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Year-End Report
H.AMEND. 431 TO H.R. 3289 - An amendment requiring that normal competitive bidding procedures are followed in procurement under the funds appropriated for Iraq's oil infrastructure
Posted by on October 17, 2003
H.AMDT.431 (A027) Amends: H.R.3289 Sponsor: Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] (offered 10/17/2003) AMENDMENT PURPOSE: An amendment requiring that normal competitive bidding procedures are followed in procurement under the funds appropriated for Iraq's oil infrastructure. Burgess voted NO STATUS: 10/17/2003 10:34am: Amendment (A027) offered by Mr. Sherman. (consideration: CR H9633-9634, H9641-9642; text: CR H9633) 10/17/2003 12:23pm: On agreeing to the Sherman amendment (A027) Agreed to by recorded vote: 248 - 179 (Roll no. 557).
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H.AMEND. 432 TO H.R. 3289 - An amendment to prohibit any funds in the bill from being used for Ex-Im Bank programs or other loans for Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia or Syria
Posted by on October 17, 2003
H.AMDT.432 (A028) Amends: H.R.3289 Sponsor: Rep Weiner, Anthony D. [NY-9] (offered 10/17/2003) AMENDMENT PURPOSE: An amendment to prohibit any funds in the bill from being used for Ex-Im Bank programs or other loans for Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia or Syria. Burgess voted NO STATUS: 10/17/2003 10:50am: Amendment (A028) offered by Mr. Weiner. (consideration: CR H9635-9636, H9642-9643; text: CR H9635) 10/17/2003 12:31pm: On agreeing to the Weiner amendment (A028) Failed by recorded vote: 193 - 233 (Roll no. 558).
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H.RES. 401 - Providing for further consideraton of the bill (H.R. 3289) making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense and for the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes
Posted by on October 17, 2003
H.RES.401 Title:Providing for further consideraton of the bill (H.R. 3289) making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense and for the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] (introduced 10/16/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Rules House Reports: 108-322 Related Bills: H.R.3289 Latest Major Action: 10/17/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 - 201 (Roll no. 560). Burgess voted YES SUMMARY AS OF: 10/16/2003--Reported to House, without amendment. (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Sets forth the rule for further consideration of H.R. 3289 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan Security and Reconstruction Act, 2004).
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H.R.3289 - Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004
Posted by on October 17, 2003
H.R.3289 Title:Making emergency supplemental appropriations for defense and for the reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Young, C. W. Bill [FL-10] (introduced 10/14/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Appropriations House Reports: 108-312; Conference Reports: 108-337 Related Bills: H.RES.396, H.RES.401, H.RES.424, S.1689 Latest Major Action: 11/6/2003 Became Public Law No: 108-106 [Text, PDF] Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 10/17/2003--Passed House, amended. (There are 3 other summaries) Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY 2004 for military and foreign affairs operations concerning Iraq and Afghanistan, including for Iraqi relief and reconstruction. Title I: National Security - Chapter 1: Department of Defense-Military - Makes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance (O&M); (3) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; (4) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (5) procurement; (6) research, development, test and evaluation; (7) Defense Working Capital Funds and the National Defense Sealift Fund; (8) the Defense Health Program; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities related to Afghanistan; and (10) the Intelligence Community Management Account. (Sec. 1104) Continues during FY 2004 the increased monthly rates of pay, currently authorized for FY 2003, for imminent danger special pay and the family separation allowance. (Sec. 1106) Allows DOD O&M funds to be used to: (1) provide logistical support to coalition forces supporting military and stability operations in Iraq; and (2) enhance the capability of the New Iraqi Army and the Afghan National Army to combat terrorism and support U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Sec. 1109) Appropriates funds to DOD to be used only for recovery and repair of damage due to natural disasters, including Hurricane Isabel. (Sec. 1110) Earmarks specified O&M funds for the Commander's Emergency Response Program (urgent Iraqi humanitarian and reconstruction relief and assistance for the people of Afghanistan). Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary of Defense to the congressional defense committees regarding the use of such funds. (Sec. 1111) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees describing an Analysis of Alternatives for replacing the capabilities of the existing Air Force fleet of KC-135 tanker aircraft. (Sec. 1112) Makes permanent (currently, applies only during FY 2004) the exemption from the requirement of payment of subsistence charges while hospitalized in a military facility for an enlisted member, former enlisted member, officer, or former officer who is hospitalized in a military facility because of an injury incurred: (1) as a direct result of armed conflict; (2) while engaged in hazardous service; (3) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or (4) through an instrumentality of war. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2004 to make such exemption retroactive with respect to any period of hospitalization on or after September 11, 2001. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to refund any amount paid, or waive recovery of unpaid amounts, for such charges since that date. Chapter 2: Department of Homeland Security - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard for costs related to Hurricane Isabel damage. Chapter 3: Department of Defense - Makes appropriations for military construction and military family housing O&M. (Sec. 1301) Authorizes the Secretary to use O&M funds for military construction projects in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or the Global War on Terrorism. Limits the total cost of such projects to $500 million in FY 2004. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the defense committees on the worldwide obligation and expenditure of such funds. Title II: Iraq and Afghanistan Reconstruction and International Assistance - Chapter 1: Department of Justice - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Department of Justice for general legal activities; (2) diplomatic and consular programs and emergencies in the diplomatic consular service; (3) embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (4) contributions for international peacekeeping activities; and (5) international broadcasting operations. Chapter 2: Bilateral Economic Assistance -Makes appropriations for: (1) the United States Agency for International Development; (2) the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund for security, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in Iraq; (3) the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq; (4) the Economic Support Fund; (5) international disaster and famine assistance; (6) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (7) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs; (8) the Foreign Military Financing Program; and (9) peacekeeping operations to support the global war on terrorism. (Sec. 2201) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act or the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Emergency Wartime Act) to repay principal or interest on any loan or guarantee agreement entered into by the Government of Iraq with any private or public sector entity prior to May 1, 2003. (Sec. 2202) Prohibits funds made available from the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund under either this or the Emergency Wartime Act from being used to enter into any Federal contract unless: (1) the contract is entered into using competitive procedure requirements of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act; or (2) the contracting agency notifies specified congressional committees of, and submits justification for, the use of other than competitive procedures. (Sec. 2203) Requires the head of any agency entering into a contract for assistance for Iraq through the use of other than competitive procedures, to publish and make public certain information with respect to such contract, including justification and approval documents. (Sec. 2204) Amends the Emergency Wartime Act to: (1) extend through FY 2005 the authority of the President to suspend application of any provision of the Iraq Sanctions Act of 1990; and (2) authorize the export of small arms to Iraq under procedures specified in the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 2206) Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to increase from $300 million to $450 million the aggregate value of authorized assistance to the Government of Afghanistan and eligible foreign countries and international organizations to direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education and training. (Sec. 2207) Directs the Coalition Provisional Authority, on a monthly basis until January 2005, to report to the appropriations and foreign relations committees on Iraqi oil production and revenues. (Sec. 2211) Allows the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to undertake in Iraq any program authorized in title IV of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 2212) Directs the President to report quarterly to Congress on U.S. military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Sec. 2213) Directs the Comptroller General, quarterly, to review and report to Congress on whether the procedures used to enter each contract or task or delivery order entered into using funds appropriated by this Act for foreign assistance were in compliance with this Act and other applicable laws and regulations. Title III: General Provisions-This Act - (Sec. 3004) Prohibits the provision of funds from this Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country participating with coalition forces in Afghanistan or Iraq if either the Secretary of State or Defense has credible evidence that such unit has committed gross violations of human rights, unless the appropriate Secretary determines and reports to the appropriations committees that the government of such country is taking effective measures to bring the responsible members of such unit to justice. (Sec. 3005) Prohibits funds from this Act from being used: (1) for the participation of Iraq in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); or (2) to fund any contract in contravention of Federal procurement subcontracting goals under the Small Business Act. (Sec. 3007) Prohibits funds made available and allocated for oil infrastructure under the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund from being used to enter into any contract using other than competitive procedures.
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Congressman Burgess Negotiates Concurrent Receipt Solution for America’s Veterans
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 16, 2003
Representative Michael C. Burgess, (TX-26) today announced House-Senate agreement on an historic plan to provide concurrent receipt for more disabled veterans than has ever been covered by law. "I fought for a solution to the concurrent receipt problem which honors our nation’s veterans and years of their dedicated service," said Congressman Burgess. Currently, disabled veterans' retirement benefits are offset by the amount of disability coverage that they are eligible for. Congressman Burgess is a cosponsor of H.R. 303, The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003 that seeks to rectify this situation. "I am pleased we are able to announce this historic plan which would provide benefits to more disabled veterans than has ever been covered by law before. This solution is fair, responsible, and a huge step forward after years of gridlock on this important issue." Highlights of the plan include: Blue Ribbon Commission * Establishment of a 13-member, bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission to review the current VA disability system and make recommendations to ensure the system adequately compensates veterans for disabilities they may incur as a result of their service. * The White House and Congressional leaders will appoint commissioners – more than half of whom will be highly decorated combat veterans. Purple Heart * The House plan continues to provide FULL CONCURRENT RECEIPT to ALL PURPLE HEART VETERANS who are retired after 20 years and who have a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. Combat-Related Special Compensation * Under current law, combat-related special compensation (CRSC) veterans 60% disabled and above have full concurrent receipt through the Republicans’ Purple Heart Plus plan for disabilities related to combat situations. * The House plan expands FULL CONCURRENT RECEIPT to ALL CRSC veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. National Guard and Reservists * Very few retired reservists and national guardsmen now qualify under current law for the Purple Heart or CRSC concurrent receipt. * The House plan removes this barrier and extends FULL CONCURRENT RECEIPT to ALL RETIRED NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS (10 – 100% disabled) who are Purple Heart recipients, or who are CRSC qualified. Remaining Military Retirees * Under current law, none of the remaining military retirees receive concurrent receipt. * The House plan establishes FULL CONCURRENT RECEIPT to the most disabled military retirees 50% disabled and above (50 – 100% disabled).
