H.R. 4061 reauthorizes several National Science Foundation (NSF) programs that aim to enhance cybersecurity.  The bill would require agencies participating in the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program (NITRD) to develop, update, and implement a plan to guide the direction of federal cybersecurity and information assurance research and development.  The bill also reauthorizes cybersecurity workforce and traineeship programs at the NSF including the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program and the Graduate Research Fellowship program.
 
H.R. 4061 requires the President to conduct an assessment of cybersecurity workforce needs across the federal government and authorizes NSF to carry out the Scholarship for Service program (which has never been authorized but has been funded previously).  The bill reauthorizes cybersecurity research at NSF and also reauthorizes the Trustworthy Computing program.
 
H.R. 4061 requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to convene a university-industry task force to find ways to carry out collaborative research and development on cybersecurity technology.  The bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and implement a plan to include U.S. representation in the development of international cybersecurity technical standards.
 
Finally, the bill would require NIST to develop and implement a cybersecurity awareness and education program for the dissemination of user-friendly cybersecurity best practices and technical standards.

Debt Limit Increase Summary

H.J. Res. 45 would increase the current statutory debt limit by $1.9 trillion, from $12.394 trillion to $14.294 trillion.  The 15.3 percent increase would be the third raise since February, 2009, and the largest amount of a one-time debt limit increase in history.

The national debt subject to the statutory limit is currently at $12.36 trillion or 85 percent of Gross Domestic Product.  The current share of the debt is $40,053 for every man, woman, and child in the U.S.  According to reports, the $1.9 trillion increase would allow Democrats to keep spending and borrowing until after November, avoiding another politically difficult vote on the debt until after the Election Day.

Statutory "PAYGO" Summary

The legislation also includes a Senate amendment that would institute new, permanent statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budgeting requirements for both the House and Senate, with a number of exceptions.  In general, the PAYGO rule would require that bills providing tax relief or new direct spending must be offset by tax increases or mandatory spending reductions.

PAYGO Estimates:  Under the bill, the Chairman of the appropriate House or Senate budget committees (depending on where the bill originates) would establish an estimate of the direct spending effects of a bill prior to its consideration.  The estimate would be requested by the Chairman from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the estimate must be prepared using the CBO baseline.  In the case of a conference report, the Chairmen of the House and Senate Budget Committees would jointly submit an estimate.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would also be required to maintain two PAYGO scorecards displaying the budgetary effects of PAYGO legislation.  If legislation affecting direct spending did not include an estimate from the appropriate Budget Committee chair, the OMB score would be used.

In determining the budgetary effects of legislation, OMB would be required to determine the total effect over five and ten year periods (including the current budget year) and divide the total cost by five or ten years, depending on the applicable scorecard.  The average cost per year would then be applied to each year on the scorecard.  Using this average cost scoring method, legislation that has high estimated costs in the early years with revenue increases in later years could be averaged to lower the apparent cost each year.

Sequestration:  H.J. Res. 45 would require OMB to publish a PAYGO report each year, within 14 days after Congress adjourns.  If the annual report shows a deficit on either PAYGO scorecard for the budget year, OMB and the President would be required to issue a sequestration order that would reduce nonexempt mandatory spending by an amount equal to that year's deficit.  If both scorecards show a different deficit, OMB would be required to offset the larger of the two deficits.

In carrying out a sequestration order, OMB would be required to reduce nonexempt mandatory spending by a uniform percentage.  However, over 150 mandatory programs are exempt from sequestration under the legislation.  According to CBO's analysis of similar legislation, "the threat of sequestration would apply only to relatively modest amounts of mandatory spending because the vast majority of such spending would be exempt from that enforcement (as was the case under the BEA's PAYGO framework).  As a result, any feasible sequestration would not generate enough reductions in spending to offset the costs of major new spending or revenue initiatives."

Baseline Adjustments for Current Policies:  The legislation exempts certain direct spending increases and tax relief from PAYGO rules as follows:

• Legislation to prevent cuts in physician payments under the Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) trigger (the "doc fix").
• Provisions to extend the death tax at 2009 levels ($3.5 million exemption and a 45 percent tax rate) for two years, through December 31, 2011.
• Measures to extend the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) through December 31, 2011.
• Extensions of 2001 and 2003 tax relief for individuals making less than $200,000 or $250,000 for joint filers through December 31, 2011.  This includes 12 specific tax relief extensions, including the 10 percent tax bracket and marriage penalty relief.  This PAYGO exemption would only apply through December 31, 2011.  If these provisions were allowed to expire thereafter it would be another violation of the President's pledge not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000.

