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H.AMDT.411 (A007) - Amendment deletes language which permits non-competitive contracts that have been reported to Congress seven days after the contract has been awarded in certain circumstances
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.411 (A007)
Amends: H.R.3289
Sponsor: Rep Kirk, Mark Steven [IL-10] (offered 10/16/2003)
AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION:
Amendment deletes language which permits non-competitive contracts that have been reported to Congress seven days after the contract has been awarded in certain circumstances.
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment to eliminate a bill provision which allows for non-competitive contracts to be reported to Congress seven days after the contract has been awarded in certain circumstances. Elimination of the provision will require executives agencies to inform Congress of "no-bid" contracts before they are offered.
Burgess voted YES
STATUS:
10/16/2003 8:56pm:
Amendment (A007) offered by Mr. Kirk. (consideration: CR 10/17/2003 H9588-9589, H9602; text: CR 10/17/2003 H9588)
10/16/2003 10:51pm:
On agreeing to the Kirk amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 405 - 20 (Roll no. 549).
H.AMDT.414 (A010) - Amendment sought to delete certain provisions that allow the Secretary of Defense to reprogram funds
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.414 (A010)
Amends: H.R.3289
Sponsor: Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] (offered 10/16/2003)
AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION:
Amendment sought to delete certain provisions that allow the Secretary of Defense to reprogram funds.
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment to strike certain provisions that would allow the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds.
Burgess voted NO
STATUS:
10/16/2003 9:19pm:
Amendment (A010) offered by Mr. Markey. (consideration: CR 10/17/2003 H9591-9592, H9602-9603; text: CR 10/17/2003 H9591)
10/16/2003 10:59pm:
On agreeing to the Markey amendment (A010) Failed by recorded vote: 146 - 279 (Roll no. 550).
H.AMEND. 415 TO H.R. 3289 - Amendment sought to eliminate $900 million provided for the importation of petroleum products to Iraq
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.415 (A011)
Amends: H.R.3289
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (offered 10/16/2003)
AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION:
Amendment sought to eliminate $900 million provided for the importation of petroleum products to Iraq.
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment to eliminate the funds in the bill providing petroleum products for Iraq.
Burgess voted NO
STATUS:
10/16/2003 9:31pm:
Amendment (A011) offered by Mr. Holt. (consideration: CR 10/17/2003 H9592-9593, H9603-9604; text: CR 10/17/2003 H9592)
10/16/2003 11:07pm:
On agreeing to the Holt amendment (A011) Failed by recorded vote: 169 - 256 (Roll no. 551).
H.AMEND. 421 TO H.R. 3289 - Amendment sought to delete language which authorizes funds for military construction projects related to the Global War on Terrorism
Posted by on October 16, 2003
H.AMDT.421 (A017)
Amends: H.R.3289
Sponsor: Rep Sanchez, Loretta [CA-47] (offered 10/16/2003)
AMENDMENT DESCRIPTION:
Amendment sought to delete language which authorizes funds for military construction projects related to the Global War on Terrorism.
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment to strike the section on the Global War on Terrorism.
Burgess voted NO
STATUS:
10/16/2003 10:15pm:
Amendment (A017) offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta. (consideration: CR 10/17/2003 H9600-9601, H9604; text: CR 10/17/2003 H9600)
10/16/2003 11:21pm:
On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment (A017) Failed by recorded vote: 128 - 295 (Roll no. 552).
Burgess Hosts LTC Panel with Gingrich
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 15, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. hosted a panel discussion on behalf of the House Republican Policy Committee entitled “Reforming Long Term Care.” The panel consisted of former Speaker of the House and Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute Newt Gingrich, House Committee on Ways and Means, Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Johnson (CT-05) and Mr. Ron Jordan, President of Modern Health Systems Inc. of Keller, Texas.