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Twin Story of Success - One Minute
Posted by on October 16, 2003
There is a natural tension between competing constituencies in the arena of vying for federal dollars. Funding for research for health care may at times intersect sharply with those dollars required for engineering research. But sometimes, it may all coalesce and condense around a single event or group of events that serves to demonstrate the importance of collaboration. We witnessed just such an event this weekend in North Texas with the apparently hugely successful separation of Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim. The intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, pharmacology, medicine and surgery quietly and completely joined together to give these two otherwise healthy boys their best chance at a normal life. In my new job now, one deals with policy rather than surgical skill. So how nice it was to stand with one foot in the political world, but one, not too far removed from the medical world, and to savor the moment of triumph, yes, for our medical professionals, but also for everyone who devotes a life to making things better for those around them. Everyone at Children’s Medical Center was involved in the effort - from doctors, nurses and technicians, to the theoretical and practical professionals who developed the specialized O.R. table, monitors and medicines. Individuals from both the private and public sector entities who pushed the research and development of these incredible devices –all of these people deserve our gratitude and admiration. Without them, the miracle at Dallas’ Children’s Hospital may not have been possible. And we are all reminded of how sometimes, when we focus on very big and noble causes, we are all rewarded many times over.
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H.RES.198 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that France, Germany, and Russia can initially best contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq by the forgiveness of outstanding debt between both Iraq and France, Iraq and Germany, and Iraq and Russia
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.RES.198 Title:Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that France, Germany, Russia, and other nations can contribute to Iraq's reconstruction by forgiving debts owed by Iraq to those nations and by making generous pledges for Iraq's reconstruction at the International Conference on Reconstruction in Iraq to be held in Madrid. Sponsor: Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] (introduced 4/11/2003) Cosponsors: 42 Committees: House International Relations Latest Major Action: 10/16/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 394 - 31 (Roll no. 545). Burgess voted YES ---------------------------------------------------------------------SUMMARY AS OF: 10/16/2003--Passed House, amended. (There is 1 other summary) Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that France, Germany, Russia, and other nations should: (1) work with multilateral institutions and with creditor nations in the "Paris Club" to establish a debt forgiveness program for Iraq to aid its reconstruction; (2) make generous pledges for the reconstruction of Iraq at the International Conference on Reconstruction in Iraq to be held in Madrid; and (3) acknowledge the role that Iraq's current debt plays in hindering its reconstruction.
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H.AMEND. 407 TO H.R. 3289 - Amendment sought to add $3.6 billion to the bill to improve the quality of life for the members of the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.407 (A003) Amends: H.R.3289 Sponsor: Rep Obey, David R. [WI-7] (offered 10/16/2003) AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION: Amendment sought to add $3.6 billion to the bill to improve the quality of life for the members of the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. AMENDMENT PURPOSE: An amendment to insert provisions which seek to improve the quality of life for the troops. Burgess voted NO STATUS: 10/16/2003 4:56pm: Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Obey. (consideration: CR H9562-9565, H9582-9583; text: CR H9562) 10/16/2003 8:24pm: On agreeing to the Obey amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 209 - 216 (Roll no. 547).
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H.AMEND. 409 TO H.R. 3289 - An amendment that sought to provide funds for quality of life enhancements for U.S. servicemembers
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.409 (A005) Amends: H.R.3289 Sponsor: Rep Obey, David R. [WI-7] (offered 10/16/2003) AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION: An amendment that sought to provide funds for quality of life enhancements for U.S. servicemembers. AMENDMENT PURPOSE: An amendment to provide that, of the funds made available for reconstruction and relief for Iraq, one half of those funds shall be treated as a loan. Burgess voted NO STATUS: 10/16/2003 6:42pm: Amendment (A005) offered by Mr. Obey. (consideration: CR H9575-9582; text: CR H9575) 10/16/2003 8:15pm: On agreeing to the Obey amendment (A005) Failed by recorded vote: 200 - 226 (Roll no. 546).
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H.AMEND. 410 TO H.R. 3289 - Amendment sought to reduce funding for the importation into Iraq of petroleum products by $250 million
Posted by on October 16, 2003
.AMDT.410 (A006) Amends: H.R.3289 Sponsor: Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] (offered 10/16/2003) AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION: Amendment sought to reduce funding for the importation into Iraq of petroleum products by $250 million. AMENDMENT PURPOSE: An amendment to reduce the amount available for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund by $250 million. Burgess voted NO STATUS: 10/16/2003 8:40pm: Amendment (A006) offered by Mr. Waxman. (consideration: CR 10/17/2003 H9586-9588, H9601-9602; text: CR 10/17/2003 H9586) 10/16/2003 10:43pm: On agreeing to the Waxman amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 197 - 224 (Roll no. 548).
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