[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 64 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H3482-H3487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 FEDERAL COURTS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2000

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 1752) to make improvements in the operation and administration of 
the Federal courts, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1752

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Federal 
     Courts Improvement Act of 2000''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

               TITLE I--JUDICIAL FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 101. Transfer of retirement funds.
Sec. 102. Judiciary Information Technology Fund.
Sec. 103. Bankruptcy fees.
Sec. 104. Disposition of miscellaneous fees.
Sec. 105. Repeal of statute setting Court of Federal Claims filing fee.
Sec. 106. Technical amendment relating to the treatment of certain 
              bankruptcy fees collected.
Sec. 107. Increase in fee for converting a chapter 7 or chapter 13 
              bankruptcy case to a chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
Sec. 108. Increase in chapter 9 bankruptcy filing fee.
Sec. 109. Creation of certifying officers in the judicial branch.
Sec. 110. Fee authority for technology resources in the courts.

                TITLE II--JUDICIAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 201. Extension of statutory authority for magistrate judge 
              positions to be established in the district courts of 
              Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Sec. 202. Magistrate judge contempt authority.
Sec. 203. Consent to magistrate judge authority in petty offense cases 
              and magistrate judge authority in misdemeanor cases 
              involving juvenile defendants.
Sec. 204. Savings and loan data reporting requirements.
Sec. 205. Place of holding court in the Eastern District of Texas.
Sec. 206. Federal substance abuse treatment program reauthorization.
Sec. 207. Membership in circuit judicial councils.
Sec. 208. Sunset of Civil Justice Expense and Delay Reduction Plans.

[[Page H3483]]

Sec. 209. Technical bankruptcy correction.
Sec. 210. Authority of presiding judge to allow media coverage of court 
              proceedings.

     TITLE III--JUDICIARY PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION, BENEFITS, AND 
                              PROTECTIONS

Sec. 301. Disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of 
              annuities for territorial judges.
Sec. 302. Federal Judicial Center personnel matters.
Sec. 303. Judicial administrative officials retirement matters.
Sec. 304. Judges' firearms training.
Sec. 305. Removal of automatic excuse from jury service for members of 
              the Armed Services, members of fire and police 
              departments, and public officers.
Sec. 306. Expanded workers' compensation coverage for jurors.
Sec. 307. Property damage, theft, and loss claims of jurors.
Sec. 308. Elimination of the public drawing requirements for selection 
              of juror wheels.
Sec. 309. Annual leave limit for court unit executives.
Sec. 310. Payments to Military Survivor Benefit Plan.
Sec. 311. Authorization of a circuit executive for the Federal Circuit.
Sec. 312. Amendment to the jury selection process.
Sec. 313. Supplemental attendance fee for petit jurors serving on 
              lengthy trials.
Sec. 314. Service on territorial courts.
Sec. 315. Residence of retired judges.
Sec. 316. Court of Federal Claims Judicial Conference.
Sec. 317. Recall of judges on disability status.
Sec. 318. Senior status provision.
Sec. 319. Miscellaneous provision.

               TITLE IV--CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT AMENDMENTS

Sec. 401. Maximum amounts of compensation for attorneys.
Sec. 402. Maximum amounts of compensation for services other than 
              counsel.
Sec. 403. Tort Claims Act amendments relating to liability of Federal 
              public defenders.

               TITLE I--JUDICIAL FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

     SEC. 101. TRANSFER OF RETIREMENT FUNDS.

       Section 377 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(p) Transfer of Retirement Funds.--Upon election by a 
     bankruptcy judge or a magistrate judge under subsection (f) 
     of this section, all of the accrued employer contributions 
     and accrued interest on those contributions made on behalf of 
     the bankruptcy judge or magistrate judge to the Civil Service 
     Retirement and Disability Fund under section 8348 of title 5 
     shall be transferred to the fund established under section 
     1931 of this title, except that if the bankruptcy judge or 
     magistrate judge elects, under section 2(c) of the Retirement 
     and Survivors' Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and 
     Magistrates Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-659), to receive a 
     retirement annuity under both this section and title 5, only 
     the accrued employer contributions and accrued interest on 
     such contributions made on behalf of the bankruptcy judge or 
     magistrate judge for service credited under this section may 
     be transferred.''.

     SEC. 102. JUDICIARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND.

       Section 612 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``equipment'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``resources'';
       (2) by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsequent 
     subsections accordingly;
       (3) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking 
     paragraph (3); and
       (4) in subsection (i), as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``Judiciary'' and inserting ``judiciary'';
       (B) by striking ``subparagraph (c)(1)(B)'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (c)(1)(B)''; and
       (C) by striking ``under (c)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``under 
     subsection (c)(1)(B)''.

     SEC. 103. BANKRUPTCY FEES.

       Subsection (a) of section 1930 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (6) the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(7) In districts that are not part of a United States 
     trustee region as defined in section 581 of this title, the 
     Judicial Conference of the United States may require the 
     debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11 to pay fees 
     equal to those imposed by paragraph (6). Such fees shall be 
     deposited into the fund established under section 1931.''.

     SEC. 104. DISPOSITION OF MISCELLANEOUS FEES.

