69-008

2d Session

110-654

--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

[To accompany H. Res. 1137]

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom was referred the resolution (H. Res. 1137) supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the resolution be agreed to.

PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION

H. Res. 1137 recognizes the contribution of public works professionals to communities across the country by facilitating a resolution to recognize this year's National Public Work's Week: May 18 through 24, 2008.

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

`Public works' is loosely defined as projects or programs carried out by the federal or state government for the benefit of the community. These projects and programs include: transportation systems, such as rail, highways, and public transit; water supply infrastructure; sewage and refuse disposal systems; public buildings; and other structures and facilities.

Public works infrastructure, facilities, and services provide safety, health, and economic assurances for both large and small populations. These services could not be provided in the efficient and effective method in which they are without the skill of public works professionals, such as engineers, administrators, and servicemen.

National Public Works Week is observed each year during the month of May, and is aimed at increasing awareness of the dedication of public works professionals.

SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION

H. Res. 1137 recognizes the significant diverse contributions that public works professionals make every day to improve the U.S. public infrastructure and the communities that they serve, and states that the House of Representatives--

(1) supports the goals and ideas of National Public Works Week;

(2) recognizes and celebrates the important service that public works professionals make to each citizen's daily life; and

(3) urges citizens and communities throughout the United States to pay tribute to these efforts from May 18 through May 24, 2008, together with the Federal government.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On April 23, 2008, Chairman James L. Oberstar introduced H. Res. 1137, supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.

On May 7, 2008, the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment met to consider H. Res. 1137. The Subcommittee agreed to H. Res. 1137 and favorably recommended it to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure by voice vote.

On May 15, 2008, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider H. Res. 1137. The Committee agreed to the resolution and ordered it reported favorably to the House by voice vote with a quorum present.

RECORD VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives requires each committee report to include the total number of votes cast for and against on each record vote on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the measure or matter, and the names of those members voting for and against. There were no recorded votes taken in connection with ordering H. Res. 1137 reported. A motion to order H. Res. 1137 reported favorably to the House was agreed to by voice vote with a quorum present.

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(I) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in this report.

COST OF LEGISLATION

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 1137 is a House resolution and therefore does not have the force of law. As such, there is no cost associated with this legislation for fiscal year 2008, or for any fiscal year thereafter.

COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII

1. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no comparison of the total estimated funding level for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under current law is required.

2. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no statement of general performance and objectives for any measure that authorizes funding is required.

3. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no cost estimate nor comparison for any measure that authorizes funding is required.

COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XXI

Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 1137 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

With respect to clause (3)(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 1137 is a resolution of the House of Representatives and therefore does not have the force of law. As such, clause (3)(d)(1) of rule XIII does not apply.

FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

H. Res. 1137 contains no federal mandates.

PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local, or tribal law. The Committee states that H. Res. 1137 does not preempt any state, local, or tribal law.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by this legislation.

APPLICABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

H. Res. 1137 makes no changes in existing law.