[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 18976-18979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HUDSON-FULTON-CHAMPLAIN 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION ACT OF 2004

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 2528) to establish the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th 
Commemorative Commission, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2528

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 
     400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2004''

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The first European exploration of the Hudson River and 
     Lake Champlain and the introduction of steam navigation to 
     maritime commerce were events of major historical importance, 
     both in the United States and internationally.
       (2) In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson, acting in service of 
     the Dutch East India Company, was the first European to sail 
     up the river later named for him in the vessel HALF MOON, and 
     French explorer Samuel de Champlain was the first European to 
     see the lake later named for him.
       (3) These voyages were two of the most significant passages 
     in the European exploration and discovery of America, and 
     began two of the earliest contacts in the New World between 
     Native Americans and Europeans.
       (4) These explorations led to the establishment of Fort 
     Orange, a Dutch (and later English) settlement of what is now 
     the capital city of the State of New York, and settlement of 
     French Quebec settlements as far south as Lake George. From 
     these early settlements came an influence on the Nation's 
     history, culture, law, commerce, and traditions of liberty 
     which extends to the present day, and which is constantly 
     reflected in the position of the United States as the leader 
     of the nations of the free world.
       (5) In 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson River from 
     the city of New York to Albany in the steamboat CLERMONT, 
     successfully inaugurating steam navigation on a commercial 
     basis. This event is one of the most important events in the 
     history of navigation. It revolutionized waterborne commerce 
     on the great rivers of the United States, transformed naval 
     warfare, and fostered international relations through 
     transoceanic travel and trade.
       (6) The National Park Service owns and operates significant 
     resources in New York related to the early history of the 
     nation and the Hudson River Valley.
       (7) In 2002, the State of New York established a Hudson-
     Fulton-Champlain Commission.
       (8) In 2003, the State of Vermont established a Lake 
     Champlain Quadricentennial Commission.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish the 
     Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission to--
       (1) ensure a suitable national observance of the Henry 
     Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain 2009 
     anniversaries through cooperation with and assistance to the 
     programs and activities of New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and 
     the commemorative commissions formed by the States;
       (2) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 
     observances provide an excellent visitor experience and 
     beneficial interaction between visitors and the natural and 
     cultural resources of the New York, New Jersey, and Vermont 
     sites;
       (3) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 
     observances are inclusive and appropriately recognize the 
     diverse Hudson River and Lake Champlain communities that 
     developed over four centuries;
       (4) facilitate international involvement in the Hudson-
     Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances;
       (5) support and facilitate marketing efforts for a 
     commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and related 
     activities for the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances; 
     and
       (6) assist in the appropriate development of heritage 
     tourism and economic benefits to the United States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the 
     commemoration of--
       (A) the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's voyage in the 
     CLERMONT;
       (B) the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage in the 
     HALF MOON; and
       (C) the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's voyage.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Hudson-
     Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission established 
     by section 4(a).
       (3) Governors.--The term ``Governors'' means the Governors 
     of the States of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (5) States.--The term ``States''--
       (A) means the States of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont; 
     and
       (B) includes agencies and entities of each such State.

     SEC. 4. HUDSON-FULTON-CHAMPLAIN 400TH COMMEMORATION 
                   COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a commission 
     to be known as the ``Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th 
     Commemoration Commission''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 31 
     members, of whom--
       (A) 3 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after 
     consideration of the recommendations of the Governors;
       (B) 13 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after 
     consideration of the recommendations from the Members of the 
     House of Representatives whose districts encompass the Hudson 
     River Valley and Champlain Valley;
       (C) 6 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after 
     consideration of the recommendations from the Members of the 
     Senate from New York, New Jersey, and Vermont;
       (D) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park 
     Service, of whom--
       (i) one shall be the Director of the National Park Service 
     (or a designee); and

[[Page 18977]]

