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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 173 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2013 Mr. Gardner (for himself and Mr. Cramer ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that, in order to make commonsense reforms under sequestration, Federal employees should be encouraged to suggest ways to make more sensible or more efficient budget reductions within their employing department or agency, knowing that they are protected under the whistleblower protection laws.
Whereas on March 1, 2013, sequestration took effect, thereby reducing the money available to Federal agencies; Whereas the House of Representatives passed 2 bills that would have made commonsense reforms to reductions in Department of Defense programs and certain domestic programs; Whereas the Government spent $3.538 trillion in the fiscal year that ended in September 2012, and the $85 billion sequester is 2.4 percent of the Federal budget; Whereas the President is implementing several tactics in his discussion of the potential effects of sequestration that needlessly alarm the American people, but there is some flexibility and discretion on how to implement the cuts, and the President must focus on more sensible reductions that can be made within departments and agencies; Whereas given the rising national debt and deficit, the Federal Government must reduce funding to programs, projects, and activities that are wasteful; Whereas the April 2013 Government Accountability Office report to Congress entitled, Actions Needed to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap, and Duplication and Achieve Other Financial Benefits (and designated as GAO–13–279SP), presents 31 areas in which Government programs would be able to achieve greater efficiencies or become more effective in providing Government services; and Whereas it is the responsibility of the President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate with the heads of the relevant departments and agencies to eliminate, consolidate, or streamline Government programs and agencies with duplicative and overlapping missions to save taxpayer dollars, rein in Washington spending, and curb the unnecessary consequences of sequestration: Now, therefore, be it
1. Short title This resolution may be cited as Waste Whistleblower Protection Resolution . 2. Providing suggestions for budget reductions and reminders for whistleblower protection That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that, in order to avoid the unnecessary consequences of sequestration and given their knowledge of and experience with the operations of their respective employing departments or agencies, Federal employees— (1) should be encouraged to submit suggestions for ways to make more sensible or more efficient budget reductions within their employing department or agency; and (2) should be reminded of their protections under the whistleblower protection laws.
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113-hres-174
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 174 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2013 Mr. Van Hollen (for himself, Ms. Pelosi , Mr. Clyburn , Mr. Hoyer , Mr. Becerra , Mr. Crowley , Mr. Israel , Ms. DeLauro , Mr. Andrews , Ms. Schwartz , Mr. Yarmuth , Mr. Pascrell , Mr. Ryan of Ohio , Ms. Moore , Ms. Castor of Florida , Mr. McDermott , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Cicilline , Mr. Jeffries , Mr. Pocan , Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico , Mr. Huffman , Mr. Cárdenas , Mr. Blumenauer , Mr. Schrader , Mr. George Miller of California , Mrs. Napolitano , Mr. Doggett , Ms. Velázquez , Mr. Butterfield , Ms. Eshoo , Mr. Tonko , Mr. Foster , Mr. Levin , Mr. Langevin , Mr. Gallego , Mr. Lewis , Ms. Wasserman Schultz , Mr. Johnson of Georgia , Mrs. Lowey , Mr. Conyers , Ms. Fudge , Ms. Meng , Mr. Lowenthal , Mr. Welch , Ms. Roybal-Allard , Mr. Kind , Ms. Kaptur , Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California , Ms. DelBene , Ms. Norton , Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Ms. Tsongas , Mr. Cooper , Mrs. Christensen , Mr. Dingell , Mr. Hinojosa , Ms. Slaughter , Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois , Mr. Enyart , Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Smith of Washington , Mr. Kildee , Mr. Honda , Mr. Carney , Mr. Waxman , Ms. DeGette , Mr. Thompson of California , Mr. Larson of Connecticut , Mr. Cuellar , and Mr. Rush ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Speaker should immediately request a conference and appoint conferees to complete work on a fiscal year 2014 budget resolution with the Senate.
Whereas the House of Representatives and the Senate have each passed a budget resolution for fiscal year 2014; Whereas the Republican majority in the House of Representatives has repeatedly called for transparency and regular order in the budgetary process, including a statement by the Speaker on March 4, 2013, that It’s time for us to get back to regular order in the House ; Whereas the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 sets a statutory deadline of April 15 for Congress to complete action on adopting a conference agreement on the concurrent budget resolution, and the Congress is not in compliance with the deadline; Whereas the sequester threatens to impose sharp cuts in investments that are essential to our economic growth, and should be addressed in a budget resolution conference agreement; Whereas a conference agreement on the budget resolution is necessary to set a uniform discretionary allocation to facilitate the process of crafting and enacting 2014 appropriations bills in a timely manner; and Whereas the unresolved budget issues bring unnecessary uncertainty to the economy: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Speaker should follow regular House procedure and immediately request a conference and appoint conferees to negotiate a fiscal year 2014 budget resolution conference agreement with the Senate.
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113-hres-175
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 175 In the House of Representatives, U. S., April 24, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1549) to amend Public Law 111–148 to transfer fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2016 funds from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to carry out the temporary high risk health insurance pool program for individuals with preexisting conditions, and to extend access to such program to such individuals who have had creditable coverage during the 6 months prior to application for coverage through such program.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1549) to amend Public Law 111–148 to transfer fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2016 funds from the Prevention and Public Health Fund to carry out the temporary high risk health insurance pool program for individuals with preexisting conditions, and to extend access to such program to such individuals who have had creditable coverage during the 6 months prior to application for coverage through such program. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113–8. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 176 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2013 Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Neal , Mr. Lynch , Mr. Capuano , Mr. McGovern , Ms. Tsongas , Mr. Keating , Mr. Tierney , and Mr. Kennedy ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-year-old resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department.
Whereas, in the aftermath of the deadly bombings that occurred on Patriots’ Day, April 15, 2013, during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon, the residents of Massachusetts and the people of the United States witnessed the incredible bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, first responders, and citizen heroes; Whereas Sean Collier of Wilmington, Massachusetts, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Police Department, gave his life in the line of duty, the ultimate sacrifice, during this ordeal; Whereas Officer Sean Collier was protecting the students of MIT when he was killed as he sat in his police cruiser; Whereas Officer Sean Collier was known by his family, friends, and co-workers as a generous, kind, friendly, and devoted individual and officer who was on the cusp of achieving his dream of joining the Somerville Police Force; Whereas the people of the United States join with the family of Officer Sean Collier, MIT colleagues and friends, the Wilmington community he grew up in, and fellow Salem State alumni who will always remember Officer Collier as a dedicated, hardworking, and respected young police officer; Whereas the people of the United States remember Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy from Dorchester, Massachusetts; Whereas Martin Richard loved to play sports and draw pictures, and was dearly loved by his family, friends, classmates, and community; Whereas the people of the United States will always remember and strive to live by Martin’s poignant and powerful message of No more hurting people. Peace ; Whereas the people of the United States remember Krystle Campbell, who lived in Arlington, Massachusetts, and never missed a Boston Marathon; Whereas Krystle Campbell will be remembered as a selfless and caring person who was always there for others; Whereas the people of the United States are inspired by Krystle Campbell and her kind act of caring for her grandmother, who was recovering from an operation; Whereas the people of the United States remember Lu Lingzi, who came to the United States from China to study statistics at Boston University; Whereas, on the morning of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, Lu Lingzi posted on a social media site to her friends that she was enjoying her day; Whereas Lu Lingzi is a reminder of our common humanity, and that these senseless acts of terrorism, such as the bombings that occurred during the running of the Boston Marathon, are crimes that have no borders; Whereas Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department, worked a shift at the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2013, and was wounded early in the morning on Friday, April 19, 2013, when he raced to assist officers from the MIT and City of Cambridge Police Departments as they pursued the Boston Marathon bombing suspects in Watertown, Massachusetts; Whereas, during the ensuing shootout with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., and other officers, acting with complete disregard for their own safety, withstood a barrage of gunfire and explosives unleashed by the suspects; Whereas, during the shootout with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., was seriously wounded by a bullet that nearly took his life; Whereas Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., is recovering from his injuries and remains in critical but stable condition; and Whereas the people of the United States pray for all the people who were wounded during the attacks, and pledge to assist them in any way possible to help them recover from their injuries: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (1) the people of the United States honor the memories of Officer Sean Collier, Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lu Lingzi, and express deep condolences to their families and friends; (2) Officer Sean Collier and Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., represent the best of Massachusetts and of law enforcement; (3) the people of the United States convey profound gratitude and prayers for a complete recovery to Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., and to all of the other victims who remain in the hospital recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts; (4) the service and sacrifice of Officer Sean Collier and Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., will never be forgotten by the residents of Massachusetts or the people of the United States, and will forever serve as an example of incredible bravery and sacrifice; and (5) the people of the United States express thanks to the men and women of law enforcement for their unwavering determination, courage, and resolve to bring to justice the people responsible for the bombings that occurred during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon.
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113-hres-177
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 177 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2013 Mr. Roskam (for himself and Mr. Lipinski ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Urging the Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas to clarify a presidential succession plan, expand political freedom in the West Bank, and take preventative measures to limit the possibility of a Hamas takeover in the West Bank.
Whereas a democratic and strong Palestinian Authority is a key strategic component of United States foreign policy in the Middle East; Whereas the Palestinian Authority represents the only viable partner for peace between Israelis and Palestinians; Whereas Palestinian Authority security forces are critical to maintaining relative stability in the West Bank; Whereas Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ presidential term expired on January 15, 2009, and no new presidential election has taken place since 2005; Whereas President Abbas does not have a responsible heir to succeed him in the event of his death; Whereas President Abbas is 78 years old, a prostate cancer survivor, and a frequent traveler who was hospitalized 6 times in 2010; Whereas Salam Fayyad resigned as Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority on April 13, 2013; Whereas Palestinian Basic Law, article 37 states that, in the event of the President’s death, the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council shall temporarily assume the powers and duties of the Presidency of the National Authority for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, during which free and direct elections to elect a new President shall take place in accordance with Palestinian Election Law ; Whereas the current speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council is Aziz Dweik, a Hamas member; Whereas Aziz Dweik was expelled from Israel in 1992 for his involvement with Hamas and was subsequently arrested in 2006 and 2012 for his involvement with Hamas and terrorist activities ; Whereas Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, Israel, Canada, and Japan; Whereas a Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority would prevent any possibility of a two-state solution between the parties; Whereas President Barack Obama has stated that No country can be expected to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction. And we will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace, including Israel’s right to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements. ; Whereas the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, prohibits United States financial assistance to Hamas or any entity effectively controlled by Hamas, any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises undue influence. ; Whereas a Hamas takeover of the Palestinian Authority would trigger the suspension of United States foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority; Whereas the United States on average provides over $400,000,000 in annual aid to the Palestinian Authority, which is used to train security forces in the West Bank, develop infrastructure, provide humanitarian assistance, and keep the Palestinian economy afloat; Whereas these funds serve to promote democracy and human rights, economic development, education, health care, water and infrastructure, and prevent economic and political crises in the West Bank; Whereas these funds assist in laying the groundwork for a future, self-sustaining, and viable Palestinian state next to a State of Israel with secure and defensible borders; and Whereas the United States has a direct strategic interest in maintaining a legitimate political partner in control of the Palestinian Authority: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) urges President Abbas to preempt a succession crisis in the Palestinian Authority by addressing the current succession plan, and by identifying figures committed to the peace process with Israel; (2) urges the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas to enact reforms to open the political process through fair and responsible elections, ensuring the freedom of speech, the press, and political assembly and allowing a new generation of leadership to freely express their views; and (3) urges the Palestinian Authority to ensure that officials participating in any present or future Palestinian Government are committed to the quartet principles, the recognition of Israel, renunciation of violence, and adherence to previous diplomatic agreements.
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113-hres-178
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IV House Calendar No. 20 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 178 [Report No. 113–47] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 24, 2013 Mr. Bishop of Utah , from the Committee on Rules , reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 527) to amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 527) to amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-9. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 2. On any legislative day during the period from April 27, 2013, through May 3, 2013— (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day shall be considered as approved; and (b) the Chair may at any time declare the House adjourned to meet at a date and time, within the limits of clause 4, section 5, article I of the Constitution, to be announced by the Chair in declaring the adjournment. 3. The Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration of the period addressed by section 2 of this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of rule I. 4. The Committee on Education and the Workforce may, at any time before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, file a report to accompany H.R. 1406.
April 24, 2013 Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 179 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 24, 2013 Mr. Conyers submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing International Jazz Day .
Whereas Jazz music originated in the United States in the early part of the 20th century with roots in both African and European music traditions, and has been characterized as the United States greatest musical contribution to the world; Whereas Jazz music has been enjoyed for more than a century by people from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and has been a consistent unifying force among diverse populations; Whereas Ahmet Ertegün, the founder of the Atlantic Records, and his brother Nesuhi, the sons of Turkey’s second Ambassador to the United States, in the 1930s and 1940s organized the first-ever racially integrated jazz concerts at the Turkish Embassy Residence at a time when Washington, DC, was still segregated; Whereas in November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 of each year as International Jazz Day , recognizing the role played by Jazz music in uniting people from all over the world; Whereas legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has served as co-chair of International Jazz Day festivities in his capacity as UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz; Whereas the Thelonius Monk Institute played a primary role in promoting the first annual International Jazz Day in 2012, which was celebrated throughout the world with concerts, education programs, seminars, lectures, book readings, public jam sessions, and other events, in more than 100 countries around the world; Whereas among the worldwide 2012 International Jazz Day events were 3 high profile celebrations, including a daylong festival in Paris, France, a sunrise concert at Congo Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a sunset concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City, New York; and Whereas Istanbul, Turkey, will be the host city for International Jazz Day in 2013, with a series of official celebrations, concerts, and educational programs taking place throughout the city to compliment worldwide events, culminating in an evening celebration concert at Topkapi Palace: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the Republic of Turkey and the city of Istanbul for hosting the 2013 International Jazz Day and commends the Thelonius Monk Institute for its role in coordinating the worldwide celebration; (2) recognizes the historic connection between Turkey and the jazz music through the contributions of the Ertegün brothers; and (3) thanks Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik, and Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan for their assistance in assuring that the International Jazz Day celebration in Istanbul, Turkey, will be an important cultural and diplomatic success.
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113-hres-180
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 180 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2013 Ms. Slaughter (for herself, Mr. Burgess , Ms. Schakowsky , and Ms. Speier ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years and expressing support for the designation of April 25, 2013, as DNA Day .
Whereas April 25, 2013, is the 60th anniversary of the publication of the description of the double-helical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the scientific journal Nature by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, which is considered by many to be one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century; Whereas their discovery launched a field of inquiry that explained how DNA encoded biological information and how this information is duplicated and passed from generation to generation, forming the stream of life that connects us all to our ancestors and to our descendants; Whereas this field of inquiry in turn was crucial to the founding and continued growth of the field of biotechnology and of genomics, which have led to historic scientific advances for the world, advances in which the people of the United States have played a leading role and from which they have realized significant benefits; Whereas from 1990 to 2003, genomic research centers in the United States and around the world worked together on the Human Genome Project, which elucidated the sequence of the human genome, the genetic blueprint of the human body, and made that data available publicly; Whereas April 14, 2013, marked the 10th anniversary of the Human Genome Project’s completion; Whereas the sequencing of the human genome has already fostered research discoveries that have led to advances in medicine, and as genome sequencing becomes faster and less expensive, will enable researchers to further improve human health and medical care; Whereas the cost and time needed to sequence a human genome has decreased rapidly, from $1,000,000,000 and 6 to 8 years during the Human Genome Project to less than $5,000 and 2 to 3 days in 2013; Whereas in 1990, when the Human Genome Project began, there were only 4 FDA-approved drugs with pharmacogenomic information on their labels, and then by 2013, this number had increased to over 100; Whereas a study conducted by the Battelle Institute found that for every dollar of United States Federal investment in the Human Genome Project, there was $141 in economic activity generated in return; Whereas the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health has provided an exemplary model for social responsibility in scientific research, by devoting significant resources and leadership to studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics research; Whereas genomic medicine will be enhanced by increasing the public’s awareness and understanding of genomics; and Whereas April 25, 2013, is an appropriate day to designate as DNA Day in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the publication describing the structure of DNA on April 25, 1953: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years; (2) honors the 60th anniversary of the outstanding accomplishment of describing the structure of DNA and the 10th anniversary of completing the Human Genome Project; (3) supports the designation of DNA Day ; and (4) encourages schools, museums, cultural organizations, and other educational institutions in the United States to recognize DNA Day with appropriate programs and activities centered on human genomics.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 181 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2013 Mr. Braley of Iowa (for himself and Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.
Whereas, each year, more than 4,600 workers are killed due to workplace-related injuries in the United States, and more than 2,000,000 workers across the world die of workplace-related accidents and diseases; Whereas, each day, an average of 13 workers are killed due to workplace injuries in the United States; Whereas there are more than 3,000,000 occupational injuries and illnesses in the United States annually; Whereas tens of thousands of Americans with workplace injuries or illness become permanently disabled; Whereas more people are killed worldwide each year at work than in wars; Whereas observing Workers’ Memorial Day allows us to honor and remember victims of workplace injuries and disease; and Whereas observing Workers’ Memorial Day reminds us of the need to strive for better worker safety and health protections: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day to honor and remember workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace; (2) recognizes the importance of worker health and safety standards; (3) encourages the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, industries, employers, and employees to support activities aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of preventing illness, injury, and death in the workplace; and (4) calls upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 182 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2013 Ms. DelBene (for herself, Mr. Vargas , Mr. DeFazio , Mr. Benishek , Mr. Hastings of Washington , Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York , Ms. Kuster , Mr. Schrader , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Garamendi , and Mr. Reichert ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that specialty crops are a vital part of agriculture in the United States, that the Committee on Agriculture should propose funding for programs that support specialty crops priorities, and that legislation should be passed that includes funding reflecting specialty crops as a growing and important part of United States agriculture.
Whereas specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture; Whereas farmers in the United States grow more than 350 types of fruit, vegetable, tree nut, flower, nursery, and other horticultural crops; Whereas the yearly value of specialty crop production totals more than $50,000,000,000 which accounts for about half of all domestic crop value; Whereas specialty crops represent more than 1/3 of the value of United States crop production in a given year; Whereas sales of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables total nearly $100,000,000,000 annually; Whereas combined exports of specialty crops grown in the United States totaled nearly $15,900,000,000 as recently as 2010, which accounts for about 15 percent of all agricultural exports from the United States; Whereas there are about 248,000 farms that grow a variety of specialty crops, and every single State has at least some specialty crop production; Whereas overall spending on specialty crops remains a small percentage of all funding for crops, even taking into account mandatory and discretionary funding combined; Whereas specialty crops are not eligible for many of the traditional support programs that benefit producers of other crops; Whereas programs that support specialty crops are generally available to all crops, while the opposite is true of specific commodity crops; Whereas fruits and vegetables like red raspberries, almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, beans, blueberries, citrus, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapes, macadamia nuts, nectarines, onions, papayas, peaches, pecans, peppers, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet corn, certain tomatoes, walnuts, asparagus, beets, strawberries, broccoli, and carrots are just a few of the hundreds of specialty crops grown in the United States; Whereas specialty crops are a driving force in promoting a healthier country and are part of a healthy, balanced diet that can help consumers reach recommended dietary goals, which call for half of plates to be fruits and vegetables; Whereas the authorities in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq. ) that expired on September 30, 2012, were extended under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–240) until September 30, 2013; Whereas many agriculture programs did not receive any additional mandatory funding under that extension; Whereas a vital program for specialty crops, the specialty crop research initiative, established under section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632), did not receive any additional mandatory funding under that extension; Whereas a vital program for specialty crops, the national clean plant network, established under section 10202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 7761 ), did not receive any additional mandatory funding under that extension; Whereas it is paramount that the House of Representatives passes a new 5-year farm bill to reauthorize agriculture programs without funding in fiscal year 2013, to provide funding for such programs in fiscal year 2014 and fiscal years thereafter, and to provide certainty to farmers across the United States; Whereas the number of farms producing and sales of fruits, berries, and tree nuts in the United States is steadily increasing; Whereas according to the most recent census data published by the Census of Agriculture in 2007, 112,690 farms produced fruits, tree nuts, and berries with a total value of $18,600,000,000, an increase of $4,900,000,000 in 5 years; Whereas the Census shows an increase in the value of sales for vegetables, potatoes and melons from $12,800,000,000 in 2002 to $14,700,000,000 in 2007, an increase of 15 percent; Whereas nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod sales increased 13 percent from 2002 and 2007, from $14,700,000,000 to $16,600,000,000; Whereas it is evident that specialty crops are an increasingly important part of agriculture in the United States; and Whereas specialty crops should get their fair share of consideration and funding in agriculture generally, but especially in the farm bill: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (1) specialty crops are a vital part of agriculture in the United States; (2) the Committee on Agriculture should propose funding for programs that support specialty crops priorities; and (3) legislation should be passed that includes funding reflecting specialty crops as a growing and important part of United States agriculture.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 183 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2013 Mr. Rohrabacher submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should broadcast and direct Azeri language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and Baloch language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Whereas the ethnic Azeri and Baloch peoples compose 18 percent of the population of Iran; Whereas the Azeri and Baloch minorities have maintained proud and distinctive cultures and identities dating back to ancient times; Whereas the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty currently broadcast to Iran in the Persian language; Whereas the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty currently operate Azeri language services; Whereas it is in the national interest of the United States for accurate and credible news to reach all the ethnic groups in Iran and Pakistan; Whereas it is believed the area inhabited by the Baloch people holds a large reserve of oil, natural gas, gold, and other minerals and comprises 1,000 miles of strategically significant coast line from the Persian Gulf and along the Arabian Sea; Whereas the Governments of Iran and Pakistan systematically repress human rights, political expression, and civil society activists which has been reported by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International; Whereas the Government of Pakistan has refused to recognize the legitimate national aspirations of the Balochi people and has carried out a campaign of politically motivated murders and followed a policy known as Kill and Dump where Baloch activists are kidnapped and their bodies are later found in public, often mutilated; Whereas the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran found that the Sistan-Balochistan is arguably the most underdeveloped region in Iran, with the highest poverty, infant and child mortality rates, and lowest life expectancy and literacy rates in the country ; Whereas the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran reports that Baloch activists have reportedly been subject to arbitrary arrests and torture ; Whereas the Government of Iran prevents the Balochi or Azeri languages from being used in formal and public places; Whereas the Baloch minority in Iran is mostly Sunni Muslim and subject to religious persecution by the ruling Shia theocracy; Whereas all the people of Iran and Pakistan have the right of self-determination, to choose their form of government, and to elect their leaders; and Whereas it is the policy of the United States to oppose aggression and the violation of human rights inherent in the subjugation of national groups like the Azeris in Iran and Baloch in Iran and Pakistan: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should broadcast and direct Azeri language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and Baloch language content into the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 184 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2013 Mr. Rohrabacher submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should immediately remove all members of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan and pursue alternative strategies, which do not require large deployments of ground combat forces of the Armed Forces, in order to create a stable Afghanistan that is not a base for international terrorism.
Whereas members of the United States Armed Forces have fought bravely and honorably for more than 11 years in Afghanistan; Whereas more than 2,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have died in Afghanistan since 2001, more than 18,400 members have been wounded, and thousands of members remain in harm’s way; Whereas it is estimated that the United States has spent more than $640 billion on aid and military operations in Afghanistan since 2001; Whereas the United States has brought Osama Bin Laden to justice, which was the original justification for removing the Taliban from power in Afghanistan; Whereas, despite the tremendous effort of the United States Armed Forces to create a stable and secure Afghanistan, long-standing political and ethnic divisions in Afghanistan that pre-date the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks remain unresolved; Whereas the resource demands required to maintain large scale United States military operations in Afghanistan have become a strategic vulnerability; and Whereas continuation of the current United States strategy for Afghanistan offers no realistic prospects to create a stable and secure Afghanistan: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should— (1) immediately remove all members of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan; and (2) pursue alternative strategies, which do not require large deployments of ground combat forces of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan, in order to create a stable Afghanistan that is not a base for international terrorism.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 185 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Bentivolio submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Declaring that it should be the policy of the United States to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act ( Public Law 96–8 ; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), enacted in 1979, has continued for 34 years to be the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations and has served as an anchor for peace and security in the Western Pacific region; Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act declares that peace and stability in the Western Pacific area are in the political, security, and economic interests of the United States, and are matters of international concern; the United States considers any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific and are of grave concern to the United States; Whereas Taiwan has succeeded in a momentous transition to democracy beginning in the late 1980s and has been a beacon of democratic practices in Asia, and Taiwan’s democratic achievements inspire many countries and people in the region; Whereas through the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States treats Taiwan as a de facto sovereign, independent nation; Whereas visits by United States cabinet officials and other high-ranking officials are an indicator of the breadth and depth of ties between the United States and its friends and Allies; Whereas over the past decades, United States-Taiwan relations have suffered from a lack of communication due to the self-imposed restrictions that the United States maintains on high-level visits with Taiwan; and Whereas it should be the policy of the United States to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels: Now, therefore, be it
1. Short title This resolution may be cited as the Taiwan Travel Act . 2. Policy Notwithstanding the 1994 Taiwan policy review and current guidance from the Department of State pertaining to contacts with Taiwan, it should be United States policy to— (1) allow all high-level officials of Taiwan to enter into the United States or its embassies and consulates under conditions which demonstrate appropriate respect for the dignity of such leaders; (2) allow meetings between all high-level Taiwanese and United States officials in United States executive departments, including the Department of State and Department of Defense; and (3) allow the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office and all other instrumentalities established by Taiwan to conduct official business activities, including activities which involve participation by Members of the United States Congress and other representatives of the Federal, State, and local governments, and all high-level Taiwanese officials, without obstruction from the United States Government or any foreign power.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 186 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Ms. Bass submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Congratulating the people of Kenya on their commitment to peaceful elections, as demonstrated on March 4, 2013, and calling on Kenyans to come together to continue to implement political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution.