“The United States’ long term care system is facing a crisis,” opened Congressman Burgess. “With so much talk about how seniors pay for their health care, the elephant in the room that nobody really wants to talk about is how to specifically address the challenges faced by these seniors seeking long term care. If we wait too long to begin this dialogue we will fail an entire generation of Americans.”
Congressman Burgess, also a doctor, organized the panel discussion to bring together health care experts, industry members and policy-makers into one room where they could begin a detailed conversation on tackling this broad, on-going concern.
Speaker Gingrich discussed the need for transforming long term care into a 21st century program citing his new book Saving Lives & Saving Money: Transforming Health and Healthcare. Chairwoman Johnson spoke on her current House bill, H.R. 2096, the Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2003 which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, use of such insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, and a credit for individuals with long-term care needs. Mr. Jordan shared his personal and professional experience as owner and operator of a long term care facility by stressing the need to remember the patient should always come first.
Congressman Burgess gave a few brief closing remarks and took questions from other congressman present at the meeting. This was the first in a series of panels focusing on long term care.
The Iraq You Don't Know
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 15, 2003
As part of a government reform team on a recent official visit to Iraq, I witnessed that nation's true ``shock and awe'' story.
I saw the progress of a fledging, free nation. I came away knowing we have every reason to be optimistic.
My disappointment is that, watching the evening news since my return to the United States, I can scarcely recognize the country and situation I have just left.
In Iraq, I met General James T. Conway of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He described our effort there as ``a vivid success story,'' both during the major combat phase of the military operation and since its conclusion.
Perhaps most important, he said that most Iraqis were concerned not that we would stay too long, but that we would leave too soon.
As with any rebuilding effort, patience, time, dedication, loyalty and commitment are necessary.
The Iraqi people are beginning to enjoy a normal, everyday life. The markets are bustling, there are traffic jams in the cities, and satellite dishes dot the rooftops of Baghdad.
School children were preparing for a new year of classes to begin. Electrical lines bring power to light up rural areas, and fields of wheat are being harvested.
After years of oppression by Saddam Hussein, Iraq's people are beginning to trust not only outsiders, but also each other. Ninety percent of the towns and cities have created governing councils.
The new national governing council has been drawn from all regions of the country and is planning for a convention that will pave the road for a constitutional convention.
After an Iraq constitution has been established, there will be elections. The birth of Iraqi democracy is a pivotal moment in world history, and it is only made possible by Coalition forces remaining to help stabilize the country.
More than 37,000 Iraqis are contributing to their own security. Many are enlisting in local police divisions and are being trained by former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.
Kerik has started police training academies that have been given the arduous task of transforming the Iraqi police force from one based on brutality and corruption to stressing police procedure, criminal investigations and human rights.
Law enforcement is also now backed by a functioning judicial system. Prisons, which were emptied by Saddam at the beginning of the war, are being reopened. Law and order in a free society is taking root.
As a doctor, I particularly wanted to assess the Iraqi health care system. I knew the difficulties that this system had suffered under Saddam's rule, but I was still startled to see the decrepit hospitals, most of which had no nursing staff at all.
A member of the public health team of the 385th Civil Affairs Brigade, Lt. Col. Michael Keller, told me that in the library at the medical school, no text had a copyright date later than 1984. Pharmaceuticals manufactured in Iraq were of such questionable quality that doctors would not dispense them.
Coalition forces have had to rely heavily upon donations of medicine from Kuwait.
On average, Saddam's government spent 50 cents per person on health care. Coalition forces have increased that to $45 per person, but more is needed to restore quality health care to the long-suffering Iraqi people.
Still, hope is rising. More than 4.2 million children have been immunized since May.
I have not seen any of these accomplishments reported by the news media here in the United States. Their reports seem to focus on military dangers and claims that American forces should leave.
Iraq has been liberated from a brutal regime with a minimum of military and civilian casualties. There is still danger, but there is no remaining strategic threat.
Stabilization is the current goal. We seek to root out those who would harm our troops or innocent Iraqi citizens.
