[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6817-S6825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

  The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and 
were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:

       POM-111. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Hawaii relative to Social Security reform; to 
     the Committee on Finance.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 76

       Whereas, Social Security is our country's most important 
     and successful income protection program and provides 
     economic security to workers, retirees, persons with 
     disabilities, and the surviving spouses and keiki of deceased 
     workers; and
       Whereas, Social Security provides essential benefits to 
     over 195,000 people in Hawaii, including 139,300 retired 
     workers, 16,090 widows and widowers, 16,790 disabled workers 
     and 13,630 children; and
       Whereas, Social Security has reduced the poverty rate of 
     our kupuna from over thirty per cent down to 10.2 per cent in 
     the last forty years, and without Social Security, thirty-
     four per cent of elderly women in Hawaii would be poor; and
       Whereas, six out of ten of today's beneficiaries derive 
     more than half of their income from Social Security, and in 
     most low-income households of retirement age, Social Security 
     represents eighty per cent or more of their retirement 
     income; and
       Whereas, the Social Security Trust Fund is large enough to 
     pay one hundred per cent of promised benefits until 2042, and 
     after that, seventy-three per cent of benefits could still be 
     paid; and
       Whereas, proposals are being considered in Washington, D.C. 
     that would privatize Social Security and threaten the 
     retirement security of millions of Americans and their 
     families; and
       Whereas, diverting more than one-third of the 6.2 per cent 
     of wages that workers currently contribute to Social Security 
     into private accounts drains money from Social Security and 
     will cut guaranteed benefits; and
       Whereas, diverting money from Social Security will increase 
     the national debt by almost $2 trillion over the next ten 
     years--a debt that will be passed on to future generations; 
     and
       Whereas, privatization is particularly harmful to women and 
     minorities who rely most on Social Security by replacing a 
     portion of a secure benefit with investment risk--a risk that 
     they cannot afford; and
       Whereas, widows would experience enormous cuts under 
     privatization--reducing their Social Security from $829 to 
     $456 per month, which is only sixty-three per cent of the 
     poverty level, even when proceeds from private accounts are 
     included in the total; and
       Whereas, private accounts do not provide the lifetime, 
     inflation-adjusted benefit that Social Security does, and 
     they can be depleted by long life and market fluctuation; and
       Whereas, Social Security needs to be strengthened now for 
     our children and grandchildren, but the solution should not 
     be worse than the problem; and
       Whereas, the Social Security System also needs to be 
     changed sensibly in order to honor obligations to future 
     generations: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of 
     the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of 
     Representatives concurring, That the Hawaii State Legislature 
     opposes the privatization of Social Security and urges 
     Hawaii's congressional delegation to reject such proposed 
     changes to the Social Security System; and be it further
       Resolved, That certified copies of this Concurrent 
     Resolution be transmitted to the President Pro Tempore of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and each member of Hawaii's congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-112. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Hawaii 
     relative to the privatization of Social Security; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

                        House Resolution No. 100

       Whereas, people throughout human history have faced 
     uncertainties, especially those uncertainties brought on by 
     death, disability, and old age; and
       Whereas, prior to the turn of the twentieth century, the 
     majority of individuals living in the United States lived and 
     worked on farms, relying in part on immediate and extended 
     family, friends, and neighbors to provide them with economic 
     and social security; and
       Whereas, as the United States moved through the Industrial 
     Revolution and became an industrial power, increasing numbers 
     of individuals began moving to the cities and suburbs where 
     employment opportunities abounded; and
       Whereas, this migration from the farmlands to the 
     industrial centers of the United States reduced the degree to 
     which a person's immediate and extended family and neighbors 
     could augment the economic security of those living in the 
     cities and suburbs; and
       Whereas, with the stock market crash in 1929 and the 
     beginning of the Great Depression, the United States found 
     its economy in crisis and individuals in this country, 
     especially elder Americans, were faced with economic 
     hardships never before seen; and
       Whereas, in an address to Congress on June 8, 1934, 
     President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stating that he intended 
     to provide a program for the social security of Americans, 
     subsequently created, by Executive Order, the Committee on 
     Economic Security (Committee), with instructions to study the 
     problem of economic insecurity and make recommendations for 
     legislative consideration; and
       Whereas, in 1935, six months after its establishment, the 
     Committee made its report to the President and Congress, who 
     after deliberations and compromise, enacted the Social 
     Security Act of 1935, which created a social insurance 
     program designed to pay retirees age 65 or older a continuing 
     income after retirement, and to keep these retirees out of 
     poverty; and
       Whereas, Social Security taxes were collected for the first 
     time in 1937, with initial lump-sum payments being made that 
     first month and regular monthly benefit payments being made 
     beginning in January, 1940; and
       Whereas, today, Social Security provides a guaranteed 
     income for more than 147 million retirees, family members of 
     workers who have died, and persons with disabilities; and
       Whereas, Social Security beneficiaries earn their benefits 
     by paying into the system throughout their years of 
     employment, and currently serves as the main source of income 
     for a majority of retirees, with over two-thirds of retirees 
     currently dependent on Social Security for financial 
     survival; and
       Whereas, for the past 70 years Social Security has remained 
     solvent and has been able to pay benefits to millions of 
     Americans with few adjustments; and
       Whereas, although the Social Security trustees state that 
     in its present form, Social Security has enough funds in its 
     reserve to be able to meet 100 percent of its obligations 
     until 2042 and, there is concern over the solvency of the 
     current Social Security system and whether it will be able to 
     pay benefits for the millions of Americans scheduled to 
     retire over the next decade; and
       Whereas, individuals who support efforts to reform Social 
     Security are currently reviewing a three-prong approach 
     including raising of the retirement age, increasing the 
     maximum annual earnings subject to Social Security tax, and 
     allowing the establishment of voluntary private investment 
     accounts; and

[[Page S6818]]

       Whereas, the current focus on the national level has been 
     the establishment of private investment accounts to allow 
     taxpayers to put a portion of their social security tax into 
     stocks, bonds, and other investments that may pay them a 
     higher return and increase their retirement benefits; and
       Whereas, contrary to the original purpose of Social 
     Security, which established a comprehensive and secure safety 
     net to keep retirees out of poverty, private investment 
     accounts may result in Social Security beneficiaries with 
     poor returns on their investments to fall through the cracks 
     of the system; and
       Whereas, the costs of transitioning to this system of 
     private investment accounts may effectively scuttle the 
     current Social Security system; and
       Whereas, it has been estimated that transitioning to a 
     system of private investment accounts will generate costs as 
     high as $2-$3 trillion, which will degrade any investment 
     earnings of these private accounts; and
       Whereas, diverting a portion of Social Security money to 
     private accounts will leave fewer dollars available to pay 
     Social Security benefits, and reduce system reserves and the 
     cash on hand to pay beneficiaries; and
       Whereas, it has further been estimated that by allowing for 
     the establishment of private investment accounts, the current 
     Social Security trust fund reserves could be wiped out by 
     2021, a full 20 years sooner than if the system had been left 
     alone; and
       Whereas, arguments have also been made that the way to 
     ``fix'' Social Security is not to change the system and its 
     purpose, but rather to help individuals establish their own 
     private pensions and retirement savings accounts such as 
     Individual Retirement Accounts, to supplement the guaranteed 
     benefit of Social Security; and
       Whereas, with the myriad of difficult choices to be made to 
     keep the Social Security system solvent, and given the fact 
     that the Social Security system will still be solvent for a 
     good number of years, the issue of strengthening Social 
     Security and making any changes or adjustments to the system 
     should be carefully studied and planned to ensure that future 
     generations will be provided the retirement security received 
     by past generations; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-
     third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 
     2005, that this body hereby urges President George W. Bush to 
     reconsider his plans to hurriedly enter into a Social 
     Security privatization plan; and be it further
       Resolved, that this body also urges President George W. 
     Bush to carefully study the effects that privatization may 
     have on the basic purpose of Social Security, and on the 
     welfare of current and future beneficiaries, and to consider 
     privatization within a comprehensive review of alternative 
     methods of adjusting Social Security, such as raising the 
     retirement age, increasing the maximum annual earnings 
     subject to Social Security tax, and helping more individuals 
     establish supplementary private pension and retirement 
     savings accounts; and be it further
       Resolved, that certified copies of this Resolution be 
     transmitted to the President of the United States, the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the 
     President of the United States Senate, the members of 
     Hawaii's congressional delegation, and the Governor.
                                  ____

