[House Report 104-235]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                                                                       
104th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 1st Session                                                    104-235
_______________________________________________________________________


 
             FIRE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1995

_______________________________________________________________________


 August 4, 1995.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______


   Mr. Walker, from the Committee on Science, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

  THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THE LEGISLATIVE MARKUPS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON 
                BASIC RESEARCH AND THE SCIENCE COMMITTEE

                        [To accompany H.R. 1851]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
    The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill 
(H.R. 1851) to authorize appropriations for carrying out the 
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 for fiscal 
years 1996 and 1997, having considered the same, report 
favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill 
as amended do pass.
                                CONTENTS

   I. Amendments......................................................2
  II. Purpose of the bill.............................................3
 III. Background and need for legislation.............................3
  IV. Summary of hearing..............................................3
   V. Committee actions...............................................3
  VI. Summary of Major provisions of the bill.........................4
 VII. Section-by-section analysis.....................................4
            Section 1. Short Title...............................     4
            Section 2. Authorization of Appropriations...........     4
            Section 3. Fire Safety Systems in Army Housing.......     5
            Section 4. Successor Fire Safety Standards...........     5
            Section 5. Termination or Privatization of Functions.     5
            Section 6. Report on Budgetary Reduction.............     5
VIII. Committee views.................................................5
  IX. Program criteria................................................7
   X. Congressional Budget Office analysis and cost estimates.........8
  XI. Effect of legislation on inflation..............................9
 XII. Oversight findings and recommendations..........................9
XIII. Oversight findings and recommendations by the Committee on 
      Government Reform and Oversight.................................9
 XIV. Changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported...........9
  XV. Committee recommendations......................................11
 XVI. Reports to Congress............................................11
XVII. Letter from Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army.............11
XVIII.Proceedings from Subcommittee markup of Chairman's Draft.......13

 XIX. Proceedings from Full Committee markup of H.R. 1851............35

    The amendment is as follows:
    Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof 
the following:

                             I. Amendments

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Fire Administration Authorization 
Act of 1995''.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216(g)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) 
        and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
            ``(G) $28,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
        1996, which, notwithstanding subsection (h), includes any 
        amounts appropriated under subsection (h) (3) and (4) for 
        fiscal year 1996; and
            ``(H) $28,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
        1997.''.

SEC. 3. FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS IN ARMY HOUSING.

    Section 31(c)(1)(A)(ii)(II) is amended by inserting ``, or in the 
case of housing under the control of the Department of the Army, 6 
years after such date of enactment'' after ``date of enactment''.
SEC. 4. SUCCESSOR FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS.

    The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 is amended--
            (1) in section 29(a)(1), by inserting ``, or any successor 
        standard thereto,'' after ``Association Standard 74'';
            (2) in section 29(a)(2), by inserting ``or any successor 
        standards thereto,'' after ``whichever is appropriate,'';
            (3) in section 29(b)(2), by inserting ``, or any successor 
        standards thereto'' after ``Association Standard 13 or 13-R'';
            (4) in section 31(c)(2)(B)(i), by inserting ``or any 
        successor standard thereto,'' after ``Life Safety Code), ''; 
        and
            (5) in section 31(c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``or any 
        successor standard thereto,'' after ``Association Standard 
        101,''.
SEC. 5. TERMINATION OR PRIVATIZATION OF FUNCTIONS.

    The Administrator of the United States Fire Administration shall 
transmit to Congress a report providing notice at least 60 days in 
advance of the termination or transfer to a private sector entity of 
any significant function of the United States Fire Administration.
SEC. 6. REPORT ON BUDGETARY REDUCTION.

    The Administrator of the United States Fire Administration shall 
transmit to Congress, within three months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, a report setting forth the manner in which the 
United States Fire Administration intends to implement the budgetary 
reduction represented by the difference between the amount appropriated 
to the United States Fire Administration for fiscal year 1996 and the 
amount requested in the President's budget request for such fiscal 
year. Such report shall be prepared in consultation with the Alliance 
for Fire and Emergency Management, the International Association of 
Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the 
National Fire Protection Association, the National Volunteer Fire 
Council, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the 
International Association of Arson Investigators.
                        II. Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of H.R. 1851 is to authorize appropriations for 
the activities of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) 
under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. The 
bill authorizes appropriations in the amount of $28,000,000 for 
fiscal year 1996 and $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1997.

              III. Background and Need for the Legislation

    In 1974 Congress enacted the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act in response to a nationwide concern with loss of 
life and property from fires. The Act established the USFA in 
an effort to prevent and reduce this loss of life and property. 
The USFA coordinates the nation's fire safety and emergency 
medical service activities. The USFA works with state and local 
units of government to educate the public on fire prevention 
and control, collect and analyze data related to fire, promote 
the use of sprinkler systems in residential and commercial 
buildings, conduct research and development on fire 
suppression, promote firefighter health and safety, and 
coordinate with other federal agencies charged with emergency 
response activities.
    The USFA also administers the National Fire Academy (NFA), 
which provides training to fire and emergency service personnel 
in fire protection and control activities.
    H.R. 1851 was introduced by Representative Steve Schiff on 
June 15, 1995. It was referred to the House Committee on 
Science's Subcommittee on Basic Research. This legislation 
enables the USFA and NFA to continue to pursue these important 
activities, and to continue to minimize fire losses.

                         IV. Summary of Hearing

    On March 16, 1995 the Subcommittee on Basic Research held 
an oversight hearing on the programs of the USFA under the 
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Witnesses 
included Representative Steny Hoyer, Co-chairman, Congressional 
Fire Caucus; Carrye Brown, Administrator, USFA; Gary Tokle, 
Assistant Vice President, National Fire Protection Association; 
Francis McGarry, President, National Association of State Fire 
Marshals, Bill Jenaway, CIGNA Corporation; and Dan Shaw, Chief 
of the Placitis, New Mexico Fire Department. All of the 
witnesses testified to the success and importance of the United 
States Fire Administration.

