This Legislative Digest reflects H.R. 3644 as modified by the Rep. Capps Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute provided for by the rule.

The stated purpose of this legislation is to "advance educational literacy, develop public awareness and appreciation of the economic, social, recreational, and environmental benefits of coastal watersheds, and emphasize stewardship of critical coastal and marines resources, including an understanding of how climate change is impacting those resources through the establishment of an Environmental Literacy Grant Program and regional programs under the B-WET Program."

Environmental Literacy Grant Program:  The bill requires that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) establish an Environmental Literacy Grant Program.  This national competitive grant program would provide financial assistance to expand the adoption of coastal, ocean, Great Lakes, and climate education; build administrative and technical capacity within coastal and watershed communities to enhance their effectiveness; encourage water-dependent and outdoor recreation and learning to promote environmental stewardship; and develop and implement new approaches to coastal, ocean, Great Lakes, and climate education and literacy.  Priority consideration would be given to innovative, strategic, high-leverage projects that demonstrate long-term potential.

Additionally, the bill requires that after consultation with appropriate stakeholders and within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the NOAA Administrator must publish program guidelines, including criteria for eligible entities, national priorities, and performance measures.  Of amounts made available to implement the program, no less than 80 percent would be used for competitive grants, no more than 10 percent for the Administrator to implement the program, and no less than 10 percent for strategic planning and coordination to foster communication, integration, and evaluation efforts.

B-WET Program:  H.R. 3644 provides that the NOAA Administrator shall conduct Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) programs that already exist or are under active consideration for creation.  It also authorizes the Administrator to create new regional programs, pursuant to a strategy that identifies regional needs, potential partnerships, a budget for expansion, and potential new regional programs.  Priority consideration would be given to the establishment of new programs given to U.S. territories, the Great Lakes States, Alaska, and the mid-Atlantic region.  

The bill would provide that each regional program appoints one regional manager who administers and supports the program.  Priority consideration shall be given to those programs that promote bay-watershed education throughout the region, build capacity for expanding and strengthening current work, promote professional development and training for educators, and replicate existing proven programs. Priority consideration shall also be given to those projects for which the federal share does not exceed 75 percent and those which are conducted by or benefit any under-served or low-income communities.

H.R. 3644 requires NOAA's Office of Education to work with regional B-WET programs on strategic planning, integration and coordination, evaluation, network-wide communications, selection of new regional program managers, and management, tracking and oversight.  Of amounts made available to implement the program, no less than 80 percent of funds would be used to implement regional grant programs activities and no more than 20 percent shall be used by the Administrator to implement the program.

Biennial Report:  H.R. 3644 requires the Administrator to report to Congress biennially on the grant programs authorized by the Act.

Authorization of Appropriations:  The bill authorizes to be appropriated a total of $80.6 million for the Environmental Literacy Grant Program between Fiscal Years 2011-2015 and a total of $65.1 million for the B-WET Program over Fiscal Years 2011-2015.

H.Res. 1133 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Recognizes the extraordinary number of African-Americans who have overcome significant obstacles to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the field of science in the United States;
• "Honors and recognizes all African-American innovators who have contributed to scientific education and research, directly and indirectly, whose contributions have increased economic empowerment in the United States; and
• "Encourages the Administration to invest in programs that are proven effective to lessen the achievement gap of African-Americans as well as other minority and disadvantaged groups in the sciences and ultimately strengthen competitiveness in the United States."

H.Res. 1027 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench and its valuable and historic scientific contributions;
• "Recognizes the lifetime achievements of Capt. Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard and their contributions to the furtherance of ocean science, ocean engineering, human exploration, and a better understanding of the planet;
• "Recognizes the Mariana Trench as one of the world's great ocean classrooms and the need to continue to explore its depths that can lead to great scientific discoveries; and
• "Recognizes the commitment of the United States to continue to educate the future leaders in ocean science and human exploration."

H.Res. 1040 would resolve that the House of Representatives honor the life and accomplishments of Donald Harington for his contributions to literature in the United States.

H.Res. 1174 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month; and
• "Recognizes and honors the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women's history."

H.R. 4840 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1979 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, as the "Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office".

H.Con.Res. 244 would resolve that the House of Representatives (with the Senate concurring), Congress:
• "Supports the designation of a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians; and
• "Supports the goals and ideals of a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians."