       For fiscal year 2000 and thereafter, any portion of 
     miscellaneous fees collected as prescribed by the Judicial 
     Conference of the United States pursuant to sections 1913, 
     1914(b), 1926(a), 1930(b), and 1932 of title 28, United 
     States Code, exceeding the amount of such fees established on 
     the date of the enactment of this Act shall be deposited into 
     the special fund of the Treasury established under section 
     1931 of title 28, United States Code.

     SEC. 105. REPEAL OF STATUTE SETTING COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS 
                   FILING FEE.

       Section 2520 of title 28, United States Code, and the item 
     relating to such section in the table of contents for chapter 
     165 of such title, are repealed.

     SEC. 106. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF 
                   CERTAIN BANKRUPTCY FEES COLLECTED.

       (a) Amendment.--The first sentence of section 406(b) of the 
     Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, 
     and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990 (Public Law 
     101-162; 103 Stat. 1016) is amended by striking ``service 
     enumerated after item 18'' and inserting ``service not of a 
     kind described in any of the items enumerated as items 1 
     through 7 and as items 9 through 18, as in effect on November 
     21, 1989, (and not of a kind described in items enumerated as 
     items 8.1, 8.2, and 23, as in effect on January 1, 1998)''.
       (b) Application of Amendment.--The amendment made by 
     subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to fees collected 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 107. INCREASE IN FEE FOR CONVERTING A CHAPTER 7 OR 
                   CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY CASE TO A CHAPTER 11 
                   BANKRUPTCY CASE.

       The flush paragraph at the end of section 1930(a) of title 
     28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``of $400'' 
     and inserting ``which is the amount equal to the difference 
     between the fee specified in paragraph (3) and the fee 
     specified in paragraph (1)''.

     SEC. 108. INCREASE IN CHAPTER 9 BANKRUPTCY FILING FEE.

       Section 1930(a)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``$300'' and inserting ``an amount equal 
     to the fee specified in paragraph (3) for filing a case under 
     chapter 11 of title 11. The amount by which the fee payable 
     under this paragraph exceeds $300 shall be deposited in the 
     fund established under section 1931 of this title''.

     SEC. 109. CREATION OF CERTIFYING OFFICERS IN THE JUDICIAL 
                   BRANCH.

       (a) Appointment of Disbursing and Certifying Officers.--
     Chapter 41 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``Sec. 613. Disbursing and certifying officers

       ``(a) Disbursing Officers.--The Director may designate in 
     writing officers and employees of the judicial branch of the 
     Government, including the courts as defined in section 610 
     other than the Supreme Court, to be disbursing officers in 
     such numbers and locations as the Director considers 
     necessary. Such dispersing officers shall--
       ``(1) disburse moneys appropriated to the judicial branch 
     and other funds only in strict accordance with payment 
     requests certified by the Director or in accordance with 
     subsection (b);
       ``(2) examine payment requests as necessary to ascertain 
     whether they are in proper form, certified, and approved; and
       ``(3) be held accountable for their actions as provided by 
     law, except such a disbursing officer shall not be held 
     accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or 
     incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or 
     misleading certificate for which a certifying officer is 
     responsible under subsection (b).
       ``(b) Certifying Officers.--(1) The Director may designate 
     in writing officers and employees of the judicial branch of 
     the Government, including the courts as defined in section 
     610 other than the Supreme Court, to certify payment requests 
     payable from appropriations and funds. These certifying 
     officers shall be responsible and accountable for--
       ``(A) the existence and correctness of the facts recited in 
     the certificate or other request for payment or its 
     supporting papers;
       ``(B) the legality of the proposed payment under the 
     appropriation or fund involved; and
       ``(C) the correctness of the computations of certified 
     payment requests.
       ``(2) The liability of a certifying officer shall be 
     enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as 
     provided by law with respect to the enforcement of the 
     liability of disbursing and other accountable officers. A 
     certifying officer shall be required to make restitution to 
     the United States for the amount of any illegal, improper, or 
     incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or 
     misleading certificates made by the certifying officer, as 
     well as for any payment prohibited by law or which did not 
     represent a legal obligation under the appropriation or fund 
     involved.
       ``(c) Rights.--A certifying or disbursing officer--
       ``(1) has the right to apply for and obtain a decision by 
     the Comptroller General on any question of law involved in a 
     payment request presented for certification; and
       ``(2) is entitled to relief from liability arising under 
     this section in accordance with title 31.
       ``(d) Other Authority Not Affected.--Nothing in this 
     section affects the authority of the courts with respect to 
     moneys deposited with the courts under chapter 129 of this 
     title.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 41 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new item:

``613. Disbursing and certifying officers.''.

       (c) Duties of Director.--Paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of 
     section 604 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(8) Disburse appropriations and other funds for the 
     maintenance and operation of the courts;''.

[[Page H3484]]

     SEC. 110. FEE AUTHORITY FOR TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES IN THE 
                   COURTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 41 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 614. Authority to prescribe fees for technology 
       resources in the courts

       ``The Judicial Conference is authorized to prescribe 
     reasonable fees pursuant to sections 1913, 1914, 1926, 1930, 
     and 1932, for use of information technology resources 
     provided by the judiciary to improve the efficiency of and 
     access to the courts. Fees collected pursuant to this section 
     are to be deposited in the Judiciary Information Technology 
     Fund to be available to the Director without fiscal year 
     limitation for reinvestment in information technology 
     resources which will advance the purposes of this section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for 
     chapter 41 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new item:

``614. Authority to prescribe fees for technology resources in the 
              courts.''.