Exemptions:  In addition to the mandatory spending programs exempted from sequestration and the exceptions made for adjustments in current baseline, the bill would not affect the following spending:

Emergency Legislation:  Mandatory spending provisions designated as emergency legislation would not be scored as having a budgetary effect for the purpose of PAYGO enforcement.

Discretionary Spending:  The bill exempts discretionary spending-approximately 40 percent of federal spending-from being subject to PAYGO budget neutrality requirements.

H.R. 2843 would amend the process for appointing the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) by moving the responsibility of selecting the AOC solely to the legislative branch.  The bill would stipulate that the AOC shall be appointed jointly by the following individuals:

• The Speaker of the House of Representatives;
• The President pro tempore of the Senate;
• The majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate;
• The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives;
• The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate; and
• The chairs and ranking minority members of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Under current law, these individuals compose a commission that makes recommendations on AOC appointments to the President, who makes the final nomination to the Senate.

H.R. 4532 would permanently extend fee withholding procedures which allow Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to pay fees to lawyers and representatives in successful applications for benefits directly out of a claimant's benefits, such as SSI disability.

The legislation would set the criteria for an eligible non-attorney representative, including requirements that a representative have a bachelor's degree, pass an examination, have professional liability insurance, and undergo a criminal background check. In addition, the bill would allow the Social Security Commissioner to assess "reasonable fees" on recipients participating in the program.

The program, which was last extended in 2004, is set to expire on March 1, 2009.

H.R. 4061 reauthorizes several National Science Foundation (NSF) programs that aim to enhance cybersecurity.  The bill would require agencies participating in the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program (NITRD) to develop, update, and implement a plan to guide the direction of federal cybersecurity and information assurance research and development.  The bill also reauthorizes cybersecurity workforce and traineeship programs at the NSF including the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program and the Graduate Research Fellowship program.
 
H.R. 4061 requires the President to conduct an assessment of cybersecurity workforce needs across the federal government and authorizes NSF to carry out the Scholarship for Service program (which has never been authorized but has been funded previously).  The bill reauthorizes cybersecurity research at NSF and also reauthorizes the Trustworthy Computing program.
 
H.R. 4061 requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to convene a university-industry task force to find ways to carry out collaborative research and development on cybersecurity technology.  The bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop and implement a plan to include U.S. representation in the development of international cybersecurity technical standards.
 
Finally, the bill would require NIST to develop and implement a cybersecurity awareness and education program for the dissemination of user-friendly cybersecurity best practices and technical standards.

H.Res. 957 would be resolved that the House of Representatives honors the historic achievements of Jimmie Kenneth Johnson and the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet team.

H.R. 4495 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 North Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the "Jim Kolbe Post Office".

H.Res. 960 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the designation of ‘National Stalking Awareness Month' to educate the people of the United States about stalking;
• "Encourages the people of the United States to applaud the efforts of the many victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, national and community organizations, and private sector supporters for their efforts in promoting awareness about stalking;
• "Encourages policymakers, criminal justice officials, victim service and social service agencies, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and others to recognize the need to increase awareness of stalking and the availability of services for stalking victims; and
• "Urges national and community organizations, businesses in the private sector, and the media to promote awareness of the crime of stalking through ‘National Stalking Awareness Month'."

H.Res. 1022 would resolve, that the House of Representatives:
• "Honors the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers;
• "Recognizes the important role Mr. Evers played in securing civil rights for all people in the United States; and
• "Congratulates the United States Navy for honoring Medgar Evers by naming the United States Naval Ship Medgar Evers after him.

H.Res. 901 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Recognizes the 49th anniversary of the first day of integrated schools in New Orleans, Louisiana;
• "Remembers Judge J. Skelly Wright for his advocacy, support, and lifelong commitment to promoting civil rights, fairness, and equality;
• "Commends Ruby Bridges for her bravery and courage 49 years ago, and for her lifetime commitment to raising awareness of diversity through improved educational opportunities for all children;
• "Supports policies and efforts to-
o "Close the achievement gap in the schools of our Nation;
o "Improve the high school graduation rate for all students;
o "Strengthen the ability of all students to attend and complete post-secondary education; and
o "Promote the benefits of school integration throughout the educational careers of students; and
• "Congratulates all the individuals who have dedicated their lives to the field of education and to promoting equal opportunities for all students regardless of the backgrounds of the students.