       POM-113. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to the privatization of Social Security; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

                           House Resolution 3

       Whereas, demographic changes and cost increases will drain 
     the existing Social Security system;
       Whereas, without significant changes to the system, costs 
     will exceed revenues starting in 2018 and the system may not 
     be able to pay any benefits by 2042;
       Whereas, anyone born after the year 1970 will not receive 
     full Social Security benefits if changes are not made to the 
     system;
       Whereas, not reforming the system will require a tax 
     increase on every working American or a benefit cut; and
       Whereas, allowing younger workers to invest a portion of 
     their income in personal retirement accounts will avoid any 
     benefit cuts or tax increases: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the State of 
     Utah urges Utah's congressional delegation to oppose 
     increases in payroll taxes and cuts in Social Security 
     benefits; and be it further
       Resolved, that the House of Representatives urges Utah's 
     congressional delegation to support optional Social Security 
     Personal Retirement Accounts; and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-114. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to the United States entering into a Free Trade Area 
     of the Americas; to the Committee on Finance.

                           House Resolution 9

       Whereas, the United States of America has always been the 
     world leader in pushing for free trade, which is a hallmark 
     of our capitalistic society;
       Whereas, free trade only thrives where there is a level 
     playing field of government regulations between trading 
     partners;
       Whereas, the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement 
     (NAFTA) was supposed to bring additional prosperity to the 
     United States and level the playing field with Canada and 
     Mexico, thus perpetuating free trade between our nations;
       Whereas, notwithstanding the good intentions of NAFTA, our 
     nation has suffered the loss of almost 900,000 jobs due to 
     NAFTA, many of them coming in the manufacturing sector;
       Whereas, manufacturing jobs in the United States have 
     plunged from 19.3 million in 1980 to only about 14.6 million 
     today, in large part because of these types of trade issues;
       Whereas, the United States has gone from a trade surplus 
     with Mexico prior to NAFTA to a substantial trade deficit;
       Whereas, the United States is a current member of the World 
     Trade Organization (WTO), which has been called ``The United 
     Nations of World Trade'';
       Whereas, the United States consistently bows to the wishes 
     of the WTO, only proving the words of Texas Congressman Ron 
     Paul to be prophetic: ``The most important reason why we 
     should get out [of the WTO] is to maintain our nation's 
     sovereignty. We should never deliver to any international 
     governing body the authority to dictate what our laws should 
     be. And this is precisely the kind of power that has been 
     given to the WTO.'';
       Whereas, both the WTO and NAFTA, through the use of trade 
     tribunals, now claim the sovereign authority to overrule 
     decisions of American courts and make awards to foreign 
     businesses for violations of trade agreements;
       Whereas, Abner Mikva, a former chief judge on the federal 
     appellate bench and a former congressman, has stated: ``If 
     Congress had known there was anything like this in NAFTA, 
     they never would have voted for it.'';
       Whereas, the United States is considering entering into a 
     new 34-member Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) in 2005; 
     and
       Whereas, based upon the experience that the United States 
     has had with NAFTA and the WTO, United States membership in 
     the planned FTAA would increase manufacturing flight in the 
     state of Utah and throughout the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, that House of Representatives of the state of 
     Utah respectfully but firmly urges all members of the United 
     States Congress to vote no on any agreement for the United 
     States to enter into a Free Trade Area of the Americas 
     (FTAA); and be it further
       Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the state of 
     Utah urges the United States Congress to not enter into the 
     FTAA until the United States has had more experience with and 
     a greater understanding of the impacts of NAFTA and the World 
     Trade Organization (WTO); and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     Majority Leader of the United Sates Senate, Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the members of Utah's 
     congressional delegation, the World Trade Organization (WTO), 
     and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
                                  ____

       POM-115. A joint resolution adopted by the House of the 
     Legislature of the State of Utah relative to United States 
     trade negotiations; to the Committee on Finance.

                         House Joint Resolution

       Whereas, although the United States Constitution places the 
     regulation of trade with foreign countries within the 
     prerogative of the Federal Government, the primary 
     responsibility for protecting public health, welfare, and 
     safety is left to the states;
       Whereas, the United States Congress has consistently 
     recognized, respected, and preserved the states' power to 
     protect the health, welfare, and environments of their states 
     and their citizens in a variety of statutes, such as the 
     Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act;
       Whereas, it is vital that the Federal Government not agree 
     to proposals in the current negotiations on trade in services 
     that might in any way preempt or undercut this reserved state 
     authority;
       Whereas, proposed changes should not, in the name of 
     promoting increased international trade, accord insufficient 
     regard for existing regulatory, tax and subsidy policies, and 
     the social, economic, and environmental values those policies 
     promote;
       Whereas, statutes and regulations that the states and local 
     governments have validly adopted, that are plainly 
     constitutional and within their province to adopt, and that 
     reflect locally appropriate responses to the needs of their 
     citizens, should not be overridden by federal decisions 
     solely in the interests of increased trade;
       Whereas, states are concerned about retaining a proper 
     scope for state regulatory authority in actual commitments in 
     agreements with one or more United States' trading partners;
       Whereas, it is crucial to maintain the principle that the 
     United States may request, but not require, states to alter 
     their regulatory regimes in areas over which they hold 
     constitutional authority;
       Whereas, if the United States makes broader offers later in 
     the negotiations and the legislation is ``fast tracked,'' 
     there will be little opportunity for states to have improper 
     positions reversed;
       Whereas, it is critical that there be full and effective 
     coordination and consultation

[[Page S6819]]

     with the states before the United States Trade Representative 
     (USTR) makes any binding commitments;
       Whereas, while the State Point of Contact system was meant 
     to create a clearly marked channel for two-way 
     communications, the reality has not lived up to those 
     intentions;
       Whereas, a broader and deeper range of contacts with a 
     variety of state entities, particularly with those bearing 
     regulatory and legislative authority, must be improved and 
     maintained over the next several years;
       Whereas, it is important for state authorities to engage 
     with the USTR in the communications process and to respond to 
     timely requests in any equally timely manner;
       Whereas, as negotiations with other nations continue, they 
     should also be conducted in ways that will avoid litigation 
     in world courts;
       Whereas, the United States is the signatory to the World 
     Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services 
     (GATS);
       Whereas, the United States Trade Representative has 
     published proposals that would apply trade rules under GATS 
     to regulation of electricity by state and local governments;
       Whereas, these proposals would cover regulation of services 
     related to transmission, distribution, and access of energy 
     traders to the grid and, if implemented, might conflict with 
     state energy policy and alter the balance of domestic 
     authority between states and the Federal Energy Regulatory 
     Commission (FERC);
       Whereas, concerns include the impact of market access rules 
     on the structure of Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), 
     state jurisdiction over utilities that are part of an RTO, 
     RTO contracts for reliability of the electricity grid, and 
     potential roles for the RTO to structure or facilitate 
     wholesale trade and brokering services;
       Whereas, another question is the impact national treatment 
     rules may have on tax incentives to produce wind energy, and 
     market access rules that may impact renewable portfolio 
     standards that mandate minimum quotas for acquisition from 
     renewable sources;
       Whereas, another question is the impact that GATS rules on 
     domestic regulation may have on rate setting and the public 
     interest standard for exercising regulatory authority by 
     state public utility commissions; and
       Whereas, in early 2004, a working group of state and local 
     officials consulted three times with staff of the USTR who 
     described the meeting as timely, productive, and 
     unprecedented; Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges 
     the United States Trade Representative to conduct trade 
     negotiations in a manner that will preserve the 
     responsibility of states to develop their own regulatory 
     structures and that will avoid litigation in world courts, 
     and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges 
     the USTR to take further steps to enhance the level of 
     consultation before negotiations commence on any trade 
     commitments under the World Trade Organization's General 
     Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature of the state of Utah 
     commends the USTR staff for its willingness to consult with 
     the working group and learn about the potential impact of 
     GATS rules on state and local regulation of the energy 
     sector; and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature urges the USTR to disclose 
     to the public the United States' requests for GATS 
     commitments from other nations, and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature urges the USTR to give prior 
     notice of the next United States' offer or counter offer for 
     GATS commitments so that state and local governments have 
     time to discuss its potential impact; and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature urges the USTR to 
     participate in public discussions of trade policy and energy; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     United States Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and 
     Means Committee, the Senate Subcommittee on International 
     Trade, the House Subcommittee on Trade, the Secretary of the 
     Department of Energy, the United States Trade Representative, 
     the National Association of Attorneys General, the National 
     Conference of State Legislatures, the President of the United 
     States, and Utah's Congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-116. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Utah relative to the United 
     States entering into a Free Trade Area of the Americas; to 
     the Committee on Finance.