                TITLE II--JUDICIAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS

     SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR MAGISTRATE 
                   JUDGE POSITIONS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE 
                   DISTRICT COURTS OF GUAM AND THE NORTHERN 
                   MARIANA ISLANDS.

       Section 631 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the first two sentences of subsection (a) 
     and inserting the following: ``The judges of each United 
     States district court and the district courts of the Virgin 
     Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands shall appoint 
     United States magistrate judges in such numbers and to serve 
     at such locations within the judicial districts as the 
     Conference may determine under this chapter. In the case of a 
     magistrate judge appointed by the district court of the 
     Virgin Islands, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands, this 
     chapter shall apply as though the court appointing such a 
     magistrate judge were a United States district court.''; and
       (2) in the first sentence of subsection (b)(1), by 
     inserting ``the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
     Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico,''.

     SEC. 202. MAGISTRATE JUDGE CONTEMPT AUTHORITY.

       Section 636(e) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(e) Contempt Authority.--
       ``(1) Contempt authority.--A United States magistrate judge 
     serving under this chapter shall have within the territorial 
     jurisdiction prescribed by his or her appointment the power 
     to exercise contempt authority as set forth in this 
     subsection.
       ``(2) Summary criminal contempt authority.--A magistrate 
     judge shall have the power to punish summarily by fine or 
     imprisonment such contempt of his or her authority 
     constituting misbehavior of any person in the magistrate 
     judge's presence so as to obstruct the administration of 
     justice. The order of contempt shall be issued pursuant to 
     Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
       ``(3) Additional criminal contempt authority in civil 
     consent and misdemeanor cases.--In any case in which a United 
     States magistrate judge presides with the consent of the 
     parties under subsection (c) of this section, and in any 
     misdemeanor case proceeding before a magistrate judge under 
     section 3401 of title 18, the magistrate judge shall have the 
     power to punish by fine or imprisonment such criminal 
     contempt constituting disobedience or resistance to the 
     magistrate judge's lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, 
     or command. Disposition of such contempt shall be conducted 
     upon notice and hearing pursuant to the Federal Rules of 
     Criminal Procedure.
       ``(4) Civil contempt authority in civil consent and 
     misdemeanor cases.--In any case in which a United States 
     magistrate judge presides with the consent of the parties 
     under subsection (c) of this section, and in any misdemeanor 
     case proceeding before a magistrate judge under section 3401 
     of title 18, the magistrate judge may exercise the civil 
     contempt authority of the district court. This paragraph 
     shall not be construed to limit the authority of a magistrate 
     judge to order sanctions pursuant to any other statute, the 
     Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or the Federal Rules of 
     Criminal Procedure.
       ``(5) Criminal contempt penalties.--The sentence imposed by 
     a magistrate judge for any criminal contempt set forth in 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection shall not exceed 
     the penalties for a Class C misdemeanor as set forth in 
     sections 3581(b)(8) and 3571(b)(6) of title 18.
       ``(6) Certification of other contempts to the district 
     court.--Upon the commission of any act--
       ``(A) in any case in which a United States magistrate judge 
     presides with the consent of the parties under subsection (c) 
     of this section, or in any misdemeanor case proceeding before 
     a magistrate judge under section 3401 of title 18, that may, 
     in the opinion of the magistrate judge, constitute a serious 
     criminal contempt punishable by penalties exceeding those set 
     forth in paragraph (5) of this subsection, or
       ``(B) in any other case or proceeding under subsection (a) 
     or (b) of this section, or any other statute, where--
       ``(i) the act committed in the magistrate judge's presence 
     may, in the opinion of the magistrate judge, constitute a 
     serious criminal contempt punishable by penalties exceeding 
     those set forth in paragraph (5) of this subsection,
       ``(ii) the act that constitutes a criminal contempt occurs 
     outside the presence of the magistrate judge, or
       ``(iii) the act constitutes a civil contempt,

     the magistrate judge shall forthwith certify the facts to a 
     district judge and may serve or cause to be served upon any 
     person whose behavior is brought into question under this 
     paragraph an order requiring such person to appear before a 
     district judge upon a day certain to show cause why he or she 
     should not be adjudged in contempt by reason of the facts so 
     certified. The district judge shall thereupon hear the 
     evidence as to the act of conduct complained of and, if it is 
     such as to warrant punishment, punish such person in the same 
     manner and to the same extent as for a contempt committed 
     before a district judge.
       ``(7) Appeals of magistrate judge contempt orders.--The 
     appeal of an order of contempt issued pursuant to this 
     subsection shall be made to the court of appeals in cases 
     proceeding under subsection (c) of this section. The appeal 
     of any other order to contempt issued pursuant to this 
     subsection shall be made to the district court.''.

     SEC. 203. CONSENT TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE AUTHORITY IN PETTY 
                   OFFENSE CASES AND MAGISTRATE JUDGE AUTHORITY IN 
                   MISDEMEANOR CASES INVOLVING JUVENILE 
                   DEFENDANTS.