       (ii) one shall be an employee of the National Park Service 
     having experience relevant to the commemoration, who shall be 
     appointed by the Secretary;
       (E) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary, and 
     shall be an individual knowledgeable of the Hudson River 
     Valley National Heritage Area;
       (F) 6 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, and 
     shall be individuals that have an interest in, support for, 
     and expertise appropriate to, the commemoration;
       (G) one member shall be the chairperson of any 
     commemorative commission formed by New York, or the designee 
     of the chairperson;
       (H) one member shall be the chairperson of any 
     commemorative commission formed by New Jersey, or the 
     designee of the chairperson; and
       (I) one member shall be the chairperson of any 
     commemorative commission formed by Vermont, or the designee 
     of the chairperson.
       (2) Term; vacancies.--
       (A) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed 
     for the life of the Commission.
       (B) Vacancies.--
       (i) In general.--A vacancy on the Commission shall be 
     filled in the same manner in which the original appointment 
     was made.
       (ii) Partial term.--A member appointed to fill a vacancy on 
     the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for 
     which the predecessor of the member was appointed.
       (3) Meetings.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission shall meet--
       (i) at least twice each year; or
       (ii) at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the 
     members of the Commission.
       (B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, 
     the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the 
     Commission.
       (4) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--(A) The Commission 
     shall elect the chairperson and the vice chairperson of the 
     Commission on an annual basis.
       (B) The vice chairperson shall serve as the chairperson in 
     the absence of the chairperson.
       (5) Quorum.--A majority of voting members shall constitute 
     a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.
       (6) Voting.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission shall act only on an 
     affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members of the 
     Commission.
       (B) Nonvoting members.--The individuals appointed under 
     subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I) of paragraph (1) shall be 
     nonvoting members, and shall serve only in an advisory 
     capacity.
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall--
       (A) plan, develop, and execute programs and activities 
     appropriate to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the 
     voyage of Henry Hudson, the first European to sail up the 
     Hudson River, the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert 
     Fulton, the first person to use steam navigation on a 
     commercial basis, the 400th anniversary of the voyage of 
     Samuel de Champlain, the first European to discover and 
     explore Lake Champlain;
       (B) facilitate Hudson-Fulton-Champlain-related activities 
     throughout the United States;
       (C) coordinate its activities with State commemoration 
     commissions and appropriate Federal Government agencies, 
     including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, State, and 
     Transportation, the National Park Service with respect to the 
     Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and the American 
     Heritage Rivers Initiative Interagency Committee established 
     by Executive Order 13061, dated September 11, 1997;
       (D) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, 
     religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the 
     United States to organize and participate in anniversary 
     activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of 
     the significance of the voyages of Henry Hudson, Robert 
     Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain;
       (E) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and 
     nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;
       (F) coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly 
     research on, publication about, and interpretation of, the 
     voyages of Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de 
     Champlain; and
       (G) ensure that the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 
     anniversaries provide a lasting legacy and long-term public 
     benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate 
     programs and facilities.
       (2) Strategic plan and annual performance plans.--The 
     Commission shall prepare a strategic plan in accordance with 
     section 306 of title 5, United States Code, and annual 
     performance plans in accordance with section 1115 of title 
     31, United States Code, for the activities of the Commission 
     carried out under this Act.
       (3) Reports.--
       (A) Annual report.--The Commission shall submit to Congress 
     an annual report that contains a list of each gift, bequest, 
     or devise with a value of more than $250, together with the 
     identity of the donor of each such gift, bequest, or devise.
       (B) Final report.--Not later than September 30, 2010, the 
     Commission shall submit to the Secretary a final report that 
     contains--
       (i) a summary of the activities of the Commission;
       (ii) a final accounting of funds received and expended by 
     the Commission; and
       (iii) the findings and recommendations of the Commission.
       (d) Powers of the Commission.--The Commission may--
       (1) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, 
     or devises of money or other real or personal property for 
     the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the 
     Commission;
       (2) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission 
     determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
       (3) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to 
     take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by 
     this Act;
       (4) procure supplies, services, and property, and make or 
     enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements, to 
     carry out this Act (except that any contracts, leases, or 
     other legal agreements made or entered into by the Commission 
     shall not extend beyond the date of the termination of the 
     Commission);
       (5) use the United States mails in the same manner and 
     under the same conditions as other Federal agencies;
       (6) subject to approval by the Commission, make grants in 
     amounts not to exceed $20,000 to communities, nonprofit 
     organizations, and commemorative commissions formed by the 
     States to develop programs to assist in the commemoration; 
     and
       (7) make grants in amounts not to exceed $20,000 to 
     research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or 
     distribute information relating to the early history of the 
     voyages of Hudson, Fulton, and Champlain.
       (e) Commission Personnel Matters.--
       (1) Compensation of members of the commission.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a 
     member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
       (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is 
     an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to the compensation received 
     for the services of the member as an officer or employee of 
     the Federal Government.
       (C) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from the home or regular place of business 
     of the member in the performance of the duties of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may, 
     without regard to the civil service laws (including 
     regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and 
     such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable 
     the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
       (B) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of 
     an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the 
     Commission.
       (3) Compensation.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of 
     the executive director and other personnel without regard to 
     the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 
     of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of 
     positions and General Schedule pay rates.
       (B) Maximum rate of pay.--The rate of pay for the executive 
     director and other personnel shall not exceed the rate 
     payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 
     5316 of title 5, United States Code.
       (4) Detail of government employees.--
       (A) Federal employees.--
       (i) In general.--At the request of the Commission, the head 
     of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or 
     nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to 
     the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the 
     duties of the Commission under this Act.
       (ii) Civil service status.--The detail of an employee under 
     clause (i) shall be without interruption or loss of civil 
     service status or privilege.
       (B) State employees.--The Commission may--
       (i) accept the services of personnel detailed from States 
     (including subdivisions of States); and
       (ii) reimburse States for services of detailed personnel.
       (5) Volunteer and uncompensated services.--Notwithstanding 
     section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission 
     may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as 
     the Commission determines necessary.
       (6) Support services.--The Director of the National Park 
     Service shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable 
     basis, such administrative support services as the Commission 
     may request.
       (f) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     The Chairperson of the

