people want, they will be the ones to ultimately lose their jobs--and rightfully so. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7477,"[{""name"": ""Colleen Hanabusa"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FISCAL CLIFF (Ms. HANABUSA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. HANABUSA. Madam Speaker, when Chairman Bernanke first coined the phrase the ``fiscal cliff,'' he was really describing the perfect storm. The fiscal cliff is not only sequestration, the impact of the Budget Control Act, but also includes and is not limited to the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, unemployment insurance, the SGR, the AMT patch, the debt limit, other tax provisions. Ergo the perfect storm--major issues that this Republican-controlled House will not address until the wealthy are protected. We must address a sufficient number of these provisions to avert the perfect storm. To do so, we must look to the building of public confidence so that we can continue steady growth in the economy and jobs, the true way to avert the cliff. This is why we must do what is best for the middle and working class first: extend the Bush taxes for the middle class, extend unemployment insurance, SGR, the AMT patch, delay the sequestration--those items which we can all agree upon. We've got to get to work. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,IMPENDING FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Paul Tonko"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7477-H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IMPENDING FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, well, here we are on the last day of calendar year 2012 with an impending fiscal cliff challenging all of us. The women and men who serve in this great body assemble and express great differences, but those differences ought not divide us; they should build us with the best consensus. We need a bold and balanced approach to this fiscal cliff. We need to make certain that the 33 consecutive months of private sector job growth are not disrupted. We need to make certain that the unemployment rate does not rise as the CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, suggests, to 9.1 percent. We need to avoid taxes growing by $2,200 for an average family of four in 2013. That's what's impending here. It is important for us to go forward and take the initiative and avoid the consequences of that fiscal cliff. I'm concerned because FEMA, as an example, would be cut by some $878 million. Having witnessed the destruction in my district, we can ill- afford that. Cuts to nutrition programs, cuts [[Page H7478]] to Medicare. I implore our leadership in this House, bring a bold and balanced approach to solve our fiscal cliff crisis here today. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7477,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,WORK TOGETHER FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7477,H7477,"[{""name"": ""Donna M. Christensen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7477,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7477] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1010 WORK TOGETHER FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. It will be very hard to wish the American people happy New Year unless this Congress reaches and passes an agreement that keeps taxes from going up on the 98 percent who have already had to sacrifice during the recession, that extends unemployment, enables doctors to continue to care for their Medicare beneficiaries, fixes the AMT, provides disaster recovery money to help our fellow Americans, and passes the farm bill. Democrats agreed last year to $1.5 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years, which are already in place. President Obama offered several concessions. Now Republicans need to give up at least an equal amount on the revenue side. And right now--but definitely early in 2013--my constituents in the Virgin Islands need relief from the highest energy costs in the country and a fair Medicaid match so that everyone can have access to quality health care. Whatever partisan differences we have and the Republicans have with our President, let's set them aside as this difficult year comes to a close and work together to give our constituents a happy New Year. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PASS THE SENATE SUPPLEMENTAL,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn B. Maloney"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1020 PASS THE SENATE SUPPLEMENTAL (Mrs. MALONEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, it has now been 9 weeks since Superstorm Sandy swept across the east coast. Twenty-four U.S. States were in some way affected by Sandy. The storm killed at least 131 people in eight States. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. The unprecedented disaster caused billions of dollars in loss and economic disruption. Just 2 weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, this Congress approved more than $62 billion in Federal aid to help the devastated area get back on its feet. After Hurricanes Ike and Gustav hit in 2008, a supplemental appropriations bill passed this Congress overwhelmingly. All of these aid packages were approved by strong bipartisan majorities in both Chambers. The needs were obvious and the speed imperative. We need to pass the Senate supplemental. Nothing has changed. That is what we did for others. That's what we need to do to help this devastated area. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Marcy Kaptur"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, my hope is that tonight we will do what is right for the Republic and pass a responsible measure dealing with spending and our debt. But there's another cliff tonight at midnight that should concern the millions of homeowners who have forgone their mortgage foreclosure reviews. They have a deadline of midnight tonight as reported by USA Today yesterday on the front page of the business section. It's important to millions of Americans who literally could receive up to $100,000 in compensation because of mistakes that were made by servicers in the processing of those loans. So, I would like to tell people who might have had foreclosures facing their families in 2009 and 2010, they can call 888-952-9105 or go to the Web site IndependentForeclosureReview.com. The Office of Comptroller of the Currency will help them review those mortgage foreclosures. Far too many Americans, millions, 4 million to be exact, have received these notices, but only a little over 300,000 have replied. Millions of people could have those mortgages reviewed and perhaps receive compensation and hang onto their houses. Again, that phone number is 888-952-9105. Let's help the millions of Americans who have been harmed with their mortgages by irresponsible servicers. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Gerald E. Connolly"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, the start of a new year is supposed to be a joyous occasion. It is time to reflect on the past year, to take pride in our accomplishments and learn from our stumbles. There's a novel thought. Similarly, the start of a new Congress offers us an opportunity to look forward with hope and aspiration for the opportunity to work together--again, a novel thought--to deliver on behalf of those who have put their trust in us. Let's not pull the rug out from underneath both of those things before they've even had a chance to begin. The start of the new year and the new Congress do not have to be colored by the partisanship that's characterized the past year. There is a last-minute absolution to be had if we can seize the spirit of the season and do that which we have done all too little of this past year: compromise, come together. Let's ring in the new year with a fix, albeit a modest one, of the fiscal cliff and start off our new year and new Congress with a proper welcome for our constituents and our colleagues. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Keith Ellison"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, many years ago our friends on the conservative side of the political aisle told us that if we cut taxes for the wealthiest among us, what would happen is that they would get more money which they would use to invest in plant and equipment, and then all the rest of us working class and middle class folks would benefit by rich people having more money because then they would hire us and we'd have a stronger economy. They put this plan into implementation in 2001 and into 2003, and what followed was the most anemic decade of job growth that we have seen in many, many, many decades. If you can contrast it with the 1990s when the tax rates were actually higher, we had a much more robust economy. In fact, when President Clinton handed President Bush the reins to the government, he handed him, also, a surplus. The fact is the conservative experiment based on the ideas of a guy named Arthur Laffer and others has failed. They don't work. They're wrong for this country. It's time for us to have some balance and to pay the bills of this country, and that means taxes. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,CONGRESS MUST WORK TOGETHER TO AVOID FALLING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Frank Pallone, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESS MUST WORK TOGETHER TO AVOID FALLING OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, if we fail to act on the remaining day of the 112th Congress, this Congress will be remembered as one which ignored the will of the people. If we fail to act, a typical middle class family of four would see its taxes rise by $2,200 starting in 2013. This means less money to buy groceries, gas and pay the bills. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, going over the cliff would raise the unemployment rate from 7.9 percent to 9.1 percent in 2013. Losing that many jobs would plunge our Nation back into a recession and put an economic recovery even further out of reach. We would be putting jobs on the altar for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who have already seen their tax rate plummet to historic lows. It's time that we put an end to the era of trying to balance budgets on the backs of the middle class, and it's time that we take steps to avoid setting our economic recovery up for failure. We all want a better resolution than simply jumping off the fiscal cliff. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478-7,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HANNOUNCEMENT,H7478,H7479,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7478-H7479] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings [[Page H7479]] today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on which the vote incurs objection under clause 6 of rule XX. Record votes on postponed questions will be taken later. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7478,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,DROPPING THE BALL,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7478,H7478,"[{""name"": ""Janice Hahn"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7478,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7478] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DROPPING THE BALL (Ms. HAHN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. HAHN. Madam Speaker, tonight in Times Square hundreds of thousands of people will be there at midnight to watch that ball drop, but here in Congress, we've also dropped the ball. We're in the final days of the 112th Congress. No one expected us to be here on the House floor on New Year's Eve, but here we are racing towards that fiscal cliff--towards higher taxes on the middle class and slashed investment for the American people, including nutrition for mothers and infants, education for our children, and our infrastructure. What part of the cliff sounds like a good plan? I know I'm not the only one who has spent time with families that it will hurt. I know I'm not the only one who has visited the businesses that are worried that our country could have another recession. We should not be playing this game of chicken. There's too much at stake to have politics as usual. We have an opportunity to prevent the fiscal cliff, but in order to do so we must act as a unified Congress. So I say to all my friends and colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, let's get this thing done. Tonight, when that ball drops, let's make sure that we haven't also dropped the ball. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7479,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7479,H7485,"[{""name"": ""Mike Rogers"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Dennis J. Kucinich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Earl Blumenauer"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7479,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7479-H7485] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3454) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: S. 3454 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I--BUDGET AND PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Classified Schedule of Authorizations. Sec. 103. Personnel ceiling adjustments. Sec. 104. Intelligence Community Management Account. TITLE II--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE III--GENERAL INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS Sec. 301. Restriction on conduct of intelligence activities. Sec. 302. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law. Sec. 303. Non-reimbursable details. Sec. 304. Automated insider threat detection program. Sec. 305. Software licensing. Sec. 306. Strategy for security clearance reciprocity. Sec. 307. Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 compliance. Sec. 308. Subcontractor notification process. Sec. 309. Modification of reporting schedule. Sec. 310. Repeal of certain reporting requirements. TITLE IV--MATTERS RELATING TO THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Sec. 401. Working capital fund amendments. TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS Sec. 501. Homeland Security Intelligence Program. Sec. 502. Extension of National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community. Sec. 503. Protecting the information technology supply chain of the United States. Sec. 504. Notification regarding the authorized public disclosure of national intelligence. Sec. 505. Technical amendments related to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Sec. 506. Technical amendment for definition of intelligence agency. Sec. 507. Budgetary effects. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Congressional intelligence committees.--The term ``congressional intelligence committees'' means-- (A) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and (B) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. (2) Intelligence community.--The term ``intelligence community'' has the meaning given that term in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4)). TITLE I--BUDGET AND PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2013 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the following elements of the United States Government: (1) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2) The Central Intelligence Agency. (3) The Department of Defense. (4) The Defense Intelligence Agency. (5) The National Security Agency. (6) The Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force. (7) The Coast Guard. (8) The Department of State. (9) The Department of the Treasury. (10) The Department of Energy. (11) The Department of Justice. (12) The Federal Bureau of Investigation. (13) The Drug Enforcement Administration. (14) The National Reconnaissance Office. (15) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. (16) The Department of Homeland Security. SEC. 102. CLASSIFIED SCHEDULE OF AUTHORIZATIONS. (a) Specifications of Amounts and Personnel Levels.--The amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 101 and, subject to section 103, the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2013, for the conduct of the intelligence activities of the elements listed in paragraphs (1) through (16) of section 101, are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations prepared to accompany the bill S. 3454 of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress. (b) Availability of Classified Schedule of Authorizations.-- (1) Availability to committees of congress.--The classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in subsection (a) shall be made available to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the President. (2) Distribution by the president.--Subject to paragraph (3), the President shall provide for suitable distribution of the classified Schedule of Authorizations, or of appropriate portions of the Schedule, within the executive branch. (3) Limits on disclosure.--The President shall not publicly disclose the classified Schedule of Authorizations or any portion of such Schedule except-- (A) as provided in section 601(a) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (50 U.S.C. 415c); (B) to the extent necessary to implement the budget; or (C) as otherwise required by law. SEC. 103. PERSONNEL CEILING ADJUSTMENTS. (a) Authority for Increases.--The Director of National Intelligence may authorize the employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number of positions for fiscal year 2013 authorized by the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in section 102(a) if the Director of National Intelligence determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, except that the number of personnel employed in excess of the number authorized under such section may not, for any element of the intelligence community, exceed 3 percent of the number of civilian personnel authorized under such section for such element. (b) Treatment of Certain Personnel.--The Director of National Intelligence shall establish guidelines that govern, for each element of the intelligence community, the treatment under the personnel levels authorized under section 102(a), including any exemption from such personnel levels, of employment or assignment in-- (1) a student program, trainee program, or similar program; (2) a reserve corps or as a reemployed annuitant; or (3) details, joint duty, or long term, full-time training. (c) Notice to Congressional Intelligence Committees.--The Director of National Intelligence shall notify the congressional intelligence committees in writing at least 15 days prior to the initial exercise of an authority described in subsection (a). SEC. 104. INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the Director of National Intelligence for fiscal year 2013 the sum of $540,721,000. Within such amount, funds identified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in section 102(a) for advanced research and development shall remain available until September 30, 2014. (b) Authorized Personnel Levels.--The elements within the Intelligence Community Management Account of the Director of National Intelligence are authorized 835 positions as of September 30, 2013. Personnel serving in such elements may be permanent employees of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence or personnel detailed from other elements of the United States Government. (c) Classified Authorizations.-- (1) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Intelligence Community Management Account by subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated for the Community Management Account for fiscal year 2013 such additional amounts as are specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in section 102(a). Such additional amounts for advanced research and development shall remain available until September 30, 2014. (2) Authorization of personnel.--In addition to the personnel authorized by subsection (b) for elements of the Intelligence Community Management Account as of September 30, 2013, there are authorized such additional personnel for the Community Management Account as of that date as are specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations referred to in section 102(a). TITLE II--CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY SYSTEM SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement [[Page H7480]] and Disability Fund for fiscal year 2013 the sum of $514,000,000. TITLE III--GENERAL INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS SEC. 301. RESTRICTION ON CONDUCT OF INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES. The authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or the laws of the United States. SEC. 302. INCREASE IN EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AUTHORIZED BY LAW. Appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees may be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. SEC. 303. NON-REIMBURSABLE DETAILS. Section 113A of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 404h-1) is amended-- (1) by striking ``two years.'' and inserting ``three years.''; and (2) by adding at the end ``A non-reimbursable detail made under this section shall not be considered an augmentation of the appropriations of the receiving element of the intelligence community.''. SEC. 304. AUTOMATED INSIDER THREAT DETECTION PROGRAM. Section 402 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 112-18; 50 U.S.C. 403-1 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``October 1, 2012,'' and inserting ``October 1, 2013,''; and (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``October 1, 2013,'' and inserting ``October 1, 2014,''. SEC. 305. SOFTWARE LICENSING. (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each chief information officer for an element of the intelligence community, in consultation with the Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community, shall-- (1) conduct an inventory of software licenses held by such element, including utilized and unutilized licenses; and (2) report the results of such inventory to the Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community. (b) Reporting to Congress.--The Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community shall-- (1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, provide to the congressional intelligence committees a copy of each report received by the Chief Information Officer under subsection (a)(2), along with any comments the Chief Information Officer wishes to provide; and (2) transmit any portion of a report submitted under paragraph (1) involving a component of a department of the United States Government to the committees of the Senate and of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over such department simultaneously with submission of such report to the congressional intelligence committees. SEC. 306. STRATEGY FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE RECIPROCITY. (a) Strategy.--The President shall develop a strategy and a schedule for carrying out the requirements of section 3001(d) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 435b(d)). Such strategy and schedule shall include-- (1) a process for accomplishing the reciprocity required under such section for a security clearance issued by a department or agency of the Federal Government, including reciprocity for security clearances that are issued to both persons who are and who are not employees of the Federal Government; and (2) a description of the specific circumstances under which a department or agency of the Federal Government may not recognize a security clearance issued by another department or agency of the Federal Government. (b) Congressional Notification.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall inform Congress of the strategy and schedule developed under subsection (a). SEC. 307. IMPROPER PAYMENTS ELIMINATION AND RECOVERY ACT OF 2010 COMPLIANCE. (a) Plan for Compliance.-- (1) In general.--The Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Security Agency shall each develop a corrective action plan, with major milestones, that delineates how the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and each such Agency will achieve compliance, not later than September 30, 2013, with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-204; 124 Stat. 2224), and the amendments made by that Act. (2) Submission to congress.--Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act-- (A) each Director referred to in paragraph (1) shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees the corrective action plan required by such paragraph; and (B) the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Security Agency shall each submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives the corrective action plan required by paragraph (1) with respect to the applicable Agency. (b) Review by Inspectors General.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the completion of a corrective action plan required by subsection (a)(1), the Inspector General of each Agency required to develop such a plan, and in the case of the Director of National Intelligence, the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, shall provide to the congressional intelligence committees an assessment of such plan that includes-- (A) the assessment of the Inspector General of whether such Agency or Office is or is not likely to reach compliance with the requirements of the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-204; 124 Stat. 2224), and the amendments made by that Act, by September 30, 2013; and (B) the basis of the Inspector General for such assessment. (2) Additional submission of reviews of certain inspectors general.--Not later than 45 days after the completion of a corrective action plan required by subsection (a)(1), the Inspector General of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Inspector General of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Inspector General of the National Security Agency shall each submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives the assessment of the applicable plan provided to the congressional intelligence committees under paragraph (1). SEC. 308. SUBCONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION PROCESS. Not later than October 1, 2013, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a report assessing the method by which contractors at any tier under a contract entered into with an element of the intelligence community are granted security clearances and notified of classified contracting opportunities within the Federal Government and recommendations for the improvement of such method. Such report shall include-- (1) an assessment of the current method by which contractors at any tier under a contract entered into with an element of the intelligence community are notified of classified contracting opportunities; (2) an assessment of any problems that may reduce the overall effectiveness of the ability of the intelligence community to identify appropriate contractors at any tier under such a contract; (3) an assessment of the role the existing security clearance process has in enhancing or hindering the ability of the intelligence community to notify such contractors of contracting opportunities; (4) an assessment of the role the current security clearance process has in enhancing or hindering the ability of contractors at any tier under a contract entered into with an element of the intelligence community to execute classified contracts; (5) a description of the method used by the Director of National Intelligence for assessing the effectiveness of the notification process of the intelligence community to produce a talented pool of subcontractors; (6) a description of appropriate goals, schedules, milestones, or metrics used to measure the effectiveness of such notification process; and (7) recommendations for improving such notification process. SEC. 309. MODIFICATION OF REPORTING SCHEDULE. (a) Inspector General of the Intelligence Community.-- Section 103H(k)(1)(A) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 403-3h(k)(1)(A)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``January 31 and July 31'' and inserting ``October 31 and April 30''; and (2) by striking ``December 31 (of the preceding year) and June 30,'' and inserting ``September 30 and March 31,''. (b) Inspector General for the Central Intelligence Agency.-- (1) In general.--Section 17(d)(1) of the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (50 U.S.C. 403q(d)(1)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``January 31 and July 31'' and inserting ``October 31 and April 30''; (B) by striking ``December 31 (of the preceding year) and June 30,'' and inserting ``September 30 and March 31,''; and (C) by striking ``Not later than the dates each year provided for the transmittal of such reports in section 507 of the National Security Act of 1947,'' and inserting ``Not later than 30 days after the date of the receipt of such reports,''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 507(b) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 415b(b)) is amended-- (A) by striking paragraph (1); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively. SEC. 310. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (a) Repeal of Reporting Requirements.-- (1) Acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions.--Section 721 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (50 U.S.C. 2366) is repealed. (2) Safety and security of russian nuclear facilities and nuclear military forces.--Section 114 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 404i) is amended-- (A) by striking subsections (a) and (d); and (B) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively. [[Page H7481]] (3) Intelligence community business systems budget information.--Section 506D of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 415a-6) is amended by striking subsection (e). (4) Measures to protect the identities of covert agents.-- Title VI of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) is amended-- (A) by striking section 603; and (B) by redesignating sections 604, 605, and 606 as sections 603, 604, and 605, respectively. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Report submission dates.--Section 507 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 415b) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)-- (i) in paragraph (1)-- (I) by striking subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D); (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I) as subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F), respectively; and (III) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking ``section 114(c).'' and inserting ``section 114(a).''; and (ii) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) The date for the submittal to the congressional intelligence committees of the annual report on the threat of attack on the United States from weapons of mass destruction required by section 114(b) shall be the date each year provided in subsection (c)(1)(B).''; (B) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``each'' and inserting ``the''; and (C) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by striking ``an'' and inserting ``the''. (2) Table of contents of the national security act of 1947.--The table of contents in the first section of the National Security Act of 1947 is amended by striking the items relating to sections 603, 604, 605, and 606 and inserting the following new items: ``Sec. 603. Extraterritorial jurisdiction. ``Sec. 604. Providing information to Congress. ``Sec. 605. Definitions.''. TITLE IV--MATTERS RELATING TO THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY SEC. 401. WORKING CAPITAL FUND AMENDMENTS. Section 21 of the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (50 U.S.C. 403u) is amended as follows: (1) In subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``program.'' and inserting ``program; and''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) authorize such providers to make known their services to the entities specified in section (a) through Government communication channels.''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) The authority in paragraph (1)(D) does not include the authority to distribute gifts or promotional items.''; and (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking ``from the sale or exchange of equipment or property of a central service provider'' and inserting ``from the sale or exchange of equipment, recyclable materials, or property of a central service provider.''; and (B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``subsection (f)(2)'' and inserting ``subsections (b)(1)(D) and (f)(2)''. TITLE V--OTHER MATTERS SEC. 501. HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM. There is established within the Department of Homeland Security a Homeland Security Intelligence Program. The Homeland Security Intelligence Program constitutes the intelligence activities of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department that serve predominantly departmental missions. SEC. 502. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OF THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY. Section 1007(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-306; 50 U.S.C. 401 note) is amended by striking ``Not later than one year after the date on which all members of the Commission are appointed pursuant to section 701(a)(3) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010,'' and inserting ``Not later than March 31, 2013,''. SEC. 503. PROTECTING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPLY CHAIN OF THE UNITED STATES. (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a report that-- (1) identifies foreign suppliers of information technology (including equipment, software, and services) that are linked directly or indirectly to a foreign government, including-- (A) by ties to the military forces of a foreign government; (B) by ties to the intelligence services of a foreign government; or (C) by being the beneficiaries of significant low interest or no interest loans, loan forgiveness, or other support by a foreign government; and (2) assesses the vulnerability to malicious activity, including cyber crime or espionage, of the telecommunications networks of the United States due to the presence of technology produced by suppliers identified under paragraph (1). (b) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (c) Telecommunications Networks of the United States Defined.--In this section, the term ``telecommunications networks of the United States'' includes-- (1) telephone systems; (2) Internet systems; (3) fiber optic lines, including cable landings; (4) computer networks; and (5) smart grid technology under development by the Department of Energy. SEC. 504. NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE AUTHORIZED PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. (a) Notification.--In the event of an authorized disclosure of national intelligence or intelligence related to national security to the persons or entities described in subsection (b), the government official responsible for authorizing the disclosure shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees on a timely basis a notification of the disclosure if-- (1) at the time of the disclosure-- (A) such intelligence is classified; or (B) is declassified for the purpose of the disclosure; and (2) the disclosure will be made by an officer, employee, or contractor of the Executive branch. (b) Persons or Entities Described.--The persons or entities described in this subsection are as follows: (1) Media personnel. (2) Any person or entity, if the disclosure described in subsection (a) is made with the intent or knowledge that such information will be made publicly available. (c) Content.--Each notification required under subsection (a) shall-- (1) provide the specific title and authority of the individual authorizing the disclosure; (2) if applicable, provide the specific title and authority of the individual who authorized the declassification of the intelligence disclosed; and (3) describe the intelligence disclosed, including the classification of the intelligence prior to its disclosure or declassification and the rationale for making the disclosure. (d) Exception.--The notification requirement in this section does not apply to a disclosure made-- (1) pursuant to any statutory requirement, including to section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act''); (2) in connection with a civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding; (3) as a result of a declassification review process under Executive Order 13526 (50 U.S.C. 435 note) or any successor order; or (4) to any officer, employee, or contractor of the Federal government or member of an advisory committee to an element of the intelligence community who possesses an active security clearance and a need to know the specific national intelligence or intelligence related to national security, as defined in section 3(5) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(5)). (e) Sunset.--The notification requirements of this section shall cease to be effective for any disclosure described in subsection (a) that occurs on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 505. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATED TO THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE. (a) Personnel Practices.--Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: ``(ii)(I) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Reconnaissance Office; and ``(II) as determined by the President, any executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, provided that the determination be made prior to a personnel action; or''. (b) Senior Executive Service.--Section 3132(a)(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,'' after ``the Central Intelligence Agency,''. SEC. 506. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT FOR DEFINITION OF INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. Section 606(5) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 426) is amended to read as follows: ``(5) The term `intelligence agency' means the elements of the intelligence community, as that term is defined in section 3(4).''. SEC. 507. BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger) each will control 20 minutes. [[Page H7482]] The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan. General Leave Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill before us today. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Michigan? There was no objection. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here on New Year's Eve. I first wish to make an announcement with respect to the availability of the classified annex to the bill under consideration for the Members of the House. This is to reinforce a previous announcement I made to Members last evening. Madam Speaker, the classified Schedule of Authorizations and the classified annex accompanying the bill remain available for review by Members at the offices of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in room HVC-304 of the Capitol Visitor Center. The committee office will be open during regular business hours for the convenience of any Member who wishes to review this material prior to its consideration by the House. I recommend that Members wishing to review the classified annex contact the committee's director of security to arrange a time and date for that viewing. This will assure the availability of committee staff to assist Members who desire assistance during their review of these classified documents. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that the House is considering this intelligence authorization bill today, the last day of the year. If passed and enacted, this will be our third intelligence authorization bill since I assumed the chairmanship and my friend the gentleman from Maryland became the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. In May, the House overwhelmingly passed, by a vote of 386-28, an intelligence authorization bill which is the same product as the bill that is before us today. I appreciate the ranking member's hard work on this year's bill and that of our colleagues in the Senate to achieve a bipartisan result between the two Chambers. {time} 1030 This is indeed a rare occurrence in this town these days, but this is truly a bipartisan, bicameral product that moves forward when it comes to protecting the United States and putting us in the best national security posture we could imagine. The intelligence authorization bill is vital to ensuring that our intelligence agencies have the resources and authorities they need to do their important work. The intelligence community plays a critical role in the war on terrorism and securing the country from the many threats that we face. The annual authorization bill, which funds U.S. intelligence activities spanning 17 agencies, is also a vital tool for congressional oversight of the intelligence community's classified activities. Effective and aggressive congressional oversight is essential to ensuring the continued success of our intelligence community, and therefore the safety of all citizens of the United States. The current challenging fiscal environment demands the accountability and financial oversight of our classified intelligence programs that can only come with an intelligence authorization bill. The FY 2013 bill sustains our current intelligence capabilities and provides for the development of future capabilities, all while achieving significant savings and ensuring intelligence agencies are being good stewards of our taxpayers' money. This year, the bill is significantly below last year's enacted budget but up modestly from the President's roughly $72 billion budget request for fiscal year 2013. It is also in line with the House budget resolution, which provides for a modest increase of defense activities above the President's budget. The bill's comprehensive classified annex provides detailed guidance on intelligence spending, including adjustments to costly but important programs. The bill funds requirements of the men and women of the intelligence community, both military and civilian, many of whom directly support the war zones and are engaged in other dangerous operations designed to keep Americans safe. It provides oversight and authorization for vital intelligence activities, including the global counterwar on terrorism and efforts by the National Security Agency to defend us from advanced foreign state- sponsored cyberthreats. And I can't tell you enough, Madam Speaker, how in this Chamber we have acted to stand up in the face of a growing cyberthreat not only to government networks but to private networks as well. We have, in a bipartisan way, given the first step on how we stand up our defenses here in the United States to protect us from nation-states like China and Russia--and now Iran--who seek to do us harm using the Internet. We will again aggressively pursue next year, with the help of my ranking member, actions needed, I believe, to protect the United States against what is the largest threat we face that we are not prepared to handle, and that is the growing threat of cyberattack and cyberespionage. Countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is also a critical, important mission of our intelligence community, and we made sure the resources were available to that end, as well as for global monitoring of foreign militaries and advanced weapons systems and tests, and for research and development of new technology to maintain our intelligence agencies' technological edge. And like the House-passed bill, this bill promotes operating efficiencies in a number of areas, particularly in information technology, the ground processing of satellite data, and the procurement and operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. The bill holds personnel levels, one of the first and biggest cost drivers, generally at last year's levels. Even so, the bill adds a limited number of new personnel positions for select, high-priority positions, such as FBI surveillance officers to keep watch on terrorists, and personnel for certain other programs that will increase cooperation and training with our foreign partners in the critically important role for our intelligence agencies as we move to protect ourselves from threats all around the world. The bill authorizes increased funding for intelligence collection programs, including increased counterintelligence to thwart foreign spies. It also increases funding for our intelligence community's comparative advantage--cutting-edge research and development. This is an incredibly important investment for the United States. If we are going to continue to lead in the ability to detect before they can do harm to the United States, we have to make the investment in research and development of high-end technological advancement. While I cannot get into the specifics of a lot of these programs, it's important to mention them as we are going through the process each year in conducting oversight of intelligence activities and making funding recommendations that will help the community meet its mission in the most effective, fiscally responsible way. The bipartisan fiscal year 2013 intelligence authorization bill we are considering today preserves and advances national security and is also fiscally responsible. The secrecy that is a necessary part of this country's intelligence work requires that the congressional Intelligence Committees conduct strong and effective oversight on behalf of the American people and even our colleagues here in the House. That strong and effective oversight is impossible, however, without the advancement of these bills. I want to thank all of the members of the committee for their bipartisan effort to find agreement on a bill that saves money and moves forward smartly on protecting the interests of national security for the United States. I want to thank both of the staffs for working together to produce this bill. This truly is a collaborative effort both from staff and Members in this Chamber and in the Senate, proving that you can work in a bipartisan way to accomplish the best interests of the United States and, in this case, particularly when it comes to national security. [[Page H7483]] One final note: I want to congratulate Mrs. Myrick on her years of great service to the Intelligence Committee. She will be leaving us this year. This will be her last authorization bill that she will participate in. I am pleased to see that a provision she championed in May concerning the protection of the United States information technology supply chain is included in this bill. She has done great work in her time with the committee, and she certainly will be missed. She has been a true champion of the national security interests of this country. She is a great friend of mine, and I wish her well in her new endeavors. I thank all who participated. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my chief counsel for celebrating his birthday today on the House floor with us on New Year's Eve day. I appreciate that very much. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Before us today is the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. It's a good, bipartisan bill that gives our intelligence professionals the resources, capabilities, and authorities they need to keep us safe. And I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Chairman Rogers. His bipartisan leadership has helped us make the Intelligence Committee a committee that provides oversight to our intelligence agencies and gives them the resources that they need to protect our country. I also want to acknowledge the staff on both sides of the aisle who worked very closely to put this bill together. When Chairman Rogers and I took over leadership of the Intelligence Committee, we made a commitment to bipartisanship. We believe politics has no place in national security. The stakes are just too high. We also made a commitment to passing intelligence budgets that provide oversight to the intelligence community and give it important financial direction. Chairman Rogers and I also work closely with Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein and vice chair Saxby Chambliss of the Senate Intelligence Committee, our counterparts in the Senate, so we can get things done. If this bill becomes law, it will be the third budget bill in a row passed since we took over leadership in January, 2011--a big change from the previous 6 years when we only passed one budget bill. This was an open, bipartisan process where we reached agreement on issues that will make this country safer and intelligence processes more efficient. We know we are facing tough economic times. This budget is slightly below the enacted levels of FY 2012. We made cuts where appropriate, eliminated redundancies, and pushed programs to come in on time and on budget. People ask me what keeps me up at night. Besides spicy food, I say weapons of mass destruction and a catastrophic cyberattack that shuts down our banking system, water supply, power grids or worse. This bill continues a substantial investment in cybersecurity that must be made to keep up with the cyberthreats of today and tomorrow. We also believe we must protect privacy and civil liberties when it comes to cybersecurity. Another priority is space. The bill promotes the commercial space industry by enhancing the government use of commercial imagery and commercial communications services. It requires the government to use commercial imagery to the maximum extent practicable. I believe competition is important to ensure we get high quality products while keeping costs down. It drives innovation and provides a much-needed insurance policy in case there are problems with other programs. And it does create jobs. The bill expanded our counterterrorism efforts to continue the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates around the world. The bill also makes counterintelligence the priority it is. It makes strategic additions across the intelligence community. This will pay for surveillance, better supply chain security, and the counterintelligence analysts we need. The bill added resources to the intelligence community's global coverage initiatives to ensure the United States is capable and ready to address threats from any location around the world, especially in areas of strategic interest. {time} 1040 It authorizes the Department of Defense's new defense clandestine service to reorganize its human intelligence collection. It will be a part of the CIA's national clandestine service. The bill directed the Director of national intelligence to develop a centralized cloud for the entire intelligence community; advancing collaboration and further promoting efficiency; and it required the President to develop a strategy for security clearance, reciprocity, and a report on how to better protect our information technology across the global supply chain. I urge my colleagues to support the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2012. When this bill was before the House in May, it passed by a bipartisan margin of 386-28. It's a good bipartisan bill that gives our intelligence professionals what they need to do their jobs and protect our Nation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I inquire if the minority side has a list of speakers. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. At this time, we have one speaker. We're waiting for more; but if they don't come, we'll move on. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Then I will continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the Congressman from Ohio, Dennis Kucinich. Mr. KUCINICH. I thank my friend. And I want to thank both my friends, the chair and the ranking member, for the work that they do on intelligence. You make a commitment to this country, and I think the country is in good hands because of your work. I want to raise a question--and we've had some of these conversations between ourselves. I'm very concerned about the shift that's occurred in our national security policy where the Central Intelligence Agency has increasingly played a very powerful paramilitary role with the execution of drone strikes. Numerous studies have indicated that there are many innocent civilians being killed by drone strikes. There's a lack of accountability here. There have been studies that suggest, for example in Yemen, that drone strikes are stirring up anti-American sentiment to the point where al Qaeda is actually being empowered. We really have to ask of the CIA, but even more than that, of our entire national security infrastructure, What's the game plan here? We see there have been changes in military policy where certain functions have been ceded to the CIA. We see changes in foreign policy where the State Department has let go of some of its functions. We know that the military has made an attempt with the Defense Intelligence Agency to try to become more actively involved as a separate organization. They were seeking 1,600 new spies. We have this architecture of national security which is so powerful, but I'm not sure that it's actually that effective. I don't question the effectiveness of our chair or our ranking member, but I do question the effectiveness of what we're doing. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio. Mr. KUCINICH. I do question the effectiveness of this drone program, its adherence to international law or lack thereof, the intel gathering on targeted killings where we've seen reports of efforts of one group to target individuals and other groups as a way of trying to settle some scores between people so they put them up as a potential terrorist and they get marked on a list and executed. And as I mentioned earlier, the concern about civilian deaths. I think that the Central Intelligence Agency functions best in gathering intelligence, and we ought to support them in that regard. I was very concerned and expressed this on the floor about what happened in Benghazi. If we'd paid more attention to the CIA, we probably would still have some of our officials there alive. But that's gone and it's over. We have to recognize that putting the CIA more and more into a paramilitary position is not in the best interest of this country, I don't believe. [[Page H7484]] Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman and I have had these conversations, and I respect his position greatly and the work he does in Congress. I have some disagreements, and I'll tell you why--and I hope that the gentleman will consider voting for this bill today. The amount of oversight that the ranking member and I have increased on programs that may have concerns on behalf of Americans, because we have the same concerns. There are tools that America engages in, including air strikes. Air strikes have been something that we have used since we could figure out how to get something off the ground and throw something at the ground. They have been used as a tool. It's not a policy of the United States; it's a tool of the United States to make America safe. The amount of oversight that happens--and I will tell you this: if there is any air strike conducted that involves an enemy combatant of the United States outside the theater of direct combat, it gets reviewed by this committee. I am talking about every single one. That's an important thing. There are very strict reviews put on all of this material. There are very strict guidelines about how these air strikes may or may not occur, because we have that same feeling. If people lose faith in the ability of our intelligence services to do their work, then they will be ineffective, and, therefore, we will be less safe. Our argument has been we want that oversight, we want aggressive oversight, and we want thorough review. I can tell you--and I think you'd be proud--of the very work that we do on the committee to that end. We never really did covert-action reviews, except for sporadically. Now we do regularly, quarterly, and monthly covert-action reviews on this committee to make sure that we get it right, that they get it right. Mr. KUCINICH. Will the gentleman yield? Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I would be honored to yield to the gentleman from Ohio. Mr. KUCINICH. I have no question about the commitment of the chair and the ranking member to proper oversight, but what I do question is that the proliferation of the drone strikes puts such an extraordinary burden on our own oversight capacities. I'm wondering, looking retrospectively at the number of civilian casualties that have occurred, the oversight--there's a decoupling of the oversight capacity from the consequences of the strikes, and that's the point that I'm making here. I would ask my friend going forward for the committee to be ever more vigilant on--if you're for these strikes and you are conducting the oversight, look at the consequences of civilian casualties to raise questions about the information that's being given you. That's the point that I'm making. With that, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I appreciate that, and I reclaim my time. I think this is very important. Again, I personally review and the committee reviews the material that comes to these committees. There are many in the world who have political agendas about civilian casualties. I can tell you to rest assured that that is a point of review for any activity--I'm talking about any activity--that our intelligence community may or may not engage in. I think that you would be shocked and stunned how wrong those public reports are about civilian casualties, and I say that with all seriousness and with the very thought that every one of these events is reviewed. If there is an air strike used as a technique anywhere in the world to keep America safe, it is reviewed if it comes within the purview of the intelligence community, both military and civilian, on this committee. Those reports are wrong. They are not just wrong; they are wildly wrong. And I do believe people use those reports for their own political purposes outside of the country to try to put pressure on the United States. {time} 1050 Mr. KUCINICH. If I may, will the gentleman yield? Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio. Mr. KUCINICH. What I would like to do, Mr. Chairman, is to present to you and the ranking member reports that have been forwarded to me regarding these casualties. Maybe these are reports that you've seen, and maybe they aren't; but I certainly think that in the interest of acquitting our country's efforts that we make sure that every effort is made to avoid civilian casualties. So I will present those to you and the ranking member in the next few days, and I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. In reclaiming my time, I just want to assure the gentleman that every one of these is reviewed, and rest assured that the public reports about civilian casualties are not just a little bit wrong; they are wildly wrong. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I do want to acknowledge the work that has been done by Dennis Kucinich as a Member of Congress. Dennis and I don't always philosophically agree, but I respect that he has a good point of view. That's the whole process here in Congress--that we have different points of view, that we come together, that we debate, and that we can make decisions. So, Dennis, we are going to miss you. Good luck to you and your family in the future, and I'm glad that one of the last things you're going to do is come here and talk about our bill today. In just acknowledging what the chairman said, there is an aggressive legal process that is undertaken as far as drones are concerned that goes to the highest levels of our government before strikes are taken. In everything that I have reviewed, if there are children or innocent victims there, the strike does not take place. So there is a process. Unfortunately, there are some casualties--very minor. I would also agree with the chairman as far as this is concerned: in that what you read in the media is usually not what the facts are. It is part of what we do. Why do we have the Intelligence Committee? We have it because there is classified information that if it got out would hurt the national security of our country. It's part of our role and our committee's role to take this classified information and work with the agencies to which we provide oversight so we will continue to work through that process. Mr. Kucinich, I'm glad that you did raise that as an issue, as we all should. Madam Speaker, for the third time in 3 years, Chairman Rogers and I have stood on the floor of the House encouraging our colleagues to support our intelligence budget bill. Today, we both rise in support of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The bill gives our intelligence professionals the resources, capabilities, and authorities they need to protect America and American interests. We crafted a bill that addresses our core needs, including space, cybersecurity, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism. We are also keeping an eye on the bottom line. The bill is slightly below last year's budget and holds personnel at last year's levels. In a very strong bipartisan way, the Intelligence Committee came together as Democrats and Republicans to do what is right for our country and for the intelligence community. I thank the staff again for what it has done, and I thank the chairman for his leadership in helping to provide this bill in a very fair, bipartisan way. I would also like to acknowledge two Democratic Members who will be leaving us at the end of this session--Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma and Congressman Ben Chandler of Kentucky. Both Members will be greatly missed, and I appreciate their service on the Intelligence Committee. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2013, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Michigan has 5\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, I want to thank my ranking member and both staffs on the Intelligence Committee for the long hours, hard work and thorough, detailed work [[Page H7485]] on the budgets and on the classified annex of this report. I think it should alleviate many of the good concerns of Mr. Kucinich and others who are concerned about these activities. I think it's important to reiterate that we have the same concerns, which is why we are so thorough and why we have joined together in a bipartisan way to increase the level of congressional oversight and to increase our impact and influence on the policies of the intelligence community in order to make sure it conforms with what this body and what I think the United States of America wants and needs in its intelligence services. We have now done, as I said before, regularly scheduled covert action, which, I think, should rest assured Americans that it is serious, thoughtful and thorough oversight. For counterintelligence activities, we now have regularly scheduled oversight. Every department is required to proffer its budget request, and we go over it line by line, dollar by dollar, policy by policy to make sure it conforms with the concerns of everyone in this body. As I said before, these are very brave Americans who are serving in really tough neighborhoods all over the world--trying to collect information, trying to take actionable intelligence to a point that it protects us from harm here at home. They deserve our respect, our encouragement, our high-five and pat on the back when they come home. They want thorough oversight. You wouldn't believe it, but they do. They want to know that the work that they're doing would make America proud for them risking their lives and being away from their families and putting it all on the line to keep America safe. That's why we agreed to do this in a bipartisan way and to be so thorough in its congressional oversight, because without that--without that confidence, without that faith of the American people that they're doing something on behalf of this great Nation--they will lose their ability to do what they do, and they will lose the courage and confidence that they need to do it in the right way. So that's what this bill reflects. I understand your concerns. I look forward to our further conversations on this; and in further conversations, I'd like to have the opportunity, if we can arrange this, to give you some examples--a peek behind the curtain as to exactly what goes on in the processes of making sure that we keep the good people safe and that the bad guys are brought to justice. I think you'd be proud of that work. This bill reflects that. Again, thanks to the ranking member and to the staffs and to the members on both sides of this committee. Thanks to Senator Feinstein and to Senator Saxby Chambliss for their help in putting this bill together. I hope we'll get a large show of support with a strong vote of bipartisanship for the men and women who are serving at our intelligence posts all around the world today. Let's send this to the President so we can go about the business of keeping America safe and maybe even look at some other details that the Speaker may have interest in dealing with today. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today, I voted against the Fiscal Year 2013 Intelligence Authorization Act. Despite keeping funding levels flat and capping personnel levels to that of Fiscal Year 2012, this authorization is not significantly different than the earlier version I voted against in May. It is another missed opportunity to make significant, smart reductions in our intelligence infrastructure, at a time when we're asking so many others to make significant budgetary sacrifices in the midst of austerity. This legislation continues to spend way too much money--$72 to $78 billion a year--with little transparency or efforts to reduce the sprawling intelligence community and protect privacy rights. It's of paramount importance to keep our country safe, and that's exactly what our intelligence community has done, but we cannot afford to spend as much on intelligence as Russia does on its entire military budget or employ hundreds of thousands of people with secret clearance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 3454. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7485,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,NEIL A. ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER AND HUGH L. DRYDEN AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE DESIGNATION ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7485,H7491,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Donna F. Edwards"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Kevin McCarthy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Dennis J. Kucinich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Lamar Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Ken Calvert"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7485,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7485-H7491] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NEIL A. ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER AND HUGH L. DRYDEN AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE DESIGNATION ACT Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6612) to redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6612 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. REDESIGNATION OF DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER. (a) Redesignation.--The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is redesignated as the ``NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the flight research center referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center''. SEC. 2. REDESIGNATION OF WESTERN AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE. (a) Redesignation.--The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Western Aeronautical Test Range in California is redesignated as the ``NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the test range referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) and the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. {time} 1100 General Leave Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members shall have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 6612, the bill now under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to begin by thanking, as I should, the Members for their bipartisan support of the legislation. H.R. 6612 would redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Dryden Flight Research Center, which is co-located with the Edwards Air Force Base in the Antelope Valley of California, as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. The bill would also rename the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. This is very appropriate; they were very dear friends. Neil Armstrong needs no introduction. Actually, this bill was introduced by his congressman, Kevin McCarthy, the congressman where the redesignation will take place. The gentleman from California is the majority whip, but Neil Armstrong absolutely needs no introduction. He's an iconic American hero, and one of the most humble men I've ever met. He was quiet, thoughtful, and deliberate, choosing his words carefully, whether it was testifying before a congressional committee, giving a speech, or sharing a quiet movement with a friend. He did not exaggerate, and always, always gave recognition to the teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists at NASA and in industry when speaking [[Page H7486]] about the success of the Apollo 11 mission. He refused to take personal credit for his accomplishments. Naming the flight center after Neil is very appropriate. After graduating from college, Neil joined NASA's predecessor agency, the National Advisory Council on Aeronautics, and soon found himself at NACA's High Speed Flight Station located at Edwards, which in time would become the Dryden Flight Research Center. He spent 7 years there flying a variety of new design and high-performance aircraft, including seven flights at the controls of the X-15. Neil was a good friend, and is sorely missed by me and by all of the people he touched during his long and active life. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his two sons, Mark and Rick; a stepson and a stepdaughter; 10 grandchildren; and a brother and sister. The bill also names the Western Aeronautical Test Range after Dr. Hugh L. Dryden. He held the position of director of the National Advisory Council on Aeronautics from 1947 until it was renamed NASA in 1958, and was deputy director of NASA until his death in 1965. Dr. Dryden did pioneering research on airfoils near the speed of sound and the problems of airflow and turbulence. His work greatly contributed to the designs of wings for aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang and other World War II aircraft. Before I close, I want to tell something that was rather interesting. President Clinton, I think it was on the 25th anniversary, invited Neil to speak, knowing that he probably wouldn't speak because he had indicated that he would not. But he left an empty chair for him on the stage. And as we got through the ceremony, Neil walked in. And the President, good natured, said, Well, I said you wouldn't speak, but here's the microphone. Neil took the microphone and said, The parrot is the only bird that can fly and speak, and I can do the same. Then he sat down, and it brought the house down. I urge Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, all Americans can recite those famous words uttered by Neil Armstrong 43 years ago as he became the first human to walk on the Moon. Those words, as all Americans know were, ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' In an effort to recognize that great man, H.R. 6612 has been offered to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. The bill would also rename the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. While I plan to support it, this is a bill that is a bit unfortunate since it honors one aerospace pioneer by stripping away the honor previously extended to another worthy pioneer. Both are worthy of recognition. Their accomplishments at NASA and for the Nation are without parallel. Dr. Hugh Latimer Dryden was director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics from 1947 until the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and was named deputy administrator of the new aerospace agency when it was created in response to the Sputnik crisis. Dr. Dryden made numerous technical contributions to research in high- speed aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and acoustics, and published more than 100 technical papers and articles in professional journals. NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, was named in honor of him on March 26, 1976. The center is NASA's premier site for aeronautical flight research. Neil Armstrong joined NACA, the advisory committee, in 1955 following his service as a naval aviator. Over the next 17 years, he was an engineer, test pilot, astronaut, and administrator for the committee and its successor agency, NASA. As a research pilot, he flew over 200 different models of aircraft, such as the storied X-15. He transferred to astronaut status in 1962, and was command pilot for the Gemini VIII mission when he performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. As spacecraft commander for Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, Neil Armstrong inspired millions around the world. He inspired me. And he passed away just this past August. Madam Speaker, it's clear that Neil Armstrong never sought the honor of having a NASA center named after him while he was alive. And the truth is, his name is going to live long throughout history whether or not we ever name anything for him. I expect that today we will approve this legislation, and that's fine. But I hope that all the Members who vote to honor him today will remember his testimony before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I know that our chairman, Mr. Hall, will remember that during that testimony he argued eloquently for the critical importance of giving NASA a sustainable future and a human exploration program that can once again inspire our children and humanity around the world. It seems rather extraordinary that even as we're honoring our hero, Neil Armstrong, that we face a situation where NASA's budget would be decimated, gutting the very programs that Neil Armstrong felt so passionately about. And if the same Members who vote to honor him today will commit to working in the coming months and years for those exploration goals, to those heights to which he devoted the last years of his life, then we will have truly honored Neil Armstrong in an enduring and meaningful way. And with that, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the very capable majority whip, the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy). Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, to the committee, thank you for your work, and especially to Chairman Hall for his tenure on the committee and his history-making here in Congress. I thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6612 to honor two great pioneers in American aeronautics and space exploration, Dr. Hugh Dryden and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Some of us here today can remember the pride every American felt in the summer of 1969 when we heard Neil Armstrong utter those famous words, ``that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,'' when he led the Apollo 11 mission and landed on the Moon. Before this incredible trip, Armstrong served as a test pilot for 7 years at what is presently called the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in Kern County, California, which I'm proud to represent. Armstrong accumulated 2,400 hours of flying as a test pilot there, mainly in experimental jets. He was also part of the team in the early 1960s that researched how to land on the Moon using the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle. After the success of Apollo 11, Armstrong became NASA's deputy associate administrator for aeronautics. Under Armstrong's leadership, the center had one of its most far-reaching technological breakthroughs in a concept called digital fly-by-wire, the precursor to computerized flight control systems used on nearly all military and civilian high- performance aircraft, including the space shuttles. At NASA's Dryden 50th anniversary, Armstrong said in his speech: ``My years here were wonderful years. Dryden was a most unusual place--its enormous curiosity, wonderful intensity, and its unbelievable willingness to attempt the impossible here.'' H.R. 6612 would rename the center in his honor the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. {time} 1110 The bill would also honor Dr. Hugh Dryden's contributions to aerospace engineering, some that made Neil Armstrong's achievements possible. Dr. Dryden was an early pioneer in aerodynamics and helped with many scientific breakthroughs, including the X-15 aircraft that launched some test pilots to careers as astronauts, including Neil Armstrong. Dr. Dryden was chosen to be NASA's first deputy administrator in 1958, placing him in charge of the programs that allowed the Agency to send those three brave men to the Moon in 1969. Dr. Dryden passed away in 1965, just a few years before his work was fulfilled and Armstrong took that first small step. [[Page H7487]] H.R. 6612 will memorialize both men by redesignating the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautic Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and the NASA Flight Research Center in east Kern County remain a hub of scientific discovery, aeronautical innovation, and space exploration. I look forward to many more groundbreaking achievements from the men and women inspired by the legacy of Neil Armstrong and Hugh Dryden. Madam Speaker, I will insert the following letters of support for my bill into the Record. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. SPACEX, Washington, DC, December 13, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: I am writing to express SpaceX's support for your recently introduced legislation, H.R. 6612, to redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. Throughout his extraordinary life, Neil Armstrong served as an inspiration to the nation and to the world, as a leader, explorer, and educator. His historic voyage to the Moon in 1969 opened the cosmos and created a legacy of greatness that will be forever remembered by all those in the pursuit of discovery. By renaming the Center, you are honoring Neil Armstrong's life of achievements every day with the groundbreaking science conducted there. SpaceX and our more than 2,200 employees applaud this important legislation and are proud to look to Commander Armstrong's outstanding character every day as we take our first steps into space. Sincerely, Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President & General Counsel. ____ EAFB Civ-Mil Support Group, Lancaster, CA. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy, The Edwards Air Force Base Civilian/Military Support Group wishes to convey to you its support of an initiative to change the designation of the ``NASA Dryden Flight Research Center'' at Edwards AFB, Ca. to the ``Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center'' and the designation of the ``Western Aeronautical Test Range'' as the ``Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.'' Founded over 24 years ago, our organization is the only non-profit group dedicated exclusively to supporting the men and women, both civilian and military, who serve at Edwards AFB. As such, we feel it is entirely fitting that the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center be re-named in honor of Neil A. Armstrong, a decorated naval aviator and flight test pioneer who faithfully served our nation in both civilian and military capacities. Additionally, Mr. Armstrong enjoyed close ties to both the flight test community at Edwards AFB and the local Antelope Valley civilian community. In fact, many of his former colleagues still reside here and speak fondly of Mr. Armstrong and his contributions to this nation. We would like to also recognize that the contributions to this country made by Hugh L. Dryden are many and of worthy distinction in their own right and we do not wish to detract from such a distinguished legacy. Therefore, out of respect for Mr. Dryden's living family members and in order to preserve his memory we feel it is entirely appropriate to re- name the Western Aeronautical Test Range in his honor. Our nation is in dire need of programs that build on a solid base of science, mathematics and engineering in order to keep pace with our ever expanding technology. We feel the re-designation of these two assets will help to inspire future generations of aviators, scientists and engineers. For the above reasons, the Edwards AFB Civilian/Military Support Group joins with our legislative offices and other community organizations in supporting the proposed name change to the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. Thank you for your efforts in pushing this initiative forward in Congress and we wish you great success. Sincerely, Danny A. Bazzell, President, Edwards AFB Civilian/Military Support Group. ____ Mojave Air & Space Port, Mojave, CA, November 27, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy, Mojave Air & Space Port strongly supports a Resolution in favor of the proposed name change of the current NASA Dryden Flight Research Center to the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and Western Aeronautical Test Range to the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. It is most appropriate that Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong be honored and memorialized in this way with his noted lifelong accomplishments as the first human to walk on the moon and as a former test pilot who worked at the Dryden Flight Research Center for seven years (1955-1962) as well as emphasis on the contributions of the center to the agency's space exploration mission. The Resolution recognizes the importance of this center in advancing technology and science through flight research and technology integration to revolutionizing aviation and pioneering aerospace technology as well as space exploration. We feel that this would be an extraordinary honor for Neil Armstrong by strongly encouraging and supporting the passage of this legislation to honor his memory as well as acknowledging the accomplishments of Hugh L. Dryden by renaming the aeronautical test range in his honor. Sincerely, Stuart O. Witt, Chief Executive Officer. ____ Sacramento, CA, November 28, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: Thank you for introducing legislation to recognize Neil Armstrong and Hugh Dryden's enormous contributions to our national space program and the aerospace community in the Antelope Valley. Designating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range honors both of these individuals appropriately and in a way that highlights the contributions they have made. Aerospace is an ever changing, constantly advancing field. In the same way it was right to redesignate the former Lewis Research Center in Ohio to honor John Glenn's achievements and contributions, it is right to do so to honor Neil Armstrong and Hugh Dryden at the Edwards AFB facility. On behalf of the nine million California residents, including the aerospace communities in the high desert areas of Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, I fully support H.R. 6612 and encourage all our federal representatives to join and support your legislation. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, George Runner, Member, California State Board of Equalization. ____ Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance, Lancaster, CA, December 5, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance (GAVEA), I'm requesting your support of an initiative to designate the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and to designate NASA's Western Aeronautical Test Range the NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. GAVEA has been a supporter of the flight test missions at Edwards since our inception in 2000. In light of NASA's current mission to ``extend the frontiers of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research,'' we can think of no other person than Neil Armstrong whose name has the ability to inspire the next generation of researchers, scientists and space explorers. In addition, Mr. Armstrong had strong ties to both the center and the local community and lived an extraordinary life of service not only to his country as a test pilot and astronaut, but also as an educator. Recognition of his contribution to the nation is long overdue. Many of his former colleagues from the center still reside in our community and can attest to his reputation for exemplary values as well as technical and operational excellence. With due consideration, we acknowledge that Dr. Hugh Dryden also made a significant contribution to the NASA center at Edwards. However, few people today, especially young people, are able to make an immediate connection to his name. We believe it is important to preserve his legacy and that naming the Aeronautical Test Range after him would be a fitting tribute to his memory and to his living family members. It is a far more imperative mandate, however, to do what we can now to inspire math and science education though the center so that the important mission at NASA continues into the future. A fresh face on the facility at Edwards, in our opinion, will accomplish that objective. The Board of Directors of GAVEA wholeheartedly join our local legislators in endorsing this name change that reflects the outstanding successes of the center for over 60 years. We thank you for your effort to advance this initiative in Congress in the weeks to come. Sincerely, Dr. Jackie Fisher, GAVEA, Chairman. [[Page H7488]] ____ Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, Palmdale, CA, November 28, 2012. On behalf of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, I want to share our support for the name change of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. The Palmdale Chamber of Commerce has always been supportive of and, has been a beneficiary of, aerospace and space exploration brought about through the work of NASA. My personal dealings with NASA have led me to believe that they have done their due diligence in educating the population on who Hugh Dryden was however, many still do not know, nor will they ever know the impact of his work. For this reason, the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce is supportive of a name change to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. A change in name to the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center brings familiarity to NASA and in name alone will lend itself to increased interest in NASA's mission at the Flight Research Center. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jeff McElfresh, CEO, Palmdale Chamber of Commerce. ____ Antelope Valley Board of Trade, Lancaster, CA, Nov. 27, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: The Antelope Valley Board of Trade wishes to express to you its support of an initiative to designate the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and to designate NASA's Western Aeronautical Test Range the NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. Our organization has been has been a supporter of the flight test missions at Edwards since the late 1950s. To that effect, we have seen numerous name changes of the NASA facility over the years, and we feel that the timing is right to move the center into a new era. In light of NASA's current mission to ``extend the frontiers of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research'' we can think of no other person than Neil Armstrong whose name has the ability to inspire the next generation of researchers, scientists and space explorers. In addition, Mr. Armstrong had strong ties both to the center and to the local community and lived an extraordinary life of service not only to his country as a test pilot and astronaut, but also as an educator. Recognition of his contribution to the nation is long overdue. Many of his former colleagues from the center still reside in our community and can attest to his reputation for exemplary values as well as technical and operational excellence. With due consideration, we acknowledge that Dr. Hugh Dryden also made a significant contribution to the NASA center at Edwards. However, few people today, especially young people, are able to make an immediate connection to his name. We believe it is important to preserve his legacy and that naming the Aeronautical Test Range after him would be a fitting tribute to his memory and to his living family members. It is a far more imperative mandate, however, to do what we can now to inspire math and science education through the center so that the important mission at NASA continues into the future. A fresh face on the facility at Edwards, in our opinion, will accomplish that objective. We join our local legislators in endorsing this name change that reflects the outstanding successes of the center for over 60 years. We thank you for your efforts to advance this initiative in Congress in the weeks to come. For over fifty-three years the mission of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade has been ``to promote diverse business and industry, quality infrastructures, and a strong legislative voice for the benefit of our members and the greater Antelope Valley.'' Sincerely, Vicki Medina, Executive Director. ____ Kern County Board of Supervisors, Bakersfield, CA, December 4, 2012. Hon. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Boxer: The Kern County Board of Supervisors supports legislation by Rep. Kevin McCarthy to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The legislation will accomplish three important goals: (1) to honor and memorialize Neil A. Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon and a former test pilot who worked at the Center for seven years (1955-1962), (2) to emphasize the contributions of that Center to the agency's space exploration mission, and (3) to continue to memorialize the extraordinary career of Hugh F. Dryden by renaming the aeronautical test range (approximately 12,000 square miles of special use airspace) in his honor. Neil Armstrong's career in test flight began at Edwards Air Force Base. At the time he became an astronaut, Armstrong had logged 2,400 hours of flying time as a test pilot at Edwards, about 900 of the hours in jets. Armstrong was the only member of his class of astronauts who had flown in any rocket- powered aircraft, notably the X-15. which he piloted seven times at the Center. While still a test pilot at the NASA Flight Test Center in the early 1960s, Armstrong was part of a team that conceptualized the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV), a flight test article that proved critically important in learning what would be required to pilot a spacecraft to a lunar landing. The LLRV evolved into the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle in which Armstrong and all other commanders of Apollo lunar landing missions trained for their descents from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon. At the conclusion of Apollo 11, Armstrong left his astronaut duties and became NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics. In this post he oversaw the aeronautical research programs being conducted at the Center and took a lead role in the Center's work on the new technology of digital fly-by-wire (DFBW), a concept for flying an airplane electronically. NASA considers DFBW technology to be one of the most far-reaching research technology breakthroughs that its Flight Research Center has made in its 60-year history. DFBW technology was the forerunner of the computerized flight control systems used on nearly all modern high performance aircraft, on military and civilian transports, and on the space shuttles. Given Commander Armstrong's extraordinary career and his close association with Edwards Air Force Base, our Board believes it is appropriate to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, and that it is equally appropriate to re-designate the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. We respectfully request your strong support for this legislation. Sincerely, Zack Scrivner, Chairman. ____ Kern County Board of Supervisors, Bakersfield, CA, December 4, 2012. Hon. Jim Costa, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Costa: The Kern County Board of Supervisors supports legislation by Rep. Kevin McCarthy to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The legislation will accomplish three important goals: (1) to honor and memorialize Neil A, Armstrong. the first human to walk on the Moon and a former test pilot who worked at the Center for seven years (1955-1962), (2) to emphasize the contributions of that Center to the agency's space exploration mission, and (3) to continue to memorialize the extraordinary career of Hugh L. Dryden by renaming the aeronautical test range (approximately 12,000 square miles of special use airspace) in his honor. Neil Armstrong's career in test flight began at Edwards Air Force Base. At the time he became an astronaut. Armstrong had logged 2,400 hours of flying time as a test pilot at Edwards, about 900 of the hours in jets. Armstrong was the only member of his class of astronauts who had flown in any rocket- powered aircraft, notably the X-15, which he piloted seven times at the Center. While still a test pilot at the NASA Flight Test Center in the early 1960s, Armstrong was part of a team that conceptualized the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV), a flight test article that proved critically important in learning what would be required to pilot a spacecraft to a lunar landing. The LLRV evolved into the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle in which Armstrong and all other commanders of Apollo lunar landing missions trained for their descents from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon. At the conclusion of Apollo 11, Armstrong left his astronaut duties and became NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics. In this post he oversaw the aeronautical research programs being conducted at the Center and took a lead role in the Center's work on the new technology of digital fly-by-wire (DFBW), a concept for flying an airplane electronically. NASA considers DFBW technology to be one of the most far-reaching research technology breakthroughs that its Flight Research Center has made in its 60-year history. DFBW technology was the forerunner of the computerized flight control systems used on nearly all modern high performance aircraft, on military and civilian transports, and on the space shuttles. Given Commander Armstrong's extraordinary career and his close association with Edwards Air Force Base, our Board believes it is appropriate to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, and that it is equally appropriate to re-designate the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. We respectfully request your strong support for this legislation. Sincerely, Zack Scrivner, Chairman. [[Page H7489]] ____ Kern County Board of Supervisors, Bakersfield, CA, December 4, 2012. Hon. Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Feinstein: The Kern County Board of Supervisors supports legislation by Rep. Kevin McCarthy to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The legislation will accomplish three important goals: (1) to honor and memorialize Neil A. Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon and a former test pilot who worked at the Center for seven years (1955-1962), (2) to emphasize the contributions of that Center to the agency's space exploration mission, and (3) to continue to memorialize the extraordinary career of Hugh L. Dryden by renaming the aeronautical test range (approximately 12,000 square miles of special use airspace) in his honor. Neil Armstrong's career in test flight began at Edwards Air Force Base. At the time he became an astronaut, Armstrong had logged 2,400 hours of flying time as a test pilot at Edwards, about 900 of the hours in jets. Armstrong was the only member of his class of astronauts who had flown in any rocket- powered aircraft, notably the X-15, which he piloted seven times at the Center. While still a test pilot at the NASA Flight Test Center in the early 1960s, Armstrong was part of a team that conceptualized the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV), a flight test article that proved critically important in learning what would be required to pilot a spacecraft to a lunar landing. The LLRV evolved into the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle in which Armstrong and all other commanders of Apollo lunar landing missions trained for their descents from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon. At the conclusion of Apollo 11, Armstrong, left his astronaut duties and became NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics. In this post he oversaw the aeronautical research programs being conducted at the Center and took a lead role in the Center's work on the new technology of digital fly-by-wire (DFBW), a concept for flying an airplane electronically. NASA considers DFBW technology to be one of the most far-reaching research technology breakthroughs that its Flight Research Center has made in its 60-year history. DFBW technology was the forerunner of the computerized flight control systems used on nearly all modern high performance aircraft, on military and civilian transports, and on the space shuttles. Given Commander Armstrong's extraordinary career and his close association with Edwards Air Force Base, our Board believes it is appropriate to re-designate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, and that it is equally appropriate to redesignate the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. We respectfully request your strong support for this legislation. Sincerely, Jack Scrivner, Chairman. ____ Kern County Board of Supervisors, Bakersfield, CA, December 4, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: The Kern County Board of Supervisors supports your legislation to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The legislation will honor and memorialize Neil A. Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon and a former test pilot who worked at the Center for seven years (1955- 1962); emphasize the contributions of that Center to the agency's space exploration mission, and continue to memorialize the extraordinary career of Hugh L. Dryden by renaming the aeronautical test range (approximately 12,000 square miles of special use airspace) in his honor. Neil Armstrong's career in test flight began at Edwards Air Force Base. At the time he became an astronaut, Armstrong had logged 2,400 hours of flying time as a test pilot at Edwards, about 900 of the hours in jets. Armstrong was the only member of his class of astronauts who had flown in any rocket- powered aircraft, notably the X-15, which he piloted seven times at the Center. While still a test pilot at the NASA Flight Test Center in the early 1960s, Armstrong was part of a team that conceptualized the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV), a flight test article that proved critically important in learning what would be required to pilot a spacecraft to a lunar landing. The LLRV evolved into the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle in which Armstrong and all other commanders of Apollo lunar landing missions trained for their descents from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon. At the conclusion of Apollo 11, Commander Armstrong left his astronaut duties and became NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics. In this post he oversaw the aeronautical research programs being conducted at the Center and took a lead role in the Center's work on the new technology of digital fly-by-wire (DFBW), a concept for flying an airplane electronically. NASA considers DFBW technology to be one of the most far-reaching research technology breakthroughs that its Flight Research Center has made in its 60-year history. DFBW technology was the forerunner of the computerized flight control systems used on nearly all modern high performance aircraft, on military and civilian transports, and on the space shuttles. Given Commander Armstrong's extraordinary career and his close association with Edwards Air Force Base, our Board believes it is appropriate to redesignate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, and that it is equally appropriate to redesignate the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. We therefore offer our strong support for your legislation. Sincerely, Zack Scrivner, Chairman, ____ City of Palmdale, Palmdale, CA, December 3, 2012. Congressman Kevin McCarthy, House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: The City of Palmdale is pleased to support your legislature proposal to re-designate NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in honor of Neil A. Armstrong. The Antelope Valley, including Palmdale, is known for its rich aviation history and heritage, largely resulting from operations at Air Force Plant 42 and Edwards Air Force Base including NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Our residents and local businesses are involved in making extensive contributions to our nation in the fields of space exploration, national defense, aeronautics and other scientific discovery. With NASA's new vision for space exploration, there is a need to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers to explore space. The proposed name change will accomplish two important goals: to honor Neil Armstrong, test pilot and Apollo 11 astronaut who was the first person to walk on the Moon and a former test pilot at the Center, as well as to emphasize the contributions of the Center to the Agency's space exploration mission. Again, I applaud your efforts and thank you for introducing this legislation and your ongoing support of the Antelope Valley. Sincerely James C. Ledford, Jr., Mayor. ____ City of California City, City Hall, California City, CA, November 28, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: The City of California City whole heartedly supports and indorses the proposed name change of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center to the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center in honor of Neil Armstrong's lifelong service to his country and the expansion of space exploration. The rich history of NASA and it's relationship with Mr. Armstrong which lead to his accomplishments throughout his career inspire the ``Can Do'' attitude that makes America the nation of leaders that others constantly strive to emulate. We applaud your efforts to make this a realization so that future Americans will continue to recognize this pioneer's efforts whenever they come in contact with the NASA's Flight Research Center. Sincerely, William T. Weil, Jr., City Manager. ____ Lancaster, CA, November 29, 2012. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman McCarthy: The Antelope Valley Board of Trade wishes to express to you its support of an initiative to designate the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, California the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and to designate NASA's Western Aeronautical Test Range the NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. Our organization has been a long-time supporter of the flight test missions at Edwards. To that effect, we have seen numerous name changes of the NASA facility over the years, and we feel that the timing is right to move the center into a new era. In light of NASA's current mission to ``extend the frontiers of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research'', we can think of no other person than Neil Armstrong whose name has the ability to inspire the next generation of researchers, scientists, and space explorers. In addition, Mr. Armstrong had strong ties both to the center and to the local community and lived an extraordinary life of service not only to his country as a test pilot and astronaut, but also as an educator. Recognition of his contribution to the nation is long overdue. Many of his former colleagues from the center still reside in our community and can attest to his reputation for exemplary values as well as technical and operational excellence. [[Page H7490]] We join our local legislators in endorsing this name change that reflects the outstanding successes of the center for over 60 years. We thank you for your efforts to advance this initiative in Congress in the weeks to come. Sincerely, R. Rex Parris, Mayor. Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich). Mr. KUCINICH. Neil Armstrong's voyage to the Moon represented a personal heroic journey, and it was also expressive of a uniquely American capability and capacity to reach higher and higher, to expand our horizons, to seek newer worlds, and to do that with a sense of wonder and in peace. May we regain that capacity through recognizing him today. Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Lamar Smith, who, on the 3rd day of January will be the chairman of Science, Space, and Technology for many, many years. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, first I want to thank the gentleman from California, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, for honoring both Neil Armstrong and NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh Dryden with this bill. Not many people know the relationship between these two men. Hugh Dryden was the visionary behind NASA's X-15 rocket plane and the Apollo program, and Neil Armstrong was the one who actually flew the spacecraft that Dryden envisioned. The X-15 rocket plane set many speed and altitude records in the early 1960s. Hugh Dryden was the engineer and program manager for that spacecraft, which Neil Armstrong flew seven times. While everyone knows that Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the Moon, not many people know Hugh Dryden's role. The Soviets launched the first satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, and Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space in April 1961. President John F. Kennedy was looking for a way to demonstrate American ingenuity and technical superiority over the Soviet Union, so he convened the National Space Council and asked for their advice on the best way for America to respond to the Soviets' string of firsts in space exploration. Hugh Dryden was the person in that meeting who recommended to the President that the goal of putting a person on the Moon within 10 years was achievable and something the American people could rally behind. The rest is history. President Kennedy grabbed Hugh Dryden's idea and addressed a joint session of Congress the very next month. The Apollo program was the brainchild of Hugh Dryden, and Neil Armstrong turned that dream into reality by making that ``one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' on another world almost 240,000 miles away. Hugh Dryden was not able to see his dream become reality, as he died in 1965, and, unfortunately, Neil Armstrong passed away last August. It is important for us to honor both men's legacies by naming the flight research center after Neil Armstrong and the surrounding test range after Hugh Dryden. With this bill, we reaffirm that America is filled with dreamers like Hugh Dryden and doers like Neil Armstrong, who, working together, can shoot for the Moon. Again, Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congressman McCarthy for honoring their legacy, which reminds us that America always needs to think about new frontiers. Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I'd like to inquire of Mr. Hall as to whether he has additional speakers; otherwise, I'm ready to close. Mr. HALL. No, we do not have additional speakers. Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It seems so fitting that we're here today to recognize Neil Armstrong. And I want to thank Mr. Hall both for his leadership of our Science Committee and the opportunity that we've had to work together. He is a good friend. I look forward to working with our new chairman, Mr. Smith, in the next Congress. And it seems that we will have an opportunity to work on the things that Neil Armstrong believed in and felt so passionately about: about making sure that the United States remains at the top of the leader board when it comes to space exploration; making certain that, as he expressed in our committee, NASA remains at the forefront of our technology development, of our research, of our capacity. There are few of us who will get to see or to know what Neil Armstrong saw and knew. There are few of us, though we want to, who will be able to see the universe in the kind of way that Neil Armstrong did. But what we do know is that we have the ability here in this Congress and in future Congresses to actually preserve what it is that we do in space and how we use technology, and that we build on the great promise of Hugh Dryden and Neil Armstrong and our great capacity as a Nation for research and development and technology. I know that our leaders will be committed to preserving the names of these great heroes in the work that we do in the future, for our children and for generations to come. It also seems very fitting that in honoring Neil Armstrong--and I will just say personally, there are few opportunities here in the Congress where you feel like you really get to both touch the past and look to the future, and for me, that came in just being able to meet and to talk with Neil Armstrong when he came before our committee, Mr. Chairman. And I will say, having watched all of those missions as a little girl sitting in front of a black-and-white television, in a classroom, seeing the promise and capacity of our universe and our scientific endeavors and creation, that Neil Armstrong was at the center of that. And so I am pleased that we're able to honor him today, but I hope that we can honor him and his legacy in the future with the work that we do to preserve the great work that's done at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for all of our future generations. To the chairman, I know that, to Chairman Hall, Neil Armstrong was a special friend of his as well and quite an inspiration, but an inspiration for generations. And so it gives me great pleasure to be able to present H.R. 6612 in renaming the Dryden Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Center, and I look forward to continuing to support the great work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, before I close, I'd just like to thank Jay Pierson, who plans to retire at the end of this year, for his many, many years of service to this House. He's been very helpful to me, to my staff, and to other staffs. He'll be sorely missed. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I proudly stand with my good friend and fellow Californian, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, in strong support of legislation we have both championed, H.R. 6612, which will redesignate NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. One of the greatest benefits of public service in U.S. House of Representatives is the people that you meet from all walks of life. I had the very high honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Armstrong on several occasions before he passed away on August 25, 2012. Given his place as a revered global icon, Neil never sought the limelight and never lost his unassuming nature or the Midwestern values that his Ohio roots instilled in him. Those of us who were old enough to witness first hand when he took his first step on the surface of the moon will never forget the great sense of pride in our country and inspiration in the ability of mankind. There are few events in history that have had such a profound and positive impact, transcending generations across the globe. H.R. 6612 is just one way we can pay tribute to this great American hero. The bill will accomplish three important goals: (1) to honor Neil A. Armstrong, who served as an experimental research test pilot at the center from 1955 to 1962; (2) to emphasize the contributions of that center to NASA's current space exploration mission; and (3) to memorialize the extraordinary career of Dr. Hugh L. Dryden by naming the aeronautical [[Page H7491]] test range, approximately 12,000 square miles of special use airspace in his honor. I urge my House colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 6612. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6612. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7491-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANCE FOR VIOLENT CRIMES ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7491,H7495,"[{""name"": ""Trey Gowdy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Robert C. \""Bobby\"" Scott"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""John Conyers, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""83""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2076""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2076""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6019""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6019""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7491,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7491-H7495] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANCE FOR VIOLENT CRIMES ACT OF 2012 Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2076) to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice of providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: In lieu of matter proposed to be inserted, insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN VIOLENT ACTS, SHOOTINGS, AND MASS KILLINGS. (a) Attorney General.--Title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in section 530C(b)(1)(L)(i), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and inserting ``$3,000,000''; and (2) in section 530C(b)(1), by adding at the end the following-- ``(M)(i) At the request of an appropriate law enforcement official of a State or political subdivision, the Attorney General may assist in the [[Page H7492]] investigation of violent acts and shootings occurring in a place of public use and in the investigation of mass killings and attempted mass killings. Any assistance provided under this subparagraph shall be presumed to be within the scope of Federal office or employment. ``(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph-- ``(I) the term `mass killings' means 3 or more killings in a single incident; and ``(II) the term `place of public use' has the meaning given that term under section 2332f(e)(6) of title 18, United States Code.''. (b) Secretary of Homeland Security.--Section 875 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 455) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Investigation of Certain Violent Acts, Shootings, and Mass Killings.-- ``(1) In general.--At the request of an appropriate law enforcement official of a State or political subdivision, the Secretary, through deployment of the Secret Service or United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, may assist in the investigation of violent acts and shootings occurring in a place of public use, and in the investigation of mass killings and attempted mass killings. Any assistance provided by the Secretary under this subsection shall be presumed to be within the scope of Federal office or employment. ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) the term `mass killings' means 3 or more killings in a single incident; and ``(B) the term `place of public use' has the meaning given that term under section 2332f(e)(6) of title 18, United States Code.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina. General Leave Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the matter currently under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from South Carolina? There was no objection. Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, violent crimes, especially mass killings, are often unpredictable and impulsive. The venues are random. The jurisdictions where these crimes take place include the smallest of towns, the least likely places for crimes of this magnitude and this depravity. When we were drafting this bill months ago, Madam Speaker, of course we had hoped against hope that it would not be needed--not so soon, at least. We hoped it would sit on the sidelines, available but unused. Sadly, this is not the culture we live in, Madam Speaker. We have recently witnessed another example of the depth to which the human condition can sink. In times like these, when State and local resources are stretched, Federal law enforcement is ready, willing, and able to assist. Indeed, they do assist, but they do so without statutory coverage. The manner and method of the assistance, Madam Speaker, is vast and varied. Most local police departments do not have criminal profilers. They may not have quick access to a world-class forensic lab, grand jury subpoenas, or the experience that comes from handling similar investigations in the past. Law enforcement, Madam Speaker, is a particularly close-knit community, with State, local, and Federal agents working together sharing resources and expertise, working under very difficult circumstances to prevent crimes or quickly investigate and apprehend afterwards those who commit such crimes. Madam Speaker, I have seen in my own prior career in South Carolina the willingness of Federal law enforcement to assist in kidnappings, murders, arson, and robberies. Tragically, our country has seen the need for Federal law enforcement to assist in places as disparate as movie theaters, college campuses, and even elementary schools. Federal law enforcement agencies and officers do not currently have specific statutory authority to assist in the investigations of mass killings, attempted mass killings, or other violent crimes that occur. Federal law enforcement officers frequently receive emergency requests for such assistance from State and local law enforcement agencies. And while this assistance is routinely provided, Madam Speaker, it is possible that Federal officers who provide such assistance could be found to be acting outside their scope of employment. To correct this problem, H.R. 2076 specifically allows certain Federal agents to provide State and local law enforcement with the assistance requested when the violent act does not otherwise appear to violate Federal law. These Federal agents come from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshal Service, Secret Service, and ICE. And while we hope and pray, Madam Speaker, and take affirmative steps to prevent such similar crimes in the future, this bill ensures that State and local police now can at least request the assistance of Federal law enforcement officers in similar situations, and do so fully covered by the law. This bill allows Federal law enforcement officers to provide an emergency response to critical situations where violent crimes have occurred or may remain in progress. This bill is not an expansion, Madam Speaker, of Federal authority and does not expand the jurisdiction of any Federal law enforcement agency in any manner whatsoever. Any law enforcement assistance must be requested by a State or local authority and agreed to by the Federal authorities. Last year, Madam Speaker, this bill passed the Judiciary Committee in the House with broad bipartisan support. Earlier this month, the Senate passed, by unanimous consent, this bill. This bill is supported by the FBI Agents Association and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to concur in the Senate's amendment to this bill so that it may be sent to the President for his signature, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2076. The House originally passed this bill in September of 2001 by an overwhelming vote. H.R. 2076 gives the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security the specific statutory authority to respond to requests from State and local law enforcement agencies for assistance in investigation of violent acts and shootings occurring in public places and in investigations of mass killings and attempted mass killings. {time} 1130 The House-passed version of the bill only applied to the FBI providing assistance. The Senate amended the bill to include all DOJ and Department of Homeland Security law enforcement agencies. Therefore, under the version of the bill before the House today, the Department of Justice's agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, Marshal Service and ATF, would be able to provide assistance, as would the Department of Homeland Security's law enforcement agencies, such as Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, if requested by local and State law enforcement agencies. These Federal agencies do not currently have the specific statutory authority to assist in the investigations of mass killings or attempted mass killings occurring in venues such as schools, colleges, universities, non-Federal office buildings, malls and/or other public places. In particular, while the FBI continues to receive requests for such assistance from State and local law enforcement, and the FBI often does assist in such circumstances, there is presently technically no Federal statute that directly provides jurisdiction to the FBI to respond to such requests. Legislation granting the proposed investigative authority would allow these Federal agencies to provide State and local law enforcement with the assistance, if requested, even when the violent act does not technically violate a Federal law. Unfortunately, due to the tragic shooting and killing of 20 students and six teachers in Newtown, Connecticut, the consideration of this bill is timely. Of course, we should pass the bill today so that the President may sign it into law. But, Madam Speaker, while we must take steps to assist in the investigation of such incidents, it is even more critical that we prevent them from occurring in the first place. Proposals to do that include not only legislation involving gun safety, but also [[Page H7493]] legislation such as the Youth Promise Act, which would provide funding for comprehensive juvenile justice initiatives, or additional funding for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant, or the Campus Safety Act, which are all pending, as well as increased funding for mental health services and school counselors. We simply must do all we can to protect our citizens, and these proposals must be enacted as soon as possible. But with respect to H.R. 2076, the bill before us today, I want to commend the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy) for his leadership on this bill and urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 2076. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I just want to take this one final opportunity to thank Chairman Smith for his leadership, not just on this particular bill, but his leadership throughout the 2-year tenure he was chairman of the Judiciary. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Virginia? There was no objection. Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time and the right to perhaps finish at the end. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Thank you. And I apologize, I was not aware that I had additional speakers. I yield such time as he may consume to the former chair of the Judiciary Committee, the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers). Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am very quick to thank the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Bobby Scott of Virginia, and of course Mr. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina for his very great contribution to H.R. 2076, as amended, that the House originally passed in 2011 by a vote of 358-9. H.R. 2076 gives the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security the specific statutory authority to respond to requests from State and local law enforcement agencies for assistance in the investigation of violent acts and shootings occurring in public places, and in the investigation of mass killings and attempted mass killings. It's very appropriate, of course, under the recent circumstances that the leaders on both sides of the aisle have mentioned. So this bill, unfortunately, due to the tragic shooting in Newtown, the consideration of this bill is appropriately timely. Of course we should pass the bill today so that the President may sign it into law, but it is unfortunate that we're not also sending the President even more urgently needed legislation to protect us from gun violence. While we must take steps to assist in the investigation of such incidents, it is critical that we prevent them from occurring in the first place. We're simply not doing all we can do to protect our citizens, but we celebrate that we have come this far. So I urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 2076. Mr. GOWDY. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. First of all, I want to thank Mr. Gowdy very much for the attentiveness to this legislation and shepherding it so that it has come from the Senate and accepting the Senate amendment. I am on Homeland Security, and I believe that the amendment that has been provided under this legislation originally, H.R. 2076, will expand your intent, and I believe that you believe it as well. I think it is very important to emphasize that we now have extra investigatory skills and techniques and a collaborative effort between Homeland Security personnel and those in the Department of Justice to be utilized by the Homeland Security Secretary, and as well the Attorney General, helping to investigate violent acts or shootings that occur in venues such as schools, colleges, universities, non-Federal office buildings, and other places of public use. This includes mass killings that are three or more killings in a single incident. We all recognize the tragedy of Newtown, but there are tragedies that have faced us over the last couple of years. The President indicated Newtown was the worst day of his administration, but compounded was the Aurora killings, the killings in the Sikh temple, and the acts of heinous murder that occurred in Houston, Texas, where a mother and her daughter were murdered on Christmas Eve. So there are times when the local authorities need immediate assistance. Or the time when we had a child predator. Although this legislation may not define violent acts as such, I can tell you that the community felt violated when a number of children were preyed upon. Through the kindness and the understanding of the local FBI office in Houston and my persistence and the difficulty of coordinating with local authorities because of the sort of uncomfortableness of the involvement of the Federal Government, we overcame that and they participated, and shortly thereafter the predator was captured. Children are impacted, and that is why this legislation is enormously important. I also want to take note of the fact that the gentleman from South Carolina is right that the FBI did not have statutory authority to assist in the investigation of mass killings or other violent crimes that are carried out in non-Federal public places such as schools and universities. We now have put forward this Federal law. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2076, the Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2011. This legislation is an appropriate and necessary measure to keep our citizens safe. Currently the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, does not have statutory authority to assist in the investigation of mass killings or other violent crimes that are carried out in non-federal public places, such as schools and universities. As of now, when the FBI is asked by state and local law enforcement to assist with related investigations, they frequently comply with the request, despite the possibility that in doing so, the responding officers may be found to be acting outside of their jurisdiction. The Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act grants specific authority to the FBI to respond when asked for help by state and local law enforcement, without expanding the jurisdiction of the FBI. The bill allows the FBI to assist in the investigation of a violent crime or mass killing only when asked to do so. The FBI has lent their resources to several high profile investigations in recent history. Last September, when an armed intruder entered the Discovery Communications Building in Rockville, Maryland, the FBI SWAT team assisted the Montgomery County Police Department, and FBI investigators processed the crime scene. In 2009, the American Civic Center in Binghamton, New York was the site of a mass killing when an armed subject killed 13 people. The FBI was asked to assist, and lent their Evidence Response Team, Victim Assistance program, and Behavioral Analysis unit. The FBI also assisted in the investigation to identify the student who opened fire at Virginia Technical Institute in 2007. The FBI lent invaluable assistance to state and local law enforcement to these and many other cases. However, as the law currently standards, there is no specific statutory authority allowing them to do so. The Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act specifically authorizes, by legal statute, that which the FBI is consistently asked and expected to do. This bill is an important measure aimed at increasing the safety and security of the American people. When faced with a mass killing or other violent crime, our state and local law enforcement officials should have access to every necessary resource in order to mitigate the situation, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. In Houston, Texas, where I represent the 18th Congressional District, the FBI reports that 22,491 violent crimes in 2010. I know that my constituents would appreciate knowing that their local law enforcement officials have access to the resources of the FBI, should they need them. As a senior Member of both the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, I have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the American people, and this legislation does just that. I am pleased at the bipartisan manner in which this bill is being considered, and urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2076, the Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act. {time} 1140 I think that is enormously important. Again, I congratulate the passage of this legislation, and I am particularly sensitive to the utilization of the SWAT team. I will take a moment, just to deviate, to be able to thank the chairman of the [[Page H7494]] committee and the ranking member and the ranking member on the Crime Subcommittee for their commitment and interest in children. Today, we were going to further proceed with our commitment to children, and that is in the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant. But my fight will continue in the next term, and I want to thank you, Mr. Smith, for understanding that the practical aspect of what we were doing was to save children and to prevent a youngster like this from not having a juvenile system that they could in fact have access to. It plays into some of what Mr. Gowdy is speaking about, but it plays into an earlier stage, and that is to ensure that there are court systems, there are mental health systems, there are a number of other systems that our juveniles can have access to that are intervention; that in fact we can take note of the fact that juveniles are bullied, that there's cyberbullying. But I believe it's important to stand to fight for another day. So as we support the legislation of Mr. Gowdy, I want to be able to thank all of those who stood crying in a hearing in Houston, Texas, in the fall of 2010, fighting about whether or not this Federal Government would make a statement, a positive statement, about resources to help with bullying and the intervention of such, and to do it in a way that could be effectively utilized. I think we came up with that in H.R. 6019, in all the compromise that we came about, and frankly sometimes the English language is not perfect and people cannot understand what we are trying to do. But to come back to this legislation, H.R. 2076 will be a good, fitting end for the Judiciary Committee, and in 2013 I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant reauthorization so that critical issues such as youth violence, juvenile crime prevention, mental health screening and treatment, among others, that would help millions of children can be in place. If we can have a situation where we reauthorize what my original bill, H.R. 83, offered to do, I will be right there being enthusiastic. If we have to find a common place of compromise, I will be there as well, because that is what we are here to do, to work on behalf of the American people and the children that we represent. It is important to note that we are doing something good in the Judiciary Committee. I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together more closely in 2013 and be able to do the good work that many of us have advocated and work with a number of groups and families who have been victims without the right kind of resources, which we were trying to implement. With that, I want to submit into the Record a number of documents on my remarks that I have just made, and I ask my colleagues to support the legislation of Mr. Gowdy. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC. Support H.R. 6019: The Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization Act 2012 Dear Colleague: I invite you to join me in supporting legislation that seeks to provide grants through the Department of Justice to States for the creation and operation of programs that address critical issues such as youth violence, juvenile crime prevention, and mental health screening and treatment, among others, which would help millions of children throughout our nation. H.R. 6019 reauthorizes the Juvenile Accountability Block Grants, JABG, and would allow a portion of those funds to also be used by States for a number of intervention programs. H.R. 6019 authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States and local governments to strengthen their juvenile justice systems and foster accountability within their juvenile populations. As previously stated, JABG funds support seventeen program purpose areas, allowing local governments to utilize funding for a variety of activities including hiring juvenile court judges, probation officers, and court-appointed defenders. Moreover, local governments will have access to funding for programs derived from evidence-based models and best practices that address, among other issues, those related to bullying and cyberbullying, including prevention and intervention. I hope you will lend your support to this effort on behalf of our nation's children to create and support programs designed to address these critical issues and help create a better juvenile justice system in America. Together, we can do a great deal to ease and end the suffering of millions of children nationwide. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Janice Bashford at 202.225.3816, or, Janice.Bashford@mail.house.gov. Very Truly Yours, Sheila Jackson Lee, Member of Congress. ____ Congress of the United States Washington, DC. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT Originally created in 1997, Congress created the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JABG) program and appropriated new federal funds through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). In 2002 and 2005, the program was reauthorized and the program was eventually renamed the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) Program. Its most recent reauthorization occurred in 2006, with $350 million a year for FYs 2006 through 2009. Now unauthorized, JABG still receives appropriations. FY 2001 ($250 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2002 ($250 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2003 ($190 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2004 ($60 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2005 ($55 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2006 ($50 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2007 ($49 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2008 ($52 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2009 ($55 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2010 ($55 million requested by President, $55 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2011 ($40 million requested by President, $46 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2012 ( ZERO requested by President, $30 million appropriated by Congress) FY 2013 ($30 million requested by President) H.R. 6019 would authorize the appropriation of $40 million annually over the 2013-2017. Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 6019 would cost $121 million over the 2013-2017 period. PAYGO does not apply. ____ VOTE YES ON H.R. 6019 The Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2012 Help Your Local Communities 17 JABG Program Purpose Areas 1. Developing, implementing, and administering graduated sanctions for juvenile offenders. 2. Building, expanding, renovating, or operating temporary or permanent juvenile correction, detention, or community corrections facilities. 3. Hiring juvenile court judges, probation officers, and court-appointed defenders and special advocates, and funding pretrial services (including mental health screening and assessment) for juvenile offenders to promote the effective and expeditious administration of the juvenile justice system. 4. Hiring additional prosecutors so that more cases involving violent juvenile offenders can be prosecuted and case backlogs reduced. 5. Providing funding to enable prosecutors to address drug, gang, and youth violence problems more effectively and for technology, equipment, and training to help prosecutors identify and expedite the prosecution of violent juvenile offenders. 6. Establishing and maintaining training programs for law enforcement and other court personnel with respect to preventing and controlling juvenile crime. 7. Establishing juvenile gun courts for the prosecution and adjudication of juvenile firearms offenders. 8. Establishing drug court programs for juvenile offenders that provide continuing judicial supervision over juvenile offenders with substance abuse problems and integrate administration of other sanctions and services for such offenders. 9. Establishing and maintaining a system of juvenile records designed to promote public safety. 10. Establishing and maintaining interagency information sharing programs that enable the juvenile and criminal justice systems, schools, and social services agencies to make more informed decisions regarding the early identification, control, supervision, and treatment of juveniles who repeatedly commit serious delinquent or criminal acts. 11. Establishing and maintaining accountability-based programs designed to reduce recidivism among juveniles who are referred by law enforcement personnel or agencies. 12. Establishing and maintaining programs to conduct risk and needs assessments that facilitate effective early intervention and the provision of comprehensive services, including mental health screening and treatment and substance abuse testing and treatment, to juvenile offenders. 13. Establishing and maintaining accountability-based programs that are designed to enhance school safety, which programs may include research-based bullying, cyberbullying, and gang prevention programs. 14. Establishing and maintaining restorative justice programs. [[Page H7495]] 15. Establishing and maintaining programs to enable juvenile courts and juvenile probation officers to be more effective and efficient in holding juvenile offenders accountable and reducing recidivism. 16. Hiring detention and corrections personnel, and establishing and maintaining training programs for such personnel, to improve facility practices and programming. 17. Establishing, improving, and coordinating pre-release and post-release systems and programs to facilitate the successful re-entry of juvenile offenders from state and local custody in the community. Mr. GOWDY. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I would just like to again compliment the gentleman from South Carolina for his leadership on this. A lot of communities will benefit. I thank him for that work. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. GOWDY. Madam Speaker, in conclusion, and I'm sure on behalf of all my colleagues, I want to thank the women and men in law enforcement for their service, their sacrifice, their willingness to do jobs that either we cannot do or will not do. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for his leadership over the last 2 years, and I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for his collegiality and friendship. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 2076. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7491,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION PROPERTY CONVEYANCE,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7491,H7491,"[{""name"": ""Don Young"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Raul M. Grijalva"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""443""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""443""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7491,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7491] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1120 MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION PROPERTY CONVEYANCE Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 443) to provide for the conveyance of certain property from the United States to the Maniilaq Association located in Kotzebue, Alaska. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY. (a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, but not later than 180 days after such date, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall convey to the Maniilaq Association located in Kotzebue, Alaska, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the property described in section 2 for use in connection with health and social services programs. The Secretary's conveyance of title by warranty deed under this section shall, on its effective date, supersede and render of no future effect on any Quitclaim Deed to the properties described in section 2 executed by the Secretary and the Maniilaq Association. (b) Conditions.--The conveyance required by this section shall be made by warranty deed without consideration and without imposing any obligation, term, or condition on the Maniilaq Association, or reversionary interest of the United States, other than that required by this Act or section 512(c)(2)(B) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 458aaa-11(c)(2)(B)). SEC. 2. PROPERTY DESCRIBED. The property, including all land and appurtenances, to be conveyed pursuant to section 1 is as follows: (1) Kotzebue hospital and land.--Re-Plat of Friends Mission Reserve, Subdivision No. 2, U.S. Survey 2082, Lot 1, Block 12, Kotzebue, Alaska, containing 8.10 acres recorded in the Kotzebue Recording District, Kotzebue, Alaska, on August 18, 2009. (2) Kotzebue quarters aka kic site.--Re-plat of Friends Mission Reserve, U.S. Survey 2082, Lot 1A, Block 13, Kotzebue, Alaska, containing 5.229 acres recorded in the Kotzebue Recording District, Kotzebue, Alaska, on December 23, 1991. (3) Kotzebue quarters aka nana site.--Lot 1B, Block 26, Tract A, Townsite of Kotzebue, U.S. Survey No. 2863 A, Kotzebue, Alaska, containing 1.29 acres recorded in the Kotzebue Recording District, Kotzebue, Alaska, on December 23, 1991. SEC. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law, the Maniilaq Association shall not be liable for any soil, surface water, groundwater, or other contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or presence of any environmental contamination, including any oil or petroleum products, or any hazardous substances, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, pollutants, toxic substances, solid waste, or any other environmental contamination or hazard as defined in any Federal or State of Alaska law, on any property described in section 2 on or before the date on which all of the properties described in section 2 were conveyed by quitclaim deed. (b) Easement.--The Secretary shall be accorded any easement or access to the property conveyed as may be reasonably necessary to satisfy any retained obligations and liability of the Secretary. (c) Notice of Hazardous Substance Activity and Warranty.-- The Secretary shall comply with section 120(h)(3)(A) and (B) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)(A)). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alaska. General Leave Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Alaska? There was no objection. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My bill, H.R. 443, directs the Indian Health Service to transfer 15 acres of Federal land in Alaska to the Maniilaq Association by warranty deed. The IHS has already conveyed these lands to the association by quitclaim deed; however, under Federal Indian health laws, transferring land by quitclaim deed could present some obstacles to the future use of the land by the association. The association is a nonprofit entity that runs Federal Indian health services for Native people in northwest Alaska. The land subject to this legislation is currently the site of a Native health facility and of proposed long-term care facilities and employee housing. The administration testified in support of the land transfer, and we have heard no other objections to this bill which passed the House over a year ago by a 407-4 vote. The Senate amendment before us today makes four small technical changes to the bill, including changing verb tenses, clarifying the timing of the conveyance, and clarifying a definition. None are controversial and, some might say, even necessary. I, again, thank Chairman Upton of the Energy and Commerce Committee for allowing H.R. 443, a bill that we share jurisdiction over, to be considered on the floor today. I urge the House to adopt the Senate amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GRIJALVA. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, we do not object to the Senate amendment to H.R. 443, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I have no other requests for time. I urge the passage of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 443. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7495-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7495,H7498,"[{""name"": ""Jason Chaffetz"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Ted Poe"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Eleanor Holmes Norton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""938""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3159""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7495,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7495-H7498] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6364) to establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, to provide for the designation of memorials to the [[Page H7496]] service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``World War I Centennial Commission Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Definitions. Sec. 4. Establishment of World War I Centennial Commission. Sec. 5. Duties of Centennial Commission. Sec. 6. Powers of Centennial Commission. Sec. 7. Centennial Commission personnel matters. Sec. 8. Termination of Centennial Commission. Sec. 9. Prohibition on obligation of Federal funds. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) From 2014 through 2018, the United States and nations around the world will mark the centennial of World War I, including the entry of the United States into the war in April 1917. (2) America's support of Great Britain, France, Belgium, and its other allies in World War I marked the first time in United States history that American soldiers went abroad in defense of liberty against foreign aggression, and it marked the true beginning of the ``American century''. (3) Although World War I was at the time called ``the war to end all wars'', in fact the United States would commit its troops to the defense of foreign lands 3 more times in the 20th century. (4) More than 4,000,000 men and women from the United States served in uniform during World War I, among them 2 future presidents, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Two million individuals from the United States served overseas during World War I, including 200,000 naval personnel who served on the seas. The United States suffered 375,000 casualties during World War I, including 116,516 deaths. (5) The events of 1914 through 1918 shaped the world, the United States, and the lives of millions of people. (6) The centennial of World War I offers an opportunity for people in the United States to learn about and commemorate the sacrifices of their predecessors. (7) Commemorative programs, activities, and sites allow people in the United States to learn about the history of World War I, the United States involvement in that war, and the war's effects on the remainder of the 20th century, and to commemorate and honor the participation of the United States and its citizens in the war effort. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) America's national world war i museum.--The term ``America's National World War I Museum'' means the Liberty Memorial Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as recognized by Congress in section 1031(b) of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375; 118 Stat. 2045). (2) Centennial commission.--The term ``Centennial Commission'' means the World War I Centennial Commission established by section 4(a). (3) Veterans service organization.--The term ``veterans service organization'' means any organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known as the ``World War I Centennial Commission''. (b) Membership.-- (1) Composition.--The Centennial Commission shall be composed of 12 members as follows: (A) Two members who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (B) One member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (C) Two members who shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. (D) One member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. (E) Three members who shall be appointed by the President from among persons who are broadly representative of the people of the United States (including members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and representatives of veterans service organizations). (F) One member who shall be appointed by the executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. (G) One member who shall be appointed by the executive director of the American Legion. (H) One member who shall be appointed by the president of the Liberty Memorial Association. (2) Time for appointment.--The members of the Centennial Commission shall be appointed not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) Period of appointment.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Centennial Commission. (4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Centennial Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (c) Meetings.-- (1) Initial meeting.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Centennial Commission have been appointed, the Centennial Commission shall hold its first meeting. (B) Location.--The location for the meeting held under subparagraph (A) shall be the America's National World War I Museum. (2) Subsequent meetings.-- (A) In general.--The Centennial Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. (B) Frequency.--The Chair shall call a meeting of the members of the Centennial Commission not less frequently than once each year. (C) Location.--Not less frequently than once each year, the Centennial Commission shall meet at the America's National World War I Museum. (3) Quorum.--Seven members of the Centennial Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. (d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Centennial Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. SEC. 5. DUTIES OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. (a) In General.--The duties of the Centennial Commission are as follows: (1) To plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. (2) To encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial of World War I. (3) To facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the United States relating to the centennial of World War I. (4) To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the centennial of World War I. (5) To develop recommendations for Congress and the President for commemorating the centennial of World War I. (b) Reports.-- (1) Periodic report.--Not later than the last day of the 6- month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than the last day of each 3-month period thereafter, the Centennial Commission shall submit to Congress and the President a report on the activities and plans of the Centennial Commission. (2) Recommendations.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Centennial Commission shall submit to Congress and the President a report containing specific recommendations for commemorating the centennial of World War I and coordinating related activities. SEC. 6. POWERS OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. (a) Hearings.--The Centennial Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Centennial Commission considers appropriate to carry out its duties under this Act. (b) Powers of Member and Agents.--If authorized by the Centennial Commission, any member or agent of the Centennial Commission may take any action which the Centennial Commission is authorized to take under this Act. (c) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Centennial Commission shall secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Centennial Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Upon the request of the Chair of the Centennial Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Centennial Commission. (d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the Centennial Commission, the Administrator of the General Services Administration shall provide to the Centennial Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Centennial Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act. (e) Contract Authority.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Centennial Commission is authorized-- (A) to procure supplies, services, and property; and (B) to make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements. (2) Limitation.--The Centennial Commission may not enter into any contract, lease, or other legal agreement that extends beyond the date of the termination of the Centennial Commission under section 8(a). (f) Postal Services.--The Centennial Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (g) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises.--The Centennial Commission shall accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real and personal, for the purpose of covering the costs incurred by the Centennial Commission to carry out its duties under this Act. SEC. 7. CENTENNIAL COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. (a) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Centennial Commission shall serve without compensation for such service. (b) Travel Expenses.--Each member of the Centennial Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with the applicable provisions of title 5, United States Code. (c) Staff.-- (1) In general.--The Chair of the Centennial Commission shall, in consultation with the members of the Centennial Commission, appoint an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Centennial Commission to perform its duties. (2) Compensation.-- [[Page H7497]] (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Chair of the Centennial Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and any other personnel appointed under paragraph (1). (B) Limitation.--The Chair of the Centennial Commission may not fix the compensation of the executive director or other personnel appointed under paragraph (1) at a rate that exceeds the rate of payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (C) Work location.--If the city government for Kansas City, Missouri, and the Liberty Memorial Association make space available in the building in which the America's National World War I Museum is located, the executive director of the Centennial Commission and other personnel appointed under paragraph (1) shall work in such building to the extent practical. (d) Detail of Government Employees.--Upon request of the Centennial Commission, the head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any employee of that department or agency to the Centennial Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.-- The Chair of the Centennial Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Source of Funds.--Gifts, bequests, and devises of services or property, both real and personal, received by the Centennial Commission under section 6(g) shall be the only source of funds to cover the costs incurred by the Centennial Commission under this section. SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. (a) In General.--The Centennial Commission shall terminate on the earlier of-- (1) the date that is 30 days after the date the completion of the activities under this Act honoring the centennial observation of World War I; or (2) July 28, 2019. (b) Application of Federal Advisory Committee Act.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the activities of the Centennial Commission under this Act. (2) Exception.--Section 14(a)(2) of such Act shall not apply to the Centennial Commission. SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS. No Federal funds may be obligated to carry out this Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah. General Leave Mr. CHAFFETZ. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Utah? There was no objection. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the original sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe). Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding and for his support on this legislation. I also thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia. Madam Speaker, they said that World War I would be ``the war to end all wars.'' But it wasn't. It was a world war and encompassed the entire globe and most of the countries in the world. The war started in 1914, and the United States entered in April of 1917. The United States entered the war for three main reasons: one, the sinking of the British liner Lusitania and 128 Americans being killed in that submarine attack; and then seven U.S. Merchant Marine ships were sunk by German submarines when they had unconditional rights to sink any ship on the high seas, according to the German Government; and the third thing was when the Germans sent the Zimmerman telegram to Mexico. Madam Speaker, a lot of Americans don't know what that was, but basically the Germans were telling the country of Mexico if they would enter the war on the side of Germany, the central powers, that they would help Mexico invade the United States and take the States of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona and give them to the country of Mexico. So the United States entered the war in April 1917. H.R. 3159 would create a commission to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I. Over 116,000 Americans died in World War I. That's more than in Korea, Vietnam, and both Iraq wars and Afghanistan combined. Madam Speaker, to my left is a photograph of American doughboys, as they were called because of the color of their uniform, going over out of a trench, ``over the top'' as it was called in World War I. They were primarily teenagers. Like in most of our wars, the teenagers go to fight those wars. And they are leaving the trench going into what is called ``no man's land.'' And those Americans served, along with their allies in World War I. Two U.S. Presidents served in World War I, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. And if World War II veterans were known as the Greatest Generation, then World War I veterans should be known as the Selfless Generation. After all, these World War I veterans--the ones that survived--were the fathers of the Greatest Generation. America's last doughboy was Frank Buckles. He died on February 26, 2011. He was 110 years of age. I got to know Frank Buckles when he came to the United States Capitol on some legislation that I will talk about momentarily. Frank Buckles in World War I was too young to join. Nobody would let him in. He went from recruiter to recruiter. He was 16--he might have been 15--but he lied about his age, and he finally convinced an Army recruiter to take him in. He joined the doughboys, and he went ``Over There,'' that song that George Cohan wrote talking about the Americans that wouldn't ``come back 'till it's over, over there.'' He drove an ambulance in World War I helping rescue other doughboys that were wounded out here in no man's land and some that had died bringing them back behind the lines. After the Great War was over with, he was in the Philippines when World War II started. And, sure enough, he's captured by the Japanese. Frank Buckles was held in a prisoner-of- war camp by the Japanese for 3\1/2\ years, and he was finally released when rescued by Americans who liberated the Philippines. After the war, he moved to West Virginia and he worked on the farm until he was 106 driving the tractor. Frank Buckles, the last surviving doughboy, lived half of our Nation's history. So, today, we have an opportunity to remember Frank Buckles, these doughboys, other doughboys, and all those great Americans who fought for America 100 years ago. The bill establishes a commission to commemorate the centennial of World War I. The commission will plan programs and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of that Great War. Time is short. The centennial for the start of World War I is in 2014, and many of our allies have already started planning different events. It must be noted that no Federal funds will be spent for this commission--they have to raise their own money from private funds. Madam Speaker, in the last century, there were four great wars where Americans participated, and we have built memorials on the Mall for all of them, except one. We built a memorial for the Vietnam veterans, the Korean veterans and the World War II veterans; but there is no memorial on the Mall for all of those doughboys that served in World War I. There is a D.C. memorial that recognizes and honors the D.C. soldiers and sailors that served in World War I, but there is no great memorial for all that served throughout the United States. It is my hope and the intent of the original legislation that passed the House that there one day will be a national World War I memorial on the Mall. And that's where I met Frank Buckles. He came to Washington, D.C., as the guest of many of our Senators. And it was his hope, and really it was one of his dying wishes, that we would build, that Congress would authorize the building of a memorial on the Mall for all of those that served in the great World War I. The original bill that passed this House by unanimous vote had that memorial in the bill. It went to the Senate, and now we have only the commission. So it is my intent to reauthorize, or reoffer, that bill in our next session of Congress, and I'd encourage the commission to consider this building of a memorial on the Mall in their commemoration. There would be no better way to commemorate these brave Americans than to honor them with a memorial on the Mall. [[Page H7498]] When one of our warriors dies, Madam Speaker, for our country, they become a casualty of war; but the worst casualty of war is to be forgotten. So I hope we would build that memorial on the Mall. But now let's pass this bill to commemorate them and honor them with this commission. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation. H.R. 6364 establishes a commission to ensure that there is suitable observation of the centennial of World War I. This bill is a fitting tribute to all servicemembers who valiantly fought in all theaters of World War I. The commission the bill establishes leaves ample time for appropriate commemorative works, events, and a tribute before the 100th anniversary of the war in 2014. I would like to thank my colleagues, but especially Representative Ted Poe, who has been singularly focused on this bill and who has worked with me and with others until this day, and I certainly pledge to work with him next year as he continues on this very laudable mission. I thank also my friend, Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, Rob Bishop of Utah, and Raul Grijalva of Arizona for working with me to preserve the District of Columbia World War I memorial in particular. {time} 1200 Earlier this year, in his search for a suitable memorial for World War I, Representative Ted Poe introduced H.R. 938, which would have nationalized the D.C. memorial by redesignating it as the District of Columbia and National World War I Memorial. He made clear, however, that he was not necessarily focused on the D.C. memorial, but that his goal was a World War I memorial here. While I very much support commemorating all the servicemen and -women who fought in World War I, I had to oppose altering the integrity of the D.C. memorial. The D.C. memorial was built with the blood and treasure of D.C. residents only, including funds from schoolchildren. Of the more than 26,000 D.C. residents who served in World War I, the 499 who died, more than the number from three States, have their names engraved on the memorial. Our memorial is deeply symbolic of the historic and continuing concerns of District residents, particularly our veterans who continue to serve without equal congressional representation, equal rights as citizens, and equal local government control. In the spirit of cooperation among Members of both parties, the House-passed version of H.R. 6364 would have protected the D.C. War Memorial, and H.R. 6364 as amended by the Senate similarly will have no effect on the D.C. War Memorial. In fact, all of the provisions regarding memorials have been removed from the bill. Instead, it establishes a commission to observe World War I across the country as we approach the centennial of the start of the war. I believe that the reason that this has been done reflects nothing more than the fact that the commission's approach to two important commemorations has been the usual approach almost always to important commemorations, and World War I had enormous effects on those who fought, on the Nation and on the world. More than 4 million men and women from the United States served in uniform during World War I. Among them, two future Presidents: Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Two million men and women from the United States served overseas during World War I. The United States suffered 375,000 casualties during that war, including 116,516 deaths. The national commission will plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I throughout the United States. Importantly, not only here, but throughout the United States, people are anxious to learn more about the history of this war, to become involved in its commemoration, especially considering the effects of this war on the 20th century until today. We very much look forward to the commission's efforts to honor the participation and sacrifices of the United States and its citizens in the war effort. And once again, I want to thank Representative Poe for the extraordinary effort and energy he has put into this bill and the way he has worked cooperatively with all of us on both sides of the aisle. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I would like to again thank Representative Poe from the State of Texas for introducing this legislation and his tenacious pursuit of making this happen. The bill is bipartisan in its approach. It creates a means for properly commemorating the centennial of the Great War in honoring those who gallantly fought. I would encourage my colleagues to vote in concurrence with the Senate amendment to H.R. 6364 and remind people that no taxpayer dollars will be used to carry out this act. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this, and I yield back the balance my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 6364. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7495,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,AMENDING THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7495,H7495,"[{""name"": ""Eric A. \""Rick\"" Crawford"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Jim Costa"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3666""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3666""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7495,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7495] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] AMENDING THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3666) to amend the Animal Welfare Act to modify the definition of ``exhibitor''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. ANIMAL WELFARE. Section 2(h) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2132(h)) is amended by adding ``an owner of a common, domesticated household pet who derives less than a substantial portion of income from a nonprimary source (as determined by the Secretary) for exhibiting an animal that exclusively resides at the residence of the pet owner,'' after ``stores,''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas. General Leave Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas? There was no objection. Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bill, S. 3666, and yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 3666 is a simple regulatory relief measure which has been proposed to modify the definition of the term ``exhibitor'' under the Federal Animal Welfare Act. It has passed the Senate by unanimous consent and, in the last hours of the 112th Congress, I urge that it likewise be passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation would relieve private pet owners who might make a few dollars on the side with their pets but who do not derive a substantial portion of their income from such activities from the licensure requirements under the Federal Animal Welfare Act. An example where this might be an issue is in hiring somebody to serve as an extra in a film. These are the people who appear in the background of film scenes and may work on the film set for a couple of hours at a time or a day or two at the most. If that person has their pet with them during the filming, the current interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act is that the extra would be designated an animal exhibitor under Federal law and must therefore be licensed, inspected, and comply with all the administrative and record-keeping requirements of the act. This was not what the law intended nor is the administration of such a requirement a necessary or useful allocation of scarce Federal resources. The Federal Animal Welfare Act was intended to regulate businesses, not private citizens. There are many examples across the government of regulatory overreach. While I regret that we have not been able to address all of those in the 112th Congress, certainly this is one we can agree needs fixing and should be fixed. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas for his efforts with our colleagues in the Senate to pass this measure, S. 3666. As was stated, this is a measure that involves common sense, and it attempts to relieve burdensome paperwork that frankly has no place under the current scheme in which movies are made in this country that require, without the relief of this measure, them to be included under the Federal Animal Welfare Act. As was stated, movies and television shows often use animals as extras. We're used to seeing that. It's part of the way these movies are made. This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to clarify that when pets are owned by individual citizens who are acting in that movie or in that television show that they should not be regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture when it comes to these animals being used as extras in films. These animals should not be captured under the Animal Welfare Act regulations. The USDA, as we know, is spread pretty thin. It is using scarce resources to regulate personal pets, which now is required under the current law that this legislation will relieve that burden from. We think that the USDA should focus its resources on more cost-effective measures rather than regulating individual personal pets that are used in these movies or in these television shows as--the term of art is ``animal actors''; animals that play a key movie or television role will not be affected by this legislation. They will continue to be regulated by the Animal Welfare Act. This is, as I said at the outset, a commonsense regulatory relief of burdensome paperwork. I would ask my colleagues to support this measure. {time} 1150 S. 3666 is, I think, a well-thought-out measure. I want to thank, again, the gentleman from Arkansas and the committee for their efforts on this measure and ask their support for the bill. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 3666. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7498,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,CONDEMNING NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7498,H7500,"[{""name"": ""Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Howard L. Berman"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Edward R. Royce"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""145""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""145""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""145""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7498,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7498-H7500] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONDEMNING NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 145) calling for universal condemnation of the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution. The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 145 Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695, unanimously adopted on July 15, 2006, following a series of North Korean missile firings on July 5, 2006, specifically condemned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (North Korea) recent test-firing of a series of missiles, and demanded that the North-East Asian country suspend all ballistic missile related activity and reinstate its moratorium on missile launches; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695 also required all Member States, in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, to exercise vigilance and prevent missile and missile-related items, materials, goods, and technology being transferred to North Korea's missile or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programmes, and to prevent the procurement of missiles or missile related-items, materials, goods, and technology from North Korea, and the transfer of any financial resources in relation to North Korea's missile or WMD programmes; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, adopted on October 14, 2006, decided that North Korea shall suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme and in this context re-establish its pre-existing commitments to a moratorium on missile launching; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 also imposed a ban on the sales of military equipment and luxury goods to North Korea as well as a ban on technology transfers; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 further required Member States to prevent the travel of North Korean officials connected to the ballistic missile or nuclear programs, the inspection of cargo from North Korea to assure it was not missile, WMD, or nuclear-related, and the immediate freezing of funds, other financial assets, and economic resources that support these illicit North Korean activities; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, adopted on June 12, 2009, called upon Member States to inspect, seize, and dispose of proscribed illicit North Korea items related to its missile, nuclear, and [[Page H7499]] WMD programmes and to prevent the provision of financial services or the transfer to, through, or from their territory of any financial or other assets or resources that could contribute to North Korea's nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related, or other WMD-related programmes or activities, and by denying fuel or supplies to service the vessels carrying them; Whereas, on December 12, 2012, in flagrant defiance of past United Nations Security Council resolutions, the international community, and its Six-Party partners, North Korea launched a three-stage, long-range missile, which overflew Japanese territory near Okinawa and dropped debris into the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and waters adjacent to the Philippines; Whereas North Korea's latest provocative and defiant action represents a direct threat to the United States Armed Forces in the Asia/Pacific region and regional allies and friends, including Australia, Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and is a potential future threat to the United States and its people, including those residing in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, and the west coast of the United States mainland; and Whereas there has been extensive cooperation on missile development and military cooperation between the Governments of North Korea and Iran that dates back to the 1980s: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012, represents a flagrant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 825 (1993), 1540 (2004), 1695 (2006), 1718 (2006), and 1874 (2009), that North Korea continues to defy the United Nations, its Six-Party partners, and the international community, and that the Member States should immediately impose sanctions covered by these resolutions and censure North Korea; (2) all current restrictions against the Government of North Korea, including sanctions that ban the importation into the United States of North Korean products and goods, should remain in effect until the Government of North Korea no longer engages in activities that threaten United States interests and global peace and stability; (3) the Government of China should cooperate with the United States in pursuit of a new round of United Nations Security Council sanctions, to pressure its North Korean partner, redouble its efforts to prevent Chinese companies from transferring military and dual-use technologies to North Korea, and to crack down on transshipments through China that relate to North Korean military, missile, and nuclear programs and proliferation activities; and (4) North Korea should abandon and dismantle its provocative missile and nuclear weapons programs, cease its proliferation activities, and come into immediate compliance with all relevant international agreements and United Nations Security Council resolutions. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Poe of Texas). Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida. General Leave Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material in the Record on this bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Florida? There was no objection. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support this strongly bipartisan measure which condemns the latest provocation by North Korea. Pyongyang has once again flagrantly violated past United Nations Security Council resolutions and the assurances given to Six-Party partners. I would also like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to sincerely congratulate President-elect Park for her victory in South Korea's hard-fought presidential election. The Republic of Korea is one of our Nation's closest friends in Asia. Ours is a steadfast alliance forged in the crucible of war. Two decades ago, with all eyes on Europe, the United States prematurely celebrated victory over communism and an end to the Cold War. But in 1989, the same year the Berlin Wall fell, tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing, in a bloody massacre, the democracy movement of the Chinese people. So while communism fell in Europe, it was revitalized in the world's most populous nation and preserved in North Korea and in my native homeland of Cuba. Pyongyang's recent missile launch awakens America to the fact that the shadow of communism still casts a long shadow over Asia. North Korea's expanding nuclear and missile proliferation threaten not only our allies in the Pacific, but potentially our own people as well. In Asia, the Cold War never ended, and the United States and South Korean forces stand guard together on this last frontier. Attempts to engage Pyongyang over the past 4 years have been met with repeated provocations: the kidnapping of two American journalists, repeated missile launches, one more nuclear test, the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel with the loss of 46 lives, and the shelling of a South Korean island. {time} 1210 How much more should we endure before we say, Enough is enough? Sweet-talking Pyongyang only seems to inspire further belligerence. Our extended hand is met not only with a clenched fist but a fist grasping a knife. Those who had hoped for openness and reform from this new generation of the Kim dynasty saw their dreams go up in smoke on a North Korean launch pad. The only answer appears to be a coordinated, firm, international strategy in which current sanctions are reinforced and strengthened. This, of course, requires the cooperation of Beijing, a U.N. Security Council permanent member who deceptively seems to tell one thing to Washington and yet another to Pyongyang. Press articles hailed the fact that China, in anticipation of the recent launch, had begun inspecting cargo on North Korean ships in search of contraband. The question this raises is: Why has China not been inspecting North Korean ships since 2006, as was first called for in a U.N. resolution, which was reinforced by another resolution in the year 2009? If U.N. member states would only enforce the sanctions currently on the books, North Korea would be unable to ignore the international community and the civilized world. The time for coordinated international action is now. The time, in fact, is long overdue. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 145, as amended, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership on this issue and for her work in addressing the North Korean threat. Earlier this month, North Korea carried out a missile launch using ballistic missile technology in direct defiance of the international community. This important resolution condemns North Korea's launch, and it calls on the North to live up to its commitments, to adhere to its international obligations and to deal peacefully with its neighbors. North Korea's missile launch is a blatant violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, and we urge the Security Council to take strong and concerted action to demonstrate that Pyongyang's actions are completely unacceptable. In particular, we call on China and Russia to work constructively with other members of the Council to show that the international community is united in condemning North Korea's provocative behavior. North Korea is only further isolating itself with its irresponsible action, and the development of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons will never bring the real security and acceptance by the international community that the regime so desperately wants. Instead of pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into its so-called space program, nuclear programs, and massive military, North Korea should instead work to feed its own citizens and improve its dismal economy. We must continue to remain vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region, so I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade and the chairman-designate of the full committee in the next Congress. I thank [[Page H7500]] him for his leadership on this and many of the issues that are facing our Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. ROYCE. Thank you very much, Chairman, for yielding. I rise in support of this resolution, of which I am an original cosponsor. I think Members are very rightly concerned now, as the same technology that's used to put a satellite into space is also used to launch a ballistic missile. This experiment by North Korea is definitely an advance for them. It is definitely a threat to the region. It is definitely a threat to the United States because what we're talking about here are three-stage ICBMs. It is estimated that North Korea has spent $3 billion since 1998 on that missile program, which is the amount of money that would have bought enough corn to feed that country over the last 3 years. I have been to North Korea, and I've seen the malnutrition. Instead of feeding its people, it continues to plow billions of dollars into its military. That's the type of despicable regime we're dealing with--where $3 billion went into this project instead of feeding the population. This is why the House has passed legislation to prohibit the United States from giving food aid to North Korea. When we do so, money is fungible, and we have found in the past that that aid is both used to feed the military and it's sold on the exchange for hard currency. U.S. policy towards North Korea--hoping that North Korea will give up its weapons for aid--has been a failure. It has been a bipartisan failure, frankly, for decades, and it has gotten us now to this point. The hope that North Korea can be induced to abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and missiles distracts us, unfortunately. It distracts us from pursuing the very policies that might actually change the behavior of the regime and support its people. In going forward, we need to move away from an unimaginative policy here to one with energy and creativity and focus. Let's tackle North Korea's illicit activities--its missile and drug proliferation, its counterfeiting of U.S. currency. This regime will do anything for money. As many North Koreans who have left will tell you, this is a gangster regime. Let's interfere with those shipments and disrupt the bank accounts that are used. Let's ramp up radio broadcasts into the country where there is evidence that the information wall is cracking. We see that with the defectors who are telling us about how much they oppose the regime now. Let's help the refugees who are literally dying to escape the prison north of the 38th parallel. Severely weakening the regime is the only way to make the Korean peninsula secure. Until it was dropped in favor of a failed diplomacy program several years ago, the Treasury Department went after North Korea. If we can remember 2006, we went after North Korea's ill-gotten gains that were parked in a Macau bank. We put the brakes on North Korea's counterfeiting of U.S. currency. We cut the flow of currency to the regime. The head of state could not pay his generals. It created a crisis inside North Korea. That policy was mistakenly dropped. I'd like to see it reapplied. Let's go back to where we are proactively defending U.S. interests instead of just condemning another North Korean provocation every few months. Let's do something that has been proven to work in terms of putting the pressure on North Korea. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 145, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7500,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,CONDEMNING IRAN FOR PERSECUTION OF BAHA'I MINORITY,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7500,H7503,"[{""name"": ""Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Eliot L. Engel"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Robert J. Dold"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Chris Van Hollen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""134""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""134""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""134""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7500,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7500-H7503] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1220 CONDEMNING IRAN FOR PERSECUTION OF BAHA'I MINORITY Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 134) condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 134 Whereas, in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2006, 2008, and 2009, Congress declared that it deplored the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of the Baha'i community and would hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all Iranian nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated that the Government of Iran ``prohibits Baha'is from teaching and practicing their faith and subjects them to many forms of discrimination that followers of other religions do not face'' and that ``Baha'is are barred from all leadership positions in the government and military''; Whereas the Department of State 2011 International Religious Freedom Report stated, ``Baha'is are banned from the social pension system. In addition, Baha'is are regularly denied compensation for injury or criminal victimization and the right to inherit property. Baha'i marriages and divorces are not officially recognized, although the government allows a civil attestation of marriage to serve as a marriage certificate.''; Whereas the Department of State July-December 2010 International Religious Freedom Report stated, ``Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the government has killed more than 200 Bahai's and regularly raids and confiscates their property . . . Unknown assailants vandalized cemeteries and holy places, and school authorities denigrated and abused Baha'i students in primary and secondary schools in at least 10 cities.''; Whereas the Department of State July-December 2010 International Religious Freedom Report stated, ``Public and private universities continued to deny admittance to or expel Baha'i students.''; Whereas on September 15, 2011, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a special report on human rights in Iran (A/66/361), stating, ``Restrictions on the overall enjoyment of human rights by unrecognized religious minorities, particularly the Baha'i community, remain of serious concern.''; Whereas on September 23, 2011, the ``United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran'', issued a report (A/66/374), noting that ``[a] number of individuals and organizations provided the Special Rapporteur with first-hand testimonies, the preponderance of which presents a pattern of systemic violations of . . . fundamental human rights'' in Iran, and expressed concern regarding reports of ``human and civil rights violations'' against minority groups, including ``the Bahai community, which, despite being the largest non-Muslim religious minority, does not enjoy recognition as such by the Government'' and whose members ``have historically suffered multifaceted discrimination''; Whereas on November 21, 2011, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a draft resolution (A/C.3/66/L.56) noting ``[i]ncreased persecution and human rights violations against unrecognized religious minorities, particularly members of the Baha'i Faith, including escalating attacks on Baha'is and their defenders, including in State-sponsored media, a significant increase in the number of Baha'is arrested and detained, including the targeted attack on the Baha'i educational institution, the reinstatement of twenty-year sentences against seven Baha'i leaders following deeply flawed legal proceedings, and renewed measures to deny Baha'is employment in the public and private sectors.''; Whereas on December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/66/175) calling upon the Government of Iran ``[t]o eliminate discrimination against, and exclusion of . . . members of the Baha'i Faith, regarding access to higher education, and to eliminate the criminalization of efforts to provide higher education to Baha'i youth denied access to Iranian universities''; Whereas in March and May of 2008, intelligence officials of the Government of Iran in Mashhad and Tehran arrested and imprisoned Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm, the members of the ad hoc leadership group for the Baha'i community in Iran; [[Page H7501]] Whereas, in August 2010, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced the 7 Baha'i leaders to 20-year prison terms on charges of spying for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the regime; Whereas the lawyers for the 7 leaders were reportedly provided extremely limited access to the prisoners and their files; Whereas these 7 Baha'i leaders were targeted solely on the basis of their religion; Whereas beginning on May 22, 2011, officials of the Government of Iran in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz raided the homes of individuals associated with the Baha'i Institute for Higher Education, searching over 30 homes, seizing educational materials, and arresting approximately 16 individuals; Whereas, in October 2011, Mr. Vahid Mahmoudi, Mr. Mahmoud Badavam, Ms. Noushin Khadem, Mr. Kamran Mortezaie, Mr. Farhad Sedghi, Mr. Riaz Sobhani, and Mr. Ramin Zibaie were each sentenced to 4 or 5-year prison terms for the crime of ``membership in the deviant Baha'i sect, with the goal of taking action against the security of the country, in order to further the aims of the deviant sect and those of organizations outside the country,'' and, in January 2012, Mr. Mahmoudi was released on probation; Whereas ordinary Iranian citizens who belong to the Baha'i Faith are disproportionately targeted, interrogated, and detained under the pretext of national security; Whereas the efforts of the Government of Iran to collect information on individual Baha'is are reportedly ongoing as evidenced by a letter, dated November 5, 2011 from the Director of the Department of Education in the county of Shahriar in the province of Tehran, instructing the directors of schools in his jurisdiction to ``subtly and in a confidential manner'' collect information on Baha'i students; Whereas the Baha'i community continues to undergo intense economic and social pressure, including an ongoing campaign in the town of Semnan where the government reportedly has harassed and detained Baha'is and closed 17 Baha'i owned businesses in the last three years; Whereas the Government of Iran is party to the International Covenants on Human Rights; and Whereas the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-195) urges the President and the Secretary of State to impose sanctions on ``the officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals who are responsible for continuing and severe violations of human rights and religious freedom in Iran'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) condemns the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights; (2) calls on the Government of Iran to immediately release the seven leaders, the six imprisoned educators, and all other prisoners held solely on account of their religion; (3) calls on the President and Secretary of State, in cooperation with responsible nations, to immediately condemn the Government of Iran's continued violation of human rights and demand the immediate release of prisoners held solely on account of their religion; and (4) urges the President and Secretary of State to utilize measures, such as those available under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 and Executive Order 13553, to sanction officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for egregious human rights violations in Iran, including against the Baha'i community. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida. General Leave Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Florida? There was no objection. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 134 introduced by my good friend and colleague from Illinois (Mr. Dold). House Resolution 134 condemns the Iranian regime's persecution of Iran's Baha'i minority. Baha'is are the largest non-Muslim minority in Iran, numbering over 300,000 members in Iran alone. This resolution marks the 12th congressional action urging the Iranian regime to end its persecution of the Baha'i minority. And still, Baha'is do not have the freedom to practice their religion. In fact, restrictions on Baha'is extend far beyond their religious practices to further restrict their civil rights and human rights. Many members of the Baha'i faith living in Iran are even subject to harassment, to persecution by the regime, and others with extensive reports of confiscation of property, restrictions on travel, and raids on Baha'i homes and businesses. The Iranian Government continues to arrest and detain Baha'is based on their religious beliefs, with at least 60 cases logged last year alone. The members of the national leadership of the Baha'i in Iran, arrested in 2008 and unfairly tried with minimal access to their defense attorneys, are now serving a 20-year sentence for crimes, crimes including insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the regime. The government maintains possession of many Baha'i properties that were seized following the 1979 revolution, including holy places, cemeteries, and historical sites. Many of those properties have now been destroyed. Baha'is are barred from leadership positions in the government and are only permitted to enroll in schools if they do not identify themselves to be Baha'i and are required to identify as members of another religion in order to register for their entrance examinations. Many Baha'is are denied admission to the universities, and even those who are admitted may face expulsion due to their faith. The Baha'i Institute for Higher Education, established after Baha'is were barred from attending other universities, was declared illegal this year and six educators from that institute are currently imprisoned in Iran. These are just a fraction of the injustices that the Baha'is face at the hands of the Iranian regime. The regime has sought to make life as a Baha'i in Iran simply unlivable. They seek to take away aspects of everyday life that you and I would consider fundamental, inalienable rights. This resolution draws attention to their plight and calls on the Iranian regime to end its campaign of abuse against the Baha'is. It condemns the Iranian regime for the persecution of the Baha'is and calls on the regime to immediately release the Baha'is that it wrongfully holds in captivity, including the seven Baha'i leaders and the six Baha'i educators; and it calls for the President and the Secretary to publicly express the same sentiments. Finally, the resolution urges the President and the Secretary of State to use measures already enacted into law under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to sanction Iranian officials responsible for human rights violations against Baha'is and others. Mr. Speaker, I was a co-author of that legislation, and those measures are not here for show. They are there to punish those responsible for these egregious crimes and deter future human rights violations. It is therefore time for the administration to walk the walk and hold the Iranian regime officials--from the so-called ``supreme leader'' and Ahmadinejad on down--responsible for their violations of the human rights of the Baha'is and other Iranians. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 134, as amended; and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I get into the substance of the bill, I just want to say a couple of things as we're ending the 112th Congress. In the 113th Congress, I'm about to take over as ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The man I'm replacing, who spoke before me, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), I just want him to know, which he already does, but I want to say it for the record how much we're going to miss him and what a role model he really is for all of us on the committee, first as chair and then as ranking member. There isn't a person on either side of the aisle who doesn't respect him. There isn't a person who doesn't understand how important he's been to the Congress the many years he has served in Congress, and particularly on the Foreign Affairs Committee. His shoes are going to be very hard to fill. I'm going to try the best I can, but I want him to know, which he already does, but I want to say it for the record that I'm going to [[Page H7502]] miss him. I'm going to miss him as a friend, and I'm going to miss him as a colleague; and I think the Congress as a whole will miss him because he's one of the best, and I wish him only the very, very best as he moves on to a future endeavor. Let me also say the gentlewoman from Florida, the current chair of the committee and former ranking member of the committee, she knows the affection I have for her both personally as a friend but also as a colleague, as chair of the committee for the past 2 years and as ranking member for the previous 4. She and I have worked together not only in these past 6 years but for all of the years we've been in Congress, and I think we've been in Congress for almost the exact same time. It's been a pleasure and an honor to work with her, and I continue to look forward to collaborating with her on all these issues of importance to us--we agree on many, many, many things--in the 113th Congress. Madam Chair, I just want to tell you how much we appreciate you on both sides of the aisle. So let me talk about the bill. I think it's important. I agree with everything the chairwoman said. While the international community is rightfully concerned about Iran's ties to international terrorism and its nuclear weapons program, we cannot forget those who struggle for religious freedom and democracy in Iran. The Baha'i community has long been the target of religious persecution by the Iranian regime. Much of its informal leadership has been arrested, and many members of the community executed. The Baha'i are not permitted to practice their religion and culture. Their marriages are not recognized. Their dead cannot be buried according to Baha'i law, and their cemeteries are desecrated. In addition, the Baha'i are denied government jobs and business licenses. They are not permitted to enroll in public universities, and Baha'i schoolchildren are frequently harassed by classmates, teachers, and administrators. No human being deserves this type of treatment at the hands of their government. The social teachings of the Baha'i faith, such as the equality of women and men and the principle of each individual's responsibility to navigate the truth, are impossible for the theocratic leaders of Iran to comprehend. But these are universal values--human values--and they must be protected. Mr. Speaker, the United States and the international community must not ignore the systematic and violent attacks against the Iranian Baha'i community, and Tehran must be held accountable. By passing this resolution, we shine a light on the persecution of the Baha'i and hopefully move us one step closer to the day that true freedom reaches Iran. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 134, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from New York for those kind words. Mr. Engel is a true mensch. That's a good thing. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Dold), a member of the Financial Services Committee, the Tom Lantos Congressional Human Rights Committee, and the author of this measure, whom we will miss greatly. Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the chairwoman for her leadership and for her friendship and her work on human rights abuses. I certainly want to thank the ranking member and my friend from New York as well. Mr. Speaker, I've talked at length in this Chamber about the human rights abuses taking place inside the country of Iran. In response to this Iranian regime's oppressive rule, we have worked to promote democracy and human rights through a variety of legislative tools, and we have championed measures like the Lautenberg amendment to offer a lifeline to those individuals who seek nothing more than the freedom they cannot find in their home country. {time} 1230 Today I'm proud to stand here with my colleagues and encourage others to support House Resolution 134, officially condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i religious minority and for the continued violation of human rights. It's time for these continued violations of human rights to be fully exposed and to receive increased international attention. The Baha'i population is Iran's largest non-Muslim religious minority. Over 300,000 Iranians consider themselves part of the Baha'i faith, yet since the Islamic revolution of Iran of 1979, members of the Baha'i faith in Iran have faced intense suppression solely because of their religious beliefs. Baha'is are unrecognized under the Iranian Constitution, and over 200 Baha'is have been killed in Iran since the revolution. Additionally, Baha'is are wrongfully imprisoned and discriminated against throughout the country. Baha'is are barred from universities, banned from government employment, and excluded from the social pension system unless they deny their religious affiliation. Their marriages are not recognized; their property is confiscated; their holy places and cemeteries have been desecrated. The situation has worsened considerably, Mr. Speaker, in the last year as the number of Baha'is in prison has roughly doubled, and there have been raids on the Baha'i Institution of Higher Education, an alternative education system that the Baha'i community developed to educate Baha'i youth who are excluded from the state's university system. House Resolution 134 condemns the state-sponsored persecution performed by the Iranian Government and calls on it to release the seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders, six imprisoned educators, and all other prisoners held solely on account of their religious beliefs. Additionally, the resolution calls on the President and the Secretary of State to condemn the Iranian Government's continued violation of human rights. Finally, the resolution urges the President and the Secretary of State to utilize available measures to sanction officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for egregious human rights violations, including against the Baha'i community. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the importance of this issue, this resolution currently enjoys over 146 bipartisan cosponsors. On behalf of all those who are concerned about human rights abuses, and on behalf of the Baha'i community in the Tenth District of Illinois, which is home to the Baha'i Temple of North America--the beautiful temple in Wilmette is one of only seven, Mr. Speaker, throughout the world--I'd like to encourage my colleagues, my friends to vote in support of H. Res. 134's passage. I thank you, and I thank, again, the chairwoman for her leadership. Mr. ENGEL. I have no further speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a cosponsor of H. Res 134, a resolution condemning the Government of Iran for the state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and to thank Representatives Dold, Lipinski and Sherman for their collaboration on this important measure. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Government of Iran has continued to repress Baha'is and prevent them from participating in the government and the military, from joining the social pension system or attending public schools and universities unless they concealed their faith. This resolution calls on the President and Secretary of State, in cooperation with the international community, to immediately condemn the Government of Iran's violation of the human rights of the Baha'i and urges the President and Secretary of State to utilize all available measures, including sanctions on officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for egregious human rights violations against the Baha'i community and other minorities. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 134, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum [[Page H7503]] is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7503,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,URGING EUROPEAN UNION TO DESIGNATE HIZBALLAH AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,HOUSE,HOUSE,DESIGNATING,H7503,H7506,"[{""name"": ""Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Eliot L. Engel"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Mike Kelly"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Dennis J. Kucinich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Theodore E. Deutch"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Christopher H. Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Chris Van Hollen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""613""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""834""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""834""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""834""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7503,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7503-H7506] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] URGING EUROPEAN UNION TO DESIGNATE HIZBALLAH AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 834) urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 834 Whereas the Department of State has designated Hizballah as a foreign terrorist organization since October 1997; Whereas the United States Government designated Hizballah a specially designated terrorist organization in January 1995 and a ``Specially Designated Global Terrorist'' pursuant to Executive Order 13224 (66 Fed. Reg. 49079) in October 2001; Whereas Hizballah was established in 1982 through the direct sponsorship and support of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Qods Force and, as a primary terrorist proxy of Iran, continues to receive training, weapons, and explosives, as well as political, diplomatic, monetary, and organizational aid, from Iran; Whereas Hizballah has been implicated in multiple acts of terrorism over the past 30 years, including the bombings in Lebanon in 1983 of the United States Embassy, the United States Marine barracks, and the French Army barracks, the airline hijackings and the kidnapping of European, American, and other Western hostages in the 1980s and 1990s, and support for the Khobar Towers attack in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 Americans in 1996; Whereas, according to the 2011 Country Reports on Terrorism issued by the Department of State, ``Since at least 2004, Hizballah has provided training to select Iraqi Shia militants, including on the construction and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that can penetrate heavily-armored vehicles.''; Whereas, in 2007, a senior Hizballah operative, Ali Mussa Daqduq, was captured in Iraq with detailed documents that discussed tactics to attack Iraqi and coalition forces, and has been directly implicated in a terrorist attack that resulted in the murder of 5 members of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas Hizballah has been implicated in the terrorist attacks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the Israeli Embassy in 1992 and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994; Whereas Hizballah has been implicated in acts of terrorism and extrajudicial violence in Lebanon, including the assassination of political opponents; Whereas, in June 2011, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, an international tribunal for the prosecution of those responsible for the February 14, 2005, assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, issued arrest warrants against 4 senior Hizballah members, including its top military commander, Mustafa Badr al-Din, identified as the primary suspect in the assassination; Whereas, according to the 2011 Country Reports on Terrorism issued by the Department of State, Hizballah is ``the likely perpetrator'' of 2 bomb attacks that wounded United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers in Lebanon during 2011; Whereas, according to the October 18, 2012, report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the United Nations Security Council on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004) (in this preamble referred to as the ``October 18 Report''), ``The maintenance by Hizbullah of sizeable sophisticated military capabilities outside the control of the Government of Lebanon . . . creates an atmosphere of intimidation in the country[,] . . . puts Lebanon in violation of its obligations under Resolution 1559 (2004)[,] and constitutes a threat to regional peace and stability.''; Whereas, on July 12, 2006, Hizballah engaged in an unprovoked attack on Israel that instigated the 2006 Israel- Hizballah War, in which Hizballah deliberately targeted Israeli civilians and utilized innocent Lebanese as human shields in violation of international norms; Whereas, since the 2006 conflict, Iran and Syria have provided substantial assistance to Hizballah to rebuild its stockpile of tens of thousands of rockets, including sophisticated long-range weapons that can strike deep into Israeli territory; Whereas John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, stated on October 26, 2012, that Hizballah's ``social and political activities must not obscure [its] true nature or prevent us from seeing it for what it is--an international terrorist organization actively supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force''; Whereas David Cohen, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated on August 10, 2012, ``Before al Qaeda's attack on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, Hizballah was responsible for killing more Americans in terrorist attacks than any other terrorist group''; Whereas, according to a September 13, 2012, Department of the Treasury press release, ``The last year has witnessed Hizballah's most aggressive terrorist plotting outside the Middle East since the 1990s.''; Whereas, since 2011, Hizballah has been implicated in thwarted terrorist plots in Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Thailand, and elsewhere; Whereas, on July 18, 2012, a suicide bomber attacked a bus in Burgas, Bulgaria, murdering 5 Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian bus driver in a terrorist attack that, according to Mr. Brennan, ``bore the hallmarks of a Hizballah attack''; Whereas Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated regarding the Burgas terrorist attack, ``We have unquestionable, fully substantiated evidence that this was done by Hizballah backed by Iran.''; Whereas Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); Whereas, according to the October 18 Report, ``There have been credible reports suggesting involvement by Hizbullah and other Lebanese political forces in support of the parties in the conflict in Syria. . . . Such militant activities by Hizbullah in Syria contradict and undermine the disassociation policy of the Government of Lebanon, of which Hizbullah is a coalition member.''; Whereas, on October 26, 2012, Mr. Brennan stated, ``We have seen Hizballah training militants in Yemen and Syria, where it continues to provide material support to the regime of Bashar al Assad, in part to preserve its weapon supply lines.''; Whereas, on August 10, 2012, the Department of the Treasury designated Hizballah pursuant to Executive Order 13582 (76 Fed. Reg. 52209), which targets those responsible for human rights abuses in Syria, for providing support to the Government of Syria; Whereas, according to the Department of the Treasury, since early 2011, Hizballah ``has provided training, advice and extensive logistical support to the Government of Syria's increasingly ruthless effort to fight against the opposition'' and has ``directly trained Syrian government personnel inside Syria and has facilitated the training of Syrian forces by Iran's terrorism arm, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force''; Whereas, on September 13, 2012, the Department of the Treasury designated the Secretary-General of Hizballah, Hassan Nasrallah, for overseeing ``Hizballah's efforts to help the Syrian regime's violent crackdown on the Syrian civilian population''; Whereas, on October 26, 2012, Mr. Brennan stated, ``Even in Europe, many countries . . . have not yet designated Hizballah as a terrorist organization. Nor has the European Union. Let me be clear: failure to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization makes it harder to defend our countries and protect our citizens. As a result, for example, countries that have arrested Hizballah suspects for plotting in Europe have been unable to prosecute them on terrorism charges''; and Whereas, on October 26, 2012, Mr. Brennan called on the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization, saying, ``European nations are our most sophisticated and important counterterrorism partners, and together we must make it clear that we will not tolerate Hizballah's criminal and terrorist activities.'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) urges the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization so that Hizballah cannot use the territories of the European Union for fundraising, recruitment, financing, logistical support, training, and propaganda; (2) urges the governments of Europe and the European Union to impose sanctions on Hizballah for providing material support to Bashar al Assad's ongoing campaign of violent repression against the people of Syria; (3) expresses support for the Government of Bulgaria as it conducts an investigation into the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas, and expresses hope that the investigation can be successfully concluded and that the perpetrators can be identified as quickly as possible; (4) urges the President to provide all necessary diplomatic, intelligence, and law enforcement support to the Government of Bulgaria to investigate the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas; (5) reaffirms support for the Government of Bulgaria by the United States as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and urges the United States, NATO, and the European Union to work with the Government of Bulgaria to safeguard its territory and citizens from the threat of terrorism; and (6) urges the President to make available to European allies and the European public information about Hizballah's terrorist activities, efforts to subvert democracy within Lebanon, and provision of material support [[Page H7504]] to Bashar al Assad's campaign of violence in Syria. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida. General Leave Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Florida? There was no objection. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 834, introduced by my good friend and colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly). The resolution before the House condemns the ongoing violence perpetrated by Hezbollah. It urges the European Union to classify Hezbollah as a designated terrorist organization. Now, in March of 2005, the House voted on a similar resolution urging the European Union to add Hezbollah as a designated foreign terrorist organization; yet here we are again, Mr. Speaker, nearly 8 years later, calling for the EU to take this long overdue action. As the purveyor of one of the most expansive extremist networks in the world, Hezbollah has engaged in nearly three decades of attacks against Americans, Europeans, Israeli civilians, in addition to plots and attacks on nearly every continent. Among the most egregious examples of Hezbollah attacks against innocent civilians abroad were its bombings of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in March 1992 and the Jewish Cultural Center in Buenos Aires in 1994. Hezbollah has never missed an opportunity to target innocent civilians, especially innocent Israelis, as the 2006 conflict in southern Lebanon illustrated, while using innocent Lebanese as human shields. Hezbollah has even turned its weapons on Syrians and against other Lebanese, as the Special Tribunal for Lebanon has uncovered. And most recently, Mr. Speaker, Hezbollah attacked innocent Israeli and Bulgarian civilians in Burgas, Bulgaria. Mr. Speaker, given Hezbollah's long and grisly record, it is no surprise that many of our allies--from Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand--have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, because that is what it is. In this respect, it defies comprehension that our allies in the European Union continue to purposely omit Hezbollah from their list of designated terrorist organizations. The logic of the European Union's decisionmaking on this matter is, at best, baffling, particularly against the backdrop of our mutual efforts to address the threats of Hezbollah patrons Iran and Syria. By simply designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and stating the obvious, the European Union could deprive Hezbollah of access to millions of dollars in European banks and other financial institutions, while making an enormous contribution to regional stability, saving hundreds of lives that would otherwise be Hezbollah's future victims. Again, I strongly support this Kelly resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 834 and yield myself as much time as I may consume. This important resolution urges the nations of Europe and the European Union to designate Hezbollah has a terrorist organization and to impose sanctions on it. We know from our experience with Iran that sanctions and, in fact, all diplomacy are most effective when they are multilateral--the more multilateral, the better. We are particularly strong in such matters when we and our friends and allies in the European Union stand shoulder to shoulder. That's why Europe's seemingly inexplicable refusal to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist group has been so disappointing over the years. Hezbollah is a charter member of the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list in the United States. It's crimes are legion, spread over many continents, and far too numerous to list here. They begin in the early 1980s with deadly bombings of the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Marine and French Army barracks in Beirut, and they have continued up to the present day. I still remember Ronald Reagan, President Reagan talking about it after so many of our marines were murdered in Lebanon. {time} 1240 Let me mention just a few of the other lowlights: countless kidnappings of Americans and Europeans in the 1980s and 1990s; the Khobar Towers attack that killed 19 Americans in 1996; the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy and the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, again, with multiple killings; the murders of Americans in Iraq and the training of other Iraqi militants; and countless assassinations in Lebanon, including, most likely, that of former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. In 2006, Hezbollah's unprovoked murder of three Israeli soldiers caused a war, during which Hezbollah rocketed civilian targets in Lebanon and used Lebanese civilian as human shields. Over the past 2 years, it has staged attacks from Turkey to Thailand. Today, it has forces in Syria fighting on behalf of Assad and the murderous Assad regime and helping to train Assad's thugs. In addition, this year Hezbollah twice has been directly implicated in terrorism on European Union territory--in Bulgaria, where a suicide bomber killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian, and in Cyprus, where an apparent Hezbollah terrorist attack was thwarted. The failure of most European nations to designate Hezbollah has been based on the flimsiest of reasons; namely, that Hezbollah provides social services to the Shiite community and participates in electoral politics in Lebanon. In fact, Hezbollah takes a very novel approach to electoral politics--using a militia to intimidate voters into voting for them. By the way, it's a lesson that Hamas has learned very, very well. But Europe's failure to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group is not merely a problem because it accords legitimacy to a terrorist organization. Rather, it has important operational consequences as well. The failure to designate makes it more difficult to prosecute cases against Hezbollah crimes committed in Europe. It allows Hezbollah to use EU territories to fund-raise, recruit new members, propagandize, and train. And thus, the freedom Hezbollah enjoys in Europe ultimately affects non-Europeans as well. The European Union obviously will make its own decisions on this matter, but it's hard to escape the conclusion that the EU's failure to designate Hezbollah undermines both Europe's security and ours as well. The State Department's top counterterrorism official recently said that he's ``cautiously optimistic--at last--about the prospects for an EU designation of the group.'' I hope his optimism is justified. Until it is borne out with an actual terrorist designation, however, it is important that we join the Senate in going on record as urging the European Union to make that designation, which would be so beneficial to the fight against terrorism worldwide and to our own national security. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), an esteemed member of our House Foreign Affairs Committee and the author of this bill. Mr. KELLY. I thank the gentlelady for your guidance and your leadership the last couple of years. It was a joy serving with you in Foreign Affairs. I rise today in support of House Resolution 834 and urge the EU and member states to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Hezbollah is called ``the A Team'' of international terrorist organizations by terrorism experts. Hezbollah was created by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force in 1982, and is a primary terrorist proxy of Iran. Hezbollah receives weapons, training, monies, and support from Iran and Syria. [[Page H7505]] Hezbollah has left its bloody fingerprints around the world in the last 30 years. Hezbollah has been implicated in numerous deadly terrorist attacks against Europeans, Americans, and Israelis: In 1983, the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people; the 1983 bombing of the U.S. and French barracks of the Multinational Force in Lebanon, killing 241 American servicemen and 58 French soldiers; the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, killing 29 people; the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center building in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people; the suicide bombing on July 18, 2012, that killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian driver in the town of Burgas, Bulgaria, that had all the hallmarks of a Hezbollah attack. Hezbollah has created violence and instability in Lebanon. In addition to terrorist attacks and political assassinations, it has launched thousands of rockets and missiles at Israel from within Lebanon. Hezbollah supports Bashar al-Assad's brutal, ongoing violence against the Syrian people. It's long past time for the EU and its members to join the U.S. and other allies and list Hezbollah as a terrorism organization. I would ask the EU as a recipient of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize to please wake up. The U.S. designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in the late 1990s. Canada and Australia, as well as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, both EU members, also list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Failure to recognize and designate Hezbollah allows it to continue evading law enforcement, intelligence, and security services, and it endangers the people of Europe. Hezbollah cannot claim to be a legitimate political party or provider of social services when it refuses to abandon its terrorist agenda. Both the United States and the EU must be united in our fight against Hezbollah. This resolution, H. Res. 834, urges the EU and member states to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and to prevent Hezbollah from using EU territories for fundraising, for recruitment, for training, for propaganda, and any other activities. It urges the EU and its members to impose sanctions on Hezbollah for supporting the Assad regime's brutal violence against the Syrian people. It affirms our support for the Bulgarian government in its investigation of the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack, and urges our President to support that investigation. It urges the President to provide information to our European allies regarding Hezbollah's terrorist activities, subversion of democracy in Lebanon, and support of Assad's violence in Syria. This Congress has and will do all it can to urge the EU to do the right thing and list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. In September, my good friend Gus Bilirakis from Florida, Mr. Deutch, Mr. Israel, Mr. Sires and I led a bipartisan group of 268 House Members to send a letter to the President and the 27 ministers of the European Commission urging the Commission to include Hezbollah on the EU terrorist list. I might mention Mr. Deutch and I had talked one day walking into our offices about how well our staffs have worked together to forge this letter, to put it together. And we do things in a lot of bipartisan ways. I think sometimes it gets lost in the wash of other things that are going on. I especially want to thank all those members of the staffs and also one of my staff members, Mr. Isaac Fong, for the tireless work he put in. Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 613, which also urges the EU to declare Hezbollah a terrorist organization. H. Res. 834 has over 80 bipartisan cosponsors. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 834. It's time to recognize Hezbollah for what it is. If it waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck. This is a terrorist organization. It needs to be recognized and designated as one worldwide. Mr. ENGEL. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich). Mr. KUCINICH. First of all, I want to begin by thanking the chair and the ranking member for their commitment to security, to Israel and to the region. I want to thank Mr. Kelly for his commitment, similarly. In my office, which I recently shut down because I'm not going to be in the next Congress, I had a pedestal on which rested a bomb fragment that I brought back from the village of Qana in south Lebanon. Qana is the place where Christ is said to have performed his first miracle. And Qana was also the place where a bomb dropped on an apartment building and killed about 50 women and children. I brought a fragment of that bomb back and put it on a pedestal in the office. And within that pedestal I put the dog tags of three Israeli soldiers who were captured and kidnapped. I got the dog tags from their parents. I've had that in my office since 2006, when I first went to Lebanon to look at the effects of the war. And I have them together because they represent the parenthesis on a human tragedy. {time} 1250 But we're all concerned about Israel's security. I rose on the floor of this House when the war started to talk about putting immediately into effect a plan that would stop the war. I've been to south Lebanon and Israel on several occasions. I want to add a word of caution here because what I'm concerned about, notwithstanding the best intentions of my friends who are taking a strong stand here, is the impact of this resolution on a United Nations force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. There are European troops there. Their mission is to enforce U.N. Security Resolution 1701 to end the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. UNIFIL has been working with Hezbollah to stabilize south Lebanon. And there are reports from the ground that they have helped to achieve a good measure of stability in that regard, even reports that Hezbollah has worked to help curb the work of terrorist cells of extremist bent. UNIFIL has, in effect, worked with Hezbollah. Peacekeepers have worked with Hezbollah. They've developed a relationship for future dialogue. Now, I'm concerned that this resolution could make it even more difficult to enforce UN Resolution 1701 and that, if it's passed, one of the things that this Congress has to consider is that the Lebanese army, itself, has to be strengthened. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. ENGEL. I yield the gentleman 1 minute. Mr. KUCINICH. We have to look at the implications of this. If you have European countries who are essentially part of the UNIFIL presence in south Lebanon in furtherance of a U.N. resolution to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, to create safety for both the people of Israel and the people of Lebanon, we've got to be very careful here that we don't create a situation that is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve. If this resolution passes--and unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to support it. But if it passes, we have to do something to strengthen the Lebanese army, because if the Lebanese army isn't strong enough, then you have a situation where the very thing that we are opposing here could come to pass and with great force. So I would just urge your consideration of that, and I thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to put this forward. Again, I thank my colleagues for their constant support of Israel. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch). Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 834, which urges the European Union to take steps to swiftly designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Despite its history of violent civilian attacks, our European partners in fighting terrorism as a whole have yet to formally recognize Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization. Mr. Speaker, the failure of the EU to gain consensus on this matter serves as a grave injustice to those who have been the victims of terror attacks masterminded and carried out by Hezbollah throughout the world. From the suicide truck bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in April 1983 that killed 63, the U.S. Marine barracks bombing in October 1983 that killed 241 American military personnel, a separate attack on the French military compound that killed 58, as well [[Page H7506]] as the hijacking of TWA 847 in 1995 and Hezbollah's role in the 1994 bombing of the Israel-Argentine Mutual Aid Association in Buenos Aires that killed 85, right up to the terrorist attack this summer at a Bulgarian airport that killed six, Hezbollah has shown its propensity to attack civilians and to attack them anywhere in the world. It's also shown its propensity to attack even within Lebanon, where the group is responsible for the 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Hariri. Hezbollah and its state sponsor Iran continually spread anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rhetoric and excitement, with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah recently threatening to rain down rockets on Israel ``from the Lebanese border to Jordan to the Red Sea, from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat,'' prompting harsh rebukes from several prominent members of Lebanon's Parliament. By failing to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, Hezbollah is free to continue its operations, including recruiting and fundraising in Europe. Mr. Speaker, we deeply value our relationship with our European allies, including our joint commitment to combatting terror around the globe. We appreciate their partnership in enacting crushing sanctions designed to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, but we do not understand the failure of our friends to join together in stopping this organization's reign of terror. That's why we are here this morning speaking about House Resolution 834. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd like to thank my friend, Congressman Kelly, as well as Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Ranking Member Berman for their leadership on this issue. My friend, Mr. Engel, the incoming ranking member, I look forward to working with you, continuing to work on these vitally important issues. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to support this resolution. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and thank my good friend Mr. Kelly for authoring it. Mr. Speaker, this resolution urges the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hezballah a terrorist organization, so that it will not be able to raise funds and recruit operatives in Europe. Since Hezballah is one of the most active, dangerous, ruthless, and evil terrorist groups in the world, this should be the most obvious thing in the world for the European governments to do--the minimum action which they should be in a hurry to do on their own, without any urging from anybody. One reason many European countries have not done so is the ongoing presence of anti-Semitism in Europe. It's a very sad story, but it's undeniably true that in many European countries large minorities or even majorities of the population hold attitudes that can only be described as anti-Semitic. Regarding this I'd like to recommend to my colleagues a March 2012 study of the Anti-Defamation League on ``Attitudes Toward Jews in Ten European Countries.'' It is shocking but necessary reading--I will be happy to share it with any of my colleagues. Further, in Europe anti-Semitic opinion doesn't hide its head furtively. Rather people who are not anti-Semitic accept various forms of anti-Semitic statement and attitudes into seemingly ``mainstream'' discussion, where it's allowed to influence government policy--that is, anti-Semitic public opinion limits what some governments are willing to say and do in fighting anti-Semitism. So with this resolution we are also urging the European governments, and the European Union, to deal more pro-actively, much more pro- actively, with anti-Semitism in Europe. Denounce anti-Semitic actions and statements whenever they occur--this is a fundamental responsibility of every elected official. As elected officials, we always have a special responsibility to anyone in danger--and this resolution documents very well that Hezbollah is an extraordinarily dangerous terrorist group. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I do want to recognize the many European parliamentarians who have worked hard in fighting anti-Semitism in Europe. I've worked with many of them over the years, particularly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and in the Interparliamentary Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism. This resolution, with its careful documentation of the extraordinary danger posed by Hezballah, will provide Europeans engaged in fighting anti-Semitism with a tool they can take to their governments and demand that they be much more pro-active against anti-Semitism. For it is anti-Semitism that creates the poisonous atmosphere in which Hezballah operates. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this excellent resolution. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, As a cosponsor of H. Res. 834, I rise to thank Representatives Kelly and Deutch for bringing this important resolution to the floor today and to encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the measure. H. Res. 834 urges the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. According to John Brennan, the deputy national security advisor, Europe's failure to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group makes it more difficult to defend the citizens of the European Union and the United States because Hezbollah is able to openly raise funds in some European countries and because EU countries are unable to prosecute Hezbollah members suspected of plotting terrorist attacks. Hezbollah has been implicated in multiple acts of terrorism over the past 30 years, including the bombings in Lebanon in 1983 of the United States Embassy, the United States Marine barracks, and the French Army barracks, the airline hijackings and the kidnapping of European, American, and other Western hostages in the 1980s and 1990s. Before al Qaeda's attack on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, Hezbollah was responsible for killing more Americans in terrorist attacks than any other terrorist group. Today, Hezbollah is training militants in Yemen and Syria and continues to provide financial and material support to the regime of Bashar al Assad. This resolution urges the governments of Europe and the European Union to forbid Hezbollah from using EU territory for the purpose of fundraising, recruitment, financing, training and propaganda and it will help protect European and American lives. I encourage my colleagues to support the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 834. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7506,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,REQUESTING EGYPT RETURN NOOR AND RAMSAY BOWER TO THE UNITED STATES,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7506,H7508,"[{""name"": ""Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Eliot L. Engel"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Barney Frank"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Christopher H. Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""193""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""193""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""193""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7506,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7506-H7508] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REQUESTING EGYPT RETURN NOOR AND RAMSAY BOWER TO THE UNITED STATES Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 193) calling on the new Government of Egypt to honor the rule of law and immediately return Noor and Ramsay Bower to the United States, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 193 Whereas Colin Bower's 2 young sons, Noor and Ramsay Bower, were illegally abducted from the United States by their mother in August 2009 and taken to Egypt; Whereas Noor William Noble Bower, age 11, and Ramsay Maclean Bower, age 9, are citizens of the United States of America; Whereas, on December 1, 2008, prior to the abduction of Noor and Ramsay, the Probate and Family Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts awarded sole legal custody of Noor and Ramsay to Colin Bower, and joint physical custody with Mirvat el Nady, which ruling stipulated Mirvat el Nady was not to remove Noor and Ramsay from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Whereas, in August of 2009, following a violation of the Probate Court's ruling, the Massachusetts Trial Court granted sole physical custody of Noor and Ramsay to their father, Colin Bower; Whereas Colin Bower has been granted only 4 visitations with his sons in the more than 3 years since the abduction; Whereas the United States has expressed its commitment, through the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, done at the Hague October 25, 1980, ``to protect children internationally from the harmful effects of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures to ensure their prompt return to the State of their habitual residence''; and [[Page H7507]] Whereas the United States and 69 other countries that are partners to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction have agreed, and encourage all other countries to concur, that the appropriate court for determining the best interests of children in custody matters is the court in the country of their habitual residence: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives calls on government officials and competent courts in Egypt to assist in the safe and immediate return of Noor and Ramsay Bower to the United States. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida. General Leave Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Florida? There was no objection. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, 3\1/2\ years ago, Colin Bower's two sons, Noor and Ramsay, were abducted from the United States by their mother in violation of the custody ruling given by the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The boys' mother used forged passports to remove the boys from the United States and take them to her native land of Egypt, despite the fact that a court ruling stipulated that she was not to remove them from Massachusetts. Last I checked, Egypt was not in Red Sox country. One of the objectives of the Hague Convention, Mr. Speaker, on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction--of which Egypt and the United States are members--is to ensure that custody rights and access under the law of one contracting state are respected in the others. That means helping to bring Noor and Ramsay home to their father. The resolution is not calling for anything extraordinary. We are simply appealing to the Egyptian Government to uphold its responsibilities and return these two boys to their rightful home. I would like to thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for working so diligently to secure the safe and speedy return of these boys to their dad. This bipartisan measure deserves our unanimous support. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1300 Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 193 and yield myself as much time as I may consume. This resolution calls on the new Government of Egypt to immediately return two kidnapped American children to their father in the United States. In August of 2009, Colin Bower of Wellesley, Massachusetts, received a terrifying phone call that his two children--Noor and Ramsay, ages 9 and 7 at the time--had been abducted to Egypt by his ex-wife, Mirvat el Nady. Mr. Bower was granted sole legal custody of the children after his divorce. El Nady lost custody over the children because the Massachusetts courts found her to have a drug addiction which put the safety of the boys at risk. She utilized falsified Egyptian passports to smuggle the children out of the country on an Egypt Air flight and is now wanted by Federal and local officials on charges of kidnapping. The facts of this case are heartbreaking, and I want to thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), for working so hard on this resolution and trying to reunite Mr. Bower with his children. The resolution before us asks for three simple things: first, that Egypt bring about the safe return of Noor and Ramsay Bower to their father, Colin Bower, in the United States; secondly, that Egypt immediately stop using its own security forces to aid and abet the continued unlawful retention of these two United States citizens; and, thirdly and finally, it urges Egypt and all other nations to join and fully participate in The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and to establish procedures to promptly and equitably address the tragedy of child abductions. During this holiday season, we are reminded that children are our most important and cherished resource, and it is a tragedy for everyone involved when they are taken away and denied access to one of their parents. Egypt's Government must do better. What the Mubarak and now Morsi governments have done is actively work to make sure Mr. Bower is not part of his children's lives. This is unjust, illegal, tragic, and unacceptable; and sadly, Mr. Speaker, this is but one of 31 separate cases involving American children wrongfully removed from the United States to Egypt. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in supporting this important resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank). Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, my thanks go to the chair of the committee, the gentlewoman from Florida, the ranking member from California (Mr. Berman), and the new ranking member from New York (Mr. Engel) for giving us a chance to try to achieve not just justice but love, the love of a father for children for whom he grieves daily because they were illegally and abusively kidnapped. As the gentlewoman from Florida pointed out, this kidnapping was in violation of a decision by the family court in Massachusetts giving full custody to the father. Members will not be surprised to learn that there have been very few complaints, that I've ever heard of, of there being a bias in favor of fathers in those courts. Some say there's a bias in favor of mothers. There is certainly a presumption, as I understand it, in favor of mothers. So for a court to say unequivocally that the father gets sole control is a strong indication of the unfitness of the mother. And so the case is very clear; but I want in my remarks, Mr. Speaker, to address the Government of Egypt. There's a new government in Egypt. There are points of friction between Egypt and the United States. We have a great interest in a good relationship. The foundation of peace in the Middle East began in 1979 with the Camp David Accords. America has consistently provided Egypt with more foreign assistance than all but a handful of nations. And in this current period when there are issues that could arise that could divide us, I urge the Egyptian Government not to put or keep in place a serious problem, not an irritant. It's more than an irritant when a loving father who has been given custody of his children because of the court's decision that the mother is unfit by virtue of a drug addiction, when he is denied the ability to have his paternal instincts honored, to be able to honor and protect his children. And I urge the Government of Egypt: do not minimize the extent to which this will be an obstacle. I will not be here in a week, Mr. Speaker. I didn't think I'd be here this week. But I know that my successor in Congress, Mr. Kennedy, and my colleagues, the chair of the committee and the ranking member, will not forget this. The Government of Egypt will be seeking from this House support of measures, and there are a lot of reasons why we want to work together. I plead with them, do not allow what to us is a very serious issue--perhaps to some in Egypt it appears minor--but to have a father's children taken away from him and kidnapped with the implicit cooperation of the prior Egyptian Government is a grave problem. If the current Egyptian Government does not correct this situation, it will be an obstacle to the kind of cooperation that is in our mutual interest. I hope we get a very large, indeed unanimous, vote for this resolution and the Egyptian Government understands that it is not just justice but its best interests that call for compliance. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to again reiterate the fact that I support this bill very strongly and also, since Mr. Frank spoke before me, I want to, as I mentioned before with some of the other people, tell him [[Page H7508]] how much I appreciate being his colleague through the years and how much not only I will miss him and the Congress will miss him but that the country will miss him. It's been wonderful to call him a colleague, even better for me to call him a friend, and I wish him the best in all future endeavors. Thank you very much, Barney. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I also will miss Mr. Frank for his friendship and his great insight on many of the issues, and I thank him so much for caring deeply about constituents in his district, and we will continue to fight on their behalf. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 193, calling on the new government of Egypt to honor the rule of law and immediately return American citizens Noor and Ramsey Bower to the United States. It is absolutely appalling and inexcusable that more than three years after a textbook abduction, the new government of Egypt has yet to right the terrible wrong that has been perpetrated upon Noor and Ramsey, as well as upon their father, Colin Bower. Noor and Ramsey were abducted and hidden with the assistance of the previous Egyptian government August 2009. The boys' mother had lost custody of the children in the United States because of her drug use and psychological problems. Their father, Mr. Bower, was their primary caregiver. For the last three years, Colin Bower has been doing everything in his power to find out if his sons are safe and to be reunited with them. In July of 2011, he testified before my subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights--and conveyed his frustration over the lack of priority abduction cases receive in U.S. foreign policy. This sentiment is shared by the thousands of American parents whose American children have been abducted to foreign jurisdictions, often in violation of valid U.S. court orders. Every year, more than a thousand additional families are anguished by an abduction. We are losing our children and are not bringing them home. At that same hearing, we heard from Michael Elias, an Iraqi veteran from New Jersey, who told this committee of his anguish after his ex- wife used her Japanese consulate connections to abduct Jade and Michael Jr., after the New Jersey court had ordered surrender of passports and joint custody. His ex-wife flagrantly disregarded those valid court orders telling Michael Elias, ``My country [Japan] will protect me.'' She was right. Both the U.S. embassy personnel and Mr. Elias have been unable to even see the American citizen children since 2008--much less return them to their home. The U.S. talks about the problem with Japan, and talks, and talks-- but Japan has yet to issue and enforce a court order to return a single American child. In the case of Egypt, we have provided more than $4 billion in aid and debt relief since the abduction of Noor and Ramsey in 2009--despite the fact that Egypt has continued to flagrantly violate valid U.S. court orders, prevent Mr. Bower from seeing his sons, and otherwise aid and abet a kidnapping. The United States can and must do more to demand that our would-be allies respect the rule of law and return our abducted children. H. Res. 193 is a step in the right direction. Specifically, H. Res. 193 ``urges Egypt and all other nations--such as Japan--to join and fully participate in the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and to establish procedures to promptly and equitably address the tragedy of child abductions, given the serious consequences to children of not expeditiously resolving these cases and of denying them access to a parent.'' H. Res. 193 also urges the House of Representatives to take other appropriate measures to ensure that Hague Convention partners return abducted children to the United States in compliance with the Hague Convention's provisions--and to work aggressively for the return of children abducted from the United States to countries that are not Hague Convention Partners and for visitation rights for left-behind parents while return is negotiated, establishing memorandums of understanding where necessary for the expeditious return of children. Mr. Speaker, it may soon be time for this body to consider additional steps if we do not see immediate cooperation from our would-be allies in the return of American children. H. Res. 193 is ample warning to Egypt, Japan, and other nations that American patience with abductions has run out. I strongly support the passage of H. Res. 193--and the passage of additional steps if the warning is not heeded. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 193, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to. The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Calling for the safe and immediate return of Noor and Ramsay Bower to the United States.''. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7508,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,NAVAL VESSEL TRANSFER ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7508,H7511,"[{""name"": ""Ileana Ros-Lehtinen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Eliot L. Engel"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Gus M. Bilirakis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Brad Sherman"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""John P. Sarbanes"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6649""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6649""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6649""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7508,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7508-H7511] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NAVAL VESSEL TRANSFER ACT OF 2012 Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6649) to provide for the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign recipients, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6649 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF NAVAL VESSELS TO CERTAIN FOREIGN RECIPIENTS. (a) Transfers by Grant.--The President is authorized to transfer vessels to foreign countries on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j), as follows: (1) Mexico.--To the Government of Mexico, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates USS CURTS (FFG-38) and USS MCCLUSKY (FFG-41). (2) Thailand.--To the Government of Thailand, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates USS RENTZ (FFG-46) and USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48). (3) Turkey.--To the Government of Turkey, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) and USS THACH (FFG-43). (b) Transfer by Sale.--The President is authorized to transfer the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigates USS TAYLOR (FFG-50), USS GARY (FFG-51), USS CARR (FFG-52), and USS ELROD (FFG-55) to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office of the United States (which is the Taiwan instrumentality designated pursuant to section 10(a) of the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3309(a))) on a sale basis under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761). (c) Alternative Transfer Authority.--Notwithstanding the authority provided in subsections (a) and (b) to transfer specific vessels to specific countries, the President is authorized, subject to the same conditions that would apply for such country under this Act, to transfer any vessel named in this Act to any country named in this Act such that the total number of vessels transferred to such country does not exceed the total number of vessels authorized for transfer to such country by this Act. (d) Grants Not Counted in Annual Total of Transferred Excess Defense Articles.--The value of a vessel transferred to another country on a grant basis pursuant to authority provided by subsection (a) or (c) shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred in any fiscal year under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (e) Costs of Transfers.--Any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer authorized by this section shall be charged to the recipient notwithstanding section 516(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j(e)). (f) Repair and Refurbishment in United States Shipyards.-- To the maximum extent practicable, the President shall require, as a condition of the transfer of a vessel under this section, that the recipient to which the vessel is transferred have such repair or refurbishment of the vessel as is needed, before the vessel joins the naval forces of that recipient, performed at a shipyard located in the United States, including a United States Navy shipyard. (g) Expiration of Authority.--The authority to transfer a vessel under this section shall expire at the end of the 3- year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida. General Leave Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material in the Record on this bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Florida? [[Page H7509]] There was no objection. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 6649, the Naval Transfer Act of 2012, as amended. According to the Secretary of the Navy, authority to transfer surplus vessels is an important element of the U.S. strategy for decommissioned ships. It enables our Navy to manage its inventory while strengthening ties with our key security partners and with allies by transferring ships that meet key operational requirements. This legislation authorizes the transfer of 10 decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates to Mexico, to Thailand, to Turkey and Taiwan. Six of the 10 vessels would be authorized for transfer on a grant basis as excess defense articles under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act. Mexico, Thailand, and Turkey would each receive two frigates. With respect to Turkey, I remain greatly concerned with the deterioration in that country's relations with, and policy toward, the democratic Jewish state and our ally, the State of Israel. {time} 1310 Since the 2010 flotilla incident--a crisis on the high seas that triggered a tailspin in Turkish-Israeli relations--we have witnessed a Turkey that is increasingly hostile toward Israel. From its recall of its Ambassador to Israel, its attempts to marginalize Israel in other international fora, and its continued occupation of Cyprus to the embrace of the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, current Turkish policy is unacceptable. I will continue to challenge those and take steps to ensure, for example, that Turkey is sanctioned for its activities regarding the Iranian regime. But, Mr. Speaker, the proposed transfer that we're talking about today is not validation of the current Turkish policy in the region. It is about our Nation's long-term national security interests. That is what this bill is all about. Turkey is a NATO ally that we need to continue participating in joint anti-piracy operations, for which they would use these frigates. It has even commanded the Combined Joint Task Force 151, fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden and along the Somali coast, protecting American citizens who are traveling in that volatile region. Additionally, in light of the deteriorating security environment in Syria and Turkey's critical role in that arena, the Department of Defense feels that it was necessary for our foreign policy priorities and security objectives that Turkey receive these transfers. Finally, Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the last time that Congress authorized such naval transfers, we approved the grant transfer of three OSPREY class mine-hunter coastal ships to Greece, but no transfers to Turkey. Lastly, these transfers are job creators here at home. Each frigate transferred will require 40 to $80 million of repair and refurbishment. This represents economic benefit to the United States through labor and services during the transfer process, as well as the potential for millions more in follow-on services, equipment, and training. According to estimates from U.S. sources, each frigate transfer creates or sustains approximately 100 shipyard jobs and 50 services jobs in the U.S. for approximately 6 months. Performing this ship transfer work in domestic shipyards that perform U.S. Navy overhauls and repairs lowers the cost of U.S. Navy maintenance by spreading costs over a wider base. The end result is an overall lower cost to our U.S. Navy and thus for the American taxpayer. The alternative to foreign ship transfers for ships no longer required by the U.S. Navy is to place the decommissioned ships into cold storage or have them be sunk. Navy funding is required for both the storage and the sinking option. Turning to the other four frigates, Mr. Speaker, these would be authorized for transfer to our close friends and ally, Taiwan. The transfer of these four frigates is not only a symbol of our enduring commitment to a secure and democratic Taiwan but will also provide the island with additional capabilities to conduct maritime security operations in the Taiwan Strait. The legislation also requires that any expense incurred by the U.S. in connection with a transfer authorized by this bill shall be charged to the recipient. Mr. Speaker, passage of this bill will help advance United States foreign policy interests and our broader national security requirements. Therefore, I urge adoption, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill, H.R. 6649, as amended, and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the transfer of decommissioned frigates to four foreign countries. The governments of Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand would each receive by grant two Perry class frigates. That means for free. Taiwan would be authorized to purchase four of the same class of frigates, which they clearly need to protect their territorial waters. I object to this bill primarily because of Turkey. While I recognize that Turkey is an important NATO ally, I regret that I have to oppose this bill in light of Turkey's problematic behavior and disturbing rhetoric regarding Israel and Cyprus over the past year and a half. For example, in May, with no apparent justification, Turkey sent combat aircraft to intercept an Israeli aircraft that was flying near Cyprus. This could have turned into a significant confrontation between a U.S. NATO ally and the United States' closest ally in the Middle East. Fortunately, it did not. In September 2011, Turkey announced that it would send warships to escort aid convoys to Gaza. It has not followed through with this threat, but nor has it rescinded it. Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Davutoglu have been famously competing to see who can issue the most vile denunciations of Israel, as we saw, once again, during the recent Gaza crisis. Indeed, their allegations of ``ethnic cleansing'' and ``crimes against humanity,'' quotes from them, topped even the claims of Hamas for stridency and falsehood. Of course, the prime minister called Israel a ``terrorist state.'' Is that the kind of rhetoric we should expect from a NATO ally? Some people say this should continue because, after all, Turkey is an ally and we need to help them. Well, I look at it the other way. They're a NATO ally, so they have responsibility. And the way they're acting has been anything but responsible. This is not an inconsequential or trivial matter. As many public opinion surveys show, and as is widely acknowledged, Turkey wields enormous influence among Middle Easterners, with the sway to exacerbate or tamp down tensions as it sees fit. For too long, it has been exacerbating these tensions, particularly since the new government--well, it's not new anymore--a government for several years with an Islamist bent has been in. Moreover, Turkey's longstanding recognition of Hamas has done nothing to moderate that group. It has merely lent legitimacy to a terrorist group and undermined the standing of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Indeed, in the aftermath of the Gaza hostilities, Turkey's extreme rhetoric and one-sided approach to Israel's conflict with Hamas disqualified it from playing the useful mediating role which should be its natural vocation. Turkey's unnecessarily harsh anti-Israel rhetoric over the last several years actually did cost the Turks the support of Congress to authorize the transfer of two decommissioned U.S. frigates in the last Congress. It should have that result again in this Congress, and it should be denied. But Turkey's poisonous rhetoric and menacing behavior towards Israel is not the only reason to oppose this ship transfer, and perhaps not even the most potentially explosive. To cite the other important reason: Turkey has repeatedly threatened Cyprus and its energy explorations. One year ago, Turkey used its naval forces--and, by the way, the very naval forces this bill would enhance--in an effort to harass and intimidate Cyprus and workers employed by the Houston-based Noble Energy company as they sought to explore for offshore natural gas in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone. Prime Minister Erdogan also threatened that Turkey would use force to stop these explorations. Probably because of U.S. opposition, it has not done so, but, again, Turkey has never rescinded the threat. Almost exactly 1 year ago, Turkey conducted a dangerous live-fire [[Page H7510]] naval exercise in the vicinity of both the Cypriot and Israeli offshore natural gas explorations, which Cyprus and Israel are doing jointly. The Turkish attitude is epitomized by Turkey's Minister for European Union Affairs, Egemen Bagis, who addressed the issue of Cypriot natural gas exploration last year. This was his warning, and I quote: This is what we have a navy for. We have trained our marines for this. We have equipped the navy for this. All options are on the table. Anything can be done. And I want to remind my colleagues that Turkey has continued to occupy the northern part of Cyprus since the 1970s. It's just unacceptable. {time} 1320 Mr. Speaker, I realize that Turkey is an important member of NATO. It accepted radar emplacements for NATO's missile defense initiative, and it is an important element of the solution to several regional problems--notably, Syria--but it has become a major problem for U.S. interests in terms of its relations with Israel and the inflammatory and distinctly unhelpful role it has assumed in the Palestinian issue, as well as its threats against Cyprus. In the last several years, the once warm relationship between Israel and Turkey has unfortunately frozen over. We would truly like to see a thaw in that relationship, just as we would like to see Turkey respect the sovereign right of every country in the region, like Cyprus, to utilize their natural resources. Until then, I believe we should hold off on sending powerful warships to Turkey and encourage the government in Ankara to take a less belligerent approach to their neighbors. Early in the next Congress, I would look forward to working with my colleagues on a new ship transfer bill that excludes Turkey, if we can defeat this bill, or appropriately conditions our ship transfer so that the government in Ankara gets the right message. So I urge my colleagues to reject this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida, my colleague, Mr. Bilirakis, an esteemed member on our Committee of Foreign Affairs. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. I appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6649, the Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2012. As part of this legislation before us, the United States would transfer two Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates to the Government of Turkey. I have serious concerns, and I oppose this military transfer, Mr. Speaker, because the Turkish navy, as recently as last year, held naval live-fire exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. These provocative exercises took place near the natural gas fields of Israel and the Republic of Cyprus and threatened to disrupt peaceful and productive economic activity. Instead, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that, in the eastern Mediterranean, Congress will continue to work to foster the relationships between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus in order to promote and foster issues of mutual, economic, and diplomatic importance. For those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I oppose the bill. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have left? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New York has 13\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. ENGEL. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman). Mr. SHERMAN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Woodrow Wilson noted that Congress in committee is Congress at work. Congress ignoring the committee process is a Congress that doesn't work. This bill has not been the subject of hearing and, more importantly, a markup in the Foreign Affairs Committee. And in the dead of night, provisions to transfer two frigates to Turkey, a controversial provision, was added to this otherwise innocuous bill. There are arguments on both sides of the issue: Should we transfer the frigates to Turkey at no cost, a gift from the American taxpayer? Should we condition that transfer? Should we limit it to perhaps only one ship? I'd like to have hearings. I'd like Congress to work its will. Instead, a bill is brought to the floor on a day we were not scheduled to be in session for a last-minute discussion and a last-minute vote. In prior discussions in our committee dealing with providing frigates to Turkey, we've been told that Turkey lives in a dangerous neighborhood, that it shares a border with Iran. I would ask: Where on the Turkish-Iranian border will these frigates be deployed? The last time an oceangoing vessel has been seen in eastern Anatolia, it was Noah's Ark. Now these frigates will be deployed in the Mediterranean, and we've seen what the Turkish navy does in the Mediterranean. In 1974, there was the invasion of Cyprus. More recently, there are the actions taken against Israel and in support of Hamas. In June of 2010, after a Gaza flotilla attempted to aid the terrorist group Hamas with supplies, Turkey threatened to send armed naval escorts to back another aid convoy to Hamas. The Turkish Prime Minister, Erdogan, called for Israel to be punished for interfering with the previous effort to aid Hamas with the flotilla. In September 2011, after a U.N. report on the Gaza flotilla was released, Turkey threatened to send an armed naval presence to the eastern Mediterranean to confront Israel, and Prime Minister Erdogan said that Israel should expect more naval presence from Turkey in the area, and I quote: ``Turkish warships will be tasked with protecting the Turkish boats'' bringing aid to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The gentleman from New York pointed out how the Turkish navy has interfered with both the Cypriot and Israeli efforts to exploit natural gas deposits on the seabed between those two countries. This is particularly outrageous when you realize that the Cypriot natural gas fields are off the shores of South Cyprus, an area where Turkey has not tried to assert its military presence. And they've gone further and even interfered with Israel exploiting its own natural gas fields off of its coast. This is the action of the Turkish navy in the Mediterranean. Is this something that we should be furthering by two free frigates? I don't know. We haven't had hearings. We haven't had a markup. We haven't had a discussion on what limitations, what conditions, and what quantity of ships should be transferred. I've come to this floor on over 100 occasions to vote on suspension bills renaming post offices. Most of those bills were subject to a markup in the appropriate committee. Shouldn't we give that same level of attention to the transfer of frigates to Turkey? Send this bill back to committee. Let us have a real discussion. Let us follow the rules, not suspend the rules, when we're dealing with a matter of this importance to our foreign policy in the eastern Mediterranean. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes). Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the soon-to-be ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Engel, for yielding this time, and I want to thank him for his eloquent opposition to H.R. 6649. This is not a noncontroversial bill. I know it's being brought here on suspension as though it is, and I'm sure in the past when we've had these transfers of vessels, excess defense materials and so forth, often that is a noncontroversial action to take. In this case, it's anything but noncontroversial, and I'm surprised, frankly, that the majority would bring the bill to the floor in this form. Turkey is the problem here. There are vessels that are being transferred to Turkey. These are vessels that apparently are obsolete from our standpoint, surplus material that can go to them. And, yes, Turkey is a NATO ally, but it's a problematic ally at best. At critical moments over a period of many years, when the United States has looked to its ally Turkey for assistance for some critical support, Turkey has been absent. You've heard already, discussed at length here, the unlawful occupation of Cyprus. We're [[Page H7511]] talking about 38 years of unlawful occupation of our ally Cyprus. The adventurism of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean and its recent conduct towards Israel has been detailed here at length. {time} 1330 So what you have is, yes, an American ally but one that has created some real problems for us and is a destabilizing actor in the eastern Mediterranean. You can only characterize Turkey's behavior in that region as gunboat diplomacy. When you look at its conduct towards Cyprus, towards Israel, its interference with American commercial interests that are trying to operate in the exclusive economic zone of these two nations that are critical to U.S. national security, Turkey has threatened to use force to stop Texas-based Noble Energy from drilling for oil and gas off the shores of Cyprus and Israel. Texas-based Noble Energy is an American company, and yet we are now going to transfer these vessels to Turkey for further adventurism on the high seas. You've heard this now detailed on both sides. At one point in the last year and a half, Turkey threatened to mobilize its air and naval assets to escort ships to Gaza. As Congressman Engel says, we're about to enhance those naval assets, with high anxiety on my part and, I think, on the part of other Members that they'll be used in furtherance of this same kind of provocative behavior. If we are going transfer these things, at the very least we ought to be putting some conditions on this transfer--that no offensive use of these vessels can be made and that they can't be used to traverse these exclusive economic zones that we've talked about. But this is going free of any conditions, and it's why I have severe reservations about it. This could be an opportunity to step back and think about how we conduct our foreign policy. Every bill we pass here matters. It all makes a difference. This may be on suspension, and it may be getting rid of excess material, but it's a chance for us to send a powerful message in terms of the kind of foreign policy that the United States is going to exercise. Frankly, I don't think that Turkey should be a beneficiary of this bill given its conduct over many years, but particularly over the last couple of years. It sends the wrong message. It rewards bad behavior. For that reason, I oppose it. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in a snapshot, this is the background to this bill and the inclusion of Turkey. I'd like to explain this. These are DOD requests for our U.S. national security interests. Turkey is a NATO ally that DOD needs to continue participating in joint anti-piracy operations for which they would use these frigates. In light of the deteriorating situation regarding Syria and Turkey's critical role, DOD insisted that it was timely to do this transfer. Now, just a few years ago, in 2010, Congress authorized the grant transfer of three Osprey class minehunter coastal ships to Greece-- Osprey MHC-51, Blackhawk MHC-58, and Shrike MHC-62. So today's bill, Mr. Speaker, maintains the Turkey-Greece balance. This lowers costs to our U.S. Navy, as they won't have to deal with decommissioned frigates. This bill creates U.S. jobs, as the mammoth portion of maintenance work is done here in the United States. On the issue of granting to Thailand, to Mexico, to Turkey versus the selling of the ships to Taiwan, this is what our U.S. Navy says: The determining factor on the grant or sale of extra defense articles is always what is in the best interest of the United States. Granting the hull does not make it free to the receiving nation. Among the types of extra defense articles that are granted to partner nations, ships are unique in that there is always a significant refurbishment cost paid by the receiving nation. The current legislation requires the refurbishment of the hulls here in the United States. This is approximately $60 million per hull; though with Turkey our experience has been that they will spend even more. Because of the high cost of refurbishment, we always try to grant the hulls. Both Armed Services Committee Chairman McKeon and Intelligence Committee Chairman Rogers support this bill with the inclusion of Turkey. Mr. Speaker, when our military officials tell me that they need these specific transfers, including to Turkey, because it is in our Nation's security interests and it advances our priorities, I believe that all of us here should take note. I trust our U.S. military when it comes to the operational needs and joint military and anti-piracy activities. This is why Turkey was included--and not at the last minute under the cover of night. No, quite the contrary. For almost 2 weeks, the text of this bill has been posted not just for our fellow colleagues to review but for all of the American people to review at their leisure. This bill is a standard bill that is done at the end of each Congress. Two years ago, as I stated, under a different majority, a similar annual transfer bill was considered at the end of the session. So, in short, Mr. Speaker, this bill helps our ally Taiwan. It advances our U.S. national security interests, and it reduces costs to our Navy. It creates jobs for Americans right here at home, and I hope that our colleagues see it as such. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6649, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7511,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HMESSAGE,H7511,H7512,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""114""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""140""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""264""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""499""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""970""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1047""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1421""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1478""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2015""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3250""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3263""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3563""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3641""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3715""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4073""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7511,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7511-H7512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE A message from the Senate by Ms. Curtis, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate has passed without amendment bills of the House of the following titles: H.R. 3263. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to allow the storage and conveyance of nonproject water at the Norman project in Oklahoma, and for other purposes. H.R. 3641. An act to establish Pinnacles National Park in the State of California as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. H.R. 4073. an act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to accept the quitclaim, disclaimer, and relinquishment of a railroad right of way within and adjacent to Pike National Forest in El Paso County, Colorado, originally granted to the Mt. Manitou Park and Incline Railway Company pursuant to the Act of March 3, 1875. The message also announced that the Senate has passed bills of the following titles in which the concurrence of the House is requested: S. 114. An act to expand the boundary of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. S. 140. An act to designate as wilderness certain land and inland water within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes. S. 264. An act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the State of Mississippi 2 parcels of surplus land within the boundary of the Natchez Trace Parkway, and for other purposes. S. 499. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of hydroelectric power on the Diamond Fork System of the Central Utah Project. S. 970. An act to designate additional segments and tributaries of White Clay Creek, in the States of Delaware and Pennsylvania, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. S. 1047. An act to amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to take actions to improve environmental conditions in the vicinity of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel in Lake County, Colorado, and the other purposes. S. 1421. An act to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes. S. 1478. An act to modify the boundary of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in the State of South Dakota, and for other purposes. S. 2015. An act to require the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land to the Powell Recreation District in the State of Wyoming. S. 3250. An act to amend the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to provide for Debbie Smith grants for auditing sexual assault evidence backlogs and to establish a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry, and for other purposes. [[Page H7512]] S. 3563. An act to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify the Pilot Project offices of the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project. S. 3715. An act to extend the limited antitrust exemption contained in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7512-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,AFTER RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7512,H7512,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7512,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1744 AFTER RECESS The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Womack) at 5 o'clock and 44 minutes p.m. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7512-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HANNOUNCEMENT,H7512,H7512,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7512,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order: S. 3454, de novo; H.R. 6612, de novo; the Senate amendment to H.R. 6364, de novo. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as 5-minute votes. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7512-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7512,H7512,"[{""name"": ""David Schweikert"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7512,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the question on suspending the rules and passing the bill (S. 3454) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for intelligence and intelligence- related activities of the United States Government and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 373, nays 29, not voting 29, as follows: [Roll No. 652] YEAS--373 Adams Aderholt Akin Alexander Altmire Amodei Andrews Austria Baca Bachmann Bachus Baldwin Barber Barletta Barrow Bartlett Barton (TX) Bass (CA) Becerra Benishek Berg Berkley Berman Biggert Bilbray Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Bishop (UT) Black Blackburn Bonamici Bonner Boren Boswell Boustany Brady (PA) Brady (TX) Braley (IA) Brooks Broun (GA) Brown (FL) Buchanan Bucshon Buerkle Burgess Butterfield Calvert Camp Campbell Canseco Cantor Capito Capps Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Carter Cassidy Chabot Chaffetz Chandler Chu Cicilline Clarke (MI) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Coble Coffman (CO) Cole Conaway Connolly (VA) Cooper Costa Courtney Cravaack Crenshaw Critz Crowley Cuellar Culberson Curson (MI) Davis (CA) DeFazio DeLauro DelBene Denham Dent DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dicks Dingell Dold Donnelly (IN) Doyle Dreier Duffy Duncan (SC) Edwards Ellmers Emerson Engel Eshoo Farenthold Farr Fattah Fincher Fitzpatrick Flake Fleischmann Fleming Flores Forbes Fortenberry Foxx Frank (MA) Franks (AZ) Frelinghuysen Fudge Garamendi Gardner Garrett Gerlach Gibbs Gingrey (GA) Gohmert Gonzalez Goodlatte Gosar Gowdy Granger Graves (GA) Graves (MO) Green, Al Green, Gene Griffin (AR) Griffith (VA) Grimm Guinta Guthrie Hall Hanabusa Hanna Harper Harris Hartzler Hastings (FL) Hastings (WA) Hayworth Heck Heinrich Hensarling Herger Herrera Beutler Higgins Himes Hinchey Hirono Hochul Holden Hoyer Huelskamp Huizenga (MI) Hultgren Hunter Hurt Israel Issa Jackson Lee (TX) Jenkins Johnson (GA) Johnson (OH) Johnson, E. B. Johnson, Sam Jordan Kaptur Keating Kelly Kildee Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kingston Kinzinger (IL) Kissell Kline Labrador Lamborn Lance Landry Langevin Lankford Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latham LaTourette Latta Levin Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Long Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Lynch Manzullo Marchant Marino Markey Matheson Matsui McCarthy (CA) McCaul McClintock McCollum McDermott McHenry McIntyre McKeon McKinley McMorris Rodgers McNerney Meehan Meeks Mica Michaud Miller (FL) Miller (MI) Miller (NC) Miller, Gary Moore Moran Mulvaney Murphy (CT) Murphy (PA) Myrick Nadler Napolitano Neal Neugebauer Noem Nugent Nunes Nunnelee Olson Owens Palazzo Pallone Paulsen Payne Pearce Pence Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pitts Platts Poe (TX) Pompeo Posey Price (GA) Price (NC) Quayle Quigley Rahall Rangel Reed Rehberg Reichert Renacci Reyes Ribble Richardson Richmond Rigell Rivera Roby Roe (TN) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rogers (MI) Rokita Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross (AR) Rothman (NJ) Royce Runyan Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Ryan (WI) Sanchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Scalise Schakowsky Schiff Schilling Schock Schrader Schwartz Schweikert Scott (SC) Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sessions Sewell Sherman Shimkus Shuster Sires Slaughter Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (TX) Smith (WA) Southerland Stearns Stivers Stutzman Sullivan Sutton Terry Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiberi Tierney Tipton Tonko Tsongas Turner (NY) Turner (OH) Upton Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walberg Walden Walsh (IL) Walz (MN) Wasserman Schultz Watt Webster Welch West Westmoreland Whitfield Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Womack Woodall Yarmuth Yoder Young (AK) Young (FL) Young (IN) NAYS--29 Amash Blumenauer Capuano Cohen Conyers Cummings Davis (IL) DeGette Doggett Duncan (TN) Ellison Gibson Grijalva Gutierrez Hahn Holt Honda Jones Kucinich Lee (CA) Lofgren, Zoe Massie McGovern Miller, George Olver Pingree (ME) Polis Speier Waters NOT VOTING--29 Ackerman Bass (NH) Bono Mack Burton (IN) Castor (FL) Costello Crawford Gallegly Hinojosa Johnson (IL) Lewis (CA) Lewis (GA) Mack Maloney McCarthy (NY) Pascrell Pastor (AZ) Paul Pelosi Rohrabacher Ross (FL) Roybal-Allard Schmidt Shuler Simpson Stark Towns Waxman Woolsey {time} 1805 Messrs. CONYERS, COHEN, CUMMINGS, DOGGETT, GRIJALVA, and Ms. SPEIER changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.'' Mr. SERRANO changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.'' So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7512,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7512,H7512,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7512,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECESS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair. Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 37 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7512-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,NEIL A. ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER AND HUGH L. DRYDEN AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE DESIGNATION ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7512,H7513,"[{""name"": ""Glenn Thompson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6612""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7512,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7512-H7513] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NEIL A. ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER AND HUGH L. DRYDEN AERONAUTICAL TEST RANGE DESIGNATION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the question on suspending the rules and passing the bill (H.R. 6612) to redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill. [[Page H7513]] The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a 5-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 404, nays 0, not voting 27, as follows: [Roll No. 653] YEAS--404 Adams Aderholt Akin Alexander Altmire Amash Amodei Andrews Austria Baca Bachmann Bachus Baldwin Barber Barletta Barrow Bartlett Barton (TX) Becerra Benishek Berg Berkley Berman Biggert Bilbray Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Bishop (UT) Black Blackburn Blumenauer Bonamici Bonner Boren Boswell Boustany Brady (PA) Brady (TX) Braley (IA) Brooks Broun (GA) Brown (FL) Buchanan Bucshon Buerkle Burgess Butterfield Calvert Camp Campbell Canseco Cantor Capito Capps Capuano Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Carter Cassidy Castor (FL) Chabot Chaffetz Chandler Chu Cicilline Clarke (MI) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Coble Coffman (CO) Cohen Cole Conaway Connolly (VA) Conyers Cooper Costa Courtney Cravaack Crawford Crenshaw Critz Crowley Cuellar Culberson Cummings Curson (MI) Davis (CA) Davis (IL) DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Denham Dent DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dicks Dingell Doggett Dold Donnelly (IN) Doyle Dreier Duffy Duncan (SC) Duncan (TN) Edwards Ellison Ellmers Emerson Engel Eshoo Farenthold Farr Fattah Fincher Fitzpatrick Flake Fleischmann Fleming Flores Forbes Fortenberry Foxx Frank (MA) Franks (AZ) Frelinghuysen Fudge Garamendi Gardner Garrett Gerlach Gibbs Gibson Gingrey (GA) Gohmert Gonzalez Goodlatte Gosar Gowdy Granger Graves (GA) Graves (MO) Green, Al Green, Gene Griffin (AR) Griffith (VA) Grijalva Grimm Guinta Guthrie Gutierrez Hahn Hall Hanabusa Hanna Harper Harris Hartzler Hastings (FL) Hastings (WA) Hayworth Heck Heinrich Hensarling Herger Herrera Beutler Higgins Himes Hinchey Hirono Hochul Holden Holt Honda Hoyer Huelskamp Huizenga (MI) Hultgren Hunter Hurt Israel Issa Jackson Lee (TX) Jenkins Johnson (GA) Johnson (OH) Johnson, E. B. Johnson, Sam Jones Jordan Kaptur Keating Kelly Kildee Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kingston Kinzinger (IL) Kissell Kline Kucinich Labrador Lamborn Lance Landry Langevin Lankford Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latham LaTourette Latta Lee (CA) Levin Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Long Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Lynch Manzullo Marchant Marino Markey Massie Matheson Matsui McCarthy (CA) McCaul McClintock McCollum McDermott McGovern McHenry McIntyre McKeon McKinley McMorris Rodgers McNerney Meehan Meeks Mica Michaud Miller (FL) Miller (MI) Miller (NC) Miller, Gary Miller, George Moore Moran Mulvaney Murphy (CT) Murphy (PA) Myrick Nadler Napolitano Neal Neugebauer Noem Nugent Nunes Nunnelee Olson Olver Owens Palazzo Pallone Pascrell Paulsen Payne Pearce Pelosi Pence Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pingree (ME) Pitts Platts Poe (TX) Polis Pompeo Posey Price (GA) Price (NC) Quayle Quigley Rahall Rangel Reed Rehberg Reichert Renacci Reyes Ribble Richardson Richmond Rigell Rivera Roby Roe (TN) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rogers (MI) Rokita Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross (AR) Rothman (NJ) Royce Runyan Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Ryan (WI) Sanchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Scalise Schakowsky Schiff Schilling Schock Schrader Schwartz Schweikert Scott (SC) Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sessions Sewell Sherman Shimkus Shuster Sires Slaughter Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (TX) Smith (WA) Southerland Speier Stearns Stivers Stutzman Sullivan Sutton Terry Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiberi Tierney Tipton Tonko Tsongas Turner (NY) Turner (OH) Upton Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walden Walsh (IL) Walz (MN) Wasserman Schultz Waters Watt Webster Welch West Westmoreland Whitfield Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Womack Woodall Yarmuth Yoder Young (AK) Young (FL) Young (IN) NOT VOTING--27 Ackerman Bass (CA) Bass (NH) Bono Mack Burton (IN) Costello Gallegly Hinojosa Johnson (IL) Lewis (CA) Lewis (GA) Mack Maloney McCarthy (NY) Pastor (AZ) Paul Rohrabacher Ross (FL) Roybal-Allard Schmidt Shuler Simpson Stark Towns Walberg Waxman Woolsey {time} 1812 So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7513,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7513,H7514,"[{""name"": ""Bob Goodlatte"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6364""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7513,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7513-H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the question on suspending the rules and concurring in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6364) to establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, to provide for the designation of memorials to the service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a 5-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 401, nays 5, not voting 25, as follows: [Roll No. 654] YEAS--401 Adams Aderholt Akin Alexander Altmire Amodei Andrews Austria Baca Bachmann Bachus Baldwin Barber Barletta Barrow Bartlett Barton (TX) Bass (CA) Becerra Benishek Berg Berkley Berman Biggert Bilbray Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (NY) Bishop (UT) Black Blackburn Blumenauer Bonamici Bonner Boren Boswell Boustany Brady (PA) Brady (TX) Braley (IA) Brooks Broun (GA) Brown (FL) Buchanan Bucshon Buerkle Burgess Butterfield Calvert Camp Campbell Canseco Cantor Capito Capps Capuano Carnahan Carney Carson (IN) Carter Cassidy Castor (FL) Chabot Chaffetz Chandler Chu Cicilline Clarke (MI) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Coble Coffman (CO) Cohen Cole Conaway Connolly (VA) Conyers Cooper Costa Courtney Cravaack Crawford Crenshaw Critz Crowley Cuellar Culberson Cummings Curson (MI) Davis (CA) Davis (IL) DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Denham Dent DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dicks Dingell Doggett Dold Donnelly (IN) Doyle Dreier Duffy Duncan (SC) Duncan (TN) Edwards Ellison Ellmers Emerson Engel Eshoo Farenthold Farr Fattah Fincher Fitzpatrick Flake Fleischmann Fleming Forbes Fortenberry Foxx Frank (MA) Franks (AZ) Frelinghuysen Fudge Garamendi Gardner Garrett Gerlach Gibbs Gibson Gingrey (GA) Gohmert Gonzalez Goodlatte Gosar Gowdy Granger Graves (GA) Graves (MO) Green, Al Green, Gene Griffin (AR) Griffith (VA) Grijalva Grimm Guinta Guthrie Gutierrez Hahn Hall Hanabusa Hanna Harper Harris Hartzler Hastings (FL) Hastings (WA) Hayworth Heck Heinrich Hensarling Herger Herrera Beutler Higgins Himes Hinchey Hirono Hochul Holden Holt Honda Hoyer Huelskamp Huizenga (MI) Hultgren Hunter Hurt Israel Issa Jackson Lee (TX) Jenkins Johnson (GA) Johnson (OH) Johnson, E. B. Johnson, Sam Jones Jordan Kaptur Keating Kelly Kildee Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kingston Kinzinger (IL) Kissell Kline Kucinich Labrador Lamborn Lance Landry Langevin Lankford Larsen (WA) [[Page H7514]] Larson (CT) Latham LaTourette Latta Lee (CA) Levin Lipinski LoBiondo Loebsack Lofgren, Zoe Long Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Lummis Lungren, Daniel E. Lynch Manzullo Marchant Marino Markey Matheson Matsui McCarthy (CA) McCaul McClintock McCollum McDermott McGovern McHenry McIntyre McKeon McKinley McMorris Rodgers McNerney Meehan Meeks Mica Michaud Miller (FL) Miller (MI) Miller (NC) Miller, Gary Miller, George Moore Moran Mulvaney Murphy (CT) Murphy (PA) Myrick Nadler Napolitano Neal Neugebauer Noem Nugent Nunes Nunnelee Olson Olver Owens Palazzo Pallone Pascrell Paulsen Payne Pearce Pelosi Pence Perlmutter Peters Peterson Petri Pingree (ME) Pitts Platts Poe (TX) Polis Pompeo Posey Price (GA) Price (NC) Quayle Quigley Rahall Rangel Reed Rehberg Reichert Renacci Reyes Richardson Richmond Rigell Rivera Roby Roe (TN) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rogers (MI) Rokita Rooney Ros-Lehtinen Roskam Ross (AR) Rothman (NJ) Royce Runyan Ruppersberger Rush Ryan (OH) Ryan (WI) Sanchez, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sarbanes Scalise Schakowsky Schiff Schilling Schock Schrader Schwartz Scott (SC) Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sessions Sewell Sherman Shimkus Shuster Sires Slaughter Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (TX) Smith (WA) Southerland Speier Stearns Stivers Stutzman Sullivan Sutton Terry Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Tiberi Tierney Tipton Tonko Tsongas Turner (NY) Turner (OH) Upton Van Hollen Velazquez Visclosky Walberg Walden Walsh (IL) Walz (MN) Wasserman Schultz Waters Watt Webster Welch West Westmoreland Whitfield Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Wolf Womack Woodall Yarmuth Yoder Young (AK) Young (FL) Young (IN) NAYS--5 Amash Flores Massie Ribble Schweikert NOT VOTING--25 Ackerman Bass (NH) Bono Mack Burton (IN) Costello Gallegly Hinojosa Johnson (IL) Lewis (CA) Lewis (GA) Mack Maloney McCarthy (NY) Pastor (AZ) Paul Rohrabacher Ross (FL) Roybal-Allard Schmidt Shuler Simpson Stark Towns Waxman Woolsey {time} 1822 So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the Senate amendment was concurred in. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,SENATE BILL REFERRED,HOUSE,HOUSE,HSENATEBILLREFERRED,H7514,H7514,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""140""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE BILL REFERRED A bill of the Senate of the following title was taken from the Speaker's table and, under the rule, referred as follows: S. 140. An act to designate as wilderness certain land and inland water within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H7514,H7514,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3263""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3641""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4057""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4073""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6014""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6620""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker: H.R. 3263. An act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to allow the storage and conveyance of nonproject water at the Norman project in Oklahoma, and for other purposes. H.R. 3641. An act to establish Pinnacles National Park in the State of California as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. H.R. 4057. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes. H.R. 4073. An act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to accept the quitclaim, disclaimer, and relinquishment of a railroad right of way within and adjacent to Pike National Forest in El Paso County, Colorado, originally granted to the Mt. Manitou Park and Incline Railway Company pursuant to the Act of March 3, 1875. H.R. 6014. An act to authorize the Attorney General to award grants for States to implement DNA arrestee collections processes. H.R. 6620. An act to amend title 18, United States Code, to eliminate certain limitations on the length of Secret Service Protection for former Presidents and for the children of former Presidents. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H7514,H7514,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3202""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3666""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED The Speaker announced his signature to enrolled bills of the Senate of the following titles: S. 3202. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial, and for other purposes. S. 3666. An act to amend the Animal Welfare Act to modify the definition of ``exhibitor''. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ADJOURNMENT,H7514,H7514,"[{""name"": ""Sean P. Duffy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ADJOURNMENT Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 25 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at noon. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,"EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC.",HOUSE,HOUSE,EXECUTIVECOMM,H7514,H7516,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7514-H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC. Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows: 8960. A letter from the Acting Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Importation of Live Swine, Swine Semen, Pork, and Pork Products; Estonia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia [Docket No.: APHIS-2008-0043] (RIN: 0579-AD20) received December 20, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agriculture. 8961. A letter from the Acting Principal Deputy, Department of Defense, transmitting the interim response to section 519 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012; to the Committee on Armed Services. 8962. A letter from the Under Secretary, Department of Defense, transmitting the fiscal year 2010 report entitled, ``Operation and Financial Support of Military Museums''; to the Committee on Armed Services. 8963. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Suspension of Community Eligibility (Chesterfield County, VA, et. al) [Docket ID: FEMA-2012-0003] [Internal Agency Docket No.: FEMA-8259] received December 20, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial Services. 8964. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the annual report of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies for fiscal year 2011; to the Committee on Financial Services. 8965. A letter from the Assistant to the Board, Federal Reserve System, transmitting the System's final rule -- Community Reinvestment Act Regulations [Regulation BB; Docket No.: R-1454] received December 26, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial Services. 8966. A letter from the Director, Division of Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation, Department of Labor, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts; Effective Date (RIN: 1215-AB69; 1235-AA02) received December 26, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. 8967. A letter from the Administrator, Department of Energy, transmitting A report on ``The Availability and Price of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Produced in Countries Other Than Iran'', pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 68513(a) Public Law 112-81, section 1245(d)(4); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8968. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation and Energy Efficiency, Department of Energy, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for Residential Water Heaters, Direct Heating Equipment, and Pool Heaters (Standby Mode and Off Mode) [Docket No.: EERE- 2009-BT-TP-0013] (RIN: 1904-AB95) received December 26, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8969. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's Annual Report entitled, ``Delays in Approvals of Applications Related to Citizen Petitions and Petitions for Stay of Agency Action for Fiscal Year 2011''; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8970. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting a report entitled ``Performance [[Page H7515]] Evaluation of Accreditation Bodies under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 as amended by the Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Acts of 1998 and 2004'' covering January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8971. A letter from the Program Manager, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Control of Communicable Diseases: Foreign; Scope and Definitions [Docket No.: CDC-2012-0017] (RIN: 0920- AA12) received December 26, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8972. A letter from the Program Manager, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Control of Communicable Diseases: Interstate; Scope and Definitions [Docket No.: CDC-2012-0016] (RIN: 0920- AA22) received December 28, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8973. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; Determination of Attainment of the 2006 24-hour Fine Particulate Matter Standard for the Philadelphia- Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE Nonattainment Area [EPA-R03-OAR-2012- 0371; FRL-9765-9] received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8974. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Health and Safety Data Reporting; Addition of Certain Chemicals; Withdrawal of Final Rule [EPA- HQ-OPPT-2011-0363; FRL-9375-3] (RIN: 2070-AJ89) received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8975. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Alaska: Eagle River PM 10 Nonattainment Area Limited Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request [Docket #: EPA-R10-OAR-2010-0914; FRL-9764-7] received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8976. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Utah; Determination of Clean Data for the 1987 PM10 Standard for the Ogden Area [EPA-R08- OAR-2012-0446; FRL-9765-6] received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8977. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes; Ohio; Redesignation of the Ohio Portion of the Huntington-Ashland 1997 Annual Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area to Attainment [EPA-R05-OAR-2011-0468; FRL- 9764-9] received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8978. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Colorado; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan [EPA-R08-OAR-2011-0770; FRL-9734-8] received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8979. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Revisions to the Total Coliform Rule [EPA-HQ-OW- 2008-0878; FRL-9684-8] (RIN: 2040-AD94) received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8980. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule -- Significant New Use Rule on Certain Chemical Substances; Removal of Significant New Use Rules [EPA-HQ-OPPT-2011-0941; FRL-9369-8] (RIN: 2070-AB27) received December 27, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 8981. A letter from the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, transmitting Transmittal No. 12-02, pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8982. A letter from the Acting Secretary, Department of Commerce, transmitting a certification of export to China; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8983. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting notification of a possible unauthorized retransfer of technical data and unauthorized retransfer of hardware provided by the United States; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8984. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 12-139, pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8985. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 12-173, pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8986. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 12-169, pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8987. A letter from the Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 204(c) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), and pursuant to Executive Order 13313 of July 31, 2003, a six-month periodic report on the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans that was declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8988. A letter from the Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 204(c) of the International Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), a six-month periodic report on the national emergency blocking property of the Government of the Russian Federation relating to the dispositing of the highly enriched uranium extracted from nuclear weapons that was declared in Executive Order 13617 of June 25, 2012; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8989. A letter from the Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 204(c) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), a six-month periodic report on the national emergency with respect to terrorists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process that was declared in Executive Order 12947 of January 23, 1995; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8990. A letter from the Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting as required by section 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 204(c) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), a six-month periodic report on the national emergency with respect to North Korea that was declared in Executive Order 13466 of June 26, 2008; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 8991. A letter from the Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission, transmitting the Semiannual Report of the Inspector General and a separate management report for the period April 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Act), section 5(b); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. 8992. A letter from the Chief, Border Security Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Closing of the Port of Whitetail, MT [Docket No.: USCBP-2011-0017] (RIN: 1651-AA93) received December 20, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 8993. A letter from the Secretary, Department Health and Human Services, transmitting Targeted Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Methamphetamine or Other Substance Abuse: Second Annual Report to Congress; to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8994. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Labor, transmitting the Department's nineteenth annual report prepared in accordance with section 207 of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA); to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8995. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final rule -- Partner's Distributive Share [TD 9607] (RIN: 1545-BJ37) received December 28, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8996. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final rule -- Use of Controlled Corporations to Avoid the Application of Section 304 [TD 9606] (RIN: 1545- BI13) received December 28, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8997. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final rule -- Appeals Settlement Guideline -- Military Disability Retirement Benefits [UIL: 104.04-00 & 122.01-00] received December 21, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8998. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's final rule -- Applicable Federal Rates -- January 2013 (Rev. Rul. 2013-1) received December 21, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ways and Means. 8999. A letter from the Chair, Board of Directors, Office of Compliance, transmitting a report entitled ``Recommendations for Improvements to the Congressional Accountability Act''; jointly to the Committees on House Administration and Education and the Workforce. [[Page H7516]] ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7514,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7514,H7514,"[{""name"": ""Lynn A. Westmoreland"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7514,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7514] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon tomorrow. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Georgia? There was no objection. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-10,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,ADDITIONAL SPONSORS,HOUSE,HOUSE,HADDSPONSORS,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""823""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""834""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2221""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3855""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4202""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4221""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5741""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6446""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6600""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions as follows: H.R. 2221: Mr. Engel. H.R. 3855: Mr. Amash. H.R. 4202: Mr. Capuano. H.R. 4221: Mr. Rangel. H.R. 5741: Ms. Wilson of Florida. H.R. 6446: Mr. Gardner. H.R. 6600: Mr. Turner of New York. H. Res. 823: Ms. Roybal-Allard. H. Res. 834: Mr. Van Hollen." CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-2,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS,HOUSE,HOUSE,HPUBBILLS,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6720""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6721""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6722""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6723""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6724""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6725""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows: By Mr. FLORES: H.R. 6720. A bill to provide that no pay adjustment for Members of Congress shall be made in fiscal year 2013 or 2014; to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. FITZPATRICK (for himself, Mr. Bucshon, Mr. Huizenga of Michigan, Ms. Jenkins, Mrs. Hartzler, Mr. Jones, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Lance, Mr. Reed, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Platts, Mr. Wittman, Mr. Carney, Mr. Ribble, Mr. Flores, Mr. Paul, Mr. Griffin of Arkansas, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Loebsack, Mrs. Black, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Johnson of Ohio, Mr. Austria, Mr. McKinley, Mr. Latta, Mr. Dent, and Mr. Gibson): H.R. 6721. A bill to provide that no pay adjustment for Members of Congress shall be made in fiscal year 2013 or 2014; to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mrs. BACHMANN: H.R. 6722. A bill to provide that no pay adjustment for Members of Congress shall be made in fiscal year 2013; to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. By Mrs. EMERSON: H.R. 6723. A bill to provide for Inspector General oversight for Federal entities not otherwise subject to such oversight, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. By Mr. KELLY: H.R. 6724. A bill to reform United States export control restrictions relating to commercially-available automotive products and technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. MORAN: H.R. 6725. A bill to provide for greater safety in the use of firearms; to the Committee on the Judiciary. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-3,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted regarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the accompanying bill or joint resolution." CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-4,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6720,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6720""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mr. FLORES: H.R. 6720. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 6, Clause 1: ``The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.'' and Clause 1 of Section 1 of Article I, which states ``All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.''" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-5,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6721,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6721""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mr. FITZPATRICK: H.R. 6721. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Clause 1 of Section 6 of Article I of the Constitution, which states ``The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.'' and Clause 1 of Section 1 of Article I, which states ``All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.''" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-6,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6722,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6722""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mrs. BACHMANN: H.R. 6722. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 6, Clause 1 of the Constitution that states ``The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.'' The 27th Amendment to the Constitution states ``Now law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.''" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-7,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6723,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6723""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mrs. EMERSON: H.R. 6723. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: The constitutional authority on which this bill rests is the power of Congress to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof, as enumerated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitution." CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-8,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6724,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6724""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mr. KELLY: H.R. 6724. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution, which gives Congress the power to regulate commerce w/foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes." CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516-9,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 6725,HOUSE,HOUSE,CASTATEMENT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6725""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] By Mr. MORAN: H.R. 6725. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: This bill in enacted pursuant to the power granted to Congress under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 and Clause 18 of the United States Constitution. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-31-pt1-PgH7516,2012-12-31,112,2,158,,REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS,HOUSE,HOUSE,HPUBCOMMREPORT,H7516,H7516,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""752""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""940""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4019""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4194""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7516,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)] [House] [Page H7516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows: Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 752. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Molalla River in the State of Oregon, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 112- 735). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 4194. A bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Alexander Creek, Alaska, is and shall be recognized as an eligible Native village under that Act, and for other purposes (Rept. 112-736). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 4019. A bill to increase employment and educational opportunities in, and improve the economic stability of, counties containing Federal forest land, while also reducing the cost of managing such land, by providing such counties a dependable source of revenue from such land, and for other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 112-737 Pt. 1). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California: Committee on House Administration. Fourth Semiannual Report on the Activities of the Committee on House Administration (Rept. 112-738). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. Mr. BONNER: Committee on Ethics. Summary of Activities of the Committee on Ethics for the 112th Congress (Rept. 112- 739). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Committee on Ways and Means discharged from further consideration. H.R. 940 referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, and ordered to be printed. Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Committee on Agriculture discharged from further consideration. H.R. 4019 referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH-FrontMatter-4,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,FRONTMATTER,H7437,H7437,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Vol. 158 WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2012 No. 170" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-2,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,NOTICE OF REASSEMBLY,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7437,H7437,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""479""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NOTICE OF REASSEMBLY The SPEAKER laid before the House the text of the formal notification sent to Members on Thursday, December 27, 2012, of the reassembly of the House. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 27, 2012. Dear Colleague: Pursuant to section 2 of House Resolution 479, and after consultation with the Minority Leader of the House, I have determined that the public interest requires that the House reassemble at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 30, 2012. Further announcements will be provided by the Majority Leader's office. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, John A. Boehner. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-3,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,PRAYER,HOUSE,HOUSE,PRAYER,H7437,H7437,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PRAYER The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: Loving God, we give You thanks for giving us another day. The year, and the 112th Congress near completion, yet the work to be done remains. Bless the Members who regather in these waning days with wisdom, magnanimity, and a shared desire to serve our Nation at a pivotal time for us all. Bless the efforts of all who have labored during these days to forge solutions to considerable problems facing our Nation. In the end, may we continue to trust that You would not abandon those who put their trust in You. May all that is done this day be for Your greater honor and glory. Amen. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-4,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,THE JOURNAL,HOUSE,HOUSE,HJOURNAL,H7437,H7437,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-5,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE,HOUSE,HOUSE,PLEDGE,H7437,H7437,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. POE of Texas led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-6,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,"PULSE OF TEXAS--MIKE: ""CANNOT HAVE COOKIES WITHOUT THE MILK""",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7437,H7437,"[{""name"": ""Ted Poe"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PULSE OF TEXAS--MIKE: ``CANNOT HAVE COOKIES WITHOUT THE MILK'' (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``Can't have cookies without the milk. Tax reform and spending cuts, not one without the other.'' That was a comment on my Facebook page from Mike in Texas. The American people get it. Why doesn't the government? Because Washington is addicted to spending somebody else's money. The House has already passed two bills that would avert the fiscal cliff, but as usual, the Senate is missing in action. In August, we passed a bipartisan bill, an extension of current tax rates for all Americans through the end of 2013. Then, the week before Christmas, the House again passed legislation to avoid defense sequestration by cutting spending. But as usual, both bills lie in the graveyard of the Senate, where good bills go to die. Mr. Speaker, it's time for the Senate and Senator Reid to man up, consider these bills, and get serious about the root of the problem: spending. We got here by spending too much, not taxing too little. And that's just the way it is. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437-7,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,"AS IT WAS FOR THE ANASAZI, SO COULD IT BE FOR AMERICA",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7437,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Dennis J. Kucinich"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7437-H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] AS IT WAS FOR THE ANASAZI, SO COULD IT BE FOR AMERICA (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KUCINICH. The Anasazi were Native Americans whose culture dated back 2,000 years. They were the cliff dwellers who built into the sheer walls of canyons extraordinary places to live. Yet, in 1300 A.D., these cliff dwellers, these great architects of culture and civilization, mysteriously disappeared. The people of this great Nation, the United States of America, are dwelling on real cliffs of fiscal insecurity: the cliffs of joblessness and low wages; the cliffs of mortgage foreclosure, homelessness; the cliffs of retirement insecurity; the cliffs of small business failure and investor uncertainty; the cliffs of violence at home and war abroad. At a time when the government should be demonstrating its capacity to meet the practical aspirations of the American people for jobs, education, health care, and retirement security, the government instead would have America dwell at the edge of a fiscal cliff in a manufactured crisis to manufacture consent for a deal that would otherwise be unacceptable. Leaders of both parties would do well to remember that the original cliff dwellers, as great as they were, disappeared. [[Page H7438]] ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7437,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,CALLTOORDER,H7437,H7437,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""479""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""479""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7437,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7437] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H7437]] House of Representatives Pursuant to section 2 of House Resolution 479, 112th Congress, the House met at 2 p.m. and was called to order by the Speaker. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438-2,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,FISCAL CLIFF,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7438,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Jason Altmire"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FISCAL CLIFF (Mr. ALTMIRE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. ALTMIRE. Recent reports have said this Congress is the most unproductive in modern times. Those studies compare the number of rollcall votes and bills passed to previous sessions. But the most important comparison is whether each Congress rose to the challenges they faced and were able to do big things on behalf of their constituents and the country. By that measure, there truly is no comparison. Whether or not you supported the actions of previous Congresses, there can be no doubt that those congressional leaders took bold and decisive action to address crises both imminent and still to come. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said--yet--for this Congress, which has to this point failed to address a fiscal cliff that could easily be avoided before the clock strikes midnight tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, there is still time to change the way history will judge the action--or inaction--of this Congress. With crisis comes opportunity. We still have time to finish the job, so let's not squander this opportunity to remove this Congress from the ranks of the most infamous in history. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438-3,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,"A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN, MIKE COATS",HOUSE,HOUSE,TRIBUTETO,H7438,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Pete Olson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN, MIKE COATS (Mr. OLSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today wearing my space shuttle tie to honor my hero, my friend, Mike Coats. Tomorrow, Mike is retiring as Director of the Johnson Space Center of Houston. Mike and I have a few things in common. We both are naval aviators who love Coach Bill Krueger and Clear Lake High School basketball. But Mike has done things I only dream of. He logged over 463 hours in space on three space shuttle missions. Most importantly, he fought to keep the Johnson Space Center the home of U.S. dominance in human spaceflight despite the retirement of the space shuttle and the cancellation of the Constellation program. When I grow up, I want to be Mike Coats. Bravo Zulu, Mike. May you, Diane, your daughter, your son, and those two beautiful granddaughters, those twins, always have fair winds and following seas. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,DEFICIT CRISIS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7438,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Michael C. Burgess"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DEFICIT CRISIS (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, our country is facing a crisis. I'm not talking about the made-for-TV crisis that's going on right now over the fiscal cliff. I'm talking about the deficit. The national debt now stands at $16 trillion. At the end of this President's next term it will be close to $22 trillion. Both parties bear the blame for this. Both branches of the legislative branch bear the responsibility, multiple administrations. And just as everyone was involved in the creation of this problem, we need all hands on deck for a solution. But unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be so. Mr. Speaker, growth is critical. The last quarter of this year likely will see growth at 1.2 to 1.3 percent. That's not going to cut it. As long as we continue to push a tax policy that punishes success rather than provides for a pro-growth strategy, we will never grow our way out of this problem. And then on the spending side, when are we going to have the open congressional hearings where we focus on the waste, the favoritism, the duplication that occurs in our Federal agencies? It's far past time for us to focus on those areas and allow the public in and allow the public to see how their money is being spent. Failure to act on the deficit will likely rend the very fabric of our Republic. I, for one, do not want to see that happen. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438-4,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,WE NEED A SHARED CONCERN FOR AMERICA,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7438,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1410 WE NEED A SHARED CONCERN FOR AMERICA (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Thank you for these words. I share a desire to serve the Nation in this pivotal time. Mr. Speaker, I think it is enormously important that, as Starbucks said, we ``come together.'' And we can do so. We can do it in a rationality that takes a simple analysis. A simple analysis says that if I like a bag of potato chips, that's a luxury item, I can run in and get it. I don't have to think about it. Its cost is manageable. If I want to go in and get a high-end Cadillac, I'll think about it for a couple of days. That should be the thought process for this fiscal cliff. Pass the $250,000 that will give 99 percent of Americans a tax break. Protect those who are unemployed who have worked and provide for their unemployment insurance. Protect those with the AMT--30 million taxpayers will fall over the cliff if we don't fix that, 222,000 Texans. And then if we have to deal with looking at how we address the question of reforming those benefits of Americans who work like Medicare and Social Security, we can do so. But I join the AARP, I join senior citizens: Leave Social Security alone. The changed CPI will not work, and that is not a time to deal with it in these waning hours. We, Republicans, created this quagmire with the sequestration. We need to go and be able to address the immediacy. Get your bag of potato chips, cut the taxes for 99 percent of the American people and protect the unemployed. We can do this. We don't have to go over the fiscal cliff. A shared concern for America, that's what we need today. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438-5,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7438,H7438,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7438] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS (Ms. McCOLLUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this Republican-controlled House has less than 36 hours to pass an extension of middle class tax cuts. Count me in as a ``yes'' vote right now to protect 98 percent of taxpayers from a tax increase. There should be bipartisan support to protect middle class families from higher taxes as our economy recovers. So I sincerely hope that this Republican House is not so broken, so dysfunctional, and so out of touch with the real lives of Americans that the majority simply refuses to stand with Democrats to immediately pass an extension of the middle class tax cuts. Yes, the top negotiations on other fiscal cliff issues must continue, but, Mr. Speaker, do not deny this Congress the opportunity to vote on a clean bill protecting middle class Americans. Let's start the new year by passing a commonsense, bipartisan extension of the middle class tax cuts and show America that Congress still works. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7438-6,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7438,H7439,"[{""name"": ""David Alan Curson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,158 Cong. Rec. H7438,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7438-H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING (Mr. CURSON of Michigan asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. CURSON of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, more than 12 million Americans are still searching for work. The fiscal cliff and deficit reduction are important for our Nation's economic health in the long term, but we need to remember in the short term, we need job creation to get the economy moving again. We can do that by investing in our Nation's infrastructure. By investing in our infrastructure, we put people to work and create revenue immediately. More people working lessens the strain on unemployment and family assistance programs and generates more employed persons paying taxes. Putting people back to work is a deficit- reduction plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that $1 billion in highway investments can create nearly 28,000 well-paying construction jobs. Because infrastructure investment is not only a huge boost to the economy, it's critically needed. Historically, the issue has had bipartisan support because it's so critically important. If you need to get to the other side of a bridge, it doesn't matter if you're a Republican or a Democrat, you need to get to the other side. Now is the time for America to invest in maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. Let's put America back to work. [[Page H7439]] ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-2,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HCLERK,H7439,H7439,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2338""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3667""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3869""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3892""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4389""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6260""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6379""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6587""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 28, 2012. Hon. John A. Boehner, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 28, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.: That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 2338. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 3892. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 3869. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4389. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6260. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6379. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6587. That the Senate passed S. 3667. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, Karen L. Haas. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-3,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HCLERK,H7439,H7439,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1464""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3454""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6014""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6620""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6621""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 30, 2012. Hon. John A. Boehner, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 30, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. That the Senate passed S. 3454. That the Senate passed with amendments H.R. 1. That the Senate passed with amendments H.R. 1464. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6014. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6620. That the Senate passed with amendment H.R. 6621. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, Karen L. Haas. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-4,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7439,H7439,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECESS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair. Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 15 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-5,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,AFTER RECESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7439,H7439,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1630 AFTER RECESS The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Harris) at 4 o'clock and 30 minutes p.m. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-6,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HANNOUNCEMENT,H7439,H7439,,,158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on which the vote incurs objection under clause 6 of rule XX. Record votes on postponed questions will be taken later. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439-7,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7439,H7442,"[{""name"": ""Jeff Miller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Michael H. Michaud"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Gus M. Bilirakis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4057""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4057""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7439-H7442] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2012 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4057) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON PROVIDING EDUCATION INFORMATION TO VETERANS. (a) Comprehensive Policy Required.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 3698. Comprehensive policy on providing education information to veterans ``(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.--The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. ``(b) Scope.--In developing the policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall include each of the following elements: ``(1) Effective and efficient methods to inform individuals of the educational and vocational counseling provided under section 3697A of this title. ``(2) A centralized mechanism for tracking and publishing feedback from students and State approving agencies regarding the quality of instruction, recruiting practices, and post- graduation employment placement of institutions of higher learning that-- ``(A) allows institutions of higher learning to verify feedback and address issues regarding feedback before the feedback is published; ``(B) protects the privacy of students, including by not publishing the names of students; and ``(C) publishes only feedback that conforms with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine. ``(3) The merit of and the manner in which a State approving agency shares with an accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b) information regarding the State approving agency's evaluation of an institution of higher learning. ``(4) Description of the information provided to individuals participating in the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10 relating to institutions of higher learning. ``(5) Effective and efficient methods to provide veterans and members of the Armed Forces with information regarding postsecondary education and training opportunities available to the veteran or member. ``(c) Postsecondary Education Information.--(1) The Secretary shall ensure that the information provided pursuant to subsection (b)(5) includes-- ``(A) an explanation of the different types of accreditation available to educational institutions and programs of education; ``(B) a description of Federal student aid programs; and ``(C) for each institution of higher learning, for the most recent academic year for which information is available-- ``(i) whether the institution is public, private nonprofit, or proprietary for-profit; ``(ii) the name of the national or regional accrediting agency that accredits the institution, including the contact information used by the agency to receive complaints from students; ``(iii) information on the State approving agency, including the contact information used by the agency to receive complaints from students; ``(iv) whether the institution participates in any programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); ``(v) the tuition and fees; ``(vi) the median amount of debt from Federal student loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) held by individuals upon completion of programs of education at the institution of higher learning (as determined from information collected by the Secretary of Education); ``(vii) the cohort default rate, as defined in section 435(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(m)), of the institution; ``(viii) the total enrollment, graduation rate, and retention rate, as determined from information collected by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System of the Secretary of Education; ``(ix) whether the institution provides students with technical support, academic support, and other support services, including career counseling and job placement; and ``(x) the information regarding the institution's policies related to transfer of credit from other institutions, as required under section 485(h)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 [[Page H7440]] U.S.C. 1092(h)(1)) and provided to the Secretary of Education under section 132(i)(1)(V)(iv) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1015a(i)(1)(V)(iv)). ``(2) To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide the information described in paragraph (1) by including hyperlinks on the Internet website of the Department to other Internet websites that contain such information, including the Internet website of the Department of Education, in a form that is comprehensive and easily understood by veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other individuals. ``(3)(A) If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires, for purposes of providing information pursuant to subsection (b)(5), information that has been reported, or information that is similar to information that has been reported, by an institution of higher learning to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, or the heads of other Federal agencies under a provision of law other than under this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall obtain the information the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires from the Secretary or head with the information rather than the institution of higher learning. ``(B) If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires, for purposes of providing information pursuant to subsection (b)(5), information from an institution of higher learning that has not been reported to another Federal agency, the Secretary shall, to the degree practicable, obtain such information through the Secretary of Education. ``(d) Consistency With Existing Education Policy.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that-- ``(1) the comprehensive policy is consistent with any requirements and initiatives resulting from Executive Order No. 13607; and ``(2) the efforts of the Secretary to implement the comprehensive policy do not duplicate the efforts being taken by any Federal agencies. ``(e) Communication With Institutions of Higher Learning.-- To the extent practicable, if the Secretary considers it necessary to communicate with an institution of higher learning to carry out the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out such communication through the use of a communication system of the Department of Education. ``(f) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `institution of higher learning' has the meaning given that term in section 3452(f) of this title. ``(2) The term `postsecondary education and training opportunities' means any postsecondary program of education, including apprenticeships and on-job training, for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides assistance to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 3697A the following new item: ``3698. Comprehensive policy on providing education information to veterans.''. (b) Survey.--In developing the policy required by section 3698(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a market survey to determine the availability of the following: (1) A commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that allows a veteran or member of the Armed Forces to assess whether the veteran or member is academically ready to engage in postsecondary education and training opportunities and whether the veteran or member would need any remedial preparation before beginning such opportunities. (2) A commercially available off-the-shelf online tool that provides a veteran or member of the Armed Forces with a list of providers of postsecondary education and training opportunities based on criteria selected by the veteran or member. (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- (1) a description of the policy developed by the Secretary under section 3698(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a); (2) a plan of the Secretary to implement such policy; and (3) the results of the survey conducted under subsection (b), including whether the Secretary plans to implement the tools described in such subsection. (d) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives. (2) Commercially available off-the-shelf.--The term ``commercially available off-the-shelf'' has the meaning given that term in section 104 of title 41, United States Code. (3) Postsecondary education and training opportunities.-- The term ``postsecondary education and training opportunities'' means any postsecondary program of education, including apprenticeships and on-job training, for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides assistance to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN USES OF INDUCEMENTS BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Section 3696 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d)(1) The Secretary shall not approve under this chapter any course offered by an educational institution if the educational institution provides any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance. ``(2) To the degree practicable, the Secretary shall carry out paragraph (1) in a manner that is consistent with the Secretary of Education's enforcement of section 487(a)(20) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)(20)).''. SEC. 3. DEDICATED POINTS OF CONTACT FOR SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIALS. Section 3684 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that the Department provides personnel of educational institutions who are charged with submitting reports or certifications to the Secretary under this section with assistance in preparing and submitting such reports or certifications.''. SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON AWARDS AND BONUSES TO EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. For fiscal year 2013, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not pay more than $395,000,000 in awards or bonuses under chapter 45 or 53 of title 5, United States Code, or any other awards or bonuses authorized under such title. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida. General Leave Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida? There was no objection. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment before us, H.R. 4057, is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the work of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs to improve the effectiveness of GI Bill benefits for our veterans. I want to express my appreciation to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Marlin Stutzman, Ranking Member Bruce Braley, and our new committee ranking member, Mike Michaud, for working with us to bring this amended bill to the House floor today. I also want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senators Murray and Burr, for their support of this legislation as well. The Senate amendment responds to concerns about how to ensure that veterans make the best use of their hard-earned GI Bill benefits. Now, I think that by adding some very reasonable transparency requirements to information provided by schools we have met those concerns really without overburdening our colleges and universities with needless government regulations. The bill, as amended, has four major sections. The first one reflects our vice chairman of the full committee Mr. Bilirakis' original legislation, slightly modified, which would improve the ability of GI Bill users to choose the school that best meets their own educational needs. These provisions will help this generation of veterans make informed choices about how to use those educational benefits. I appreciate the bipartisanship manner in which our colleagues on both sides of the aisle have worked to reach an accord on the final provisions of this section. I also want to thank the veteran service organizations for their assistance, especially the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for they have been so supportive of this particular section. I also want to thank the higher education associations for their support as well. Now, section 2 contains additional provisions from the original bill that will prohibit schools from paying or offering any type of inducement to employees or students for recruiting veterans. It would also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out enforcement of this provision in a manner that is consistent with the Higher Education Act. Section 3 would require VA to provide a point of contact dedicated to assisting schools with questions about VA education policy and processes. The fourth section would limit the total amount of bonuses or awards paid to VA employees to $395 million total in fiscal year 2013, which fully pays for the provisions in the Senate amendment. [[Page H7441]] Finally, if properly implemented by VA, and if the multitude of Federal, State, and local agencies charged with overseeing the education industry properly enforce existing laws and regulations, there should be little need for further legislation in this area. Regardless, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will continue to aggressively monitor the implementation of this legislation and the performance of the entire education industry to ensure that these provisions achieve the desired results. I encourage all the Members of this body to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. First of all, I would like to thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the staff of both the majority and the minority for their work in putting these two bills together before us today. I rise today in support of this bill, H.R. 4057, a bill requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes. Mr. Speaker, our brave men and women of this country put their lives in harm's way to ensure that our freedom is protected. Their actions are without reservation or consideration to what may become of their lives. We must honor their service by ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream when they come home. This includes making it affordable for them to buy a home, protecting their employment while they are deployed, and allowing them to pursue a postsecondary education. Our servicemembers are trained for the worst when they are deployed, ready to fight in combat, and, if necessary, make the ultimate sacrifice. But when they return home, the battle to transition to civilian life can be difficult and frustrating. With the passage of the post-9/11 GI Bill, which provided generous education benefits, many veterans and their dependents took this opportunity to pursue a higher education and a better life. However, it is not enough to provide a benefit if the veterans do not have the proper information on the educational opportunities available to them. They need the right tools at the right time to help them determine which school is the best one for them. That is why I support strongly H.R. 4057. This bill will provide our veterans with the necessary information to make an intelligent and informed decision when deciding to pursue a postsecondary education or vocational training opportunity. Education is a key factor for a successful professional life, particularly for servicemembers that may have some difficulty translating their military skill to civilian employment. This bill requires a collective effort from agencies, institutions of higher learning, and Congress to help veterans succeed. Furthermore, this bill can help ensure a better, well-trained workforce for a more competitive America. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4057, and I respectfully reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'm now happy to yield as much time as he might consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, Tarpon Springs' favorite son, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act, as amended by the Senate. I'm truly proud of my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for putting aside partisan differences and coming together to move this bill through both Chambers in the best interests of our true American heroes, our veterans. As more and more servicemembers are leaving Active Duty and use their post-9/11 GI benefits, there is an increased need for information to help them choose institutions of higher learning which maximize their benefits and best meet their future career demands. My bill, as amended, requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a comprehensive policy, which includes informing veterans about their eligibility for educational counseling, creating a centralized complaint database on schools, requiring State-approving agencies to better communicate with accrediting agencies, establishing how information will be presented in the transition assistance program, and identifying commercially off-the-shelf available software to assist students in choosing a school and evaluating their readiness to attend postsecondary institutions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to my good friend, Chairman Jeff Miller, a fellow Floridian, and also the ranking member, Bob Filner, of course, Mr. Michaud, along with Senators Murray and Burr, for moving this legislation through both Chambers. I would like to thank also Representative Braley, the veterans service organizations, and higher education associations for providing feedback on ways to improve this bill and their continued support going forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 4057. {time} 1640 Mr. MICHAUD. At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank Mr. Michaud very much. I thank him for his leadership on this legislation. And I thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the author of the bill, along with Mr. Michaud and Mr. Bilirakis, for their leadership. Texas competes with many States for the number of returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan and certainly is known for the presence of veterans from almost every single war. We are a State of military personnel and military bases, and Houston is known as well for the large numbers of veterans residing there. I happen to represent the veterans cemetery and interact with veterans on a regular basis. We have Ellington Field, which we hope will some day hold one of the major commands. So we see veterans every day, and we have the opportunity to interact. And we know their dreams and aspirations and those of their family members. I rise to support H.R. 4057 with the Senate amendment to particularly emphasize some very important points. I want veterans to be treated fairly. I want them to be able to build on the training and the amount of talent that they've built on in the United States military. This legislation protects them and acts to help them utilize the post-Iraq and Afghanistan GI Bill, one of the most unique initiatives in the Nation and one that we supported in a bipartisan way. This legislation will allow the VA to conduct a market survey of online tools that allow veterans to assess their academic preparedness, to pursue postsecondary education training opportunities, and provide these veterans with a list of institutions that match the criteria. That is our Achilles' heel. Veterans come back, they see a lot of advertisements, they are attracted to a number of institutions; but they may not work for them. This kind of tracking and guidance will say, We really appreciate you; we want you to use these resources in the best way possible. In addition, the VA will then be required or will be able to secure information from other Departments, like the Department of Education, to know about these institutions and guide our veterans in the best way possible. I see veterans, as I said, all the time. I see homeless veterans. I see veterans seeking services. I see veterans, as many of us do, in our offices. They want information. They want to be respected. They want to be able to contribute in today's society, to help their families, and to use those skills where they were serving their Nation in the best way possible. I believe the gift that we've given them in education should be a guided gift to give them the kind of pathway, if you will, that will make sure that these resources are used in the best way possible. So I support this legislation. I would finally say that I additionally support the bill coming up about dignified burial and other veterans benefits just to specifically say because of my district having the veterans cemetery, because of the many issues we have dealt with in the particular cemetery in Houston, this is great news to [[Page H7442]] know that no veteran will be undermined in their burial, no veteran will be in an undignified burial because of this legislation. I thank my colleagues for moving forward on recognizing that our veterans have sacrificed for us. We need now to respect that and sacrifice for them. With that, I ask my colleagues to support the legislation. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire as to whether my friend has any more speakers. If not, I reserve the balance of time, as we have no more speakers. Mr. MICHAUD. I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I once again encourage all Members to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 4057. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7439,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HCLERK,H7439,H7439,,"[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5949""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7439,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Page H7439] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Harris) laid before the House the following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 28, 2012. Hon. John A. Boehner, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 28, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.: That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 5949. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, Karen L. Haas. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7442,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,DIGNIFIED BURIAL AND OTHER VETERANS' BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7442,H7446,"[{""name"": ""Jeff Miller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Michael H. Michaud"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Gus M. Bilirakis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Phil Gingrey"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3202""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3202""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3202""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6073""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7442,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7442-H7446] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DIGNIFIED BURIAL AND OTHER VETERANS' BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3202) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: S. 3202 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Scoring of budgetary effects. TITLE I--CEMETERY MATTERS Sec. 101. Furnishing caskets and urns for deceased veterans with no known next of kin. Sec. 102. Veterans freedom of conscience protection. Sec. 103. Improved communication between Department of Veterans Affairs and medical examiners and funeral directors. Sec. 104. Identification and burial of unclaimed or abandoned human remains. Sec. 105. Exclusion of persons convicted of committing certain sex offenses from interment or memorialization in national cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery, and certain State veterans' cemeteries and from receiving certain funeral honors. Sec. 106. Restoration, operation, and maintenance of Clark Veterans Cemetery by American Battle Monuments Commission. Sec. 107. Report on compliance of Department of Veterans Affairs with industry standards for caskets and urns. TITLE II--HEALTH CARE Sec. 201. Establishment of open burn pit registry. Sec. 202. Transportation of beneficiaries to and from facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 203. Extension of reduced pension for certain veterans covered by medicaid plans for services furnished by nursing facilities. Sec. 204. Extension of report requirement for Special Committee on Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder. TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS Sec. 301. Off-base transition training for veterans and their spouses. Sec. 302. Requirement that judges on United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims reside within 50 miles of District of Columbia. Sec. 303. Designation of Trinka Davis Veterans Village. Sec. 304. Designation of William ``Bill'' Kling Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. Sec. 305. Designation of Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Sec. 306. Designation of David F. Winder Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic. SEC. 2. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. TITLE I--CEMETERY MATTERS SEC. 101. FURNISHING CASKETS AND URNS FOR DECEASED VETERANS WITH NO KNOWN NEXT OF KIN. (a) In General.--Section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): ``(f) The Secretary may furnish a casket or urn, of such quality as the Secretary considers appropriate for a dignified burial, for burial in a national cemetery of a deceased veteran in any case in which the Secretary-- ``(1) is unable to identify the veteran's next of kin, if any; and ``(2) determines that sufficient resources for the furnishing of a casket or urn for the burial of the veteran in a national cemetery are not otherwise available.''; and (3) in subsection (h), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) A casket or urn may not be furnished under subsection (f) for burial of a person described in section 2411(b) of this title.''. (b) Effective Date.--Subsections (f) and (h)(4) of section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 102. VETERANS FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE PROTECTION. (a) In General.--Section 2404 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h)(1) With respect to the interment or funeral, memorial service, or ceremony of a deceased veteran at a national cemetery, the Secretary shall ensure that-- ``(A) the expressed wishes of the next of kin or other agent of the deceased veteran are respected and given appropriate deference when evaluating whether the proposed interment or funeral, memorial service, or ceremony affects the safety and security of the national cemetery and visitors to the cemetery; ``(B) to the extent possible, all appropriate public areas of the cemetery, including committal shelters, chapels, and benches, may be used by the family of the deceased veteran for contemplation, prayer, mourning, or reflection; and ``(C) during such interment or funeral, memorial service, or ceremony, the family of the deceased veteran may display any religious or other symbols chosen by the family. ``(2) Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary under paragraph (4), including such regulations ensuring the security of a national cemetery, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide to any military or volunteer veterans honor guard, including such guards belonging to a veterans service organization or other nongovernmental group that provides services to veterans, access to public areas of a national cemetery if such access is requested by the next of kin or other agent of a deceased veteran whose interment or funeral, memorial service, or ceremony is being held in such cemetery. ``(3) With respect to the interment or funeral, memorial service, or ceremony of a deceased veteran at a national cemetery, the Secretary shall notify the next of kin or other agent of the deceased veteran of funeral honors available to the deceased veteran, including such honors provided by any military or volunteer veterans honor guard described in paragraph (2). ``(4) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection.''. (b) Interim Implementation.--The Secretary may carry out paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 2404(h) of such title, as added by subsection (a), before the Secretary prescribes regulations pursuant to paragraph (4) of such section, as so added. (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of section 2404(h) of such title, as added by subsection (a). Such report shall include a certification of whether the Secretary is in compliance with all of the provisions of such section. SEC. 103. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS. (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: [[Page H7443]] ``Sec. 2414. Communication between Department of Veterans Affairs and medical examiners and funeral directors ``(a) Required Information.--With respect to each deceased veteran described in subsection (b) who is transported to a national cemetery for burial, the Secretary shall ensure that the local medical examiner, funeral director, county service group, or other entity responsible for the body of the deceased veteran before such transportation submits to the Secretary the following information: ``(1) Whether the deceased veteran was cremated. ``(2) The steps taken to ensure that the deceased veteran has no next of kin. ``(b) Deceased Veteran Described.--A deceased veteran described in this subsection is a deceased veteran-- ``(1) with respect to whom the Secretary determines that there is no next of kin or other person claiming the body of the deceased veteran; and ``(2) who does not have sufficient resources for the furnishing of a casket or urn for the burial of the deceased veteran in a national cemetery, as determined by the Secretary.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2413 the following new item: ``2414. Communication between Department of Veterans Affairs and medical examiners and funeral directors.''. (c) Effective Date.--Section 2414 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 104. IDENTIFICATION AND BURIAL OF UNCLAIMED OR ABANDONED HUMAN REMAINS. (a) Identification of Unclaimed or Abandoned Human Remains.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall cooperate with veterans service organizations to assist entities in possession of unclaimed or abandoned human remains in determining if any such remains are the remains of veterans or other individuals eligible for burial in a national cemetery under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. (b) Burial of Unclaimed or Abandoned Human Remains.-- (1) Funeral expenses.--Section 2302(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``who was a veteran of any war or was discharged or released from the active military, naval, or air service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, whose body is held by a State (or a political subdivision of a State), and''. (2) Transportation costs.--Section 2308 of such title is amended-- (A) by striking ``Where a veteran'' and all that follows through ``compensation, the'' and inserting ``(a) In General.--The''; (B) in subsection (a), as designated by subparagraph (A), by inserting ``described in subsection (b)'' after ``of the deceased veteran''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Deceased Veteran Described.--A deceased veteran described in this subsection is any of the following veterans: ``(1) A veteran who dies as the result of a service- connected disability. ``(2) A veteran who dies while in receipt of disability compensation (or who but for the receipt of retirement pay or pension under this title, would have been entitled to compensation). ``(3) A veteran whom the Secretary determines is eligible for funeral expenses under section 2302 of this title by virtue of the Secretary determining that the veteran has no next of kin or other person claiming the body of such veteran pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(A) of such section.''. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to burials and funerals occurring on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 105. EXCLUSION OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF COMMITTING CERTAIN SEX OFFENSES FROM INTERMENT OR MEMORIALIZATION IN NATIONAL CEMETERIES, ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, AND CERTAIN STATE VETERANS' CEMETERIES AND FROM RECEIVING CERTAIN FUNERAL HONORS. (a) Prohibition Against.--Section 2411(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) A person-- ``(A) who has been convicted of a Federal or State crime causing the person to be a tier III sex offender for purposes of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq.); ``(B) who, for such crime, is sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment; and ``(C) whose conviction is final (other than a person whose sentence was commuted by the President or Governor of a State, as the case may be).''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 2411(a)(2) of such title is amended-- (1) by striking ``or (b)(2)'' each place it appears and inserting ``, (b)(2), or (b)(4)''; and (2) by striking ``capital'' each place it appears. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to interments and memorializations that occur on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 106. RESTORATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY BY AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION. (a) In General.--After an agreement is made between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States Government, Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Republic of the Philippines shall be treated, for purposes of section 2104 of title 36, United States Code, as a cemetery for which it was decided under such section that the cemetery will become a permanent cemetery and the American Battle Monuments Commission shall restore, operate, and maintain Clark Veterans Cemetery (to the degree the Commission considers appropriate) under such section in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. (b) Limitation on Future Burials.--Burials at the cemetery described in subsection (a) after the date of the agreement described in such subsection shall be limited to eligible veterans, as determined by the Commission, whose burial does not incur any cost to the Commission. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission-- (1) $5,000,000 for site preparation, design, planning, construction, and associated administrative costs for the restoration of the cemetery described in subsection (a); and (2) amounts necessary to operate and maintain the cemetery described in subsection (a). SEC. 107. REPORT ON COMPLIANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR CASKETS AND URNS. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the compliance of the Department of Veterans Affairs with industry standards for caskets and urns. (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of industry standards for caskets and urns. (2) An assessment of compliance with such standards at national cemeteries administered by the Department with respect to caskets and urns used for the interment of those eligible for burial at such cemeteries. TITLE II--HEALTH CARE SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF OPEN BURN PIT REGISTRY. (a) Establishment of Registry.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall-- (A) establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for eligible individuals who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits; (B) include any information in such registry that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of the exposure of members of the Armed Forces to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits; (C) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the open burn pit registry, including how to register and the benefits of registering; and (D) periodically notify eligible individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. (2) Coordination.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense in carrying out paragraph (1). (b) Report to Congress.-- (1) Reports by independent scientific organization.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into an agreement with an independent scientific organization to prepare reports as follows: (A) Not later than two years after the date on which the registry under subsection (a) is established, an initial report containing the following: (i) An assessment of the effectiveness of actions taken by the Secretaries to collect and maintain information on the health effects of exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. (ii) Recommendations to improve the collection and maintenance of such information. (iii) Using established and previously published epidemiological studies, recommendations regarding the most effective and prudent means of addressing the medical needs of eligible individuals with respect to conditions that are likely to result from exposure to open burn pits. (B) Not later than five years after completing the initial report described in subparagraph (A), a follow-up report containing the following: (i) An update to the initial report described in subparagraph (A). (ii) An assessment of whether and to what degree the content of the registry established under subsection (a) is current and scientifically up-to-date. [[Page H7444]] (2) Submittal to congress.-- (A) Initial report.--Not later than two years after the date on which the registry under subsection (a) is established, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress the initial report prepared under paragraph (1)(A). (B) Follow-up report.--Not later than five years after submitting the report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress the follow-up report prepared under paragraph (1)(B). (c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means any individual who, on or after September 11, 2001-- (A) was deployed in support of a contingency operation while serving in the Armed Forces; and (B) during such deployment, was based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used. (2) Open burn pit.--The term ``open burn pit'' means an area of land located in Afghanistan or Iraq that-- (A) is designated by the Secretary of Defense to be used for disposing solid waste by burning in the outdoor air; and (B) does not contain a commercially manufactured incinerator or other equipment specifically designed and manufactured for the burning of solid waste. SEC. 202. TRANSPORTATION OF BENEFICIARIES TO AND FROM FACILITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 111 the following new section: ``Sec. 111A. Transportation of individuals to and from Department facilities ``(a) Transportation by Secretary.--(1) The Secretary may transport any person to or from a Department facility or other place in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling required by the Secretary pursuant to chapter 34 or 35 of this title, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. ``(2) The authority granted by paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this section.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (h) of section 111 of such title is-- (1) transferred to section 111A of such title, as added by subsection (a); (2) redesignated as subsection (b); (3) inserted after subsection (a) of such section; and (4) amended by inserting ``Transportation by Third- parties.--'' before ``The Secretary''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 111 the following new item: ``111A. Transportation of individuals to and from Department facilities.''. SEC. 203. EXTENSION OF REDUCED PENSION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS COVERED BY MEDICAID PLANS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED BY NURSING FACILITIES. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2016'' and inserting ``November 30, 2016''. SEC. 204. EXTENSION OF REPORT REQUIREMENT FOR SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON POST-TRAUMATIC-STRESS DISORDER. Section 110(e)(2) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-528; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking ``through 2012'' and inserting ``through 2016''. TITLE III--OTHER MATTERS SEC. 301. OFF-BASE TRANSITION TRAINING FOR VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES. (a) Provision of Off-base Transition Training.--During the two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall provide the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code, to eligible individuals at locations other than military installations to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing such program to eligible individuals at locations other than military installations. (b) Eligible Individuals.--For purposes of this section, an eligible individual is a veteran or the spouse of a veteran. (c) Locations.-- (1) Number of states.--The Secretary shall carry out the training under subsection (a) in not less than three and not more than five States selected by the Secretary for purposes of this section. (2) Selection of states with high unemployment.--Of the States selected by the Secretary under paragraph (1), at least two shall be States with high rates of unemployment among veterans. (3) Number of locations in each state.--The Secretary shall provide training under subsection (a) to eligible individuals at a sufficient number of locations within each State selected under this subsection to meet the needs of eligible individuals in such State. (4) Selection of locations.--The Secretary shall select locations for the provision of training under subsection (a) to facilitate access by participants and may not select any location on a military installation other than a National Guard or reserve facility that is not located on an active duty military installation. (d) Inclusion of Information About Veterans Benefits.--The Secretary shall ensure that the training provided under subsection (a) generally follows the content of the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code. (e) Annual Report.--Not later than March 1 of any year during which the Secretary provides training under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the provision of such training. (f) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than 180 days after the termination of the one-year period described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the training provided under such subsection. The report shall include the evaluation of the Comptroller General regarding the feasibility and advisability of carrying out off-base transition training at locations nationwide. SEC. 302. REQUIREMENT THAT JUDGES ON UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS RESIDE WITHIN 50 MILES OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. (a) Residency Requirement.-- (1) In general.--Section 7255 is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 7255. Offices, duty stations, and residences ``(a) Principal Office.--The principal office of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims shall be in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, but the Court may sit at any place within the United States. ``(b) Official Duty Stations.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the official duty station of each judge while in active service shall be the principal office of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. ``(2) The place where a recall-eligible retired judge maintains the actual abode in which such judge customarily lives shall be considered the recall-eligible retired judge's official duty station. ``(c) Residences.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), after appointment and while in active service, each judge of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims shall reside within 50 miles of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. ``(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to recall-eligible retired judges of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 72 is amended by striking the item relating to section 7255 and inserting the following new item: ``7255. Offices, duty stations, and residences.''. (b) Removal.--Section 7253(f)(1) is amended by striking ``or engaging in the practice of law'' and inserting ``engaging in the practice of law, or violating section 7255(c) of this title''. (c) Effective Date.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 7255, as added by subsection (a), and the amendment made by subsection (b) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to judges confirmed on or after January 1, 2012. SEC. 303. DESIGNATION OF TRINKA DAVIS VETERANS VILLAGE. (a) Designation.--The facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 180 Martin Drive in Carrollton, Georgia, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Trinka Davis Veterans Village''. (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Trinka Davis Veterans Village''. SEC. 304. DESIGNATION OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' KLING DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC. (a) Designation.--The facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 9800 West Commercial Boulevard in Sunrise, Florida, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``William `Bill' Kling Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``William `Bill' Kling Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic''. SEC. 305. DESIGNATION OF MANN-GRANDSTAFF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER. (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Spokane, Washington, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''. SEC. 306. DESIGNATION OF DAVID F. WINDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC. (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic located in Mansfield, Ohio, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``David F. Winder Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other [[Page H7445]] record of the United States to the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``David F. Winder Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida. General Leave Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on S. 3202. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida? There was no objection. Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 3202 is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. It's going to improve the lives of veterans and their families. I want to again thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Michaud, and all the members of the committee and the subcommittees for their advocacy of the provisions of this bill. I also want to thank from the other side of the Capitol complex Senator Murray and Senator Burr for their work on improving these provisions. It's great working with Members who show that, when it comes to veterans issues, both sides can really come together and agree on issues for the common good. The first title of this bill pertains to cemetery matters, as one of my colleagues has already said. In June of this year, an indigent veteran with no next of kin was buried in a cardboard box in my home State of Florida. I, like many of my colleagues, was shocked and appalled to hear of this news. As a result, several sections of this legislation directly address that specific issue, and it will ensure that all eligible veterans, regardless of their personal or financial situation, will receive a dignified burial at a VA national cemetery. This would include providing VA with the authority to provide a casket, urn, or other acceptable burial container when a veteran has no known next of kin and the VA is unable to provide one. This legislation would also provide for more efficient communication between VA and local medical examiners and other agencies to ensure that eligible veterans with no next of kin will be properly laid to rest in a national cemetery. It would also require the VA report to Congress on its compliance with industry standards for appropriate burial containers. Another section of title I, authored by Mr. Culberson of Texas, would direct VA to ensure that any memorial service respects the wishes of a deceased veteran's family to include the use of religious symbols or volunteer honor guards. Given the numerous difficulties many families face when dealing with the death of a loved one, ensuring that their wishes can be honored with a VA memorial service is the least we can do to honor the memory of that veteran. The bill would also protect the honor of those buried in America's national cemeteries by prohibiting anyone convicted of a tier III sex offense and sentenced to life in prison from being laid to rest there. Because VA national cemeteries are such sacred grounds, it is important that we preserve the honor of those buried there by excluding those convicted of the most heinous of crimes. This legislation would provide a pathway toward the establishment of the Clark Veterans Cemetery, located in the Philippines, as a permanent cemetery restored, operated, and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. {time} 1650 As the American Battle Monuments Commission currently operates and maintains other overseas veterans cemeteries, it is the most appropriate entity to accomplish the important task of honoring our fallen veterans who have been laid to rest at Clark. Title II of this legislation contains provisions that will enhance our ability to provide for the health care needs of our veterans. It includes a measure which would direct VA, in coordination with the Department of Defense, to establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits during deployment. Many of our servicemembers and veterans have returned home from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan with serious questions and grave concerns about the possible long-term health effects of burn pit exposure. It is my hope that by establishing this registry we can provide them the answers and assurances they seek and develop better ways to care for them and future generations of America's warriors. Under this title, VA would also be authorized to provide transportation services to and from VA facilities for veterans with health care appointments and in connection with vocational rehabilitation or counseling. Veterans who live in rural communities, who are elderly, who are visually impaired, or who are immobile due to disease and disability often face significant challenges in traveling to access services that VA can provide. It is our intent that VA will use this authority to complement, and not replace, existing programs such as the valuable Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network; and as such, this authority is being provided for 1 year. Title III of the bill would require the Department of Labor to conduct a 2-year pilot program offering Transition Assistance Program training at off-base facilities in three to five States with high rates of unemployment among veterans. With the permission of the Department of Defense, National Guard and Reserve, facilities could be used. Veterans and spouses would be eligible for the program, which would be designed to train those veterans who did not participate in the Active Duty Transition Assistance Program or who just need to refresh their job-hunting skills. Additionally, this title would require that judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims reside within 50 miles of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their service. Such a requirement would put the veterans court in line with other Federal courts located in the District, which already have a residency requirement in place. Finally, this legislation includes four measures to name VA medical facilities in Georgia, Florida, Washington, and Ohio after prominent veterans or civilians who have performed outstanding services to veterans in the communities in which the VA facility is located. I want to encourage all Members to support the bill as amended. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The bill before us today, the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012, S. 3202, is a minibus collection of veterans measures that primarily focus on ensuring that our veterans receive proper burials that reflect and honor their service. The bill also establishes and expands several health care and transition assistance benefits, and it names four VA health facilities after Americans with distinguished honor. I appreciate the hard work of all of our colleagues in the House and in the Senate and of our staffs on the measures that were included in this bill. We all share the same goal--helping our veterans and their families receive the benefits that they have earned and deserve. This bill advances that goal, and I support its passage. Title I of this bill will allow the Secretary of the VA to provide a casket or urn to those veterans who die without a known next of kin, without identification or without financial means, thereby ensuring that these veterans are laid to rest with the utmost dignity. Mr. Speaker, there is also an allocation of $5 million in this title to attempt to address the longstanding maintenance, operation, and ownership issues at Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Philippines. Along with soldiers and civilians of other nationalities, over 2,200 American veterans are buried at Clark. This provision will honor their sacrifices by setting up the process for Clark to become a permanent [[Page H7446]] cemetery administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Clark continues to accept burials, including those from the Iraq war; and to ensure a smooth transition, it is critical that an agreement is reached between the two governments before it can become a permanent cemetery. I am confident that the ABMC will bring this cemetery up to its impeccable standards and that Congress will provide it the resources to do so. Title II of the bill contains a vital provision requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs, with help from the Department of Defense, to establish a burn pit registry. This registry would be for our men and women who may have been exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. Every time we send our men and women into combat, we need to do all that we can to properly assess their risks of exposure to toxins. It has been decades, and we still do not fully understand the risks associated with one's exposure to agent orange, an exposure causing many veterans to suffer without compensation. We should learn from this history, and this bill puts us on track to avoid repeating it again. Title II would also enhance VA transportation services to help more veterans access VA health care, and it contains a very timely measure that would extend the reporting requirement for posttraumatic stress disorder through 2016. The rate of PTSD remains high in the veteran population, and we must continue to keep this issue at the top of our radar as well as before Congress and the public so that we can continue to provide the funding that's needed. Finally, Mr. Speaker, title III of this bill contains an important section that would direct the Department of Labor to provide the Transition Assistance Program, TAP, at locations other than at military installations. This 2-year pilot program will benefit our servicemembers and their spouses by providing additional opportunity to attend TAP and to learn about their earned benefits. Too many returning servicemembers are unable to take advantage of TAP. This is especially true for members of the National Guard and Reserve who often return from war to find that they lack the support military communities provide them. The TAP program is critical to a servicemember's successful transition back into civilian life, and I am glad to see it expanded. Again, I want to thank the members and Chairman Miller for their leadership on this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, might I inquire of the time remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Florida has 14\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3202, the Dignified Burial of Veterans Act. I appreciate my colleagues' diligence in moving this language through the Senate, and I am grateful for the work they have done on behalf of our veterans. I would also like to thank my good friend and fellow Floridian, Chairman Jeff Miller, and Ranking Member Bob Filner for the work they have done this Congress to improve the quality of services for our veterans--our true American heroes. This truly bipartisan piece of legislation incorporates language similar to H.R. 6073, which is legislation that I introduced in the House after learning that Private Lawrence Davis, Jr., a World War II veteran, had been buried in a cardboard box in a veterans cemetery not far from my district. This legislation ensures that veterans with no next of kin and insufficient funds for proper and dignified burials will receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Nation's heroes deserve to be buried in the same way they served our great Nation--with dignity, honor, and respect. Private Davis deserved better. While we cannot go back and rewrite what has already happened, we can ensure that it doesn't happen again. This legislation is the right thing to do; and in the final hours of this Congress, I am very pleased that this Chamber is taking action on this important piece of legislation. Again, I urge the passage of S. 3202. {time} 1700 Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, once again I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3202, the Dignified Burial of Veterans Act and particularly section 303 of this bill, which designates the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Carrollton, Georgia as the ``Trinka Davis Veterans Village.'' Katherine ``Trinka'' Davis was a businesswoman from Carroll County who founded the Trinka Davis Foundation in 2004 after realizing the struggles many service men and women faced upon return from Iraq and Afghanistan. Though not a veteran herself, through her generosity, Ms. Davis performed an outstanding service for the veterans of Northwest Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Trinka made note of the reports of difficulties that many returning veterans and their respective families were facing: loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, unemployment, and loss of their homes. Although she is no longer with us, her memory lives on. Trinka left almost her entire estate--over $18 million--to the Foundation, which has used it to construct a first class health facility to aid our wounded warriors in their recovery and treatment. Mr. Speaker, with a war in Afghanistan, a recent one in Iraq, and unrest around the globe, the United States has more than 196,000 active duty service men and women that put their lives on the line--night and day--to protect our families and our freedoms. These men and women accepted the call of duty, leaving behind their loved ones and life as they know it to protect the lives of others. When our soldiers return from battle, sometimes they do not get the support and assistance that they deserve. Simply put, we owe them more. Just as they have answered the call to serve our country, we must answer the call to serve them. This is what Trinka Davis did. Thanks to Trinka's generosity and the tireless dedication of her foundation, the new clinic was donated to the Department of Veterans Affairs in August. The doors were opened for veterans to receive outpatient treatment on September 24, and in the coming months the clinic will also include a 42 bed community living center. While providing a variety of services including primary care, physical therapy, and outpatient mental health services, the facility will serve 3,000 veterans and will allow them to receive treatment closer to home. Mr. Speaker, I believe that like our veterans, Ms. Davis is a hero. She recognized the needs of our veterans and worked tirelessly to meet them. The Trinka Davis Foundation ensured that Ms. Davis's commitment to the veterans and their families in the Carrollton community and beyond would be preserved through construction of the health facility. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Trinka's selfless actions and those who have bravely served our Nation by supporting S. 3202. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 3202. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7446,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,CLOTHE A HOMELESS HERO ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7446,H7448,"[{""name"": ""Gus M. Bilirakis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Kathleen C. Hochul"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6328""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6328""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7446,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7446-H7448] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CLOTHE A HOMELESS HERO ACT Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6328) to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for other purposes. [[Page H7447]] The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: On page 2, line 20, after ``clothing to'' insert ``the local airport authority or other local authorities for donation to charity, including''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Hochul) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida. General Leave Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on this bill under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida? There was no objection. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as vice chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I rise in favor of H.R. 6328, the Clothe a Homeless Hero Act, which passed the House by voice vote last month and was approved by the Senate with an amendment. According to estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2011 approximately 14 percent of all homeless adults were veterans, and with more than 67,000 veterans homeless on any given night. I know that you agree we must do all that we can to ensure that the veterans who have so courageously served our country are not forgotten and are receiving the care and services they deserve. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki has set a laudable goal of ending veterans' homelessness by 2015 and has established partnerships with other Federal agencies, such as HUD, to accomplish it. The bill before us today will forge another important partnership in our efforts to serve homeless veterans, one with the Transportation Security Administration. Each day as Americans travel through screening checkpoints, Mr. Speaker, operated by TSA at our Nation's airports, many articles of clothing are left behind. In fact, TSA reports that they collect between 500 and 1,000 garments per day. H.R. 6328 directs the TSA administrator to make every reasonable effort to donate this unclaimed clothing to local organizations that serve homeless or needy veterans. I commend the House sponsor, Ms. Hochul, the gentlelady from New York, for this fine piece of legislation. I once again urge Members to support this legislation and in turn support homeless veterans. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6328, Clothe a Homeless Hero Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Yesterday my hometown paper, The Buffalo News, ran an editorial that says, ``Homeless vets need our help: The reward for serving our country shouldn't be a life on the streets.'' Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more. We are here today to aid and honor America's veterans, especially those who've fallen on hard times, are most in need, and all too forgotten. As the American people rush through lines at airports with their shoes, gloves, hats, scarves, and coats, it's easy to forget that so many Americans go without these basic comforts during the cold winter months. I know this personally. I just flew in from Buffalo, New York, where we have about a foot and a half of snow on the ground, and it calls to mind the sense that there are a lot of people in need, particularly our veterans. As we rush through airports, it's easy to leave behind these kinds of garments. That's what happened to me when I left a scarf at the Buffalo airport while coming to Washington. As you've heard, TSA has reported that as many as 1,000 articles of clothing, like mine, are left behind at airport checkpoints every day. This adds up to thousands of pounds of abandoned, unclaimed clothing. At the same time, tens of thousands of veterans are homeless on any given night. This is unconscionable, Mr. Speaker. Veteran homelessness is nothing less than a national tragedy. We must fully embrace the President's call to end veteran homelessness by 2015. We must work to end homelessness for all Americans--especially those heroes who risked their lives for our freedom. But until we end veteran homelessness, we must do everything we can to aid these American heroes. I am sure you'll agree there is no better purpose for unclaimed warm clothing than to help America's homeless veterans. That's why I was so proud to introduce the Clothe a Homeless Hero Act, and to work with my colleagues in the Homeland Security Committee and Senator Gillibrand and Senator Toomey to improve and advance this bipartisan legislation. This simple bill directs unclaimed clothing left at checkpoints like this to go to charitable organizations for distribution to homeless veterans and others in need. Mr. Speaker, this is probably my last speech on the floor of Congress. I can't think of a worthier cause to champion than to make sure that our homeless veterans get the clothing they need and deserve. This measure is a simple, commonsense example of an opportunity for all of us, Democrats and Republicans alike, to work together and find common ground. Clearly we need much more of that, particularly on a day like this. I know every one of us is proud of the work our men and women in uniform do every day, and we're proud of the veterans who come home. We need to ask ourselves: are they proud of us? Let us make this bill be a template for the bipartisanship that our veterans, indeed our country, deserves from the people they send to Washington to represent them. I thank Chairman Bilirakis and my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee for supporting this legislation. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. Does the gentlelady have further speakers? Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection of the Committee on Homeland Security. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from New York, and I want to first of all say this will not be the last we hear of your voice, and what a stupendous voice you have. Thank you so much for making this time on the floor a time that pays tribute to veterans but also recognizes the outstanding service that you've given to this Nation, to the Committee on Homeland Security and your other committees, but more importantly the passion that you've shown as a true American. I hope that we heed the voice that you just lifted up that we owe to veterans not only this great legislation, but also the ability to come together and work on their behalf and on behalf of all Americans. {time} 1710 Thank you again for allowing me to comment on this bill as the ranking member on the Homeland Security Transportation Committee. I thank Mr. Bilirakis. We have worked together on a number of legislative initiatives, and I thank him as well for his service, along with the retiring chairman, Chairman King, and our Democratic ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for their leadership. It gives me great comfort to be able to come on the floor today and say thank you. Even though no one wants to see a homeless hero, a homeless veteran, I spent, over the holidays, time visiting a number of our centers where homeless veterans are, and I can tell you that they are the most giving and charitable persons. Many of us will be able to recount on Thanksgiving Day, or during the holiday, being able to give or to share or to be able to distribute food or to serve veterans who, unfortunately, not of their own doing, have fallen upon hard times, do not have a place to live, and are coming to the various food pantries and food kitchens. It was one of great pleasure to me, not for their condition, but to be able to humbly just provide them with a warm meal. This is a commonsense legislative initiative that [[Page H7448]] says to homeless heroes, every day we're thinking of you. As the ranking member on the Transportation Security Committee, I can assure you that Transportation Security officers are grateful to Ms. Hochul and to the Senate amendment for giving them this chance to further their service to the Nation. There are many things that are left behind, and many times in the airport you hear that PA system saying, Come back, come back to the security checkpoint; you've left your iPad, your coat, your shoes. What else could you have left? Many times, unfortunately, those individuals are already on the airplane, and so we try our best, but we leave behind quality items that could be used for our veterans. The Senate amendment expands this to other charities as well. But as the ranking member, I want to commend to our TSA officers and our officers that are supervisors across the Nation's airports, and to our airports, yes, you have the opportunity to give to veterans, charitable institutions and others, but I encourage you, because of the extensive number of homeless veterans, that you give these items so that we can have, not only resources, but clothing for homeless veterans of whom we hope that we will provide a pathway to be able to get out of the status of homelessness, but also while they're doing so, to provide them with this quality clothing. So again, I rise to support H.R. 6328, as amended by the Senate, to thank the author of this legislation, Ms. Hochul, the gentlelady from New York; again, remind her that she will not have a silent voice, and this is a very grand and wonderful way to end at least your legislative service, your bill-writing service on this floor of the House and in this Congress where you are serving the Nation's veterans. We are forever grateful, and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, what I'd like to do is I'll reserve the balance of my time, and then I'll close once the gentlelady does. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, again I simply want to thank on the Senate side Senator Gillibrand, Senator Toomey, and, of course, here my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee led by Peter King and our Ranking Member Thompson, and certainly Chairman Bilirakis and my dear friend Ranking Member Jackson Lee for all their support for this commonsense legislation to assist America's homeless veterans. With that, I urge the adoption of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6328 so this measure can be sent to the President for his signature. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this commonsense piece of legislation and that the President promptly sign it into law. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 6328. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7448,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,DRYWALL SAFETY ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7448,H7450,"[{""name"": ""Lee Terry"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Kathleen C. Hochul"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""E. Scott Rigell"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4212""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4212""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7448,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7448-H7450] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DRYWALL SAFETY ACT OF 2012 Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4212) to prevent the introduction into commerce of unsafe drywall, to ensure the manufacturer of drywall is readily identifiable, to ensure that problematic drywall removed from homes is not reused, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Drywall Safety Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Secretary of Commerce should insist that the Government of the People's Republic of China, which has ownership interests in the companies that manufactured and exported problematic drywall to the United States, facilitate a meeting between the companies and representatives of the United States Government on remedying homeowners that have problematic drywall in their homes; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce should insist that the Government of the People's Republic of China direct the companies that manufactured and exported problematic drywall to submit to jurisdiction in United States Federal Courts and comply with any decisions issued by the Courts for homeowners with problematic drywall. SEC. 3. DRYWALL LABELING REQUIREMENT. (a)Labeling Requirement.--Beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the gypsum board labeling provisions of standard ASTM C1264-11 of ASTM International, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be treated as a rule promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission under section 14(c) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2063(c)). (b)Revision of Standard.--If the gypsum board labeling provisions of the standard referred to in subsection (a) are revised on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, ASTM International shall notify the Commission of such revision no later than 60 days after final approval of the revision by ASTM International. The revised provisions shall be treated as a rule promulgated by the Commission under section 14(c) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2063(c)), in lieu of the prior version, effective 180 days after the Commission is notified of the revision (or such later date as the Commission considers appropriate), unless within 90 days after receiving that notice the Commission determines that the revised provisions do not adequately identify gypsum board by manufacturer and month and year of manufacture, in which case the Commission shall continue to enforce the prior version. SEC. 4. SULFUR CONTENT IN DRYWALL STANDARD. (a)Rule on Sulfur Content in Drywall Required.--Except as provided in subsection (c), not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate a final rule pertaining to drywall manufactured or imported for use in the United States that limits sulfur content to a level not associated with elevated rates of corrosion in the home. (b)Rule Making; Consumer Product Safety Standard.--A rule under subsection (a)-- (1) shall be promulgated in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code; and (2) shall be treated as a consumer product safety rule promulgated under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058). (c)Exception.-- (1)Voluntary standard.--Subsection (a) shall not apply if the Commission determines that-- (A) a voluntary standard pertaining to drywall manufactured or imported for use in the United States limits sulfur content to a level not associated with elevated rates of corrosion in the home; (B) such voluntary standard is or will be in effect not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act; and (C) such voluntary standard is developed by Subcommittee C11.01 on Specifications and Test Methods for Gypsum Products of ASTM International. (2)Federal register.--Any determination made under paragraph (1) shall be published in the Federal Register. (d)Treatment of Voluntary Standard for Purposes of Enforcement.--If the Commission determines that a voluntary standard meets the conditions in subsection (c)(1), the sulfur content limit in such voluntary standard shall be treated as a consumer product safety rule promulgated under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058) beginning on the date that is the later of-- (1) 180 days after publication of the Commission's determination under subsection (c); or (2) the effective date contained in the voluntary standard. (e)Revision of Voluntary Standard.--If the sulfur content limit of a voluntary standard that met the conditions of subsection (c)(1) is subsequently revised, the organization responsible for the standard shall notify the Commission no later than 60 days after final approval of the revision. The sulfur content limit of the revised voluntary standard shall become enforceable as a Commission rule promulgated under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058), in lieu of the prior version, effective 180 days after the Commission is notified of the revision (or such later date as the Commission considers appropriate), unless within 90 days after receiving that notice the Commission determines that the sulfur content limit of the revised voluntary standard does not meet the requirements of subsection (c)(1)(A), in which case the Commission shall continue to enforce the prior version. (f)Future Rulemaking.--The Commission, at any time subsequent to publication of the consumer product safety rule required by subsection (a) or a determination under subsection (c), may initiate a rulemaking in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to modify the sulfur content limit or to include any provision relating only to the composition or characteristics of drywall that the Commission determines is reasonably necessary to protect public health [[Page H7449]] or safety. Any rule promulgated under this subsection shall be treated as a consumer product safety rule promulgated under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058). SEC. 5. REVISION OF REMEDIATION GUIDANCE FOR DRYWALL DISPOSAL REQUIRED. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall revise its guidance entitled ``Remediation Guidance for Homes with Corrosion from Problem Drywall'' to specify that problematic drywall removed from homes pursuant to the guidance should not be reused or used as a component in production of new drywall. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) and the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Hochul) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska. General Leave Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 4212. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Nebraska? There was no objection. Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4212, an important bipartisan bill to help fight the problem of defective Chinese drywall which hit many families as a second plague when their home was destroyed by a hurricane or other disaster and then rebuilt using contaminated drywall from China. The House bill, which passed by voice vote last summer, attacks the problem in three ways: First, it directs the Secretary of Commerce to engage Chinese leaders and push for the manufacturers of the contaminated drywall to step up and take responsibility for the damages caused by their shoddy product; Second, the bill requires all drywall manufacturers in the future to label their product with their name and the date of manufacture. The lack of such basic identifying information was a major problem for the homeowners who were stuck with contaminated Chinese drywall but could not determine which manufacturer produced it; Third, and finally, the House bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to restrict elemental sulfur in drywall unless industry voluntarily adopts an acceptable limit first. Compliance with such a limit would be easy to check at the ports or elsewhere using simple handheld devices. Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment before us today preserves all of these key aspects of the House bill, making only a few minor changes. Notably, the Senate amendment provides that the CPSC may only enforce a voluntary sulfur limit if it is adopted by a specified standard-setting body. This responds to a concern that the voluntary sulfur limit be a true consensus standard; that is, the product of an open process that allows for participation of industry and consumers alike. Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment does not undercut the House-passed version of the bill, nor does it add any unnecessary government regulation. Therefore, I strongly urge the adoption of H.R. 4212. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to speak about the amended version of H.R. 4212, the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 returned to this Chamber by the Senate. The House approved its own version of H.R. 4212 this past September by a voice vote. That version was the result of bipartisan negotiations that involved the sponsors of this bill, Mr. Rigell of Virginia and Mr. Deutch of Florida, along with the leadership from both sides of the aisle of the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. I believe the House produced a good bill that met Mr. Rigell's and Mr. Deutch's goal of getting the U.S. Government to take action regarding a problematic drywall situation. The Senate version we are considering today retains significant portions of the House language, so I intend to vote in favor of what the Senate has sent back to us. Just like the previously approved House version, this Senate version requires that all new drywall be marked with a permanent label that can be used to identify who manufactured a particular sheet of drywall and when it was manufactured. A major problem many homeowners experienced was that they didn't know who made the drywall in their homes or when it was made. The labeling requirement should make it easier to pin down exactly who is responsible for producing any given sheet of drywall. In addition, just like the previously approved House version, the Senate version requires all drywall used in the United States to be subject to a sulfur content limit. After extensive investigation by the CPSC, sulfur was the element found to be associated with the awful odor and metal corrosion homeowners were experiencing. The Senate version specifies the American Society for Testing and Metals, or ASTM, international standard for gypsum board labeling as the labeling standard that must be complied with. The House version did not pick a particular voluntary standard. {time} 1720 Instead, CPSC would have specified the industry-generated voluntary standard to be complied with or, failing that, write its own rule on the matter. The Senate version also specifically grants responsibility for the standard on sulfur content to an ASTM committee. Both of these changes are made because one trade association believed that, under the House version, the CPSC could rely on a voluntary standard that was not developed through a process with safeguards for due process, the airing of diverse views, and consensus decisionmaking. There's not one instance that anyone can point to where the CPSC has relied on a voluntary industry standard that was not produced through a process that involved due process, the airing of diverse views, and consensus decisionmaking. In addition to referencing the ASTM voluntary standard-setting body twice, the Senate tweaked the future rulemaking section. The House granted CPSC authority to ``reduce'' the sulfur content limit or set limits regarding the composition or characteristics of drywall that are reasonably necessary to protect public health or safety. We granted this authority in case later down the road it becomes apparent that there are other problems associated with drywall that we have not yet identified. The Senate's version replaces the word ``reduce'' with ``modify,'' so the CPSC has the authority to modify the sulfur content limit. The word ``modify'' encompasses reducing the limit, so we are willing to live with this change. I continue to support this bill despite these changes, because the time to act has long past. As far back as late 2008, consumers have complained about homes that smelled like rotten eggs, health concerns that included irritated and itchy eyes and skin, breathing problems, asthma attacks, persistent coughs, bloody and running noses, and recurring headaches. Complaints also included reports of blackened and corroded metal components in the home. The CPSC received nearly 4,000 such complaints from residents in 43 States who believed these conditions related to the presence of Chinese drywall in their homes. Most of these complaints were concentrated in the South, where there was a construction boom in 2006 and 2007 due to hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. To help bring some relief to these homeowners and to reduce the chance of something like this ever happening again, this legislation does a few other things in addition to the labeling and sulfur content requirements: It asks the Secretary of Commerce to engage the Chinese Government to prod those companies that exported problematic drywall to the United States--some of which are partly owned by the Chinese Government--to meet with U.S. officials about providing some sort of remedy to homeowners affected by this defective product; The bill also asks the Secretary of Commerce to engage the Chinese Government to try to get the government to direct these companies to submit to the jurisdiction of our courts and comply with judgments that have been entered against them; It also calls on the CPSC to revise guidance it published on the removal of [[Page H7450]] problematic drywall from homes to specify that this drywall should not be reused or put back into the drywall production stream. Once this drywall is removed from one home, we need to make sure it does not end up in another. Despite issues with why H.R. 4212 is back here on the House floor, the Democratic leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, and I along with them, support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TERRY. At this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Rigell), who's the lead Republican sponsor. His dogged leadership on this is why it's back on the House floor again. Mr. RIGELL. I thank Chairman Terry very much for yielding and my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from New York, for your support of this good bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Drywall Safety Act of 2012, as amended. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on really what is much-needed and commonsense legislation that's going to come before the House tonight. For nearly 4 years, families across the country have suffered from the harmful effects of defective Chinese-manufactured drywall. They're friends and neighbors, and they're families, Mr. Speaker, who worked hard and saved and really set out for that classic American Dream to own their own home or to finish their retirement years in a home, and yet that dream turned into a literal nightmare when their home was filled with a mysterious and foul rotten egg type of odor. I've been in these homes. It completely makes the home uninhabitable. It takes all the copper wiring in the home and basically turns it into black soot. They have to replace the compressors on the air conditioners. And even worse is that their health deteriorates. They turn first to the builders. The builders are not covered by their insurance. Some were able to help out the homeowners and renovate the home on their own, but many are not able to do that, and some builders have gone out of business. They turned then to the manufacturer of the contaminated drywall in China, but really have no recourse there. It's a profoundly sad situation where Americans, through no fault of their own, are experiencing bankruptcy and terrible financial problems. But tonight we have an opportunity to do what's right and to stand with our friends and neighbors and pass this legislation. It will hold China responsible in no uncertain terms for failing to require their manufacturers to rightly compensate Americans who have been damaged and victimized by those contaminated products. We express the undivided sense of Congress, Republicans and Democrats working together, that we're going to make sure that China is held accountable for what they've done here. It requires labeling on all the drywall products to make sure that we can find out who's responsible for the manufacturer of each and every piece of drywall that's manufactured; it will limit the amount of sulfur in the drywall, which was the cause of all of this; and, as has been pointed out by my colleague from New York, it's a voluntary standard as opposed to just more massive government intervention. I think that's the right path to go. So I thank my friends and colleagues from both sides of the aisle for making this possible. The underlying legislation passed the House unanimously in September. The amendment that has been made, I think, is very modest. I especially want to thank my friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Deutch, for working with me as cochair of the Chinese Drywall Caucus. I thank the chairman for yielding and for your support on this piece of legislation. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me make one very important point. Republicans and Democrats alike are united on this important health and safety issue. I urge all Members to pass this amendment today and get the needed consumer protections in place. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 4212. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7450,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,UNINTERRUPTED SCHOLARS ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7450,H7453,"[{""name"": ""David P. Roe"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""George Miller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Karen Bass"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Jim McDermott"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Sheila Jackson Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3472""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3472""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3472""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7450,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7450-H7453] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] UNINTERRUPTED SCHOLARS ACT Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3472) to amend the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to provide improvements to such Act. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: S. 3472 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Uninterrupted Scholars Act (USA)''. SEC. 2. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY. Section 444(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g(b)) (commonly known as the ``Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974'') is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (J)(ii), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end; (B) in subparagraph (K)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (K), the following: ``(L) an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency, or tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S. C. 450b)), who has the right to access a student's case plan, as defined and determined by the State or tribal organization, when such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records, or the personally identifiable information contained in such records, of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student's education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the State or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student's education records.''; and (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, except when a parent is a party to a court proceeding involving child abuse and neglect (as defined in section 3 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 note)) or dependency matters, and the order is issued in the context of that proceeding, additional notice to the parent by the educational agency or institution is not required'' after ``educational institution or agency''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee. General Leave Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 3472. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Tennessee? There was no objection. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 3472, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act. The bill amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, better known as FERPA, to give child welfare agency caseworkers access to the educational records of foster children. This is an important bill that will help improve the quality of education for children in foster care. {time} 1730 In 2008, Congress passed the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, which tasked [[Page H7451]] child welfare agencies with ensuring that children in foster care are enrolled in school. In carrying out this important mission, agencies are required to consider educational stability when identifying foster care placements and coordinate with local school districts to ensure that young people stay in their current school when placed in foster care or are immediately enrolled in a new school if that is in their best interest. Over the last 4 years, student privacy law has made it difficult to properly implement the educational stability provisions of the Fostering Connections law. For example, child welfare agents are unable to access student education records in a timely manner, if at all, to properly monitor student progress and coursework, or to get students enrolled in the proper courses if a transfer of schools is necessary. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act will correct these challenges. By allowing direct--and limited--access to the education records of foster kids, caseworkers can follow the students' education in a timely manner and help ensure greater success in school. The Committee on Education and the Workforce--and this Congress-- understands the importance of maintaining strong student privacy protections and supports the provisions included in FERPA. It is our responsibility to ensure a student's personal information, such as academic progress, placement or disciplinary records, is not shared with anyone other than officials directly involved in the student's education. For children in foster care, child welfare agents have a responsibility to look out for the education of their students and have a direct need to have access to these important records. The bill before us today narrowly grants caseworkers access to these important records. Mr. Speaker, S. 3472 is a narrow, but critical, step in helping children in foster care receive a better education. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan legislation to help foster children succeed in school. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act will make a real and immediate difference in the lives of foster children across this country. I want to thank Congresswoman Bass and Senator Landrieu for their support of this legislation, the Senate for sending this legislation back to the House, Chairman Roe for managing this on the floor, and Chairman Kline for agreeing to have this legislation come to the House today. In thanking Congresswoman Bass, I want to recognize her not only as the author of this legislation, but for her leadership both here in Washington and in the State legislature in our State of California when she served there on behalf of these young people to make sure that they would have a better opportunity at success. Foster children are some of the most at-risk students. As a group, they miss more school than their peers, are more likely to drop out, and take longer to finish when they do graduate. Throughout their young lives, they may change care placements multiple times. Each placement means adjusting to a new family and often a new community, new friends, and a new school. Each move can put their educational success in jeopardy. That's because the caseworkers who advocate for them as they move from one school to another often do so without critical information. Though current law rightly requires foster care caseworkers to include children's education records in their case plans, another Federal law limits the ability of caseworkers to access those records in a timely manner. Without access to a foster child's school records, caseworkers are limited in their ability to advocate for the child's educational needs, especially as they move from one school to another or from one family to another. Without these records, caseworkers don't have the necessary information to make important and informed decisions about placement, wraparound services, and credit transfers among schools. That means that those vulnerable children do not get the services that they need. This red tape creates unnecessary hurdles for educational successes for many foster children. And if there's one thing foster children don't need in life, it's additional hurdles to jump. They have plenty of hurdles confronting them every day as they try to succeed within the system. This legislation before us today makes narrow changes to FERPA to allow foster care caseworkers to do a better job on behalf of these young people. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I have no speakers at this time. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. With that, I yield 5 minutes to Congresswoman Bass of California, one of the authors of this legislation, and again thank her for her advocacy on behalf of foster children and foster families. Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3472, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act, a bill that will help foster children achieve educational success. First, I want to thank Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Miller for their support of this bill and their ongoing dedication to improving outcomes for foster youth throughout the Nation. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation and respect to Senator Landrieu. I am proud to work alongside the Senator, who is a tireless advocate for foster youth and families both domestic and worldwide. Throughout 2012, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth has traveled the country and visited five States on a nationwide listening tour. We heard from youth, families, and community leaders about the best practices and challenges facing the child welfare system. In Miami, Florida, at the invitation of Congress Members Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson, we learned about a commonsense, no-cost legislative fix that would have a significant and positive impact on hundreds of thousands of foster children across the country. After we returned to Washington, I joined my fellow cochairs of the congressional caucus--Representatives Marino, McDermott, Bachmann, and a number of other members of the caucus--to introduce the bipartisan Uninterrupted Scholars Act. This bill will address the concerns raised in Florida by providing youth with the support they need to avoid problems like inappropriate course placement and lost credits upon changing schools. Specifically, it will simply allow caseworkers to access transcripts for foster youth while maintaining important privacy protections. Children in foster care are among the most educationally at-risk of all student populations. Because of the abuse and neglect foster youth have experienced in their young lives, they often face physical and emotional challenges that interfere with their learning and negatively impact their educational outcomes. For example, the average child in foster care goes to three to five high schools. Existing Federal law requires that child welfare agencies include educational records in their case plan and work with school districts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for children in foster care. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, unintentionally creates a harmful barrier that prevents child welfare caseworkers from being able to quickly access school records necessary to help meet the educational needs of students in foster care. This can lead to significant delays that contribute to inappropriate class placements, enrollment delays, repeated classes, delayed graduation, and even dropouts. The story of young Jasmine is an example of stories we heard during the listening tour. When Jasmine was placed in foster care on an emergency basis, her mother's whereabouts were unknown and the child welfare agency caseworker was unable to obtain consent from any parent. Without timely access to the child's education records, the caseworker could not evaluate whether it would be in Jasmine's best interest to remain in the same school. Jasmine moved to a new school, which had different graduation requirements. She received no credits for her coursework from the prior school and had to repeat some of the same classes. [[Page H7452]] She fell a full year behind and eventually dropped out of the school. In my district, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services is currently responsible for the placement and care of over 15,000 foster youth. The sheer size of this youth population--larger than most States--as well as the 82 different school districts within L.A. County, make it particularly challenging to proactively address student needs without direct access to educational records. Another example from the listening tour when we were in L.A. is Vanessa, a fifth grader who has a similar story. She was transferred from L.A. Unified to another school district over 50 miles away while relocating to a new foster home. Her records did not follow. Therefore, she was placed in a fourth grade classroom, a full grade level below her actual skill level and age. She consistently cried at meetings with teachers. She eventually advocated for herself and her classes were transferred, but in the meantime she missed 2 months of fifth grade. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act would help avoid situations faced by young Jasmine and Vanessa by allowing child welfare caseworkers, who have the legal responsibility for a foster child's care and welfare, timely access to their educational records. {time} 1740 At the same time, this bill protects and preserves the educational privacy rights of students and parents that we all want to safeguard. In the words of Mary Cagle, the director of Legal Services at the Florida Department of Children and Families, this bill ``fixes an existing conflict in Federal law. It's so simple, so easy, so clear.'' The Uninterrupted Scholars Act is endorsed by dozens of nationwide organizations, including the National Foster Parent Association, the National School Boards Association, the Child Welfare League of America, and many others. Today I stand with my bipartisan, bicameral colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to ask for your support, as well. We have a responsibility to foster youth, children whom we have removed from their parents' care, youth whom we promised to keep safe and help to succeed. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act will help us keep this promise. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Washington, Congressman McDermott, a strong supporter of this legislation and an advocate on behalf of foster children. (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to endorse the amendments to S. 3472. But in talking about this, I want to talk about the process by which we got here. Nothing ever goes as fast in the House of Representatives as we want it to. And I want to commend my colleague, the ranking member on the Education committee, George Miller, for his historic leadership on child welfare issues. He got here in the '70s, and there was nobody looking after kids. Nobody. There was no focus anyplace in the Congress. So he took it on. He had hearings and hearings and hearings and hearings. And that brought about the bill that passed in 1980. It was called the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. Now when I got here as a child psychiatrist, I looked around and saw there was some stuff to do, and I wrote the Fostering Connections Act, which I authored and passed in the 2008 Congress with strong bipartisan support with the intent of improving the lives of kids in foster care. We continued to look for a way to make this system really function. And through the 1980 act, the law gave the power to shift resources from temporary out-of-home care toward either providing services to a child or his or her family or finding other permanent adoptive homes. One of the key provisions of the Fostering Connections Act was to better provide for educational stability. What we found was that kids constantly were moved, their records were lost, and there were long delays. And the single thing that gives them a real chance to make it in society, that is, an education, was being denied by the bureaucracy that sort of thought, well, this is just, we'll get the records there when we get the records there. So it's fitting that the ranking member on the Education and Workforce Committee is here to help guide this current legislation making it easier for foster kids to succeed academically through the House today. Why is education important? Well, if you go to the same school, you know the people, you find a teacher, you find a teacher who might be interested in you when a parent wasn't interested in you, or you had no one else in the world that was interested in you, but you found a teacher, and that's what the educational system has done to hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of foster kids. Now, we thought, well, we'll just write into Fostering Connections a change in Federal policy which would make sure that youth maintain some kind of continuity within their school when they're forced to move from home to home. It says that a State welfare agency must coordinate with educational agencies to ensure that a child remains in the school in which he or she is enrolled at the time of placement. If remaining in the child's school of origin is not in his or her best interest, that State must ensure the child is immediately enrolled in a new school without waiting weeks or months for paperwork. Now, with Fostering Connections, it seems like a simple thing to say that kids ought to continue in the same school. As with any law we pass, there is always this implementation period. As a result, it has taken us several years to figure out the problems and the barriers to successfully implementing this particular provision. Many teachers and school administrators are still unaware of these provisions. Many schools lack any coordinator or coordinating entity to facilitate cross-agency collaboration to serve the best interests of the child. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute. Mr. McDERMOTT. In addition, we have evidence that the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act currently hinders child welfare agencies in their efforts to meet the educational needs of kids in their care. Child welfare agencies have difficulty in obtaining the school records of foster kids. Students miss school for long periods of time waiting for school records to be transferred. We know that education is a predictor for future adult success. Yet too many children and foster youth are unable to get this start because of the barriers in our system. This piece of legislation is an attempt to break down those barriers and make it work more smoothly. The passage of the Uninterrupted Scholars Act will help ensure that needed coordination and help to ensure foster care youth succeed academically. This bill will have enormous positive impact for thousands of children in the foster care system. I encourage my colleagues to support it. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I want to thank the gentleman from Washington for his leadership. I would like to yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I want to thank the gentleman from California both for his longstanding leadership and the history of his emphasis on how important our children are. As a founder and chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I'm delighted to have joined with my colleague, Congresswoman Bass, and various cochairs of the Foster Care Caucus on the bipartisan legislation that the Uninterrupted Scholars Act is, and the bicameral legislation, and to also add appreciation to Chairman Kline of Minnesota and to Senator Landrieu for her leadership and partnership. I know of her great interest on the issues of both domestic adoption and international adoption. Certainly, unfortunately, the system of foster care has many times, when it has not been intended to, been, if you will, a place of hopelessness. This legislation wants to provide a lifeline to foster care children, particularly as they approach adolescence and high school and going on to college, so that they can be taken out of the abyss of hopelessness. [[Page H7453]] I've had the opportunity, of course, to be able to meet with foster care children both in my district and here when they've lobbied on the Hill, and their stories are both of passion and commitment to having a future, a commitment to serving the Nation, a commitment to making a difference. Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to make a difference? Why can't they be considered just like those who have different lifestyles, if you will, in terms of a family situation? So this legislation says that they should have, as well, that kind of orderliness. And if their orderliness comes through a social worker or a caseworker who will have access to their records to be able to plan for them the best format, whether it is to remain in a school, to transfer to a school, when they cannot access that natural parent or any other relative that would stand in for that child. There's nothing more, if you will, desperate and disappointing than to be able to find a child that has no hope, no one to turn to, and really wants to do, wants to accomplish, wants to graduate from high school. So I believe that the Uninterrupted Scholars Act is a very important provision that reflects the laws that have been passed dealing with privacy as it relates to records of children in postsecondary school and the protection of those school records. This, in particular, allows, let me say, an exception to release the student's education records to a caseworker, State or local child welfare representative, or tribal organization that has a right to access that student's case plans. Again, that helps those students be able to have a lifeline. {time} 1750 Just a week or so ago, there was an article in The New York Times on three young people from Galveston, Texas. They were not necessarily foster care children, but it is indicative of what happens to children of less means. Part of their lack of success was their inability to access the Internet, to get timely notices that they were supposed to apply for a scholarship, to have their parents know that they were supposed to modify their income sheet. If you can imagine, we just went through Hurricane Ike, and this one child's parents had received aid through Hurricane Ike. Well, they were told that they didn't meet the scholarship standards because they made too much money, and they didn't modify it to say that it wasn't money that we made; it was aid because we were victims of Hurricane Ike. This is similar to what happens to foster care children, and I am very delighted that we have legislation that is common sense and that we can attribute to the Foster Care Caucus, which we work closely with as a Congressional Children's Caucus. I want to thank Mr. Miller and Mr. Kline for their dedication and commitment to the Nation's children. They are, in fact, a precious resource, and the Uninterrupted Scholars Act is one element of saying that they are important to us. Let me again thank Congresswoman Bass and Senator Landrieu for their leadership, as well. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The care and concern for foster children has been a bit of a relay race for myself back in the late seventies and eighties, to Senator Russell Long, to former Congressman Tom Downey, former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, to Senator Landrieu, now Karen Bass from my State of California, and Congressman McDermott before her. We've tried to make sure that these young people, with a lot of chaos in their life, far beyond any of their own doing, have a chance to succeed. Clearly, the best chance to succeed is to see that they get a good education and an opportunity to participate in American society and in America's economy. This act, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act, goes a long way toward helping their advocates make sure that they get the best shot at the best education. So I want to thank all the supporters of this legislation, Congressman Roe and Congressman Kline, for their support and their willingness to bring it to the floor of the House so we can send it to the President of the United States. Just before I conclude my remarks, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to recognize a cherished member of my staff who will be leaving the committee at the beginning of January. Ruth Friedman began her career with me as a fellow in my personal office more than a decade ago. Because of her hard work and dedication and unparalleled expertise, she rose to become my education policy director on the committee. Ruth holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is one of the foremost experts in early childhood policy. I can tell you that the children of this country benefited every day from her work on the Education Committee. Ruth has spent her career fighting for the most vulnerable children on issues like child welfare, juvenile justice, early learning, child care, child abuse prevention and treatment. She has worked on countless pieces of legislation successfully, including today's bill, and was instrumental is passing the 2007 Head Start Reauthorization Act. I want to thank Ruth for her extraordinary service to me, to the committee, to the Nation, and to the Nation's children. Her advice and counsel have been invaluable, and she will be sorely missed, but we know that she has great accomplishments ahead of her. Ruth, I want to wish you, Pete, and Dylan all of the best. Thank you so much for all of your service to our committee on both sides of the aisle, and certainly to this Nation's children. With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, thank Congressman Roe for managing this bill on the floor, and I yield back the balance of my time Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I wish to conclude by saying, Ruth, congratulations, and thank you for all the hard work that you have done for both sides of the aisle and for the work you've done for the children of this Nation. I also want to thank Senator Landrieu and Congresswoman Bass, who is my next-door neighbor in the Cannon Office Building, and Ranking Member Miller for the work you've done for many decades for the children of this country, and Chairman Kline. I will conclude by just saying I'm proud to sponsor the Uninterrupted Scholars Act, and I urge my colleagues a ``yes'' vote. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 3472. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7453,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,FOREIGN AND ECONOMIC ESPIONAGE PENALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7453,H7455,"[{""name"": ""Lamar Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Robert C. \""Bobby\"" Scott"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3642""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6029""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6029""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7453,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7453-H7455] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FOREIGN AND ECONOMIC ESPIONAGE PENALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012 Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6029) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for increased penalties for foreign and economic espionage, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. PROTECTING U.S. BUSINESSES FROM FOREIGN ESPIONAGE. (a)For Offenses Committed by Individuals.--Section 1831(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended, in the matter after paragraph (5), by striking ``not more than $500,000'' and inserting ``not more than $5,000,000''. (b)For Offenses Committed by Organizations.--Section 1831(b) of such title is amended [[Page H7454]] by striking ``not more than $10,000,000'' and inserting ``not more than the greater of $10,000,000 or 3 times the value of the stolen trade secret to the organization, including expenses for research and design and other costs of reproducing the trade secret that the organization has thereby avoided''. SEC. 3. REVIEW BY THE UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION. (a)In General.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28, United States Code, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of offenses relating to the transmission or attempted transmission of a stolen trade secret outside of the United States or economic espionage, in order to reflect the intent of Congress that penalties for such offenses under the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements appropriately, reflect the seriousness of these offenses, account for the potential and actual harm caused by these offenses, and provide adequate deterrence against such offenses. (b)Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the United States Sentencing Commission shall-- (1) consider the extent to which the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements appropriately account for the simple misappropriation of a trade secret, including the sufficiency of the existing enhancement for these offenses to address the seriousness of this conduct; (2) consider whether additional enhancements in the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements are appropriate to account for-- (A) the transmission or attempted transmission of a stolen trade secret outside of the United States; and (B) the transmission or attempted transmission of a stolen trade secret outside of the United States that is committed or attempted to be committed for the benefit of a foreign government, foreign instrumentality, or foreign agent; (3) ensure the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements reflect the seriousness of these offenses and the need to deter such conduct; (4) ensure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives, Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements, and related Federal statutes; (5) make any necessary conforming changes to the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements; and (6) ensure that the Federal sentencing guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing as set forth in section 3553(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code. (c)Consultation.--In carrying out the review required under this section, the Commission shall consult with individuals or groups representing law enforcement, owners of trade secrets, victims of economic espionage offenses, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of State and the Office of the United States Trade Representative. (d)Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall complete its consideration and review under this section. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. General Leave Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the matter currently under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. First of all, I want to thank Judiciary Committee Chairman-elect Bob Goodlatte, Ranking Member John Conyers, and IP Subcommittee Ranking Member Mel Watt for their work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, the Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act of 2012 deters and pushes criminals who target U.S. economic and security interests on behalf of foreign interests. In a dynamic and globally connected information economy, the protection of intangible assets is vital, not only to the success of individual enterprises, but also to the future of entire industries. In recent years, cybercriminals have shifted from the theft of personal information such as credit cards and Social Security numbers to the theft of corporate intellectual capital. Our intelligence community has warned us that foreign interests place a high priority on acquiring sensitive U.S. economic information and technologies. In the U.S., the Economic Espionage Act serves as a primary tool the Federal Government uses to protect secret, valuable commercial information from theft. Our intelligence community declares that there is a ``significant and growing threat to our Nation's prosperity and security'' posed by criminals both inside and outside our borders who commit espionage. Congress should also recognize and confront this increasing threat by adjusting our penalties so that we can enhance deterrents and provide appropriate punishments for those criminals who knowingly target our companies for espionage. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6029 as it was amended by the Senate. The original bill was developed in a bipartisan manner and was unanimously reported by both the Judiciary Committee and this House. This is a commonsense and much-needed measure that deserves our full support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. I want to thank Judiciary Committee Chairman-Elect Bob Goodlatte, Ranking Member John Conyers and IP Subcommittee Ranking Member Mel Watt for their work on this bill. It has been a privilege to serve with them during my tenure as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I look forward to continuing to explore areas where we can work together in the 113th Congress. Mr. Speaker, the Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act of 2012 deters and punishes criminals who target U.S. economic and security interests on behalf of foreign interests. In a dynamic and globally-connected information economy, the protection of intangible assets is vital not only to the success of individual enterprises but also to the future of entire industries. A global study released last year by McAfee, the world's largest security technology company, and Science Applications International Corporation, concluded that corporate trade secrets and other sensitive intellectual capital are the newest ``currency'' of cybercriminals. In recent years, cybercriminals have shifted from the theft of personal information such as credit cards and social security numbers to the theft of corporate intellectual capital. Our intelligence community has warned us that foreign interests place a high priority on acquiring sensitive U.S. economic information and technologies. We know that some individuals intentionally and persistently seek out U.S. information and trade secrets. The most recent report from the Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive specifically cited Chinese as ``the world's most active and persistent perpetrators of economic espionage.'' The report also described Russia's intelligence services as responsible for ``conducting a range of activities to collect economic information and technology from US targets.'' In the U.S., the Economic Espionage Act (EEA) serves as the primary tool the federal government uses to protect secret, valuable commercial information from theft. On December 18, the House passed S. 3642, an important bill that clarifies the scope of protectable trade secrets. Since enacting the EEA in 1996, Congress has not adjusted its penalties to take into account the increasing importance of intellectual property to the economic and national security of the U.S. H.R. 6029, which the House unanimously passed this summer, increases the maximum penalties for an individual convicted of committing espionage on behalf of a foreign entity. The bill the House passed increases the maximum penalty from 15 to 20 years imprisonment and increases the maximum fine from $500,000 to $5 million. Several Senators wanted to give further consideration to the proposed statutory maximum increase from 15 to 20 years imprisonment. The Senate amended H.R. 6029 by deleting this single provision. They then passed it unanimously on December 19, so that we may act again and send this bill directly to the desk of the President. I thank Senators Lee and Paul along with Senators Leahy, Kohl and Grassley for helping to resolve concerns and advancing this measure. Our Intelligence community declares that there is a ``significant and growing threat to [our] nation's prosperity and security'' posed by criminals--both inside and outside our borders--who commit espionage. Congress should also recognize and confront this increasing threat by adjusting our penalties so that we may enhance deterrence and provide appropriate punishments for those criminals who knowingly target our companies for espionage. [[Page H7455]] I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6029 as it was amended by the Senate. The original bill was developed in a bipartisan manner and was unanimously reported by both the Judiciary Committee and this House. This is a common sense and much-needed measure that deserves our full support. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6029, the Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act of 2012. The House passed this legislation by voice vote in August, and the Senate recently passed a bill with amendment by unanimous consent. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6029 will increase the maximum fines that may be imposed for engaging in the Federal offense of economic espionage. The crime of economic espionage consists of knowingly misappropriating trade secrets with the intent or knowledge that the offense will benefit a foreign government. As reported by the U.S. intellectual property enforcement coordinator, economic espionage is a serious threat to American businesses by foreign governments. {time} 1800 Economic espionage represents a significant cost to victim companies and threatens the economic security of the United States. This crime inflicts costs on companies, such as the loss of unique intellectual property, the loss of expenditures related to research and development, and the loss of future revenues and profits. Many companies are unaware when their sensitive data is pilfered, and those that find out are often reluctant to report the losses, fearing potential damage to their reputations with investors, customers, and employees. The pace of the foreign collection of economic information and industrial espionage activities against major United States corporations is accelerating. For example, in fiscal year 2011, the Justice Department and the FBI saw an increase of 29 percent in economic espionage and trade secret theft investigations compared to those in fiscal year 2010. Details related to recent Federal investigations and prosecutions suggest that economic espionage and trade secret theft on behalf of companies located in China is an emerging trend. For example, at least 34 companies were reportedly victimized by a set of attacks originating in China in 2010. In the attacks, computer viruses were spread via emails to corporate employees, allowing the attackers to have access to emails and sensitive documents. Foreign hackers constantly target U.S. companies in such ways in order to get every piece of competitive intelligence information they can. We simply cannot allow this to continue to happen. In response to this growing threat, in her 2011 annual report, the U.S. Intellectual Property Coordinator called upon Congress to increase the penalties for economic espionage, and this bill is consistent with that recommendation. I would like to commend Members on both sides of the aisle for their work on this bill, particularly the gentleman from Texas, the chair of the committee, Mr. Smith; the ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers); the incoming chair of the Judiciary Committee, my colleague from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte); and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), who all worked very diligently on this bill. I also want to recognize the leadership of Senator Leahy. I urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 6029, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 6029. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________" CREC-2012-12-30-pt1-PgH7455,2012-12-30,112,2,158,,CORRECTING AND IMPROVING THE LEAHY-SMITH AMERICA INVENTS ACT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H7455,H7457,"[{""name"": ""Lamar Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Robert C. \""Bobby\"" Scott"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6621""}, {""congress"": ""112"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6621""}]",158 Cong. Rec. H7455,"Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012) [Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 170 (Sunday, December 30, 2012)] [House] [Pages H7455-H7457] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CORRECTING AND IMPROVING THE LEAHY-SMITH AMERICA INVENTS ACT Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6621) to correct and improve certain provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act and title 35, United States Code. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment is as follows: Senate amendment: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: SECTION 1. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (a) Advice of Counsel.--Notwithstanding section 35 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (35 U.S.C. 1 note), section 298 of title 35, United States Code, shall apply to any civil action commenced on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents.--Section 18 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (35 U.S.C. 321 note) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)(C)((i), by striking ``of such title'' the second place it appears; and (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``subsection'' and inserting ``section''. (c) Joinder of Parties.--Section 299(a) of title 35, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``or counterclaim defendants only if'' and inserting ``only if''. (d) Dead Zones.-- (1) Inter partes review.--Section 311(c) of title 35, United States Code, shall not apply to a petition to institute an inter partes review of a patent that is not a patent described in section 3(n)(1) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (35 U.S.C. 100 note). (2) Reissue.--Section 311(c)(1) of title 35, United States Code, is amended by striking ``or issuance of a reissue of a patent''. (e) Correct Inventor.-- (1) In general.--Section 135(e) of title 35, United States Code, as amended by section 3(i) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, is amended by striking ``correct inventors'' and inserting ``correct inventor''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be effective as if included in the amendment made by section 3(i) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. (f) Inventor's Oath or Declaration.--Section 115 of title 35, United States Code, as amended by section 4 of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act, is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: ``(f) Time for Filing.--The applicant for patent shall provide each required oath or declaration under subsection (a), substitute statement under subsection (d), or recorded assignment meeting the requirements of subsection (e) no later than the date on which the issue fee for the patent is paid.''; and (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``who claims'' and inserting ``that claims''. (g) Travel Expenses and Payment of Administrative Judges.-- Notwithstanding section 35 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (35 U.S.C. 1 note), the amendments made by section 21 of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (Public Law 112-29; 125 Stat. 335) shall be effective as of September 16, 2011. (h) Patent Term Adjustments.--Section 154(b) of title 35, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A)(i)(II), by striking ``on which an international application fulfilled the requirements of section 371 of this title'' and inserting ``of commencement of the national stage under section 371 in an international application''; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the application in the United States'' and inserting ``the application under section 111(a) in the United States or, in the case of an international application, the date of commencement of the national stage under section 371 in the international application''; (2) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by striking ``with the written notice of allowance of the application under section 151'' and inserting ``no later than the date of issuance of the patent''; and (3) in paragraph (4)(A)-- (A) by striking ``a determination made by the Director under paragraph (3) shall have remedy'' and inserting ``the Director's decision on the applicant's request for reconsideration under paragraph (3)(B)(ii) shall have exclusive remedy''; and (B) by striking ``the grant of the patent'' and inserting ``the date of the Director's decision on the applicant's request for reconsideration''. (i) Improper Applicant.--Section 373 of title 35, United States Code, and the item relating to that section in the table of sections for chapter 37 of such title, are repealed. (j) Financial Management Clarifications.--Section 42(c)(3) of title 35, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by striking ``sections 41, 42, and 376,'' and inserting ``this title,''; and [[Page H7456]] (B) by striking ``a share of the administrative costs of the Office relating to patents'' and inserting ``a proportionate share of the administrative costs of the Office''; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``a share of the administrative costs of the Office relating to trademarks'' and inserting ``a proportionate share of the administrative costs of the Office''. (k) Derivation Proceedings.-- (1) In general.--Section 135(a) of title 35, United States Code, as amended by section 3(i) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Institution of Proceeding.-- ``(1) In general.--An applicant for patent may file a petition with respect to an invention to institute a derivation proceeding in the Office. The petition shall set forth with particularity the basis for finding that an individual named in an earlier application as the inventor or a joint inventor derived such invention from an individual named in the petitioner's application as the inventor or a joint inventor and, without authorization, the earlier application claiming such invention was filed. Whenever the Director determines that a petition filed under this subsection demonstrates that the standards for instituting a derivation proceeding are met, the Director may institute a derivation proceeding. ``(2) Time for filing.--A petition under this section with respect to an invention that is the same or substantially the same invention as a claim contained in a patent issued on an earlier application, or contained in an earlier application when published or deemed published under section 122(b), may not be filed unless such petition is filed during the 1-year period following the date on which the patent containing such claim was granted or the earlier application containing such claim was published, whichever is earlier. ``(3) Earlier application.--For purposes of this section, an application shall not be deemed to be an earlier application with respect to an invention, relative to another application, unless a claim to the invention was or could have been made in such application having an effective filing date that is earlier than the effective filing date of any claim to the invention that was or could have been made in such other application. ``(4) No appeal.--A determination by the Director whether to institute a derivation proceeding under paragraph (1) shall be final and not appealable.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be effective as if included in the amendment made by section 3(i) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. (3) Review of interference decisions.--The provisions of sections 6 and 141 of title 35, United States Code, and section 1295(a)(4)(A) of title 28, United States Code, as in effect on September 15, 2012, shall apply to interference proceedings that are declared after September 15, 2012, under section 135 of title 35, United States Code, as in effect before the effective date under section 3(n) of the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board may be deemed to be the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences for purposes of such interference proceedings. (l) Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees.-- (1) In general.--Section 5(a) of title 35, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Members of'' and all that follows through ``such appointments.'' and inserting the following: ``In each year, 3 members shall be appointed to each Advisory Committee for 3-year terms that shall begin on December 1 of that year. Any vacancy on an Advisory Committee shall be filled within 90 days after it occurs. A new member who is appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed to serve for the remainder of the predecessor's term.''; (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Chair.--The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Director, shall designate a Chair and Vice Chair of each Advisory Committee from among the members appointed under paragraph (1). If the Chair resigns before the completion of his or her term, or is otherwise unable to exercise the functions of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall exercise the functions of the Chair.''; and (C) by striking paragraph (3). (2) Transition.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce shall, in the Secretary's discretion, determine the time and manner in which the amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect, except that, in each year following the year in which this Act is enacted, 3 members shall be appointed to each Advisory Committee (to which such amendments apply) for 3-year terms that begin on December 1 of that year, in accordance with section 5(a) of title 35, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1) of this subsection. (B) Deemed termination of terms.--In order to implement the amendments made by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Commerce may determine that the term of an existing member of an Advisory Committee under section 5 of title 35, United States Code, shall be deemed to terminate on December 1 of a year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act, regardless of whether December 1 is before or after the date on which such member's term would terminate if this Act had not been enacted. (m) Clerical Amendment.--Section 123(a) of title 35, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting ``of this title'' after ``For purposes''. (n) Effective Date.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act, and shall apply to proceedings commenced on or after such date of enactment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. General Leave Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the matter currently under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? There was no objection. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or AIA, was signed into law on September 16, 2011. It was the first major patent reform bill in over 60 years and the most substantial reform of U.S. patent law since the 1836 Patent Act. The Leahy-Smith AIA reestablishes the United States patent system as the global standard. Over the past year, the Patent Office has worked diligently to implement the provisions of the Leahy-Smith AIA in order to ensure that the bill realizes its full potential to promote innovation and create jobs. The bill that we consider today includes several technical corrections and improvements that ensure that the implementation of the bill can proceed efficiently and effectively. The bill is supported by all sectors of our economy from all across the United States, including manufacturers, universities, technology, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and innovators. As the provisions of the Leahy-Smith AIA continue to take effect, our Nation's innovation infrastructure becomes much stronger, unleashing the full potential of American innovators and job creators, so I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or ``AIA,'' was signed into law on September 16, 2011. It was the first major patent reform bill in over 60 years and the most substantial reform of U.S. patent law since the 1836 Patent Act. The Leahy-Smith AIA re-establishes the United States patent system as a global standard. Over the past year the Patent Office has worked diligently to implement the provisions of the Leahy-Smith AIA to ensure that the bill realizes its full potential to promote innovation and create jobs. The bill that we consider today includes several technical corrections and improvements that ensure that the implementation of the bill can proceed efficiently and effectively. The bill is supported by all sectors of our economy from all across the United States, including manufacturers, universities, technology, pharmaceutical and biotech companies and innovators. I have also received letters in support from: the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform, which represents manufacturers, pharmaceutical, technology, defense companies and universities; the Innovation Alliance, which represents high tech companies and licensors; and the BSA: The Software Alliance, which represents a range of high technology and software companies. The Leahy-Smith AIA fundamentally changes our nation's innovation infrastructure. With any such substantive and wide-ranging legislation, unforeseen issues may arise as implementation occurs. H.R. 6621 corrects many of these issues. This package consists of several technical corrections to the AIA that are essential to the effective implementation of the Act. Other technical corrections and improvements may arise in the future; for example, the issue surrounding the correction of the Post-Grant Review estoppel provision in the Leahy-Smith AIA. This was the result of an inadvertent ``scrivener's error,'' an error that was made by legislative counsel. That technical error has resulted in an estoppel provision with a higher threshold than was intended by either house of Congress. Additionally, we must remain watchful as we examine ways to deal with the abusive and frivolous litigation that American innovators face from patent assertion entities or patent trolls. The modified bill passed by the Senate takes out the report on pre- GATT patents. Even though the report is no longer mandated, it is within PTO's existing authority to conduct such a study, and I would call on them to do so. [[Page H7457]] As the provisions of the Leahy-Smith AIA continue to take effect, our nation's innovation infrastructure becomes much stronger, unleashing the full potential of American innovators and job creators. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6621 because the measure improves the America Invents Act--the most significant reform to the Patent Act since 1952--that was signed into law by President Obama last year. Earlier this month, the House passed H.R. 6621 by a vote of 308-89. The Senate subsequently passed the legislation with an amendment by unanimous consent. Now that the America Invents Act is law, our focus should be on how it can be improved, which is why I support H.R. 6621, because it accomplishes that very goal in several respects. To begin with, H.R. 6621 clarifies and improves the provisions to help implement the America Invents Act. The bill clarifies provisions dealing with patent term adjustments, derivation proceedings, inventor's oath, and the terms of the Patent Public Advisory Committee. The Senate amendment to this bill makes one change to the House- passed bill by removing the provision requiring the Patent Office to prepare a report on pre-GATT patent applications that have now been pending before the Patent Office for over 18 years. Although this provision has been removed, we must continue to study ways to improve the patent system and make sure that there are not delays to receiving patent protection. The bill clarifies the act's advice of counsel section as it applies to civil actions commenced on or after the date of this legislation's enactment. This is important because the original bill created a new section 298 of title XXXV that prevents the use of evidence of an accused infringer's failure to obtain advice of counsel, or his failure to waive privilege and introduce such opinion, to prove either willfulness or intent to induce infringement. The provision, however, failed to specify when the new authority would go into effect, and it would be unfair to apply the new rule retroactively to pending cases which anticipate using such evidence. In addition, H.R. 6621 makes a series of other technical clarifications to the act. In some, the bill makes necessary constructive technical corrections to the America Invents Act and avoids including any substantive revisions to the act. It is my hope that the Judiciary Committee will continue its oversight of the act into the next Congress and consider ways in which it can be further improved. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 6621. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________"