                          V. Committee Actions

    On June 14, 1995, the Subcommittee on Basic Research 
convened to mark up the Chairman's Draft of the proposed bill. 
Mr. Schiff (R-NM) offered an amendment to update fire standards 
in the organic act. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 
Mr. Weldon (R-PA) offered an amendment to require that the 
Administrator inform the Congress 60 days in advance of an 
effort to terminate or privatize any USFA activities.
    This amendment was adopted by voice vote as well. Mr. 
Weldon offered a second amendment, also adopted by voice vote, 
to require that the Administrator provide the Congress with a 
detailed report, three months after enactment of this Act, on 
what, if any, programs will be reduced or eliminated in order 
to meet the appropriated levels. The Chairman's Draft, as 
amended, was reported by voice vote to the Full Committee for 
further consideration.
    H.R. 1851, reflecting the recommendations in the Chairman's 
Draft as amended by the Subcommittee on Basic Research, was 
introduced by Mr. Schiff, for himself, Mr. Geren (D-TX), and 
Mr. Boehlert (R-NY).

                         full committee markup

    On June 22, 1995, the Committee met to mark up H.R. 1851. A 
clarifying amendment was offered by Mr. Walker to change 
``Director'' to ``Administrator'' in Section 5. The amendment 
was adopted by voice vote. A quorum being present, the bill was 
ordered reported, as amended, by the Committee by voice vote.

              VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill

    The bill authorizes appropriations for the activities of 
the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire 
Academy for fiscal years 1996 and 1997.
    The bill amends section 31 of the Federal Fire Prevention 
and Control Act. This section requires the installation of 
hard-wired smoke detectors in all multifamilty housing owned or 
operated by the federal government by October 25, 1995. H.R. 
1851 extends this deadline for three years for housing 
controlled by the Department of the Army.
    H.R. 1851 requires the Administrator to inform the Congress 
60 days prior to terminating or privatizing any USFA activities 
or programs.
    Finally, the bill directs the Administrator to submit a 
detailed report, three months after enactment, on what, if any, 
programs will be reduced or eliminated in order to meet the 
final appropriations levels.
                    VII. Section-by-Section Analysis

Section 1, Short title

    Cites the Act as the ``Fire Administration Authorization 
Act of 1995.''

Section 2, Authorization of appropriations

    Authorizes a total of $28,000,000 in each of fiscal years 
1996 and 1997 for the programs and activities of the Federal 
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. These programs and 
activities include public education on fire prevention and 
control; the collection and analysis of data relating to fire; 
research and development in fire suppression; the promotion of 
firefighter health and safety; and the administration of the 
National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
    States that funds appropriated under the Arson Prevention 
Act of 1994, PL 103-254, must come from within the amounts 
authorized by this section.

Section 3, Fire safety systems in Army housing

    Section 31 (c)(1)(A) of the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act of 1974 requires the installation of hard-wired 
smoke detectors in all multifamily housing owned or operated by 
the federal government. The Act requires that the conversion to 
hard-wired smoke detectors be completed by October 25, 1995. 
This section amends the 1992 Act to extend the deadline until 
October 25, 1998, for housing controlled by the Department of 
the Army.

Section 4, Successor fire safety standards

    Amends section 29 of the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act of 1974 to update National Fire Protection 
Standards which are no longer current or have been given new 
designations.

Section 5, termination or privatization of functions

    Requires that the Administrator inform the Congress 60 days 
in advance of an effort to terminate or privatize any USFA 
activities or programs.

Section 6, Report on budgetary reduction

    Requires that the Administrator provide Congress with a 
detailed report, three months after enactment of the Act, on 
what, if any, programs will be reduced or eliminated in order 
to meet the final appropriation levels.

                          VIII. Committee Views

    During the Basic Research Subcommittee's March 16, 1995 
hearing on the United States Fire Administration's FY 1996 
budget request, Administrator Brown testified that the USFA was 
in the process of privatizing the Harvard Fellowship Program 
and the Open Learning Program. While these are good training 
programs for the fire service, in these times of decreasing 
federal budgets, programs and activities that can be performed 
by the private sector should be privatized. The Committee 
supports and encourages these privatization efforts by the 
Administrator.
    Also during the hearing, the Administrator was asked about 
the possibility of privatizing the residential sprinkler 
program. A Subcommittee Member asked specifically if the raw 
testing and product development could be taken over by a 
private entity. She responded that the sprinkler program would 
be examined with those questions in mind.
    The Committee believes that one of the best fire protection 
technologies for the private home is a sprinkler system. 
However, the federal role in the residential sprinkler program 
should end once the technical matters are resolved. It becomes 
the job of the private sector to market sprinkler systems and 
state and local governments to establish and enforce building 
codes. The Committee strongly believes that establishing rules 
and regulations for the implementation of home sprinkler 
systems is a state or local responsibility.
    H.R. 1851 directs that the USFA budget be reduced from the 
$28.85 million request to $28.0 million. The Committee directs 
that the funds be taken from programs like the residential 
sprinkler development program that can be privatized or managed 
at the state and local level.
                              army housing

    Early in 1995, the Department of the Army met with 
Committee staff to update their status with the implementation 
of the Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1992, Public 
Law 102-522. This Act established a requirement to replace 
battery operated smoke detectors with hard-wired smoke 
dectectors in all federally owned or controlled multi-family 
housing by October 25, 1995. The Army explained that they will 
have approximately 8,500 dwellings of over 96,000 that will not 
be in compliance by the deadline. They subsequently wrote 
Chairman requesting that an extension be granted until October 
25, 1998 to fully comply with the law (letter attached).
    The Army has assured the Committee that the addtional time 
needed will not place military personnel and their families at 
risk. At the present time, all Army family housing dwelling 
units in the United States have at least one hard-wired smoke 
detector as well as battery operated smoke detectors on each 
floor.
    The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Army to ensure 
that all family housing is safe for military personnel and 
their families, but urges the Army to work diligently to finish 
the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors as soon as 
possible.