       (a) Amendments to Title 18.--
       (1) Petty offense cases.--Section 3401(b) of title 18, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``that is a class 
     B misdemeanor charging a motor vehicle offense, a class C 
     misdemeanor, or an infraction'' after ``petty offense''.
       (2) Cases involving juveniles.--Section 3401(g) of title 
     18, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking the first sentence and inserting the 
     following: ``The magistrate judge may, in a petty offense 
     case involving a juvenile, exercise all powers granted to the 
     district court under chapter 403 of this title.'';
       (B) in the second sentence by striking ``any other class B 
     or C misdemeanor case'' and inserting ``the case of any 
     misdemeanor, other than a petty offense,''; and
       (C) by striking the last sentence.
       (b) Amendments to Title 28.--Section 636(a) of title 28, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (4) and 
     (5) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) the power to enter a sentence for a petty offense; 
     and
       ``(5) the power to enter a sentence for a class A 
     misdemeanor in a case in which the parties have consented.''.

     SEC. 204. SAVINGS AND LOAN DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 604 of title 28, United States Code, is amended in 
     subsection (a) by striking the second paragraph designated 
     (24) (relating to the savings and loan crisis).

     SEC. 205. PLACE OF HOLDING COURT IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF 
                   TEXAS.

       (a) Texas.--Section 124(c) of title 28, United States Code, 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``Denton, and Grayson'' and inserting 
     ``Delta, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, and Lamar''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and Plano'' after ``held at Sherman'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating paragraphs 
     (5) through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; 
     and
       (3) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``Red River,'' after ``Franklin,''.
       (b) Texarkana.--Sections 83(b)(1) and 124(c)(5) (as 
     redesignated by subsection (a) of this section) of title 28, 
     United States Code, are each amended by inserting after 
     ``held at Texarkana'' the following: ``, and may be held 
     anywhere within the Federal courthouse in Texarkana that is 
     located astride the State line between Texas and Arkansas''.

     SEC. 206. FEDERAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM 
                   REAUTHORIZATION.

       Section 4(a) of the Contract Services for Drug Dependent 
     Federal Offenders Treatment Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-537; 
     92 Stat. 2038) is amended by striking all that follows 
     ``there are authorized to be appropriated'' and inserting 
     ``for fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter such 
     sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.''.

     SEC. 207. MEMBERSHIP IN CIRCUIT JUDICIAL COUNCILS.

       Section 332 of title 28, United States Code, is amended in 
     subsection (a)--
       (1) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Except for the chief judge of the circuit, either 
     judges in regular active service or judges retired from 
     regular active service under section 371(b) of this title may 
     serve as members of the council.''; and
       (2) by striking ``retirement,'' in paragraph (5) and 
     inserting ``retirement pursuant to section 371(a) or section 
     372(a) of this title,''.

     SEC. 208. SUNSET OF CIVIL JUSTICE EXPENSE AND DELAY REDUCTION 
                   PLANS.

       Section 103(b)(2)(A) of the Civil Justice Reform Act of 
     1990 (Public Law 101-650; 104 Stat. 5096; 28 U.S.C. 471 
     note), as amended by Public Law 105-53 (111 Stat. 1173), is 
     amended by inserting ``471,'' after ``sections''.

     SEC. 209. TECHNICAL BANKRUPTCY CORRECTION.

       Section 1228 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``1222(b)(10)'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``1222(b)(9).''.

[[Page H3485]]

     SEC. 210. AUTHORITY OF PRESIDING JUDGE TO ALLOW MEDIA 
                   COVERAGE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS.

       (a) Authority of Appellate Courts.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, the presiding judge of an appellate 
     court of the United States may, in his or her discretion, 
     with the consent of all named parties, permit the 
     photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or 
     televising to the public of court proceedings over which that 
     judge presides.
       (b) Authority of District Courts.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, any presiding judge of a district court of the United 
     States may, in his or her discretion, with the consent of all 
     named parties, permit the photographing, electronic 
     recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court 
     proceedings over which that judge presides.
       (2) Obscuring of witnesses.--(A) Upon the request of any 
     witness in a trial proceeding other than a party, the court 
     shall order the face and voice of the witness to be disguised 
     or otherwise obscured in such manner as to render the witness 
     unrecognizable to the broadcast audience of the trial 
     proceeding.
       (B) The presiding judge in a trial proceeding shall inform 
     each witness who is not a party that the witness has the 
     right to request that his or her image and voice be obscured 
     during the witness' testimony.
       (c) Advisory Guidelines.--The Judicial Conference of the 
     United States is authorized to promulgate advisory guidelines 
     to which a presiding judge shall refer in making decisions 
     with respect to consistent criteria to be applied in the 
     exercise of the discretion of the presiding judge, and to the 
     management and administration of photographing, recording, 
     broadcasting, and televising described in subsections (a) and 
     (b).
       (d) Definitions.--As used in this section:
       (1) Presiding judge.--The term ``presiding judge'' means 
     the judge presiding over the court proceeding concerned. In 
     proceedings in which more than one judge participates, the 
     presiding judge shall be the senior active judge so 
     participating or, in the case of a circuit court of appeals, 
     the senior active circuit judge so participating, except 
     that--
       (A) in en banc sittings of any United States circuit court 
     of appeals, the presiding judge shall be the chief judge of 
     the circuit whenever the chief judge participates; and
       (B) in en banc sittings of the Supreme Court of the United 
     States, the presiding judge shall be the Chief Justice 
     whenever the Chief Justice participates.
       (2) Appellate court of the united states.--The term 
     ``appellate court of the United States'' means any United 
     States circuit court of appeals and the Supreme Court of the 
     United States.
       (e) Sunset.--The authority under subsection (b) shall 
     terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