Eighty percent of recent hostile engagements have been within the so-called Sunni Triangle of northern Iraq. The majority of the country is moving toward a free society.
We should remain a strong force in Iraq, proving our determination to help the country become a stable, free nation.
Printed in the Fort Worth Star Telegram
Burgess Supports Meal Plan for Wounded G.I.’s
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 9, 2003
Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. voted last night in favor of legislation covering all meal expenses of certain soldiers while they are hospitalized due to injuries received while fighting in combat. H.R. 2998 overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives, 399-0. Congressman Burgess was a cosponsor on H.R. 2998.
“Asking soldiers who come back from Iraq to pay for the food they eat while they recover from injuries they incurred on our behalf is wrong,” stated Burgess.
Currently, upon leaving the hospital, enlisted personnel and officers are served with a bill to pay for the meals they ate while hospitalized. The current daily rate for these charges is $8.10.
For example, Sergeant William L. Murwin, a reservist in the Marines, spent 26 days in the hospital, recovering from the partial amputation of his foot after a grenade was dropped into his HUMVEE. He was sent a bill for $210.60 for the food and “subsistence” costs incurred while he was hospitalized.
“This may not seem like an outrageous amount of money, but that is precisely the point,” continued Burgess. “Our soldiers pay an enormous price to protect our freedoms, so the least we do as a grateful nation is pay for their meals while being hospitalized.”
Statement from Congressman Michael C. Burgess on Texas Redistricting
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 9, 2003
“First, I would like to state that when I ran for Congress, I specifically sought to represent the 26th Congressional District of Texas. I have lived here for over 50 years, and I ran for office stating that I was uniquely qualified because I truly understood the local issues.”
“I believe that redistricting is not now, nor ever should be, about one person. Although I have always said that I had the perfect district, I understand that redistricting must occur to create balance in our congressional delegation and to adequately, and fairly reflect the voting trends of the people of Texas.”
“Who I am is largely where I come from, and to that end, I am glad that the majority of Denton County will still be represented by a single congressman. While I personally regret the loss of constituents, I believe I have established myself as a credible and caring representative and will show the same commitment and dedication to any new communities I will have the opportunity to serve.”
H.R. 3108 - Pension Funding Equity Act of 2003
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 8, 2003
H.R.3108
SUMMARY AS OF:
9/17/2003--Introduced.
Pension Funding Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to temporarily replace (for plan years 2004 and 2005) the 30-year Treasury rate with a rate based on long-term corporate bonds for certain pension plan funding requirements.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it must ensure the financial health of the defined benefit pension system by working to promptly implement: (1) a permanent replacement for the pension discount rate used for defined benefit pension plan calculations; and (2) comprehensive funding reforms aimed at achieving accurate and sound pension funding.
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Title:To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to temporarily replace the 30-year Treasury rate with a rate based on long-term corporate bonds for certain pension plan funding requirements and other provisions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Boehner, John A. [OH-8] (introduced 9/17/2003) Cosponsors: 10
Committees: House Education and the Workforce; House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 10/8/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 397 - 2 (Roll no. 535).
Burgess voted YES.
----------------------------------------------------------------------TITLE(S): (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)
SHORT TITLE(S) AS INTRODUCED:
Pension Funding Equity Act of 2003
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to temporarily replace the 30-year Treasury rate with a rate based on long-term corporate bonds for certain pension plan funding requirements and other provisions, and for other purposes.
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MAJOR ACTIONS: [SELECTED] (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) For more details, see: Bill Status Display.
9/17/2003 Introduced/originated in House
10/8/2003 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 397 - 2 (Roll no. 535).
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STATUS: (dates in italics indicate Senate actions)
9/17/2003:
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
9/17/2003:
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
9/17/2003:
Referred to House Ways and Means
10/8/2003 10:59am:
Consideration initiated pursuant to a previous order.
10/8/2003 11:00am:
Considered pursuant to a previous order.
10/8/2003 11:00am:
H.AMDT.402 Amendment (A001) in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Boehner.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order and considered as adopted pursuant to the order of the House on October 7, 2003.