Whereas the Governments of the United States and Kenya have long shared a strong bilateral partnership, and Kenya plays a critically important role as a cornerstone of stability in East Africa and as a valued ally of the United States; Whereas Kenya’s disputed 2007 presidential election threatened the country’s stability and its democratic trajectory, triggering an explosion of violence that resulted in the deaths of some 1,140 civilians and displaced nearly 600,000, some of whom have still not returned home; Whereas a mediation effort by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and an African Union Panel of Eminent African Personalities, supported by the United States, led to the signing of the National Accord on February 28, 2008, which led to a series of constitutional, electoral, and institutional reforms to address underlying causes of the crisis; Whereas, as part of that reform process, the citizens of Kenya participated in a national referendum in August 2010, approving a new constitution that mandated significant institutional and structural changes to the government; Whereas those constitutional changes have led to important reforms in the judicial sector and the electoral system in Kenya that aim to build greater public confidence in government institutions, and which demonstrate meaningful progress; Whereas Kenya’s Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Post-Election Violence (the Waki Commission ) concluded from its investigation in 2008 that there had been no serious effort by any government to punish perpetrators of previous incidents of ethnic and political violence, leading to a culture of impunity that contributed to the crisis that followed the 2007 elections, and, since then, despite laudable judicial reforms, few perpetrators or organizers of that violence have been held accountable for their crimes in Kenyan courts; Whereas, based on the findings of the Waki Commission, mediator Kofi Annan submitted a list of key suspects to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2009, and several have been subsequently charged at the ICC with crimes against humanity; Whereas the Department of State’s 2011 Human Rights Report on Kenya notes, Widespread impunity at all levels of government continued to be a serious problem. The government took only limited action against security forces suspected of unlawful killings, and impunity in cases of corruption was common. Although the government took action in some cases to prosecute officials who committed abuses, impunity … was pervasive ; Whereas President Barack Obama’s Strategy on Sub-Saharan Africa, released in June 2012, states that the United States will not stand by while actors … manipulate the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, and we will stand in steady partnership with those who are committed to the principles of equality, justice and the rule of law ; Whereas, in a February 2013 message to the people of Kenya, President Obama highlighted the power Kenyan communities have to reject intimidation and violence surrounding the upcoming election, resolve disputes in the courts as opposed to the streets, and move forward towards prosperity and opportunity that unleashes the extraordinary talents of your people ; Whereas, five years after Kenya’s post-election crisis, the country held its first general elections under the new constitution on March 4, 2013, which were largely peaceful; Whereas Kenya’s presidential candidates and their political parties committed themselves to a peaceful electoral process, and to resolving any resulting disputes through the judicial process; Whereas the Kenyan Supreme Court ruled on March 30, 2013, that Uhuru Kenyatta was validly elected, and his opponents pledged to respect and honor the decision of the Court; Whereas the White House issued a statement on March 30, 2013, stating, The electoral process and the peaceful adjudication of disputes in the Kenyan legal system are testaments to the progress Kenya has made in strengthening its democratic institutions, and the desire of the Kenyan people to move their country forward. Now is the time for Kenyans to come together to fully implement the political, institutional, and accountability reforms envisioned in the Kenyan constitution. … We welcome and wish to underscore the importance of Kenya's commitment to uphold its international obligations, including those with respect to international justice. ; and Whereas in his inauguration speech on April 9, 2013, President Kenyatta said, I will lead all Kenyans—those who voted for me—and those who voted for our competitors—towards a national prosperity that is firmly rooted in a rich and abiding peace in which unity can ultimately be realized. … Indeed, national unity will only be possible if we deal decisively with some of the issues that continue to hinder our progress. Achieving peace and strengthening unity will be the goal of my Government. This work begins now. We welcome all Kenyans to hold us to account. : Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the people of Kenya on their commitment to peaceful elections, as demonstrated on March 4, 2013; (2) calls on the people of Kenya to continue to reject intimidation and violence, and encourages the peaceful and credible resolution of electoral disputes in the courts; (3) urges restraint on all sides, while recognizing the right of the people of Kenya to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and demonstration; (4) urges accountability for anyone found to be complicit in promoting violence or manipulating electoral processes or results; (5) notes that many of the underlying grievances that have underpinned ethnic divisions and fueled the 2007–2008 violence remain largely unaddressed; (6) affirms that accountability for the 2007–2008 post-election violence is a critical element to ensure Kenya’s democracy, peace, and long-term stability; (7) calls on the Government of Kenya to respect commitments to seek justice for the victims of political violence, including by honoring its obligations under the Rome Statute to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court with regard to the three cases that remain before the Court slated to go to trial in 2013; (8) recognizes that, while the Government of Kenya has made important progress since the 2007 election, aspects of the Kenyan reform agenda specified in the National Accord and 2010 constitution remain unfinished, particularly with regard to police reform, devolution, land reform, and security; (9) encourages the people and Government of Kenya to support ongoing implementation of constitutional reforms, rule of law, and efforts to strengthen governing, security, and judicial institutions that respect the dignity and rights of all the people of Kenya and ensure protection for judges; (10) congratulates the many candidates elected to office in the March 2013 election—including those at the newly-formed county level—and expresses hope that newly-elected members of government will herald a new generation of responsible leadership in Kenya; and (11) reaffirms that the people of the United States will continue to stand with the people of Kenya in support of democracy, partnership, and peace.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 187 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Bilirakis (for himself, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Mr. Grimm , Mr. Sires , Ms. Titus , Mr. Sarbanes , Mr. McGovern , and Mr. Pallone ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the United States commitment to the reunification of the Republic of Cyprus and the establishment of a unified government on Cyprus that guarantees the human rights of all Cypriots and condemns any attempt to use the current economic crisis as a means of imposing a settlement on the people of Cyprus, and for other purposes.
Whereas the Republic of Cyprus is an independent and sovereign nation-state within the community of nations; Whereas the Republic of Cyprus, the only internationally recognized and legal entity on the island of Cyprus is a member state of the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations which are vital to the community of nations; Whereas the Republic of Cyprus has the lawful authority and power to perform and exercise the functions of government on and within the island of Cyprus; Whereas Republic of Turkey’s military unlawfully invaded Cyprus in July 1974; Whereas the Turkish military illegally occupies northern Cyprus and the Turkish Government in Ankara exercises significant influence there, thereby forcibly excluding the Government of the Republic of Cyprus from performing and exercising its lawful governing functions; Whereas 180,000 displaced persons in Cyprus experience violations of their fundamental human rights as they continue to be excluded from their property lawfully held under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus as a result of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation; Whereas on May 10, 2001, the European Court of Human Rights found the Republic of Turkey liable for damages incurred by the Republic of Cyprus directly caused by the Republic of Turkey; Whereas the Republic of Cyprus became a member state of the European Union in 2004 and joined the Eurozone in 2008; Whereas the people of the Republic of Cyprus have been suffering from an economic downturn as the result of the effects of adverse events which have occurred and continue to occur in the global economy; Whereas significant deposits of valuable resources have been discovered in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus; Whereas this discovery is potentially significant for the energy security of Europe; Whereas the United States Government supports the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus to explore hydrocarbon deposits in their respective EEZs; Whereas the Republic of Turkey has threatened and continues to threaten to prevent the Republic of Cyprus from developing its hydrocarbon reserves including through military action; Whereas the Republic of Turkey and some press commentators have argued that, given the current economic crisis in the Republic of Cyprus, the people of the Republic of Cyprus could be forced to abandon their terms to reunify the island of Cyprus; Whereas if Turkey continues with this approach, the island of Cyprus could be permanently divided along ethnic lines; and Whereas the policy concepts set forth in Section 610C of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2373 ), provide in part for a just settlement on Cyprus which must involve the establishment of an independent, unified government on Cyprus and must guarantee that the human rights of all of the people of Cyprus are fully protected and that a just settlement on Cyprus must include the withdrawal of all Turkish military forces from Cyprus : Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives calls on the Secretary of State to— (1) reaffirm the United States commitment to the reunification of the Republic of Cyprus and the establishment of a unified government on Cyprus that guarantees the human rights of all Cypriots and condemns any attempt to use the current economic crisis as a means of imposing a settlement on the people of Cyprus; (2) condemn any attempt to use the current economic crisis as a means of imposing a settlement on the people of the Republic of Cyprus; (3) affirm that negotiations for a solution to the problems the Republic of Cyprus faces should only resume once the appropriate preparations take place, so as to ensure that these will be meaningful and result-oriented, allowing for substantial progress and real prospects for a solution; and (4) communicate through all available means that the United States affirms its policy that the Republic of Cyprus has exclusive dominion and control over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the right to exploit the resources in its EEZ.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 188 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Bilirakis (for himself, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Ms. Ros-Lehtinen , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Sarbanes , Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania , Ms. Titus , Mr. Grimm , Mr. Schiff , Mr. Pallone , Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California , and Mr. Michaud ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling upon the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay.
Whereas the Ecumenical Patriarchate is an institution with a history spanning 17 centuries, serving as the center of the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the world; Whereas Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of nearly 300,000,000 Orthodox Christians around the world and millions of Orthodox Christians in the United States; Whereas the Ecumenical Patriarchate is the spiritual home of the world's oldest and second largest Christian church located in Istanbul, Turkey; Whereas within the 2,000-year-old Sacred See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the New Testament was codified and the Nicene Creed was created; Whereas the Ecumenical Patriarchate sits at the crossroads of East and West, offering a unique perspective on the religions and cultures of the world; Whereas the disappearance of the See would mean the end of a crucial link between the Christian and the Muslim world since the continuing presence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey is a living testimony of religious co-existence since 1453; Whereas the title of Ecumenical Patriarch was formally accorded to the Archbishop of Constantinople by a synod convened in Constantinople during the 6th century; Whereas since November 1991, His All Holiness, Bartholomew I, has served as Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch; Whereas Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997, in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions toward religious understanding and peace; Whereas during the 110th Congress, 75 Senators and the overwhelming majority of members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives wrote to President George W. Bush and the Prime Minister of Turkey to express congressional concern, which continues today, regarding the absence of religious freedom for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in the areas of church-controlled Patriarchal succession, the confiscation of the vast majority of Patriarchal properties, recognition of the international Ecumenicity of the Patriarchate, and the reopening of the Theological School of Halki; Whereas the Theological School of Halki, founded in 1844 and located outside Istanbul, Turkey, served as the principal seminary for the Ecumenical Patriarchate until its forcible closure by the Turkish authorities in 1971; Whereas the alumni of this preeminent educational institution include numerous prominent Orthodox scholars, theologians, priests, bishops, and patriarchs, including Bartholomew I; Whereas the Republic of Turkey has been a participating state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) since signing the Helsinki Final Act in 1975; Whereas in 1989, OSCE participating states adopted the Vienna Concluding Document, committing to respect the right of religious communities to provide training of religious personnel in appropriate institutions ; Whereas the continued closure of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki has been an ongoing issue of concern for the United States people and the United States Congress and has been repeatedly raised by members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and by United States delegations to the OSCE's annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting; Whereas in his address to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 6, 2009, President Barack Obama said, Freedom of religion and expression lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, which is why steps like reopening Halki Seminary will send such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. ; Whereas in a welcomed development, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met with the Ecumenical Patriarch on August 15, 2009, and, in an address to a wider gathering of minority religious leaders that day, concluded by stating, We should not be of those who gather, talk, and disperse. A result should come out of this. ; Whereas during his visit to the United States in November 2009, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I raised the issue of the continued closure of the Theological School of Halki with President Obama, congressional leaders, and others; Whereas in a welcome development, for the first time since 1922, the Government of Turkey in August 2010 allowed the liturgical celebration by the Ecumenical Patriarch at the historic Sumela Monastery; Whereas following a unanimous decision by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg in 2010, ruling that Turkey return the former Greek Orphanage on Buyukada Island to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the eve of the feast day of St. Andrew observed on November 30, the Government of Turkey provided lawyers representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the formal property title for the confiscated building; Whereas in March 2012, after bilateral meetings between the United States and Turkey in Seoul, Korea, President Barack Obama praised Prime Minister Erdogan’s efforts to protect religious minorities and announced, I am pleased to hear of his decision to reopen the Halki Seminary. ; Whereas Turkey’s Council of Foundations returned 190 hectares of forestland to the Theological School of Halki in January 2013; and Whereas Secretary of State John F. Kerry met with Turkish officials and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I during an April 2013 meeting and reiterated the United States position that the Halki Seminary should be reopened without further delay or conditions: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) welcomes past and future meetings between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I; (2) welcomes the positive gestures by the Government of Turkey, including allowing the liturgical celebration by the Ecumenical Patriarch at the historic Sumela Monastery and the return of the former Greek Orphanage on Buyukada Island to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the return of the 190 hectares of forestland to the Greek Orthodox foundation listed as owner-of-record of the Theological School of Halki; (3) urges the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay; and (4) urges the Government of Turkey to address other longstanding concerns relating to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 189 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Ms. Chu (for herself, Ms. Meng , Mr. Honda , Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Al Green of Texas , Mr. Lowenthal , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Faleomavaega , Mr. Becerra , Mr. Bera of California , Ms. Gabbard , Ms. Matsui , Mr. Sablan , Mr. Takano , Mr. Scott of Virginia , Mr. Connolly , Mr. Conyers , Mrs. Davis of California , Ms. Eshoo , Ms. Fudge , Mr. Sherman , Mr. McNerney , Mrs. Napolitano , Mr. Peters of California , Mr. Rangel , Ms. Roybal-Allard , Mr. Schiff , Mr. Smith of Washington , Ms. Speier , Mr. Swalwell of California , Mr. Van Hollen , Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California , Ms. Lofgren , Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Crowley , Ms. Duckworth , and Ms. Hanabusa ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Recognizing the significance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the Nation’s history.
Whereas the United States joins together each May to pay tribute to the contributions of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the Nation’s history; Whereas the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States is inextricably tied to the story of the Nation; Whereas the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is an inherently diverse population, comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 100 language dialects; Whereas the United States Census Bureau found that the Asian American population grew faster than any other racial or ethnic group over the last decade, surging nearly 46 percent between 2000 and 2010, a growth rate 4 times faster than the total United States population; Whereas the 2010 Census estimated that there are now 17,300,000 United States residents who identify as Asian, and 1,200,000 United States residents who identify themselves as Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, making up nearly 6 percent of the total United States population; Whereas the month of May was selected for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month due to the following two historical events, first, May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and second, May 10, 1869, when, with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants, the first transcontinental railroad was completed; Whereas 2013 marks 70 years since the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act and 25 years since the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 which granted reparations to Japanese Americans interned during World War II, both cases in which the United States Congress acted to address discriminatory laws that targeted those of Asian descent; Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code, officially designates May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, and requests the President to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; Whereas the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a bicameral caucus of Members of Congress advocating on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, is composed of 41 Members this year, including 13 Members of Asian or Pacific Islander descent; Whereas the 113th Congress has welcomed a number of historic firsts this year, including Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the first Asian American woman and first Buddhist to ever serve in the United States Senate, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, the first Thai American woman, first wounded female combat Veteran, and first Asian American from Illinois to serve in Congress, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American and first Pacific Islander woman to serve in Congress, Rep. Grace Meng, the first Asian American Member of Congress elected to represent the State of New York, and Rep. Mark Takano, the first openly gay person of color to ever serve in Congress; Whereas today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are serving in State legislatures across the Nation, in States as diverse as Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington; Whereas the number of Asian American and Pacific Islander Article III judges has more than doubled over the past 4 years, reflecting a commitment to diversity in the Federal judiciary that has resulted in the confirmations of high caliber Asian American and Pacific Islander judicial nominees; Whereas there still remains much to be done to ensure that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have access to resources, a voice in the United States Government, and continue to advance in the Nation’s political landscape; and Whereas celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month provides the people of the United States with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, history, and address the challenges faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the significance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the Nation’s history; and (2) recognizes that Asian American and Pacific Islander communities enhance the rich diversity of the United States and strengthen the Nation.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 190 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Hanna submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs , and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary , Armed Services , and Veterans’ Affairs , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Condemning the April 15, 2013, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in Boston, Massachusetts and calling upon the United States Government, the governments of all nations, the United Nations, and other international organizations to renounce the use of IEDs and take actions to stop their proliferation.
Whereas on April 15, 2013, innocent civilians were maliciously victimized by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in a terrorist attack in Boston, Massachusetts; Whereas the IED has become a very effective weapon for those who advance their cause through terror and violence, as exemplified by the fact that an average of 500 IED incidents occur in the world each day, excluding incidents occurring in Iraq or Afghanistan, and that an average of 12 such incidents occur each day in both Iraq and Afghanistan; Whereas IED attacks are the leading cause of casualties for American servicemembers and are anticipated to remain the leading cause of such casualties for the foreseeable future; Whereas the Global Campaign Against IEDs, as a responsible international entity for action against IEDs and for supporting IED victims, has found that IED attacks are the leading cause of the most prevalent injuries to veterans, including vision and hearing loss, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, amputations, genitourinary injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder; Whereas the Blinded Veterans Association and AMVETS have found that the Department of Veterans Affairs currently treats 198,670 veterans for hearing injuries and 118,150 veterans for eye injuries, numbers that are expected to increase significantly as active duty servicemembers enter the Veterans Affairs system; Whereas people who live in areas affected by IED incidents live in constant fear of additional attacks that disrupt everything from daily routines to health care to elections, and these disruptions, together with the displacement, destruction, and loss of personal assets caused by IED incidents, severely degrade the ability of these people to sustain their livelihoods; Whereas reducing the use of IEDs and neutralizing the networks that produce them requires a holistic approach to identify and eliminate the root causes that allow such networks to form and survive; Whereas IEDs kill scores of innocent civilians, including women and children; and Whereas resolving the IED problem is the global community’s responsibility: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) unequivocally condemns the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and calls for the full prosecution of those responsible for the IED terrorist attack in Boston, Massachusetts on April 15, 2013; (2) expresses its condolences to the families of those who were killed in the IED terrorist attack in Boston, Massachusetts on April 15, 2013, and its support for those who were injured as well as their families; (3) expresses unwavering support for the active duty servicemembers, first responders, and explosive ordnance disposal personnel of the United States who face the threat of IEDs and put their lives on the line to defeat them; (4) calls on all relevant agencies of the United States Government to coordinate with international partners and other responsible entities to reduce the use of IEDs and curb their proliferation; (5) urges the governments of all nations, as well as the United Nations and other international organizations, to formally renounce the use of IEDs through an international resolution and to assist all partners and responsible entities in securing and monitoring the manufacture, sale, transportation, and use of IED components and techniques; (6) calls on all relevant agencies of the United States Government to support the care of active duty servicemembers, veterans, and first responders who are victims of IEDs by facilitating the exchange of blast trauma research data among law enforcement agencies, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, and other responsible entities; and (7) calls on the United States Government to support international action against IEDs and those who traffic in IED components and techniques, and to support IED victims by sharing IED-related event data and information with responsible entities.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 191 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Hastings of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Honoring Jacoby Dickens, the successful, community-oriented African-American financier and philanthropist in Chicago, Illinois.
Whereas Jacoby Dickens has become a prominent representation of the American Dream through his remarkable growth from humble beginnings in Florida to renowned financier of Seaway Bank & Trust Co.; Whereas Dickens has distinguished himself as much for his philanthropic efforts as for his entrepreneurial successes, constantly investing into the African-American community; Whereas Jacoby D. Dickens was born in Panama City, Florida, on June 19, 1931, one of six children, in a low-income household and went on to complete his high school education at Wendell Phillips High School in the South Side of Chicago; Whereas Mr. Dickens began saving money while working as a building engineer and used his savings to invest in real estate; Whereas Mr. Dickens used the returns of his successful investments in real estate to invest in multiple bowling alleys across Chicago, and gained exposure as a financial up-and-comer; Whereas Mr. Dickens became chairman of Seaway Bank & Co. in 1983, just 4 years after joining their board; Whereas Seaway was one of very few banks willing to provide loans in tough neighborhoods in the South Side of Chicago, primarily due to the Mr. Dickens’ model of success; Whereas Mr. Dickens built a $500,000,000 organization while focusing on dedicating his services to African-Americans in lower income communities, at a time when many were unwilling to take such risks; Whereas countless businesses, families, and communities at large were impacted by Mr. Dickens’ trust in people; Whereas Mr. Dickens believed that people are equal and deserve the opportunity to better themselves; and Whereas Seaway & Co. was originally only one of few banks in Chicago owned by African-Americans, but is now one of the largest and most successful banks in the city: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) honors Jacoby Dickens, the successful, community-oriented African-American financier and philanthropist in Chicago, Illinois, for his dedication to increasing equity amongst lower income African-Americans; (2) joins Jacoby Dickens and other philanthropic entrepreneurs in promoting equal access to financial betterment for underprivileged communities; and (3) believes that the fruit of thoughtful risk taking is the backbone of success in the United States; and (4) encourages each individual’s pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 192 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Ms. Lee of California (for herself, Mr. Rangel , Ms. Norton , Ms. Clarke , Mrs. Christensen , Ms. Schakowsky , and Mr. McGovern ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National STD Awareness Month .
Whereas sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (also known as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) are a major public health challenge that pose a significant burden in the United States both in economic and human terms; Whereas the United States has the highest rate of STIs in the industrialized world, with an estimated 20,000,000 new cases occurring each year, and almost half of those infections occurring in young people between the ages of 15 to 24; Whereas all people in the United States have an interest in STIs because every community is impacted and everyone pays for the cost of these infections, either directly or indirectly; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STIs impose a tremendous economic burden on the United States, with direct medical costs as high as $17,000,000,000 per year; Whereas the CDC estimates that rates of Chlamydia infection among adolescents increased from 2010 to 2011, especially among adolescents between the ages of 20 and 24; Whereas in 2011, the rate of Chlamydia among African-American females between the ages of 15 and 19 was almost 6 times that of their White counterparts; Whereas in 2010, CDC data indicated that 1 in 6 people in the United States between the ages of 14 and 49 years old were infected with the Herpes Simplex virus Type 2, a lifelong and incurable infection, and that African-American women 14 to 49 years old were the most affected group, with a prevalence rate of 48 percent; Whereas poverty and lack of access to quality health care exacerbate the rate of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other STIs; Whereas men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately impacted by STIs, accounting for 72 percent of all syphilis cases in 2011 as compared to only 4 percent of such cases in 2000; Whereas racial disparities in rates of STIs are among the worst health disparities in the Nation for any health condition; Whereas most STIs have been associated with increased risk of HIV transmission and are likely contributing to the ongoing HIV epidemic in the United States; Whereas the CDC also reports that the two most common STIs among young women are HPV, with 18 percent infected, and Chlamydia, with 6 percent of young women between the ages of 15 and 19 infected; Whereas the long-term health effects of these STIs are especially severe for women and include infertility and cervical cancer; Whereas vaccination, screening, and early treatment can prevent some of the most devastating effects of STIs; Whereas high STI infection rates in the United States demonstrate the need for better ways to reach those most at risk of infection; Whereas the CDC recommends annual Chlamydia screenings for sexually active women 25 years of age and younger; Whereas the CDC also recommends HPV vaccination for girls, boys and young women between the ages of 11 and 21 for men and 26 for women, as well as anyone who is immunocompromised (including living with HIV/AIDS) until age 26; Whereas the CDC recommends screening for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least once a year for all sexually active MSM; Whereas Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and tubular pregnancies, which can affect a woman's health and well-being throughout her lifetime; Whereas STIs, including HIV/AIDS, can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants during childbirth and can cause severe health consequences in these infants; Whereas STIs often cause social stigma and may have a serious psychological impact among those who are infected; Whereas programs that provide comprehensive and medically accurate health information and screening and treatment services can help people protect themselves against STIs, including through a variety of Federal programs such as Title X of the Public Health Service Act and the CDC’s STD prevention programs; Whereas school-based STI screening programs have been highly successful where implemented and are effective at preventing the spread of STIs among adolescents; Whereas the sexual and reproductive health needs of men must be more thoroughly recognized and better addressed by the public health and medical provider community in order to more effectively combat the spread of STIs; Whereas STD programs in State and local health departments that are funded through the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention are the Nation’s frontline defense against the spread of STIs; Whereas STI screening, vaccination, and other prevention strategies for sexually active women should be among the highest public health priorities; and Whereas the CDC observes April as National STD Awareness Month : Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National STD Awareness Month ; (2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and protecting people of all ages; (3) recognizes the human toll of STIs and the importance of making the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs an urgent public health priority; and (4) calls on all people in the United States to learn about STIs and the prevention approaches recommended for them and encourages all sexually active individuals to get tested for STIs and to seek appropriate care if they are infected.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 193 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Ms. Moore submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Whereas, on average, a person is sexually assaulted in the United States every 2 minutes; Whereas the Department of Justice reports that more than 200,000 Americans are sexually assaulted each year; Whereas 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been victims of rape or attempted rape; Whereas children and young adults are most at risk of sexual assault, as 44 percent of victims of sexual assault are under the age of 18, and 80 percent are under the age of 30; Whereas sexual assault affects women, men, and children of all racial, social, religious, age, ethnic, ability, sexual orientation, and economic groups in the United States; Whereas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently expanded its definition of rape to include sexual assault against males, which will assist in making reporting of this devastating crime more accurate and provide a better understanding of its effects on victims; Whereas, in addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault has associated consequences that may include post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, homelessness, eating disorders, and suicide; Whereas all forms of sexual violence are unacceptable, whether committed by a stranger, family member or acquaintance of the victim; Whereas less than half of sexual assault victims pursue prosecution by reporting their attack to law enforcement agencies; Whereas, by fully assessing the scope of the backlog of untested evidence in the possession of law enforcement and crime labs and by using DNA technology to eliminate the backlog, we have the potential to identify and prosecute rapists in tens of thousands of unsolved cases; Whereas aggressive prosecution can lead to the incarceration of rapists, who tend to be serial criminals who methodically select their victims and plan their crimes, thereby preventing them from committing further crimes; Whereas national, State, territory, and tribal coalitions, community-based sexual assault service providers, law enforcement agencies and other organizations across America are committed to increasing public awareness of sexual violence and its prevalence, and to eliminating it through improvements to the criminal justice system and programs to prevent crime and educate the public; Whereas important partnerships have been formed among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, health professionals, public health workers, educators, first responders, and victim service providers; Whereas free, confidential help is available to all victims and survivors of sexual assault through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800–565–HOPE) and National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (online.rainn.org), and more than 1,100 sexual assault service providers across America; Whereas the Department of Defense (DOD) estimates that more than 19,000 members of the Armed Forces are sexually assaulted each year; Whereas the DOD Safe Helpline provides live help to Active duty service members and other members of the DOD community worldwide by phone (877–995–5247) and online at SafeHelpline.org, as well as installation-based referrals via texting; Whereas, the Safe Helpline mobile app allows survivors of sexual assault in the military to create a customized self-care plan and connect to resources from anywhere in the world; Whereas this month, the DOD Safe Helpline will launch the DOD Safe HelpRoom, a moderated online peer support service which will allow survivors of sexual assault in the military to connect with one another in a secure online environment; Whereas, according to a 2012 survey of rape crisis centers by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, 50 percent of programs have laid-off staff in the past year, with more than 100 advocates losing their jobs and more than 120 positions left vacant, and 65 percent of programs have a waiting list for counseling services; Whereas individual and collective efforts reflect our dream for a Nation where citizens and organizations actively work to prevent all forms of sexual violence and no sexual assault victim goes unserved and no sexual assault perpetrator goes unpunished; and Whereas April is recognized as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month : Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (A) National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month provides a special opportunity to educate the people of the United States about sexual violence and to encourage the prevention of sexual assault, the improved treatment of its victims, and the prosecution of its perpetrators; (B) it is appropriate to properly acknowledge the more than 20 million men and women who have survived sexual assault in the United States and salute the efforts of survivors, volunteers, and professionals who combat sexual assault; (C) national and community organizations and private sector supporters should be recognized and applauded for their work in promoting awareness about sexual assault, providing information and treatment to its survivors, and increasing the number of successful prosecutions of its perpetrators; and (D) public safety, law enforcement, and health professionals should be recognized and applauded for their hard work and innovative strategies to increase the percentage of sexual assault cases that result in the prosecution and incarceration of the offenders; (2) the House of Representatives strongly recommends national and community organizations, businesses in the private sector, colleges and universities, and the media to promote, through National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, awareness of sexual violence and strategies to decrease the incidence of sexual assault; and (3) the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 194 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Moran submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of the month of May as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month.
