Floor Summary

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LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 9, 2007
110TH CONGRESS - FIRST SESSION

11:11 P.M. -

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 10, 2007.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. McGovern moved that the House do now adjourn.

11:09 P.M. -

Mr. McGovern filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 387 and H. Res. 388.

11:08 P.M. -

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 9.

10:24 P.M. -

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

8:12 P.M. -

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES - The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

8:11 P.M. -

Mr. Price of GA requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 16: Mr. Poe for 5 min and Mr. Jones of NC for 5 min.

Mr. Price of GA requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 15: Mr. Poe for 5 min and Mr. Jones of NC for 5 min.

Mr. Price of GA requested that Mr. Jones of NC be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 14.

H.R. 1684:: to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes

8:08 P.M. -

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1684.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a communication extending the national emergency with respect to Syria - referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 110-33).

H.R. 1873:: to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes

8:06 P.M. -

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1873.

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1873 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

8:05 P.M. -

Ms. Velazquez moved that the Committee rise.

On agreeing to the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:04 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson-Lee amendment No. 8.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee (TX).

: An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 110-137 to require that, when the SBA and the contracting procurement agency fail to agree and the Administrator submits the matter to the head of the agency for a determination, a copy of the written response to the Administrator be sent to the Committee of the House and Senate that has jurisdiction over the agency concerned, in addition to the Committees on Small Business and Oversight & Government Reform.

On agreeing to the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:57 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson-Lee amendment No. 7.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee (TX).

: An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 110-137 to provide that, whenever the SBA and the contracting procurement agency fail to agree and the Administrator decides to take action to further the interests of a small business concern, the SBA is required to make available on their website any action taken and result achieved by the Administrator.

On agreeing to the Wynn amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:53 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wynn amendment.

7:52 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Wynn.

: An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 110-137 to commission the SBA to complete a study on the feasibility and desirability of providing financial incentives to federal prime contractors who meet the goals set forth in their subcontracting plan of utilizing small business concerns owned by economically or socially disadvantaged individuals.

On agreeing to the Welch (VT) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:49 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch (VT) amendment.

7:48 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Welch (VT).

: An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 110-137 to set a 5 percent procurement goal for the Federal government to contract with "green" small businesses.

7:46 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Bean amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Velazquez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:39 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bean amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Bean.

: An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-137 to raise the government-wide small business procurement goal from 25 percent to 30 percent.

7:38 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Shuler amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Velazquez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:33 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shuler amendment.

7:32 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Shuler.

: An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-137 to extend small business contracting goals to overseas contracts.

On agreeing to the Reyes amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:26 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Reyes amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Reyes.

: An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-137 to aid small businesses that have been included in the Small Business Subcontracting Plans of prime contractors that obtain federal contracts.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Sestak amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Velazquez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:17 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sestak amendment, as modified.

Sestak amendment modified by unanimous consent.

7:16 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Sestak.

: An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-137 to close a loophole in the current bill that allows agencies to avoid doing small business impact studies by designating contracts as "transformed". It also lowers the new dollar threshold to ensure a greater portion of contracts are reviewed for their impact on small business as well as taxpayer savings.

6:53 P.M. -

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1873.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Lincoln Davis to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 383 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1873 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 383.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Ms. Velazquez asked unanimous consent that, during consideration of H.R. 1873 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 383, the amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-137, may be offered at any time . Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1684:: to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes

6:52 P.M. -

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 296 - 126 (Roll no. 318).

6:32 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Homeland Security amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

6:25 P.M. -

Amendment reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

: An amendment offered pursuant to the instructions contained in the Dent motion to recommit previously adopted.

6:24 P.M. -

On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 264 - 160 (Roll no. 317).

6:04 P.M. -

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:55 P.M. -

Floor summary: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dent motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House inserting a section pertaining to automated targeting system for persons entering or departing the United States.

5:54 P.M. -

Mr. Dent moved to recommit with instructions to Homeland Security.

5:51 P.M. -

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

On agreeing to the Thompson (MS) amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 209 (Roll no. 316).

5:24 P.M. -

Mr. Price (GA) demanded a separate vote on the Thompson (MS) amendment

5:23 P.M. -

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1684.

5:22 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Royce amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:17 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Royce amendment.

5:16 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Royce.

: An amendment numbered 21 printed in House Report 110-136 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement at primary inspection points at U.S. ports of entry the Stolen and Lost Travel Document database managed by Interpol

On agreeing to the Lampson amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:12 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lampson amendment.

5:11 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Lampson.

: An amendment numbered 20 printed in House Report 110-136 to allow an Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to authorize his or her staff to provide assistance on and conduct reviews of the inactive case files, or `cold cases' involving children or offenders outside the US, stored at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and to develop recommendations for further investigations

5:10 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Castor amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:04 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Royce amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor amendment.

5:03 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Ms. Castor.

: An amendment numbered 19 printed in House Report 110-136 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the State of Florida and other States, as appropriate, to resolve the differences between the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and existing access control credentials.

