[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 30, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11193-S11196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH CARE PROTECTION ACT OF 1998

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 484, H.R. 1836.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 1836) to amend chapter 89, title 5, United 
     States Code, to improve administration of sanctions against 
     unfit health care providers under the Federal Employees 
     Health Benefits Program, and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
bill which had been reported from the Committee on Governmental 
Affairs, with amendments; as follows:

       (The parts of the bill intended to be stricken are shown in 
     boldface brackets and the parts of the bill intended to be 
     inserted are shown in italic.)

                               H.R. 1836

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Employees Health 
     Care Protection Act of [1997] 1998''.

     SEC. 2. DEBARMENT AND OTHER SANCTIONS.

       (a) Amendments.--Section 8902a of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
       (ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) the term `should know' means that a person, with 
     respect to information, acts in deliberate ignorance of, or 
     in reckless disregard of, the truth or falsity of the 
     information, and no proof of specific intent to defraud is 
     required;''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``subsection (b) or 
     (c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b), (c), or (d)'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``The Office of Personnel Management may 
     bar'' and inserting ``The Office of Personnel Management 
     shall bar''; and
       (B) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:
       ``(5) Any provider that is currently debarred, suspended, 
     or otherwise excluded from any procurement or nonprocurement 
     activity (within the meaning of section 2455 of the Federal 
     Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994).'';
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (i) as 
     subsections (d) through (j), respectively, and by inserting 
     after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) The Office may bar the following providers of health 
     care services from participating in the program under this 
     chapter:
       ``(1) Any provider--
       ``(A) whose license to provide health care services or 
     supplies has been revoked, suspended, restricted, or not 
     renewed, by a State licensing authority for reasons relating 
     to the provider's professional competence, professional 
     performance, or financial integrity; or
       ``(B) that surrendered such a license while a formal 
     disciplinary proceeding was pending before such an authority, 
     if the proceeding concerned the provider's professional 
     competence, professional performance, or financial integrity.
       ``(2) Any provider that is an entity directly or indirectly 
     owned, or with a control interest of 5 percent or more held, 
     by an individual who has been convicted of any offense 
     described in subsection (b), against whom a civil monetary 
     penalty has been assessed under subsection (d), or who has 
     been debarred from participation under this chapter.
       ``(3) Any individual who directly or indirectly owns or has 
     a control interest in a sanctioned entity and who knows or 
     should know of the action constituting the basis for the 
     entity's conviction of any offense described in subsection 
     (b), assessment with a civil monetary penalty under 
     subsection (d), or debarment from participation under this 
     chapter.
       ``(4) Any provider that the Office determines, in 
     connection with claims presented under this chapter, has 
     charged for health care services or supplies in an amount 
     substantially in excess of such provider's customary charge 
     for such services or supplies (unless the Office finds there 
     is good cause for such charge), or charged for health care 
     services or supplies which are substantially in excess of the 
     needs of the covered individual or which are of a quality 
     that fails to meet professionally recognized standards for 
     such services or supplies.
       ``(5) Any provider that the Office determines has committed 
     acts described in subsection (d).

     Any determination under paragraph (4) relating to whether a 
     charge for health care services or supplies is substantially 
     in excess of the needs of the covered individual shall

[[Page S11194]]