Whereas Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is present at birth, affects as many as 30,000 individuals in the United States and is characterized by lifelong medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities; Whereas more than 5,000 individuals have signed a petition requesting that Congress support the Williams Syndrome Association’s efforts to designate May as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month; Whereas the Williams Syndrome Association (WSA), founded in 1982, is a non-profit organization and the most comprehensive resource for people and families living with Williams syndrome as well as for doctors, researchers and educators. And through its efforts, from raising public awareness, to funding critical new research, and providing valuable information and support to families, the WSA has improved the quality of life and futures of those affected by Williams syndrome; Whereas to generate awareness about Williams syndrome and raise funding for critical WSA programs and initiatives, the WSA has organized May as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month which includes Walks for Williams and other events all across the United States; and Whereas the Williams Syndrome Association and the families and friends of those with Williams should be commended for their hard work, compassion, and courage for educating the country about this rare disorder: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of Williams Syndrome Awareness Month.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 195 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2013 Mr. Veasey submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as Health and Fitness Month .
Whereas 2/3 of adults and nearly 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese in the United States; Whereas unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity have contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States; Whereas the prevalence of obesity in the United States more than doubled from 15 percent to 34 percent among adults and more than tripled from 5 percent to 17 percent among children and adolescents from 1980 to 2008; Whereas an obese teenager is 70 percent more likely to become an obese adult; Whereas obesity is more common among non-Hispanic Black teenagers (29 percent) than Hispanic teenagers (17.5 percent) or non-Hispanic White teenagers (14.5 percent); Whereas 70 percent of American Indian/Alaskan Native adults are overweight or obese; Whereas studies indicate that overweight youth may never achieve a healthy weight; Whereas a poor diet is associated with major health risks that can cause illness and even death; Whereas in addition to healthy eating, people in the United States can experience positive health benefits and be on the path for a better future by incorporating physical activity into daily life, including 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for children; Whereas physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, control weight, reduce fat, condition the heart and lungs, improve sleep, decrease potential of becoming depressed, increase energy and self-esteem, relieve stress, and increase the chances of living longer; and Whereas May 2013 would be an appropriate month to designate as Health and Fitness Month : Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Health and Fitness Month ; and (2) support efforts to educate the people of the United States on the importance of a healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 196 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 3, 2013 Mr. Deutch (for himself, Mr. Rangel , Mr. Chabot , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Conyers , Ms. Bonamici , Mr. Johnson of Georgia , and Ms. Chu ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Supporting the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the right to counsel.
Whereas on March 18, 1963, the Supreme Court recognized in Gideon v. Wainwright that counsel must be provided to indigent defendants in all felony cases; Whereas the Supreme Court held that providing counsel to indigent defendants in all felony cases meets the essential requirements of the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution; and Whereas the Supreme Court held in Argersinger v. Hamlin that absent a knowing and intelligent waiver, no person may be imprisoned for any offense, whether classified as petty, misdemeanor, or felony, unless they were represented by counsel at their trial: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the right to counsel; and (2) supports strategies to improve the criminal justice system to ensure that indigent defendants in all felony cases are adequately represented by counsel.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 197 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2013 Ms. Schakowsky (for herself, Ms. Lee of California , Ms. Matsui , and Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities is an important responsibility of the United States, and that a comprehensive approach to expanding and supporting a strong home care workforce and making long-term services and supports affordable and accessible in communities is necessary to uphold the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States to a dignified quality of life.
Whereas the aging of the baby boom generation will cause the number of individuals in the United States who are 65 years of age or older to increase from 40,000,000 to 70,000,000 during the next 2 decades; Whereas 12,000,000 adults, nearly half of whom are under 65 years of age, need long-term services and supports due to functional limitations; Whereas the decision of the Supreme Court in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), mandates the end of unnecessary segregation of individuals with disabilities in institutions, and requires that individuals with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs; Whereas the vast majority of individuals in the United States prefer to receive long-term services and supports in their homes so that they may continue to live independently and with dignity; Whereas the costs of long-term services and supports for seniors and individuals with disabilities are high; Whereas the great expense of long-term services and supports can affect all individuals, regardless of income; Whereas 70 percent of individuals who are 65 years of age or older will need some form of long-term services and supports; Whereas the number of individuals who need long-term services and supports is projected to grow from 12,000,000 to 27,000,000 by 2050; Whereas there are approximately 3,200,000 workers in the direct care workforce, leaving a huge gap between the services needed and the size of the current workforce; Whereas the United States is experiencing a jobs crisis, as 25,000,000 individuals are unemployed or underemployed; Whereas home care is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States economy, providing critical daily care, services, and supports to millions of individuals and families across the country; Whereas an estimated 1,800,000 additional home care workers will be needed during the next decade to serve the growing population of seniors and individuals with disabilities; Whereas the quality of home care jobs is poor, with low wages, few benefits, high turnover, and a high level of job stress and hazards; Whereas home care and personal assistance workers earn a median hourly wage of $9.53, and nearly half of such workers live in households that also rely on public assistance; Whereas approximately 55 percent of home care workers work part-time, and approximately 44 percent of those part-time workers would prefer to work more hours; Whereas nearly 21 percent of the individuals who provide home care services were born outside the United States; Whereas a stabilized home care workforce would lead to improved continuity and quality of long-term services and supports; Whereas the issue of long-term services and supports is a critical issue for women, as 70 percent of individuals who need such care are women 65 years of age or older, 90 percent of paid caregivers are women, and 85 percent of family members and friends who informally provide care are women who often have to leave the paid workforce to provide such care, and thus are at a financial disadvantage during their working years and face a reduction in Social Security benefits when they retire; and Whereas a comprehensive approach that focuses on job creation and job quality, workforce training, pathways to citizenship and career advancement, and support for individuals and families is necessary to build a strong home care workforce and make quality long-term services and supports affordable and accessible for all individuals in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that a comprehensive approach to expanding and supporting a strong home care workforce and making long-term services and supports affordable and accessible in communities is necessary to uphold the right of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the United States to a dignified quality of life.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 198 In the House of Representatives, U. S., May 7, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1406) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for employees in the private sector.
That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 1406) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for employees in the private sector. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto, to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce; (2) the further amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if offered by Representative Gibson of New York or his designee, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order, shall be considered as read, shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question; and (3) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 199 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2013 Ms. McCollum (for herself, Mrs. Lowey , Mr. Ryan of Ohio , Mr. McGovern , Ms. Bordallo , Ms. Moore , Mr. Conyers , and Mr. Rangel ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as National Celiac Awareness Month .
Whereas celiac disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world; Whereas 1 in 133 people in the United States, the equivalent of 1 percent of the Nation’s population, has celiac disease; Whereas 95 percent of people in the United States with celiac disease remain undiagnosed; Whereas the grains wheat, rye, and barley contain a protein which triggers an immune response in persons with celiac disease, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine; Whereas the only course of treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to the medically prescribed gluten-free diet; Whereas individuals with celiac disease may have a range of symptoms including anemia, weight loss, abdominal pain, osteoporosis, short stature, diarrhea, constipation, depression, and migraines; Whereas the length of time for an adult to be diagnosed with celiac disease is 6 years from the onset of symptoms; Whereas celiac disease is a serious life-long condition that affects children, women, and men in every age group; Whereas delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease result in increased health care costs to patients, employers, and the Federal Government; Whereas other serious autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome are associated with delays in the diagnosis of celiac disease; Whereas 10 percent of persons with type 1 diabetes have celiac disease; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk of having celiac disease; Whereas 30 percent of new diagnoses occur in persons over the age of 60; Whereas 10 percent of people with celiac disease suffer from associated neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and ataxia; Whereas the United States will host the 15th International Celiac Disease Symposium (ICDS) in Chicago, Illinois, in September 2013; Whereas the global conference will bring together experts in the study, treatment, and management of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders; Whereas the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 mandated the establishment of Federal standards for gluten-free foods to aid persons with celiac disease; Whereas individuals with celiac disease need basic information about food product ingredients to effectively manage their chronic health condition; and Whereas the 2004 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Celiac Disease found that consultation with a skilled dietitian and identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies were key elements in the management of celiac disease: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Celiac Awareness Month ; (2) recognizes the efforts of advocates and organizations that encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education, support, and hope to those impacted by celiac disease; (3) supports research funding to find a cure for celiac disease; and (4) supports and encourages all people in the United States to observe National Celiac Awareness Month with appropriate events and activities.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 200 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2013 Ms. Meng (for herself and Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Reaffirming the United States commitment to the economic and military security of the Republic of Korea and expressing the shared vision of the people of the United States and the people of the Republic of Korea for a prosperous and peaceful Asian community on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Whereas the Republic of Korea and the United States enjoy a warm friendship built on a commitment to security, joint economic development, cultural exchange, and the democratic process; Whereas in the years after the Korean War, the Republic of Korea developed its civil society and built a vibrant democracy that is the basis for regional stability and an engine of global economic growth; Whereas the Korean American community is a great reminder of the shared bonds of the people of the Republic of Korea and the United States forged by 60 years of friendship; Whereas the success of this vibrant, inclusive democracy is demonstrated by the December 19, 2012, election of Park Geun-Hye to the presidency of the Republic of Korea, marking a historic milestone as the first female head of state ever elected in the Northeast Asia region; Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea have forged an economic partnership based on the principle of joint prosperity, signified by the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement which continues to spur growth in United States manufacturing exports, key agricultural exports, and services exports to the Republic of Korea, which all support jobs in the United States; Whereas October 1, 2013, will mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, signed on October 1, 1953, and entered into force November 17, 1954; Whereas since the early 1950s, the United States has committed significant resources, including the lives of its citizens, to the security and integrity of the Republic of Korea and remembers the nearly 40,000 members of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives during the Korean War; Whereas in H. Res. 65, the House of Representatives condemned North Korea’s ongoing nuclear activities and reaffirmed North Korea’s obligation to abandon its nuclear weapons program and its ballistic missile program; Whereas the international community has repeatedly condemned the North Korean nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile tests as harmful to global security and the interests of the entire Korean peninsula, most recently in the March 7, 2013, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094 which implemented a fourth round of international sanctions; Whereas North Korea has continued to threaten and strike against the Republic of Korea, a valued United States ally, including the March 2010 sinking of the Republic of Korea’s navy ship Cheonan and the November 23, 2010, North Korean bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island, resulting in the deaths of 50 South Koreans; Whereas the United States remains committed to honoring its obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty and fully supporting the approximately 28,000 men and women of the United States Armed Forces deployed on the Korean peninsula, enduring separation from their families and other hardships in solidarity with the armed forces of the Republic of Korea; and Whereas the United States is working closely with the Republic of Korea to find a peaceful solution to the security concerns brought about by the North Korean nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, even in the face of threats and provocations from North Korea that only serve to strengthen the bond between the Republic of Korea and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the relationship between the Republic of Korea and the United States is one of great strength and mutual benefit; and (2) the House of Representatives— (A) affirms the unyielding support of the people of the United States for a secure Republic of Korea through its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and other measures to deter North Korean aggression and provocation; (B) recommits to strengthening the economic, military, and cultural ties that provide both nations with such a valuable partner in confronting the economic and security challenges of the 21st century; (C) congratulates President Park Geun-Hye on her historic election to the presidency of the Republic of Korea; (D) welcomes President Park's visit to Washington, DC, on May 6, 2013, to May 8, 2013; and (E) wishes President Park well during her tenure of leadership.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 201 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2013 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (for herself, Mr. Joyce , Mrs. Capps , Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Lewis , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Mr. Coble , Mr. Dingell , Mr. Hanna , Mr. Coffman , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Langevin , Mr. Gerlach , Ms. Moore , Mr. Cicilline , Ms. Brown of Florida , Ms. Bonamici , Mr. Ellison , Ms. Lee of California , Ms. Lofgren , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Ms. Speier , Mr. Braley of Iowa , Mr. Schrader , Mr. Blumenauer , Mr. Huffman , Mr. Carson of Indiana , Mr. Rush , Mr. Holt , Ms. Chu , Ms. Schwartz , Mr. Faleomavaega , Mr. Farr , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Kennedy , Ms. Roybal-Allard , Mr. Guthrie , Mr. Loebsack , Ms. Meng , Mr. Deutch , Mr. Takano , Ms. Kuster , Mr. King of New York , and Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week on May 6, 2013, through May 12, 2013.
Whereas since 1991, National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Recognition Day for Nurses, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing; Whereas National Nurses Week is a time of year to reflect on the important contributions that nurses make to provide safe, high-quality health care; Whereas nurses are known to be patient advocates, acting fearlessly to protect the lives of those under their care; Whereas nurses represent the largest single component of the health care profession, with an estimated population of 3,100,000 registered nurses in the United States; Whereas nurses are leading in the delivery of quality patient care in a transformed health care system; Whereas the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing report has called for the nursing profession to optimize its contribution to better meet the needs of all patients for quality health care; Whereas when nurse staffing levels increase, the risk of patient complications and length of hospital stays decrease, resulting in cost savings; Whereas nurses are experienced researchers, and their work encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry including clinical research, health systems and outcomes research, and nursing education research; Whereas nurses provide culturally and ethnically competent care and are increasingly being educated to be sensitive to regional and community customs of persons needing care; Whereas nurses have demonstrated their commitment to patient care, improved safety and quality, and better health outcomes; Whereas nurses are well positioned to provide leadership to eliminate health care disparities that exist in the Nation; Whereas nurses help inform and educate the public to improve the practice of all nurses and, more importantly, the health and safety of the patients they care for; Whereas the nationwide nursing shortage has caused dedicated nurses to work longer hours and care for more acutely ill patients; Whereas nurses are strong allies to Congress as they help inform, educate, and work closely with legislators to improve the education, retention, recruitment, and practice of all nurses and, more importantly, the health and safety of the patients they care for; and Whereas increased Federal and State support is needed to enhance existing programs and create new programs to educate nursing students at all levels, to increase the number of faculty members to educate nursing students, to create clinical sites and have the appropriately prepared nurses to teach and train at those sites, to create educational opportunities to retain nurses in the profession, and to educate and train more nurse research scientists who can discover new nursing care models to improve the health status of the Nation’s diverse population: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded by the American Nurses Association; (2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.
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IV House Calendar No. 23 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 202 [Report No. 113–52] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2013 Mr. Sessions , from the Committee on Rules , reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 807) to require that the Government prioritize all obligations on the debt held by the public in the event that the debt limit is reached.
That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 807) to require that the Government prioritize all obligations on the debt held by the public in the event that the debt limit is reached. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto, to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means; (2) the further amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if offered by Representative Camp of Michigan or his designee, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order, shall be considered as read, shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question; and (3) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
May 7, 2013 Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 203 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2013 Ms. Bass (for herself, Mr. Marino , Mr. McDermott , Mrs. Bachmann , Mr. Langevin , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Stockman , Mr. Schiff , Ms. Jackson Lee , Mr. Cicilline , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. Latham , Mr. Conyers , and Ms. Titus ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means RESOLUTION Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster-care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster-care system.
Whereas National Foster Care Month was established more than 20 years ago to— (1) bring foster-care issues to the forefront; (2) highlight the importance of permanency for every child; and (3) recognize the essential role that foster parents, social workers, and advocates have in the lives of children in foster care throughout the United States; Whereas all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home; Whereas the primary goal of the foster-care system is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while working to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for each child; Whereas there are approximately 408,000 children living in foster care; Whereas there were approximately 254,000 youth that entered the foster-care system in 2010, while over 107,000 youth were eligible and awaiting adoption at the end of 2010; Whereas children of color are more likely to stay in the foster-care system for longer periods of time and are less likely to be reunited with their biological families; Whereas foster parents are the front-line caregivers for children who cannot safely remain with their biological parents and provide physical care, emotional support, education advocacy, and are the largest single source of families providing permanent homes for children leaving foster care to adoption; Whereas children in foster care who are placed with relatives, compared to children placed with nonrelatives, have more stability, including fewer changes in placements, have more positive perceptions of their placements, are more likely to be placed with their siblings, and demonstrate fewer behavioral problems; Whereas some relative caregivers receive less financial assistance and support services than do foster caregivers; Whereas recent studies show foster children enrolled in Medicaid were prescribed antipsychotic medications at nearly 9 times the rate of other children receiving Medicaid; Whereas youth in foster care are much more likely to face educational instability with 65 percent of former foster children experiencing at least 7 school changes while in care; Whereas an increased emphasis on prevention and reunification services is necessary to reduce the number of children that are forced to remain in the foster-care system; Whereas more than 27,900 youth age out of foster care without a legal permanent connection to an adult or family; Whereas the number of youth who age out of foster care has steadily increased for the past decade; Whereas foster care is intended to be a temporary placement, but children remain in the foster-care system for an average of 2 years; Whereas children in foster care experience an average of 3 different placements, which often leads to disruption of routines and the need to change schools and move away from siblings, extended families, and familiar surroundings; Whereas children entering foster care often confront the widespread misperception that children in foster care are disruptive, unruly, and dangerous, even though placement in foster care is based on the actions of a parent or guardian, not the child; Whereas children who age out of foster care lack the security or support of a biological or adoptive family and frequently struggle to secure affordable housing, obtain health insurance, pursue higher education, and acquire adequate employment; Whereas on average, 8.5 percent of the positions in child protective services remain vacant; Whereas due to heavy caseloads and limited resources, the average tenure for a worker in child protection services is just 3 years; Whereas States, localities, and communities should be encouraged to invest resources in preventative and reunification services and postpermanency programs to ensure that more children in foster care are provided with safe, loving, and permanent placements; Whereas Federal legislation over the past 3 decades, including the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Public Law 96–272), the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 ( Public Law 105–89 ), the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–351), and the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act ( Public Law 112–34 ) provided new investments and services to improve the outcomes of children in the foster-care system; Whereas May is an appropriate month to designate as National Foster Care Month to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of the child-welfare workforce, foster parents, advocacy community, and mentors for their dedication, accomplishments, and positive impact they have on the lives of children; and Whereas much remains to be done to ensure that all children have a safe, loving, nurturing, and permanent family, regardless of age or special needs: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that children face in the foster-care system; (2) encourages Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster-care system; (3) supports the designation of National Foster Care Month; (4) acknowledges the special needs of children in the foster-care system; (5) recognizes foster youth throughout the United States for their ongoing tenacity, courage, and resilience while facing life challenges; (6) acknowledges the exceptional alumni of the foster-care system who serve as advocates and role models for youth who remain in care; (7) honors the commitment and dedication of the individuals who work tirelessly to provide assistance and services to children in the foster-care system; and (8) reaffirms the need to continue working to improve the outcomes of all children in the foster-care system through parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and other programs designed to— (A) support vulnerable families; (B) invest in prevention and reunification services; (C) promote adoption in cases where reunification is not in the best interests of the child; (D) adequately serve those children brought into the foster-care system; and (E) facilitate the successful transition into adulthood for children that age out of the foster-care system.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 204 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2013 Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs RESOLUTION Commending Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War for their service to the United States.
Whereas Korean veterans of the Vietnam War served honorably throughout the conflict, fighting courageously alongside the United States Armed Forces and often making the ultimate sacrifice, with many later becoming United States citizens; Whereas the United States holds as its highest ideals freedom, democracy, and self-determination; Whereas during the Vietnam War, more than 3,000,000 members of the United States Armed Forces fought bravely to preserve and defend these ideals with some still missing in action; Whereas 58,193 members of the United States Armed Forces were killed, more than 300,000 were wounded, and 2,000 are missing in action; Whereas soldiers from the Republic of Korea were sent to the Vietnam War to support the United States Armed Forces and the cause of freedom at the request of the United States; Whereas 325,517 Korean soldiers served in Vietnam from 1964 until the last soldier left Saigon on March 23, 1973, making Korean soldiers the second largest contingent of troops sent by allies of the United States; Whereas Korean troops fought bravely throughout the theater and were known for their dedication, tenacity, and effectiveness on the battlefield; Whereas 5,099 Korean soldiers were killed and 10,962 Korean soldiers were injured, many in defense of United States friends and allies; Whereas it is estimated that 20 percent of Korean veterans of the Vietnam War suffer from significant injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder, total disability, and the effects of the toxic defoliant Agent Orange; and Whereas Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War honorably upheld the highest ideals of the United States through their dedicated service and considerable sacrifices: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives commends Korean American veterans of the Vietnam War for their service to the United States.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 205 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2013 Mr. Horsford (for himself, Ms. Titus , and Ms. Norton ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States.
Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 when Congress passed the Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to designate the week beginning May 27, 1984, as National Tourism Week , approved November 29, 1983 ( Public Law 98–178 ; 97 Stat. 1126), which recognized the value of travel and tourism; Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated across the United States from May 4, 2013, through May 12, 2013; Whereas more than 120 travel destinations throughout the United States are holding events in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week; Whereas the travel and tourism industry supports more than 14,000,000 jobs in the United States; Whereas the travel and tourism industry employs individuals in all 50 States and all the territories of the United States; Whereas international travel to the United States is the single largest export industry in the country; Whereas the travel and tourism industry, Congress, and the executive branch have worked to streamline the visa process and make the United States welcoming to visitors from other countries; Whereas travel and tourism provide significant economic benefits to the United States by generating nearly $2,000,000,000,000 in annual economic output; Whereas leisure travel allows individuals to experience the rich cultural heritage and educational opportunities of the United States and its communities; and Whereas the immense value of travel and tourism cannot be overstated: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes National Travel and Tourism Week; (2) commends the travel and tourism industry for its important contributions to the United States; and (3) commends the employees of the travel and tourism industry for their important contributions to the United States.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 206 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 8, 2013 Mr. Fincher (for himself, Mrs. Blackburn , and Mr. Stutzman ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary , and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress and the States should investigate and correct abusive, unsanitary, and illegal abortion practices.
Whereas the Declaration of Independence sets forth the principle that all people are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; Whereas the dedication of the people of the United States to this principle, though at times tragically marred by institutions such as slavery and practices such as segregation and the denial of the right to vote, has summoned the people of the United States time and again to fight for human dignity and the common good; Whereas the people of the United States believe that every human life is precious from its very beginning, and that every individual, regardless of age, health, or condition of dependency, deserves the respect and protection of society; Whereas the people of the United States believe that early and consistent care for mothers, with due regard both for the well-being of expectant mothers and for the children they carry, is a primary goal of any sound health care policy in the United States; Whereas no woman should ever be abandoned, by policy or practice, to the depredations of an unlicensed, unregulated, or uninspected clinic operating outside of the law with no regard for the mothers or children ostensibly under its care; Whereas the Report of the Grand Jury in the Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, certified on January 14, 2011, contains the results of a thorough investigation of the policies and practices of Dr. Kermit Gosnell and the Women’s Medical Society of Philadelphia, which found multiple violations of law and public policy relating to abortion clinics, and recommended to the Pennsylvania Department of Health that these abortion clinics be explicitly regulated as ambulatory surgical facilities, so that they are inspected annually and held to the same standards as all other outpatient procedure centers ; Whereas the Report of the Grand Jury documented a pattern, over a period of 2 decades, at the Women’s Medical Society of Philadelphia of untrained and uncertified personnel performing abortions, non-medical personnel administering medications, grossly unsanitary and dangerous conditions, violations of law regarding storage of human remains, and, above all, instances of willful murder of infants born alive by severing their spinal cords; Whereas the violations of law and human dignity documented at the Women’s Medical Society of Philadelphia involved women referred to the facility by abortion facilities in a number of surrounding States, including Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Delaware; Whereas abortion clinics in a number of States, particularly Michigan and Maryland, and including 2 clinics at which Dr. Kermit Gosnell performed or initiated abortions and 2 Planned Parenthood facilities in Delaware, have been closed temporarily or permanently due to unsanitary conditions, and the Planned Parenthood facilities in Delaware have been described by former employees as resembling a meat market ; Whereas the imposition of criminal and civil penalties on individuals and corporations involved in the deplorable practices described in this preamble is appropriate, but is not the only necessary response to such practices; Whereas it is essential that the Federal Government and State and local governments take action to prevent dangerous conditions at abortion clinics; Whereas government accountability means that officials whose duty it is to protect the safety and well-being of mothers accessing health care clinics must have their actions made public and their failures redressed; Whereas the extent of, and purported justification for, legal and illegal abortions in the United States performed late in the second trimester of pregnancy and into and throughout the third trimester of pregnancy are not routinely reported by all States or by the Centers for Disease Control, and are therefore unknown; Whereas women and children in the United States deserve better than the 56,145,920 abortions that have been performed in the United States since the Supreme Court rulings in Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, and Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179, in 1973; and Whereas there is substantial medical evidence that an unborn child is capable of experiencing pain at 20 weeks after fertilization, or earlier: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (1) Congress and States should gather information about and correct— (A) abusive, unsanitary, and illegal abortion practices; and (B) the interstate referral of women and girls to facilities engaged in dangerous or illegal second- and third-trimester procedures; (2) Congress has the responsibility to— (A) investigate and conduct hearings on— (i) abortions performed near, at, or after viability in the United States; and (ii) public policies regarding such abortions; and (B) evaluate the extent to which such abortions involve violations of the natural right to life of infants who are born alive or are capable of being born alive, and therefore are entitled to equal protection under the law; (3) there is a compelling governmental interest in protecting the lives of unborn children beginning at least from the stage at which substantial medical evidence indicates that they are capable of feeling pain, which is separate from and independent of the compelling governmental interest in protecting the lives of unborn children beginning at the stage of viability, and neither governmental interest is intended to replace the other; and (4) governmental review of public policies and outcomes relating to the issues described in paragraphs (1) through (4) is long overdue and is an urgent priority that must be addressed for the sake of women, children, families, and future generations.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 207 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 8, 2013 Mr. Kilmer (for himself, Mr. Heck of Washington , Mr. Larsen of Washington , Ms. DelBene , Mr. McDermott , Mr. Reichert , and Mr. Smith of Washington ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest by United States citizens.