5:02 P.M. -

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

5:01 P.M. -

After the Committee rose, various unanimous consent requests were presented and objections were heard.

4:59 P.M. -

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1684 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Thompson (MS) moved that the Committee rise.

4:58 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Van Hollen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:50 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen amendment.

4:49 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Van Hollen.

: An amendment numbered 18 printed in House Report 110-136 to use such funds necessary to take all necessary actions to protect the security of personal information submitted electronically to the DHS website for the Travelers Redress Inquiry Program and other websites for the Department related to the program

On agreeing to the Davis, Tom amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 315).

4:38 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Thompson (MS) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 - 209 (Roll no. 314).

4:14 P.M. -

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

4:13 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Cardoza amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:03 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cardoza amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.

: An amendment numbered 17 printed in House Report 110-136 to express the Sense of the Congress that efforts to achieve local, regional and national interoperable emergency communications in the near term should be supported and are critical in assisting communities with their local and regional efforts to properly coordinate and execute their interoperability plans.

4:02 P.M. -

On agreeing to the King (NY) amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:52 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the King of New York amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. King (NY).

: An amendment numbered 16 printed in House Report 110-136 to amend section 1102(a) (critical infrastructure study) to require that the Secretary of Transportation, in addition to the Secretary of Homeland Security as is in the original bill, work with the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of creating further incentives for private sector stakeholders to share protected critical information with the Department of Transportation in addition to the Department of Homeland Security, as is in the original bill.

3:51 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Terry amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:48 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Terry amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Terry.

: An amendment numbered 15 printed in House Report 110-136 to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to consult with states prior to sharing information on forthcoming grant awards, including when sharing information with the U.S. Congress.

3:44 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:40 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings of Washington amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (WA).

: An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 110-136 to require the Department of Homeland Security's strategic plan to include a plan for fulfilling existing National Laboratory infrastructure commitments to maintain current capabilities and mission needs.

On agreeing to the Stupak amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:35 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Stupak amendment.

3:34 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Stupak.

: An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 110-136 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a report to Congress outlining the resources currently devoted to Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs) and making recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of the IBET program.

On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:29 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings of Florida amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (FL).

: An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 110-136 to establish a FEMA long-term recovery office in Florida. Three years following enactment, FEMA is required to report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to evaluate effectiveness of the recovery office.

On agreeing to the Castle amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:22 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castle amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Castle.

: An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 110-136 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to study foreign rail security practices that are not currently used in the U.S. and submit a report on recommendations for implementing such practices within one year of enactment.

3:21 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Brown, Corrine amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:14 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Corinne Brown of Florida amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Brown, Corrine.

: An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 110-136 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, in awarding grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative, to consider the number of tourists that have visited an urban area in the two years preceding the year the Secretary awards the grant.

3:13 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Andrews amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:03 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Andrews.

: An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-136 to provide up to 14 days per calendar year of job protection for volunteer emergency service personnel who respond to a Presidentially-declared disaster in an official capacity. Any individual discriminated against in violation of the provision may seek redress in court.

3:02 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Langevin amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:57 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Langevin.

: An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-136 to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Disability Coordinator at the Department of Homeland Security to enter a cooperative agreement with the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to carry out NOD's Emergency Preparedness Initiative.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Tom Davis of Virginia amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Etheridge demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:48 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tom Davis of Virginia amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Davis, Tom.

: An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-136 to remove section 407 of the bill, which requires that identification cards, uniforms, protective gear, and badges of Homeland Security personnel be manufactured in the United States.

2:47 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Thompson of Mississippi amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. King of New York demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:38 P.M. -

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 382, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thompson of Mississippi amendment.

2:37 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Thompson (MS).

: An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-136 to add reporting requirements, revise annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems. The amendment also adds a provision related to travel efficiency. The amendment also strikes some provisions of the bill.

1:22 P.M. -

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1684.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Dennis A. Cardoza to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 382 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1684 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Homeland Security now printed in the bill.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 382.

1:20 P.M. -

The House received a communication from Representative Meehan wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 6:00 p.m. on July 1, 2007.

H.R. 890:: to establish requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans

1:19 P.M. -

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 - 3 (Roll no. 313).

1:12 P.M. -

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 383:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1873) to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes

1:11 P.M. -

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 197 (Roll no. 312).

1:04 P.M. -

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 382:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1684) to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 197 (Roll no. 311).

12:55 P.M. -

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 199 (Roll no. 310).

11:43 A.M. -

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 382.

11:39 A.M. -

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 383:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1873) to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes

11:38 A.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 383, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of resolution until later in the legislative day.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

11:07 A.M. -

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 383.

11:03 A.M. -

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 890:: to establish requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans

11:02 A.M. -

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

10:26 A.M. -

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 890.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Miller, George moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

10:22 A.M. -

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

10:03 A.M. -

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES - The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 124.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Chair designated Mr. Sires to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.M. -

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. -

Today's prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael R. McNulty to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. -

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.