H.R. 4003 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete a study of the Hudson River Valley to evaluate the national significance of the section of the Hudson River that flows from Rodgers Island at Fort Edward to the southern-most boundary of Westchester County, New York. The study will evaluate the suitability and feasibility of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System. Under the legislation, the Secretary would be required to report the findings of the study no later than 36 months after the date that funds are first made available. The Secretary would be required to determine the effects of National Park Service designation on a variety of recreational, commercial, and energy concerns in the Hudson River Valley.

H.R. 4252 directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to complete a survey of ground water resources in the Rialto-Colton Basin in California. The survey would be required to identify aquifers and perchlorate concentrations in the basin and characterize the surface and bedrock geology of the Basin, including the effect of geology on ground water yield and quality. Under the legislation, the study would have to be completed within two years of enactment.

H.R. 3671 would direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to establish a nutrient and sediment monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The bill would direct the Secretary to establish guidelines for related data collection and storage activities, inventory the sediment and monitoring efforts of governmental and nongovernmental entities, data gaps, and redundancies, and collaborate with other public and private monitoring efforts in establishing the monitoring program. H.R. 3671 would also direct the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a water resources assessment of the Basin. The Director of the USGS is required to establish: a computer modeling program of nutrient and sediment sources in the Basin, and an Internet-based system to distribute information about nutrient and sediment loss reduction projects and nutrient and sediment levels in the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries.

This bill authorizes $6.25 million in each fiscal year, subject to appropriations, for a program to provide a sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. These authorization levels would do not sunset. The monitoring would collect data on the sources of sediment and nutrients, and would record changes over time. The measure also requires the U.S. Geological Survey to create computer models to identify significant sources of sediment and nutrients, and to create a system that uses the Internet to distribute information about these matters. The measure authorizes an additional $650,000 for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive assessment of water resources in the Mississippi Basin.

H.R. 2788 would designate a memorial to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in flight. The memorial, which would be located at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California, would not be a unit of the National Park System and would not be constructed with federal funds.

H.R. 4395 would expand the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania to include the train station at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived to deliver the Gettysburg Address. The bill authorizes the Interior Department to purchase the property from a willing seller only after all other efforts to acquire the land without cost to the government have been exhausted. The bill would also expand the park's boundaries to include 45 acres in Cumberland Township, PA., adjacent to the current park boundary where an owner has expressed a willingness to sell to the National Park Service. The committee report notes that this parcel of land is adjacent to the current park boundary, along the southern base of Big Round Top and part of the Battlefield Historic District, and was the site of cavalry skirmishes associated with the main battle.

H.R. 1769 would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the State of Washington by 22,173 acres. The land designated as wilderness would be administered by the Department of Agriculture in accordance with the Wilderness Act. The bill would also designate the Pratt River and Middle Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington as wild and scenic rivers. The area that would be designated as wild and scenic consist of a 27.4-mile segment of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River near the La Bohn Gap, and the entirety of the Pratt River.

H.Res. 1141 would resolve that the House of Representatives recognizes the 100th anniversary of Vermont's Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, and congratulates the Green Mountain Club for its century of dedication in developing and maintaining the Long Trail.

H.R. 4214 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45300 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, California, as the "Roy Wilson Post Office".

H.R. 4825 would require any amounts remaining of House Members' Representational Allowances, after all payments are made for the year, to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction. In fiscal years for which there is no federal budget deficit, the money would be used to reduce the federal debt. This bill would apply to fiscal year 2011 and each succeeding fiscal year.

H.R. 1387 would amend federal law regarding the preservation and storage of electronic communications.  The bill would direct the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to issue regulations governing the preservation of e-mail and other electronic records in electronic format and establish procedures to prevent the unauthorized removal of classified records from NARA facilities.  The bill also would require federal agencies to manage and preserve their e-mail records electronically.  Finally, H.R. 1387 would amend the Presidential Records Act to give NARA additional authority to oversee management of electronic records of the President, including the authority to restrict access to those records.

H.R. 946 would require every executive agency to use plain language in any document (other than a regulation) issued to the public, including documents and other text released in electronic form. 