                             joint training

    The Oklahoma City bombing incident pointed out the 
importance of fire service management training that includes 
law enforcement and emergency technicians. The incident 
commander was the fire chief; and the law enforcement, 
emergency professionals and others reported to him. While every 
effort will be made to prevent additional bombings from 
occurring in the United States, large fires, explosions and 
natural disasters will require that same type of incident 
management. The Committee is aware that a limited amount of 
this incident command management training is currently 
available at USFA, and directs the USFA to increase joint 
training efforts in order to meet such challenges in the 
future. Moreover, the Committee urges the USFA to examine the 
possibility of decreasing funding for lower priority projects 
in order to accomplish this objective.

                         merging fema training

    Throughout the United States, emergency and fire services 
are being combined under the management of the fire service. 
More often than not, this is done for reasons of economy and 
efficiency. Within the USFA there is the National Fire Academy 
(NFA), and separately and additionally within FEMA there exists 
a training division with emphasis on emergency management. The 
Committee understands that there is some coordination and 
cooperation between the two training divisions. However, as at 
the state and local level, the American people are demanding a 
reduction in the size of government and elimination of 
redundancy. To that end, it makes sense to again study the 
possibility of combining these two training programs.
    The Committee directs the USFA to prepare a report on 
combining the fire and emergency management programs. The 
report should contain the strengths and weaknesses of each 
policy option presented. The report is to be presented to 
Congress along with the USFA's fiscal year 1997 budget request.

                         fire service training

    The USFA has an outstanding record of training managers in 
the fire service community. This is a Congressionally mandated 
role for the USFA and should be conducted so as to not 
duplicate or overlap with the training of state and local 
governments or the private sector. However, if fire budgets of 
state or local governments are reduced, it is especially 
important that the USFA training reach all levels of the urban 
and rural fire service community. In order to accomplish this 
task, the Committee urges the USFA to develop more distance 
learning technologies that would reach fire stations 
nationwide. The Committee urges the USFA to direct more 
management training at the mid-level fire chief, which is 
lacking throughout the United States.

                          IX. Program Criteria

    The Committee states that the activities authorized by this 
Act are to be consistent with the six criteria listed below.
          1. Federal R&D should be focused on long-term, non-
        commercial research and development, with potential for 
        great scientific discovery, leaving economic 
        feasibility and commercialization to the marketplace.
          2. Federal funding of R&D on specific processes and 
        technologies should not be carried out beyond 
        demonstration of technical feasibility, requiring 
        significant additional investment for production.
          3. Revolutionary new ideas and pioneering 
        capabilities that make possible the ``impossible'' 
        (that which has never been done before) should be 
        pursued.
          4. The Federal government should avoid funding 
        research in areas that are receiving, or should be 
        reasonably expected to obtain, funding from the private 
        sector such as evolutionary advances or incremental 
        improvements.
          5. Government-owned laboratories should confine their 
        in-house research to areas in which their technical 
        expertise and facilities have no peer and should 
        contract out other research to industry, private 
        research foundations, and universities.
          6. All R&D programs should be relevant and tightly 
        focused to the agency's stated mission; those that are 
        not should be terminated. All research programs should 
        disseminate the results of the programs to potential 
        users.

       X. Congressional Budget Office Analysis and Cost Estimates
                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                     Washington, DC, July 11, 1995.
Hon. Robert S. Walker,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1851, the Fire 
Administration Authorization Act of 1995.
    Enacting H.R. 1851 would not affect direct spending or 
receipts. Therefore, pay-as-you go procedures would not apply 
to the bill.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them.
            Sincerely,
                                                   June E. O'Neill.

               congressional budget office cost estimate

    1. Bill number: H.R. 1851.
    2. Bill title: Fire Administration Authorization Act of 
1995.
    3. Bill status: As ordered reported by the House Committee 
on Science on June 28, 1995.
    4. Bill purpose: H.R. 1851 would authorize appropriations 
of $28 million each year for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 to 
carry out activities under the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act of 1974 by the Fire Administration. The bill also 
would require the Administrator of the Fire Administration to 
issue two reports to the Congress. In addition, the bill would 
allow updated fire safety standards to be employed under the 
1974 Act.
    5. Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The following 
table summarizes the estimated costs of this bill. The table 
assumes that the full amount authorized would be appropriated. 
Outlays are based on historical spending patterns of the 
emergency management planning and assistance activities of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1995       1996       1997       1998       1999       2000  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spending Under Current Law:                                                                                     
    Budget authority \1\......................       34.1  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........
    Estimated outlays.........................       32.8       12.5        4.4        1.0  .........  .........
Proposed Changes:                                                                                               
    Authorization level.......................  .........       28.0       28.0  .........  .........  .........
    Estimated outlays.........................  .........       17.3       24.3        9.9        3.7        0.8
Spending Under H.R. 1851:                                                                                       
    Authorization level \1\...................       34.1       28.0       28.0  .........  .........  .........
    Estimated outlays.........................       32.8       29.8       28.7       10.9        3.7        0.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 1995 level is the amount actually appropriated for that year.                                           

    The costs of this bill fall within budget function 450.
    6. Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
    7. Estimated cost to State and local governments: None.
    8. Estimate comparison: None.
    9. Previous CBO estimate: None.
    10. Estimate prepared by: Rachel Robertson.
    11. Estimate approved by: Paul N. Van de Water, Assistant 
Director for Budget Analysis.
                 XI. Effect of Legislation on Inflation

    In accordance with rule XI, clause 2(1)(4) of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, this legislation is assumed to 
have no inflationary effect on prices and costs in the 
operation of the national economy.

