104th Congress (1995 - 1996)

January 3 - October 21, 1996

House Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at thomas.loc.gov

1996/01/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 3, 1996;  pages D1 - D4

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1996/01/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 4, 1996;  pages D6 - D8

Committee Meetings

ENERGY DEPARTMENT TRAVEL EXPENDITURES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on the Department of Energy: Travel Expenditures and Related Issues.
Testimony was heard from Victor Rezendes, Director, Energy Issues, GAO. 

HAITI

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Haiti: Human Rights
and Police Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Robert S. Gelbard, Assistant Secretary, International
Narcotics and Legal Affairs; and James Dobbins, Special Coordinator for Haiti;
and the following officials of the Department of Justice: Bill Perry, Deputy
Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI; and Seth Waxman,
Associate Deputy Attorney General. 

MFN STATUS FOR BULGARIA

Committee on Rules: Granted a rule providing that it will be in order to take
from the Speaker's table H.R. 1643, to authorize the extension of
nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of
Bulgaria, with the Senate amendment, and consider in the House the motion
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the rule. The rule provides
that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule
waives all points of order against the motion. The rule provides one hour of
general debate on the motion, equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides that the
previous question is considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption
without intervening motion or demand for a division of the question. Testimony
was heard from Representative Jackson-Lee. 



1996/01/05
Daily Digest - Friday, January 5, 1996;  pages D10 - D14

Committee Meetings

PROCEDURES FOR TRANSMISSION OF CONTINUING RESOLUTION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for the adoption
of an amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules to the Senate
amendment. The rule provides for the adoption of a concurrent resolution
making submission of the joint resolution to the President contingent on
submission by the President to the Congress of a Congressional Budget Office
certified, seven-year balanced budget. Finally, the rule provides that the
Clerk shall not transmit the joint resolution to the Senate until it has
agreed to the concurrent resolution to the House as adopted. 

TARGETED APPROPRIATIONS/FISHERIES LABORATORY TRANSFER

Committee on Rules: Granted a rule providing for the concurrence in the Senate
amendment, with an amendment printed the report of the Committee on Rules, to
H.R. 1358, to require the Secretary of Commerce to convey to the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory located on
Emerson Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Livingston and Representatives Obey and Browder. 



1996/01/08
Daily Digest - Monday, January 8, 1996;  pages D15 - D16

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/01/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 9, 1996;  pages D17 - D18

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/01/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 10, 1996;  pages D19 - D20

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/01/22
Daily Digest - Monday, January 22, 1996;  pages D22 - D26

Committee Meetings

WHITE HOUSE TRAVEL OFFICE

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On January 17, the Committee
began hearings on the White House Travel Office. Testimony was heard from
David Watkins, former Assistant to the President and Director, Office of
Management and Administration, The White House. 

Hearings continue January 24. 

UNFUNDED MANDATES IN MEDICAID

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On January 18, the Subcommittee
on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on Unfunded
Mandates in Medicaid. Testimony was heard from Bruce C. Vladeck, M.D.,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and
Human Services; William J. Scanlon, Associate Director, Health Financing
Issues, GAO; Philip Dearborn, Director, Government Finance Research, Advisory
Commission on Intergovernmental Relations; John Petraborg, Deputy
Commissioner, Department of Human Services, State of Minnesota; David
Parrella, Medicaid Director, Department of Social Services, State of
Connecticut; and public witnesses.  



1996/01/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 23, 1996;  pages D28 - D30

Committee Meetings

CONFERENCE REPORT--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany S. 1124, Department of Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996, and against its consideration. The
rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Spence. 



1996/01/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 24, 1996;  pages D31 - D34

Committee Meetings

TRAVEL AND TOURISM PARTNERSHIP ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous
Materials and the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade of
the Committee on International Relations held a joint hearing on H.R. 2579,
Travel and Tourism Partnership Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Greg
Farmer, Under Secretary, Department of Commerce; Judd Buchanan, Chairman,
Tourism Commission, Canada; and public witnesses. 

WHITE HOUSE TRAVEL OFFICE

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Continued hearings on the White
House Travel Office. Testimony was heard from the following former officials
of the White House Travel Office; Billy R. Dale, Director; Gary D. Wright,
Assistant Director; Barnaby L. Brasseux, Assistant to the Director; John P.
Dreylinger, Assistant to the Director; Robert T. Maughan, Communications
Officer; John P. McSweeney, Assistant to the Director; and Robert S. Van
Eimeren, Assistant to the Director. 

LANDMINE THREAT IN BOSNIA

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Research and Development and
the Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a joint hearing on the research
and development response to the landmine threat in Bosnia. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Capt. Joseph
Mazzafro, USN, Joint Staff (J-2); Maj. Gen. Clair F. Gill, USA, Commanding
General, U.S. Army Engineer Central/School and Fort Leonard Wood; Thomas
Reeder, Intelligence Analyst, National Ground Intelligence Center; Col. Dennis
Barlow, USA, Director, Policy and Plans, Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs,
Office of the Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict;
John M. Bachkosky, Deputy Under Secretary, Advanced Technology; George T.
Singley, III, Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; A. Fenner
Milton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of the
Army; Brig. Gen. Roy E. Beauchamp, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and
Development and Engineering, U.S. Army Materiel Command; John Reingruber,
Assistant for Science and Technology, Office of the Assistant Secretary,
Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict; and Claude Manley, Deputy Director,
Navy Joint Explosives Ordnance Technology Division, U.S. Navy Surface Warfare
Center, Indian Head Division; and a public witness. 

PROVIDING EXPEDITED PROCEDURES

Committee on Rules: Ordered reported, by voice vote, a resolution waiving
clause 4(b) of rule XI (requiring a \2/3\ vote to consider a rule on the same
day it is reported by the Committee on Rules) against certain resolutions
reported by the Rules Committee before March 16, 1996. The waiver applies to
special rules providing for consideration or disposition of any measures,
amendments, thereto, conference reports thereon, or amendments reported in
disagreement from a conference that: (1) make general appropriations for the
fiscal year 1996; (2) include provisions making further continuing
appropriations for fiscal D33year 1996; or (3) include provisions increasing
or waiving the public debt limit. 

                                           [Page: D33]

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
appoint members to investigative subcommittees concerning the Preliminary
Inquiry voted on Representative Barbara-Rose Collins and the Preliminary
Inquiry voted on Representative Newt Gingrich. 