     be made by trained reviewers based on written medical 
     protocols developed by physicians. In the event such a 
     determination cannot be made based on such protocols, a 
     physician in an appropriate specialty shall be consulted.'';
       (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated by paragraph (3)) 
     by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) in connection with claims presented under this 
     chapter, that a provider has charged for a health care 
     service or supply which the provider knows or should have 
     known involves--
       ``(A) an item or service not provided as claimed,
       ``(B) charges in violation of applicable charge limitations 
     under section 8904(b), or
       ``(C) an item or service furnished during a period in which 
     the provider was debarred from participation under this 
     chapter pursuant to a determination by the Office under this 
     section, other than as permitted under subsection 
     (g)(2)(B);'';
       (5) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated by paragraph (3)) 
     by inserting after ``under this section'' the first place it 
     appears the following: ``(where such debarment is not 
     mandatory)'';
       (6) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated by paragraph 
     (3))--
       (A) by striking ``(g)(1)'' and all that follows through the 
     end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(g)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     debarment of a provider under subsection (b) or (c) shall be 
     effective at such time and upon such reasonable notice to 
     such provider, and to carriers and covered individuals, as 
     shall be specified in regulations prescribed by the Office. 
     Any such provider that is debarred from participation may 
     request a hearing in accordance with subsection (h)(1).
       ``(B) Unless the Office determines that the health or 
     safety of individuals receiving health care services warrants 
     an earlier effective date, the Office shall not make a 
     determination adverse to a provider under subsection (c)(5) 
     or (d) until such provider has been given reasonable notice 
     and an opportunity for the determination to be made after a 
     hearing as provided in accordance with subsection (h)(1).'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by inserting ``of debarment'' after ``notice''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``In the case of a 
     debarment under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subsection 
     (b), the minimum period of debarment shall not be less than 3 
     years, except as provided in paragraph (4)(B)(ii).'';
       (C) in paragraph (4)(B)(i)(I) by striking ``subsection (b) 
     or (c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b), (c), or (d)''; and
       (D) by striking paragraph (6);
       (7) in subsection (h) (as so redesignated by paragraph (3)) 
     by striking ``(h)(1)'' and all that follows through the end 
     of paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(h)(1) Any provider of health care services or supplies 
     that is the subject of an adverse determination by the Office 
     under this section shall be entitled to reasonable notice and 
     an opportunity to request a hearing of record, and to 
     judicial review as provided in this subsection after the 
     Office renders a final decision. The Office shall grant a 
     request for a hearing upon a showing that due process rights 
     have not previously been afforded with respect to any finding 
     of fact which is relied upon as a cause for an adverse 
     determination under this section. Such hearing shall be 
     conducted without regard to subchapter II of chapter 5 and 
     chapter 7 of this title by a hearing officer who shall be 
     designated by the Director of the Office and who shall not 
     otherwise have been involved in the adverse determination 
     being appealed. A request for a hearing under this subsection 
     shall be filed within such period and in accordance with such 
     procedures as the Office shall prescribe by regulation.
       ``(2) Any provider adversely affected by a final decision 
     under paragraph (1) made after a hearing to which such 
     provider was a party may seek review of such decision in the 
     United States District Court for the District of Columbia or 
     for the district in which the plaintiff resides or has his or 
     her principal place of business by filing a notice of appeal 
     in such court within 60 days after the date the decision is 
     issued, and by simultaneously sending copies of such notice 
     by certified mail to the Director of the Office and to the 
     Attorney General. In answer to the appeal, the Director of 
     the Office shall promptly file in such court a certified copy 
     of the transcript of the record, if the Office conducted a 
     hearing, and other evidence upon which the findings and 
     decision complained of are based. The court shall have power 
     to enter, upon the pleadings and evidence of record, a 
     judgment affirming, modifying, or setting aside, in whole 
     or in part, the decision of the Office, with or without 
     remanding the case for a rehearing. The district court 
     shall not set aside or remand the decision of the Office 
     unless there is not substantial evidence on the record, 
     taken as whole, to support the findings by the Office of a 
     cause for action under this section or unless action taken 
     by the Office constitutes an abuse of discretion.''; and
       (8) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated by paragraph 
     (3))--
       (A) by striking ``subsection (c)'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (d)''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:

     ``The amount of a penalty or assessment as finally determined 
     by the Office, or other amount the Office may agree to in 
     compromise, may be deducted from any sum then or later owing 
     by the United States to the party against whom the penalty or 
     assessment has been levied.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.
       (2) Exceptions.--(A) Paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) of 
     section 8902a(c) of title 5, United States Code, as amended 
     by subsection (a)(3), shall apply only to the extent that the 
     misconduct which is the basis for debarment under such 
     paragraph (2), (3), or (5), as applicable, occurs after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (B) Paragraph (1)(B) of section 8902a(d) of title 5, United 
     States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(4), shall apply 
     only with respect to charges which violate section 8904(b) of 
     such title for items or services furnished after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.
       (C) Paragraph (3) of section 8902a(g) of title 5, United 
     States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(6)(B), shall apply 
     only with respect to debarments based on convictions 
     occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 3. MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE HEALTH 
                   BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

       (a) Definition of a Carrier.--Paragraph (7) of section 8901 
     of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``organization;'' and inserting ``organization and an 
     association of organizations or other entities described in 
     this paragraph sponsoring a health benefits plan;''.
       (b) Service Benefit Plan.--Paragraph (1) of section 8903 of 
     title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking ``plan,'' 
     and inserting ``plan, which may be underwritten by 
     participating affiliates licensed in any number of States,''.
       (c) Preemption.--Section 8902(m) of title 5, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``(m)(1)'' and all that follows 
     through the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(m)(1) The terms of any contract under this chapter which 
     relate to the nature, provision, or extent of coverage or 
     benefits (including payments with respect to benefits) shall 
     supersede and preempt any State or local law, or any 
     regulation issued thereunder, which relates to health 
     insurance or plans.''.