The term "plain writing" is defined in the bill as "writing that the intended audience can readily understand and use because that writing is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices of plain writing."

The bill would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance on implementing such requirements to agencies as a circular.  H.R. 946 authorizes agencies to follow the writing guidelines developed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network or their own guidance as long as it is consistent with such guidelines.

H.R. 946 would require each agency head to report to Congress on how the agency intends to:

• Communicate the requirements of this Act to employees;
• Train employees to write in plain language;
• Meet the plain language requirement;
• Ensure ongoing compliance with this Act;
• Designate a senior official to be responsible for implementing this Act; and
• Use plain language in regulations promulgated by it.  

Finally, the bill would require agency heads to report on compliance to OMB and the Director of OMB to report on the progress of agencies to Congress.

H.Res. 1141 would resolve that the House of Representatives honors the achievements and distinguished career of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and recognizes her impact as an American symbol of hard work and rugged individualism.

H.R. 3509 amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for Fiscal Years 2011-2015 for State agricultural loan mediation programs. Under current law, the authorization would expire after Fiscal Year 2010. The authorization level per fiscal year is $7.5 million.

H.R. 3954 would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release, convey, and quitclaim to the State of Florida, without monetary consideration, all interest of the U.S. in and to those lands within or adjacent to the Blackwater River and Withlacoochee State Forests that were conveyed to the State under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act or under any other law. The bill would require the State to cover or reimburse the Secretary for reasonable costs incurred to make the conveyances and bars the Secretary from seeking reimbursement for administrative overhead costs.

H.R. 3954 would require the State to agree that all net proceeds from any sale, exchange, or other disposition of the real property subject to deed restrictions be used by the State for the acquisition of lands or interests within or adjacent to units of Florida's forest and park systems; to address and resolve boundary encroachments for the affected State forests; and to indemnify and hold the U.S. harmless with regard to any boundary disputes related to any released parcel.

The bill also provides for an interchange of certain State lands and National Forest System lands in the Ocala and Apalachicola National Forests in Florida.

Finally, the bill would authorize the Secretary to convey by sale or exchange tract W-1979 within Leon County, Florida.

H.R. 3542 would require the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to fly the flag of each State over the Capitol building on the anniversary of that State's admission to the Union. The bill would require the AOC to begin flying State flags on the first December 7 following enactment in commemoration of the State of Delaware, the first State to enter the Union. The Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate would be allowed to promulgate rules for the recognition of U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The bill would extend a number of funding expansions from the Democrats' "stimulus" bill and several other provisions for about one month. Under current law, the majority of these programs are set to expire on March 31, 2010. While a CBO score for the bill was unavailable as of press time, a score for a similar bill (H.R. 4691) which provided an extension for many of the same programs for the month of March, 2010, was estimated to provided $10.26 billion in funding and revenue reductions. Funding in the bill is designated as "emergency" spending, and thus would not be subject to the Democrats' statutory PAYGO requirements.

Extension of "Stimulus" Unemployment Provisions:  Extends the nationalization of the extended benefit unemployment program through May 5, 2010. The bill would extend 100 percent federal funding for the U.I. extended benefits program, as well as an additional $25 per week for U.I. recipients. However, given that the bill would use entirely federal funds to extend unemployment benefits, some Members may echo the concerns of noted economist Martin Feldstein, who previously testified that extended unemployment would "create undesirable incentives for individuals to delay returning to work. That would lower earnings and total spending." According to CBO, a similar extension for the month of March, 2010, resulted in a cost $6.8 billion in direct spending and a loss of $1.1 billion in lost revenue.

During economic downturns, Congress has acted to extend unemployment benefits beyond the statutory requirement of 26 weeks. Last year's wartime supplemental (P.L. 110-252) provided a new program of extended unemployment compensation benefits for up to 13 weeks (39 weeks total). Legislation signed by President Bush in November 2008 (P.L. 110-449) extended the period of extended unemployment compensation from 13 to 20 weeks (46 weeks total), with an additional 13 weeks (59 weeks total) available in high unemployment States. Legislation passed by Congress in October (P.L. 111-92) extended unemployment benefits for 14 weeks for all individuals (73 weeks total), with an additional six week extension (79 weeks total) for individuals in States with total unemployment rates above 8.5 percent.