1996/01/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 25, 1996;  pages D35 - D38

Committee Meetings

CLEAN AIR ACT--MONTREAL PROTOCOL IMPACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on the Implementation and Enforcement of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990,
focusing on Title VI and the Impact of the Seventh Meeting of the Parties to
the Montreal Protocol. Testimony was heard from Rafe Pomerance, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Environment and Development, Department of State; Larry
Elworth, Special Assistant Pesticide Policy Natural Resources and Environment,
USDA; and Mary D. Nichols, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA. 

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
Growing Threat of International Organized Crime. Testimony was heard from Jim
E. Moody, Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC CAPABILITIES

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on
Science and the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans of the
Committee on Resources held a joint hearing on leveraging national
oceanographic capabilities. Testimony was heard from Neal F. Lane, Director,
NSF; James Baker, Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Adm. Jeremy M.
Boorda, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy; RAdm. Paul G.
Gaffney, II, USN, Commander, Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Command,
Stennis Space Center, NASA; Bruce Alberts, President, National Academy of
Sciences; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 



1996/01/26
Daily Digest - Friday, January 26, 1996;  pages D39 - D44

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1996/01/30
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 30, 1996;  pages D46 - D48

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE MARKET TRANSITION ACT

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported H.R. 2854, Agriculture Market
Transition Act. 



1996/10/31
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 31, 1996;  pages D49 - D52

Committee Meetings 

SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT REAUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Priorities for Reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Solomon and Kleczka; Robert Perciasepe,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Held a hearing on "What
Works in Public Schools". Testimony was heard from Frank Brogan, Commissioner
of Education, State of Florida; William Randall, Commissioner of Education,
State of Colorado; and public witnesses. 

                                           [Page: D51]

GLOBAL ORGANIZED CRIME 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Global Organized
Crime. Testimony was heard from Jim E. Moody, Deputy Assistant Director,
Criminal Investigative Division, FBI, Department of Justice; David Kerry,
Director, Crime and Narcotics Center, CIA; and public witnesses. 

FBI MURDER INVESTIGATIONS IN HAITI

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight hearing
regarding the FBI murder investigation in Haiti. Testimony has heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Seth Waxman, Associate
Deputy Attorney General; and William Perry, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI;
the following officials of the Department of State: Ambassador Robert Gelbard,
Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; and
Ambassador James Dobbins, Special Coordinator, Haiti; and a pubic witness. 

CONFERENCE REPORT--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points or order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2546, making appropriations
for the government of the District of Columbia and other activities chargeable
in whole or in part against the revenues of said District for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1996, and against its consideration. The rule provides
that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Walsh and Dixon. 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report to accompany S. 652, the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 and against its consideration. The rule
provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. 

RECESS AUTHORITY

Committee on Rules: Ordered reported, by voice vote, a resolution authorizing
the Speaker to declare recesses, subject to the call of the chair, of not more
than three days intervals, at a time (excluding Sundays), from calendar days
Friday, February 2, 1996, through Monday, February 26, 1996. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 

WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 2747, Water Supply
Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Robert
Perciasepe, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; Michael C.
Finnegan, Counsel, Governor, State of New York; Tommy Kilby, County Executive,
Morgan County, State of Tennessee; and public witnesses. 



1996/02/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 1, 1996;  pages D54 - D60

Committee Meetings

PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT--INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE ELECTRICITY
MARKETS


Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act and its Role in
Increasingly Competitive Electricity Markets. Testimony was heard from
Representative Stearns; the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Charles Curtis, Deputy Secretary; and Elizabeth Moler, Chair, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission; and public witnesses. 

BOSNIA--PEACE WITH JUSTICE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Prospects for Peace
with Justice in Bosnia. Testimony was heard from John Shattuck, Assistant
Secretary, Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State. 

SOCIAL SECURITY GUARANTEE ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for the
consideration in the House of H.R. 2924, to guarantee the timely payment of
Social Security benefits in March 1996. The bill shall be debatable for 1
hour. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill to
final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit. The
motion to recommit may include instructions only if offered by the Minority
Leader or his designee. Testimony was heard from Chairman Archer and
Representative Gibbons. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 



1996/02/05
Daily Digest - Monday, February 5, 1996;  pages D61 - D62

Committee Meetings 

No Committee meetings were held. 



1996/02/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 6, 1996;  pages D63 - D66

Committee Meetings

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS FRANCHISE RELOCATION; ANTITRUST IMPLICATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing regarding Professional
Sports Franchise Relocation: Antitrust Implications; and also to discuss the
following bills: H.R. 2740, Fan Freedom and Community Protection Act of 1995;
and H.R. 2699, Fans Rights Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Senator
Glenn; Representatives Hoke, Flanagan, and Stokes; Bob Lanier, Mayor, Houston,
Texas; and public witnesses. 



1996/02/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 7, 1996;  pages D68 - D72

Committee Meetings

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Held a hearing on H.R.
2497, to amend the National Labor Relations Act. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

OMB 2000 REFORMS: WHERE ARE WE HEADING?

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology held a hearing on OMB 2000 Reforms:
Where Are We Heading? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
OMB: Alice M. Rivlin, Director; and John Koskinen, Deputy Director; the
following officials of the GAO: L. Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Management
and Workforce Issues; and Paul L. Posner, Director, Budget Issues, Accounting
and Information Management Division; and public witnesses. 

NII COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 2441, NII Copyright Protection Act of 1995. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 



1996/02/09
Daily Digest - Friday, February 9, 1996;  pages D73 - D75

Committee Meetings

DEBT CEILING LIMIT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: On February 8, the Committee held
a hearing to provide an update on the debt ceiling limit issue. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Saxton, Mica, Kanjorski, and Kennedy of
Massachusetts; Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On February 8, the Subcommittee
on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations held an oversight hearing
on the use of automated screens by Medicare contractors to prevent payment of
medically unnecessary claims. Testimony was heard from Gary Kavanagh, Deputy
Director, Bureau of Program Operations, Health Care Financing Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; Sally Jaggar, Director, Health
Financing and Policy Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

NII COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Committee on the Judiciary: On February 8, the Subcommittee on Courts and
Intellectual Property concluded hearings on H.R. 2441, NII Copyright
Protection Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Jeanne Hurley Simon,
Chairperson, National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; Tuck
Tinsley III, President, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.; and
public witnesses. 



1996/02/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 13, 1996;  pages D77 - D78

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/02/16
Daily Digest - Friday, February 16, 1996;  pages D80 - D82

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1996/02/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 20, 1996;  pages D84 - D86

Committee Meetings

CONDUCT OF MONETARY POLICY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and
International Monetary Policy held a hearing on the Conduct of Monetary Policy
(Humphrey-Hawkins). Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board
of Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION WELFARE REFORM PROPOSAL

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the welfare reform proposals developed by the National Governors' Association.
Testimony was heard from Representative Velazquez; the following Governors:
Tommy G. Thompson, Wisconsin; and Thomas R. Carper, Delaware; Eloise Anderson,
Director, Department of Social Services, State of California; Gerald Whitburn,
Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, State of Massachusetts;
and public witnesses. 