10/8/2003 11:01am:
H.AMDT.402 On agreeing to the Boehner amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection.
10/8/2003 11:58am:
The previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous order of the House.
10/8/2003 2:55pm:
Considered as unfinished business.
10/8/2003 3:17pm:
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 397 - 2 (Roll no. 535).
10/8/2003 3:17pm:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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COMMITTEE(S):
Committee/Subcommittee: Activity:
House Education and the Workforce Referral
House Ways and Means Referral
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RELATED BILL DETAILS:
***NONE***
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AMENDMENT(S):
1. H.AMDT.402 to H.R.3108 An amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order and considered as adopted pursuant to the order of the House on October 7, 2003.
Sponsor: Rep Boehner, John A. [OH-8] (introduced 10/8/2003) Cosponsors: (none)
Latest Major Action: 10/8/2003 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Boehner amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection.
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COSPONSORS(10), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)
Rep Ballenger, Cass [NC-10] - 10/1/2003 Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] - 10/1/2003
Rep Cole, Tom [OK-4] - 10/1/2003 Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] - 9/17/2003
Rep McKeon, Howard P. (Buck) [CA-25] - 10/1/2003 Rep Miller, George [CA-7] - 9/17/2003
Rep Portman, Rob [OH-2] - 9/17/2003 Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] - 9/17/2003
Rep Thomas, William M. [CA-22] - 9/17/2003 Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] - 10/1/2003
H.R. 2297 - Veterans Benefits Act of 2003
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 8, 2003
H.R. 2297
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/15/2003--Reported to House, amended. (There is 1 other summary)
Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 - (Sec. 2) Includes under the Montgomery GI Bill education program a program of self-employment on-job training consisting of full-time training for a period of less than six months that is needed or accepted for obtaining licensure to engage in a self-employment occupation or required for franchise ownership and operation.
(Sec. 3) Extends the delimiting period of eligibility for military survivors' and dependents' education assistance, with respect to a member who is involuntarily ordered to full-time National Guard duty, for the length of such duty plus four months.
(Sec. 4) Extends through 2009 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education.
(Sec. 5) Repeals the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan Program. Transfers any balance in the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Loan Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Benefits Account. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairsto discharge any outstanding liability of a veteran under such Program.
(Sec. 6) Provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse of a veteran after age 55 shall not bar the payment of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation to which such spouse was previously entitled.
(Sec. 7) Makes all remarried surviving spouses of veterans eligible for burial in a national cemetery. (Currently, such eligibility is permitted only for remarried former spouses whose subsequent marriage was terminated by death or divorce.)
(Sec. 8) Makes permanent (currently ends at the end of FY 2004) the authority of the Secretary to make grants to States to establish and operate national cemeteries.
(Sec. 9) Establishes a new period of five years from the date of enactment of this Act for a program of Department vocational training for low-income, pension-receiving veterans under the age of 45. (The previous period ran from February 1, 1985, through December 31, 1995.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide appropriate program outreach; and (2) report annually to the veterans' committees on program operation.
(Sec. 10) Increases from: (1) $48,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided by the Department to certain disabled veterans for the construction of specially adapted housing; (2) $9,250 to $10,000 the maximum authorized for specially adapted features within a home; and (3) $9,000 to $11,000 the maximum authorized for automobile and adaptive equipment for such veterans.
(Sec. 11) Revises Federal provisions relating to the presumption of service-connection for certain diseases manifest in former prisoners of war to consider the following diseases to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service without any minimum period of internment (currently, internment of at least 30 days is required): psychosis; any of the anxiety states; dysthymic disorder; organic residuals of frostbite when consistent with prisoner conditions; and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Adds cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases which will be considered as having been incurred in or aggravated by such service if: (1) the veteran was interned for at least 30 days; and (2) the disease becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more after active military service.