     SEC. 4. CONTINUED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN 
                   INDIVIDUALS.

       (a) Enrollment in Chapter 89 Plan.--For purposes of chapter 
     89 of title 5, United States Code, any period of enrollment--
       (1) in a health benefits plan administered by the Federal 
     Deposit Insurance Corporation before the termination of such 
     plan on [January 3, 1998] or before January 2, 1999, or
       (2) subject to subsection (c), in a health benefits plan 
     (not under chapter 89 of such title) with respect to which 
     the eligibility of any employees or retired employees of the 
     Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System terminates 
     on [January 3, 1998] or before January 2, 1999,
     shall be deemed to be a period of enrollment in a health 
     benefits plan under chapter 89 of such title.
       (b) Continued Coverage.--(1) Subject to subsection (c), any 
     individual who, on [January 3, 1998] or before January 2, 
     1999, is enrolled in a health benefits plan described in 
     subsection (a)(1) or (2) may enroll in an approved health 
     benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States 
     Code, either as an individual or for self and family, if, 
     after taking into account the provisions of subsection (a), 
     such individual--
       (A) meets the requirements of such chapter for eligibility 
     to become so enrolled as an employee, annuitant, or former 
     spouse (within the meaning of such chapter); or
       (B) would meet those requirements if, to the extent such 
     requirements involve either retirement system under such 
     title 5, such individual satisfies similar requirements or 
     provisions of the Retirement Plan for Employees of the 
     Federal Reserve System.

     Any determination under subparagraph (B) shall be made under 
     guidelines which the Office of Personnel Management shall 
     establish in consultation with the Board of Governors of the 
     Federal Reserve System.
       (2) Subject to subsection (c), any individual who, on 
     [January 3, 1998] or before January 2, 1999, is entitled to 
     continued coverage under a health benefits plan described in 
     subsection (a)(1) or (2) shall be deemed to be entitled to 
     continued coverage under section 8905a of title 5, United 
     States Code, but only for the same remaining period as would 
     have been allowable under the health benefits plan in which 
     such individual was enrolled on [January 3, 1998] or before 
     January 2, 1999, if--
       (A) such individual had remained enrolled in such plan; and
       (B) such plan did not terminate, or the eligibility of such 
     individual with respect to such plan did not terminate, as 
     described in subsection (a).
       (3) Subject to subsection (c), any individual (other than 
     an individual under paragraph (2)) who, on [January 3, 1998] 
     or before January 2, 1999, is covered under a health benefits 
     plan described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) as an unmarried 
     dependent child, but who does not then qualify for coverage 
     under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, as a family 
     member (within the meaning of such chapter) shall be deemed 
     to be entitled

[[Page S11195]]

     to continued coverage under section 8905a of such title, to 
     the same extent and in the same manner as if such individual 
     had, on [January 3, 1998] or before January 2, 1999, ceased 
     to meet the requirements for being considered an unmarried 
     dependent child of an enrollee under such chapter.
       (4) Coverage under chapter 89 of title 5, United States 
     Code, pursuant to an enrollment under this section shall 
     become effective on [January 4, 1998] January 3, 1999 or such 
     earlier date as established by the Office of Personnel 
     Management after consultation with the Federal Deposit 
     Insurance Corporation or the Board of Governors of the 
     Federal Reserve System, as appropriate.
       (c) Eligibility for FEHBP Limited to Individuals Losing 
     Eligibility Under Former Health Plan.--Nothing in subsection 
     (a)(2) or any paragraph of subsection (b) (to the extent such 
     paragraph relates to the plan described in subsection (a)(2)) 
     shall be considered to apply with respect to any individual 
     whose eligibility for coverage under such plan does not 
     involuntarily terminate on [January 3, 1998] or before 
     January 2, 1999.
       (d) Transfers to the Employees Health Benefits Fund.--The 
     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of 
     Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall transfer to the 
     Employees Health Benefits Fund under section 8909 of title 5, 
     United States Code, amounts determined by the Director of the 
     Office of Personnel Management, after consultation with the 
     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of 
     Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to be necessary to 
     reimburse the Fund for the cost of providing benefits under 
     this section not otherwise paid for by the individuals 
     covered by this section. The amounts so transferred shall be 
     held in the Fund and used by the Office of Personnel 
     Management in addition to amounts available under section 
     8906(g)(1) of such title.
       (e) Administration and Regulations.--The Office of 
     Personnel Management--
       (1) shall administer the provisions of this section to 
     provide for--
       (A) a period of notice and open enrollment for individuals 
     affected by this section; and
       (B) no lapse of health coverage for individuals who enroll 
     in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United 
     States Code, in accordance with this section; and
       (2) may prescribe regulations to implement this section.