              XII. Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    Clause 2(1)(3)(A) of rule XI requires each committee report 
to contain oversight findings and recommendations required 
pursuant to clause 2(b)(1) of rule X. The Committee has no 
oversight findings.

   XIII. Oversight Findings and Recommendations by the Committee on 
                    Government Reform and Oversight

    Clause 2(1)(3)(D) of rule XI requires each committee report 
to contain a summary of the oversight findings and 
recommendations made by the Government Reform and Oversight 
Committee pursuant to clause 4(c)(2) of rule X, whenever such 
findings have been timely submitted. The Committee on Science 
has received no such findings or recommendations from the 
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.
       XIV. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

    In compliance with clause 3 of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

            FEDERAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1974

          * * * * * * *

                    authorization of appropriations

    Sec. 17. (a)  * * *
          * * * * * * *
    (g)(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided with 
respect to the payment of claims under section 11 of this Act, 
there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the 
purposes of this Act--
            (A)  * * *
          * * * * * * *
            (E) $26,521,000 for the fiscal year ending 
        September 30, 1993; [and]
            (F) $27,529,000 for the fiscal year ending 
        September 30, 1994[.];
            (G) $28,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
        September 30, 1996, which, notwithstanding subsection 
        (h), includes any amounts appropriated under subsection 
        (h) (3) and (4) for fiscal year 1996; and
            (H) $28,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
        September 30, 1997.
          * * * * * * *

      fire prevention and control guidelines for places of public 
                             accommodation

    Sec. 29. (a) Contents of Guidelines.--The guidelines 
referred to in sections 28 and 30 consist of--
            (1) a requirement that hard-wired, single-station 
        smoke detectors be installed in accordance with 
        National Fire Protection Association Standard 74, or 
        any successor standard thereto, in each guest room in 
        each place of public accommodation affecting commerce; 
        and
            (2) a requirement that an automatic sprinkler 
        system be installed in accordance with National Fire 
        Protection Association Standard 13 or 13-R, whichever 
        is appropriate, or any successor standards thereto, in 
        each place of public accommodation affecting commerce 
        except those places that are 3 stories or lower.
    (b) Exceptions.--(1)  * * *
    (2) The requirement described in subsection (a)(2) shall 
not apply to a place of public accommodation affecting commerce 
to the extent that such place of public accommodation affecting 
commerce is subject to a standard that includes a requirement 
or prohibition that prevents compliance with a provision of 
National Fire Protection Association Standard 13 or 13-R, or 
any successor standards thereto. In such a case, the place of 
public accommodation affecting commerce is exempt only from 
that specific provision.
          * * * * * * *

SEC. 31. FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED BUILDINGS.

    (a)  * * *
          * * * * * * *
    (c) Housing.--(1)(A) Except as otherwise provided in this 
paragraph, no Federal funds may be used for the construction, 
purchase, lease, or operation by the Federal Government of 
housing in the United States for Federal employees or their 
dependents unless--
            (i)  * * *
            (ii) in the case of any other housing, the housing, 
        before--
                    (I) occupancy by the first Federal 
                employees (or their dependents) who do not 
                occupy such housing as of such date of 
                enactment; or
                    (II) the expiration of 3 years after such 
                date of enactment, or in the case of housing 
                under the control of the Department of the 
                Army, 6 years after such date of enactment,
        whichever occurs first, is protected by hard-wired 
        smoke detectors.
          * * * * * * *
    (2)(A)  * * *
    (B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), housing 
assistance may not be used in connection with any rebuilt 
multifamily property, unless after the rebuilding the 
multifamily property complies with the chapter on existing 
apartment buildings of National Fire Protection Association 
Standard 101 (known as the Life Safety Code), or any successor 
standard thereto, as in effect at the earlier of (I) the time 
of any approval by the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development of the specific plan or budget for rebuilding, or 
(II) the time that a binding commitment is made to provide 
housing assistance for the rebuilt property.
    (ii) If any rebuilt multifamily property is subject to, and 
in compliance with, any provision of a State or local fire 
safety standard or code that prevents compliance with a 
specific provision of National Fire Protection Association 
Standard 101, or any successor standard thereto, the 
requirement under clause (i) shall not apply with respect to 
such specific provision.
          * * * * * * *
                              ----------                              

                     XV. Committee Recommendations

    On June 22, 1995, a quorum being present, the Committee on 
Science favorably reported H.R. 1851, the Fire Administration 
Authorization Act of 1996, as amended by a voice vote and 
recommends its enactment.

                        XVI. Reports to Congress

    The Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce Senate a report detailing what, if any, programs or 
activities will be reduced or eliminated in order to meet the 
USFA's final appropriations levels.