1996/02/23
Daily Digest - Friday, February 23, 1996;  pages D87 - D92

Committee Meetings

MEDICAID--BIPARTISAN NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

Committee on Commerce: On February 21, the Committee held a hearing on the
Unanimous Bipartisan National Governors' Association Agreement on Medicaid.
Testimony was heard from the following Governors: John M. Engler, Michigan;
Lawton Chiles, Florida; Michael O. Leavitt, Utah; Bob Miller, Nevada; Tommy G.
Thompson, Wisconsin; and Roy Romer, Colorado. 

OVERSIGHT--DC WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the District of
Columbia held an oversight hearing on the Water and Sewer Systems of the
District of Columbia. Testimony was heard from Michael McCabe, Director,
Region III, EPA; Tom Jacobus, Chief, Washington Aqueduct, Corps of Engineers,
Department of the Army; Larry King, Director, Department of Public Works,
District of Columbia; and public witnesses. 

LOCAL EMPOWERMENT AND FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On February 22, the Subcommittee
on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on H.R.
2086, Local Empowerment and Flexibility Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from
Representative D89Hoyer; Angela Park, Coordinator, Sustainable Communities,
President's Council on Sustainable Development; Andrew Norton, Representative,
State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. 

                                           [Page: D89]

REAUTHORIZING EXPORT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Committee on International Relations: On February 22, the Subcommittee on
International Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on Exports, Growth and
Jobs--Reauthorizing Federal Export Assistance Programs. Testimony was heard
from Ruth Harkin, President and CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation,
U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency; Timothy Hauser, Acting
Under Secretary, International Trade, Department of Commerce; and J. Joseph
Grandmaison, Director, Trade and Development Agency. 



1996/02/26
Daily Digest - Monday, February 26, 1996;  pages D93 - D104

Committee Meetings 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN GOVERNMENT 

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on Using the Best
Practices of Information Technology in Government. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the GAO: Christopher Hoenig, Director, Information
Resources Management Policies and Issues; and David L. McClure, Assistant
Director, Information Management and Policy Issues; John M. Kost, Chief
Information Officer, State of Michigan; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL GAMING IMPACT AND POLICY COMMISSION ACT 

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 497, National Gaming Impact and
Policy Commission Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Frank of
Massachusetts; and public witnesses. 



1996/02/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 27, 1996;  pages D105 - D110

Committee Meetings

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water began
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Congressional and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D107]

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education began appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislation held a hearing on the
House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the House: Robin H. Carle, Clerk; Wilson S. Livingood, Sergeant at Arms; Scott
M. Faulkner, Chief Administrative Officer; John W. Lainhart, IV, Inspector
General; John R. Miller, Deputy Law Revision Counsel; David E. Meade, Chief,
Office of the Legislative Counsel; and John F. Elsold, M.D., Attending
Physician. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation began
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Congressional and public
witnesses. 

COUNTERFEITING OF U.S. CURRENCY ABROAD

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on General Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the Counterfeiting of U.S. Currency Abroad.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: JayEtta Hecker,
Director, International Trade, Finance and Competitiveness; and Kate Monahan,
Evaluator; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: John
Hawke, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance; and Eljay Bowron, Director, U.S.
Secret Service; Theodore Allison, Assistant, Board of Governors, Federal
Reserve System; Robert Sims, Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary,
International Arms and Narcotics, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development held a hearing on proposals for Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--ELECTRICITY: STATE OF THE STATES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held an oversight
hearing on Electricity: State of the States. Testimony was heard from the
following State Representatives: Jeb Bradely and Clifton Below, New Hampshire;
Warren Chisum, Texas; and George D. Caruolo, Rhode Island; David L. O'Connor,
Commissioner, Division of Energy Resources and John B. Howe, Chairman,
Department of Public Utilities, State of Massachusetts; Patrick Wood, III,
Chairman, Public Utility Commission, State of Texas; John Hanger,
Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of Pennsylvania; Jessie J.
Knight, Jr., Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of California;
Herb Tate, President, Board of Public Utilities, State of New Jersey; Allyson
K. Duncan, Commissioner, Utility Commission, State of North Carolina; and a
public witness. 

FDA REFORM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on the Need for FDA Reform. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

WORLDWIDE PERSECUTION OF JEWS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on worldwide persecution of Jews. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses. 

HEALTH CARE REFORM ISSUES

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Health Care Reform Issues:
Antitrust, Medical Malpractice Liability, and Volunteer Liability, including
discussion of the following measures: H.R. 2925, Antitrust Health Care
Advancement Act of 1996; H.R. 911, Volunteer Protection Act; and H.R. 2938,
Charitable Medical Care Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Porter and Weldon of Florida; Robert Pitofsky, Chairman, FTC; and public
witnesses. 

Hearing to continue tomorrow. 

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Water Resources Development
Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from John J. Haley, Jr., Deputy Executive
Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Jack Caldwell, Secretary,
Department of Natural Resources, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

AGRICULTURAL MARKET TRANSITION ACT; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on H.R.
2854, to modify the operation of certain agricultural programs, providing 2
hours of general debate divided equally between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Agriculture. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the Committee
on Agriculture D 108amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the
bill. All points of order are waived against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute, and provides that it shall be considered as read. Only the
amendments referenced in the report of the Committee on Rules are in order and
shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered
only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall
be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment
(except as specified in the report), and shall not be subject to a demand for
a division of the question in the House or in the Committee on the Whole. All
points of order against the amendments referenced in the report of the
Committee on Rules are waived. The rule further provides that a separate vote
may be demanded in the House on any amendment adopted to the committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule also provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions. The chairman of the Committee on
Agriculture or a designee may offer amendments en bloc consisting of
amendments not previously disposed of which are printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules or germane modifications thereof which may include a
perfecting amendment to text proposed to be stricken by such an amendment. The
amendments offered en bloc shall be considered as read (except that
modifications shall be reported), shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally
divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Agriculture or their designees. Finally, the rule permits the original
proponent of an amendment included in an en bloc amendment to insert a
statement in the Congressional Record immediately prior to the disposition of
the amendments en bloc. 