Whereas James W. Whittaker stood on top of Mt. Everest at 1:00 p.m. on May 1, 1963, with Sherpa Nawang Gombu, and planted the American flag for the first time on the highest point of earth; Whereas Mr. Whittaker was a part of a team led by Swiss Mountaineer Norman Dyhrenfurth, that consisted of 19 United States mountaineers, scientists, writers, and photographers, who were assisted by dozens of Sherpas and hundreds of porters, became the first United States team to reach the peak of Mt. Everest; Whereas Mr. Whittaker and the team stood as heroes and inspired the country during a time when the Nation was consumed with the ongoing struggles of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, high unemployment, and the looming war in Vietnam; Whereas upon returning, the team was recognized at a reception in the White House Rose Garden, where President John F. Kennedy presented each with the Hubbard Medal of the National Geographic Society; Whereas Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has called Mr. Whittaker’s story a riveting saga of high adventure by one of history’s greatest climbers ; Whereas Mr. Whittaker was the first full-time employee of one of the country’s largest outdoor retailers, Recreational Equipment, Inc., and went on to retire as its President and Chief Executive Officer after 25 years with the company; Whereas throughout his life, Mr. Whittaker has lived his life to the fullest, leading numerous, high-profile climbing expeditions, including the first ascent of Mt. Kennedy, which was completed with Senator Robert F. Kennedy in the Canadian Yukon in 1965; Whereas Mr. Whittaker also led the first ascent by a United States citizen of K2 in 1978, and the successful Mt. Everest International Peace Climb in 1990; and Whereas Mr. Whittaker is the author of the best-selling, award-winning memoir, A Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond and has shared his story in person as a motivational speaker: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates James W. Whittaker and his fellow climbers on the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest by United States citizens; (2) honors Mr. Whittaker for his leadership in the outdoor recreation community; and (3) recognizes the extraordinary feat Mr. Whittaker accomplished 50 years ago and how his story has inspired countless people in the Northwest and beyond.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 208 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 8, 2013 Mr. Moran submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture RESOLUTION Expressing opposition to the use of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon, or other gases to euthanize shelter animals and support for State laws that require the use of the more humane euthanasia by injection method.
Whereas 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 cats and dogs are placed into the care of between 4,000 to 6,000 local animal shelters each year in the United States; Whereas nearly half of these animals are euthanized each year because adoptive homes are not able to be found for them; Whereas to be considered humane, a euthanasia technique must expeditiously cause painless unconsciousness, followed by respiratory then cardiac arrest, and ultimately death; Whereas animals euthanized in gas chambers are often forced into confined areas with several other animals, causing unnecessary stress and aggressive behavior; Whereas the use of gas chambers can take over 30 minutes to end an animal’s life and sometimes does not result in the death of all the animals inside; Whereas the use of gas chambers can cause a loss of consciousness and brain function in an animal only after the animal’s vital organs shut down, resulting in prolonged suffering and distress; Whereas old, pregnant, neonatal, and injured animals are often biologically unable to absorb the gas as readily as larger or healthier animals, which can prolong the stress and trauma they experience before death; Whereas highly toxic carbon monoxide, the most common chemical used in animal gas chambers, is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States, and, even at low levels, can result in many long-term effects including impaired memory, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, heart irregularities, and brain damage; Whereas gas chambers threaten the safety of animal shelter workers, causing the death of at least one human and severely injuring several others in recent years; Whereas a viable and cost-effective alternative to the use of gas chambers exists in the form of euthanasia by injection using sodium pentobarbital; Whereas the use of euthanasia by injection causes animals to lose consciousness and brain function before their vital organs shut down, decreasing suffering and resulting in rapid clinical death; Whereas the use of injectable euthanasia agents is considered the most reliable and preferable method of animal euthanasia by the American Humane Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Humane Society of the United States; and Whereas at least 20 States and the District of Columbia either have laws banning the use of gas chambers or choose not to use the method to euthanize shelter animals: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses disapproval of the use of gas chambers to euthanize shelter animals; (2) supports the enactment of State laws requiring the use of euthanasia by injection with sodium pentobarbital as the standard method of euthanasia for all animal shelters, and (3) encourages States to allow licensed shelters to purchase necessary euthanasia drugs, such as sodium pentobarbital, subject to appropriate training and certification.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 209 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 8, 2013 Mr. Walz (for himself, Mr. Peters of Michigan , Mr. Conyers , Ms. Brown of Florida , Mr. Capuano , Mrs. Napolitano , Ms. Norton , Mr. Loebsack , Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California , Mr. Nadler , Ms. Schwartz , Ms. McCollum , Ms. Jackson Lee , Mr. Rush , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. DeFazio , Mr. Higgins , Mr. Terry , Mr. Tonko , Ms. Slaughter , Mr. Dingell , Mr. Huffman , Mr. Lynch , Ms. Tsongas , Mr. Young of Alaska , Mr. Gibson , Mr. Nolan , Ms. Brownley of California , Mr. Tierney , Mr. Takano , Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania , Mr. Lipinski , Mr. Israel , Ms. Titus , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Enyart , and Mr. Ellison ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure RESOLUTION Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and congratulating the members and officers of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen for the union’s many achievements.
Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is the oldest rail union in North America; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen was founded on May 8, 1863, as the Brotherhood of the Footboard, a secret, fraternal labor organization, and its first meetings were held in secret for fear of reprisals; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen began to thrive despite the climate into which it was born; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has grown from its original 13 members to 55,000 active and retired members located throughout the United States; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen’s members have contributed, both directly through their railroad activity and in their private capacities, to the war effort in all of the wars of the United States since its founding; Whereas the efforts of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to improve rail safety for both their members and the public have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of railroad accidents in the years since the union’s inception; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen enlarged its membership ranks to include other rail employees; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters effective January 1, 2004, becoming the founding member of the Teamsters Rail Conference, and was renamed the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; Whereas in addition to providing representation for its members, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen aggressively participates in the labor movement with other unions and organizations to promote the interests of working men and women and their families; Whereas the 55,000 men and women of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen are highly trained professionals, and it is through their professionalism, perseverance, and dedication that the railroad industry, the lifeblood of the United States economy, runs smoothly and safely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year; Whereas the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, working with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, is an extraordinary union whose leadership continues to work hard every day, just as it did in 1863, to protect members’ health and safety, to guard their financial interests, to give them an effective voice on the job, and to ensure dignity, respect, and security for railway workers in the workplace; and Whereas the efforts of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen deserve the attention and admiration of the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; (2) congratulates the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen for its many achievements and the strength of its membership; (3) recognizes the tremendous contributions made by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen to the structural development and building of the United States and for the many improvements in the well-being of tens of thousands of workers; and (4) expects that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will continue its outstanding work and will have an even greater impact in the 21st century and beyond, and will further enhance the standard of living and improve the work environment for rail workers and other laborers for generations to come.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 210 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 9, 2013 Mr. Jones submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the veterans of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984.
Whereas on the morning of October 23, 1983, at approximately 6:20 a.m., a truck packed with explosives broke security and detonated outside of the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon; Whereas 241 United States Military personnel were killed in the blast; Whereas a total of 273 members of the Armed Services from 36 States across the United States were killed while serving in Beirut, Lebanon, from 1982 to 1984; Whereas the servicemen were part of a multinational peacekeeping force; Whereas the honor and sacrifice of the victims and veterans will never be forgotten; Whereas remembering those who lost their lives and those who served in Beirut would enhance public awareness of the roots of the war on terror and strengthen public resolve to rid the world of evil; Whereas October 23, 2008 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Beirut bombing; and Whereas the Nation should celebrate the peace in the American spirit that was embodied in the mission of these fallen heroes: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp in remembrance of the victims and in honor of the veterans of the Beirut peacekeeping mission; and (2) the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 211 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 9, 2013 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of the week of October 7 through October 13, 2013, as Naturopathic Medicine Week to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care.
Whereas, in the United States, 75 percent of all health care spending is for the treatment of preventable chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, which affects 68,000,000 people in the United States, and diabetes, which affects 26,000,000 people in the United States; Whereas nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese and, consequently, at risk for serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and depression; Whereas 70 percent of people in the United States experience physical or nonphysical symptoms of stress, which can contribute to chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes; Whereas the aforementioned health conditions are among the most preventable health conditions and are especially responsive to the preventive, whole-person approach favored by naturopathic medicine; Whereas naturopathic medicine provides noninvasive, holistic treatments that support the inherent self-healing capacity of the human body and encourage self-responsibility in health care; Whereas naturopathic medicine reduces health care costs because of its focus on patient-centered care, the prevention of chronic illnesses, and early intervention in the treatment of chronic illnesses; Whereas naturopathic physicians attend 4-year, graduate level programs with rigorous admission requirements at institutions that are recognized by the Department of Education; Whereas naturopathic physicians are especially skilled in treating chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders, because of their focus on whole-body medicine rather than symptom management; Whereas naturopathic physicians are trained to serve as primary care physicians and can help redress the shortage of primary care providers in the United States; Whereas naturopathic physicians are trained to refer patients to conventional physicians and specialists when necessary; Whereas patients of naturopathic physicians report higher patient satisfaction and health improvement than patients of conventional medicine; Whereas the profession of naturopathic medicine is dedicated to providing health care to underserved populations; Whereas naturopathic medicine provides consumers in the United States with more choice in health care, in line with the increased use of a variety of integrative medical treatments; and Whereas the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( Public Law 111–148 ; 124 Stat. 119) requires that insurers include and reimburse licensed health care providers, including naturopathic physicians, in health insurance plans: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Naturopathic Medicine Week ; (2) recognizes the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to learn about naturopathic medicine and the role that naturopathic physicians play in preventing chronic and debilitating illnesses and conditions.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 212 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 13, 2013 Mr. Murphy of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania , Mr. Lance , Mr. Cassidy , Mrs. Ellmers , Mr. Barber , Ms. Bordallo , Ms. Brown of Florida , Ms. Brownley of California , Mr. Butterfield , Mr. Cárdenas , Mr. Carson of Indiana , Mr. Cartwright , Mrs. Christensen , Ms. Chu , Mr. Cicilline , Ms. Clarke , Mr. Connolly , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Ellison , Mr. Farr , Mr. Fattah , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. Honda , Ms. Jackson Lee , Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas , Ms. Kaptur , Ms. Kuster , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Levin , Mr. Loebsack , Mr. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico , Ms. Matsui , Mrs. McCarthy of New York , Ms. McCollum , Mr. McDermott , Mr. McGovern , Ms. Moore , Mrs. Napolitano , Ms. Norton , Mr. Peters of California , Mr. Price of North Carolina , Mr. Rahall , Mr. Rangel , Ms. Roybal-Allard , Mr. Rush , Mr. Ryan of Ohio , Mr. Sablan , Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California , Ms. Schakowsky , Mr. Scott of Virginia , Ms. Slaughter , Mr. Smith of Washington , Ms. Speier , Mr. Takano , Mr. Thompson of California , Mr. Tonko , Mr. Vargas , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Ms. Esty , Mr. Van Hollen , Mrs. Kirkpatrick , Mrs. Beatty , Ms. Bonamici , Mr. Garamendi , Mr. Lowenthal , Mr. Vela , Mr. Gary G. Miller of California , Ms. Hahn , Mr. Peters of Michigan , Mr. Duffy , Mr. Gerlach , Mr. Griffin of Arkansas , Mr. Yoho , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Rogers of Michigan , Mrs. Roby , Mr. McKinley , Mr. Fitzpatrick , Mr. Buchanan , and Mr. Heck of Nevada ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of May 2013 as Mental Health Month.
Whereas the mental health and well-being of people in the United States is a critical issue that affects not only quality of life, but also the health of communities, families, and economic stability; Whereas the stigma associated with mental health continues to persist; Whereas more than 57,000,000 people in the United States suffer from mental illness; Whereas approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents has a diagnosable mental disorder; Whereas post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) afflicts 15 to 20 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan and 20 percent of Iraqi war veterans; Whereas roughly 20 to 50 percent of all prison and jail inmates are diagnosed with a mental illness; Whereas mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the Nation; Whereas major mental illness costs businesses and the United States economy over $193,000,000,000 per year in lost earnings; Whereas untreated mental illness is a leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace; Whereas in 2012, over 38,000 people died by suicide in the United States, and more than 500,000 people in the United States attempt suicide each year; Whereas suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 25 and 34; Whereas in 2004, individuals age 65 and older comprised only 12.4 percent of the population but accounted for 16.6 percent of all suicides, and the rate of suicide among older people is higher than for any other age group; Whereas 1 in 4 Latin American adolescents report seriously contemplating suicide, a rate higher than any other demographic; Whereas Native Americans currently rank as the top ethnicity for suicide rates nationwide; Whereas studies report that people with serious mental illness die, on average, 25 years earlier than the general population; Whereas untreated schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic illnesses, especially in persons with a substance abuse disorder or a history of violence, may result in increased violent behavior and those who do not receive treatment are 15 times more likely to commit a violent act than those who are receiving treatment; Whereas lack of awareness of one’s mental illness affects approximately 50 percent of individuals with schizophrenia and 40 percent of individuals with bipolar disorder; Whereas the delay between a first episode of psychosis and onset of treatment is an average of 110 weeks; Whereas medication and psychosocial therapies have proven effective in treating mental illness; and Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 2013 as Mental Health Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Mental Health Month in order to place emphasis on scientific facts and findings regarding mental health and to remove the stigma associated with mental illness; (2) recognizes that mental well-being is equally as important as physical well-being for citizens, communities, businesses, and the economy in the United States; (3) applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in working to promote public awareness of mental health and providing critical information and support to the people and families affected by mental illness; (4) supports the finding of the President’s Commission on Mental Health that the Nation’s failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy; and (5) encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 213 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 14, 2013 Ms. McCollum (for herself, Ms. Speier , Ms. Kaptur , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Mr. Ryan of Ohio , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Rangel , Mrs. Napolitano , Ms. Jackson Lee , and Ms. Sinema ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Establishing the Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Abuse in the Armed Forces to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and report on the activities of the Department of Defense to prevent, reduce, prosecute, and provide victims’ services for cases of sexual assault and abuse in the Armed Forces.
1. Establishment There is hereby established the Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Abuse in the Armed Forces (hereinafter referred to as the Special Committee ) to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and report on the activities of the Department of Defense to prevent, reduce, prosecute, and provide victims’ services for cases of sexual assault and abuse in the Armed Forces. 2. Composition (a) Membership The Special Committee shall be composed of 19 members as follows: (1) Six members appointed by the Speaker. (2) Five members appointed by the Minority Leader. (3) The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services (or a designee from among the members of that committee). (4) The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations (or a designee from among the members of that committee). (5) The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary (or a designee from among the members of that committee). (6) The chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (or a designee from among the members of that committee). If the chair or ranking minority member of any such committee declines to serve on the Special Committee, then the Speaker (in the case of a chair), or the Speaker after consultation with the minority leader (in the case of a ranking minority member), shall designate the member or members from that committee to serve on the Special Committee. (b) Designation of Chair and Ranking Minority Member The Speaker shall designate one member of the Special Committee to serve as its chair and the minority leader shall designate one member of the Special Committee to serve as its ranking minority member. 3. Jurisdiction; report (a) Investigations The Special Committee shall have jurisdiction and oversight responsibility to conduct investigations into issues related to sexual assault and abuse in the Department of Defense, including the following: (1) Prevention. (2) Reported and unreported incidents of sexual assault and abuse perpetrated by members of the Armed Forces and employees of the Department of Defense. (3) Prosecution. (4) Victim services and care. (5) All other related issues. (b) Report Not later than 120 days after its initial meeting, the Special Committee shall submit to the House a report on its investigations under this section. 4. Powers and Procedures Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall apply with respect to the Special Committee. 5. Staff; funding (a) Staff (1) To the extent practicable, the Special Committee shall utilize the services of staff of employing entities of the House. At the request of the chair in consultation with the ranking minority member, staff of employing entities of the House may be detailed to the Special Committee to carry out this resolution, and shall be deemed to be staff of the Special Committee. (2) The chair, upon consultation with the ranking minority member, may employ and fix the compensation of such staff as the chair considers necessary to carry out this resolution. (b) Funding There are authorized to be appropriated from the applicable accounts of the House such sums as may be necessary to carry out this resolution. Payments for the expenses of the Special Committee shall be made on vouchers signed by the chair and approved in the manner directed by the Committee on House Administration. Amounts made available under this subsection shall be expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Administration. 6. Termination; Disposition of records (a) Termination The Special Committee shall terminate on the last day of the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress. (b) Records Upon termination of the Special Committee, the records of the Committee shall become the records of any committee designated by the Speaker.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 214 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 15, 2013 Mr. Weber of Texas (for himself, Mr. Smith of Texas , Mr. Hall , Mr. Neugebauer , Mr. Sensenbrenner , Mr. Stockman , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Schweikert , and Mr. Stewart ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that extensive scientific and technical studies and analyses by the Department of State and other Federal agencies have affirmed that the proposed Keystone XL pipeline is an environmentally sound project.
Whereas safe and responsible production, transportation, and use of oil and petroleum products provide the foundation of America’s energy economy, helping to secure and advance our economic prosperity, national security, and overall quality of life; Whereas Department of State assessments found that the Keystone XL pipeline is not likely to impact the amount of crude oil produced from the oil sands and that approval or denial of the proposed Project is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the rate of development in the oil sands ; Whereas the Department of State found that the incremental life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Keystone XL project are estimated in the range of 0.07 to 0.83 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, with the upper end of this range representing twelve one-thousandths of one percent of the 6,702 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted in the United States in 2011; Whereas after extensive evaluation of potential impacts to land and water resources along the Keystone XL pipeline’s 875 mile proposed route, the Department of State found that The analyses of potential impacts associated with construction and normal operation of the proposed Project suggest that there would be no significant impacts to most resources along the proposed Project route (assuming Keystone complies with all laws and required conditions and measures). ; Whereas transportation of oil via pipeline has a record of unmatched safety and environmental protection, and the Department of State found that Spills associated with the proposed Project that enter the environment are expected to be rare and relatively small , and that there is no evidence of increased corrosion or other pipeline threat due to viscosity of diluted bitumen oil that will be transported by the Keystone XL pipeline; and Whereas plans to incorporate 57 project-specific special conditions related to the design, construction, and operations of the Keystone XL pipeline led the Department of State to find that the pipeline will have a degree of safety over any other typically constructed domestic oil pipeline : Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government’s exhaustive scientific and technical analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the Keystone XL pipeline have repeatedly affirmed the environmental soundness and safety of the proposed project.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 215 In the House of Representatives, U. S., May 16, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 45) to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 45) to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) two hours of debate equally divided among and controlled by the respective chairs and ranking minority members of the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means; and (2) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV House Calendar No. 25 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 216 [Report No. 113–60] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 15, 2013 Mr. Sessions , from the Committee on Rules , reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1062) to improve the consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the costs and benefits of its regulations and orders.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1062) to improve the consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the costs and benefits of its regulations and orders. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-10. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
May 15, 2013 Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 217 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 15, 2013 Mr. Bentivolio submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal, State, and local police officers who have fallen while fulfilling their duty both in Michigan and the United States should be honored for their sacrifice and commitment to preserving law and order.
Whereas the week of May 12, 2013, through May 18, 2013, has been designated as National Police Week ; Whereas the brave men and women who serve on the Federal, State, and local levels put themselves in harm’s way to protect and preserve the safety and security of law-abiding citizens on a daily basis; Whereas in 2012 alone, at least 120 Federal, State, and local police officers died in the line of duty while fulfilling their oath to uphold the law; and Whereas in Michigan, 564 known police officers have died in the line of duty since 1791: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal, State, and local police officers who have fallen while fulfilling their duty both in Michigan and the United States should be honored for their sacrifice and commitment to preserving law and order.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 218 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 16, 2013 Mr. Royce (for himself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey , Mr. Connolly , Mr. Pitts , Ms. Lofgren , and Mr. Schiff ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling on the Secretary of State to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a Country of Particular Concern with respect to religious freedom.