TITLE III--JUDICIAL PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION, BENEFITS, AND PROTECTIONS

     SEC. 301. DISABILITY RETIREMENT AND COST-OF-LIVING 
                   ADJUSTMENTS OF ANNUITIES FOR TERRITORIAL 
                   JUDGES.

       Section 373 of title 28, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (c)(4) to read as follows:
       ``(4) Any senior judge performing judicial duties pursuant 
     to recall under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be 
     paid, while performing such duties, the same compensation (in 
     lieu of the annuity payable under this section) and the same 
     allowances for travel and other expenses as a judge on active 
     duty with the court being served.'';
       (2) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
       ``(e)(1) any judge of the District Court of Guam, the 
     District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the 
     District Court of the Virgin Islands who is not reappointed 
     (as judge of such court) shall be entitled, upon attaining 
     the age of 65 years or upon relinquishing office if the judge 
     is then beyond the age of 65 years--
       ``(A) if the judicial service of such judge, continuous or 
     otherwise, aggregates 15 years or more, to receive during the 
     remainder of such judge's life an annuity equal to the salary 
     received when the judge left office; or
       ``(B) if such judicial service, continuous or otherwise, 
     aggregated less then 15 years, to receive during the 
     remainder of such judge's life an annuity equal to that 
     proportion of such salary which the aggregate number of such 
     judge's years of service bears to 15.
       ``(2) Any judge of the District Court of Guam, the District 
     Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court 
     of the Virgin Islands who has served at least 5 years, 
     continuously or otherwise, and who retires or is removed upon 
     the sole ground of mental or physical disability, shall be 
     entitled to receive during the remainder of such judge's life 
     an annuity equal to 40 percent of the salary received when 
     the judge left office or, in the case of a judge who has 
     served at least 10 years, continuously or otherwise, an 
     annuity equal to that proportion of such salary which the 
     aggregate number of such judge's years of judicial service 
     bears to 15.''; and
       (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
       ``(g) Any retired judge who is entitled to receive an 
     annuity under this section shall be entitled to a cost-of-
     living adjustment in the amount computed as specified in 
     section 8340(b) of title 5, except that in no case may the 
     annuity payable to such retired judge, as increased under 
     this subsection, exceed the salary of a judge in regular 
     active service with the court on which the retired judge 
     served before retiring.''.

     SEC. 302. FEDERAL JUDICIAL CENTER PERSONNEL MATTERS.

       Section 625 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``, United States Code, governing 
     appointments in'' and inserting ``governing appointments in 
     the'';
       (B) by striking ``such title, relating'' and inserting 
     ``such title relating'';
       (C) by striking ``pay rates, section 5316, title 5, United 
     States Code'' and inserting ``under section 5316 of title 5, 
     except that the Director may fix the compensation of 4 
     positions of the Center at a level not to exceed the annual 
     rate of pay in effect for level IV of the Executive Schedule 
     under section 5315 of title 5''; and
       (D) by striking ``the Civil Servive'' and all that follows 
     through ``Code'' and inserting ``subchapter III of chapter 83 
     of title 5 shall be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of 
     section 8344 of such title, and the salary of a reemployed 
     annuitant under chapter 84 of title 5 shall be adjusted 
     pursuant to the provisions of section 8468 of such title'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``, United States Code, governing 
     appointments in competitive service'' and inserting 
     ``governing appointments in the competitive service,''; and
       (B) by striking ``such title, relating'' and inserting 
     ``such title relating''; and
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by striking ``, United States Code,''; and
       (B) by striking ``, section 5332, title 5, United States 
     Code'' and inserting ``under section 5332 of title 5''.

     SEC. 303. JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS RETIREMENT 
                   MATTERS.

       (a) Elimination of Mandatory Retirement Age for Director of 
     Federal Judicial Center.--Section 627 of title 28, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a); and
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (f) as 
     subsections (a) through (e), respectively.
       (b) Creditable Service for Certain Judicial Administrative 
     Officials.--
       (1) Sections 611(d) and 627(d) (as redesignated by 
     subsection (a) of this section) of title 28, United States 
     Code, are each amended by inserting ``a congressional 
     employee in the capacity of primary administrative assistant 
     to a Member of Congress or in the capacity of staff director 
     or chief counsel for the majority or the minority of a 
     committee or subcommittee of the Senate or House of 
     Representatives,'' after ``Congress,''; and
       (2) Sections 611(b) and 627(b) (as redesignated by 
     subsection (a) of this section) of such title are each 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``who has served at least fifteen years 
     and'' and inserting ``who has at least fifteen years of 
     service and has''; and
       (B) in the first undesignated paragraph, by striking ``who 
     has served at least ten years,'' and inserting ``who has at 
     least ten years of service,''.
       (3) Sections 611(c) and 627(c) (as redesignated by 
     subsection (a) of this section) of such title are each 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``served at least fifteen years,'' and 
     inserting ``at least fifteen years of service,''; and
       (B) by striking ``served less than fifteen years,'' and 
     inserting ``less than fifteen years of service,''.