     SEC. 5. FULL DISCLOSURE IN HEALTH PLAN CONTRACTS.

       The Office of Personnel Management shall encourage carriers 
     offering health benefits plans described by section 8903 or 
     section 8903a of title 5, United States Code, with respect to 
     contractual arrangements made by such carriers with any 
     person for purposes of obtaining discounts from providers for 
     health care services or supplies furnished to individuals 
     enrolled in such plan, to seek assurance that the conditions 
     for such discounts are fully disclosed to the providers who 
     grant them.

     SEC. 6. PROVISIONS RELATING TO CERTAIN PLANS THAT HAVE 
                   DISCONTINUED THEIR PARTICIPATION IN FEHBP.

       (a) Authority to Readmit.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, 
     is amended by inserting after section 8903a the following:

     ``Sec. 8903b. Authority to readmit an employee organization 
       plan

       ``(a) In the event that a plan described by section 8903(3) 
     or 8903a is discontinued under this chapter (other than in 
     the circumstance described in section 8909(d)), that 
     discontinuation shall be disregarded, for purposes of any 
     determination as to that plan's eligibility to be considered 
     an approved plan under this chapter, but only for purposes of 
     any contract year later than the third contract year 
     beginning after such plan is so discontinued.
       ``(b) A contract for a plan approved under this section 
     shall require the carrier--
       ``(1) to demonstrate experience in service delivery within 
     a managed care system (including provider networks) 
     throughout the United States; and
       ``(2) if the carrier involved would not otherwise be 
     subject to the requirement set forth in section 8903a(c)(1), 
     to satisfy such requirement.''.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--The analysis for chapter 89 of 
     title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 8903a the following:
``8903b. Authority to readmit an employee organization plan.''.
       (3) Applicability.--
       (A) In general.--The amendments made by this subsection 
     shall apply as of the date of enactment of this Act, 
     including with respect to any plan which has been 
     discontinued as of such date.
       (B) Transition rule.--For purposes of applying section 
     8903b(a) of title 5, United States Code (as amended by this 
     subsection) with respect to any plan seeking to be readmitted 
     for purposes of any contract year beginning before January 1, 
     2000, such section shall be applied by substituting ``second 
     contract year'' for ``third contract year''.
       (b) Treatment of the Contingency Reserve of a Discontinued 
     Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Subsection (e) of section 8909 of title 5, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``(e)'' and 
     inserting ``(e)(1)'' and by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Any crediting required under paragraph (1) pursuant 
     to the discontinuation of any plan under this chapter shall 
     be completed by the end of the second contract year beginning 
     after such plan is so discontinued.
       ``(3) The Office shall prescribe regulations in accordance 
     with which this subsection shall be applied in the case of 
     any plan which is discontinued before being credited with the 
     full amount to which it would otherwise be entitled based on 
     the discontinuation of any other plan.''.
       (2) Transition rule.--In the case of any amounts remaining 
     as of the date of enactment of this Act in the contingency 
     reserve of a discontinued plan, such amounts shall be 
     disposed of in accordance with section 8909(e) of title 5, 
     United States Code, as amended by this subsection, by--
       (A) the deadline set forth in section 8909(e) of such title 
     (as so amended); or
       (B) if later, the end of the 6-month period beginning on 
     such date of enactment.

     SEC. 7. MAXIMUM PHYSICIANS COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE PAYABLE.