                          Senate Resolution 1

       Whereas, the United States of America has always been the 
     world leader in pushing for free trade, which is a hallmark 
     of our capitalistic society;
       Whereas, free trade only thrives where there is a level 
     playing field of government regulations between trading 
     partners;
       Whereas, the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement 
     (NAFTA) was supposed to bring additional prosperity to the 
     United States and level the playing field with Canada and 
     Mexico, thus perpetuating free trade between our nations;
       Whereas, notwithstanding the good intentions of NAFTA, our 
     nation has suffered the loss of almost 900,000 jobs due to 
     NAFTA, many of them coming in the manufacturing sector;
       Whereas, manufacturing jobs in the United States have 
     plunged from 19.3 million in 1980 to only about 14.6 million 
     today, in large part because of these types of trade issues;
       Whereas, the United States has gone from a trade surplus 
     with Mexico prior to NAFTA to a substantial trade deficit;
       Whereas, the United States is a current member of the World 
     Trade Organization (WTO), which has been called ``The United 
     Nations of World Trade'';
       Whereas, the United States consistently bows to the wishes 
     of the WTO, only proving the words of Texas Congressman Ron 
     Paul to be prophetic: ``The most important reason why we 
     should get out [of the WTO] is to maintain our nation's 
     sovereignty. We should never deliver to any international 
     governing body the authority to dictate what our laws should 
     be. And this is precisely the kind of power that has been 
     given to the WTO'';
       Whereas, both the WTO and NAFTA, through the use of trade 
     tribunals, now claim the sovereign authority to overrule 
     decisions of American courts and make awards to foreign 
     businesses for violations of trade agreements;
       Whereas, Abner Mikva, a former chief judge on the federal 
     appellate bench and a former congressman, has stated: ``If 
     Congress had known there was anything like this in NAFTA, 
     they never would have voted for it'';
       Whereas, the United States is considering entering into a 
     new 34-member Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) in 2005; 
     and
       Whereas, based upon the experience that the United States 
     has had with NAFTA and the WTO, United States membership in 
     the planned FTAA would increase manufacturing flight in the 
     state of Utah and throughout the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, that the Senate of the state of Utah respectfully 
     but firmly urges all members of the United States Congress to 
     vote no on any agreement for the United States to enter into 
     a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) at this time; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, that the Senate of the state of Utah urges the 
     United States Congress to not enter into the FTAA until the 
     United States has had more experience and greater 
     understanding of the impacts of NAFTA and the World Trade 
     Organization (WTO); and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of 
     the United States House of Representatives, the members of 
     Utah's congressional delegation, the World Trade Organization 
     (WTO), and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
                                  ____

       POM-117. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Utah relative to Medicaid reform; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

                       Senate Joint Resolution 15

       Whereas, the Medicaid program provides access to health 
     care for Utah's most vulnerable citizens, including low-
     income children, parents, pregnant women, people with 
     disabilities, and senior citizens;
       Whereas, growth in Medicaid spending per capita has 
     remained relatively low when compared to private health 
     insurance premiums;
       Whereas, current federal and state Medicaid expenditures 
     are growing at a rate of 12% per year and averaging almost 
     22% of states' annual budgets primarily because of the recent 
     economic downturn, rising health care costs, and an increase 
     in the aging population; and
       Whereas, new funding challenges for state government will 
     become more acute as states absorb new costs to help 
     implement the Medicaid Modernization Act: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges 
     the United States Congress to reject any budget reduction and 
     budget reconciliation process for fiscal year 2006 related to 
     Medicaid reform that would shift additional costs to the 
     states; and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature urges the United States 
     Congress to reject any cap on federal funding for the 
     Medicaid program, whether in the form of an allotment, an 
     allocation, or a block grant; and be it further
       Resolved, that the Legislature urges the United States 
     Congress to work with state policymakers to enact reforms 
     that will result in Medicaid cost savings for both the states 
     and the Federal Government; and be it further
       Resolved that the Legislature urges the United States 
     Congress to establish a benefits program for the ``dual 
     eligible'' population, people eligible for both Medicaid and 
     Medicare, that would be 100% funded by Medicare instead of 
     Medicaid; and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of 
     the United States House of Representatives, and to the 
     members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-118. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Hawaii relative to Medicare and 
     Medicaid services and benefits; to the Committee on Finance.

                        Senate Resolution No. 22

       Whereas, Medicaid is a program that pays for medical 
     assistance for certain individuals and families with low 
     incomes and resources; and
       Whereas, the Medicaid program is a critical source of 
     support for people with mental illness; and

[[Page S6820]]

       Whereas, according to the Department of Human Services, 
     Medicaid is the single largest source of financing for mental 
     health care and encompasses over half of state and local 
     spending on mental health services; and
       Whereas, the federal government is planning to reduce 
     Medicaid funding due to federal budget shortfalls; and
       Whereas, additional cuts in federal Medicaid funding will 
     mean fewer low-income people will receive mental health 
     services; and
       Whereas, more restrictions will be applied to the services 
     that are available; and
       Whereas, any reduction in benefits or the level of benefits 
     by the federal government would place more burden on the 
     State of Hawaii to make up for the cutback; and
       Whereas, limiting Medicaid services would not reduce costs, 
     but would transfer them to already overburdened hospital 
     emergency rooms or criminal justice systems; and
       Whereas, under current law, emergency rooms cannot turn 
     away someone in crises, and emergency care is one of the most 
     expensive types of health care and far more costly than 
     routine mental health treatment; and
       Whereas, individuals unable to receive suitable mental 
     health treatment often end up in the criminal justice system, 
     increasing legal and prison costs in a system that is neither 
     designed nor capable of meeting their needs; now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of 
     the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the 
     President of the United States, the United States Congress 
     and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are urged to 
     preserve the amount of Medicaid coverages and the amount of 
     benefits; and be it further
       Resolved, that certified copies of this Resolution be 
     transmitted to the President of the United States, the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the 
     President of the United States Senate, the Director of 
     Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the members 
     of Hawaii's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-119. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Hawaii relative to Medicare and Medicaid 
     services and benefits; to the Committee on Finance.

                  Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 44

       Whereas, Medicaid is a program that pays for medical 
     assistance for certain individuals and families with low 
     incomes and resources; and
       Whereas, the Medicaid program is a critical source of 
     support for people with mental illness; and
       Whereas, according to the Department of Human Services, 
     Medicaid is the single largest source of financing for mental 
     health care and encompasses over half of state and local 
     spending on mental health services; and
       Whereas, the federal government is planning to reduce 
     Medicaid funding due to federal budget shortfalls; and
       Whereas, additional cuts in federal Medicaid funding will 
     mean fewer low-income people will receive mental health 
     services; and
       Whereas, more restrictions will be applied to the services 
     that are available; and
       Whereas, any reduction in benefits or the level of benefits 
     by the federal government would place more burden on the 
     State of Hawaii to make up for the cutback; and
       Whereas, limiting Medicaid services would not reduce costs, 
     but would transfer them to already overburdened hospital 
     emergency rooms or criminal justice systems; and
       Whereas, under current law, emergency rooms cannot turn 
     away someone in crises, and emergency care is one of the most 
     expensive types of health care and far more costly than 
     routine mental health treatment; and
       Whereas, individuals unable to receive suitable mental 
     health treatment often end up in the criminal justice system, 
     increasing legal and prison costs in a system that is neither 
     designed nor capable of meeting their needs: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of 
     the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of 
     Representatives concurring, that the President of the United 
     States, the United States Congress and Centers for Medicare 
     and Medicaid Services are urged to preserve the amount of 
     Medicaid coverages and the amount of benefits; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, that certified copies of this Concurrent 
     Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United 
     States, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, 
     the Director of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 
     and the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-120. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Legislature of the State of Hawaii relative to national park 
     status for the Kawainui Marsh Complex; to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources.