                                          [Page: D108]

Testimony was heard from Chairman Roberts and Representatives Barrett of
Nebraska, Smith of Michigan, Foley, Chambliss, Stenholm, Volkmer, Peterson of
Minnesota, Dooley, Pomeroy, Farr, Jacobs, Petri, Roth, Shays, Kingston, Miller
of Florida, Chabot, Tiahrt, Hamilton, Obey, Schumer, Kennedy of Massachusetts,
Olver, Sanders, Waters, and Deutsch. 

The Committee approved its Budget Views and Estimates for submission to the
Committee on the Budget. 



1996/02/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 28, 1996;  pages D112 - D118

Committee Meetings

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Congressional and public
witnesses. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Indian
Programs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Joint Economic Committee, the Capitol Police Board, the CBO, the Architect of
the Capitol and the Botanic Garden. Testimony was heard from Senator Mack;
Representative Saxton; Wilson S. Livingood, Sergeant at Arms, House of
Representatives; Howard Greene, Sergeant at Arms, Senate; the following
officials of CBO: June O'Neill, Director; and James Blume, Deputy Director;
William Ensign, Acting Architect of the Capitol; and Gary Abrecht, Chief,
Capitol Police. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Marsh Task Force. Testimony was heard from John Marsh, former
Secretary of the Army. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Congressional and public
witnesses. 

ORGANIZED CRIME AND BANKING; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the Threat that
Organized Criminal Groups Pose to the International Banking System. Testimony
was heard from JayEtta Hecker, Director, International Trade, Finance, and
Competitiveness, GAO; Edward W. Kelley, Jr., member, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Stanley E. Morris, Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network;
and Robert Rasor, Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service; the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Harold D. Wankel, Chief of
Operations, DEA; Mark Richards, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal
Division; and Chuck Owens, Section Chief, Criminal Investigations Division,
Financial Crimes Section, FBI; Robert Sims, Special Advisor on International
Criminal Justice to the Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; Richard A. Brown, District Attorney,
Queens County, State of New York; and public witnesses. 

The Committee also approved pending Committee business. 

URANIUM MILL TAILINGS RADIATION CONTROL ACT AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on H.R.
2967, to extend the authorization of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act of 1978. Testimony was heard from James Owendoff, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Environmental Restoration, Department of Energy; Bernice
Steinhardt, Associate Director, Resources, Community, and Economic Development
Division, GAO; Howard A. Roitman, Division Director, Hazardous Materials and
Waste Management Division, Department of Public Health and Environment, State
of Colorado; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D116]

SEC AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance approved
for full Committee action H.R. 2972, Securities and Exchange Commission
Authorization Act of 1996. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this legislation.
Testimony was heard from Arthur Leavitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC. 

POSTMARK PROMPT PAYMENT ACT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the Postal
Service held a hearing on H.R. 1963, Postmark Prompt Payment Act of 1995.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

HAITI--AFTER UNITED STATES DEPARTURE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
Affairs held a hearing on Haiti: After The Departure of the U.S. Contingent
from UNMIH. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: John Christiansen, Director, Haiti Task Force; and Col. Richard H.
Coffin, USA Western Hemisphere Division, J-3, Joint Staff; John P. Leonard,
Director, Haiti Working Group, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

HEALTH CARE REFORM ISSUES

Committee on the Judiciary: Concluded hearings on Health Care Reform Issues:
Antitrust, Medical Malpractice Liability, and Volunteer Liability; including
discussion of the following measures: H.R. 2925, Antitrust Health Care
Advancement Act of 1996; H.R. 911, Volunteer Protection Act; and H.R. 2938,
Charitable Medical Care Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from Senator
McConnell; Representatives Archer, Goodlatte and Stark; and public witnesses. 

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on Ballistic Missile Defense.
Testimony was heard from Richard N. Cooper, Chairman, National Intelligence
Council; and public witnesses. 

OIL AND GAS ROYALTY SIMPLIFICATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resource approved
for full Committee action H.R. 1975, Federal Oil and Gas Royalty
Simplification Act of 1995. 

ALLOCATING FUNDS--SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Allocating Federal Funds for Science
and Technology. Testimony was heard from Frank Press, President Emeritus,
National Academy of Sciences. 

SMALL BUSINESS' ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on small business' access to
capital. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment continued hearings on the Water Resources
Development Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from H. Martin Lancaster,
Assistant Secretary, Civil Works, Department of the Army; George Williamson,
Managing Director, Port of Houston, Texas; W. Don Welch, Executive Director,
State Ports Authority, South Carolina; the following officials of the State of
Oregon: Mike Thorne, Executive Director, Port of Portland; and Keith A.
Leavitt, Manager of Ports and Transportation Development; David N. Kennedy,
Director, Department of Water Resources, California; Randy Horiuchi,
Commissioner, City of Salt Lake, Utah; Jay L. Kimble, Mayor, Stillwater,
Minnesota; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2778,
amended, to provide that members of the Armed Forces peacekeeping effort in
the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina be entitled to certain tax benefits;
H.R. 2853, to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment to the
products of Bulgaria; and H.R. 2969, Federal Tea Tasters Repeal Act of 1996. 



1996/02/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 29, 1996;  pages D120 - D130

Committee Meetings 

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public
witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Joint Committee on Taxation and the GAO. Testimony was heard from
Representative Archer; and the following officials of the GAO: Charles
Bowsher, Comptroller General; James Hinchman, Special Assistant to the
Comptroller General; Gene Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller General, Operations;
and Richard Brown, Controller. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Quality of Life in the Military. Testimony was heard from the
following Senior Service Enlisted Advisors, Department of Defense: Gene
McKinney, USA; John Hagan, D 124USN; Louis Lee, USMC; and Dana Kampanell,
USAF. 

                                          [Page: D124]

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public
witnesses. 

RURAL CREDIT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on Rural
Credit. Testimony was heard from Mark Drabenstott, Vice President and
Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Federal Reserve System;
Clarence W. Hawkins, Mayor, Bastrop, Louisiana; and public witnesses. 

CANCER PATIENT ACCESS--UNAPPROVED TREATMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on Cancer Patient Access to Unapproved Treatments. Testimony was heard
from Representative Defazio; and public witnesses. 

PUBLIC BROADCASTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance held a
hearing on H.R. 2979, Public Broadcasting Self-Sufficiency Act of 1996.
Testimony was heard from Richard W. Carson, President and CEO, Corporation for
Public Broadcasting; and public witnesses. 

FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT 

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations held a hearing on the Office of Federal Contract
Compliance Programs and H.R. 2138, Equal Opportunity Act of 1995. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses. 

CENSUS 2000

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on Census 2000:
Putting Our Money Where It Counts. Testimony was heard from Senator Kohl;
Representatives Sawyer and Petri; and public witnesses. 