The "stimulus" bill, in addition to shifting the financing for extended unemployment compensation benefits to the Treasury (as opposed to the Unemployment Trust Fund), and increasing all unemployment benefits by $25 per week through the end of 2009, effectively nationalized for the first time the Federal/State extended benefit program authorized in permanent law. That program has since its inception in the 1970s paid extended benefits in high unemployment States using 50 percent State funds. Extended benefits last up to 20 weeks, meaning the total maximum duration of 100 percent federally funded extended benefits today is a record 73 weeks-up to 53 weeks under the "temporary" program and another 20 weeks under the "permanent" program, which is currently entirely federally funded. Thus unemployed workers can receive a total of 73 weeks of federal benefits, or 99 weeks (counting 26 weeks of State unemployment benefits) available nationwide.

Extension of "Stimulus" COBRA Premium Subsidy:   The bill would also extend eligibilities for the 15 months of COBRA subsidies to employees who lose their jobs before May 1, 2010. The length of the subsidy eligibility was expanded from nine to 15 months by H.R. 3326 on December 19, 2009. CBO estimated that a similar provision extending benefits for the month of March increased direct spending by $94 million and reduce revenue by $991 million.

Provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) provide for separated employees and their dependents to remain on their previous employer's group policy for 18 months, or up to 36 months in some cases. Employers are permitted to charge former workers electing COBRA coverage the full cost of their group insurance premiums, plus a 2 percent fee to cover administrative costs. The "stimulus" (P.L. 111-5) provided a 65 percent premium subsidy to employers to cover the costs of individuals electing COBRA coverage for up to nine months, provided such election came as a result of the individual's involuntary termination from employment during the period from September 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009. Under the "stimulus", subsidies continue for a maximum of nine months, but terminate once the individual becomes eligible for other employer-based coverage or Medicare. Subsidies begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $125,000 and families with incomes over $250,000, phasing out completely at income levels of $145,000 and $290,000, respectively.

Some Members may view this further extension of health insurance subsidies-again, totally unpaid-for-as part of an attempt to circumvent the President's promise that his health "reform" bill will cost "only" $900 billion, and will not increase the deficit. If Democrats hope to extend provisions like the COBRA subsidies piecemeal through 2014 or beyond-when the major provisions of their "reform" bills will finally take effect-such efforts would cost several hundred billion dollars-yet the majority has made no attempt to offset the costs of such a federal spending binge.

Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate:  The bill provides for a one-month adjustment to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) conversion factor for physician payments. Specifically, the bill provides for a zero percent update for the period from January 1, 2010 through May 1, 2010. The bill further provides that the adjustments made for this period will be disregarded for the purposes of determining the conversion factor for 2010 and future years, resulting in at least a 21 percent reduction in physician payments beginning on March 31, 2010. According to CBO, a similar provision for the month of March, 2010, cost $1 billion.

Medicare Therapy Caps:  The bill retroactively extends allowances for certain Medicare Part B recipients to exceed their yearly $1,860 cap for outpatient physical and speech language therapy services through April 30, 2010. According to CBO, a similar provision for the month on March increased direct spending by $37 million.

Poverty Guidelines:  Extends the expanded Health and Human Services poverty guidelines through April 30, 2010, to ensure that eligibility for certain means-tested benefits will not be reduced because of new poverty guidelines for at least one month. According to CBO, the same provision for the month of March cost $20 million.

Flood Insurance: Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through April 30, 2010.

Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization: Includes a one month extension (through April 30, 2010) of current law which permits satellite television providers to retransmit certain network programming to subscribers. This would allow households that subscribe to various satellite television services to continue to view network broadcasts. According to CBO, this provision cost $2 million and increase revenues by $2 million in the month of March.

Compensation Related to the Lapse in Highway Programs: Provides two days worth of compensation for any federal employees who were furloughed as a result of the expiration of spending from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) between February 28, 2010, and March 2, 2010. Employees would be compensated "as determined under policies established by the Secretary of Transportation." Under the bill, funds used by the Secretary to provide this compensation would be derived from the HTF.