                        Senate Resolution No. 51

       Whereas, the Convention on Wetlands was signed on February 
     2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran; and
       Whereas, in 1987, the United States joined the Ramsar 
     Convention, an international treaty that aims at halting the 
     worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain; 
     and
       Whereas, the treaty's one hundred forty-four contracting 
     parties have designated one thousand four hundred four 
     wetlands sites totaling more than three hundred million acres 
     for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International 
     Importance; and
       Whereas, despite the great value of wetlands, they have 
     been shrinking worldwide, including in the United States; and
       Whereas, on Earth Day 2004, President George W. Bush 
     announced an aggressive new national initiative to create, 
     improve, and protect at least three million wetland acres 
     over the next five years in order to increase overall wetland 
     acreage and quality; and
       Whereas, wetlands are a source of water, food, recreation, 
     transportation, and, in some places, are part of the local 
     religious and cultural heritage. They provide groundwater 
     replenishment, benefiting inhabitants of entire watersheds; 
     and
       Whereas, wetlands play a vital role in storm and flood 
     protection and water filtration. In addition, they provide a 
     rich feeding ground for migratory birds, fish, and other 
     animals; and
       Whereas, the United States designated three new Ramsar 
     sites last month: the two thousand five hundred-acre Tijuana 
     River National Estuarine Research Reserve in San Diego 
     County, California; the one hundred sixty thousand-acre 
     Grassland Ecological Area in western Merced County, 
     California; and the one thousand-acre Kawainui and Hamakua 
     Marsh Complex located on the northeast coast of the island of 
     Oahu; and
       Whereas, these additional sites bring the total number of 
     United States Ramsar sites to twenty-two, covering nearly 3.2 
     million acres: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of 
     the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the State 
     of Hawaii's elected Representatives and Senators in the 
     United States Congress are respectfully requested to support, 
     work to pass, and vote for National Park protection for the 
     one thousand-acre Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex located 
     on the northeast coast of the island of Oahu; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, that certified copies of this Senate Resolution 
     be transmitted to the President of the United States, the 
     President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the State of 
     Hawaii's Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-121. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to the participation of Taiwan in the World Health 
     Organization; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

                          House Resolution 10

       Whereas, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Constitution 
     states that ``The objective of the World Health Organization 
     shall be the attainment by all peoples of the highest 
     possible level of health'';
       Whereas, this position demonstrates that the WHO is 
     obligated to reach all peoples throughout the world, 
     regardless of state or national boundaries;
       Whereas, the WHO Constitution permits a wide variety of 
     entities, including nonmember states, international 
     organizations, national organizations, and nongovernmental 
     organizations, to participate in the activities of the WHO;
       Whereas, five entities, for example, have acquired the 
     status of observer of the World Health Assembly (WHA) and are 
     routinely invited to its assemblies;
       Whereas, both the WHO Constitution and the International 
     Covenant of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) 
     declare that health is an essential element of human rights 
     and that no signatory shall impede on the health rights of 
     others;
       Whereas, Taiwan seeks to be invited to participate in the 
     work of the WHA simply as an observer, instead of as a full 
     member, in order to allow the work of the WHO to proceed 
     without creating political frictions and to demonstrate 
     Taiwan's willingness to put aside political controversies for 
     the common good of global health;
       Whereas, this request is fundamentally based on 
     professional health grounds and has nothing to do with the 
     political issues of sovereignty and statehood;
       Whereas, Taiwan currently participates as a full member in 
     organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asia-
     Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and several other 
     international organizations that count the People's Republic 
     of China among their membership;
       Whereas, Taiwan has become an asset to all these 
     institutions because of a flexible interpretation of the 
     terms of membership;
       Whereas, closing the gap between the WHO and Taiwan is an 
     urgent global health imperative;
       Whereas, the health administration of Taiwan is the only 
     competent body possessing and managing all the information on 
     any outbreak in Taiwan of epidemics that could potentially 
     threaten global health;
       Whereas, excluding Taiwan from the WHO's Global Outbreak 
     Alert and Response Network (GOARN), for example, is dangerous 
     and self defeating from a professional perspective;
       Whereas, good health is a basic right for every citizen of 
     the world and access to the highest standard of health 
     information and services is necessary to help guarantee this 
     right;
       Whereas, direct and unobstructed participation in 
     international health cooperation

[[Page S6821]]

     forms and programs is therefore crucial, especially with 
     today's greater potential for the cross-border spread of 
     various infectious diseases through increased trade and 
     travel;
       Whereas, the WHO sets forth in the first chapter of its 
     charter the objectives of attaining the highest possible 
     level of health for all people;
       Whereas, Taiwan's population of 23 million people is larger 
     than that of three quarters of the member states already in 
     the WHO who shares the noble goals of the organization;
       Whereas, Taiwan's achievements in the field of health are 
     substantial, including one of the highest life expectancy 
     levels in Asia, maternal and infant mortality rates 
     comparable to those in western countries, the eradication of 
     such infectious diseases as cholera, smallpox, and the 
     plague, and the first country in the world to provide 
     children with free hepatitis B vaccinations;
       Whereas, Taiwan is not allowed to participate in any WHO-
     organized forums and workshops concerning the latest 
     technologies in the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of 
     diseases;
       Whereas, in recent years both the Taiwanese Government and 
     individual Taiwanese experts have expressed a willingness to 
     assist financially or technically in WHO-supported 
     international aid and health activities, but have ultimately 
     been unable to render assistance;
       Whereas, the WHO does allow observers to participate in the 
     activities of the organization; and
       Whereas, in light of all the benefits that participation 
     could bring to the state of health of people not only in 
     Taiwan, but also regionally and globally it seems 
     appropriate, if not imperative, for Taiwan to be involved 
     with the WHO: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the state of 
     Utah urges the Bush Administration to support Taiwan and its 
     23 million people in obtaining appropriate and meaningful 
     participation in the World Health Organization (WHO); and be 
     it further
       Resolved, that the House of Representatives urges that 
     United States' policy should include the pursuit of some 
     initiative in the WHO which would give Taiwan meaningful 
     participation in a manner that is consistent with the 
     organization's requirements; and be it further
       Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     President of the United States, the United States Secretary 
     of State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 
     majority leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of 
     the United States House of Representatives, the members of 
     Utah's congressional delegation, the Government of Taiwan, 
     and the World Health Organization.
                                  ____

       POM-122. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Hawaii relative to supporting the government 
     and the people of the Republic of Kiribati in their efforts 
     to address war reparations; to the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 62

       Whereas, two days after the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, 
     Japanese aircraft bombed the Republic of Kiribati, formerly 
     known as the Gilbert Islands, including Banaba, and later 
     reconnaissance parties landed on Tarawa and Butaritari; and
       Whereas, in 1942, Japanese armed forces occupied the 
     Republic of Kiribati; and
       Whereas, American forces invaded Tarawa in late 1943 and 
     drove the Japanese from most of the Gilbert Islands; and
       Whereas, Banaba was not reoccupied by American forces until 
     1945, by which time the Japanese had massacred all but one 
     man of the imported labor force; and
       Whereas, native inhabitants of Banaba, the Banabans, had 
     been deported to Nauru and Kosrae (Caroline Islands) and 
     after their rescue, Banabans elected to live on Rabi Island, 
     Fiji, which had earlier been bought for them; and
       Whereas, the people of Kiribati suffered tremendous 
     atrocities and losses as a result of the occupation of the 
     island by Japanese armed forces during World War II; and
       Whereas, many people of Kiribati were not given the 
     opportunity during the aftermath of World War II to file a 
     war reparations claim; and
       Whereas, after sixty years, the people of Kiribati deserve 
     to have a final resolution on the long-awaited issue of war 
     reparations and due recognition for their heroic sacrifices 
     and struggle during the Japanese occupation; and
       Whereas, the member nations of the Association of Pacific 
     Island Legislatures recognize the sacrifice and suffering of 
     the people of the Republic of Kiribati and the injustice 
     further inflicted upon them due to the lack of resolution by 
     the governments of Japan and the United States to address war 
     reparations for the people of the Republic of Kiribati: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-
     third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 
     2005, the Senate concurring, that the Legislature of the 
     State of Hawaii strongly supports the government and the 
     people of the Republic of Kiribati in their efforts to 
     address war reparations; and be it further
       Resolved, that certified copies of this Concurrent 
     Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United 
     States through the Secretary of State, the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, the Prime Minister of Japan through the 
     Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, the President of the 
     Republic of Kiribati through the Consulate of the Republic of 
     Kiribati in Honolulu, the President of the Association of 
     Pacific Island Legislatures, and the members of Hawaii's 
     congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-123. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Nevada relative to the Community Services Block 
     Grant Program; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions.