TENANT INITIATIVE PROGRAMS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on HUD's Management of Tenant
Initiative Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Susan Gaffney, Inspector General;
Patricia Arnaudo, Deputy Director, Program Development; and Kevin Marchman,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing; Ed Moses, Deputy
Executive Director, Community Relations and Involvement, Housing Authority,
Chicago, Illinois; Miguel Rodriguez, Executive Director, Public Housing
Authority, Puerto Rico; and a public witness. 

CUBAN DOWNING OF UNITED STATES CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Shoot Down of U.S.
Civilian Aircraft by Castro Regime. Testimony was heard from Peter Tarnoff,
Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.J. Res. 129,
granting consent of Congress to the Vermont-New Hampshire Interstate Public
Water Supply Compact; H.R. 2604, Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1995; and H.R.
2977, Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.J. Res. 129.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Bass and Sanders. 

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL REFORM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
Independent Counsel Statute and H.R. 892, Independent Counsel Accountability
and Reform Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hyde and
Dickey; Joseph E. diGenova, former Independent Counsel; Abner Mikva, former
White House Counsel and U.S. Circuit Judge (rtd.); Lawrence Walsh, former
Independent Counsel and U.S. District Judge (rtd.); David Clark, Director,
Audit, Oversight and Liaison, GAO; Melvin J. Bryson, Jr., Chief,
Administrative Services Office, Administrative Office of the United States
Courts; John C. Keney, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice; and a public witness. 

WHITE HOUSE TRAVEL OFFICE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims approved
for full Committee action H.R. 2937, for the reimbursement of legal expenses
and related fees incurred by former employees of the White House Travel Office
with respect to the termination of their employment in that Office on May 19, 1993. 

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

                                          [Page: D125]

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development met to discuss Ballistic Missile Defense. 

INTERNATIONAL DOLPHIN PROTECTION 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a
hearing on H.R. 2823, International Dolphin Conservation Act and H.R. 2856,
International Dolphin Protection and Consumer Information Act of 1995.
Testimony was heard from Senators Biden and Boxer; Representatives Cunningham
and Bilbray; Timothy Wirth, Under Secretary, Global Affairs, Department of
State; the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Douglas K. Hall,
Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator, NOAA; and
Elizabeth Edwards, Leader, Dolphin Safe Research Program, Southwest Fisheries
Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING ACT PROGRAM

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands held
an oversight hearing on the Forest Service's Draft 1995 Renewable Resources
Planning Act Program. Testimony was heard from David Unger, Associate Chief,
Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

REGULATORY SUNSET REVIEW ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 994, Regulatory Sunset and Review Act of 1995, to be equally
divided by the chairmen and ranking minority members of the Committees on
Government Reform and Oversight and the Judiciary. The rule makes the
amendment in the nature of a substitute by Representative Hyde printed in the
Congressional Record on February 29 as amendment numbered 1 in order as an
original bill for the purposes of amendment. 

The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute be
considered by title, and that the first section and each title shall be
considered as read, and waives points of order against the amendment in the
nature of a substitute for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI
(germaneness). The rule accords priority in recognition to Members who have
preprinted their amendment in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one
motion to recommit with or without instructions. 

The rule vacates action by which the House amended and passed S. 219. The rule
provides that it be in order to take from the Speaker's table and consider the
Senate bill. The rule allows for a motion to be offered by Chairman Clinger
that the House strike all after the enacting clause of the Senate bill and
insert the text of H.R. 994 as passed by the House. The rule allows 1 hour of
debate on the motion to be equally divided and controlled between the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Government Reform and
Oversight, waives germaneness point of order against the motion, and allows
one motion to commit. Finally, the rule provides that if the motion to amend
is adopted, then it shall be in order to move that the House insist on its
amendments and request a conference with the Senate. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Clinger; and Representatives Gekas, Meyers of Kansas, and Chapman. 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MODERNIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
National Weather Service Modernization Program Status. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: D. James Baker,
Administrator, NOAA and Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere; and Frank
DeGeorge, Inspector General; Jack L. Brock, Jr., Director, Information
Resources Management, Resources, Community, and Economic Development, GAO; and
a public witness. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM--AIRPORT PRIVATIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Airport Improvement Program, with emphasis on Airport
Privatization. Testimony was heard from Gerald L. Dillingham, Associate
Director, Transportation Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic
Development Division, GAO; Gerald Fitzgerald, Director, Aviation Department,
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 7. 

HOSPITAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND--FINANCIAL REVIEW

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing to review the current financial
condition of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Testimony was heard
from Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury; Donna E. Shalala, Secretary,
Health and Human Services; and Sarah F. Jaggar, Director, Health Financing and
Policy Issues Division, GAO. 



1996/03/04
Daily Digest - Monday, March 4, 1996; pages D132 - D134

Committee Meetings 

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/03/05
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 5, 1996;  pages D135 - D142

Committee Meetings

IMMIGRATION IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2202, Immigration in
the National Interest Act of 1995. 

AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public witnesses. 

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and
public witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Joint Committee on Printing, the GPO and the Library of Congress.
Testimony was heard from Representative Thomas; the following officials of the
GPO: Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer; and Wayne P. Kelley, Superintendent
of Documents; and James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress. 

FEDERALISM

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Federalism. Testimony was heard
from Becky Norton Dunlop, Secretary, Natural Resources, State of Virginia; and
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2596, to extend energy conservation
programs under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act through fiscal year
1999; H.R. 2967, amended, to extend the authorization of the Uranium Mill
Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978; H.R. 2501, amended, to extend the
deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of a
hydroelectric project in Kentucky; H.R. 2630, amended, to extend the deadline
for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of
Illinois; H.R. 2695, amended, to extend the deadline under the Federal Power
Act applicable to the construction of certain hydroelectric projects in the
State of Pennsylvania; H.R. 2773, amended, to extend the deadline under the
Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of 2 hydroelectric projects
in North Carolina; H.R. 2816, to reinstate the license for, and extend the
deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of, a
hydroelectric project in Ohio; H.R. 2869, amended, to extend the deadline for
commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of
Kentucky; and H.R. 1514, Propane Education and Research Act of 1995. 

IMMIGRATION IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil Service
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 2202, Immigration in the
National Interest Act of 1995. 

VIOLATIONS OF UNITED STATES EMBARGO ON CUBA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing on Violations of the United States Embargo on Cuba. Testimony
was heard from Michael Ranneberger; Coordinator, Office of Cuban Affairs,
Department of State; Richard Newcomb, Director, Office of Foreign Assets
Control, Department of the Treasury; and Mark M. Richard, Deputy Assistant
Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development began hearings on the fiscal year 1997 national defense
authorization request, with emphasis on Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers and University Affiliated Centers. Testimony was heard
from Paul G. Kaminski, Under Secretary, Acquisition and Technology, Department
of Defense; and public witnesses. 

