[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11113-S11116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS

  The following communications were laid before the Senate, together 
with accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as 
indicated:

       EC-2890. A communication from the Under Secretary of 
     Defense (Acquisition and Technology), transmitting, pursuant 
     to law, an annual report on the Mentor-Protege Program for 
     fiscal year 2006; to the Committee on Armed Services.
       EC-2891. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting,

[[Page S11114]]

     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of Implementation Plans; South Carolina: 
     Revisions to Ambient Air Quality Standards'' (FRL No. 8457-2) 
     received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       EC-2892. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 
     ``Pyriproxyfen; Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8142-4) 
     received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       EC-2893. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Revisions to 
     Consolidated Federal Air Rule'' (FRL No. 8459-5) received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.
       EC-2894. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Revisions to 
     the California State Implementation Plan, South Coast Air 
     Quality Management District'' (FRL No. 8452-1) received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.
       EC-2895. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Revisions to 
     the California State Implementation Plan, Sacramento 
     Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and San Joaquin 
     Valley Air Pollution Control District Technical Amendment'' 
     (FRL No. 8458-9) received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2896. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Two Optional 
     Methods for Relative Accuracy Test Audits of Mercury 
     Monitoring Systems Installed on Combustion Flue Gas Streams 
     and Several Amendments to Related Mercury Monitoring 
     Provisions'' (FRL No. 8459-8) received on August 27, 2007; to 
     the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2897. A communication from the Acting Deputy Director, 
     Endangered Species Program, Department of the Interior, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 
     ``Final Rule to Remove the Idaho Springsnail From the Federal 
     List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife'' (RIN1018-AU66) 
     received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       EC-2898. A communication from the Acting Assistant 
     Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant 
     to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Endangered and 
     Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical 
     Habitat for Catesbaea Melanocarpa'' (RIN1018-AU76) received 
     on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works.
       EC-2899. A communication from the Acting Assistant 
     Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant 
     to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Endangered and 
     Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical 
     Habitat for Hine's Emerald Dragonfly'' (RIN1018-AU74) 
     received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       EC-2900. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; 
     Connecticut; Establishment of Interim Progress for the Annual 
     Fine Particle National Ambient Air Quality Standard'' (FRL 
     No. 8461-5) received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2901. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Flusilazole; 
     Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions'' (FRL No. 
     8138-6) received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2902. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Flutriafol; 
     Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8135-6) received 
     on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works.
       EC-2903. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Propylene 
     Oxide; Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8143-9) received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.
       EC-2904. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Spinosad; 
     Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8142-1) received on August 27, 
     2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2905. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of 
     Colorado; Revised Denver and Longmont Carbon Monoxide 
     Maintenance Plans, and Approval of Related Revisions'' (FRL 
     No. 8453-5) received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2906. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arizona-Phoenix PM-10 
     Nonattainment Area; Salt River Area Plan for Attainment of 
     the 24-hour PM-10 Standard'' (FRL No. 8446-1) received on 
     August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.
       EC-2907. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Idaho and Washington; 
     Interstate Transport of Pollution; Withdrawal of Direct Final 
     Rule'' (FRL No. 8456-3) received on August 16, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2908. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Approval and 
     Promulgation of State Plan for Designated Facilities and 
     Pollutants: Louisiana; Clean Air Mercury Rule'' (FRL No. 
     8455-3) received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2909. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Arkansas: 
     Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management 
     Program Revision'' (FRL No. 8455-5) received on August 16, 
     2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2910. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Buprofezin; 
     Pesticide Tolerance; Technical Correction'' (FRL No. 8140-9) 
     received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works.
       EC-2911. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Cis-isomer 
     of 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane 
     chloride; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance'' 
     (FRL No. 8122-3) received on August 16, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2912. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Fipronil; 
     Pesticide Tolerances'' (FRL No. 8142-6) received on August 
     16, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2913. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Lambda-
     Cyhalothrin; Pesticide Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8143-1) received 
     on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works.
       EC-2914. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Louisiana: 
     Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management 
     Program Revision'' (FRL No. 8455-9) received on August 16, 
     2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2915. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``New Mexico: 
     Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management 
     Program Revision'' (FRL No. 8455-6) received on August 16, 
     2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
       EC-2916. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Economics and 
     Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Zucchini 
     Yellow Mosaic Virus-Weak Strain; Exemption from the 
     Requirement of a Tolerance'' (FRL No. 8137-9) received on 
     August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works.
       EC-2917. A communication from the Chairman, U.S. 
     International Trade Commission, transmitting, pursuant to 
     law, a report entitled, ``The Year in Trade 2006''; to the 
     Committee on Finance.