H.Res. 1043 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Recognizes Brescia University for 60 years of service as an institution of higher education; and
• "Commends Brescia University for leadership and service to students and the community of Owensboro, Kentucky, and the surrounding region."

H.Res. 1014 would resolve that the House of Representatives recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of North American Inclusion Month.

S. 2950 amends the PROTECT Act to extend by 14 months the Child Safety Pilot Program (allowing certain volunteer organizations to obtain national and state criminal history background checks on their volunteers).

H.Res. 1044 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Commemorates the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz;
• "Honors the victims of Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration and extermination camps, and all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis;
• "Expresses gratitude to the Allied soldiers, underground fighters, and all those whose efforts helped defeat the Nazi regime and liberate Auschwitz and other concentration and extermination camps during World War II;
• "Reaffirms its commitment to enhance Holocaust education at home and abroad and to ensure that what happened in Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration and extermination camps is never allowed to happen again; and
• "Urges all countries to enhance their efforts to combat bigotry, racism, intolerance, and anti-Semitism."

H.R. 3726 would establish the Castle Nugent Farms National Historic site in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a unit of the National Park Service (NPS). The site would be comprised of approximately 8,600 submerged acres and 2,900 acres of privately owned land. The legislation would authorize the Secretary of Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of the historic site.

The legislation states that the Secretary shall administer the site in order to preserve, protect, and interpret a "Caribbean cultural landscape that spans more than 300 years of agricultural use." The Secretary would be required to submit a management plan for the site within three years of funds being made available for land acquisition. According to CBO, it will cost $45 million to acquire the entirety of the land within the new historic site over ten years.

H.Res. 1020 would resolve, that the House of Representatives honors the 95th anniversary of the signing of the Rocky Mountain National Park Act and commends the National Park Service and so many Coloradans for their dedication to preserving this region of the Southern Rocky Mountains for future generations to come.

H.R. 4474 would authorize the Secretary of Interior to extend permits which allow the owners of certain water storage and diversion facilities on protected National Forest System land to operate water facilities under certain conditions. Under the bill, the Secretary would have to determine that a facility met the following requirements to receive a permit:

1. Existed on the land prior to its designation as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
2. Has been in continuous use and delivering water since the land was designated.
3. The owner of the facility holds a valid water right for use of the water.
4. It is not practicable or feasible to relocate the facility to land outside of the wilderness.

Under the special lease, the Secretary would have to allow the use of motorized vehicles as necessary to keep up the facilities.

H.R. 4508 would extend the authorization of the Small Business Administration (SBA) through April 30, 2010.

H.Res. 583 would be resolved that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Lester Flatt has made an invaluable contribution to American art as both a songwriter and a performer, leaving an indelible legacy in bluegrass music.

H.Res. 990 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the designation of `National Mentoring Month';
• "Recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of caring adults and students who are already volunteering as mentors and encourages more adults and students to volunteer as mentors; and
• "Encourages the people of the United States to observe National Mentoring Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of, and volunteer involvement with, youth mentoring."

H.Res. 1030 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Congratulates Messiah College men's and women's soccer teams on winning the 2009 NCAA Division III national championships; and
• "Recognizes Messiah College for excellence in academics, athletics, and character."

H.Res. 1029 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Honors and recognizes the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in our Nation's elementary and secondary schools; and
• "Encourages the people of the United States to observe `National School Counseling Week' with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society."

H.Res. 1024 would be appropriate to designate the month of January 2010 as Poverty in America Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it resolved, that:

• "The House of Representatives-
o "Supports the designation of Poverty in America Awareness Month; and
o "Recognizes the important contributions of those individuals and organizations that have made a commitment to providing critical support and services to needy individuals and families; and
• "It is the sense of the House of Representatives that-
o "Eradicating poverty in the United States should be the goal for all people in the United States, including all levels of government;
o "The severe economic downturn has highlighted the need to ensure that the Nation's most vulnerable individuals and families are able to meet their most fundamental needs during a time of financial crisis; and
o "Congress should recommit itself to helping individuals and families facing economic hardship receive the assistance they need and deserve in moving towards greater economic security through programs under Title IV of the Social Security Act and other related programs."