                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 13

       Whereas, The Community Services Block Grant program, 
     administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, 
     was created by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act 
     of 1981 and is designed to provide a range of services to 
     address the needs of low-income persons to ameliorate the 
     causes and conditions of poverty; and
       Whereas, The money allocated by the program is used to 
     provide services that assist such persons in attaining the 
     skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to achieve self-
     sufficiency and may also be used to provide the immediate 
     necessities of life such as food, shelter and medicine; and
       Whereas, Throughout the nation, local governments have 
     created more than 1,080 Community Action Agencies as public 
     or private entities to channel the money provided by the 
     Community Services Block Grant program into communities to 
     coordinate resources and empower communities in rural and 
     urban areas; and
       Whereas, In Nevada, each dollar received by Community 
     Action Agencies leverages at least $19 brought in from other 
     sources, and this money is reinvested in the business 
     communities of Nevada, thus enhancing the economic vitality 
     as well as the social fabric of the entire State; and
       Whereas, Using money provided by the Community Services 
     Block Grant program, Community Action Agencies in this State 
     not only assist low-income persons in obtaining employment, 
     training, education, including participation in Head Start, 
     energy assistance, senior services, and health and nutrition 
     benefits, but the Agencies also acquire the infrastructure to 
     develop affordable housing projects, assist first-time home 
     buyers in paying down-payment and closing costs, and help 
     senior citizens repair their homes; and
       Whereas, When such activities relating to housing are 
     considered, the leverage for each federal dollar received by 
     the State of Nevada increases up to $29; and
       Whereas, The proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2006 
     recommends the elimination of the Community Services Block 
     Grant program; and
       Whereas, The elimination of the program would negatively 
     impact not only the residents of Nevada but citizens all 
     across the United States and would significantly hinder the 
     ability of Community Action Agencies and other businesses to 
     improve the economic viability of families and businesses, 
     hurting those in need and lessening their ability to live a 
     decent life; now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada, 
     Jointly, That the members of the 73rd Session of the Nevada 
     Legislature urge Congress to preserve the Community Services 
     Block Grant program as an independent program administered by 
     the Department of Health and Human Services and to 
     appropriate money for the program for Fiscal Year 2006 that 
     meets or exceeds the funding level for Fiscal Year 2005; and 
     be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the Vice President of 
     the United States as the presiding officer of the Senate, the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the 
     Department of Health and Human Services, and each member of 
     the Nevada Congressional Delegation; and be it further
       Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon 
     passage.
                                  ____

       POM-124. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth 
     of Pennsylvania relative to ``Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
     Awareness Month''; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions.

                        House Resolution No. 277

       Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is better 
     known as Lou Gehrig's disease; and
       Whereas, ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease 
     characterized by degeneration of cell bodies of the lower 
     motor neurons in the gray matter of the anterior horns of the 
     spinal cord; and
       Whereas, The initial symptom of ALS is weakness of the 
     skeletal muscles, especially those of the extremities; and
       Whereas, As ALS progresses, the patient experiences 
     difficulty in swallowing, talking and breathing; and
       Whereas, ALS eventually causes muscles to atrophy, and the 
     patient becomes a functional quadriplegic; and
       Whereas, ALS does not affect a patient's mental capacity, 
     so a patient remains alert and aware of the loss of motor 
     functions and the inevitable outcome of continued 
     deterioration and death; and
       Whereas, ALS occurs in adulthood, most commonly between the 
     ages of 40 and 70, with the peak age about 55, and affects 
     men two to three times more often than women; and

[[Page S6822]]

       Whereas, More than 5,600 new ALS patients are diagnosed 
     annually; and
       Whereas, It is estimated that 30,000 Americans may have ALS 
     at any given time; and
       Whereas, On average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive 
     two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and
       Whereas, ALS has no known cause, prevention or cure; and
       Whereas, ``Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness 
     Month'' will increase public awareness of ALS patients 
     circumstances, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease 
     has on patients and families and recognize the research for 
     treatment and cure of ALS: Therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognize the month of May 2005 
     as ``Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month'' in 
     Pennsylvania; and be it further
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives urge the 
     President and Congress of the United States to enact 
     legislation to provide additional funding for ALS research; 
     and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, to the Vice President of 
     the United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, to the members of Congress from Pennsylvania 
     and to the United States Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services.
                                  ____

       POM-125. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Utah relative to the federal No Child Left 
     Behind Act; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
     Pensions.

                      House Joint Resolution No. 3

       Whereas, the state of Utah applauds the laudable goals 
     proposed by the President and the United States Congress and 
     articulated in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, those 
     goals being to close the achievement gap and increased 
     student performance;
       Whereas, these are the same goals the state of Utah has 
     pursued and continues to pursue under the Utah Performance 
     Assessment System for Student (U-PASS), which accounts for 
     individual student growth and the difference among our 
     children;
       Whereas, the stakeholders in public education in the state 
     of Utah are more experienced and have a better understanding 
     of the unique needs of Utah students, evident by the fact 
     that the state has performed above the national average on 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress while 
     maintaining the lowest per pupil expenditures in the nation;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind greatly expends the reach of 
     the federal government into the education governance 
     structure in Utah, bypassing critical stakeholders in the 
     policymaking process and dealing directly with individual 
     schools and districts, negating state and local board control 
     and undermining the state's ability to meet its 
     constitutional duty to provide a system of public education 
     in Utah;
       Whereas, prior to No Child Left Behind, the federal 
     government's involvement in education in the state was 
     focused primarily on a small percentage of students, 
     commensurate, with the 7% contribution to the state's 
     aggregate spending on K-12 education;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind greatly expands the authority 
     of the U.S. Department of Education by impacting all students 
     in the state, without a significant increased in its 7% 
     contribution to the state, making the U.S. Department of 
     Education's mandates on public education no longer 
     commensurate with the resources it provided to Utah;
       Whereas, federal funding for No Child Left Behind falls 
     dramatically short of sufficient funds for remedial services 
     for struggling students, and No Child Left Behind therefore 
     requires substantial supplemental state funding;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind represents the greatest 
     federal intrusion in the history of our nation, over what has 
     historically been a right of the states, to direct public 
     education in a way that best fits the needs of individual 
     students;
       Whereas, while No Child Left Behind was appropriately 
     intended, it was nonetheless poorly designed, in that it is 
     too punitive, too prescriptive, and sets unrealistic 
     expectations that demoralize students and educators and 
     confuse the general public;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind contains fundamental 
     conflicts between competing federal education laws that 
     govern the treatment of students with special needs, as well 
     as between federal law and state statutory and constitutional 
     requirements, and is built on inadequate methods for 
     measuring student and school performance;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind may cause unintended 
     consequences to Utah's education system in that it will 
     redirect the allocation of resources, amend state and local 
     curriculum, standards, and assessments, and do more damage in 
     labeling Utah's schools and students than it does to improve 
     student performance, making it a less effective method for 
     Utah to measure student achievement;
       Whereas, No Child Left Behind includes expectations for 
     teacher qualifications that ignore realities in rural 
     settings and in specialty assignments; and
       Whereas, while No Child Left Behind includes provisions, 
     such as Sections 9401 and 9527, that would protect states and 
     provide regulatory relief from concerns raised about its 
     shortcomings, there has been very little effort by the U.S. 
     Department of Education to encourage or allow states to 
     utilize these provisions: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Legislature of the state of Utah 
     recognizes that the Legislature, the Utah State Board of 
     Education, and local boards of education have an 
     understanding of Utah's schools that surpasses that of 
     federal government entities in terms of missions, needs, 
     goals, and values of those schools; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that the U-PASS 
     should be the basis by which students and schools in Utah 
     will be assessed and monitored; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that in order to 
     increase student achievement, Utah should utilize competency-
     measured education and student growth measurements as 
     described in U-PASS and Utah State Senate bill 154, 2003 
     General Session; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that the state 
     should control its public education budget and allocate 
     education dollars according to Utah's priorities and needs, 
     driven by decision-making of local school boards; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that until and 
     unless the federal government substantially amends No Child 
     Left Behind, extends waiver authority under Section 9401 to 
     acknowledge that Utah is complying with the intent and spirit 
     of the law through U-PASS, and that the federal government 
     provides funding commensurate with what an independent 
     analysis of implementation costs indicates is required to 
     fully implement the law or the Congress significantly alters 
     the law such that control of public education is fully 
     restored to our state, Utah should utilize its own proven 
     system of student accountability and reassert its historic 
     leadership role in providing a quality public education for 
     its citizens; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     Utah State Board of Education, each of Utah's local boards of 
     education, the United States Department of Education, and to 
     the members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-126. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Hawaii relative to the Even Start Family 
     Literacy Program; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions.