[[Page S11115]]

       EC-2918. A communication from the Chairman, Medicare 
     Payment Advisory Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, a 
     report entitled, ``2007 Data Book: Healthcare Spending and 
     the Medicare Program''; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2919. A communication from the Regulations Coordinator, 
     Office of Financial Management, Department of Health and 
     Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Medicaid Program and State Children's 
     Health Insurance Program; Payment Error Rate Measurement'' 
     ((RIN0938-AN77) (Docket No. CMS-6026-F)) received on August 
     31, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2920. A communication from the Regulations Coordinator, 
     Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of 
     Health and Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 
     report of a rule entitled ``Medicare Program, Hospice Wage 
     Index For Fiscal Year 2008'' ((RIN0938-AO72) (Docket No. CMS-
     1539-F)) received on August 31, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2921. A communication from the Regulations Coordinator, 
     Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of 
     Health and Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 
     report of a rule entitled ``Medicare Program; Physicians' 
     Referrals to Health Care Entities With Which They Have 
     Financial Relationships'' ((RIN0938-AK67) (Docket No. CMS-
     1810-F)) received on August 31, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2922. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Section 1045 Application to Partnerships'' 
     ((RIN1545-BC67) (TD 9353)) received on August 17, 2007; to 
     the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2923. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Expenses for Household and Dependent Care 
     Services Necessary for Gainful Employment'' ((RIN1545-BB86) 
     (TD 9354)) received on August 17, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2924. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Disregarded Entities; Employment and Excise 
     Taxes'' ((RIN1545-BE43) (TD 9356)) received on August 17, 
     2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2925. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Transaction of Interest--Contribution of 
     Successor Member Interest'' (Notice 2007-72) received on 
     August 17, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2926. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Regulations Under Section 6655 Regarding 
     Estimated Tax Payments by Corporations'' ((RIN1545-AY22) (TD 
     9347)) received on August 7, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2927. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Weighted Average Interest Rate Update'' 
     (Notice 2007-68) received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Finance.
       EC-2928. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Elimination of Country-by-Country Reporting 
     to Shareholders of Foreign Taxes Paid by Regulated Investment 
     Companies'' (TD 9357) received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Finance.
       EC-2929. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Examination and Closing Procedures for Form 
     8697, Look-Back Interest'' (LMSB-04-0207-048) received on 
     August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2930. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Modification of Notice 2003-81'' (Notice 
     2007-71) received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2931. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``2007 National Pool'' (Rev. Proc. 2007-55) 
     received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2932. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Biotech Industry Overview Guide'' (LMSB-04-
     0207-019) received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2933. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Notice on Low Normal Retirement Age'' 
     (Notice 2007-69) received on August 16, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Finance.
       EC-2934. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Revenue Procedure: Examination of Returns 
     and Claims for Refund, Credit, or Abatement; Determination of 