SBA Loans Fee Waiver Extension: Includes $60 million for continuation of reduced fees for Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans and extends their authorization through March 31, 2010. The "stimulus" bill gave the SBA $375 million to increase its guarantee on 7(a) loans and to reduce or eliminate fees on both its 7(a) loans. These funds included in the "stimulus" bill have run out. The 7(a) Loan Program is the SBA's primary program to help start-up and existing small businesses obtain financing when they might not be eligible for business loans through private lending channels. SBA itself does not make the loans, but rather guarantees a portion of loans made and administered by commercial lending institutions. Participating lenders agree to structure loans according to SBA's requirements, and apply and receive a guaranty from SBA on a portion of this loan. According to CBO, this provision would cost $60 million.

H.R. 4853 extends certain authorities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approximately three months, from March 31, 2010, through July 3, 2010. The bill would extend the FAA's authority to spend money from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), their authority to charge taxes, and their appropriated spending levels. Under current law, these authorities would expire on March 31, 2009.

The bill extends certain aviation-related taxes that are used to finance the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, including ticket taxes. Specifically, the bill would extend the domestic passenger ticket tax at its current level of 7.5 percent of ticket price, the domestic flight segment tax at its current level of $3.40 per passenger, and the domestic cargo tax at 6.25 percent of the cost of transporting property.

H.R. 4853 authorizes the appropriation of funds for the Airport Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2010, and extends its program grant authority through July 3, 2010. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for operations, as well as the Air Navigation Facilities and Equipment. Finally, the bill authorizes funding for FAA research, engineering, and development.

HTF Extension Modifications: The legislation contains provisions which modify the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) extension which passed the House as a provision of H.R. 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE).  Under the HIRE Act, $932 million in funds from the Projects of National and Regional Significance (PNRS) program would have been distributed to only 29 states under the pre-existing SAFETEA-LU distribution formulas. H.R. 4853 would adjust that provision to distribute the PNRS funds to every state through the federal highway aid formula.

Under the HIRE Act, funds earmarked for specific states would be disbursed using only six highway formula funding programs.  H.R. 4853 would modify the distribution of HTF funds designated for states such that those funds are disbursed using 13 highway formula programs.  The formula programs are:

• The Interstate maintenance program;
• The national highway system program;
• The highway bridge program;
• The surface transportation program;
• The highway safety improvement program;
• The congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program;
• Metropolitan planning programs;
• The equity bonus program;
• The Appalachian development highway system program;
• The recreational trails program;
• The safe routes to school program;
• The rail-highway grade crossing program.
• The coordinated border infrastructure program.

S. 1147 applies State tobacco tax reporting requirements to the sale of smokeless tobacco products, persons who ship or transfer cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products and the shipment of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco into a locality or Indian country that taxes the sale or use of such products. The bill requires sellers of tobacco products to file with the Attorney General the reports filed with state tobacco tax administrators.

The bill would expand requirements for delivery sales by requiring each delivery seller to comply with specified shipping and record-keeping requirements, all laws generally applicable to sales of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco as if such delivery sales occurred entirely within the specific state and place, and specified tax collection requirements. The bill would require that the shipping package containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco include a statement that federal law requires the payment of all applicable excise and sales taxes and compliance with applicable licensing and tax-stamping obligations. Sellers would also have to comply with specified weight and age verification requirements and keep records of all delivery sales for four years after the date of the delivery sale and make such records accessible to state, local, and Indian tribe tax authorities and the Attorney General.

S. 1147 prohibits the delivery of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco unless the excise tax on such products has been paid and any required stamps or other indicia of payment are properly affixed to the products.

The bill would require the Attorney General to compile a list of noncompliant delivery sellers of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and to distribute such list to state attorneys general and tax administrators. The legislation would prohibit the delivery of any package to, or on behalf of, a noncompliant seller without determining that such package does not include cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.

S. 1147 would impose a fine and/or prison term of up to three years for violations of this Act and increases civil penalties for violations. The bill would establishes a PACT Anti-Trafficking Fund into which 50 percent of criminal and civil penalties collected in enforcing this Act shall be deposited and available to the Attorney General to enforce this Act and other laws relating to contraband tobacco products.

S. 1147 would amend the federal criminal code to treat cigarettes and smokeless tobacco as non-mailable matter and prohibit their deposit into U.S. mail, and also require the USPS to refuse to accept for delivery any package that it has reasonable cause to believe contains cigarettes or smokeless tobacco made non-mailable by this Act. Exemptions are made for cigars, mailings within the states of Alaska or Hawaii, and mailings for business purposes between legally operating tobacco businesses and by individuals for noncommercial purposes. The bill would impose an additional civil penalty and a criminal penalty for mailing non-mailable tobacco products.