AUTHORIZATION--PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION AND U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine
began hearings on the fiscal year 1997 Panama Canal Commission and U.S.
Maritime Administration authorization requests. Testimony was heard from
Albert H. Herberger, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of
Transportation; and the following officials of the D 139Panama Canal
Commission: Joe R. Reeder, Chairman, Board of Directors; and Gilberto Guardia,
Administrator. 

                                          [Page: D139]

HOUSING IMPROVEMENT ACT FOR LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands held
a hearing on H.R. 2941, Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies.
Testimony was heard from Roger Kennedy, Director, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; Mark Reimers, Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA;
and public witnesses. 

CONFERENCE REPORT--CUBAN LIBERTY AND DEMOCRATIC SOLIDARITY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference to accompany H.R. 927, Cuban Liberty and Democratic
Solidarity Act of 1995, and against its consideration. The rule provides that
the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Gilman and Representatives Burton of Indiana, Ros-Lehtinen, Campbell,
and Hamilton. 

WHITE HOUSE TRAVEL INVESTIGATION

Committee on Rules: Ordered reported, by voice vote, H. Res. 369, to provide
to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight special authorities to
obtain testimony for purposes of investigation and study of the White House
Travel Office matter. 

Prior to this action, the committee held a hearing on this resolution.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Clinger and Representative Collins of
Michigan. 

RAIL SAFETY OVERSIGHT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
a hearing on Rail Safety Oversight: Human Factor and Grade Crossing Issues.
Testimony was heard from Senator Lautenberg; David Winstead, Secretary,
Department of Transportation, State of Maryland; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

COUNTERTERRORISM

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Counterterrorism. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses. 



1996/03/06
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 6, 1996;  pages D144 - D152

Committee Meetings 

AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public witnesses. 

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and
public witnesses. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Agencies held a hearing on Jordan Arms Transfers.
Testimony was heard from Walter B. Slocombe, Under Secretary, Policy,
Department of Defense; and Robert H. Pelletreau, Assistant Secretary, Near
Eastern Affairs, Department of State. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
National Endowment for the Humanities. Testimony was heard from Sheldon
Hackney, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Foundation
on the Arts and the Humanities. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Representative Ehlers; and
public witnesses. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Office of Compliance. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of that Office: Glen Nager, Chairman,
Board of Directors; and Ricky Silberman, Executive Director. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Army. Testimony was heard from Robert M. Walker, Assistant
Secretary of the Army, Department of Defense. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Inspector General Reports. Testimony was heard from A. Mary Schiavo, Inspector
General, Department of Transportation. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE-GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on issues in Treasury Law Enforcement.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Robert E. Rubin, Secretary; John W. Magaw, Director, Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Charles F. Rinkevich, Director, Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center; Eljay B. Bowron, Director, U.S. Secret Service;
and George Weise, Commissioner of Customs, U.S. Customs Service. 

VA-HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs, HUD and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the NSF. Testimony was heard from Neal
F. Lane, Director, NSF. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2972,
amended, Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1996; and
H.R. 2969, Federal Tea Tasters Repeal Act of 1996. 

MEDICAID--BIPARTISAN NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT 

Committee on Commerce: The Committee also continued hearings on the Unanimous
Bipartisan National Governors Association Agreement on Medicaid. Testimony was
heard from Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services; Gail
Wilensky, Chairman, Board of Directors, Physician Payment Review Commission;
and public witnesses. 

ERISA TARGETED HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM ACT; CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
REGULATIONS 

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 995, ERISA Targeted Health Insurance Reform Act of 1995. 

                                          [Page: D148]

The Committee also adopted a motion to instruct the Chairman to seek adoption
by the House of resolutions regarding the Congressional Accountability Act
regulations. 

OVERSIGHT--IRS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on IRS
Financial Management. Testimony was heard from Gene L. Dodaro, Assistant
Comptroller General, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO;
Margaret Milner Richardson, Commissioner of Internal Revenue, IRS, Department
of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

REQUIRING TWO-THIRDS MAJORITIES--BILLS INCREASING TAXES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.J. Res. 159, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
to require two-thirds majorities for bills increasing taxes. Testimony was
heard from Senator Kyl; Representatives Barton of Texas, Skaggs, Geren of
Texas, and Shadegg; Ken Blackwell, Treasurer, State of Ohio; and public
witnesses. 

MARIJUANA USE IN AMERICA

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on marijuana
use in America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Began hearings on the fiscal year 1997
national defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: William J. Perry, Secretary; and Gen.
John M. Shalikashvili, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

FURTHER BALANCED BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a recorded vote of 9 to 2, a modified closed
rule providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3019, making appropriations for fiscal
year 1996 to make a further downpayment toward a balanced budget. The rule
provides for the adoption in the House and in the Committee of the Whole of an
amendment printed in section 2 of the report of the Committee on Rules. 

The rule further provides for the consideration of the amendments specified in
the report of the Committee on Rules, which shall be considered only in the
order specified in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read, debatable for the time specified in
the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent.
Said amendments shall not be subject to amendment and shall not be subject to
a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments specified in
the report of the Committee on Rules. Finally, the rule provides that the
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill to final passage
without intervening motion except one motion to recommit which, if containing
instructions, may only be offered by the Minority Leader or his designee.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Livingston and Representatives Istook,
Gekas, Morella, Zeliff, Greenwood, Crapo, McIntosh, Obey, Pelosi, Lowey,
Rangel, Richardson, Pallone, Sawyer, and Furse. 

CONTINUING INVESTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND OTHER FEDERAL FUNDS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing for the
consideration of H.R. 3021, to guarantee the continuing full investment of
Social Security and other Federal funds in obligations of the United States,
in the House. The rule provides a motion to recommit which may include
instructions only if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Archer and Representatives Smith of Michigan and
Gibbons. 

GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Global Change Research Programs: Data
Collection and Scientific Priorities. Testimony was heard from Robert T.
Watson, Associate Director, Environment, Office of Science and Technology
Policy; Charles Kennel, Associate Administrator, Office of Mission to Planet
Earth, NASA; Brad Hathaway, Associate Director, Defense Management Issues,
National Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; Michael MacCracken,
Director, Office of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, National
Scientific and Technology Council; Arno Ledebuhr, Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory; and public witnesses. 