     SEC. 304. JUDGES' FIREARMS TRAINING.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 21 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 464. Carrying of firearms by judicial officers

       ``(a) Authority.--A judicial officer of the United States 
     is authorized to carry a firearm, whether concealed or not, 
     under regulations promulgated by the Judicial Conference of 
     the United States. The authority granted by this section 
     shall extend only--
       ``(1) to those States in which the carrying of firearms by 
     judicial officers of the State is permitted by State law, or
       ``(2) regardless of State law, to any State in which the 
     judicial officer of the United States sits, resides, or is 
     present on official travel status.
       ``(b) Implementation.--
       ``(1) Regulations.--The regulations promulgated by the 
     Judicial Conference under subsection (a) shall--
       ``(A) require a demonstration of a judicial officer's 
     proficiency in the use and safety of firearms as a 
     prerequisite to carrying of firearms under the authority of 
     this section; and
       ``(B) ensure that the carrying of a firearm by a judicial 
     officer under the protection of the United States Marshals 
     Service while away from United States courthouses is 
     consistent with Marshals Service policy on carrying of 
     firearms by persons receiving such protection.
       ``(2) Assistance by other agencies.--At the request of the 
     Judicial Conference, the Attorney General and appropriate law 
     enforcement components of the Department of Justice shall 
     assist the Judicial Conference in developing and providing 
     training to assist judicial officers in securing the 
     proficiency referred to in paragraph (1).
       ``(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `judicial officer of the United States' means--
       ``(1) a justice or judge of the United States as defined in 
     section 451 in regular active

[[Page H3486]]

     service or retired from regular active service;
       ``(2) a justice or judge of the United States who has been 
     retired from the judicial office under section 371(a) for--
       ``(A) no longer than a 1-year period following such 
     justice's or judge's retirement; or
       ``(B) a longer period of time if approved by the Judicial 
     Conference of the United States when exceptional 
     circumstances warrant;
       ``(3) a United States bankruptcy judge;
       ``(4) a full-time or part-time United States magistrate 
     judge;
       ``(5) a judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims;
       ``(6) a judge of the United States District Court of Guam;
       ``(7) a judge of the United States District Court for the 
     Northern Mariana Islands;
       ``(8) a judge of the United States District Court of the 
     Virgin Islands; or
       ``(9) an individual who is retired from one of the judicial 
     positions described under paragraphs (3) through (8) to the 
     extent provided for in regulations of the Judicial Conference 
     of the United States.
       ``(d) Exception.--Notwithstanding section 46303(c)(1) of 
     title 49, nothing in this section authorizes a judicial 
     officer of the United States to carry a dangerous weapon on 
     an aircraft or other common carrier.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) The table of sections for chapter 21 of title 28, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in the item relating to section 452, by striking 
     ``power'' and inserting ``powers''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:

``464. Carrying of firearms by judicial officers.''.

       (2) The section heading for section 453 of title 28, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 453. Oath of justices and judges''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     and subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section shall take effect 
     upon the earlier of the promulgation of regulations by the 
     Judicial Conference under this section or one year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 305. REMOVAL OF AUTOMATIC EXCUSE FROM JURY SERVICE FOR 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED SERVICES, MEMBERS OF FIRE 
                   AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS, AND PUBLIC OFFICERS.

       (a) Removal of Automatic Excuse.--Section 1863(b) of title 
     28, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (6) 
     and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1869 of title 28, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (i) and (k);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (i) and 
     by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ``; and''; 
     and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (k).
       (c) Service by Members of Armed Forces.--(1) Section 982 of 
     title 10, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) by amending the section heading to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 982. Members: service on Federal, State, and local 
       juries''; and

       (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``State or'' and 
     inserting ``Federal, State, or''.
       (2) The item relating to section 982 in the table of 
     sections for chapter 49 of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:

``982. Members: service on Federal, State, and local juries.''.

     SEC. 306. EXPANDED WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR JURORS.

       Paragraph (2) of section 1877(b) of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (C); and
       (2) by inserting before the period at the end of clause (D) 
     ``, or (E) traveling to or from the courthouse pursuant to a 
     jury summons or sequestration order, or as otherwise 
     necessitated by order of the court''.

     SEC. 307. PROPERTY DAMAGE, THEFT, AND LOSS CLAIMS OF JURORS.

       Section 604 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(i) The Director may pay a claim by a person summoned to 
     serve or serving as a grand juror or petit juror for loss of, 
     or damage to, personal property that occurs incident to that 
     person's performance of duties in response to the summons or 
     at the direction of an officer of the court. With respect to 
     claims, the Director shall have the authority granted to the 
     head of an agency by section 3721 of title 31 for 
     consideration of employees' personal property claims. The 
     Director shall prescribe guidelines for the consideration of 
     claims under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 308. ELIMINATION OF THE PUBLIC DRAWING REQUIREMENTS FOR 
                   SELECTION OF JUROR WHEELS.