The bill would establish a PACT Postal Service Fund to which 50 percent of criminal and civil fines for mailing violations shall be transferred and made available to the Postmaster General to enforce mailing restrictions on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. The bill allows a state, local government, or Indian tribe to obtain appropriate injunctive or equitable relief for mailing violations in a civil action in a U.S. district court.

S. 1147 would authorize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to enter the business premises of delivery sellers and inspect their records and information and any cigarettes or smokeless tobacco stored at such premises. The bill would impose a civil penalty for failure to comply with these inspections.

The bill states that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify specified agreements or limitations relating to the collection of taxes on cigarettes or smokeless tobacco sold in Indian country or to inhibit the coordination of law enforcement by states or other jurisdictions with respect to interstate sales or seizures of tobacco products.

The Act would become effective 90 days after its enactment, except for provisions authorizing ATF to enter and search business premises, which takes effect on the date of enactment.

H.Res. 1167 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day;
• "Acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and who are observing Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day;
• "Encourages the American people to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to further promote awareness of the life-changing role of social workers; and
• "Recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through social work."

H.Res. 1089 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Acknowledges and congratulates Augustana College on the momentous occasion of its 150th anniversary and expresses its best wishes for continued success;
• "Commends Augustana College's excellence in academics, athletics, and quality of life for students; and
• "Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide Augustana College with enrolled copies of this resolution for appropriate display."

H.Res. 1128 would resolve that the House of Representatives congratulate the City of Vancouver, the Team USA, and the athletes of the world for an outstanding and inspiring 2010 Winter Olympics.

H.Res. 605 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Expresses sympathy to Falun Gong practitioners and their family members who have suffered persecution, intimidation, imprisonment, torture, and even death for the past decade solely because of adherence to their personal beliefs;
• "Calls upon the Government of the People's Republic of China to immediately cease and desist from its campaign to persecute, intimidate, imprison, and torture Falun Gong practitioners, to immediately abolish the 6-10 office, an extrajudicial security apparatus given the mandate to ‘eradicate' Falun Gong, and to immediately release Falun Gong practitioners, detained solely for their beliefs, from prisons and re-education through labor (RTL) camps, including those practitioners who are the relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents;
• "Calls upon the Government of the People's Republic of China to end all harassment and intimidation within the borders of the United States of Falun Gong practitioners and to end all interference in their exercise of rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution and applicable laws of the United States;
• "Calls upon the Secretary of State to ensure that officials of foreign embassies and consulates are not engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status, including interference in the exercise of constitutional rights by United States citizens and permanent residents within the borders of the United States; and
• "Calls upon the President and Members of Congress to mark the 10th anniversary of Chinese official repression of the Falun Gong spiritual movement appropriately and effectively by publicly expressing solidarity with those practitioners in China persecuted solely because of their personal beliefs, and by meeting with Falun Gong practitioners whenever and wherever possible to indicate that support for freedom of conscience remains a fundamental principle of the United States Government."

H.Res. 311 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of Red Cross Month;
• "Recognizes the contributions of American National Red Cross volunteers in times of natural and human-caused disasters, and in times of armed conflict; and
• "Encourages the people of the United States to ‘Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed'."

H.R. 4003 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete a study of the Hudson River Valley to evaluate the national significance of the section of the Hudson River that flows from Rodgers Island at Fort Edward to the southern-most boundary of Westchester County, New York. The study will evaluate the suitability and feasibility of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System. Under the legislation, the Secretary would be required to report the findings of the study no later than 36 months after the date that funds are first made available. The Secretary would be required to determine the effects of National Park Service designation on a variety of recreational, commercial, and energy concerns in the Hudson River Valley.

H.R. 4252 directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to complete a survey of ground water resources in the Rialto-Colton Basin in California. The survey would be required to identify aquifers and perchlorate concentrations in the basin and characterize the surface and bedrock geology of the Basin, including the effect of geology on ground water yield and quality. Under the legislation, the study would have to be completed within two years of enactment.