(Sec. 12) Provides health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and a monthly disability allowance through the Department to the natural child of a parent who performed active military service in the Republic of Korea in a specified area of the Demilitarized Zone if such child was conceived after such service and suffers from spina bifida.
(Sec. 13) Makes permanent (currently expires on September 30, 2009) the eligibility of certain former members of the Selected Reserve for veterans' housing loans.
(Sec. 14) Revises the fee amounts charged under the veterans' home loan guaranty program. Makes such fee for qualifying reserve personnel identical to that charged for active-duty veterans.
(Sec. 15) Reinstates the minimum and maximum percentages of purchases during a fiscal year of real property acquired by the Secretary as the result of a default on a guaranteed loan that may be financed by a loan made by the Secretary. Increases the maximum percentage to 85 (65 under provisions that expired after September 30, 1990).
(Sec. 16) Qualifies for the payment of certain survivors' benefits the surviving spouses of former members of the Philippine Commonwealth Army or new Philippine Scouts who served with U.S. armed forces during World War II and became U.S. citizens or lawfully resided in the United States. Qualifies for national cemetery burial new Philippine Scouts (and their spouses) who so served and became U.S. citizens or lawful residents.
(Sec. 18) Extends through 2009 the authority to maintain a regional Department office in the Republic of the Philippines.
(Sec. 19) Directs the Secretary of Labor to station employees of the Veterans' Employment and Training Service, or contractors, at each veterans' assistance office established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on overseas military installations. Requires such personnel to carry out employment counseling under the Transition Assistance Program and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program for persons separating from active duty and their spouses.
(Sec. 20) Adds certain criminal subversive activities offenses to those which will cause a veteran to lose the right to gratuitous benefits (including national cemetery burial) provided through the Department.
H.R. 2297
H.R.2297
Title:To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 6/2/2003) Cosponsors: 9
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
House Reports: 108-211
Latest Major Action: 10/8/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 0 (Roll no. 536).
Burgess voted YES.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------TITLE(S): (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)
SHORT TITLE(S) AS REPORTED TO HOUSE:
Veterans Benefits Act of 2003
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify and improve certain benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.
OFFICIAL TITLE AS AMENDED BY HOUSE:
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------MAJOR ACTIONS: [SELECTED] (dates in italics indicate Senate actions) For more details, see: Bill Status Display.
6/2/2003 Introduced/originated in House
7/15/2003 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 108-211.
10/8/2003 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 0 (Roll no. 536).
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STATUS: (dates in italics indicate Senate actions)
See also: CQ Custom BillTrack Report
6/2/2003:
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
6/6/2003:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits.
6/25/2003:
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. (Markup report: National Journal, CQ)
6/25/2003:
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
6/26/2003:
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. (Markup report: National Journal, CQ)
6/26/2003:
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
7/15/2003 7:44pm:
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 108-211.
7/15/2003 7:45pm:
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 117.
10/8/2003 12:11pm:
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
10/8/2003 12:12pm:
Considered under suspension of the rules.
10/8/2003 12:32pm:
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
10/8/2003 3:17pm:
Considered as unfinished business.
10/8/2003 3:24pm:
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 0 (Roll no. 536).
10/8/2003 3:24pm:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10/8/2003 3:24pm:
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
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COMMITTEE(S):
Committee/Subcommittee: Activity:
House Veterans' Affairs Referral, Markup, Reporting
Subcommittee on Benefits Referral, Markup, Reporting
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RELATED BILL DETAILS:
***NONE***
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AMENDMENT(S):
***NONE***
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COSPONSORS(9), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)
Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] - 6/24/2003 Rep Brown, Henry E., Jr. [SC-1] - 6/2/2003
Rep Evans, Lane [IL-17] - 6/2/2003 Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] - 6/24/2003
Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] - 6/24/2003 Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] - 6/2/2003
Rep Rodriguez, Ciro [TX-28] - 6/24/2003 Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] - 7/9/2003
Rep Udall, Tom [NM-3] - 7/10/2003
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