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on assessing the Small Business
Technology Transfer Pilot Program and Small Business Innovation Research
Program. Testimony was heard from Victor S. Rezendes, Director, Energy,
Resources and Science Issues, Resources, Community and Economic Development
Division, GAO; Daniel O. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Technology Programs,
SBA; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D149]

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation and
the Subcommittee on Railroads held a joint hearing on reauthorizing the
National Transportation Safety Board. Testimony was heard from James E. Hall,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board. 

OVERSIGHT--RAIL SAFETY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads
continued hearings on Rail Safety Oversight: Human Factors and Grade Crossing
Issues. Testimony was heard from Robert Lauby, Chief, Railroad Division,
National Transportation Safety Board; and Jolene Molitoris, Administrator,
Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation. 

WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action the following:
H.R. 2747, amended, Water Supply Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1995; and 13
water resources survey resolutions. 

BROWN/RUDMAN COMMISSION REPORT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on the Brown/Rudman
Commission Report. Testimony was heard from Warren B. Rudman, former Senator,
State of New Hampshire; and Harold Brown, former Secretary of Defense. 



1996/03/07
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 7, 1996;  pages D153 - D164

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies continued appropriations
hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public witnesses. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Department of Energy and other programs. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D157]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Air Force. Testimony was heard from Ronald Coleman, Assistant
Secretary, Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Environment,
Department of the Air Force. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing
on fiscal year 1997 Defense Budget. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: William J. Perry, Secretary; and Gen.
John M. Shalikashvili, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
the GAO and on the National Transportation Safety Board. Testimony was heard
from John Anderson, Director, Transportation Issues, GAO; and James E. Hall,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board. 

FUTURE OF MONEY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and
International Monetary Policy continued hearings on the Future of Money, Part
III. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

CORPORATE WELFARE

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Corporate Welfare. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Health Care Reform: Reforming the Small Business Marketplace and the
Individual Health Insurance Market. Testimony was heard from Brian Atchinson,
Superintendent of Insurance, State of Maine; and public witnesses. 

SECURITIES AMENDMENTS ACT OF 1996

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance approved
for full Committee action amended H.R. 3005, Securities Amendments of 1996. 

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth and Families held a hearing on a proposed IDEA (Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act) Improvement Act. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: ordered reported amended H.R.
2202, Immigration and National Interest Act of 1995. 

The Committee also adopted Special Committee Rules to obtain deposition
testimony on the White House Travel Office matter. 

The Committee also approved a draft report entitled "National Drug Policy: A
Review of the Status of the Drug War." 

ADMINISTRATION'S PROGRAM--NARCOTICS IN LATIN AMERICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing to review the Administration's certification program for
Narcotics producing and transit countries in Latin America. Testimony was
heard form Robert S. Gelbard, Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and
Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; and Thomas A. Constantine,
Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 1995

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 2128, Equal Opportunity Act of 1995. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1143, to amend title 18, United States Code, with
respect to witness retaliation; H.R. 1144, to amend title 18, United States
Code, with respect to witness tampering; H.R. 1144, to amend title 18, United
States Code, with respect to jury tampering; H.R. 2092, Private Security
Officer Quality Assurance Act of 1995; H.R. 2137, Megan's Law; H.R. 2453,
Fugitive Detention Act of 1995; H.R. 2587, War Crimes Act of 1995; H.R. 2607,
Veterans' Memorials Protection Act of 1995; H.R. 2641, United States Marshals
Service Improvement Act of 1995; H.R. 2650, Mandatory Federal Prison Drug
Treatment Act of 1995; H.R. 2803, Anti-Car Theft Improvements Act of 1995;
H.R. 2804, to amend the auto theft provisions of title 49, United States Code,
to add air bag modules to the list of major auto parts protected under such
provisions; H.R. 2974, Crimes Against Children and Elderly Persons Punishment
and Prevention Act of 1995; H.R. 2980, Interstate Stalking Punishment and
Prevention Act of 1996; and H.R. 2996, Law Enforcement and Industrial Security
Cooperation Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from Representatives Martinez,
Chrysler, Fox, Zimmer, Frank of Massachusetts, Jones, Lowey, and Royce; Kevin
V. DiGregory, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department
of Justice. 

                                          [Page: D158]

MILITARY HOUSING

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installation and
Facilities held a hearing on alternative authorities for construction and
improvement of military housing. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Robert E. Bayer, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Installations; Paul Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Installations and Housing, Department of the Army; Duncan Holaday, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Installations and Housing, Department of the Navy; and
Jimmy G. Dishner, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Installations, Department of the
Air Force. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security; Subcommittee on Military Personnel began
hearings on the fiscal year 1996 national defense authorization request, with
emphasis on Department of Defense TRICARE and alternatives for retiree health
care. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Maj. Gen. James Peake, USA, Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Medical
Command; and Stephen Joseph M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; Stephen
P. Backus, Associate Director, Health Care Delivery and Quality Issues, GAO;
Steve Tough, President and CEO, Foundation Health Federal Services
Managed-Care Support Contractor for TRICARE; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 12. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on the
fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization request, with emphasis on
Ballistic Missile Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Malcolm R. O'Neill, USA, Director,
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization; Lt. Gen. George K. Muellner, USAF,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acquisition, Department of the Air
Force, RAdm. John T. Hood, USN, Program Executive Officer, Theater Air
Defense; and Brig. Gen. Richard A. Black, USA, Program Executive Officer,
Missile Defense. 

MINERAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE ORGANIC ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on H.R. 1813, Mineral Management Service Organic Act. Testimony was
heard from Cynthia Quarterman, Director, Minerals Management Service,
Department of the Interior; Robert R. Jordan, State Geologist and Director,
Geological Survey, State of Delaware; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--DAM SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources held an
oversight hearing on dam safety and deferred maintenance issues at Bureau of
Reclamation facilities. Testimony was heard from Patricia J. Beneke, Assistant
Secretary, Water and Science, Department of the Interior; Fred Springer,
Director, Office of Hydropower Licensing, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, Department of Energy; Anthony K. Chargin, Deputy Associate
Director, Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation Technologies, Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratories; the following officials of the State of
California: Vernon Persson, Chief, Division of Safety of Dams, Department of
Water Resources; and Steven Miklos, Vice Mayor, Folsom, California; and public
witnesses. 

CONFERENCE REPORT--AMERICAN OVERSEAS INTERESTS ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1561, American Overseas
Interests Act of 1995, and against its consideration. The rule provides that
the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Hyde and Representative Conyers. 