H.Res. 1003 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the designation of National Influenza Vaccination Week, including raising public awareness that vaccination is the best defense against the flu; and
• "Encourages people in the United States to get vaccinated, especially those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and healthcare workers."

S. 2949 would provide up to $25 million in Fiscal Year 2010 for a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) program which repatriates U.S. citizens from foreign countries. Repatriation assistance provides temporary assistance to citizens and their dependents who are identified by the Department of State as needing to return from a foreign country to the U.S. but who do not have the resources to do so. In addition to providing temporary assistance directly to repatriates, the program also provides funds to States and other vendors to cover the administrative costs of providing temporary assistance to these individuals. This financial assistance is repayable to the U.S. government, unless waived by the Secretary of HHS. Current law caps payments at $1 million annually.

Additionally, the bill would provide an additional $60 million in funding for the Qualifying Individual (QI) program, which allows States to fund the Medicare Part B premiums of near-poor seniors not eligible for Medicaid. Several States have reported potential shortfalls in their QI programs this year, and the additional funding is intended to resolve those potential deficits. The bill does not extend the QI program, however.

The bill's Haiti funding and the increased QI funds are paid for through transfers from the Medicaid Improvement Fund. The Medicaid Improvement Fund is a program intended to improve the management of the Medicaid program. The legislation cuts $90 million from that fund.

H.Res. 1011 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month;
• "Recognizes the importance of good cervical health and of detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages;
• "Urges healthcare advocates to continue to raise public awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection;
• "Urges the people of the United States to learn about cervical cancer and its causes, most notably human papillomavirus (HPV), and the importance of early detection; and
• "Recognizes the patients and survivors of cervical cancer and their families for their tremendous courage and determination."

H.R. 1065, the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009, ratifies the Water Rights Quantification Agreement reached by the federal government, the State of Arizona, the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and other local parties regarding the Tribe's claim to water rights on and originating from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.  Under the agreement, the Tribe would receive rights to divert up to 99,000 acre-feet of water from the Salt River annually.  The Tribe would be authorized to enter into water leasing agreements with local towns and water systems.

In addition, the bill would require the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain, replace, and rehabilitate a rural water system to provide water to the reservation.  The bill would authorize federal funding for a number of local water, environmental and economic development projects for the Tribe. 

Specific funding authorization levels include:

• $126 million for the Bureau of Water Reclamation to plan, engineer, design and operate a rural water system to provide water to the Tribe.  The Tribe would be authorized to accept the title to the project after five years of operations.

• $113.5 million for the "White Mountain Apache Tribe Settlement Fund."   The fund would be used, in part, for the rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems.

• Up to $100 million in funds to be transferred from the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health account to the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Settlement Subaccount.

• $50 million for the "White Mountain Apache Tribe Maintenance Fund" for the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs associated with the delivery of water through the rural water system.  CBO estimates that this funding would not be spent until after the ten year budget window.

• $25 million for White Mountain Apache Tribe rural water system cost overruns.

• $2.5 million for the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of the White Mountain Apache Tribe rural water system.

The bill also stipulates that all authorization levels in the bill may fluctuate to reflect changes in the cost of construction.

In addition, prior law provides for Indian water rights settlements approved by Congress to be eligible to receive funding from the Future Indian Water Settlement Program, which can be spent without further appropriation.  CBO originally estimated that this subaccount will be used to supplement funding for the construction of the rural water system and increase direct spending by $125 million through 2019 and $22 million thereafter.  To avoid a PAYGO violation, funds from this account cannot be accessed until after FY 2019.

H.R. 3342 ratifies the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque (the Four Pueblos).  The Settlement Agreement requires the U.S. to provide 2,500 acre-feet per year of imported water for Pueblo use and to plan, design and construct the Regional Water System that would divert and distribute water to the Four Pueblos and the Santa Fe County Water Utility.  The Pueblos and Santa Fe County would jointly operate the Regional Water System through the formation of a Regional Water Authority. The Regional Water System would provide 60 percent of its capacity and water to the Four Pueblos, with the remaining 40 percent of the water and capacity provided to and maintained by the Santa Fe County Water Utility.

The bill also requires the federal government to fund a number of water projects including:

• $106 million for the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin. The amount of the authorizations may increase based on ordinary fluctuations in construction costs since October 1, 2006, as determined using applicable engineering cost indices.