                  House Concurrent Resolution No. 208

       Whereas, the federal Even Start Family Literacy Program 
     (Literacy Program) (Title I, Part B, subpart 3 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) was first 
     authorized in 1988 with an appropriation of $14,800,000; and
       Whereas, the Literacy Program became state-administered in 
     1992 at which time the appropriation exceeded $50,000,000; 
     and
       Whereas, the Literacy Program was most recently 
     reauthorized by the Learning Involves Families Together 
     (LIFT) Act of 2000 and the federal No Child Left Behind 
     (NCLB) Act of 2001; and
       Whereas, the Literacy Program offers hope for breaking the 
     intergenerational cycle of poverty and poor literacy rates 
     that afflict the nation by embracing the whole family as 
     pupils and incorporating four core components as follows: 
     early childhood education; adult literacy; parenting 
     education; and interactive literacy activities between 
     parents and their children;
       Whereas, the Literacy Program is designed to help parents 
     from low-income families improve their own education skills 
     and vocational opportunities, making them more effective 
     parents and improving the academic achievement of their young 
     children, by: building on existing community resources of 
     high quality; promoting the academic achievement of children 
     and adults; incorporating research-based practices into the 
     instructional programs for adults and children; promoting 
     healthy relationships and interaction between children and 
     adults; and helping children and adults meet the state's 
     challenging content standards; and
       Whereas, the Literacy Program at Blanche Pope Elementary 
     School in Waimanalo and at other sites in Hawaii has 
     successfully helped Literacy Program partners integrate their 
     efforts into a more unified, effective, and accountable 
     system than the previously fragmented adult and family-
     focused services; and
       Whereas, the Literacy Program, such as the one at Blanche 
     Pope Elementary School in Waimanalo, is a state-administered 
     discretionary program; and
       Whereas, the goals of raising quality and accountability in 
     family education under the LIFT Act of 2000 and the NCLB Act 
     of 2001 are being achieved in Hawaii; and
       Whereas, the President of the United States, in his public 
     comments and proposed budget to Congress, has expressed a 
     loss of confidence in, or concern for, the Literacy Program; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-
     third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 
     2005, the Senate concurring, that the Legislature urges the 
     President of the United States, the United States Congress, 
     and the United States Department of Education to continue 
     funding the Even Start Family Literacy Program; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That certified copies of this Concurrent 
     Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United 
     States, Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives,

[[Page S6823]]

     President of the United States Senate, Secretary of the 
     United States Department of Education, and Members of 
     Hawaii's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-127. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relative to ``Amyotrophic 
     Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month''; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                        Senate Resolution No. 96

       Whereas, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is better 
     known as Lou Gehrig's disease; and
       Whereas, ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease 
     characterized by degeneration of cell bodies of the lower 
     motor neurons in the gray matter of the anterior horns of the 
     spinal cord; and
       Whereas, The initial symptom of ALS is weakness of the 
     skeletal muscles, especially those of the extremities; and
       Whereas, As ALS progresses, the patient experiences 
     difficulty in swallowing, talking and breathing; and
       Whereas, ALS eventually causes muscles to atrophy, and the 
     patient becomes a functional quadriplegic; and
       Whereas, ALS does not affect a patient's mental capacity, 
     so a patient remains alert and aware of the loss of motor 
     functions and the inevitable outcome of continued 
     deterioration and death; and
       Whereas, ALS occurs in adulthood, most commonly between the 
     ages of 40 and 70, with the peak age about 55, and affects 
     men two to three times more often than women; and
       Whereas, More than 5,000 new ALS patients are diagnosed 
     annually; and
       Whereas, On average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive 
     two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and
       Whereas, ALS has no known cause, prevention or cure; and
       Whereas, ``Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness 
     Month'' will increase public awareness of ALS patients' 
     circumstances, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease 
     has on patients and families and recognize the research for 
     treatment and cure of ALS: Therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate of the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania recognize the month of May 2005 as ``Amyotrophic 
     Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month'' in Pennsylvania; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, That the Senate urge the President and Congress 
     of the United States to enact legislation to provide 
     additional funding for ALS research, and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the President of the United States, to the Vice President of 
     the United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, to the members of Congress from Pennsylvania 
     and to the United States Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services.
                                  ____

       POM-128. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of California relative to Equal Pay Day; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