Whereas the Secretary of State, under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), its amendment in 1999, and authority delegated by the President, designates nations found guilty of particularly severe violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC); Whereas on September 15, 2004, the Secretary of State designated the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a CPC; Whereas to avoid possible sanctions or other commensurate actions recommended by section 405 (a) or (b) of IRFA, in May 2005 the United States and Vietnam reached a binding agreement consistent with section 405(c) of IRFA; Whereas, although the terms of the binding agreement have never been fully publicized, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2006 Annual Report stated that the United States agreed to lift the CPC designation if the Government of Vietnam fully implemented legislation on religious freedom and rendered previous contradictory regulations obsolete, instructed local authorities strictly and completely to adhere to the new legislation to ensure compliance, facilitated the process by which religious congregations are able to open houses of worship, and gave special consideration to prisoners and cases of concern raised by the United States during the granting of prisoner amnesties; Whereas in November 2006, the Secretary of State announced that the CPC designation was lifted with respect to Vietnam; Whereas in explaining the lifting of the designation, Department of State officials have stated that the Government of Vietnam has made significant improvements towards advancing religious freedom and that major progress has been achieved on all points of concern that led to Vietnam's initial designation ; Whereas the criteria for designating countries as a CPC, as set forth in section 3(11) of IRFA, are for systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom including violations, such as torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of punishment, prolonged detention without charges, causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or clandestine detention of those persons, and other flagrant denial of the right of life, liberty, or the security of persons ; Whereas, according to USCIRF, the CPC designation, when used in the past, brought about some overall improvements and prisoner releases without hindering progress on other United States-Vietnam interests ; Whereas, according to the Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, Vietnamese who exercise their right to freedom of religion continued to be subject to harassment, differing interpretations and applications of the law, and inconsistent legal protection … and local police continued to use contract thugs and citizen brigades to harass and beat political activists and others, including religious worshiper ; Whereas, according to USCIRF’s 2013 Annual Report, Vietnam continues to warrant a CPC designation because of systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and the Vietnamese Government continues to view with suspicion the growth of Protestantism among ethnic minority Hmong and Montagnards and has taken direct action to harass and arrest those meeting in independent religious groups and to pressure new converts to Protestantism to renounce their faith; Whereas, according to Human Rights Watch, Vietnam restricts religious freedom through legislation, registration requirements, and harassing and intimidating unsanctioned religious groups, including independent Protestant home churches, and individuals and congregations of Hoa Hao Buddhists, Cao Dai, the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, and Falun Gong ; Whereas, according to nongovernmental organizations, hundreds of Montagnard Protestants remain in prison, arrested after 2001 and 2004 demonstrations for land rights and religious freedom in the Central Highlands; Whereas, according to one human rights group, a religious police unit continues to carry out a campaign to capture and transform reactionary operatives and Dega Protestants , resulting in beatings, detentions, deaths in custody, forced renunciations of faith, and disappearances of Montagnards Protestants gathering in independent congregations; Whereas on March 26, 2012, the People’s Court of Gia Lai city sentenced Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh, the leader of the Christian Congregation of the Vietnamese Lutheran Church, to 11 years in prison; a higher court in July 2012 upheld the heavy sentence; and the police continue to harass his wife and children, and on April 12, 2013, the police of Binh Duong Province detained his wife after a prison visit, stripped her naked, and beat her; Whereas on March 17, 2013, police in Dak Nong province arrested 2 brothers, both Hmong Protestants, without charges and tortured one Hoang Van Ngai, a deacon at a Hmong house church to death; Whereas, according to USCIRF’s 2013 Annual Report, Vietnamese officials continued to target Catholic communities, including with destruction of properties, detentions, and arrests … used force against Catholic clergy engaged in religious activities, and continued to restrict, harass, and detain members of the Redemptorist Order for their religious freedom advocacy; Whereas the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV), the Hoa Hao Buddhists, and the Cao Dai groups continue to face unwarranted abuses because of their attempts to organize independently of the Vietnamese Government, including the detention and imprisonment of individual members and widespread discrimination against these religious communities; Whereas the UBCV, Vietnam’s largest religious organization, continues to face severe restrictions including the continued pagoda detention of Supreme Patriarch Thich Quang Do and on its youth and charitable work, conducting religious ceremonies, and in police harassment of lay people attending recognized UBCV pagodas; Whereas, according to USCIRF’s 2013 Annual Report, over 600 Hmong Protestant churches are refused legal recognition or affiliation, leaving them illegal and subject to harassment, detentions, and property destructions, and a government handbook on religion instructs government officials to control existing religious practice and overcome the extraordinary growth of Protestantism ; Whereas in May 2011 the police in Dien Bien Province brutally cracked down on thousands of Hmong Protestants who gathered near Muong Nhe Village reportedly to conduct various types of religious activities—the crackdown reportedly caused several deaths and scores of arrests, though no independent investigation has been allowed; and Whereas USCIRF, prominent nongovernmental organizations, and representative associations of Vietnamese-American, Montagnard-American, and Khmer-American organizations continue to call for the redesignation of Vietnam as a CPC: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) strongly encourages the Department of State to place Vietnam on the list of Countries of Particular Concern for particularly severe violations of religious freedom; (2) strongly condemns the ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom in Vietnam, including the detention of religious leaders and the long-term imprisonment of individuals engaged in peaceful advocacy; (3) calls on Vietnam to lift restrictions on religious freedom, cease all expropriations of church properties, and implement necessary legal and political reforms to protect religious freedom; and (4) urges the Department of State to demonstrate clearly that the expansion of bilateral ties will depend on improvements in religious freedom and related rights.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 219 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Ms. Bordallo (for herself, Mr. Bera of California , Mrs. Christensen , Ms. Chu , Mr. Faleomavaega , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Himes , Ms. Lee of California , Mr. Lowenthal , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Peters of California , Mr. Pierluisi , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Sablan , Mr. Smith of Washington , Ms. Speier , and Mr. Takano ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are the largest growing group in the United States and constitute diverse communities including over 50 different ethnic sub-groups speaking over 100 languages and dialects; Whereas from 2009 to 2010 the number of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have been diagnosed with HIV has increased at least 50 percent; Whereas analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data has revealed that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were the only ethnic groups with a statistically significant increase in new HIV diagnoses (4.4 percent) between 2001 and 2008; Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have the highest number of individuals who have never been tested for HIV; Whereas 6 out of 10 Asian Americans and 7 out of 10 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders have never been tested for HIV; Whereas the CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AIDS are unaware they are infected with HIV; Whereas 37 percent of HIV diagnoses among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders progressed to AIDS in less than 12 months; Whereas the CDC estimates that over 9,000 AIDS cases have been diagnosed among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; Whereas significant barriers remain for accessing culturally and linguistically competent services, especially HIV testing; Whereas HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination continues to be a growing problem in all communities, including the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community; Whereas HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination increases risk-taking behavior and prevents people from accessing the HIV/AIDS services and support they need; Whereas the National HIV/AIDS Strategy released in July 2010 established the three primary goals of reducing HIV incidence, increasing access to care, and optimizing health outcomes and reducing HIV-related health disparities, including specific strategies focused on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, such as targeted and disaggregated surveillance and stigma prevention efforts and interventions targeted to the men who have sex with men community; Whereas the development of the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998 to coordinate funding, capacity building, and prevention, care, and treatment services within African-American, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native American communities has assisted with the development of leadership in minority community-based organizations, provided culturally and linguistically competent HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment services, developed community capacity and infrastructure, promoted technical assistance and resources, and raised awareness among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; and Whereas on May 19, 2013, community members from all ethnic groups will come together in recognition of the ninth annual National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the observance of National Asian American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in order to honor the memory of the 3,542 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders with AIDS in the United States who have died, as well as the estimated 9,317 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are still living with HIV/AIDS; (2) recognizes the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services as a core element in reducing HIV/AIDS rates in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; (3) recognizes the importance of addressing the gaps in research and data in order to fully understand the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; and (4) recognizes the people across the United States infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who are commemorating this day with community-wide activities and who work to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across the United States and the United States affiliated Pacific Island jurisdictions.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 220 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Mr. Hastings of Florida (for himself, Mr. Lewis , Mr. Connolly , Mr. Farr , Ms. Norton , Mr. Rush , Mr. Ellison , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Blumenauer , and Ms. Bordallo ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the contributions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Whereas the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Convention) was concluded on March 3, 1973, with the United States as an original signatory nation, and entered into force on July 1, 1975; Whereas 178 nations are now party to the Convention; Whereas the Convention aims to ensure that international trade in wild plants and animals does not threaten their survival; Whereas the Convention both recognizes and provides the basis for international cooperation in the control of international trade to not threaten species’ survival; Whereas the international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars per year and to involve hundreds of millions of plants and animals and derived products such as food products, leather and fur, ornamentals, medicinal, and timber; Whereas high levels of exploitation of and trade in wild animals and plants, together with other factors such as habitat loss, are capable of bringing some species close to extinction; Whereas parties to the Convention have an international obligation and responsibility to protect endangered animals and plants worldwide; Whereas it is widely accepted that adherence to protective measures adopted by the parties to the Convention has benefitted the conservation of animals and plants; Whereas nearly 5,000 species of animals and 29,000 species of plants are protected by the Convention against over-exploitation through international trade; Whereas the species covered by the Convention are listed in 3 appendices, according to the degree of protection they need; Whereas the parties of the Convention meet every 2 to 3 years at the Conference of the Parties to review the status of species in danger of extinction and to establish trade restrictions with respect to endangered species; Whereas the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties was held in March 2013; Whereas between 2002 and 2012, more than 10,940 African elephants were illegally killed for their ivory, an increase of 4,374 compared to the analysis submitted to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties held in 2010; Whereas poaching still continues with 2011 having the highest levels of poaching since comprehensive records started in 2002; Whereas as sea ice declines, polar bears will not be able to adapt to a terrestrial-based life resulting in increased mortality, reduced reproduction, increased human-bear conflicts, and overall drastic decline of populations; Whereas polar bears are still being hunted for sport trophies despite habitat loss and population declines; Whereas a proposal to move the polar bear from appendix II to appendix I was rejected at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties; Whereas the scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, porbeagle, and whitetip sharks have been severely depleted with declines as high as 99 percent in some areas as a result of the high demand for their fins or meat; Whereas proposals to include these 5 sharks on appendix II were accepted at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties; and Whereas overfishing, both legal and illegal, increased consumer demand, and inadequate enforcement of infractions have led to historically low populations of northern and Atlantic bluefin tuna: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the important contributions that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has made in regulating international trade in endangered species and protecting endangered species worldwide; (2) recognizes the increasing importance of the Convention in addressing effects of trade on species, while taking into account multiple and compounding threats on species and ecosystems such as over-exploitation, habitat loss, invasive species, disease, and the effects of climate change; (3) applauds the Convention’s recent leadership in reaffirming strong protections for the African elephant, five sharks, and other endangered species; (4) urges renewed, expanded, and accelerated commitments to the Convention by all parties to ensure and enhance the Convention’s contribution to species conservation through appropriate controls of international wildlife trade; (5) urges the United States delegation to the Convention to utilize international cooperation to encourage other parties to the Convention to collaborate effectively to curb excessive exploitation of species for international trade; and (6) urges the Convention to adopt stronger protections for the polar bear, bluefin tuna, and other endangered species at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in South Africa in 2016.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 221 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Ms. Lee of California (for herself, Mr. Cicilline , Mr. Polis , Mr. Pocan , Mr. Moran , Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York , Mr. Takano , Ms. Hahn , Mr. Engel , Mr. Schiff , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Pallone , Mr. Vargas , Mr. Smith of Washington , Mr. Carson of Indiana , Mr. Tonko , Ms. Schakowsky , Mr. Veasey , Ms. Norton , Ms. Kuster , Mr. Lowenthal , Mrs. Christensen , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. Gutierrez , and Mr. Larsen of Washington ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs , and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and the Workforce , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Whereas at least 9,000,000 Americans identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), including 2,500,000 who are school-age youth; Whereas, according to a February 2013 report by the Williams Institute, an estimated 3,000,000 LGBT Americans have had a child and as many as 6,000,000 American children and adults have a LGBT parent; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homophobia and transphobia contribute to disparities in physical and mental health indicators such as depression, substance use, cancer, and experiences of abuse and violence; Whereas the Centers further report that homophobia and transphobia limit an individual’s ability to access high-quality health care and negatively affects such individual’s income and employment status; Whereas homophobia and transphobia are associated with minority stress that may underlie sexual behaviors that can increase risk of HIV and AIDS transmission, and also create additional barriers for LGBT individuals to access prevention and treatment for HIV and AIDS; Whereas, according to the Global Commission on HIV and the Law, homophobia and transphobia contributes to disproportionately high rates of HIV among men who have sex with men and transgender women; Whereas, according to a 2011 survey by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, 8 out of 10 students who identify as LGBT were harassed at school in the past year due to their sexual orientation, 64 percent felt unsafe at school, and 30 percent skipped an entire day of school in the past month because of safety concerns; Whereas youth who are LGBT or are perceived to identify as LGBT are more likely to smoke, use alcohol and drugs, skip school, or engage in other risky behaviors, and LGBT youth account for up to 40 percent of approximately 2,000,000 homeless youth who are likely to lack access to health care and develop stress-related disorders; Whereas youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are four times more likely to attempt suicide, and youth who are questioning their sexual orientation are three times more likely to attempt suicide, as compared to their heterosexual counterparts; Whereas 41 percent of Americans who identify as transgender have attempted suicide, and 19 percent report refusal of medical care; Whereas LGBT families are often not granted equal access to health insurance and are more likely to live in poverty; Whereas anti-LGBT violence is the third most frequent bias crime, and among those reporting this crime, transgender women, people of color, and youth faced the most severe violence as a result of the crime; Whereas 76 countries still criminalize homosexuality, and LGBT people in these countries face violence, increased discrimination, and blackmail; Whereas, according to a recent study across 15 countries, transgender women were nearly 50 times more likely to have HIV, and there were 1,123 reported killings of transgender people in 57 countries between 2008 and 2012; and Whereas the European Parliament and other international bodies observe May 17 as an International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of an International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia; (2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of homophobia and transphobia and empowering communities to celebrate and respect their diversity; (3) encourages health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the LGBT community, schools to support the creation of gay-straight alliances to achieve safer learning environments, and individuals to learn about national resources for those who identify as LGBT; and (4) encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and U.S. bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of LGBT people.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 222 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Mr. Meeks (for himself, Mr. Boustany , Mr. Cleaver , Mr. Deutch , Mr. Engel , Mr. Faleomavaega , Mr. Fortenberry , Mr. Grimm , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mrs. Lowey , Mr. Moran , Mr. Schiff , and Mr. Weber of Texas ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the long-term partnership and friendship between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, working together towards peace and security in the Middle East.
Whereas the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have maintained official diplomatic relations since 1949, and during this partnership spanning over 6 decades, the United States and Jordan have developed a close relationship in security, economic development, and counterterrorism cooperation; Whereas a United States–Jordanian Joint Military Commission facilitates bilateral consultations between the United States Department of Defense and Jordanian Armed Forces since 1974, and has led to increased cooperation in regional and global counterterrorism efforts; Whereas Jordan has provided key security and humanitarian support in both Afghanistan and Iraq; Whereas Jordan hosted a United States-developed training program for the Palestinian National Security Forces on human rights, proper use of force, and civil disturbances to further enhance peace and security in the West Bank; Whereas in 1996, the United States designated Jordan as a major non-NATO ally, recognizing Jordan as a close ally with a strategic working relationship; Whereas the Jordanian Armed Forces are a proven reliable contributor to the international community, particularly as a member of the United Nations, contributing 57,000 troops to 18 different United Nations peacekeeping missions, most notably in Haiti where Jordan endured multiple casualties during such missions; Whereas Jordan signed the historic Jordan–Israel Peace Treaty on October 26, 1994, normalizing relations between Jordan and Israel by resolving territorial disputes and establishing a partnership towards peaceful relations; Whereas King Abdullah II has been a key advocate of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, often reiterating the urgent need for peaceful reconciliation and offering to serve as a mediator and host for peace negotiations; Whereas Jordan is a leader for progress and tolerance in the Arab world and recently held parliamentary elections, as part of a political reform movement; Whereas the economic partnership between the United States and Jordan was further strengthened through the signing of the United States–Jordan Free Trade Agreement by President Bill Clinton and King Abdullah II on October 24, 2000, and fully implemented on January 1, 2010; Whereas in 2008, the United States and Jordan signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding in the amount of $360,000,000 in economic support funds and $300,000,000 per year in foreign military financing to further bolster the United States–Jordan strategic relationship; Whereas the United States is strongly committed to the continued development and progress of the Jordanian people, civil society, and political institutions, specifically in the areas of democracy assistance, water and energy preservation, education services, and economic development; Whereas the al-Assad regime continues to fuel a humanitarian crisis within the region through attacks against innocent civilians, resulting in the loss of approximately 70,000 Syrian lives and the displacement of approximately 5,500,000 civilians and over 1,300,000 women, children, and men who have fled Syria; Whereas the international community, led by the United Nations, has issued dire warnings regarding the severity of the growing humanitarian crisis, calling for the international community to use all available resources to end the crisis that is destroying families, homes, and cities; Whereas the Government of Jordan has maintained open borders with Syria, despite a heavy burden of hosting and providing for the security and basic needs of approximately 500,000 refugees, with that number growing by 2,000 to 4,000 persons per day; Whereas three-quarters of the refugees are women and children, and 1 in 5 refugees is under the age of 4; and Whereas the Government of Jordan has worked in partnership with the international community, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide for the needs of vulnerable refugee populations, including clean water, food, shelter, health care, and education: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the people and Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued friendship with the United States and commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East; (2) commends the Government of Jordan for its response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis by hosting and caring for refugees fleeing violence from the conflict with the al-Assad regime; and (3) expresses a firm commitment to support the Government of Jordan as it faces regional challenges and works toward a more peaceful and stable Middle East.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 223 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Mr. Moran submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the ongoing conflict in Syria and the urgent need for the Syrian Opposition Coalition and local coordinating committees in Syria to assume the responsibilities of governance including the establishment of institutions of transitional justice, and to guarantee the rights of all Syria’s people, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.
Whereas the civil war in Syria, which exploded when the dictatorial regime of Bashar al Assad violently suppressed peaceful demonstrations by Syria’s citizens, has killed more than 70,000 Syrians, created as many as 4,000,000 internally displaced, and driven some 1,200,000 to seek refuge in neighboring countries, mobilizing an international response encompassing pledges of assistance totaling over $1,000,000,000; Whereas the 40-year history of undemocratic, repressive leadership under the regime of Bashar al Assad and his father Hafez al Assad has eroded civil society, debilitated the capacity for self government, and undermined confidence in the rule of law in Syria; Whereas the Syrian opposition, though lacking comprehensive and coordinated assistance from the international community, and suffering constant attacks by the Assad regime, has succeeded in establishing effective self-government in significant sections of the country and is developing a capacity to exercise responsible authority and deliver essential services; Whereas the United States Government recognizes the Syrian Opposition Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and is assisting the Council and its affiliated local coordinating bodies to establish structures of governance, including mechanisms for the provision of security and justice; Whereas the Syrian population is about 70 percent Sunni and also includes large minorities of Alawites and Christians (including Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Eastern Rite Catholics), as well as smaller numbers of Shia (including Ismailis), Druze, Ezidi, Mandaean, and Jewish communities with longstanding ancient and indigenous ties to the area; Whereas according to the February 5, 2013, Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, the conflict is becoming increasingly sectarian; Whereas the Syrian Government has sought to exacerbate ethnic and religious tensions by employing paramilitary forces, known as shabiha, to terrorize communities suspected of sympathizing with the opposition, and has thus sown the seeds of unbridled sectarian conflict; Whereas elements of the opposition have reportedly engaged in isolated instances of attacks on religious shrines in areas of mixed ethnicity, which if they become more widespread jeopardize a transition to a post-conflict, democratic, and pluralistic Syria; and Whereas members of the international community, notably Iran, Russia, and China, have undermined international consensus for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, stymied efforts to halt the Syrian Government’s atrocities, maintained military support for Bashar al Assad’s onslaught against civilians, or blocked action at the United Nations Security Council: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) calls on the Syrian Opposition Coalition to publicly outline a detailed vision of inclusion for all of Syria’s people, including a guarantee of full citizenship and equality under the law; (2) calls on the Obama Administration, in close cooperation with international and regional partners, to continue to support the Syrian Opposition Coalition as it develops mechanisms of transitional justice guaranteeing the rights of all citizens under the law, and to support the Syrian Opposition Coalition as it forms an inclusive and democratic provisional government; and (3) urges all parties in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, protect minorities, preserve minority cultural and religious sites, and hold accountable those who violate these norms.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 224 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2013 Ms. Wilson of Florida (for herself, Ms. Waters , Mr. Conyers , Ms. Clarke , and Ms. Jackson Lee ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a Haitian-American Heritage Month should be established in recognition of the contributions of the Haitian people to the history and culture of the United States.
Whereas freemen from the French colony of Saint-Domingue, now the Republic of Haiti, fought alongside the United States Continental Army at the Siege of Savannah in 1779; Whereas Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian, built the first permanent settlement of what later became the city of Chicago, Illinois, in 1779; Whereas the significant loss of life and financial burden of the failed efforts to quell Haiti’s revolution prompted France to sell the territory of Louisiana to the United States in 1803, a territory that now comprises 22.3 percent of the United States; Whereas, on January 1, 1804, Haiti declared its independence from France to become the world’s first Black republic and the second democracy after the United States; Whereas Major Joseph Savary, a Haitian, was the first Black Major in the United States Army, and led the Second Battalion of Freemen of Color at the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815, under then-General Andrew Jackson; Whereas, in 1889, Frederick Douglass, the period’s foremost spokesman on human rights and prominent leader of the anti-slavery movement in the United States, became the first United States Minister and Consul-General to Haiti; Whereas the longest occupancy of a foreign state by American troops was in Haiti, circa 1915–1934; Whereas over 1,000,000 persons of Haitian descent now live throughout the United States; Whereas Haitians and their descendants have contributed greatly to the arts and sciences, including John James Audubon, the acclaimed naturalist and wildlife artist who inspired the American conservation society that bears his name, and W.E.B. DuBois, the Haitian-American author and political activist, who became one of the most prominent intellectual leaders of African-American society during the twentieth century; Whereas the close proximity of Haiti to the shores of the United States, in conjunction with the common bond of mutual values and commitment to democracy, ensures lasting comity of nations and continued trade and diplomatic relations; Whereas Haiti, the only republic to rise from a successful slave rebellion, inspires pride, solidarity, and self-reliance; Whereas the last Sunday of May is commemorated in Haiti as Mother’s Day; Whereas the 18th of May is Flag Day, the most celebrated holiday in Haiti, and is observed by people of Haitian descent throughout the world; Whereas in Miami, Florida, home to the largest Haitian-American population in the United States, there are numerous cultural events and celebrations planned during the month of May to honor Haitian heritage; and Whereas May is an appropriate month to establish a Haitian-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation and recognition of a Haitian-American Heritage Month ; and (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 225 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 20, 2013 Mr. Grayson submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Raising a question of the privileges of the House.
That the House of Representatives shall not consider H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act because: (1) it violates rule XXI of the House, and (2) it affects the dignity and integrity of the proceedings of the House since it is unconstitutional.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 226 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 20, 2013 Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the fourth week in April as Every Kid Healthy Week .
Whereas childhood obesity, undernourishment, and physical inactivity are national epidemics, and schools can help to address these problems by becoming healthier places so kids can live healthier lives; Whereas 1 in 3 of the Nation’s children are overweight or obese which puts those children at a high risk for developing heart disease, cancer, asthma, and diabetes; Whereas only 8 percent of elementary school students and 6 percent of middle and high school students have daily physical education; Whereas every child needs a healthy diet consisting of nutritious foods in appropriate portion sizes based on age and development; Whereas children who eat poorly or who engage in too little physical activity do not perform as well as they should academically; Whereas the primary goal of Every Kid Healthy Week is for schools to host events that will engage volunteers to improve school health environments by making sustainable changes that encourage students to eat better and be active every day; Whereas Every Kid Healthy Week will act as a focal point for year-round programing related to the Nation’s childhood obesity epidemic as well as its solutions, including sound nutrition, regular physical activity, and health-promoting school programs; and Whereas the fourth week in April would be an appropriate week to designate as Every Kid Healthy Week to bring national attention to the importance of keeping kids fit and healthy, and to provide an opportunity to emphasize the significance of making the choices necessary to sustain a healthy and physically active lifestyle: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of Every Kid Healthy Week ; and (2) honors and recognizes the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles for children.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 227 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 20, 2013 Mr. Valadao (for himself, Mr. Schiff , Mr. Pallone , and Mr. Grimm ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling on the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgment of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.
Whereas the Obama Administration has, since early 2009, sought to improve Armenian-Turkish relations through diplomatic efforts to lift the Republic of Turkey's blockade of Armenia and facilitate an end to Ankara's refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Yerevan; Whereas at the start of this process, President Barack Obama had, on April 6, 2009, voiced the United States Government’s expectation that Armenia-Turkey dialogue would bear fruit very quickly , but that, since then, the Obama Administration has commended Armenia's participation in this dialogue while holding Turkey largely responsible for the lack of results from this process, with the Secretary of State noting, on June 4, 2012, that, on this matter, the ball remains in Turkey’s court. ; Whereas on April 24, 2013, President Barack Obama stated, A full, frank, and just acknowledgment of the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. ; Whereas the Republic of Turkey, rather than acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, has escalated its international campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, maintained its blockade of Armenia, and increased its pressure on the small but growing Turkish civil society movement acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and seeking justice for this systematic campaign of destruction of millions of Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Pontians, Syriacs, and other Christians upon their biblical-era homelands; Whereas the United States is on record as having officially recognized the Armenian Genocide, in the United States Government's May 28, 1951, written statement to the International Court of Justice regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, through President Ronald Reagan's April 22, 1981, Proclamation No. 4838, and by Congressional legislation, including House Joint Resolution 148 adopted on April 8, 1975, and House Joint Resolution 247 adopted on September 10, 1984; Whereas even prior to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the United States has a record of having sought to justly and constructively address the consequences of the Ottoman Empire's intentional destruction of the Armenian people, including through Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 adopted on February 9, 1916, Senate Resolution 359 adopted on May 11, 1920, and President Woodrow Wilson's Decision of the President of the United States of America Respecting the Frontier between Turkey and Armenia, Access for Armenia to the Sea, and the Demilitarization of Turkish Territory Adjacent to the Armenian Frontier, dated November 22, 1920; Whereas President Barack Obama entered office having stated his firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence , affirmed his record of calling for Turkey's acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide , and pledged that as President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide ; and Whereas the United States national interests in the establishment of equitable, constructive, stable, and durable relations between Armenians and Turks cannot be meaningfully advanced by circumventing or otherwise seeking to avoid materially addressing the central political, legal, security, and moral issue between these two nations, Turkey's denial of truth and justice for the Armenian Genocide: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives calls on the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey's full acknowledgment of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 228 In the House of Representatives, U. S., May 22, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 90 minutes equally divided among and controlled by the respective chairs and ranking minority members of the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the amendments in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113–11. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 229 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2013 Mr. Israel (for himself and Mr. Cole ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and others to be tried before the International Criminal Court for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Whereas the United Nations estimates that since the uprising in Syria began in March 2011, more than 70,000 people have been killed; Whereas Syria and neighboring countries are facing a growing humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of Syrians having fled the country, and millions being displaced internally; Whereas under the command of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Government forces and shabiha forces have been accused of gross human rights violations including heavy shelling of civilian areas, widespread pillaging and the burning of homes, denial of basic human needs such as food, water, and medical care, mass torture and arrests, unlawful detention, and brutal execution-style killings; Whereas the United States has implemented a series of sanctions through five Executive orders pertaining to the situation in Syria; Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Council has held four Special Sessions, issued four reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, and adopted seven resolutions devoted to the situation in Syria; Whereas the United Nations Security Council has adopted three resolutions authorizing an advance team to monitor the ceasefire in Syria and a short-lived United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS); Whereas the United Nations General Assembly has adopted five resolutions regarding human rights and the situation in Syria; Whereas the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate despite such actions by the international community; Whereas, on February 22, 2012, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found in its second report that after further review, “a reliable body of evidence exists that, consistent with other verified circumstances, provides reasonable grounds to believe that particular individuals, including commanding officers and officials at the highest levels of Government, bear responsibility for crimes against humanity and other gross human rights violations.”; Whereas, on February 5, 2013, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found in its report that Syrian forces and affiliated militia committed crimes against humanity, war crimes, and gross violations of international human rights and that anti-government forces committed war crimes; Whereas the February 5, 2013, United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found that government forces, affiliated militia, and anti-government forces have violated the rights of children and that government forces and affiliated militia have committed widespread sexual violence; Whereas the report recommends that the United Nations Security Council take appropriate action and commit to human rights and the rule of law by means of referral to justice, possibly to the International Criminal Court, bearing in mind that, in the context of the Syrian Arab Republic, only the Security Council is competent to refer the situation to the Court ; Whereas the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly called on the United Nations Security Council to consider referring the situation of Syria to the International Criminal Court; and Whereas the International Criminal Court is an independent body whose mission is to investigate and prosecute individuals for crimes within its jurisdiction, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) strongly condemns the ongoing violence and the systematic gross human rights violations carried out by Syrian Government forces under direction of President Bashar al-Assad as well as abuses committed by opposition forces; (2) expresses its support for the people of Syria seeking peaceful democratic change; and (3) calls on the United Nations Security Council, based on evidence that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been perpetrated in Syria, to refer the situation of Syria to the International Criminal Court.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 230 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2013 Mr. Perlmutter (for himself, Mr. Braley of Iowa , and Mr. Rigell ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs RESOLUTION To recognize and honor our Nation’s veterans on the 70th anniversaries of World War II battles.
Whereas on December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, resulting in the loss of more than 2,400 American lives; Whereas the United States joined allies from 32 countries to fight the common foe of fascism in a war in which more than 16,000,000 Americans served in the military; Whereas the United States suffered over 670,000 casualties, including more than 400,000 deaths, and over 105,000 Americans were held as prisoners of war; and Whereas on May 29, 2004, the United States gratefully dedicated the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) honors all veterans, living and deceased, of the Second World War on the 70th anniversaries of the courageous battles and expresses the deep appreciation and gratitude of the United States for their valor and selfless service to their country; (2) calls upon the people of the United States to recognize the 70th anniversaries of major battles throughout the War to remember and appreciate the members of the greatest generation who, through their sacrifices both in the Armed Forces and on the homefront, preserved liberty for future generations and rescued the world from the scourge of fascist militarism; and (3) calls upon the people and organizations of the United States to assist veterans of the Second World War in representing America abroad during ceremonies recognizing the 70th anniversaries of American battles to honor and remember the sacrifices our veterans made to preserve freedom.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 231 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2013 Mrs. Bachmann (for herself, Mr. Amodei , Mr. Broun of Georgia , Mr. Conyers , Mr. DeSantis , Mr. Enyart , Mr. Hall , Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas , Mr. Peterson , Mr. Kinzinger of Illinois , Mr. King of New York , Mr. Nugent , Mr. Kline , Mr. Roe of Tennessee , and Mr. Peters of Michigan ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Establishing a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs.
1. Establishment There is established a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs (hereafter referred to as the select committee ). 2. Functions The select committee shall conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom, including MIAs and POWs missing and captured. 3. Appointment and membership (a) Members The select committee shall be composed of 10 Members of the House, who shall be appointed by the Speaker. Not more than half of the members of the select committee shall be of the same political party. (b) Vacancy Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the select committee shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. (c) Chairperson The Speaker shall designate one member of the select committee to be its chairperson. 4. Authority and procedures (a) Authority For purposes of carrying out this resolution, the select committee (or any subcommittee of the select committee authorized to hold hearings) may sit and act during the present Congress at any time or place within the United States (including any Commonwealth or possession of the United States, or elsewhere, whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has adjourned) and to hold such hearings as it considers necessary. (b) Rules of procedure Clauses 1, 2, and 4 of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall apply to the select committee. (c) Prohibition against meeting at certain times Subsection (a) may not be construed to limit the applicability of clause 2(i) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the select committee. 5. Administrative provisions (a) Expenses There shall be paid out of the applicable accounts of the House such sums as may be necessary for the expenses of the select committee. Such payments shall be made on vouchers signed by the chairman of the select committee and approved in the manner directed by the Committee on House Administration. Amounts made available under this paragraph shall be expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Administration. (b) Staff and travel In carrying out its functions under this resolution, the select committee may— (1) appoint, either on a permanent basis or as experts or consultants, any staff that the select committee considers necessary; (2) prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the staff; (3) fix the compensation of the staff at a single per annum gross rate that does not exceed the highest rate of basic pay, as in effect from time to time, of level V of the Executive Schedule in section 5316 of title 5, United States Code; (4) terminate the employment of any such staff as the select committee considers appropriate; and (5) reimburse members of the select committee and of its staff for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their functions for the select committee, other than expenses in connection with any meeting of the select committee, or a subcommittee thereof, held in the District of Columbia. (c) Expiration The select committee and all authority granted in this resolution shall expire 30 days after the filing of the final report of the select committee with the House. 6. Reports and records (a) Final report As soon as practicable during the present Congress, the select committee shall submit to the House a final report setting forth its findings and recommendations as a result of its investigation. (b) Filing of reports Any report made by the select committee when the House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the House. (c) Referral of reports Any report made by the select committee shall be referred to the committee or committees that have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the report. (d) Records, files, and materials Following the termination of the select committee, the records, files, and materials of the select committee shall be transferred to the Clerk of the House. If the final report of the select committee is referred to only one committee under the provisions of subsection (c), the records, files, and materials of the select committee shall be transferred instead to the committee to which the final report is referred. 7. Definitions As used in this resolution: (1) The term Member of the House means any Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress. (2) The term MIA means any United States personnel that is unaccounted for and missing in action. (3) The term POW means any United States personnel that is unaccounted for and known to be a prisoner of war.