• $5.4 million for the acquisition of water rights.

• $15 million for the rehabilitation, improvement, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the agricultural delivery facilities, waste water systems, and other water-related infrastructure of the applicable Pueblo. This amount would also be adjusted upwards for any increases in construction costs.

• $37 million to assist in paying the Pueblos' share of the cost of operating, maintaining, and replacing the Pueblo Water Facilities and the Regional Water System.

• $5 million for the acquisition of the Nambe reserved water rights. The amount authorized would be adjusted upwards for any increased construction costs. The funds provided under this section may be used by the Pueblo of Nambe only for the acquisition of land, other real property interests, or economic development.

H.R. 3254 would ratify the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement.  In addition, the bill would authorize $121 million for the infrastructure, water development, and local grants for the Taos Pueblo.

The settlement gives the Taos Pueblo water rights totaling 11,927 acre-feet per year in depletions, including 2,215 acre-feet per year from the San Juan-Chama Project.  Included in the settlement is an agreement by the Pueblo to initially abstain from using 4,678 acre-feet per year for continued non-Indian use.

The bill authorizes $30 million for the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the Taos Pueblo to construct and maintain water infrastructure and to restore and protect environmentally sensitive lands and watersheds.  $10 million could be available upon appropriation, and the remaining $20 million would not be available until 2017.

Under the settlement, the bill establishes the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund within the U.S. Treasury to pay for or reimburse the costs incurred by the Pueblo.  The bill authorizes $58 million for the Water Development Fund to be available upon enactment of the agreement in 2017.  $15 million of the $58 million would be available for the purpose of purchasing water rights in the Taos Valley.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to local governments, other than the Taos Pueblos, for projects intended to mitigate the impact of diverting water from present uses to execute the settlement.  The federal government would be responsible for 75 percent of the costs incurred while State and local governments would cover 25%.  The bill authorizes the appropriation of $33 million for this purpose.

H.Res. 708 would resolve that the House of Representatives congratulates Nancy Goodman Brinker for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

H.Con.Res. 158 would resolve that the Congress supports the designation of an Early Detection Month to enhance public awareness of screening for breast cancer and all other forms of cancer.

H.R. 3250 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1210 West Main Street in Riverhead, New York, as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building".

H.Res. 1009 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Honors the seven Americans who died in the bombing that took place in Khost, Afghanistan, on December 30, 2009, and the families of those patriots for their service and their sacrifice for the United States;
• "Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed in the bombing;
• "Offers support and hope for a full recovery for those who were wounded in the bombing; and
• "Shares in the pain and grief felt in the aftermath of such a tragic event."

H.Res. 1013 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Condemns the violent suppression of legitimate political dissent and gross human rights abuses, including mass murder and extreme sexual violence, perpetrated by forces under the command of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) in Guinea and demands that the perpetrators of these crimes be brought to justice;
• "Expresses grave concern about the further deterioration of security and rule of law in Guinea, particularly with regard to ongoing reports of-
o harassment of opposition figures, members of civil society, and journalists;
o rising ethnic tensions;
o growing cleavages within the CNDD and the military which raise the potential of a violent counter-coup;
o recruitment of militias and other irregular forces from within Guinea and neighboring countries;
o importation of weapons despite an arms embargo on the region; and
o uncertainty about the prospects for restoring civilian rule through free, fair, and transparent elections;
• "Calls on China to cease its material support for the CNDD by publically announcing the cancellation of China International Fund's $7,000,000,000 minerals and infrastructure deal in Guinea;
• "Urges all Member States of the United Nations to join the United States, the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to impose sanctions against the regime until constitutional order and rule of law has been restored in Guinea;
• "Supports the efforts of the ECOWAS and the AU to find a resolution to the current political crisis in Guinea;
• "Urges the leaders of the CNDD to uphold their pledges to form an inclusive transitional government, refrain from standing as candidates in the upcoming national elections, and to facilitate the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections that meet international standards and reflect the will of the Guinean people; and
• "Expresses solidarity with the people of Guinea during this time of extreme uncertainty and expresses deep regret for the victims of the September 28, 2009, crackdown and subsequent political impasse."

H.R. 4139 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9727 Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas, as the "Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building".