[[Page 18978]]

     Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services in 
     accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States 
     Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily 
     equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for 
     level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that 
     title.
       (g) FACA Nonapplicability.--Section 14(b) of the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
     Commission.
       (h) No Effect on Authority.--Nothing in this section 
     supersedes the authority of the States or the National Park 
     Service concerning the commemoration.
       (i) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on 
     December 31, 2010, and shall transfer all documents and 
     materials of the Commission to the National Archives or other 
     appropriate Federal entity.

     SEC. 5. AUDIT OF COMMISSION.

       The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior 
     shall perform an annual audit of the Commission and shall 
     make the results of the audit available to the public.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2005 through 2011 to carry out this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).


                             General Leave

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 2528.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself of such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2528, a bill that creates 
another important congressional commission. This measure, introduced by 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), establishes the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission.
  Mr. Speaker, many outside of the northeast may be unfamiliar with the 
honorees of the commission, Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, Samuel de 
Champlain. But this commemoration aims to raise awareness of their 
pioneering contributions.
  In 1609, Henry Hudson of England was the first European to sail up 
the river that would later bear his name. That same year, French 
explorer Samuel de Champlain was the first European to come across the 
lake that is named after him. Nearly 200 years later, in 1807, Robert 
Fulton navigated the Hudson River from the city of New York to Albany 
aboard the steamboat Clermont. This voyage successfully inaugurated 
steam navigation, and is one of the most important events in the 
history of navigation.
  These three events that occurred on these significant waterways 
greatly contributed to western expansion across the New World. I know 
the distinguished Members from New York, New Jersey and Vermont 
strongly support the establishment of this commission, and as a student 
of history, I am pleased to join them today in favor of passage of H.R. 
2528.
  I want to congratulate the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Hinchey) for advancing this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), the author of 
this legislation.
  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to also express my appreciation to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the chairman for their work 
on this legislation and for the way in which it has been brought to the 
floor. I very much appreciate all the consideration that has been given 
to it and the attention it has received.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation, as we have heard, will establish a 
Federal commission to plan, develop and execute programs and activities 
to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson, the 
400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, and the 200th 
anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton. These are events of major 
historical importance both for the United States and for many other 
nations as well.
  In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson, acting in the service of the Dutch 
East India Company, was the first European to sail up the river later 
named for him in the vessel Half Moon, and French explorer Samuel de 
Champlain was the first European to see the lake that was later named 
for him. These voyages were two of the most important passages in the 
European exploration and discovery of North America, and they began two 
of the earliest contacts in the New World between Europeans and Native 
Americans.
  These explorations led to the establishment of Fort Orange by the 
Dutch, which later became the English settlement of Albany, which later 
became the capital of New York State. It also led to French settlements 
as far south as Lake George in New York. From these early settlements 
came an influence on our history, law, culture, commerce and traditions 
of liberty, which extends right down to the present day.
  Furthermore, in 1807, Robert Fulton navigated 150 miles of the Hudson 
River from New York City to Albany in the steamboat Clermont, 
successfully inaugurating steam navigation on a commercial basis. This 
is one of the most important events in the history of naval travel. The 
trip had previously consumed an average of 4 days. The Clermont under 
Fulton made the same trip in about 32 hours.
  Steam navigation revolutionized waterborne commerce on the great 
rivers of the United States, such as the Hudson, the Missouri and 
Mississippi River systems; it transformed transoceanic travel and naval 
warfare and fostered international relations through travel and trade.
  The Hudson, Fulton and Champlain anniversaries have a rich tradition 
of commemoration, as well, by our Nation. In 1909, Americans celebrated 
the 300th anniversary of these events with maritime celebrations and 
art exhibitions. New York and New Jersey created a Hudson-Fulton 
Celebration Commission, and there was a Champlain Tercentenary in the 
Champlain Valley. These celebrations were extensive and international 
in scope. The Dutch built the first replica of Hudson's ship, the Half 
Moon, and sent it up the Hudson River for that observance.
  In 1959, Congress created the Hudson-Champlain Celebration Commission 
to recognize the 350th anniversary and coordinate Federal participation 
in those commemoration events. New York, New Jersey and Vermont all 
participated in the anniversaries.
  Then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York proclaimed 1959 the Year 
of History. Events occurred day and night, such as art exhibits, 
performance of music, drama and historic reenactments. The Netherlands, 
Canada, Great Britain and France were all enthusiastically involved.
  In order for our country to showcase to the world the monumental 
effect that exploration has had on today's society and to celebrate the 
beauty, history and culture of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, 
Federal planning for the 400th anniversary must start now. The States 
are already planning for these anniversaries.
  In 2002, the State of New York established a State Hudson-Fulton-
Champlain Commission; and in 2003, the State of Vermont established a 
Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission.
  A Federal commission is important to expand the scope of these State 
celebrations, attracting and organizing a national and indeed an 
international organization for these celebrations. The commission 
established by this bill will coordinate educational, cultural and 
historic projects, while cooperating in assisting the programs and 
activities conceived by New York, New Jersey and Vermont.
  Specifically, the legislation will do the following: It will ensure a 
suitable national observance of the anniversary through cooperation 
with and assistance to the programs and activities of New York, New 
Jersey and Vermont.
  It will cultivate international involvement in celebration activities 
and provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen our historic and 
cultural