                       Senate Joint Resolution 7

       Whereas, Forty-two years after the passage of the Federal 
     Equal Pay Act of 1963 and forty-one years after the passage 
     of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, 
     American women continue to suffer disparities in wages that 
     cannot be accounted for by age, education, or work 
     experience; and
       Whereas, According to statistics released in 2004 by the 
     U.S. Census Bureau, year-round, full-time working women in 
     2003 earned only 76% of the earnings of year-round, full-time 
     working men, indicating little change or progress in pay 
     equity; and,
       Whereas, A General Accounting Office report on women's 
     earnings shows that there exists an inexplicable wage gap of 
     approximately 20 percent between men and women, even after 
     taking into account work experience, education, occupation, 
     industry of current employment, and other demographic and job 
     characteristics; and
       Whereas, Since, the passage of the Equal Pay Act, the gap 
     has narrowed by less than half, from 41 cents per dollar to 
     22 cents, and research by the Institute for Women's Policy 
     Research finds that recent change is due in large part to 
     men's real wages falling, not women's wages rising; and
       Whereas, California ranks fifth among all states in equal 
     pay, yet it ranks 39th among all states in progress in 
     closing the hourly wage gap, and at the current rate of 
     change California working women will not have equal pay for 
     another 40 years; and
       Whereas, The consequences of the wage gap reach beyond 
     working women and extend to their families and the economy to 
     the extent that; in 1999, even after accounting for 
     differences, in education, age, location, and the number of 
     hours worked, America's working families lost $200 billion of 
     annual income to the wage gap, with an average of $4,000 per 
     family; and
       Whereas, Women play a crucial role in maintaining the 
     financial well-being of their families by providing 
     significant percentage of their household incomes and, in 
     many cases, women head their own households; and
       Whereas, Pay inequity results in a higher poverty rate for 
     women, particularly in women-headed households, as evidenced 
     by figures from the McAuley Institute which indicate that for 
     families that are headed by a woman and have children under 
     the age of five years, the poverty rate is an astonishing 
     46.4 percent; and
       Whereas, Women currently comprise 48 percent of the labor 
     force; and
       Whereas, Educated women are not exempt from pay disparity; 
     and
       Whereas, In 2001 the average income for a woman with a 
     bachelor's degree was 24 percent lower than that of a man 
     with the same level of education--$32,238 versus $42,292; and
       Whereas, The wage gap is also prevalent within minority 
     communities, as shown by a 2002 report that African-American 
     women earned 91 percent of what African-American men earned, 
     and Hispanic women earned 88 percent of what Hispanic men 
     earned; and
       Whereas, Even in professions in which women comprise a 
     majority of workers, such as nursing and teaching, men earn 
     an average of 20 percent more than women working in these 
     same occupations; and
       Whereas, According to the data analysis of over 300 job 
     classifications provided by the United States Department of 
     Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are paid less in 
     every occupational classification for which sufficient 
     information is available; and
       Whereas, The average 25-year-old woman who works fulltime, 
     year round, is projected to earn $523,000 less over the 
     course of her career than the average 25-year-old man who 
     works full time, year round; and
       Whereas, If women were paid the same as men who work the 
     same number of hours, have the same education and same union 
     status, are the same age, and live in the same region of the 
     country, then the annual family income, of each of these 
     women would rise by $4,000, and the number of families who 
     live below the poverty line would be reduced by half; and
       Whereas, The wage gap continues to affect women in their 
     senior years as lower wages result in lower pensions and 
     incomes after, retirement, and affect a woman's ability to 
     save, thereby contributing to a higher poverty rate for 
     elderly women; and
       Whereas, Half of all older women with income from a private 
     pension receive less than $5,600 per year, as compared with 
     $10,340 per year for older men; and
       Whereas, Men live an average of 77 years and women live an 
     average of 81.7 years; and
       Whereas, Assuming men and women retire at age 65; men will 
     rely on their state pensions to help them through 12 years of 
     life, while a woman's pension will have to last 16.7 years; 
     and
       Whereas, There is a greater likelihood that a female worker 
     would outlive her defined contribution plan; and
       Whereas, It is estimated that it would cost a man $654,000 
     to purchase an annuity based on 25 years of service and a 
     $6,000 final-month salary, while it would cost a woman over 
     $700,000 to purchase the same annuity with the same monthly 
     benefits; and
       Whereas, if both a man and a woman invested $750,000 in 
     this same annuity, it is estimated the women would receive a 
     little under $3,420 per month while the man would receive 
     $3,670, or a 7-percent difference: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of 
     California, jointly, That the Legislature hereby declares 
     April 19, 2004, to be ``Equal Pay Day'' in California and 
     urges California citizens to recognize the full' value and 
     worth of women and their contributions to the California 
     workforce; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Legislature respectfully, urges the 
     Congress of the United States to protect the fundamental 
     right of all American women to receive equal pay, for equal 
     work, and to continue to provide more effective remedies to 
     victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the 
     basis of sex; and be it further
       Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies 
     of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the 
     United States, to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, and to 
     each Senator and Representative from California in the 
     Congress of the United States.
                                  ____

       POM-129. A concurrent resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Louisiana 
     relative to the federal estate tax; to the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

                   House Concurrent Resolution No. 94

       Whereas, under tax relief legislation passed in 2001, the 
     estate tax was temporarily phased out but not permanently 
     eliminated; and
       Whereas, farmers and other small business owners will face 
     losing their farms and businesses if the federal government 
     resumes the heavy taxation of citizens at death; and
       Whereas, this is a tax that is particularly damaging to 
     families who are working their way up the ladder and trying 
     to accumulate wealth for the first time; and
       Whereas, employees suffer layoffs when small and medium 
     businesses are liquidated to pay estate taxes; and
       Whereas, if the estate tax had been repealed in 1996, the 
     United States economy would have realized billions of dollars 
     each year in extra output, and an average of one hundred 
     forty-five thousand additional new jobs would have been 
     created; and
       Whereas, having repeatedly passed in the United States 
     House of Representatives and Senate, repeal of the estate tax 
     holds wide bipartisan support: and therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States of America to 
     take such actions as are necessary to work to abolish the 
     federal estate tax permanently; and be it further

[[Page S6824]]

       Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives of the Congress of the United States of 
     America and to each member of the Louisiana congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-130. A concurrent memorial adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Arizona 
     relative to sending federal funds directly to the Arizona 
     Legislature for appropriation and oversight; to the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

                     House Concurrent Memorial 2009

       Whereas, the State of Arizona receives nearly $6 billion in 
     federal grant funds each year; and
       Whereas, currently, the bulk of these federal funds that 
     flow into state government are sent directly from federal 
     agencies to state agencies and local governments; and
       Whereas, the current system of distribution of federal 
     funds gives the state legislature little input into how the 
     funds are received, allocated or spent; and
       Whereas, the direct allocation of federal funds, including 
     funds that have been earmarked by the federal government for 
     a specific purpose at the state level, to the legislature 
     would give the legislature appropriation authority over those 
     funds and would provide additional financial and programmatic 
     information necessary to make more informed budgeting 
     decisions. Wherefore your memorialist, the House of 
     Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate 
     concurring, prays:
       1. That the Congress of the United States send federal 
     funds directly to the Arizona Legislature for appropriation 
     and oversight.
       2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State 
     of Arizona.
                                  ____

       POM-131. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to the permanent repeal of the Federal Inheritance 
     Tax; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.

                           House Resolution 2

       Whereas, under tax relief legislation passed in 2001, the 
     Federal Inheritance Tax, or death tax, was temporarily phased 
     out but not permanently eliminated;
       Whereas, farmers and other small business owners will face 
     losing their farms and businesses if the federal government 
     resumes the heavy taxation of citizens at death;
       Whereas, the death tax is particularly damaging to families 
     who are working hard to accumulate wealth for the first time;
       Whereas, employees suffer layoffs when small and medium 
     businesses are liquidated to pay death taxes;
       Whereas, if the death tax had been repealed in 1996, the 
     United States economy would have realized billions of dollars 
     each year in extra output and an average of 145,000 
     additional new jobs would have been created; and
       Whereas, having repeatedly passed in the United States 
     House of Representatives and the United States Senate, repeal 
     of the death tax holds wide bipartisan support: Now 
     Therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the state of 
     Utah requests that Utah's congressional delegation support, 
     work to pass, and vote for the immediate and permanent repeal 
     of the death tax; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-132. A concurrent resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Louisiana 
     relative to authorizing state governors to proclaim that the 
     United States flag be flown at half-staff upon the death of a 
     member of the United States armed forces from their 
     respective states who died on active duty; to the Committee 
     on the Judiciary.

                  House Concurrent Resolution No. 117

       Whereas, according to Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of 
     the United States Code, in the event of the death of a 
     present or former official of the government of any state, 
     territory, or possession of the United States, the governor 
     of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the 
     national flag shall be flown at half-staff; and
       Whereas, it is only fitting that the United States Code 
     also authorize a state governor to proclaim that the flag 
     shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of members of the 
     United States armed forces from that state who have given 
     their lives for their country; and
       Whereas, the long-held tradition of lowering of the flag to 
     half-staff in periods of recognition of the deceased would be 
     an appropriate way to pay respect to the memories of these 
     honorable men and women; and
       Whereas, the valor displayed by fallen members of the 
     military in the defense of democratic ideals and the right of 
     free people to live in peaceful coexistence with their 
     neighbors is a proud example of the American spirit in which 
     all Louisianians take great pride; and
       Whereas, flying the flag at half-staff would serve as a 
     solemn and suitable reminder of the heroism of those who have 
     made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom; and therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 
     memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions 
     as are necessary to amend the United States Code to authorize 
     state governors to proclaim that the United States flag shall 
     be flown at half-staff upon the death of a member of the 
     United States armed forces from their respective states who 
     died on active duty; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 
     the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives of the Congress of the United States of 
     America and to each member of the Louisiana congressional 
     delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-133. A concurrent memorial adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Arizona 
     relative to the amending the Constitution of the United 
     States concerning marriage; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