H.Res. 1010 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 30th anniversary of the Stevie Wonder song tribute to Dr. King, `Happy Birthday';
• "Recognizes that the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues on with commitments to freedom, equality, and justice, as exhibited by Stevie Wonder and so many others; and
• "Encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King by renewing pledges to advance those principles and actions that are consistent with Dr. King's belief that ‘all men are created equal'."

H.R. __ would allow qualifying charitable donations for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti that are made between January 11, 2010, and March 1, 2010, to be treated as if such contributions were made in 2009, rather than in 2010. The bill defines an eligible contribution as "a cash contribution made for the relief of victims in areas affect by the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010."

.R. 730, as amended by the Senate, would expand the responsibilities of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) by calling on it to develop a national strategic five-year plan for improving nuclear forensic and attribution capabilities.

Sense of Congress:  The legislation expresses the sense of Congress that the President should pursue international agreements to establish an international framework for determining the source of any confiscated nuclear or radiological material or weapon, as well as the source of any detonated weapon and the nuclear or radiological material used in such a weapon.  It would also express the sense of Congress that the President should develop protocols for data exchange and dissemination of sensitive information relating to nuclear or radiological materials and samples of controlled nuclear or radiological materials as well as develop expedited protocols for the data exchange and dissemination of sensitive information needed to publicly identify the source of a nuclear detonation.

National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center: The bill requires the establishment of a National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center, to provide centralized planning, assessment, and integration for federal nuclear forensics activities to ensure an enduring national technical nuclear forensics capability and strengthen the collective response of the U.S. to nuclear terrorism or attacks.

Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program:  The bill establishes a National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program devoted to developing and maintaining an academic pathway from undergraduate to post-doctorate study in nuclear and geochemical science specialties directly relevant to technical nuclear forensics.  It directs the Office to establish a four-year undergraduate student scholarship program and a five-year doctoral student program.  The National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program would create faculty awards to ensure faculty and their graduate students receive a sustained funding stream.  

The program would seek to reinvigorate technical nuclear forensics programs and would "place a particular emphasis" on encouraging the participation of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Hawaiian Native-serving institutions.  Some Members may be concerned that through this provision the bill provides funding to Native Hawaiians, a racial group which is not a tribe.  Such financial assistance on the basis of race would likely be subject to "strict scrutiny" in federal courts and is presumptively unconstitutional.

Funding:  The bill does not include specific funding authorization for the expanded responsibility of DNDO.  The bill as passed by the House authorized $30 million annually through Fiscal Year 2011.

H.R. 2611 would authorize funding for Fiscal Year 2010 and subsequent years for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support the Securing the Cities Initiative, a program to detect illicit nuclear and radiological material in urban areas.

For each city that participated in the program in 2009, the bill would authorize the appropriation of $40 million for Fiscal Year 2010, $20 million for 2011, and at least $10 million for each subsequent year. H.R. 2611 would authorize the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year to implement this program in at least two new areas.

H.Res. __would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy for the horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the earthquake of January 12, 2010;
• "Expresses solidarity with Haitians, Haitian Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy, including United States Embassy personnel, United Nations peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers;
• "Commends the efforts and honors the sacrifice of the men and women of the Government of Haiti, the United States Government, the United Nations, and the international community in their immediate response to those affected by this calamity;
• "Commends the efforts of the American people, including the Haitian-American community, to provide relief to families, friends, and unknown peoples suffering in the country;
• "Supports the efforts of the Administration to provide and coordinate international humanitarian assistance and to provide relief to affected communities;
• "Expresses support for the recovery and long-term reconstruction needs of Haiti;
• "Recognizes that the recovery and long-term needs of Haiti will require a sustained commitment by the United States and international community based on comprehensive assessments of the development needs for Haiti; have otherwise been affected by the tragedy, including United States Embassy personnel, United Nations.
• "Urges those who hold debt against Haiti, including the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and all other regional and international institutions and countries, to immediately suspend further debt payments, and to develop processes to cancel all remaining debt; and
• "Urges the President-
o "to continue to make available to United States agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private volunteer organizations, regional institutions, and United Nations agencies the resources necessary to confront the effects and consequences of this natural disaster;
o "to provide, when the emergency subsides, assistance in partnership with the Government of Haiti and in coordination with other donors to begin the reconstruction of Haiti;
o "to undertake comprehensive assessments of the long-term needs for recovery and development in Haiti, ensure transparency and accountability, and lead coordination efforts with international actors who share in the goal of a better future for Haiti and are willing to support the costs of meeting those needs; and
o "to utilize new and innovative thinking in providing long-term assistance to Haiti, including tapping into the insight and immense potential of the Haitian Diaspora, to help Haitians rebuild upon the strongest possible foundation, in order to promote a stable and sustainable future for Haiti."