H.R. 3671 would direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to establish a nutrient and sediment monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The bill would direct the Secretary to establish guidelines for related data collection and storage activities, inventory the sediment and monitoring efforts of governmental and nongovernmental entities, data gaps, and redundancies, and collaborate with other public and private monitoring efforts in establishing the monitoring program. H.R. 3671 would also direct the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a water resources assessment of the Basin. The Director of the USGS is required to establish: a computer modeling program of nutrient and sediment sources in the Basin, and an Internet-based system to distribute information about nutrient and sediment loss reduction projects and nutrient and sediment levels in the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries.

This bill authorizes $6.25 million in each fiscal year, subject to appropriations, for a program to provide a sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. These authorization levels would do not sunset. The monitoring would collect data on the sources of sediment and nutrients, and would record changes over time. The measure also requires the U.S. Geological Survey to create computer models to identify significant sources of sediment and nutrients, and to create a system that uses the Internet to distribute information about these matters. The measure authorizes an additional $650,000 for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive assessment of water resources in the Mississippi Basin.

H.R. 2788 would designate a memorial to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in flight. The memorial, which would be located at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California, would not be a unit of the National Park System and would not be constructed with federal funds.

H.R. 4395 would expand the boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania to include the train station at which President Abraham Lincoln arrived to deliver the Gettysburg Address. The bill authorizes the Interior Department to purchase the property from a willing seller only after all other efforts to acquire the land without cost to the government have been exhausted. The bill would also expand the park's boundaries to include 45 acres in Cumberland Township, PA., adjacent to the current park boundary where an owner has expressed a willingness to sell to the National Park Service. The committee report notes that this parcel of land is adjacent to the current park boundary, along the southern base of Big Round Top and part of the Battlefield Historic District, and was the site of cavalry skirmishes associated with the main battle.

H.R. 1769 would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the State of Washington by 22,173 acres. The land designated as wilderness would be administered by the Department of Agriculture in accordance with the Wilderness Act. The bill would also designate the Pratt River and Middle Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington as wild and scenic rivers. The area that would be designated as wild and scenic consist of a 27.4-mile segment of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River near the La Bohn Gap, and the entirety of the Pratt River.

H.Res. XX resolves that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that:

•  "The University of Maryland Men's Basketball Team is congratulated on an outstanding season;

•  "Greivis Vasquez is congratulated on being named the 2009-2010 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year; and

•  "Coach Gary Williams is congratulated on being named the 2009-2010 Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year."

H.R. 4628 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Westwood Avenue in Westwood, New Jersey, as the "Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building".

H.Res. 267 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Monday, March 15, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA) on March 19, 2009.

H.Res. 1163 would resolve that the House of Representatives recognizes Washington State University Honors College for 50 years of excellence.

H.Res. 1170 would resolve that the House of Representatives congratulates the winners of the Voice of Democracy national scholarship program.

H.Res. 1145 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Recognizes the University of Arizona for 125 years of dedication to excellence in higher education;
• "Congratulates the University of Arizona on the occasion of its 125th anniversary, and
• "Expresses thanks to the University of Arizona for its contribution to the betterment of the United States."

H.R. 2377 creates a new awards program, directing the Secretary of Education to award "National Classified School Employees of the Year Awards" each year to "recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by employees within certain occupational specialties in public schools who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through higher education." 

The bill requires that the Secretary choose one grantee from each of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraprofessionals; (2) clerical and administrative services; (3) transportation services; (4) food and nutrition services; (5) custodial and maintenance services; (6) security services; (7) health and student services; (8) technical services; and (9) skilled trades. 

The bill directs the Secretary to solicit nominations from each State's chief school officer.  H.R. 2377 lists local education agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor unions, and "any other group determined appropriate by the Secretary" to be eligible to submit applications for consideration.

H.R. 3650 would amend the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to use the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to establish a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.  The bill would require that the new program: develop and promote a national strategy to address and respond to marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; coordinate federal and State efforts that address such events; identify additional research, development, and demonstration needs and priorities; coordinate an education program that integrates and augments existing programs; and provide assistance to regional, State, tribal and local efforts to develop strategies for addressing harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.

H.R. 3650 directs the Under Secretary to work cooperatively to avoid duplication of efforts with other agencies and work jointly with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to the freshwater aspects of the Program.