     Tax Liability'' (Rev. Proc. 2007-58) received on August 27, 
     2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2935. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Food Industry Overview Guide'' (LMSB-04-
     0207-018) received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2936. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Domestic Production Deduction Industry 
     Director Directive'' (LMSB-04-0707-049) received on August 
     27, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2937. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Clarification of Section 6411 Regulations'' 
     ((RIN1545-BF66) (TD 9355)) received on August 27, 2007; to 
     the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2938. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Pharmaceutical Industry Overview Guide'' 
     (LMSB-04-0207-010) received on August 16, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Finance.
       EC-2939. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Update to Notice 2006-89--Section 906 of 
     the Pension Protection Act of 2006'' (Notice 2007-67) 
     received on August 16, 2007; to the Committee on Finance.
       EC-2940. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Update of Rev. Rul. 94-62'' (Rev. Rul. 
     2007-58) received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Finance.
       EC-2941. A communication from the Chief of the Publications 
     and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department 
     of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of 
     a rule entitled ``Applicable Federal Rates--September 2007'' 
     (Rev. Rul. 2007-57) received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Finance.
       EC-2942. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the certification of a 
     proposed agreement for the transfer of hardware, technical 
     data, and defense services to Canada for the NIMIQ 5/6/5R 
     Satellites Program; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2943. A communication from the Assistant Legal Adviser 
     for Treaty Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, two agreements between the American 
     Institute in Taiwan and American organizations; to the 
     Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2944. A communication from the Assistant Legal Adviser 
     for Treaty Affairs, Department of State, transmitting, 
     pursuant to the Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, 
     the report of the texts and background statements of 
     international agreements, other than treaties (List 2007-
     161--2007-180); to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2945. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the certification of a 
     proposed technical assistance agreement for the export of 
     technical data, defense services and defense articles 
     relating to the maintenance of the C-130 fleet of Saudi 
     Arabia; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2946. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the certification of a 
     proposed license for the export of technical data, defense 
     services and defense articles for the manufacture of 25MM 
     Turrets for Kuwait; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2947. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the certification of a 
     proposed technical assistance agreement for the export of 
     technical data, defense services and defense articles to 
     support repair and modification of Singapore's AH-64D 
     helicopters; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2948. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the 
     effectiveness of UN efforts to prevent sexual exploitation 
     and abuse in its peacekeeping missions; to the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations.
       EC-2949. A communication from the Secretary of State, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the Joint Strategic Plan of 
     the Department and the U.S. Agency for International 
     Development for fiscal years 2007 to 2012; to the Committee 
     on Foreign Relations.
       EC-2950. A communication from the Assistant Secretary, 
     Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of 
     Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule

[[Page S11116]]

     entitled ``Amendments to Civil Penalties under ERISA Section 
     502(c)(7)'' (RIN1210-AB23) received on August 11, 2007; to 
     the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2951. A communication from the Deputy Assistant 
     Secretary, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, 
     Department of Labor, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 
     report of a rule entitled ``Affirmative Action and 
     Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and 
     Subcontractors Regarding Disabled Veterans, Recently 
     Separated Veterans, Other Protected Veterans, and Armed 
     Forces Service Medal Veterans'' (RIN1215-AB46) received on 
     August 11, 2007; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2952. A communication from the Deputy Director, Pension 
     Benefit Guaranty Corporation, transmitting, pursuant to law, 
     the report of a rule entitled ``Benefits Payable in 
     Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Allocation of Assets in 
     Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing and 
     Paying Benefits'' (29 CFR Parts 4022 and 4044) received on 
     August 8, 2007; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions.
       EC-2953. A communication from the Human Resources 
     Specialist, Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
     Administration and Management, Department of Labor, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for 
     the position of Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, 
     received on August 3, 2007; to the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2954. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for 
     Civil Rights, Department of Education, transmitting, pursuant 
     to law, the annual report of the Office of Civil Rights for 
     fiscal year 2006; to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2955. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for 
     Administration and Management, Department of Labor, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the 
     Department's inventory of inherently governmental and 
     commercial activities for fiscal year 2006; to the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2956. A communication from the Acting White House 
     Liaison, Department of Education, transmitting, pursuant to 
     law, the report of a vacancy in the position of Assistant 
     Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
     received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2957. A communication from the Acting White House 
     Liaison, Department of Education, transmitting, pursuant to 
     law, the report of the designation of an acting officer for 
     the position of Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
     Rehabilitative Services, received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2958. A communication from the White House Liaison, 
     Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting, 
     pursuant to law, the report of a vacancy and nomination for 
     the position of Assistant Secretary for Children and 
     Families, received on August 27, 2007; to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2959. A communication from the President of the United 
     States, transmitting, pursuant to law, the District of 
     Columbia's Budget Request Act for fiscal year 2008; to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
       EC-2960. A communication from the Director, Strategic Human 
     Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 
     ``5 CFR Part 990'' (RIN3206-AJ97) received on August 8, 2007; 
     to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.
       EC-2961. A communication from the Director, Strategic Human 
     Resources Policy Division, Office of Personnel Management, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 
     ``Extension of Eligibility for Presidential Rank Awards to 
     Employees in Senior-Level and Scientific-Professional 
     Positions'' (RIN3206-AJ65) received on August 8, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
       EC-2962. A communication from the District of Columbia 
     Auditor, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled, 
     ``Letter Report: Audit of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C 
     for Fiscal Years 2005 through 2007, as of March 31, 2007''; 
     to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.
       EC-2963. A communication from the District of Columbia 
     Auditor, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled, 
     ``Letter Report: Audit of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D 
     for Fiscal Years 2005 Through 2007, as of March 31, 2007''; 
     to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.
       EC-2964. A communication from the District of Columbia 
     Auditor, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled, 
     ``Letter Report: Audit of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B 
     for Fiscal Years 2005 Through 2007, as of March 31, 2007''; 
     to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.
       EC-2965. A communication from the District of Columbia 
     Auditor, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled, 
     ``Letter Report: Audit of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A 
     for Fiscal Years 2005 through 2007, as of March 31, 2007''; 
     to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs.
       EC-2966. A communication from the General Counsel, Office 
     of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, (2) reports relative to 
     vacancy announcements within the Department, received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs.
       EC-2967. A communication from the Chief Counsel, Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 
     ``Federal Emergency Management Agency Touhy Regulations'' 
     ((RIN1660-AA54) (Docket No. FEMA-2007-0006)) received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs.
       EC-2968. A communication from the Associate General Counsel 
     for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a nomination for 
     the position of Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and 
     Chief Medical Officer, received on August 27, 2007; to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
       EC-2969. A communication from the Attorney General, 
     transmitting, pursuant to law, the Department's Strategic 
     Plan for fiscal years 2007 to 2012; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.
       EC-2970. A communication from the Under Secretary of 
     Commerce (Intellectual Property), transmitting, pursuant to 
     law, the report of a rule entitled ``Changes to Practice for 
     Continued Examination Filings, Patent Applications Containing 
     Patentably Indistinct Claims, and Examination of Claims in 
     Patent Applications'' ((RIN0651-AB93) (RIN0651-AB94)) 
     received on August 8, 2007; to the Committee on the 
     Judiciary.
       EC-2971. A communication from the Principal Deputy 
     Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legislative Affairs, 
     Department of Justice, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 
     Bureau of Justice Assistance's annual report for fiscal year 
     2005; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
       EC-2972. A communication from the Deputy Assistant 
     Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, Department of 
     Justice, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule 
     entitled ``Elimination of Exemptions for Chemical Mixtures 
     Containing the List I Chemicals Ephedrine and/or 
     Pseudoephedrine'' (RIN1117-AB11) received on August 27, 2007; 
     to the Committee on the Judiciary.
       EC-2973. A communication from the Deputy White House 
     Liaison, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of 
     Indiana, Department of Justice, transmitting, pursuant to 
     law, the report of a vacancy and the designation of an acting 
     officer for the position of Acting U.S. Attorney, received on 
     August 27, 2007; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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