H.Res. 991 would resolve that the House of Representatives congratulates the University of Virginia men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship.

H.Res. 1008 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States;
• "Applauds the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their selection of a theme that all can celebrate; and
• "Congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation.

H.Res. 776 would resolve that the House of Representatives congratulates the Dartmouth Outing Club of Hanover, New Hampshire, for 100 years of service to the United States and its wilderness, and commends the Club's ongoing commitment to further environmental stewardship and student leadership.

H.Res. 1004 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Congratulates the Feinberg School of Medicine on the momentous occasion of its 150th anniversary, and expresses its best wishes for continued success;
• "Recognizes and commends the Feinberg School of Medicine for its dedication to educating world class physicians and scientists, sponsoring cutting edge medical research, and providing highly specialized clinical care; and
• "Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make available enrolled copies of this resolution to the Feinberg School of Medicine for appropriate display."

H.Res. 1007 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Commends the University of Alabama for winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship;
• "Recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, and support staff who were instrumental in the victory; and
• "Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of this resolution to University of Alabama President Dr. Robert E. Witt and head coach Nick Saban for appropriate display."

H.R. 725 would authorize any federal law enforcement officer to investigate crimes relating to an alleged counterfeiting of Indian arts and crafts. Under current law, only the FBI can conduct such an investigation. The bill would also authorize the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to refer any violations involving the sale of goods misrepresented as Indian-produced goods to any federal law enforcement officer or agency, as opposed to just the FBI. In addition, any federal law enforcement officer would be authorized to conduct an investigation without a referral from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

H.R. 725 would require that the findings of any investigation regarding counterfeit Indian arts and crafts be referred to either the State or federal prosecutor or the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. The bill would then allow the Board to make recommendations to the prosecutor on how the case should be handled, including recommendations on criminal or civil proceedings. The bill would expand the basis for bringing a civil suit for misrepresentation of Indian produced goods to allow an Indian tribe, a member of that Indian tribe, or an Indian arts and crafts organization to bring suit.

Finally, the bill would modify the maximum punishments for the misrepresentation of Indian-produced goods. If the good in question was being sold at a price of $1,000 or more, the punishment would be a maximum fine of $250,000 for an individual and $1 million for a group, and a maximum sentence of five years in prison. For a second offense, the bill would increase penalties to a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and $5 million in fines.

H.Res.  ___would resolve that the House of Representatives:

• "Congratulates the Penn State women's volleyball team and the university's athletes, coaches, faculty, students, and alumni on the winning of the 2009 NCAA Division I women's volleyball championship; and
• "Recognizes Penn State for its recognized excellence as an institution of higher education."

H.R. 3538 would authorize the Secretary of Interior to extend permits which allow the owners of certain water storage and diversion facilities on protected National Forest System land to operate water facilities under certain conditions. Under the bill, the Secretary would have to determine that a facility met the following requirements to receive a permit:

1. Existed on the land prior to its designation as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
2. Has been in continuous use and delivering water since the land was designated.
3. The owner of the facility holds a valid water right for use of the water.
4. It is not practicable or feasible to relocate the facility to land outside of the wilderness.

Under the special lease, the Secretary would have to allow the use of motorized vehicles as necessary to keep up the facilities.

H.R. 3759 would authorize the Secretary of Interior to extend certain contracts for harvesting timber on land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by up to three years. The bill would allow the Secretary to extend the contracts for the sale of timber from BLM lands for timber companies that cannot afford to currently remove timber from the lands for economic reasons.

H.R. 3726 would establish the Castle Nugent Farms National Historic site in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a unit of the National Park Service (NPS). The site would be comprised of approximately 8,600 submerged acres and 2,900 acres of privately owned land. The legislation would authorize the Secretary of Interior to acquire lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of the historic site.

The legislation states that the Secretary shall administer the site in order to preserve, protect, and interpret a "Caribbean cultural landscape that spans more than 300 years of agricultural use." The Secretary would be required to submit a management plan for the site within three years of funds being made available for land acquisition. According to CBO, it will cost $45 million to acquire the entirety of the land within the new historic site over ten years.