                     House Concurrent Memorial 2005

       Whereas, the union of man and woman in marriage has been 
     recognized as the foundation of society since the beginning 
     of time; and
       Whereas, marriage between one man and one woman 
     substantially and undeniably benefits the individuals 
     involved, any children resulting from the union and society 
     at large; and
       Whereas, the founders of our country decreed marriage 
     between a man and a woman to be ``the highest and most 
     blessed of relationships''; and
       Whereas, nearly three-fourths of the states already have 
     enacted laws to define marriage as being only between a man 
     and a woman and the federal government enacted the Defense of 
     Marriage Act in 1996; and
       Whereas, seventeen states have adopted amendments to their 
     constitutions to protect the definition of marriage as being 
     only between a man and a woman; and
       Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona view with 
     growing concern attempts to change the definition of marriage 
     through judicial action, including, most recently, rulings by 
     the courts in Canada, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 
     the State of Washington; and
       Whereas, in addition to simply stating that marriage in the 
     United States consists of the union of a male and a female, 
     an amendment to the Constitution of the United States ensures 
     the democratic process by allowing the states to establish 
     their own policy in the area of marital benefits, including 
     privileges associated with marriage.
       Wherefore your memorialist, the House of Representatives of 
     the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring, prays:
       1. That, pursuant to article V of the Constitution of the 
     United States, the Congress of the United States propose an 
     amendment to the Constitution of the United States, to be 
     ratified by the legislatures or by conventions in three-
     fourths of the several states, stating that marriage in the 
     United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a 
     woman.
       2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit a copy of this Memorial to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State 
     of Arizona.
                                  ____

       POM-134. A resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Utah 
     relative to the support of the United States Senate for the 
     President's Supreme Court nominees; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.

                           House Resolution 4

       Whereas, Article II, Section 2 of the United States 
     Constitution states the President ``shall nominate, and by 
     and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint 
     Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of 
     the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United 
     States'';
       Whereas, there is a high likelihood of at least one vacancy 
     on the United States Supreme Court during the 109th Congress;
       Whereas, activist judges on some federal courts have 
     frustrated the constitutional structure which prescribes that 
     laws shall be written by elected legislatures;
       Whereas, President Bush has expressed his commitment to 
     appoint federal judges who will strictly interpret the United 
     States Constitution; and
       Whereas, in the past, a minority of Senators has used 
     dilatory tactics to prevent a Senate floor vote on several of 
     President Bush's judicial nominees, all of whom were reported 
     favorably by the United States Senate Committee on the 
     Judiciary; and now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the state of 
     Utah requests that the United States Senate move quickly to 
     confirm all presidential nominations to the United States 
     Supreme Court; and be it further
       Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the 
     Majority Leader of the United States Senate and to the 
     members of Utah's congressional delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-135. A joint resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
     the State of Maine relative to allowing Poland's citizens to 
     travel in the United States without visas; to the Committee 
     on the Judiciary.

                            Joint Resolution

       Whereas the visa waiver program was established under 8 
     United States Code, Section 1187 to provide under certain 
     conditions a visa waiver to citizens of certain countries; 
     and

[[Page S6825]]

       Whereas 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 217.2 (2005) 
     delineates the specific requirements of the visa waiver 
     program, including the list of countries whose citizens may 
     take advantage of its provisions; and
       Whereas the list of countries allowed to have the visa 
     requirement waived includes Andorra, Australia, Austria, 
     Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, 
     Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the 
     Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, 
     Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the 
     United Kingdom; and
       Whereas citizens from Poland are still required to go 
     through the visa process, despite the change in circumstances 
     of that nation during the last 15 years and its being a 
     staunch ally of the United States; and
       Whereas since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Poland has 
     been a free and democratic nation and is a member of the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization, known as NATO, and is an 
     indispensable ally to our own Nation, actively participating 
     in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Iraqi reconstruction with 
     troops serving alongside American soldiers; and
       Whereas the President of the United States, George W. Bush, 
     and other high-ranking officials in our government have 
     described Poland as one of our best allies; and
       Whereas many Polish citizens wanting to visit the United 
     States are relatives of American citizens and they face major 
     impediments in the visa process, while Americans going to 
     Poland have had the visa requirement waived for them since 
     1991; and
       Whereas in view of the enormous strides that Poland has 
     made in democratic reform and the new status of Poland as a 
     major ally of the United States, as firm and staunch as our 
     oldest allies who have had the visa requirement waived: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, respectfully urge 
     that Poland be included in the United States Department of 
     Homeland Security's visa waiver program as codified in 8 Code 
     of Federal Regulations, Section 217.2; and be it further
       Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States, 
     the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, the Speaker 
     of the United States House of Representatives and the 
     President of the United States Senate and to each Member of 
     the Maine Congressional Delegation.
                                  ____

       POM-136. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature 
     of the State of Hawaii relative to conferring veterans' 
     benefits on Filipino veterans of World War II; to the 
     Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                    House Concurrent Resolution 249

       Whereas approximately 142,000 Philippine nationals were 
     inducted into the United States armed forces in 1941, when 
     their country was under American control; and
       Whereas Filipino soldiers fought bravely beside American 
     troops to restore liberty and democracy to their homeland by 
     volunteering as spies, serving as guerrillas in the jungles, 
     and fighting in American units in the war against Japan; and
       Whereas these soldiers exhibited great courage at the 
     battles of Corregidor and Bataan, and their bravery and self-
     sacrifice contributed to the Allied victory in World War II; 
     and
       Whereas the United States promised Filipino solders the 
     same benefits as American soldiers, then rescinded that 
     promise five years later; and
       Whereas the Legislature finds that the United States should 
     honor its promise to the Filipino veterans; and
       Whereas Filipino interest groups estimate that there are 
     approximately 58,000 Filipino World War II veterans still 
     alive, 12,000 of them living in the United States; and
       Whereas time is running out for the United States to 
     correct the injustice committed against Filipino World War II 
     veterans as most are now elderly and frail, and approximately 
     eight die per day based on 2004 mortality statistics from the 
     United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and
       Whereas there are several measures pending in Congress that 
     propose to confer veterans' benefits on Filipino veterans of 
     World War II; and
       Whereas these legislative measures include S. 146, H.R. 
     302, and H.R. 170; and
       Whereas S. 146 and H.R. 302, (Filipino Veterans Equity Act 
     of 2005), amend Title 38 of the United States Code to deem 
     certain service in the organized military forces of the 
     Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the 
     Philippine Scouts to be active service for purposes of 
     benefits under programs administered by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs; and
       Whereas under H.R. 170, (Filipino Veterans Fairness Act) 
     Filipino World War II veterans who became United States 
     citizens or legal aliens are entitled to service-connected 
     disability payments, vocational rehabilitation, and housing 
     loans; Filipino World War II veterans residing in the 
     Philippines are entitled to out-patient health care; and 
     veterans' spouses and dependents are entitled to educational 
     and vocational assistance; and
       Whereas passage of these measures will mean official 
     recognition of Filipino veterans as American veterans, who 
     will become eligible for veterans' benefits such as health 
     care, disability compensation, pension, burial, housing 
     loans, education, and vocational rehabilitation: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-
     third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 
     2005, the Senate concurring, that the United States Congress 
     is urged to support and pass legislation conferring veterans' 
     benefits on Filipino World War II veterans; and be it further
       Resolved, That certified copies of this Concurrent 
     Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United 
     States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, and the members of Hawaii's delegation to 
     the Congress of the United States.
                                  ____

       POM-137. A resolution adopted by the Lexington-Fayette 
     Urban County Government, relative to the Community 
     Development Block Grant Program; to the Committee on Banking, 
     Housing, and Urban Affairs.
       POM-138. A resolution adopted by the Municipal Legislature 
     of Moca, Puerto Rico relative to the opposition of the 
     elimination of the Community Development Block Grant Program, 
     and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, 
     and Urban Affairs.
       POM-139. A resolution adopted by the City Counsel of the 
     City of Oceanside, California relative to the funding of 
     Amtrak; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation.
       POM-140. A resolution adopted by the Passaic County (New 
     Jersey) Board of Chosen Freeholders relative to the Passaic 
     River Restoration Initiative; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       POM-141. A resolution adopted by the Mayor and Municipal 
     Council of the City of Clifton, New Jersey relative to the 
     Passaic River Restoration Initiative; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.

                          ____________________