       (a) Drawing of Names From Master Wheel.--Section 1864(a) of 
     title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``publicly'' in the first sentence; and
       (2) by inserting after the first sentence the following: 
     ``The clerk or jury commission shall post a general notice 
     for public review in the clerk's office explaining the 
     process by which names are periodically and randomly 
     drawn.''.
       (b) Selection and Summoning of Jury Panels.--Section 
     1866(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``publicly'' in the second sentence; and
       (2) by inserting after the second sentence the following: 
     ``The clerk or jury commission shall post a general notice 
     for public review in the clerk's office explaining the 
     process by which names are periodically and randomly 
     drawn.''.

     SEC. 309. ANNUAL LEAVE LIMIT FOR COURT UNIT EXECUTIVES.

       Section 6304(f)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``or'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) the judicial branch designated as a court unit 
     executive position by the Judicial Conference of the United 
     States.''.

     SEC. 310. PAYMENTS TO MILITARY SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN.

       Section 371(e) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
     by inserting after ``such retired or retainer pay'' the 
     following: ``, except such pay as is deductible from the 
     retired or retainer pay as a result of participation in any 
     survivor's benefits plan in connection with the retired 
     pay,''.

     SEC. 311. AUTHORIZATION OF A CIRCUIT EXECUTIVE FOR THE 
                   FEDERAL CIRCUIT.

       Section 332 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(h)(1) The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal 
     Circuit may appoint a circuit executive, who shall serve at 
     the pleasure of the court. In appointing a circuit executive, 
     the court shall take into account experience in 
     administrative and executive positions, familiarity with 
     court procedures, and special training. The circuit executive 
     shall exercise such administrative powers and perform such 
     duties as may be delegated by the court. The duties delegated 
     to the circuit executive may include but need not be limited 
     to the duties specified in subsection (e) of this section, 
     insofar as they are applicable to the Court of Appeals for 
     the Federal Circuit.
       ``(2) The circuit executive shall be paid the salary for 
     circuit executives established under subsection (f) of this 
     section.
       ``(3) The circuit executive may appoint, with the approval 
     of the court, necessary employees in such number as may be 
     approved by the Director of the Administrative Office of the 
     United States Courts.
       ``(4) The circuit executive and staff shall be deemed to be 
     officers and employees of the United States within the 
     meaning of the statutes specified in subsection (f)(4).
       ``(5) The court may appoint either a circuit executive 
     under this subsection or a clerk under section 711 of this 
     title, but not both, or may appoint a combined circuit 
     executive/clerk who shall be paid the salary of a circuit 
     executive.''.

     SEC. 312. AMENDMENT TO THE JURY SELECTION PROCESS.

       Section 1865 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or the clerk under 
     supervision of the court if the court's jury selection plan 
     so authorizes,'' after ``jury commission,''; and
       (2) in subsection (b) by inserting ``or the clerk if the 
     court's jury selection plan so provides,'' after ``may 
     provide,''.

     SEC. 313. SUPPLEMENTAL ATTENDANCE FEE FOR PETIT JURORS 
                   SERVING ON LENGTHY TRIALS.

       Section 1871(b)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``thirty'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``five''.

     SEC. 314. SERVICE ON TERRITORIAL COURTS.

       Section 174 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Upon request by or on behalf of a territorial court, 
     and with the concurrence of the chief judge of the Court of 
     Federal Claims and the chief judge of the judicial circuit 
     involved based upon a finding of need, judges of the Court of 
     Federal Claims shall have the authority to conduct 
     proceedings in the district courts of territories to the same 
     extent as duly appointed judges of those courts.''.

     SEC. 315. RESIDENCE OF RETIRED JUDGES.

       Section 175 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(c) Retired judges of the Court of Federal Claims are not 
     subject to restrictions as to residence. The place where a 
     retired judge maintains the actual abode in which such judge 
     customarily lives shall be deemed to be the judge's official 
     duty station for the purposes of section 456 of this 
     title.''.

     SEC. 316. COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS JUDICIAL CONFERENCE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 15 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 336. Judicial Conference of the Court of Federal 
       Claims

       ``(a) Annual Conference.--The chief judge of the Court of 
     Federal Claims is authorized to summon annually the judges of 
     that court to a judicial conference, at a time and place that 
     the chief judge designates, for the purpose of considering 
     the business of the Court of Federal Claims and improvements 
     in the administration of justice in that court.
       ``(b) Representation and Participation by Members of the 
     Bar.--The Court of Federal Claims shall provide by its rules 
     or by

[[Page H3487]]

     general order for representation and active participation by 
     members of the bar at the judicial conference summoned under 
     subsection (a).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections of chapter 
     15 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following new item:

``336. Judicial Conference of the Court of Federal Claims.''.

     SEC. 317. RECALL OF JUDGES ON DISABILITY STATUS.

       Section 797(a) of title 28, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Any judge of the Court of Federal Claims receiving an 
     annuity pursuant to section 178(c) of this title (pertaining 
     to disability) who, in the estimation of the chief judge, has 
     recovered sufficiently to render judicial service, shall be 
     known and designated as a senior judge and may perform duties 
     as a judge when recalled pursuant to subsection (b) of this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 318. SENIOR STATUS PROVISION.