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IV House Calendar No. 28 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 232 [Report No. 113–89] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2013 Ms. Foxx , from the Committee on Rules , reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1911) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish interest rates for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013, and for other purposes.
That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 1911) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish interest rates for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-12 shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto, to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce; and (2) one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 2. In the engrossment of H.R. 1911, the Clerk shall— (a) await the disposition of H.R. 1949; (b) add the text of H.R. 1949, as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 1911; (c) conform the title of H.R. 1911 to reflect the addition of the text of H.R. 1949, as passed by the House, to the engrossment; (d) assign appropriate designations to provisions within the engrossment; and (e) conform cross-references and provisions for short titles within the engrossment. 3. On any legislative day during the period from May 24, 2013, through May 31, 2013— (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day shall be considered as approved; and (b) the Chair may at any time declare the House adjourned to meet at a date and time, within the limits of clause 4, section 5, article I of the Constitution, to be announced by the Chair in declaring the adjournment. 4. The Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration of the period addressed by section 3 of this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of rule I. 5. The Committee on Appropriations may, at any time before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, file privileged reports to accompany measures making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. 6. The Committee on Agriculture may, at any time before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, file a report to accompany H.R. 1947.
May 22, 2013 Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 233 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2013 Mr. Crowley (for himself, Mr. Neal , and Mr. King of New York ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Honoring the Good Friday Agreement (the Belfast Agreement), on the 15th anniversary of its ratification, as the framework for lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
Whereas the Good Friday Agreement represented a landmark breakthrough that provided Ireland with a political framework to address its future; Whereas the Good Friday Agreement acknowledged the right of differing political traditions to pursue their goals of remaining part of the United Kingdom or of Irish Unity; Whereas the Good Friday Agreement demonstrated democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences; Whereas members of both political parties in the United States came together to support the Good Friday Agreement; and Whereas the Good Friday Agreement promotes religious freedom, democracy, and human rights: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of the Good Friday Agreement; (2) urges all communities to continue to engage in the legal political process; (3) calls on the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland to work together to achieve full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and (4) recognizes the urgent and ongoing necessity of reconciliation, and urges the involvement of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and communities to work toward genuine reconciliation.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 234 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Ms. Bass (for herself and Mr. Honda ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and commending its successor, the African Union.
Whereas on May 25, 1963, 32 newly independent African countries signed the Charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to promote unity, solidarity, and political and economic cooperation among themselves, and to defend member states’ sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence; Whereas upon its inception, the OAU embraced the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including freedom of association, free expression, and political participation; Whereas such efforts to encourage African unity, advance human rights, and promote economic development on the continent were undermined by regional conflicts, military coups, and civil wars, as well as large foreign debts, increasing trade imbalances, food insecurity, and inequity; Whereas a decision declaring the establishment of the African Union (AU) as a successor organization to the OAU to promote democratic principles and institutions, encourage economic growth, and develop new tools for the collective promotion of regional stability was adopted in Sirte, Libya, on March 1, 2001, and March 2, 2001; Whereas the vision of the African Union is that of An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena ; Whereas the African Union expresses commitment to the essential values of transparency and accountability, and promotes democratic processes across the continent of Africa; Whereas the African Union departed from the OAU's abiding doctrine of nonintervention in the internal affairs of member states in favor of a new policy establishing the right of the AU to intervene in the affairs of a member state under grave circumstances, including with respect to war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity; Whereas the African Union continues to build more robust African regional institutions in order to address the myriad challenges facing the continent, and has established an African peace and security architecture, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, a strategic framework for regional socioeconomic development, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, which seeks to help advance good governance, among other institutions; Whereas the African Union has contributed to regional peace and security by mobilizing peacekeeping or intervention forces to protect civilians or support political mediation missions, and peace-building processes in Burundi, Comoros, Sudan, Somalia, and Mali; Whereas efforts to end conflicts on the continent of Africa, which continue to destabilize states, undermine democracy, stifle economic growth and investment, and rob young Africans of the opportunity for an education and a better life, are a key United States objective; Whereas it is critical to the interests of the United States that the African Union be well-resourced and capable of effectively addressing current conflicts and preventing future ones, advancing socioeconomic development and economic growth, and consolidating democracy and good governance; Whereas the United States Government demonstrated its strong commitment to working closely with the AU by establishing a Mission to the African Union in 2006; Whereas on August 3, 2010, the United States and the African Union signed a $5,800,000 multi-year assistance agreement to achieve common policy objectives in the areas of peace and security, economic development, regional integration, health and social welfare, and good governance on the African continent; Whereas on June 14, 2012, President Obama announced a United States Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which calls on the United States to deepen its partnership with African countries and regional organizations by supporting efforts to advance accountable, democratic governance, and adherence to human rights norms and the rule of law, particularly by supporting the African Union African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance and other multilateral standards; Whereas key goals also supported by the African Union include fostering peace and security, spuring economic growth, trade, and investment; and promoting opportunity and development; Whereas on February 1, 2013, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the United States and the African Union to cement cooperation on peace and security; democracy, and governance, economic growth, trade, and investment, and promotion of opportunity and development; Whereas the African Union serves as a preeminent dialogue and policy-making forum for African leaders seeking to advance a wide-range of regional political, security, social, and economic objectives, including sub-regional integration, and is a key interlocutor for and representative of the people of Africa in international political and policy forums, including the United Nations; and Whereas close relations between the United States the African Union mutually benefit the people of the United States and Africa and the political, security, economic, and social relations that link them: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) extends warm congratulations to the former member states of the Organization of African Unity on the 50th year anniversary of its founding, in particular its original 32 member states; (2) commends member states of the African Union for their strong and determined joint efforts to promote democratic societies, sustainable development, and sound economic practices, and peace, security, and stability on the continent; (3) urges President Barack Obama to continue to strongly support efforts to advance and strengthen United States-African Union cooperation, including through United States programs to help build the capacities of the African Union; (4) encourages President Barack Obama to expedite and expand United States efforts to achieve the goals and objectives of his United States Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa; and (5) emphasizes the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights, and open markets and equitable socioeconomic growth and development as key pillars for long-term stability and security on the continent of and United States engagement with Africa.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 235 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Mr. Grimm (for himself and Mr. Sires ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.
Whereas 39 years ago, on March 29, 1973, the last 2,500 troops were withdrawn from South Vietnam thus ending military involvement in what is now the longest war in United States history; Whereas 38 years ago, on March 29, 1974, was declared Vietnam Veterans Day by Presidential order with the support of Congress; Whereas the 58,195 honorable and brave souls who fought and died during the Vietnam War, ones who are missing, and those who died since from the consequences of that war, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas March 29, 2012, was declared Vietnam Veterans Day by Presidential Proclamation with the support of Congress on the eve of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the beginning of the Vietnam War; Whereas the men and women who served with dedication, honor, and pride during the Vietnam War, both in country and in support of those in harm’s way as well as those protecting our freedoms at home and throughout other parts of the world at that time, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas the families whose loved ones gave their lives for our country during the Vietnam War, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas the families of those men and women who came home with the physical and emotional wounds of the Vietnam War and committed to a lifetime of care and support for their loved one, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas the fellow citizens who stood by and supported the families of the fallen as well as the Vietnam veterans who returned and their families, without reservation and with loving care and respect, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas those professionals and volunteers who committed themselves to the loving care and healing of the bodily and emotionally wounded from the Vietnam War at home and have already the utmost gratitude of those they cared for and of their families, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas the men and women of the allies who served with dedication, honor, and pride alongside the Nation’s defenders during the Vietnam War, both in country and in support of those in harm’s way as well as those protecting our freedoms and throughout other parts of the world at that time, deserve the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas this expression of gratitude and respect to the Vietnam Veterans and their families will also give hope and assurance, to current and future generations of the Nation’s defenders and their respective families, that their sacrifice and service will not be forgotten and deserving of a distinct recognition of the eternal gratitude and respect of this Nation; Whereas this expression of gratitude and respect for the honorable sacrifice and service by the Vietnam Veterans, past as well as current and future generations of the Nation’s defenders and their respective families, needs to remain in the hearts and thoughts of fellow citizens forever, passed on from generation to generation; and Whereas numerous States have already chosen March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day by legislation and many more States have joined with individual events to honor and thank these brave Veterans and their families for their service to the Nation: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives supports the designation of Vietnam Veterans Day.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 236 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Ms. Hahn (for herself, Mr. Poe of Texas , and Ms. Brown of Florida ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on fully spending the receipts of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund on United States ports and harbors each year, and for other purposes.
Whereas ports and harbors play a vital role in the United States economy; Whereas ports move 2.3 billion tons of cargo a year in the United States; Whereas the United States assesses a harbor maintenance tax of approximately $1.6 billion a year on goods imported through the Nation’s ports for the express purpose of keeping United States ports strong; Whereas only a fraction of the harbor maintenance tax has been spent on maintaining the Nation’s harbors; Whereas the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund has built a surplus of over $8 billion, even as United States ports and harbors are egregiously undermaintained and underdredged, reducing the Nation’s competitiveness in the world and increasing costs for businesses and consumers; and Whereas the failure to spend the receipts of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to keep the Nation’s ports and harbors strong breaks a trust with the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) commits itself to fully spending the receipts of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund on United States ports and harbors each year; (2) affirms that the surplus in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund should be spent down to zero on the Nation’s ports and harbors as soon as possible; and (3) urges United States ports and the Corps of Engineers to make all necessary preparations for the expansion and acceleration of port and harbor dredging to be made possible by 100 percent use of the receipts of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 237 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Mr. Himes (for himself, Ms. Lee of California , and Mrs. Beatty ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to childhood stroke and recognizing May 2013 as National Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month .
Whereas a stroke, also known as cerebrovascular disease, is an acute neurologic injury that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted by a clot in the artery or a burst of the artery; Whereas a stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated; Whereas stroke occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,500 live births, and affects nearly 5 out of every 100,000 children age 19 and under each year; Whereas a stroke can occur before birth; Whereas stroke is among the top 12 causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 14 in the United States; Whereas between 20 percent and 40 percent of children die as a result of a stroke; Whereas stroke recurs in 10 percent of children who have previously experienced a stroke; Whereas the death rate for children who experience a stroke before the age of 1 year is the highest out of all child age groups; Whereas treatment of stroke in adults using thrombolytic therapy within 3 to 6 hours of the onset of symptoms is the cornerstone of acute stroke treatment, but thrombolytic therapy is generally not recommended in children; Whereas approximately 60 percent of infants and children who have a pediatric stroke will have serious, permanent neurological disabilities, including paralysis, seizures, speech and vision problems, and attention, learning, and behavioral difficulties; Whereas those disabilities may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries; Whereas the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from strokes that occur during childhood and young adulthood have a considerable impact on children, families, and society; Whereas not enough is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stroke; Whereas medical research is the only means by which the people of the United States can identify and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke; and Whereas early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves the chances that the affected child will recover and not experience a recurrence: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes National Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month ; (2) urges the people of the United States to support the efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations that work to enhance public awareness of pediatric stroke; (3) supports the work of the National Institutes of Health in pursuit of medical progress on the matter of pediatric stroke; and (4) urges continued coordination and cooperation between the Federal Government, State and local governments, researchers, families, and the public to improve treatments and prognoses for children who suffer strokes.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 238 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Ms. Lee of California (for herself, Mr. Johnson of Georgia , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. George Miller of California , and Mr. Conyers ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States efforts to promote Israeli–Palestinian peace.
Whereas United States support for a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is based on the recognition that this solution can both best serve Israel’s security and permanence as a Jewish homeland while helping the Palestinian people achieve a future of independence and national self-determination; Whereas a true and lasting two-state solution is essential to the resolution of Israeli–Arab disputes and to the achievement of long-term peace and stability in the broader Middle East; Whereas a true and lasting two-state solution is in the national security interests of the United States and to ensure the safety and security of Israel; Whereas a true and lasting two-state solution will only be established through resolution of outstanding issues between Israel and the recognized leadership of the Palestinian people; Whereas successive United States Presidents and successive United States Congresses have recognized that promoting Israeli–Palestinian and Israeli–Arab peace is an integral element of the United States commitment to Israel’s security and its survival, as well as to the stability of the entire Middle East region; Whereas successive United States administrations, led by Presidents from both parties, have invested substantial diplomatic resources in support of peace efforts, including under— (1) President Ronald Reagan, the 1982 Reagan Plan for Middle East Peace; (2) President George H.W. Bush, the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference; (3) President Bill Clinton, the 1993 Oslo Accords, the 1995 Wye River Memorandum, the 2000 Camp David Summit, and the 2000 Clinton Parameters; (4) President George W. Bush, the 2001 Sharm El-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee Report , also known as the Mitchell Report, the 2003 Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East , the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access, and the 2007 Annapolis Conference; and (5) under President Barack Obama, the 2009 appointment of Senator George Mitchell as the United States Special Envoy for Middle East peace, and the efforts since then to restart Israeli–Palestinian peace talks; Whereas Hamas does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, continues to launch rocket and missile attacks against Israel, has not disavowed violence, and does not recognize or abide by existing binding agreements; Whereas the State of Israel is subject to existential threats from those seeking to deny the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual connection of the Jewish people to their homeland; Whereas on March 21, 2013, while speaking in both Ramallah and Jerusalem, President Obama stated that the Palestinian people deserve “an end to occupation and the daily indignities that come with it.”; Whereas President Obama added, “It is not right to prevent Palestinians from farming their lands; to restrict a student’s ability to move around the West Bank; or to displace Palestinian families from their home. Neither occupation nor expulsion is the answer. Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own land.”; Whereas successive United States administrations have opposed Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, recognizing them to be a political and security liability for Israel and an impediment to efforts to achieve a negotiated resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, among other reasons; and Whereas the United States goal of helping to secure Israel’s security and safety as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people well into the future is best served through achievement of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to resolve their conflict: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) reaffirms its commitment to supporting United States actions that promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians and are designed to ensure the safety and security of Israel and its people; (2) reaffirms its support for previous agreements reached between Israel and the Palestinians and adopted by third parties that recognize Israel’s right to exist and promote a Palestinian state to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination within their own nation; (3) commends the Obama administration and its predecessors for their resolute commitment to Israel’s survival and security and for their efforts to demonstrate this commitment through the promotion of Israeli–Palestinian negotiations to achieve a resolution of their conflict and the establishment of a long-term peace in the region; (4) calls on Hamas to recognize Israel’s right to exist, denounce violence, abide by existing agreements, and to prevent rocket and missile attacks against Israel; (5) calls upon states, international organizations, and individuals to oppose efforts to deny the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual connection of the Jewish people to Israel; (6) calls upon Arab and Muslim-majority states to build upon efforts such as the Arab Peace Initiative, combat anti-Israel extremism, and otherwise work towards full normalization of state-to-state relations with the State of Israel; (7) calls on the Israeli Government to cease support for and to prevent further settlement expansion in the Occupied Territories; (8) commends the Obama administration for supporting Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System to help intercept rocket attacks and prevent them from devastating civilian populations in Israel; (9) calls on Israel and Hamas to uphold the existing ceasefire agreement and exercise strong caution so as to avoid an escalation that would only lead to further violence, destruction, and loss of life; (10) applauds President Obama’s recent efforts at the beginning of his second term to initiate a new, diplomatic effort with the mandate for negotiations to achieve a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian people and urges continued robust efforts towards a peaceful resolution; and (11) calls on President Obama to establish an achievable timeline for negotiations backed by a strong international coalition of stakeholders including The Quartet to provide assurance to the negotiating parties that their agreement will be enduring and enforceable.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 239 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Mr. Peterson submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the third week in October as National School Bus Safety Week and for the designation of Wednesday of that week as National School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day.
Whereas school bus drivers and all school transportation staff, including managers, monitors, trainers, mechanics, and dispatchers, make substantial contributions to the future of America and to the development of our Nation's young people as knowledgeable, responsible and productive citizens; Whereas excellence in education is dependent on safe, secure, and peaceful routes to school and school settings; Whereas the safety and well-being of many students rely on school bus drivers and the school transportation team to get them to and from school and other events in a safe, professional manner; Whereas school bus drivers and all school transportation staff, including managers, monitors, trainers, mechanics and dispatchers, are an invaluable component of our educational system and have preformed an outstanding job transporting our most precious resource, young students; and Whereas the third week in October will be designated as National School Bus Safety Week and the Wednesday of that week will be designated as National School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day to promote efforts to provide all our Nation's schools with positive and safe learning climates: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) celebrates the dedication and contributions that school bus drivers, managers, trainers, monitors, mechanics and dispatchers make for our children every day across the country; (2) supports the goals and ideals of National School Bus Safety Week and National School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day; and (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe such a week and such a day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 240 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Barr , and Mr. Huizenga of Michigan ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration RESOLUTION Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to place a real time display of the United States gross national debt in the House Chamber.
Whereas Members of Congress should keep the gross national debt in mind when debating legislation that would affect the nation’s fiscal situation; Whereas by displaying our national debt in real time in the House Chamber, Members of Congress can better debate our nation’s fiscal situation; Whereas from 1791 to 1984, the total accumulated Federal deficit was $1.5 trillion; Whereas the projected Federal debt in 2013 is $16.8 trillion; Whereas Members of Congress should be constantly reminded that the gross national debt must be reduced; Whereas a real time display of the gross national debt will inform every Member of Congress of the need to take action to reduce the debt; Whereas the exact amount of the gross national debt will be known and updated with every action affecting the amount of debt; and Whereas display of the national debt in the chamber of the House of Representatives will be a sign that representatives are committed to reducing the national debt: Now, therefore, be it
1. Placement of National debt clock on the House floor (a) Responsibilities of Clerk The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall place a real time display of the United States gross national debt, as calculated by the Secretary of the Treasury, in the House Chamber in clear view of the Members. (b) Regulations The Clerk shall carry out this resolution in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Committee on House Administration.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 241 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 23, 2013 Mr. Vargas (for himself, Mr. Peters of California , Mrs. Davis of California , Mr. Cárdenas , and Mr. Grijalva ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of the United States International Boundary Water Commission (USIBWC) and its recent efforts to address trash, sediment, and water quality issues with their Mexican counterparts, Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (CILA), through a proposed minute.
Whereas the United States International Boundary Water Commission (USIBWC) traces its roots to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and was institutionalized through the Water Treaty of 1944; Whereas the USIBWC’s mission is to provide binational solutions to issues that arise during the application of United States–Mexico treaties regarding boundary demarcation, national ownership of waters, sanitation, water quality, and flood control in the border region; Whereas the USIBWC has authority provided by Article 3 of the 1944 Water Treaty to have preferential attention to the solution of all border sanitation problems ; Whereas the USIBWC continues to work productively with their Mexican counterparts, the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (CILA); Whereas the USIBWC has the ability to implement the Water Treaty of 1944 through a minute to address current development on the border; Whereas stormwater flows continue to bring substantial amounts of sediment, trash, and other contaminants into the Tijuana Valley from sources in both the United States and Mexico causing water quality impairments, threatening life and property from flooding, degrading valuable riparian and estuarine habitats, and negatively impacting people on both sides of the international boundary; Whereas the San Diego field office of the USIBWC has been an active participant of the Tijuana River Valley Recovery Team which was formed in an effort to develop local solutions to sediment and trash depositions issues for the Tijuana River; Whereas sediment, trash, and other pollutants carried in stormwater runoff currently threaten the valley’s valuable ecological, recreational, and economic resources; Whereas on June 19, 2012, the USIBWC convened a binational meeting among stakeholders to hear presentations regarding trash, sediment, and water quality issues; Whereas USIBWC Commissioner Edward Drusina and CILA Commissioner Roberto Fernando Salmón Castelo proposed developing a principal engineers joint report and subsequent minute to address trash, sediment, and water quality; Whereas both the United States and Mexico have developed a schematics for binational coordination, including a working group to analyze data and formulate recommendations; Whereas trash, sediment, and water quality solutions will be key to the sustainability of the Tijuana River, the Rio Grande, and Colorado River watersheds; Whereas support for the mission of the USIBWC is crucial to maintaining the valuable ecological, recreational, and economic resources along the United States border with Mexico; Whereas the USIBWC has jurisdiction over key watersheds along the border in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas; Whereas the USIBWC works directly with local communities to conserve transboundary rivers in San Diego, California, Calexico, California, Nogales, Arizona, Douglas, Arizona, El Paso, Texas, and Laredo, Texas; Whereas the USIBWC is a key component of the United States strategy to partner with Mexico to provide a binational forum to administer the water-rights between the two nations; Whereas the United States and Mexico have the common goal of reducing pollutants at the source on both sides of the border; and Whereas the United States will continue to utilize existing mechanisms, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency Border 2020 program, the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission and local public and private entities to address environmental concerns on the border: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses its support for the proposed minute to address trash, sediment, and water quality between the United States and Mexico’s respective sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission; (2) commends the USIBWC, the Tijuana River Valley Recovery Team, and local environmental organizations for their leadership in addressing these issues; and (3) reaffirms its commitment to continue its partnerships with Mexico on protecting the transnational watersheds.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 242 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 3, 2013 RESOLUTION
That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death of the Honorable Frank R. Lautenberg, a Senator from the State of New Jersey. That a committee of such Members of the House as the Speaker may designate, together with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased Senator.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 243 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 4, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2216) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2217) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2216) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 2. At any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2217) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived except for section 563. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 3. Pending the adoption of a concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2014, the provisions of House Concurrent Resolution 25, as adopted by the House, shall have force and effect in the House as though Congress has adopted such concurrent resolution, and the allocations of spending authority printed in Tables 11 and 12 of House Report 113–17 shall be considered for all purposes in the House to be the allocations under section 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 244 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 3, 2013 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources RESOLUTION Expressing support for Lunchtime Music on the Mall in Washington, DC, to benefit the District of Columbia, regional residents, and visitors and recognizing the public service of the performers and sponsors.
Whereas the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act seeks to enliven the National Mall for residents and visitors; Whereas the National Park Service has begun implementation of the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act administratively; Whereas the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has sponsored performing artists at Metro stations and has now agreed to be a sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall; Whereas the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities is a patron of many performing artists in the District of Columbia and has agreed to be a sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall; Whereas in addition to out-of-town visitors, many Federal and other employees work downtown and in the vicinity of the National Mall; Whereas the National Mall is a national treasure, supported by United States taxpayers to provide a unique park space with potential for a variety of outdoor enjoyment; Whereas many amateur and professional musicians reside in the District of Columbia and the national capital region; Whereas the National Mall provides a natural stage for the display of District of Columbia and regional talent; Whereas the National Park Service has made available a central location frequented by visitors and commuters alike for Lunchtime Music on the Mall; Whereas the National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities are sponsoring Lunchtime Music on the Mall every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. during the good weather months; Whereas Lunchtime Music on the Mall offers benefits to office workers and many of the 20,000,000 visitors annually to Washington, DC; and Whereas 2013 is the second season for Lunchtime Music on the Mall: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes Lunchtime Music on the Mall as an enhancement to urban life and musical culture in Washington, DC, and to appreciation of the National Mall; (2) recognizes the performers participating in Lunchtime Music on the Mall; and (3) commends the National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities for their public service in providing live music performances at no charge to the public.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 245 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 4, 2013 Mr. Bentivolio submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the 24th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, calling for the release of Dr. Wang Bingzhang, and for other reasons.
Whereas the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association are fundamental human rights and are recognized as such under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Whereas the protests in Tiananmen Square were the result of the peaceful democratic movement throughout China and were calling for open dialogue with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and its leaders regarding democratic reform; Whereas the People’s Liberation Army and other security forces used lethal force to disperse demonstrations in Beijing on June 3, 1989, and June 4, 1989; Whereas the People’s Liberation Army and other security forces wounded and killed thousands of innocent people; Whereas thousands of people throughout China who were suspected of taking part in the democracy movement were arrested and sentenced without trial; Whereas the Government of the People’s Republic of China has become increasingly sophisticated in its persecution of religious groups, human rights and democracy advocates, and ethnic minorities; Whereas the Government of the People’s Republic of China kidnapped Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a United States permanent resident and one of the founders of the Chinese democracy movement, and sentenced him to life in prison on charges of espionage and terrorism in a closed trial, and whose detention was declared arbitrary by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Whereas the Government of the People’s Republic of China continues to— (1) take active measures to deny citizens information regarding the Tiananmen Square massacre, and continues to suppress access to information about the event on the Internet; (2) harass, detain, or imprison members of the Chinese democracy movement and other advocates for democratic reform, human rights, and religious freedom; (3) oppress and persecute the peaceful, spiritual movement of Falun Gong and its leaders and practitioners; and (4) restrict and censor free speech on the Internet; and Whereas June 4, 2013, is the 24th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims who were killed, wounded, tortured, or imprisoned resulting from their participation in the demonstrations in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People’s Republic of China on June 3, 1989, and June 4, 1989, and to the families of those who continue to face persecution, torture, or imprisonment as a result of their involvement with those demonstrations; (2) commends and honors the advocates who continue to struggle for democracy and human rights in China, despite the harsh consequences they face; (3) condemns the continued persecution and oppression of peaceful religious minorities, such as Buddhists, the Uyghur people, Falun Gong practitioners, and other spiritual movements; (4) condemns the ongoing human rights abuses and persecution by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and its efforts to quell political dissent and oppress religious minorities; and (5) calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China to— (A) end the harassment, detention, torture, and imprisonment of Chinese citizens expressing their legitimate freedom of religion, expression, and association; (B) release the remaining prisoners of conscience who continue to be detained as a result of their participation in the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 1989, especially around Tiananmen Square; (C) end the targeted persecution and oppression of the Uyghur community, particularly the suppression of their religious faith; (D) end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Chinese authorities; and (E) release United States permanent resident Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a long-time peaceful democracy activist, who was sentenced to life in prison on charges of terrorism and espionage, whose daughter, son, and sister are United States citizens.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 246 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 4, 2013 Ms. Jackson Lee (for herself, Mr. Brady of Texas , Mr. Al Green of Texas , Mr. McCaul , Mr. Gene Green of Texas , Mr. Poe of Texas , Mr. Culberson , Mr. Olson , Mr. Stockman , Mr. Castro of Texas , and Mr. King of New York ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of firefighters Matthew Renaud, Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, and Anne Sullivan and standing in solidarity with their families, members of the Houston Fire Department, and entire Houston community, as they mourn the loss of these 4 remarkable and selfless heroes who represented the best of the Houston community and exemplify the qualities of firefighters serving communities throughout the Nation.