The bill directs the Under Secretary, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to maintain and enhance: the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms Program; the Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms Program; the Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystems and Hypoxia Assessment Program; the Coastal Hypoxia Research Program; and the Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms Program. H.R. 3650 also directs the Under Secretary to establish a new event response program and infrastructure program.

The bill requires the Under Secretary submit to Congress an action strategy that identifies the specific activities to be carried out by the program, the timeline for carrying out such activities, and the roles and responsibilities of each federal agency in carrying out program activities.  The action strategy must be published in the Federal Register.

H.R. 3650 would require the Under Secretary to: oversee the development and implementation of regional research and action plans for addressing harmful algal bloom and hypoxia and identify the appropriate regions and sub-regions to be addressed by each plan; ensure that such plans are completed no later than 24 months after enactment and updated every five years thereafter; transmit to Congress a summary of such plans, a description of activities taken to implement the plans, and federal funding provided to implement the plans; and coordinate and consult with specified entities and individuals in developing the plans.

The bill would require the Administrator, through the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, to complete and transmit to the Congress and the President, within 12 months, a report on progress made toward attaining the coastal goal of the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 16, 2008; and complete and transmit to Congress and the President every two years a progress report on attaining such goal.

H.R. 3650 would require the Task Force to: complete and submit to Congress and the President, within one year, an assessment of hypoxia in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest; develop and submit to Congress, within two years, a plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest; and publish a summary of the proposed plan in the Federal Register at least 90 days before its final submission to Congress.

The bill authorizes appropriations for $41 million for each Fiscal year through 2014 to carry out the new programs and duties.

H.Res. 1031 would impeach G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, for high crimes and misdemeanors.  The bill sets forth four articles of impeachment.

Among the reasons for impeachment, the bill lists the following:

• While a U.S. district court judge, G. Thomas Porteous, engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him as a judge;
• Judge Porteous denied a motion to recuse himself from a case where one of the parties was represented by a corrupt law firm with which he had a financial relationship;
• Judge Porteous made intentionally misleading statements at the recusal hearing and engaged in corrupt conduct after the trial, and while he had the case under advisement;
• Judge Porteous engaged in a longstanding pattern of corrupt conduct that demonstrates his unfitness to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge and engaged in a pattern of conduct inconsistent with the trust and confidence placed in him as a federal judge by knowingly and intentionally making material false statements and representations under penalty of perjury related to his personal bankruptcy filing, and by repeatedly violating a court order in his bankruptcy case; and
• Judge Porteous knowingly made material false statements about his past to both the U.S. Senate and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in order to obtain the office of U.S. District Court Judge.

H.Res. 1031 states that Judge Porteous is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office.

H.R. 4573 would amend the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Treasury Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Directors at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, and other multilateral development institutions to: (1) cancel all debts owed by Haiti to such institutions; (2) suspend Haiti's debt payments to such institutions until the debts are canceled completely; and (3) provide additional assistance from such institutions to Haiti in grant form in order to avoid additional debt accumulation.  The bill also directs the Secretary to urge other bilateral, multilateral, and private creditors to cancel all debts owed by Haiti to such creditors.

H.Con.Res. 248 would direct the president to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan within 30 days of adoption, or if the president determines that time frame is not safe, by no later than December 31, 2010.

H.R. __ would allow charitable donations for the victims to the earthquake in Chile made this year, to be treated as if such contributions were made in 2009, rather than in 2010.

H.Res. 1061 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Commends the brave actions and quick thinking exhibited by Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper during the assault at the entrance of the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse;
• "Offers its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty;
• "Commends Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. `Joe' Gardner for his actions and bravery in responding to the assault;
• "Wishes Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. `Joe' Gardner a speedy recovery from the wounds he sustained in the line of duty; and
• "Applauds the Court Security Officers and members of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their brave and courageous actions in responding to the assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse."

H.Res. 1081 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week to raise awareness of teen dating violence in the United States;
• "Supports and encourages communities to empower teens to develop healthy relationships; and
• "Encourages the people of the United States, State and local officials, middle schools and high schools, law enforcement agencies, and other interested groups to observe National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week with appropriate programs and activities that promote awareness and prevention of the crime of teen dating violence."