       (a) In General.--Section 178 of title 28, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(m) For purposes of section 3121(i)(5) of the Internal 
     Revenue Act of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3121(i)(5)) and section 209(h) 
     of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409(h)), the annuity of 
     a judge of the Court of Federal Claims who is on senior 
     status after attaining age 65 shall be deemed to be an amount 
     paid under section 371(b) of this title for performing 
     services under the provisions of section 294 of this 
     title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--Section 178(k)(2) of title 28, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting ``the'' after 
     ``Director of''.

     SEC. 319. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISION.

       Chapter 7 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding after section 178 the following new section:

     ``Sec. 179. Insurance and annuities programs

       ``(a) Judges Deemed to be Officers for Purposes of Title 
     5.--For purposes of construing title 5, a judge of the United 
     States Court of Federal Claims shall be deemed to be an 
     `officer' under section 2104(a) of such title.
       ``(b) Health Insurance Benefits.--For purposes of 
     construing chapter 89 of title 5, a judge of the United 
     States Court of Federal Claims who--
       ``(1) is retired under section 178(a) or (b) of this title 
     and performs recall service under section 178(d) of this 
     title, and
       ``(2) was enrolled in a health benefits plan under chapter 
     89 of title 5 at the time the judge became a retired judge,

     shall be deemed to be an annuitant meeting the requirements 
     of section 8905(b)(1) of title 5, notwithstanding the length 
     of enrollment prior to the date of retirement.''.

               TITLE IV--CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 401. MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF COMPENSATION FOR ATTORNEYS.

       Paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of section 3006A of title 
     18, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence--
       (A) by striking ``$3,500'' and inserting ``$5,400'';
       (B) by striking ``$1,000'' and inserting ``$1,600'';
       (2) in the second sentence by striking ``$2,500'' and 
     inserting ``$3,900'';
       (3) in the third sentence--
       (A) by striking ``$750'' and inserting ``$1,200''; and
       (B) by striking ``$2,500'' and inserting ``$3,900'';
       (4) by inserting after the second sentence the following 
     new sentence: ``For representation of a petitioner in a non-
     capital habeas corpus proceeding, the compensation for each 
     attorney shall not exceed the amount applicable to a felony 
     in this paragraph for representation of a defendant before a 
     judicial officer of the district court. For representation of 
     such petitioner in an appellate court, the compensation for 
     each attorney shall not exceed the amount applicable for 
     representation of a defendant in an appellate court.''; and
       (5) in the last sentence by striking ``$750'' and inserting 
     ``$1,200''.

     SEC. 402. MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES OTHER 
                   THAN COUNSEL.

       Section 3006A(e) of title 18, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``$300'' and inserting 
     ``$500''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``$300'' and inserting 
     ``$500''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3) in the first sentence by striking 
     ``$1,000'' and inserting ``$1,600''.

     SEC. 403. TORT CLAIMS ACT AMENDMENTS RELATING TO LIABILITY OF 
                   FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS.

       Section 2671 of title 28, United States Code, is amended in 
     the second paragraph--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``includes''; and
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the 
     following: ``, and (2) any officer or employee of a Federal 
     Public Defender Organization, except when such officer or 
     employee performs professional services in the course of 
     providing representation under section 3006A of title 18.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Coble) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Boucher) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble).


                             General Leave

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H.R. 1752.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1752 contains several provisions that are needed to 
improve the Federal court system. It is designed to improve 
administration and procedures, eliminate operational inefficiencies, 
and reduce operating expenses.
  The provisions contained in H.R. 1752 address administrative, 
financial, personnel, organizational, and technical changes that are 
needed by the Article III Federal courts and their supporting agencies. 
These provisions are designed to have a positive effect on the 
operations of the Federal courts and enhance the delivery of justice in 
the Federal system.
  The manager's amendment makes no substantive changes. However, on the 
advice of legislative counsel, certain technical and conforming changes 
have been made to H.R. 1752. Furthermore, after consultation with the 
Committee on the Budget, it became clear that the provision regarding 
the civil asset forfeiture would require unanticipated expenditures. 
Therefore, it was taken out of H.R. 1752 and will be reconsidered in 
the future.
  H.R. 1752, Mr. Speaker, is necessary legislation for the proper 
functioning of our United States courts. It is nonpartisan and 
noncontroversial, and I urge the House to pass H.R. 1752.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. BOUCHER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of 
this measure, which has been well described and characterized by the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property; and I commend him for 
his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor today.
  The Federal Courts Improvement Act makes a variety of changes 
requested by the Judicial Conference to improve administration and 
operation of the United States courts. Among other measures, the bill 
harmonizes a variety of court fees, grants magistrate judges the power 
to exercise contempt authority in several instances, gives presiding 
judges the authority to allow media coverage of court proceedings in 
appropriate cases, and removes the automatic excuse from jury service 
for certain State and local employees and officials.
  These changes will improve the operation of the United States courts, 
and I am pleased to endorse them this afternoon and to encourage our 
colleagues to pass this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher) for 
his generous words. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), 
ranking member, and all Members of the subcommittee for their 
assistance in formulating this bill and moving it forward to the House.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1752, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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