Whereas the mission of the Houston Fire Department is to serve with courage, commitment, and compassion, which were demonstrated through the actions of firefighters Matthew Renaud, Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, and Anne Sullivan on May 31, 2013; Whereas the Firemen’s Creed states, I have no ambition in this world but one and that is to be a firefighter. … But, above all, our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men the work of GOD himself ; Whereas in 2000, Kimberly Ann Smith became the first female Houston firefighter who died in the line of duty along with firefighter Lewis Mayo III; Whereas March 14, 2012, was the last time the City of Houston lost a firefighter in the line of duty when Senior Captain Thomas Dillion died; Whereas 74 years have passed since the last time more than 2 fighters lost their lives in the line of duty when Edgar Grant, Harry Oxford, and John Little were killed when their engine was struck by a train; Whereas on May 31, 2013, the 5-alarm fire that engulfed a Houston motel and restaurant is now the deadliest fire to firefighters in the 118-year history of the Houston City Fire Department; Whereas captain EMT Matthew Renaud of Station 51, engineer operator EMT Robert Bebee of Station 51, firefighter EMT Robert Garner of Station 68, and probationary firefighter Anne Sullivan of Station 68 died in the line of duty while fighting that deadly fire when the structure collapsed; Whereas Matthew Renaud of Station 51 began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and, in addition to Fire Station 51, served out of Stations 39, 83, 73, 37, 60, and 35; Whereas engineer operator EMT Robert Bebee of Station 51 began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10, and 48; Whereas firefighter EMT Robert Garner of Station 68 began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since joining the department; Whereas probationary firefighter Anne Sullivan of Station 68 graduated from the Houston Fire Department Academy in April 2013 and was assigned to Fire Station 68, and is the second female firefighter to die in the line of duty in the history of the Houston Fire Department; Whereas the bravery, devotion to duty, and love of community of these fallen heroes has forever earned them a place in the hearts and memories of the citizens of Houston, Texas, because they willingly risked their lives to protect us, and are a testament to the spirit of public service embodied by firefighters throughout the Nation; Whereas these fallen heroes will be missed by all, but especially by those who knew them best, loved them most, and will remember them simply as husbands, a daughter, fathers, a sister, brothers, sons, colleagues, and friends; Whereas probationary firefighter Anne Sullivan of Station 68 was a gifted athlete who played soccer and was a cross country runner who focused her life’s ambition upon graduating from high school to become a firefighter and began her quest by joining the Wharton County Junior College Fire Academy and after graduation was admitted as a cadet at the Houston Fire Department Academy; Whereas Firefighter EMT Robert Garner of Station 68 was proud to call himself a Houston Firefighter who sought out this honor after leaving the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country and completed two tours of duty in Iraq and started his fire department career at the Val Jahnke Fire Academy; Whereas captain Matthew Renaud who serviced the Houston Fire Department for 11½ years after joining in October of 2001 and was assigned to Station 51 upon graduation from the Academy, and was awarded the Unit Meritorious Medal for saving the life of a woman who had been trapped by an apartment fire; and Whereas engineer operator EMT Robert Bebee of Station 51 graduated from Dobie High School in Southwest Houston in 1990 and began his fire department career at the Val Jahnke Fire Academy on August 6, 2001, and served the majority of his career at Station 51 with honor and distinction: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives expresses its condolences to the families and loved ones of firefighters Matthew Renaud, Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, and Anne Sullivan and stands in solidarity with their families, members of the Houston Fire Department, and entire Houston community, as they mourn the loss of these 4 remarkable and selfless heroes who represented the best of the Houston community and exemplify the qualities of firefighters serving communities throughout the Nation.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 247 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 4, 2013 Mr. Grimm (for himself, Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Holt , Mr. Lance , and Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing support for internal rebuilding, resettlement, and reconciliation within Sri Lanka that are necessary to ensure a lasting peace.
Whereas it has been 4 years since the end of the 26-year long conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which was declared a foreign terrorist organization in 1997, and the Government of Sri Lanka; Whereas the people of Sri Lanka suffered greatly as a result of this conflict, the impact, and aftermath of which has been felt especially by women, children, and families; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka established a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) to report whether any person, group, or institution directly or indirectly bears responsibility for incidents that occurred between February 2002 and May 2009, and to recommend measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future and promote further national unity and reconciliation among all communities; Whereas the LLRC report was presented to the Sri Lankan Parliament on December 16, 2011, and officially translated into Sinhala and Tamil on August 16, 2012, and took note of the LLRC report’s possible contribution to the process of national reconciliation in Sri Lanka; Whereas the LLRC report acknowledges important events and grievances that have contributed to decades of political violence and civil war in Sri Lanka and makes constructive recommendations on a wide range of issues, including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and intentional targeting of civilians and noncombatants, demilitarizing the north and the country as a whole, reaching a political settlement with minority communities on the meaningful devolution of power, and promoting and protecting the right to freedom of expression for all through the enactment of a right to information law and additional rule of law reforms; Whereas the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and other governments and intergovernmental organizations have called on the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of its own LLRC Report; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka expressed its commitment to address the needs of all ethnic groups, notably the Tamils and Muslims, and has recognized, in the past, the necessity of a political settlement and reconciliation for a peaceful and just society; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka has developed the National Plan of Action to implement some of the 285 recommendations of the LLRC; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka has made progress on rehabilitation, resettlement of displaced persons, and improvement of infrastructure in the north and east; Whereas the LLRC noted that the failure of successive governments to implement the critical recommendations of past commissions gives rise to understandable criticism and skepticism regarding Government appointed Commissions from which the LLRC has not been spared ; Whereas progress on investigations into reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations during the conflict and promoting reconciliation would facilitate enhanced United States engagement, bilateral trade, and investment in Sri Lanka and coincide with United States policy that such commissions of inquiry have been instrumental in providing accountability and redressing wrongdoing during periods of internal strife; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka’s failure to conduct a credible investigation into alleged war crimes and human rights abuses committed by all sides and to implement its own stated priorities of post-conflict reconciliation, accountability, and reform as set forth by the LLRC precludes a lasting settlement and encourages continued national strife that has the potential to further destabilize a region vital to United States diplomatic and strategic interests; Whereas a firm statement advocating for truth, justice, and accountability into continued reports of militarization, kidnapping and intimidation, and extrajudicial killings since the cessation of conflict in 2009 comports with statements and recommendations by key figures, experts, and institutions in the international community as exemplified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay’s February 11, 2013, report calling for an independent and credible international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law , and also reaffirms central rhetorical and institutional commitments supported by the United States and its allies, particularly the March 21, 2013, United Nations Human Rights Council resolution echoing the conclusions of Commissioner Pillay’s report and advocating for the establishment of a truth-seeking mechanism as an integral part of a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to transitional justice ; Whereas a statement urging the Government of Sri Lanka to follow through on its own recommendations in a transparent, timely manner conforms with the obligations of the United States and all nations to advocate for peace and stability in the international community without infringing upon the sovereignty of the Government of Sri Lanka or expressing a sense of support for any party in the conflict; and Whereas the United States is home to a large community of ethnic Sri Lankans and expatriates outside of Sri Lanka, many of which have a salient, emotional interest in a meaningful resolution to the country’s violence and political turmoil: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to build on its establishment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and that Commission’s constructive recommendations on issues of paramount importance to Sri Lanka in a credible, transparent, and expeditious manner; (2) recognizes that the LLRC report did not adequately address issues of accountability for both the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), for credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity; (3) calls for the establishment of a credible, international, independent accountability mechanism to look into allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations committed by all sides during and after the war in Sri Lanka, and to make recommendations regarding accountability; (4) encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to allow for greater media freedoms and ensure the protection of journalists; (5) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to allow humanitarian organizations and international human rights groups greater access to the war-affected, including rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres, and those detained; (6) acknowledges the end of the war and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to prioritize a process of demilitarization throughout the country; and (7) acknowledges the importance for parties to reach a political settlement on the meaningful decentralization of power and power-sharing.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 248 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 4, 2013 Ms. Lee of California (for herself, Ms. Bordallo , Ms. Brown of Florida , Mrs. Christensen , Mr. Cohen , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Deutch , Mr. Faleomavaega , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. Lewis , Ms. Moore , Ms. Waters , Mr. Rangel , Ms. Wasserman Schultz , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Mr. Clay , Ms. Frankel of Florida , Mr. Sablan , Ms. Clarke , and Mr. Engel ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Whereas people of Caribbean heritage are found in every State of the Union; Whereas emigration from the Caribbean region to the American colonies began as early as 1619 with the arrival of indentured workers in Jamestown, Virginia; Whereas during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a significant number of slaves from the Caribbean region were brought to the United States; Whereas since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region to the United States; Whereas like the United States, the countries of the Caribbean faced obstacles of slavery and colonialism and struggled for independence; Whereas also like the United States, the people of the Caribbean region have diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds; Whereas the independence movements throughout the Caribbean during the 1960s and the consequential establishment of independent democratic countries in the Caribbean strengthened ties between the region and the United States; Whereas Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in the Caribbean; Whereas many influential Caribbean Americans have contributed to the rich history of the United States, including Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the pioneer settler of Chicago; Claude McKay, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance; James Weldon Johnson, the writer of the Black National Anthem; Celia Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American Congresswoman and first African-American woman candidate for President; Whereas the many influential Caribbean Americans in the history of the United States also include Colin Powell, the first African-American Secretary of State; Sidney Poitier, the first African-American actor to receive the Academy Award for best actor in a leading role; Harry Belafonte, a musician, actor, and activist; Al Roker, a meteorologist and television personality; and Roberto Clemente, the first Latino inducted into the baseball hall of fame; Whereas Caribbean Americans have played an active role in the civil rights movement and other social and political movements in the United States; Whereas Caribbean Americans have contributed greatly to the fine arts, education, business, literature, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music, science, technology, and other fields in the United States; Whereas Caribbean Americans share their culture through festivals, carnivals, music, dance, film, and literature, which enrich the cultural landscape of the United States; Whereas the countries of the Caribbean are important economic partners of the United States; Whereas the countries of the Caribbean represent the United States third border; Whereas the people of the Caribbean region share the hopes and aspirations of the people of the United States for peace and prosperity throughout the Western Hemisphere and the rest of the world; and Whereas since the passage of H. Con. Res. 71 in the 109th Congress by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, a proclamation has been issued annually by the President declaring June National Caribbean American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean American Heritage Month; (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe Caribbean American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities; and (3) affirms that— (A) the contributions of Caribbean Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 249 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 5, 2013 Mr. Grijalva (for himself, Ms. McCollum , Mr. Nolan , Ms. Kuster , and Mr. Ellison ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Recognizing the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on its 80th anniversary.
Whereas 2013 is the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Emergency Conservation Work Act, a precursor to the Civilian Conservation Corps Act, that allowed for establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); Whereas the CCC deserves recognition for its lasting contribution to natural resources conservation and infrastructure improvements throughout the United States, and for its outstanding success in providing employment and training to millions of people in the United States during the Great Depression; Whereas the CCC coordinated a mobilization of men, material, and transportation on a scale never previously known in time of peace and managed more than 4,500 camps in every State and the then-territories of Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; Whereas between 1933 and 1942, the CCC provided employment and vocational training for more than 3,000,000 men, including unemployed youths, more than 250,000 veterans of the Spanish American War and World War I, and more than 80,000 Native Americans in conservation and natural resources development work, defense work on military reservations, and forest protection; Whereas the CCC left a legacy of natural resources and infrastructure improvements that included planting more than 3,000,000,000 trees, building 46,854 bridges, restoring 3,980 historical structures, developing more than 800 State Parks, improving 3,462 beaches, creating 405,037 signs, markers, and monuments, and building 63,256 structures and 8,045 wells and pump houses; Whereas the benefits of many CCC projects are enjoyed today by thousands of people in the United States each year in the National Parks, State Parks, National Forests, National Monuments, and other lands and infrastructure in all States and numerous territories; Whereas CCC Legacy is a nonprofit organization that continues to cultivate and refine endeavors begun by CCC alumni in 1977; Whereas CCC Legacy's primary mission is to increase public awareness of the heritage and contributions of the CCC through featuring CCC alumni, their programs, and accomplishments; Whereas the main organizational goal for 2013 is the promotion of events around the country that celebrate the 80th anniversary of the CCC; Whereas the legacy of the CCC is also carried on today by the Nation’s Youth Service and Conservation Corps located in every State that provide service, education, and job training opportunities for thousands of youth yearly while they perform important projects in their communities and on public lands, such as disaster relief, rural development, conservation, housing, transportation and trails, energy efficiency, wildfire mitigation, and invasive species removal among others; Whereas Youth Service and Conservation Corps carry on the CCC legacy by enrolling thousands of youth while leveraging additional thousands of community volunteer partners to generate millions of hours of service each year and have educated and provided job skills to well over 1,000,000 young people; Whereas the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) is another effort to carry on the CCC legacy and grew out of a recommendation of the America’s Great Outdoors initiative in 2010 and will work through public-private and nonprofit partnerships to put thousands of young people and veterans in the United States to work protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Nation’s great outdoors; Whereas in 2012, the 21CSC Advisory Committee, which was established by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Council on Environmental Quality, delivered recommendations on how to create a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps to engage young United States citizens in hands-on service and job training experiences on public lands and community green spaces; Whereas in 2013, eight Federal agencies (Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, the Interior, and Labor; Environmental Protection Agency; Council on Environmental Quality; Corporation for National and Community Service; Army Corps of Engineers) signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a National Council for the 21CSC to provide leadership and commitment to build the 21CSC; Whereas the Public Lands Service Corps Act and the Youth Corps Act have been previously introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate that would carry on the legacy of the CCC by helping the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior provide new service opportunities to restore the Nation's natural and infrastructure resources and train a new generation of conservation enthusiasts, and by promoting the use of the Youth Corps model through the Workforce Investment Act by providing assistance to organizations wishing to start Youth Corps in order to provide service opportunities in local communities along with education, job training, and support services; Whereas the CCC demonstrated the commitment of the United States to the conservation of land, water, and natural resources on a national level, leadership in the world on public conservation efforts, and instilled an appreciation for conservation and public service in millions of people in the United States; and Whereas the CCC provided a foundation of self-confidence, responsibility, discipline, cooperation, communication, and leadership for its millions of participants through education, training, and hard work, and its legacy should be continued for future generations through modern day Youth Service and Conservation Corps: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and its alumni on its 80th anniversary; (2) recognizes the important contributions to the United States made by the CCC and its participants; (3) encourages people in the United States to recognize the contributions and history of the CCC and its participants; and (4) supports continuation of the legacy of the CCC and the ideals of national service and community improvement.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 250 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 6, 2013 Mr. Walberg (for himself, Mr. Jones , Mr. Buchanan , Mr. Huelskamp , Mr. Broun of Georgia , Mr. Rahall , Mr. Gingrey of Georgia , Mr. Huizenga of Michigan , Mr. Neugebauer , Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania , Mr. Lamborn , Mr. Ribble , Mr. Garrett , Mr. Wenstrup , Mr. Latta , Mr. Fleming , Mr. Posey , Mr. Pitts , Mr. Wolf , Mr. Bishop of Utah , Mr. Forbes , Mr. Wilson of South Carolina , Mr. Harper , Mr. Miller of Florida , Mrs. Hartzler , Mrs. Walorski , Mr. Weber of Texas , Mr. Carter , Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas , Mr. Hultgren , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Coble , Mr. King of Iowa , Mr. Southerland , Mr. Graves of Georgia , Mr. Webster of Florida , Mr. Harris , Mr. Roskam , Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. Westmoreland , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Nunnelee , Mr. Roe of Tennessee , and Mr. Scalise ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce , and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Expressing support for prayer at school board meetings.
Whereas the freedom to practice religion and to express religious thought is a fundamental and unalienable right guaranteed under the United States Constitution; Whereas the United States was founded on the principle of freedom of religion and not freedom from religion; Whereas the framers intended that the First Amendment to the Constitution would prohibit the Federal Government from enacting any law that favors one religious denomination over another, and protect not prohibit the mention of religion or reference to God in civic dialogue; Whereas in 1983 the Supreme Court of the United States held in Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783, that the practice of opening sessions of legislative bodies and other deliberative public bodies with prayer is so deeply embedded in the history and tradition of the United States that it has become part of the fabric of society, and invoking divine guidance on a public body entrusted with making the laws is not a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, but rather is simply a tolerable acknowledgment of beliefs widely held among the people of the Nation; Whereas voluntary prayer in legislative and other deliberative bodies should not be limited to prayer in the United States Senate and House of Representatives and State legislatures; Whereas school boards are deliberative public bodies of adults, akin to a legislature, in that they are predominantly elected by the people, act in the public interest, and hold sessions that are open to the public for voluntary attendance; Whereas the nature of school boards as deliberative public bodies, akin to a legislature, is further established by the fact that they enact policies and regulations that are given the force of law in managing and supervising the schools within their realm of governance, similar to statutes and ordinances enacted by Federal, State, and other local deliberative public bodies to regulate the areas within their purview; Whereas the nature of school boards as deliberative public bodies, akin to a legislature, is not altered by the presence of students or any other group of observers, just as the nature of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and State legislatures as deliberative public bodies is not altered although individuals regularly attend such legislative sessions for a variety of purposes; Whereas the nature of school boards as deliberative public bodies, akin to a legislature, is not altered by the location at which they hold their sessions, just as the nature of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and State legislatures as deliberative public bodies is not derived from the location at which those bodies host their sessions; Whereas the nature of school boards as deliberative public bodies, akin to a legislature, is not altered by the subject matter of the deliberation, just as the nature of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and State legislatures as deliberative public bodies is not altered when such bodies spend a substantial amount of time legislating on a specific subject matter; and Whereas voluntary prayer by a deliberative public body should be protected under law and encouraged in society because voluntary prayer has become a part of the fabric of this society, voluntary prayer acknowledges beliefs widely held among the people of the Nation, and the Supreme Court of the United States has held that it is not a violation of the Establishment Clause for a public body to invoke divine guidance: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes that school boards are deliberative public bodies, and should be free to engage in prayer at the beginning of meetings; (2) recognizes that school boards are deliberative public bodies, and should be free to engage in prayer at the beginning of meetings consistent with the prayer practice upheld in Marsh v. Chambers; (3) recognizes that prayer before school board meetings is a protected act in accordance with the fundamental principles upon which the Nation was founded; and (4) expresses support for the voluntary practice of prayer at the beginning of meetings of legislative bodies and other deliberative public bodies, including school board meetings.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 251 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 6, 2013 Mr. Cartwright (for himself and Mr. Dent ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION To honor Larry Holmes for his career and community service on the 35th anniversary of his winning the WBC World Heavyweight Title.
Whereas Larry Holmes is a retired American professional boxer; Whereas Holmes was born on November 3, 1949; Whereas Holmes defeated Ken Norton on June 9, 1978, to become the WBC World Heavyweight Champion; Whereas Holmes won 48 consecutive bouts and retained his title for over 7 years; Whereas Holmes defeated Muhammad Ali, who is known as the greatest of all time , on February 10, 1980; Whereas Holmes finished his career with a record of 69–6 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame; Whereas his success has not been limited to the boxing ring; Whereas Holmes has successfully run a number of businesses in and around downtown Easton, Pennsylvania, participating in a renewal of the area; Whereas his investments in Easton have included many charitable endeavors; Whereas his Run with the Champ 5-kilometer race has helped raise awareness of physical fitness for 35 years; Whereas Holmes has endowed a charitable foundation that advances post-secondary education by awarding four $5,000 scholarships to students who enroll in community colleges; Whereas Holmes has received the Jaycee’s National Outstanding Young Man Award; Whereas the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Holmes the Medal of Honor for trustworthiness; and Whereas Holmes has been a pillar of his community: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives honors Larry Holmes on the 35th anniversary of his WBC World Heavyweight Championship victory— (1) for his stellar boxing career; and (2) for the meaningful community service he has performed throughout his life.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 252 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 6, 2013 Mr. Franks of Arizona (for himself, Mr. Sherman , Mr. Latta , Mr. Peters of California , Mr. Bishop of Utah , Mr. Roskam , Mr. Wolf , Mr. Nunnelee , Mr. Cotton , Mr. Culberson , Mr. Pittenger , Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois , Mr. Stewart , Mr. Gohmert , Mr. Westmoreland , Mr. Michaud , and Mr. Brady of Texas ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling for free and fair elections in Iran, and for other purposes.
Whereas democracy, human rights, and civil liberties are universal values and fundamental principles of United States foreign policy; Whereas an essential element of democratic self-government is for leaders to be chosen and regularly held accountable through elections that are organized and conducted in a manner that is free, fair, inclusive, and consistent with international standards; Whereas governments whose power does not derive from free and fair elections lack democratic legitimacy; Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a signatory to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted December 16, 1966 (ICCPR), which states that every citizen has the right to vote “at genuine periodic elections” that reflect “the free expression of the will of the electors”; Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran regularly violates its obligations under the ICCPR, holding elections that are neither free nor fair nor consistent with international standards; Whereas elections in Iran are marred by the disqualification of candidates based on their political views; the absence of credible international observers; severe restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association, including censorship, surveillance, and disruptions in telecommunications, and the absence of a free media; widespread intimidation and repression of candidates, political parties, and citizens; and systemic electoral fraud and manipulation; Whereas the last nationwide election held in Iran, on June 12, 2009, was widely condemned inside Iran and throughout the world as neither free nor fair and provoked large-scale peaceful protests throughout Iran; Whereas, following the June 12, 2009, election, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran responded to peaceful protests with a large-scale campaign of politically motivated violence, intimidation, and repression, including acts of torture, cruel and degrading treatment in detention, rape, executions, extrajudicial killings, and indefinite detention; Whereas, on December 26, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution denouncing the serious human rights abuses occurring in the Islamic Republic of Iran; Whereas no woman has ever been permitted to run for president by the Council of Guardians; Whereas authorities in Iran have announced that nationwide elections for the presidency and for municipal councils will be held in June 2013; Whereas no international election observers are scheduled to oversee the June 2013 elections; Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to hold candidates from the 2009 election under house arrest and dissidents in indefinite detention; and Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to prevent the people of Iran from accessing news and information by incarcerating more journalists than any other country in the world, according to a 2011 report from the Committee to Protect Journalists; disrupting access to the Internet, including blocking e-mail and social networking sites and limiting access to foreign news and Web sites, developing a national Internet that will facilitate government censorship of news and information, and jamming international broadcasts such as the Voice of America’s Persian News Network and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Radio Farda: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, including the universal rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of association; (2) expresses support for freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law in Iran, and for elections that are free, fair, and meet international standards, including granting independent international and domestic electoral observers unrestricted access to polling and counting stations; (3) expresses strong support for the people of Iran in their peaceful calls for a representative and responsive democratic government that respects human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law; (4) reminds the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran of its obligations under the international covenants to which it is a signatory to hold elections that are free and fair; (5) condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s widespread human rights violations; (6) calls on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect freedom of expression and association in Iran by— (A) ending arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of harassment against media professionals, human rights defenders and activists, and opposition figures, and releasing all individuals detained for exercising universally recognized human rights; (B) lifting regulatory and legislative restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression; and (C) allowing the Internet to remain free and open and allowing domestic and international media to operate freely; (7) further calls on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to allow international election monitors to be present for the June 2013 elections; and (8) urges the President, the Secretary of State, and other world leaders— (A) to express support for the universal rights and freedoms of the people of Iran, including to democratic self-government; (B) to broaden engagement with the people of Iran and support efforts in the country to help promote human rights and democratic reform, including by providing support to civil society organizations for democracy and governance activities; and (C) to condemn elections that are not free and fair and that do not meet international standards.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 253 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 6, 2013 Mr. Enyart submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the night of June 6, 2013, as National Drive-in Movie Night to recognize the 80th anniversary of the drive-in movie theatre.
Whereas Richard Hollingshead, Jr., developed and patented the design for the drive-in movie theatre still in use worldwide today; Whereas Hollingshead was the builder and proprietor of the world’s first drive-in theatre in Camden, New Jersey; Whereas Hollingshead has become known as the father of the uniquely United States form of family recreation and entertainment known as the drive-in movie theatre; and Whereas June 6, 2013, is the 80th anniversary of the first exhibition of a film at that theatre in 1933 and would be an appropriate date to designate as National Drive-in Movie Night ; Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Drive-in Movie Night ; (2) recognizes the historical significance of the 80th anniversary of Richard Hollingshead’s achievement; (3) recognizes the drive-in movie theatre as a uniquely United States form of family recreation and entertainment; and (4) calls upon the people of the United States to observe such a night with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 254 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 11, 2013 Ms. Wasserman Schultz (for herself and Mr. Diaz-Balart ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of United States leadership in addressing the challenge of global maternal and child malnutrition.