        XVII. Letter From Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army

                            Department of the Army,
                         Office of the Assistant Secretary,
                                      Washington, DC, May 17, 1995.
Hon. Robert S. Walker,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The purpose of this letter is to provide 
the Army's status with the implementation of the Fire 
Administration Authorization Act of 1992, Public Law 102-522. 
This Act established the requirement to replace battery 
operated smoke detectors with hard-wired smoke detectors in 
multi-family housing. The conversion to hard-wired smoke 
detectors must be completed by October 25, 1995.
    Our best estimate is that the Army will have approximately 
8,500 dwelling units out of a total of 96,722 dwelling units 
within the United States not in compliance with the law by the 
end of fiscal year 1995. As discussed with the committee staff 
last year and recently, the time constraint of the law does not 
allow proper planning, programming, and execution of projects 
associated with the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors 
in Army family housing. The requirement to install hard-wired 
smoke detectors during change of occupancy is not always the 
most cost effective method to contract for this type of work. 
It is very often better to do work in all units as a single 
project. We still need the requested relief previously 
discussed with the committee staff.
    At the present time, all Army family housing dwelling units 
in the United States have at least one hard-wired smoke 
detector. Our goal is to provide safe and adequate housing for 
the soldiers and their families.
            Sincerely,
                                   Paul W. Johnson,
                    Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army,
                          (Installations and Housing) OASA (I,L&E).
              XVIII. Proceedings From Subcommittee Markup



 SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP--H.R. 1851, THE FIRE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION 
                          ACT OF 1996 AND 1997

                              ----------                              


                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1995

                  House of Representatives,
                              Committee on Science,
                            Subcommittee on Basic Research,
                                                   Washington, D.C.
    Mr. Schiff. The Subcommittee is reconvened.
    The Chair welcomes you all back. It is now in order for the 
Subcommittee to proceed to the United States Fire 
Administration Authorization Act. The Chair would request 
order. We are reconvening so that we can conclude the business 
here today. Thank you.
    It is now in order for the Subcommittee to proceed to the 
United States Fire Administration Authorization Act. The United 
States Fire Administration has a small budget compared to the 
National Science Foundation and most of the other budget 
authorizations to be considered by this Committee.
    The Chair would ask those individuals in the room who 
desire to conduct conversations to kindly do so outside of the 
room. We are resuming on a markup. Thank you.
    The United States Fire Administration is a small budget 
compared to the National Science Foundation and most of the 
other budget authorizations to be considered by this Committee, 
nonetheless it performs a vital function for our country, one 
that helps to save lives and protect property.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman, the Committee room still isn't in 
order. I would ask that you--it is very distracting as people 
move around.
    Mr. Schiff. The gentleman is correct. The Chair would ask 
people who wish to remain to resume their seats, and people who 
desire to leave to please leave so that we can further conduct 
the Subcommittee business.
    The Chair thanks the gentleman from Texas.
    The United States Fire Administration, working with state 
and local governments, endeavors to educate the public on fire 
risk, prevention, and control; conducts research into fire 
suppression and the promotion of fire fighter health and 
safety; and collects and analyzes data related to fire and 
arson.
    In addition, the United States Fire Administration 
administrates the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland. The Fire Academy provides training to fire and 
emergency service personnel in the latest fire protection and 
control activities.
    In Fiscal Year 1994 the Fire Administration provided on and 
off campus instruction to approximately 10,000 students. 
Because of the efforts of both the United States Fire 
Administration and the Fire Academy, the number of fire-related 
deaths has decreased in this country from nearly 12,000 
annually in 1973, the year the Fire Administration was created, 
to approximately 5,000 today.
    These figures are encouraging, but we still have far to go. 
That is why we are considering this important legislation.
    The Subcommittee Print is a two-year authorization. While 
the authorization for 1996 is a decrease of about 3 percent 
from the Administration's request, we have preserved all of the 
functions and activities performed by the United States Fire 
Administration and the National Fire Academy. For Fiscal Year 
1997, we hold the authorization constant at $28 million.
    These figures are consistent with the assumptions contained 
in the House Budget Resolution for these programs.
    I believe that the United States Fire Administration can 
recover this decrease through the privatization of its 
residential sprinkler program.
    During our hearing on this legislation, we heard the 
Administrator, Ms. Carrye Brown, say that she believed that the 
United States Fire Administration's residential sprinkler 
program might be a good candidate for privatization. This 
particular program can and should be privatized.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Schiff follows:]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Mr. Schiff. I would now again, with thanks for his 
cooperation, recognize the Ranking Member of this Subcommittee, 
Mr. Geren.
    Mr. Geren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 is 
aimed at a serious problem affecting the safety of all 
Americans. Much progress has been made during the past 20 years 
in public education in fire safety and improvement in the 
effectiveness of fire services and home fire safety devices, 
nevertheless the United States still has one of the highest 
fire death rates among advanced nations.
    The need for effective training, research, and public 
education efforts that the U.S. Fire Administration continues 
in the bill before the Subcommittee provides funding for these 
important programs at a level very close to the President's 
request.
    The history of funding for the U.S. Fire Administration has 
been far from lavish. The landmark report, ``America Burning'', 
which was the genesis of the 1974 Act, recommended an initial 
annual budget for the Fire Administration of $124 million. 
Appropriation levels have never exceeded $38 million, and the 
inflation-adjusted value of the Fiscal Year 1975 authorization 
is only slightly less than the Fiscal Year 1996 request of $29 
million.
    Despite limited resources, the Fire Administration has 
succeeded in developing effective programs as highlighted in 
the Subcommittee's hearings last March.
    Clearly we now see serious downward budget pressures on all 
Federal agencies and activities. In light of the current budget 
climate, I congratulate the Chairman for bringing a bill before 
the Subcommittee that will sustain the important programs of 
the Fire Administration.
    This agency has always enjoyed bipartisan support on the 
Science Committee because of its vital mission to improve the 
safety of all of our citizens.
    I am pleased to join the Chairman in urging our colleagues 
to support this measure, and would like to briefly note and 
recognize the efforts of my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. 
Weldon, for the leadership he has shown on this issue during 
his career in Congress.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would join you in urging my 
colleagues to support this bill.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Geren follows:]
    
    
    