       (a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 5948(a) of title 
     5, United States Code, is amended by striking ``$20,000'' and 
     inserting ``$30,000''.
       (b) Authority to Modify Existing Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--Any service agreement under section 5948 
     of title 5, United States Code, which is in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this Act may, with respect to any period 
     of service remaining in such agreement, be modified based on 
     the amendment made by subsection (a).
       (2) Limitation.--A modification taking effect under this 
     subsection in any year shall not cause an allowance to be 
     increased to a rate which, if applied throughout such year, 
     would cause the limitation under section 5948(a)(2) of such 
     title (as amended by this section), or any other applicable 
     limitation, to be exceeded.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     considered to authorize additional or supplemental 
     appropriations for the fiscal year in which occurs the date 
     of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 8. CLARIFICATION RELATING TO SECTION 8902(K).

       Section 8902(k) of title 5, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to 
     preclude a health benefits plan from providing direct access 
     or direct payment or reimbursement to a provider in a health 
     care practice or profession other than a practice or 
     profession listed in paragraph (1), if such provider is 
     licensed or certified as such under Federal or State law.''.

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to enter into a colloquy 
with Senators Harkin, Cochran, and Thompson concerning the treatment of 
audiological services under the Federal Employee health Benefits 
Program, or FEHBP.
  According to the American Academy of Audiology, hearing loss affects 
approximately 28 million people in the United States today (about 1 out 
of every 10 people), and this number is growing as our population ages.
  This is a matter on which Senator Harkin and I, and also Senator 
Cochran, have worked for a number of years. It raises significant 
issues concerning the quality and cost-effectiveness of our hearing 
care and rehabilitation system, and indeed our entire health care 
system, and I hope this body soon will consider these issues fully.
  Section 8 of H.R. 1836 is intended to make clear that FEHBP plans can 
authorize direct services by, and direct reimbursement to audiologists 
and other licensed health professionals. I believe the Office of 
Personnel Management (OPM) should make it clear in their next call 
letter that audiology services provided directly by an audiologist can 
be covered.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I want to thank the Senator from South 
Dakota. This an important issue. Audiologic services are critical in 
the diagnosis and management of hearing loss. I am concerned that under 
FEHBP, an efficient and effective avenue to appropriate care is 
unavailable because FEHBP law does not explicitly identify the option 
of direct access to audiologists.
  Senator Cochran introduced, and I supported, along with Senator Frist 
and Pryor, legislation in the 104th Congress to ensure that FEHBP 
beneficiaries who require audiological services would have the option 
of direct access to them.
  Earlier this year, I received a letter from Kenneth W. Kizer, M.D., 
Under Secretary for Health with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 
1992, the VA instituted a policy allowing veterans who suspect a 
hearing loss to make appointments directly with an audiologist. 
According to Dr. Kizer, ``The VA experience suggests that providing 
direct access to audiologists for civilian

[[Page S11196]]

federal employees will result in high quality hearing care and reduce 
the cost of services.''
  We are not talking about mandating additional benefits. In addition, 
I believe it would be advisable to add provider non-discrimination 
assurances to FEHBP plans.
  Of course, these matters involve a number of complicated issues, and 
to this point, the Governmental Affairs Committee has been unable to 
hold hearings to consider those issues. I would appreciate hearing 
Senator Cochran's and Senator Thompson's sense of what can be done, in 
this Congress or the next, to ensure that those issues are fully 
considered.
  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, as noted by the Senator from Iowa, I 
supported legislation in the last Congress to address this problem, and 
I remain committed to ensuring that FEHBP beneficiaries receive 
quality, cost-effective, hearing care coverage.
  As he also noted, there are a number of medical, insurance and public 
policy issues involved, All these issues need to be considered, as well 
as the concerns of all members of the hearing health care team, 
including the Audiologists, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head 
and Neck Surgery and the International Hearing Society.
  Whether in this Congress, or the next, I am committed to doing what 
is necessary to enable this body to understand these issues, and to 
determine the best way to address them, for the benefit of children and 
others, who need hearing health services.
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I appreciate Senator Cochran's comments. 
I am confident my colleagues will agree that any changes to the FEHBP 
need to be considered carefully through the legislative process in 
order to ensure the integrity of the program, preservation of choice 
for enrollees, and competition among plans. Toward that end, I look 
forward to Senator Daschle and Senator Harkin joining Senator Cochran 
and me in supporting passage of H.R. 1836.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to thank my colleagues for 
this colloquy.
  Mr. SHELBY. I ask unanimous consent that the committee amendment be 
agreed to, the bill be considered read a third time and passed, the 
motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statement 
relating to the bill be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The committee amendment was agreed to.
  The bill (H.R. 1836), as amended, was considered read the third time 
and passed.

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