Whereas the United States and other partners contributed to reducing child deaths from 12,000,000 in 1990 to 6,900,000 in 2011, and supported efforts to end preventable child deaths, and pledged to end preventable child deaths within a generation; Whereas food security and nutrition is foundational for human development, and persistent hunger and malnutrition stunts the mental and physical development of the next generation and hinders education, health, economics, and security; Whereas scaling up nutrition interventions can help reduce poverty, improve educational attainment, and improve lifetime earnings, and economic productivity, increasing a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by as much as 3 percent annually; Whereas leading Nobel Laureate economists have recommended that addressing hunger and malnutrition among young children should be the top priority for policymakers, identifying nutrition as the smartest investment with every $1 invested in nutrition generating as much as $138 in better health and increased productivity; Whereas reducing maternal and child malnutrition, especially in the critical 1,000 days between pregnancy and age 2, is critical to increasing child survival, improving cognitive and physical development, strengthening the immune system to bolster resistance to disease, and breaking the cycle of poverty; Whereas nearly 850,000,000 people are chronically undernourished today, a condition that is responsible, directly or indirectly, for 45 percent of the 6,900,000 deaths among children under the age of 5 annually; Whereas additionally, 11 percent of global disease burden is attributable to maternal and child under-nutrition; Whereas a growing evidence base shows 1 in 4 of the world’s children is stunted and in developing countries this can rise to 1 in 3; Whereas 80 percent of the world’s stunted children live in just 14 countries; Whereas stunting leads to long-term poor health, impaired brain development, and decreased immunity; Whereas 2,000,000,000 people are deficient in key vitamins and minerals, and over 165,000,000 children under the age of 5 are stunted as a result of malnutrition; Whereas nutrition is essential for food security, and the ongoing need to improve the nutritional quality of United States food assistance, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating mothers and young children, with a focus on the cost-effective 1,000 days between pregnancy and age 2; Whereas nearly 870,000,000 people worldwide suffer from food insecurity; Whereas food insecurity in developing countries forces tens of millions of people into poverty, contributes to political and social instability, erodes economic growth, and undermines United States foreign assistance investments in areas including basic education, global health, environmental protection, and democratic institutions; Whereas the United States plays a lead role in supporting Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), a global movement of 40 governments, civil societies, international organizations, development partners, researchers, and businesses in a collective effort to prioritize malnutrition, particularly during the 1,000 day window of opportunity between a mother’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday, through effective policy, program implementation, and aligned support for national, costed nutrition plans, and dedicated national resources by the host countries; Whereas the United States, along with Ireland and other donors and partners, endorsed a call to action in September 2010 at 1,000 Days: Change a Life, Change the Future and launched the 1,000 Days partnership to stimulate international and national leadership to respond with urgency to the nutrition challenge in support of country requests for improved collaboration through alliances and partnership; Whereas the United States committed to reducing under-nutrition by 20 percent in the targeted zones of the 19 Feed the Future Focus countries and the Global Health Initiative countries by 2015, while also aiming to end preventable child deaths; Whereas country-led progress to adopt evidence-based policies to improve nutrition and reduce stunting has been documented, such as in Ethiopia where the rate of stunting among children under 5 decreased between 2000 and 2011 from 57 percent to 44 percent through a strong safety net program and a comprehensive nutrition plan to scale up community nutrition programs, micronutrient supplementation, and promotion of optimal infant and young child feeding; and Whereas the Nutrition for Growth conference taking place on June 8, 2013, in London, England, is an important opportunity to continue collaboration and forge new partnerships to address malnutrition: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the Scaling Up Nutrition movement as a global partnership to support country-led efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition involving governments, civil society, international organizations, donors, businesses, and researchers; (2) supports United States leadership to scale up nutrition and improve nutrition outcomes for pregnant and lactating women and young children, and support the Scaling Up Nutrition movement and the 1,000 Days partnership, which promotes targeted action and investment to improve nutrition for mothers and children in the 1,000 days between a woman's pregnancy and her child's second birthday; and (3) calls on relevant Federal agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development, Department of State, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Treasury, and Millennium Challenge Corporation to consider developing a nutrition strategy to further ongoing coordination efforts to improve indicators to track nutrition funding and outcomes across United States Government global nutrition programs, especially those in health, food security, agriculture development, food aid, and water, sanitation, and hygiene.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 255 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 11, 2013 RESOLUTION
That the Clerk of the House of Representatives request the Senate to return to the House the bill (H.R. 2217) entitled An Act making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes. .
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 256 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 12, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1960) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1256) to direct the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to jointly adopt rules setting forth the application to cross-border swaps transactions of certain provisions relating to swaps that were enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1960) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. After general debate, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion. No further consideration of the bill shall be in order except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. 2. Upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 1256) to direct the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to jointly adopt rules setting forth the application to cross-border swaps transactions of certain provisions relating to swaps that were enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendments recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate, with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture; and (2) one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 3. The chair of the Committee on Agriculture is authorized, on behalf of the committee, to file a supplemental report to accompany H.R. 1947.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 257 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 12, 2013 RESOLUTION Electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.
That the following named Members be, and are hereby, elected to the following standing committees of the House of Representatives: Committee on Homeland Security: Mr. Sanford. Committee on the Judiciary: Mr. Smith of Missouri. Committee on Natural Resources: Mr. Smith of Missouri. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Mr. Collins of New York. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Mr. Sanford.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 258 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 12, 2013 Ms. Esty submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 1565) to protect Second Amendment rights, ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and provide a responsible and consistent background check process.
That immediately upon adoption of this resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1565) to protect Second Amendment rights, ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and provide a responsible and consistent background check process. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. If the Committee of the Whole rises and reports that it has come to no resolution on the bill, then on the next legislative day the House shall, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration of the bill. 2. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 1565.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 259 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 12, 2013 Mr. Honda (for himself and Mr. Bera of California ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ghadar Party in the United States.
Whereas Indian nationals started coming to the United States for higher education and economic opportunities in the beginning of the 20th century; Whereas there are an estimated 3,000,000 people of Indian origin in the United States forming an integral part of the social fabric of the Nation; Whereas Indian nationals were inspired by the success of the American Revolution against Great Britain; Whereas in 1913, Indians nationals formed the Hindustani Association of the Pacific Coast in Astoria, Oregon, popularly known as the Ghadar Party with a major objective of liberating India from British colonialism; Whereas the Ghadar Party established its headquarters in San Francisco, California; Whereas the Ghadar Party launched a magazine titled Ghadar to promote aims, objectives, and activities of the organization and published over 5,000 copies weekly for circulation; Whereas thousands of Ghadar supporters living in the United States and Canada returned to India and inspired their countrymen to fight for their independence from Great Britain, which was achieved in 1947; Whereas hundreds of Ghadarites fought and died for the freedom of their home country; and Whereas 2013 is the 100th anniversary of the formation of this historic Ghadar Party that recognizes the universal right of sovereign nations to independence and self-rule: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives recognizes the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ghadar Party in the United States.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 260 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 13, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 1960) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 1960) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. No further general debate shall be in order. 2. (a) In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113–13, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. (b) No amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text shall be in order except those printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution. (c) Each amendment printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. (d) All points of order against amendments printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules or against amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution are waived. 3. It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on Armed Services or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc offered pursuant to this section shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services or their designees, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The original proponent of an amendment included in such amendments en bloc may insert a statement in the Congressional Record immediately before the disposition of the amendments en bloc. 4. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 261 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 13, 2013 Mr. Lipinski (for himself, Mr. Duncan of Tennessee , Mr. Amodei , Mr. Michaud , and Mr. Bachus ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of Congress should support and promote the respectful and dignified disposal of worn and tattered American flags.
Whereas the American flag has represented the United States and American principles at home and abroad for over 200 years; Whereas the American flag is seen as a symbol of freedom and democracy at home and abroad; Whereas the United States Armed Forces have proudly raised the American flag in conflicts overseas for generations; Whereas the evolution of the American flag design is a window into United States history and government; Whereas President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14, 1917, as a day for United States citizens to come together to celebrate Flag Day ; Whereas in 1949, Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day , and in 1966 designated the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week ; Whereas every Flag Day , United States citizens are called upon to display American flags in and around their homes; Whereas the American flag accompanies the caskets of men and women in the United States Armed Forces who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation; Whereas the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boy Scouts of America, and other organizations perform a public service by conducting dignified flag disposal services; Whereas in the City of Chicago, Illinois, a recent statute allows worn and tattered flags to be brought to police and fire stations for proper and respectful disposal; Whereas the United States Flag Code sets standards for proper etiquette in displaying, caring for, and repairing the American flag; and Whereas the United States Flag Code also states that worn or tattered American flags, should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning : Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense the House of Representatives that— (1) elected Members of Congress should work to promote public awareness of the importance of proper flag etiquette, including the proper disposal of worn and tattered American flags; (2) elected Members of Congress should work to aid the respectful and dignified disposal of worn and tattered American flags in their districts and among their constituents, and should cooperate with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boy Scouts of America, and other such organizations in their efforts; (3) the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boy Scouts of America, and other organizations that conduct respectful ceremonies disposing of worn and tattered American flags should be commended for the public service they perform for all United States citizens; and (4) the City of Chicago, Illinois, should be commended for its policies regarding flag disposal, making it easy and convenient for its citizens to properly dispose of their tattered and worn American flags.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 262 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 14, 2013 Mr. King of New York (for himself, Mr. Garrett , Mr. LoBiondo , Ms. Ros-Lehtinen , Mr. Diaz-Balart , and Mr. Grimm ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Calling for the immediate extradition or rendering to the United States of convicted felon William Morales and all other fugitives from justice who are receiving safe harbor in Cuba in order to escape prosecution or confinement for criminal offenses committed in the United States.
Whereas William Morales, leader and chief bomb-maker for the terrorist organization FALN, committed numerous terrorist attacks on United States soil, including the bombings of Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan in 1975 and the Mobil Oil employment office in New York in 1977, which killed 5 people and injured hundreds; Whereas at least 79 fugitives from the United States, charged with offenses ranging from hijacking to kidnapping to drug offenses to murder, are believed to be receiving safe harbor in Cuba; Whereas other fugitives from United States justice who are receiving safe harbor in Cuba include Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted for the killing of a New Jersey state trooper; Charles Hill, wanted for the killing of a state trooper in New Mexico, Victor Manuel Gerena, on the FBI’s list of the “Ten Most Wanted” fugitives for carrying out a brutal robbery of a Wells Fargo armored car in Connecticut, and Guillermo Morales, who was convicted of illegal possession of firearms in New York; Whereas according to treaties enacted in 1905 and 1926 (33 Stat. 2265, 33 Stat. 2273, and 44 Stat. 2392), the United States has a bilateral extradition treaty with Cuba; Whereas “Extradition” is the formal surrender of a person by a country to another country for prosecution or punishment; Whereas in January 2002, Cuba deported to the United States Jesse James Bell, a United States fugitive wanted on drug charges; Whereas in March 2002, Cuba extradited drug trafficker Luis Hernando Gómez Bustamante to Colombia, and Gómez Bustamante was subsequently extradited to the United States in July 2007 to face drug trafficking charges; and Whereas it is imperative that Cuba abide by its extradition treaty with the United States and immediately extradite or render to the United States those legally indicted or convicted of serious criminal offenses in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) calls for the immediate extradition or rendering to the United States of convicted felon William Morales and all other fugitives from justice who are receiving safe harbor in Cuba in order to escape prosecution or confinement for criminal offenses committed in the United States; (2) urges the international community to continue to press for the immediate extradition or rendering of all fugitives from justice that are receiving safe harbor in Cuba; and (3) calls on the Secretary of State and the Attorney General of the United States to continue to press for the immediate extradition or rendering of all fugitives from United States justice so that they may be tried or, if convicted, serve out their sentences.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 263 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 14, 2013 Mr. Pitts (for himself, Mr. McIntyre , Mr. Hultgren , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Terry , Mrs. Hartzler , Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. Neugebauer , Mr. Gingrey of Georgia , Mr. Huelskamp , Mr. Southerland , Mr. Jones , Mr. Fleming , Mr. Pearce , and Mr. Latta ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father’s Day.
Whereas fathers factor significantly in the lives of children; Whereas fathers play an important role in teaching their children life lessons and preparing them to succeed in school and in life; Whereas children with involved fathers are more likely to do well in school, have a better sense of well-being, and have fewer behavioral problems; Whereas supportive fathers promote the positive physical, social, emotional, moral, and mental development of children; Whereas promoting responsible fatherhood can help increase the chances that children will grow up with two caring parents; Whereas, when fathers are actively involved in the upbringing of children, the children demonstrate greater self-control and a greater ability to take initiative; Whereas responsible fatherhood can help reduce child poverty; Whereas responsible fatherhood strengthens families and communities; and Whereas Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) commends the millions of fathers who serve as a wonderful, caring parent for their children; (2) calls on fathers across the United States to use Father’s Day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children’s lives, to spend Father’s Day with their children, and to express their love and support for their children; (3) urges men to understand the level of responsibility fathering a child requires, especially in the encouragement of the mental, moral, social, academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of children; and (4) encourages active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children, including the devotion of time, energy, and resources.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 264 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 17, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 588, with an amendment.
That upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall be considered to have taken from the Speaker’s table the bill, H.R. 588, with the Senate amendment thereto, and to have concurred in the Senate amendment with the following amendment: In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the amendment of the Senate to the text of the bill, insert the following: 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Vietnam Veterans Donor Acknowledgment Act of 2013 . 2. Donor contribution acknowledgments at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Section 6(b) of Public Law 96–297 ( 16 U.S.C. 431 note) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4) by striking the and after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (5)— (A) by striking 2014 and inserting 2018 ; and (B) by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting at the end the following new paragraph: (6) notwithstanding section 8905(b)(7) of title 40, United States Code— (A) the Secretary of the Interior shall allow the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to acknowledge donor contributions to the visitor center by displaying, inside the visitor center, an appropriate statement or credit acknowledging the contribution; (B) donor contribution acknowledgments shall be displayed in a form approved by the Secretary of the Interior and for a period of time commensurate with the level of the contribution and the life of the facility; (C) the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund shall bear all expenses related to the display of donor acknowledgments; (D) prior to the display of donor acknowledgments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. shall submit to the Secretary for approval, its plan for displaying donor acknowledgments; (E) such plan shall include the sample text and types of the acknowledgments or credits to be displayed and the form and location of all displays; (F) the Secretary shall approve the plan, if the Secretary determines that the plan— (i) allows only short, discrete, and unobtrusive acknowledgments or credits; (ii) does not permit any advertising slogans or company logos; and (iii) conforms to applicable National Park Service guidelines for indoor donor recognition; and (G) if the Secretary of the Interior determines that the proposed plan submitted under this paragraph, does not meet the requirements of this paragraph, the Secretary shall— (i) advise the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. not later than 30 days after receipt of the proposed plan of the reasons that such plan does not meet the requirements; and (ii) allow the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to submit a revised donor recognition plan. .
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 265 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 17, 2013 Mr. Cárdenas (for himself, Mr. Tipton , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois , Mr. Coffman , Ms. Shea-Porter , Mr. Owens , Mr. Hinojosa , Ms. Matsui , Mr. Loebsack , Mr. Michaud , Ms. Gabbard , Mr. Himes , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Kilmer , Mr. Veasey , Ms. Herrera Beutler , Mrs. Bustos , Ms. DelBene , Mr. Vargas , Mr. Lowenthal , Ms. Bordallo , Ms. Sewell of Alabama , Mr. Payne , Mr. Kind , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Mr. Collins of New York , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. Murphy of Florida , Ms. Sinema , Ms. McCollum , Mr. Courtney , Mr. Barber , Mr. Takano , Ms. Titus , Ms. Speier , Mr. Luetkemeyer , Mr. Cicilline , Ms. Clarke , and Ms. Bonamici ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business RESOLUTION Honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, which begins on June 17, 2013.
Whereas this year marks the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week; Whereas the approximately 27,900,000 small business concerns in the United States are the driving force behind the Nation’s economy, creating nearly 2 out of every 3 new jobs and generating close to 50 percent of the Nation’s nonfarm gross domestic product; Whereas small businesses are the driving force behind the economic recovery of the United States; Whereas small businesses represent 99.7 percent of employer firms in the United States; Whereas small business concerns are the Nation’s innovators, serving to advance technology and productivity; Whereas small business concerns represent 98 percent of all exporters and produce 31 percent of exported goods; Whereas Congress established the Small Business Administration in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns in order to preserve free and competitive enterprise, to ensure that a fair proportion of the total Federal Government purchases, contracts, and subcontracts for property and services are placed with small business concerns, to ensure that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property are made to such small business concerns, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the United States; Whereas every year since 1963, the President has designated a National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of the United States; Whereas in 2013, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 27,900,000 small businesses in the United States; Whereas the Small Business Administration has helped small business concerns by providing access to critical lending opportunities, protecting small business concerns from excessive Federal regulatory enforcement, helping to ensure full and open competition for Government contracts, and improving the economic environment in which small business concerns compete; Whereas for more than 50 years, the Small Business Administration has helped millions of entrepreneurs achieve the American dream of owning a small business, and has played a key role in fostering economic growth; and Whereas the President has designated the week beginning June 17, 2013, as National Small Business Week : Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week; (2) applauds the efforts and achievements of the owners and employees of small business concerns, whose hard work and commitment to excellence have made such small business concerns a key part of the economic vitality of the United States; (3) recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small business concerns; and (4) recognizes the importance of ensuring that— (A) guaranteed loans, including microloans and microloan technical assistance, for start-up and growing small business concerns, and venture capital, are made available to all qualified small business concerns; (B) the management assistance programs delivered by resource partners on behalf of the Small Business Administration, such as Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the Service Corps of Retired Executives, are provided with the Federal resources necessary to provide invaluable counseling services to entrepreneurs in the United States; (C) the Small Business Administration continues to provide timely and efficient disaster assistance so that small businesses in areas struck by natural or manmade disasters can quickly return to business to keep local economies alive in the aftermath of such disasters; (D) affordable broadband Internet access is available to all people in the United States, particularly people in rural and underserved communities, so that small businesses can use the Internet to make their operations more globally competitive while boosting local economies; (E) regulatory relief is provided to small businesses through the reduction of duplicative or unnecessary regulatory requirements that increase costs for small businesses; and (F) leveling the playing field for contracting opportunities remains a primary focus, so that small businesses, particularly minority-owned small businesses, can compete for and win more of the $400,000,000,000 in contracts that the Federal Government enters into each year for goods and services.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 266 In the House of Representatives, U. S., June 18, 2013 RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1797) to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture. After general debate, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion. No further consideration of the bill shall be in order except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. 2. Upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 1797) to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113–15 shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary; and (2) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 267 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 17, 2013 Mr. McDermott (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington , Mr. Smith of Washington , Ms. DelBene , Mr. Kilmer , Mr. Heck of Washington , and Ms. Herrera Beutler ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Congratulating the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Crew Team for winning the 2013 Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship.
Whereas crew is the oldest intercollegiate sport in the United States, dating back to 1852; Whereas the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship, which began in 1895, is the oldest college rowing championship in the United States and is one of the most prestigious championships in collegiate rowing; Whereas the University of Washington first attended the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship in 1913; Whereas the Washington Huskies Men’s Crew Team was the number one ranked team in the United States all season and entered the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships as the top seeded team; Whereas the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Crew Team are the National Champions after a dominating performance at the 111th Annual IRA National Championships; Whereas the Huskies capped a perfect weekend on Lake Natoma by sweeping all 5 grand finals to win their third-consecutive and 16th overall National Championship for the University of Washington Men’s Crew; Whereas the Huskies broke their own record in Intercollegiate Rowing Association history, with no team ever winning more than 4 consecutive Ten Eyck awards until the Huskies made it 5 in 2011, 6 in 2012, and now 7 in 2013; Whereas the entire University of Washington Men’s Crew Team should be commended for demonstrating determination, work ethic, and heart; Whereas University of Washington Men’s Crew coach, Michael Callahan, has led the team to 4 national titles, 2 second-place titles, never lost a Ten Eyck award, and has accomplished a feat no other program in collegiate rowing has ever accomplished, sweeping every Intercollegiate Rowing Association category at the finals not once but twice; Whereas the Huskies Men’s Crew Team is also the 2013 Pac-12 Champions; Whereas the Husky men had a total of 11 student-athletes selected to the Pac-12's All-Academic list with a minimum of a 3.0 minimum grade point average; and Whereas Husky seniors were chosen for the Pac-12 All Conference Rowing Team while sophomore Alex Perkins was honored as the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year and head coach Michael Callahan received the Coach of the Year award for the fourth straight year: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Crew Team on their stellar 2013 season and for winning the 2013 Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship; and (2) recognizes the achievements of the rowers, coaches, and staff whose skill, discipline, and dedication allowed them to reach such heights and continue the outstanding legacy of the University of Washington Crew program.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 268 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 17, 2013 Ms. Jackson Lee (for herself, Mr. Gene Green of Texas , Mr. Butterfield , Mr. Hastings of Florida , Mr. McGovern , Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California , Ms. Roybal-Allard , Ms. Kelly of Illinois , Ms. Brown of Florida , Mr. Carson of Indiana , Mr. Cuellar , Mr. O’Rourke , Mr. Jeffries , Mr. Becerra , Mr. Hinojosa , Mr. Doggett , Ms. Wasserman Schultz , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Lewis , Ms. Bass , Ms. Sewell of Alabama , Mr. Clyburn , Mr. Bishop of Georgia , Mr. Conyers , Ms. Waters , Mr. Cohen , Mr. Castro of Texas , Mr. Rangel , Ms. Wilson of Florida , Mr. Cummings , Mr. Al Green of Texas , Mr. Poe of Texas , Ms. Pelosi , Ms. Lee of California , Ms. Clarke , Ms. Norton , Mr. Payne , Mr. Meeks , and Mr. Horsford ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.
Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than 2 1⁄2 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War; Whereas, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free; Whereas African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19th, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day , as the anniversary of their emancipation; Whereas African-Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; Whereas, for more than 145 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; and Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) the House of Representatives— (A) recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation; (B) supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and (C) encourages the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and (2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (A) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States; and (B) history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future.
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113-hres-269
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 269 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 18, 2013 Mr. Braley of Iowa submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
That immediately upon the adoption of this resolution, the Speaker shall declare, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of the bill. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed three hours, to be equally divided and controlled by Mr. Braley of Iowa and a Member opposed thereto. After general debate, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. At the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion, except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. If the Committee of the Whole rises and reports that it has come to no resolution on the bill, then, on the next legislative day, the House shall, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration of the bill.
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 270 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 18, 2013 Mrs. Miller of Michigan submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration RESOLUTION Permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker.
That on such date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives may designate, official photographs of the House may be taken while the House is in actual session. Payment for the costs associated with taking, preparing, and distributing such photographs may be made from the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives.
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IV House Calendar No. 34 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 271 [Report No. 113–117] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 19 (legislative day, June 18), 2013 Mr. Sessions , from the Committee on Rules , reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed RESOLUTION Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. No further general debate shall be in order. 2. (a) In lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees on Agriculture and the Judiciary now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-14, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. (b) No amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text shall be in order except those printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution. (c) Each amendment printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, may be withdrawn by its proponent at any time before action thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. (d) All points of order against amendments printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules or against amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution are waived. 3. It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on Agriculture or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc offered pursuant to this section shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture or their designees, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The original proponent of an amendment included in such amendments en bloc may insert a statement in the Congressional Record immediately before the disposition of the amendments en bloc. 4. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
June 19 (legislative day, June 18), 2013 Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
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113-hres-272
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IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 272 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 20, 2013 Mr. Hunter (for himself, Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Ruppersberger , Mr. King of New York , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Grimm , Mr. McIntyre , Mr. Pierluisi , Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California , Mr. Wolf , and Mr. Peterson ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Honoring the Drug Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was created by an Executive order on July 1, 1973, and given the responsibility to coordinate all activities of the Federal Government directly related to the enforcement of the Nation’s drug laws; Whereas the men and women of DEA have served our Nation with courage, vision, and determination that protects Americans from the scourge of drug trafficking, drug abuse, and related violence; Whereas DEA has refined the tactics and methods that targets the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations in order to bring to justice criminals over the last 40 years. This includes Leroy Nicky Barnes; key members of the infamous Colombian Medellin, Norte Valle, and Cali cartels; the FARC and AUC Colombian narcoterrorist organizations; Thai warlord Khun Sa; key leaders of each of the seven most notorious Mexico-based cartels; Hezbollah affiliates Walid Makled Garcia and Ayman Joumaa; Afghan terrorists Haji Baz Mohammad, Haji Bashir Noorzai, Haji Juma Khan; and international arms dealers Monzer Al-Kassar and Viktor Bout and hundreds of other criminals, narcoterrorists and drug traffickers; Whereas throughout its 40-year history DEA has continually adapted to evolving trends of drug trafficking organizations by aggressively targeting those involved in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Ecstasy, and controlled prescription drugs; Whereas through its 223 domestic offices in 21 field divisions DEA continues to strengthen and enhance existing relationships with Federal, State, and local counterparts across the entire country to combat drug trafficking; Whereas in the past decade alone DEA special agents have seized more than 21,000 kilograms of heroin; 825,000 kilograms of cocaine; four-and-a-half million kilograms of marijuana; over 21,000 kilograms of methamphetamine; more than 50 million dosage units of hallucinogens; and made over 300,000 arrests; Whereas in its 86 foreign offices located in 67 countries DEA has the largest international presence of any Federal law enforcement agency; Whereas its personnel continue to collaborate closely with international partners around the world, including in such drug-producing countries as Colombia, Mexico, and Afghanistan through the sharing of intelligence, training, technology and other resources; Whereas the results of this international collaboration in this past decade alone have led to the disruption or dismantling of 216 priority target drug trafficking organizations in Colombia, 20 in Afghanistan and 108 in Mexico; Whereas through the creation of the Diversion Control Program in 1971 DEA now registers and regulates over 1,400,000 registrants, while simultaneously combating the continually evolving threat posed by the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals; Whereas DEA continues to strike at drug traffickers financially denying them $2.8 billion in 2012 and more than $22 billion over the past 7 years; Whereas DEA special agents continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials across the Nation in a cooperative and collaborative effort to fight crime and put drug traffickers behind bars; Whereas throughout DEA’s history its employees and members of the agency’s task forces have given their lives in the line of duty including: Emir Benitez, Gerald Sawyer, Leslie S. Grosso, Nickolas Fragos, Mary M. Keehan, Charles H. Mann, Anna Y. Mounger, Anna J. Pope, Martha D. Skeels, Mary P. Sullivan, Larry D. Wallace, Ralph N. Shaw, James T. Lunn, Octavio Gonzalez, Francis J. Miller, Robert C. Lightfoot, Thomas J. Devine, Larry N. Carwell, Marcellus Ward, Enrique S. Camarena, James A. Avant, Charles M. Bassing, Kevin L. Brosch, Susan M. Hoefler, William Ramos, Raymond J. Stastny, Arthur L. Cash, Terry W. McNett, George M. Montoya, Paul S. Seema, Everett E. Hatcher, Rickie C. Finley, Joseph T. Aversa, Wallie Howard, Jr., Eugene T. McCarthy, Alan H. Winn, George D. Althouse, Becky L. Dwojeski, Stephen J. Strehl, Richard E. Fass, Frank Fernandez, Jr., Jay W. Seale, Meredith Thompson, Juan C. Vars, Frank S. Wallace, Jr., Shelly D. Bland, Rona L. Chafey, Carrol June Fields, Carrie A. Lenz, Kenneth G. McCullough, Shaun E. Curl, Larry Steilen, Royce D. Tramel, Alice Faye Hall-Walton, Elton Lee Armstead, Terry Loftus, Donald C. Ware, Jay Balchunas, Thomas J. Byrne, Jr., Samuel Hicks, Forrest N. Leamon, Chad L. Michael, and Michael E. Weston; Whereas many other DEA employees and task force officers have been wounded or injured in the line of duty, including 91 who have received DEA’s Purple Heart Award; and Whereas over 9,500 employees of DEA, including special agents, intelligence analysts, diversion investigators, program analysts, forensic chemists, attorneys, and administrative support, plus more than 2,000 task force officers, and hundreds of vetted foreign drug law enforcement officers are all working tirelessly to hunt down and bring to justice those who seek to poison our citizens with dangerous narcotics: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; (2) honors the heroic sacrifice of the agency’s employees who have given their lives or have been wounded or injured in service of our Nation; and (3) gives heartfelt thanks to all the men and women of DEA for their past and continued efforts to defend the American people from the scourge of illegal drugs and terrorism.
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