    
    Mr. Schiff. Thank you very much, Mr. Geren.
    Chairman Walker, do you desire to be recognized at this 
time?
    Chairman Walker. Good job, Mr. Chairman.
    Mr. Schiff. I am always glad to hear that.
    Does any other Member desire to be recognized for an 
opening statement at this time?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Seeing no requests, I now ask unanimous consent 
to call up the Committee Print of the United States Fire 
Administration Authorization Act to be used in lieu of a bill 
for markup purposes.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Without objection it is so ordered.
    The Clerk will designate the bill.
    Mr. Cadena. ``A Bill to Authorize appropriations for 
carrying out the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 
1974 for Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997''.
    Mr. Schiff. I ask unanimous consent that the balance of the 
bill be considered as read. Is there any objection?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Without objection, it is so ordered and the 
bill is open to amendment at any time.
    The first amendment is a technical amendment to be offered 
by the Chair. I believe it is in your packet.
    This technical amendment is being presented here at this 
Subcommittee markup at the request of FEMA's Acting General 
Counsel, which I am offering.
    It simply makes a technical change to the Federal Fire 
Prevention and Control Act of 1974 as amended. These 
corrections are needed to update the National Fire Protection 
Association standards identified in the Organic Act which are 
no longer current or have been given new designations.
    I believe that the Minority has been consulted on this 
amendment and has no objection to it.
    I now recognize Mr. Geren.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman, I have no objection and I urge my 
colleagues to support the Schiff amendment.
    Mr. Schiff. Is there any further discussion of this 
amendment?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Seeing none, I call for a vote. All in favor of 
the amendment as offered by the Chair please signify by saying 
aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    Mr. Schiff. Opposed, no.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. 
The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.
    Mr. Weldon, I believe, is recognized for the next 
amendment.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. Mr. Chairman, I have two amendments here. 
I'll make this brief.
    I think they are fairly noncontroversial, but to start out 
let me say that it is kind of ironic that this week we are 
doing the National Security bill, of which I am a major 
proponent and supporter of and will be involved in for the rest 
of the week, which will authorize $267 billion to provide for 
the support of our international defenders, those men and women 
who protect this country from conflict around the world.
    Today we are marking up the authorization of our domestic 
defense--
    Mr. Schiff. Would the gentleman yield for a moment?
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. I'd be happy to yield.
    Mr. Schiff. Is the gentleman attempting to offer these two 
amendments en bloc? Because I would prefer--
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. If that is--no, I can offer them 
separately.
    Mr. Schiff. I would prefer the gentleman offer them 
separately because I have a question about one.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. That's fine. I understand.
    Mr. Schiff. If the gentleman would designate which he is 
talking about.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. This is the first one you have listed, 
which would be--I don't have a number on it--it would be the 
60-day report on termination of privatization of functions.
    Mr. Schiff. I believe that is No. 2 in the package.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. I believe it is.
    Mr. Schiff. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
    Mr. Cadena. Amendment offered by Mr. Weldon of 
Pennsylvania, page 2.
    Mr. Schiff. Mr. Weldon, do you have a unanimous consent 
request here?
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. I have a unanimous consent to consider the 
amendment as read.
    Mr. Schiff. Thank you.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Without objection, so ordered.
    Mr. Weldon is recognized for five minutes on your 
amendment.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. As I was saying, Mr. Chairman, this issue 
that we are dealing with today provides for the only Federal 
support for the 1.5 million men and women who protect our 
country from every possible disaster. These are largely 
volunteers, 85 percent of them; across the country in every 
Congressional District large and small, urban area, rural area 
is protected by an emergency response group.
    Our total budget authorization for these people in our 
support is 1 percent of what we are currently authorizing on 
the Floor of the House for our military.
    It is a modest request, to say the least. It is a 
reduction, as you mentioned, from this current year's 
appropriation. I believe this year it was $34.1 million; the 
Administration request was $28.85 million; and our budget, your 
Mark is $28 million.
    The Director of the U.S. Fire Administration, Carrye Brown, 
has said she can take an $800,000 cut. As a fiscal conservative 
I applaud her for that action, but I would like to see us have 
in writing a report that would detail for us what she plans to 
privatize.
    The reason I offer this amendment is that there are some 
rumors in the Fire Service community that there may be an 
attempt to privatize other functions than the one you mentioned 
that would benefit individuals. If that is going to happen, I 
want to have a chance to have input into that because that 
would be a parochial concern that would take the functions of 
the current Fire Administration and have us transfer those to 
the extent that one, or perhaps a small group of individuals 
would benefit.
    I am not talking about the residential sprinkler program 
that you mentioned, but I am concerned that we have a report to 
that extent.
    This amendment simply has the Director provide that report 
to the Committee. I think it is fairly noncontroversial and 
will give us 60 days to respond to her initiative in terms of 
privatization.
    Mr. Schiff. The Chair thanks the gentleman and notes the 
gentleman's leadership in fire protection support here in the 
Congress. In fact, the gentleman I believe is the founder and 
original chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, which I 
joined, and I participate in regular designation of awards in 
my District which the gentleman signs.
    To be very honest about it, I got into this program at the 
gentleman's suggestion and with his leadership.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. Thank you.
    Mr. Schiff. I believe that the amendment is 
noncontroversial. I think it is well taken. I urge Members to 
support it.
    Does any other Member desire recognition on Mr. Weldon's 
amendment?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Seeing no requests for recognition, the vote 
now occurs on the amendment as designated.
    All in favor will please say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    Mr. Schiff. All opposed, no.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes have it; 
the amendment is adopted.
    The gentleman is recognized for five minutes on his second 
amendment, but before doing so the Clerk will designate the 
second amendment.
    Mr. Cadena. Amendment offered by Mr. Weldon of 
Pennsylvania. Page 2, after line 22----
    Mr. Schiff. The Chair will ask for unanimous consent that 
the second amendment be considered as read.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Without objection so ordered.