[[Page 18979]]

ties to nations such as the Netherlands, Canada, Great Britain and 
France.
  It will also coordinate the activities of Federal Government agencies 
such as the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, State, Transportation, 
as well as the National Park Service, all of which have significant 
resources in the Hudson and Champlain Valleys.
  It will encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, 
religious, economic and other organizations throughout the United 
States to organize and participate in anniversary activities that 
expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of these 
voyages.
  It will provide technical assistance to States, localities, nonprofit 
organizations to further the commemoration.
  It will coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research 
on publication about and interpretation of the voyages of Henry Hudson, 
Samuel de Champlain and Robert Fulton.

                              {time}  1400

  It will support and facilitate marketing efforts for a commemorative 
coin, a commemorative stamp, and related activities for the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances. And it will also ensure that the 
Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 anniversaries provide a lasting legacy and 
long-term public benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate 
programs and facilities.
  I urge all Members to join me in supporting this legislation, and 
again, I express my appreciation to the gentleman here today for 
bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) in support of 
this legislation. The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Commission, as 
established in this act, will plan and develop programs in 2009 that 
will celebrate the voyages of discovery made by Henry Hudson, Robert 
Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain.
  The programs and activities will mark the 400th anniversary of the 
voyage of Henry Hudson, the first European to sail up the Hudson River; 
the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, the first person 
to use steam navigation on a commercial basis; and the 400th 
anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, the first European to 
discover and to explore Lake Champlain.
  The exploration of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain and the 
introduction of steam navigation in maritime commerce played an 
important role in shaping New York State. In addition, these early 
explorers opened a part of North America that was crucial to 
international trade throughout eastern New York, the North Country and 
the Lake Champlain region.
  The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission represents 
a unique opportunity to celebrate New York, its history and its 
heritage.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Hudson-Fulton-
Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission Act, and I thank my colleague 
Maurice Hinchey for his leadership on this issue.
  I am pleased that the bill under consideration today will establish a 
Commission charged with planning, developing and executing programs and 
activities appropriate to commemorate the voyages of three explorers. 
From these early explorations and ``The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'' to 
today's waterfront development projects, the Hudson River has enriched 
life in New York for centuries. Safeguarding the rich historical legacy 
of these natural resources is a commitment we must all make, and we 
have an obligation to educate the public on the three explorers and 
their voyages.
  As the co-founder of the Hudson River Caucus, I have worked to help 
realize the full educational, environmental, and economic potential of 
the Hudson River and its waterfront. The event that will take place in 
2009, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage, the 
200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, and the 400th 
anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, will help to achieve 
these goals. This legislation will celebrate and cherish these 
significant explorers and voyages, and help ensure historic 
preservation and increase public awareness for generations to come.
  I am happy to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to 
support it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Linder). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2528, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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