    Mr. Weldon is recognized for five minutes.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. Mr. Chairman, again this looks at the 
proposed budget cuts within the Fire Administration.
    To make sure that there is consistency and support in terms 
of where these cuts are going to be made, since this is a very 
small budget, this amendment would have the Fire Administration 
formally interact with the seven major groups that represent 
the 1.5 million men and women who serve across the country in 
fire and EMS activities.
    This includes the National Volunteer Fire Council, the 
professional--the paid fire fighters, the chiefs, and all the 
other various organizations that are in every one of our 
Congressional Districts.
    It does not give them veto power over a decision, but 
simply says that the Director of the Fire Administration should 
consult with them.
    A second part of the amendment says that if the Director 
does not consult with them, then we should take 50 percent of 
the budgetary reduction from her account.
    Now I understand the Chairman has a problem with that, and 
I understand that the counsel to the Subcommittee has a problem 
with that because it is basically trying to fence what amounts 
to a cut. So therefore if that be a problem, what I am trying 
to do here is to send a signal.
    The signal to the Fire Administration is that if you are 
going to make cuts, you consult with those people that are 
going to be impacted by your cuts directly. Therefore, if it be 
the desire of the Chairman, I would withdraw, with unanimous 
consent, the administrative expense section, section [b] of 
this amendment, if that would pass with the approval of the 
counsel of the Subcommittee, but still make my point that I 
think we as a Subcommittee and Full Committee have to hold the 
Director of the Fire Administration accountable for where these 
cuts are going to occur.
    Mr. Schiff. If the gentleman would yield for a moment?
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. I'd be happy to yield.
    Mr. Schiff. I do accept the gentleman's offer of a 
unanimous consent motion to withdraw section [b], and I want to 
point out that I do so primarily because I have also been 
advised by counsel that there is a questionable legality in a 
self-supporting de-authorization that might spring up into 
place during the appropriations process.
    However, the gentleman's point I think has been made very 
forcefully, and I am sure that anyone here who represents the 
United States Fire Academy will bring that message back to 
their administration.
    Therefore, I ask if there is any objection to the 
gentleman's unanimous consent to strike section [b] from his 
amendment.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Without objection, it is so ordered. The 
gentleman continues to be recognized.
    I want to say, I do support the balance of the gentleman's 
amendment.
    Mr. Weldon [Pa]. I just thank the Chairman, and would ask 
all of us--if we are not familiar on this Subcommittee with the 
role of the United States Fire Administration and how it 
impacts your folks locally back home--please take the time to 
look. Because every one of the constituents in your district, 
and those volunteer fire and EMS and ambulance groups benefit 
from the programs provided through this very small amount of 
Federal money, and it is a very meager amount.
    I also in closing want to applaud Mr. Schiff and Mr. Geren 
who have been long-standing supporters of the Fire Service. Mr. 
Walker, who during the very difficult times when Republican 
Administrations were not supportive of this effort, who took a 
leadership role with Mr. Brown in making sure that we did have 
funding in place. I want to applaud all of you for your past 
leadership and urge our Subcommittee Members to support the 
passage of this authorization and the amendment.
    Mr. Schiff. I thank the gentleman for his presentation.
    Does any other Member desire to be recognized on this 
amendment?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. Seeing no requests for recognition, the vote 
now occurs on the amendment as amended by unanimous consent.
    All in favor of the amendment, please signify by voting 
aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    Mr. Schiff. All opposed, please say no.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. 
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted.
    Are there any other amendments to be offered to the 
National Fire Administration Authorization Act?
    Mr. Luther. Mr. Chairman?
    Mr. Schiff. The gentleman is recognized.
    Mr. Luther. Yes, Mr. Chairman, the question I had is with 
respect to Section 3, if someone could explain the reason for 
the delay on the smoke detectors in Section 3.
    Mr. Schiff. I wonder if staff might be able to respond? 
Mrs. Dietz?
    Mrs. Dietz. Yes. The Subcommittee staff sat down with the 
Army earlier this year. They said they were making a great deal 
of progress toward coming into compliance with a requirement in 
the 1992 authorization which stipulates that all multi-family 
housing have installed hard-wired smoke detectors on every 
floor.
    Now they have assured us that they have a hard-wired smoke 
detector in every unit, but will not be able to put one on 
every floor until--for another three years. But they also have 
assured us that they have battery-operated smoke detectors as 
backups.
    Mr. Schiff. Does that respond to the gentleman's question?
    Mr. Luther. I thank the gentleman.
    Mr. Schiff. I want to say that the staff has looked into 
this and believes that the Army is in good faith, and that is 
why the change was made.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman?
    Mr. Schiff. Mr. Geren.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman, if I can add briefly, the staff of 
Majority and Minority has addressed this issue and it's 
something that has been thoroughly reviewed and both sides are 
very comfortable with it.
    Thanks.
    Mr. Schiff. Are there any other amendments or questions to 
be raised?
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. The Chair notes the presence of a reporting 
quorum, and the Chair will take just one minute before going to 
a final vote to first thank the staff of both parties for their 
work in putting together these two markups which I think went 
very well with their assistance.
    Second, the Chair would like to sincerely thank the 
Members. I think what we demonstrated in these two markups is 
that Members can have their differences and we can discuss them 
and proceed to a vote without either getting rancorous or 
beating an issue to death. I think that is how legislation 
should proceed.
    With that stated, the question is now on the adoption of 
the Committee Print as amended. All those in favor will vote 
aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    Mr. Schiff. All those opposed, no.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. 
The ayes have it, and the Committee Print is adopted.
    Mr. Geren is now recognized for a motion.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman, I move that a clean bill be 
prepared by the Chairman for introduction in the House and 
further consideration by the Committee.
    Mr. Schiff. The vote occurs on the gentleman's motion. All 
in favor, say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    Mr. Schiff. Opposed, no.
    [No response.]
    Mr. Schiff. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. 
The ayes have it, and the gentleman's motion is adopted.
    With that, that completes this authorization. I want to 
thank everyone again, and this Subcommittee meeting is 
adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 11:15 a.m., the meeting of the Subcommittee 
was adjourned.]
    [The subcommittee print follows:]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
               XIX. Proceeding From Full Committee Markup



FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP--H.R. 1851, THE FIRE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION 
                          ACT OF 1996 AND 1997

                              ----------                              


                        WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1995

                          House of Representatives,
                                      Committee on Science,
                                                   Washington, D.C.
    The Committee met at 12:10 p.m. in Room 2318 of the Rayburn 
House Office Building, the Honorable Robert S. Walker, Chairman 
of the Committee, presiding.
    The Chairman. Good afternoon.
    We will now consider H.R. 1851, the U.S. Fire 
Administration Act. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be 
considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I ask 
members to proceed with amendments in the order of the roster 
when we get to the amendment process. But first I would 
recognize the gentleman from New Mexico.
    Mr. Schiff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    First, I want to say I have a brief written statement. I'd 
ask unanimous consent that it be made a part of the record.
    The Chairman. Without objection.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Schiff follows:]
    
    
    Mr. Schiff. I want to say briefly, the U.S. Fire 
Administration is considered by the Subcommittee to be an 
excellent organization. Once again, that does not mean that 
there aren't potential problems that the Subcommittee needs to 
look at through oversight. But we do recognize its excellent 
performance, and especially through its support of the United 
States Fire Academy.
    The Subcommittee again recognizes that there is some budget 
reduction, but believes we did as we possibly could for this 
agency in view of the present budgetary constraints.
    I want to again just thank Mr. Geren and the members of his 
party on the Subcommittee for their cooperation in the markup. 
I yield back.
    The Chairman. Mr. Geren.
    Mr. Geren. Mr. Chairman, I have a statement. I would like 
to ask unanimous consent to put it in the record.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Geren follows:]
    
    
    
    
    Mr. Geren. I'd just like to say briefly, I thank the 
Chairman for the consideration he showed our side, and I want 
to commend the staff for their excellent work on this bill. 
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Geren.
    The Chair also has a statement he will submit for the 
record.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Walker follows:]
    
    
    The Chairman. But wants to thank Mr. Schiff and Mr. Geren 
for their hard work in bringing the bill before the Committee. 
I would ask unanimous consent that my remarks be made a part of 
the record. Without objection.
    Mr. Brown.
    Mr. Brown. Mr. Chairman, I concur with the remarks you've 
made, as well as the Chair and the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee. I think we have a reasonably good bill, and I ask 
unanimous consent to insert my remarks in the record at this 
point.
    The Chairman. Without objection.
    [The prepared statement of Mr. Brown follows.]
    
    
    
    
    The Chairman. The only amendment we have on the roster is 
an amendment of mine, which is a technical correction to the 
Subcommittee mark. The head of the U.S. Fire Administration is 
properly and legally referred to as ``administrator,'' not 
``director.'' Is there discussion on the amendment?
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. The amendment is in the package. If not, the 
Chair would ask for a vote on the amendment. Those in favor 
will say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    The Chairman. Those opposed will say no.
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. The ayes have it.
    Are there further amendments?
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. Hearing none, the question is on the bill 
H.R. 1851, the U.S. Fire Administration Act. All those in favor 
will say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    The Chairman. Those opposed will say no.
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have 
it.
    Mr. Schiff? Oh, Mr. Brown's going to move it.
    Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown would like to make up for his sins and 
move at least one bill this evening.
    Mr. Chairman, I move the Committee report the bill H.R. 
1851 as amended. Further, I move to instruct the staff to 
prepare the legislative report, to make technical and 
conforming amendments, and that the Chair take all necessary 
steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration.
    The Chairman. Would the gentleman like three days?
    Mr. Brown. And I would like to have three days for 
supplemental and minority or additional views.
    The Chairman. The Committee has heard the motion. Those in 
favor will say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    The Chairman. Those opposed will say no.
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to.
    Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon 
the table. Mr. Ehlers.
    Mr. Ehlers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to 
continue with my unbroken string of successful amendments.
    [Laughter.]
    Mr. Ehlers. I move that under clause 1, Rule 20 of the 
rules of the House of Representatives, that the Committee 
authorize the Chairman to offer such motions as may be 
necessary in the House to go to conference with the Senate on 
the bill H.R. 1851 or a similar Senate bill.
    Mr. Boehlert. Reserving the right to object----
    [Laughter.]
    The Chairman. The Chair didn't hear that.
    Mr. Roemer. Mr. Chairman, parliamentary inquiry. Is this 
three days to submit our written comments?
    The Chairman. Mr. Brown has already taken care of you.
    Mr. Roemer. Is that from Wednesday or Thursday, since we're 
into a two-day markup?
    [Laughter.]
    Mr. Roemer. Just kidding, Mr. Chairman.
    The Chairman. You are going to have plenty of time, I 
think. You might even have lots of time yet tonight.
    [Laughter.]
    The Chairman. The question is on the motion by Mr. Ehlers. 
Those in favor say aye.
    [Chorus of ayes.]
    The Chairman. Those opposed will say no.
    [No response.]
    The Chairman. The ayes have it.
    This concludes our markup on the measure H.R. 1851, the 
U.S. Fire Administration Act. The Committee is adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 12:10 a.m., the markup on the above-entitled 
matter was adjourned.]
    [The bill H.R. 1851, plus the Amendment Roster follow:]