EFFECTIVE DEATH PENALTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2703, Effective Death Penalty and Public Safety Act of
1996. The rule provides for the Committee of the Whole to rise after general
debate without further motion. No further consideration of the bill is
provided for except by a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Gilman and Representative Hamilton. 

RESTRUCTURED FUSION ENERGY SCIENCES PROGRAM

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
Department of Energy's Restructured Fusion Energy Sciences Program. Testimony
was heard from Martha A. Krebs, Director, Office of Energy and Research,
Department of Energy; L. John Perkins, Magnetic Fusion Energy Program,
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and public witnesses. 

REDUCING REGULATIONS AND PAPERWORK BURDENS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on EPA's Progress in Reducing
Unnecessary Regulations and Paperwork Burdens Upon Small Business. Testimony D
159was heard from Fred Hansen, Deputy Administrator, EPA; and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D159]

NLRB RULEMAKING

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulation and Paperwork held a
hearing on rulemaking at the NLRB. Testimony was heard from William B. Gould,
IV, Chairman, NLRB; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the
following: H.R. 2747, amended, Water Supply Infrastructure Assistance Act of
1995; H. Con. Res. 146, authorizing the 1996 Special Olympics Torch to be run
through the Capitol Grounds; and H. Con. Res. 147, authorizing the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the 15th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service. 

The Committee approved the following: 14 pending water resources resolutions;
and its Budget Views and Estimates for submission to the Committee on the
Budget. 

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the Airport Improvement Program, with emphasis on
revenue diversion. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Nicholas G. Garaulis, Chief Counsel, FAA; and A.
Mary Schiavo, Inspector General; Benjamin DeCosta, General Manager, Aviation
Department, Newark International Airport, New York/New Jersey Port Authority;
and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 13. 

OVERSIGHT--GI BILL

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Education, Training,
Employment and Housing held an oversight hearing on the Montgomery GI Bill.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Lt. Gen. Samuel E. Ebbesen, USA, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Military
Personnel Policy; and Al Bemis, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Manpower and
Personnel, Office of the Secretary, Reserve Affairs; Raymond H. Avent, Deputy
Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public
witnesses. 

CHINA

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on China. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1996/03/08
Daily Digest - Friday, March 8, 1996;  pages D166 - D172

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY-TRAVEL EXPENDITURES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued
hearings on the Department of Energy: Travel Expenditures and Related Issues.
Testimony was heard from John C. Layton, Inspector General, Department of
Commerce. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1659, Patent and Trademark Office
Corporation Act of 1995; and H.R. 2553, United States Intellectual Property
Organization Act of 1995. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rohrabacher
and Hunter; and public witnesses. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on fiscal year 1997
national defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Togo D. West, Jr., Secretary of the
Army; John H. Dalton, Secretary of the Navy; and Sheila E. Widnall, Secretary
of the Air Force. 

Hearings continue March 13. 



1996/03/11
Daily Digest - Monday, March 11, 1996;  pages D173 - D176

Committee Meetings 

PERSIAN GULF WAR SYNDROME 

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on the status of efforts to
identify Persian Gulf War Syndrome, Part I. Testimony was heard from Robyn
Nishimi, President's Advisory Committee on Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses;
the following officials of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of
Sciences: David Rall, M.D., Foreign Secretary; and John Bailar, M.D.,
Chairman, Committee to Review the Health Consequences of Service During the
Persian Gulf War; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 28. 



1996/03/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 12, 1996;  pages D177 - D184

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related Agencies held appropriation hearing on Food and Drug
Administration. Testimony was heard from David A. Kessler, M.D. Commissioner,
FDA, Department of Health and Human Services. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the following: Corporation for National and
Community Service; Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Federal Mine
Safety and Health Review Commission; National Commission on Libraries; and the
National Council on Disability. Testimony was heard from Harris Wofford, CEO,
Corporation for National and Community Service; May Lu Jordan, Chairperson,
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; John Calhoun Wells,
Director, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Jeanne Hurley Simon,
Chairperson, National Commission on Libraries; and Kate Pew Wolters, member
and Chairperson, Committee on Finance, National Council on Disability. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
the Coast Guard. Testimony was heard from Adm. Robert E. Kramek, USCG,
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. 

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on developments in financial law
enforcement. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: Eljay B. Bowron, Director, U.S. Secret Service;
John W. Magaw, Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Charles F.
Rinkevich, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; Donald K. Vogel,
Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation, IRS; and Stanley E. Morris,
Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on House Oversight: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res.
377, providing amounts D181for further expenses of the Committee on Standards
of Office Conduct in the second session of the 104th Congress; a resolution
adopting regulations implementing Congressional Accountability Act (House); a
resolution adopting regulations implementing Congressional Accountability Act
(other entities); H.R. 3058, to amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
Absentee Voting Act to extend the period for receipt of absentee ballots; and
S. Con. Res. 34, to authorize the printing of "Vice Presidents of the United
States, 1789-1993." 

                                          [Page: D181]

The Committee also approved other pending Committee business. 

PLO COMMITMENT COMPLIANCE--TERRORIST THREAT TO ISRAEL

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on PLO Commitment
Compliance and the Terrorist Threat to Israel. Testimony was heard from Robert
H. Pelletreau, Assistant Secretary, Near East and South Asian Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses. 

REAUTHORIZING EXPORT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on exports, growth and jobs and reauthorizing
Federal Export Assistance programs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2925,
Antitrust Health Care Advancement Act of 1996; H.R. 2937, amended, for the
reimbursement of legal expenses and related fees incurred by former employees
of the White House Travel Office with respect to the termination of their
employment in that Office on May 19, 1993; H.R. 2511, Anticounterfeiting
Consumer Protection Act of 1995; H.R. 1861, amended, to make technical
corrections in the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 and other provisions of
title 17, United States Code; H.R. 1734, amended, National Film Preservation
Act of 1995; H.R. 2977, Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996; H.J.
Res. 129, granting the consent of Congress to the Vermont-New Hampshire
Interstate Public Water Supply Compact; and H.R. 2604, to amend title 28,
United States Code, to authorize the appointment of additional bankruptcy
judges. 

The Committee also approved the following: private claims bills; and its
Budget Views and Estimates for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel continued
hearings on the fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization request,
receiving a quality-of-life and compensation review. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Frederick Pang,
Assistant Secretary, Force Management Policy; Lt. Gen. Theodore G. Stroup,
Jr., USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Army; VAdm.
Frank L. Bowman, USN, Chief of Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy; Lt.
Gen. George R. Christmas, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Reserve
Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps; and Lt. Gen. Michael D. McGinty, USAF, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Air Force; John W. Marsh, Jr.,
former Secretary of the Army and Chairman, Task Force on Quality of Life; and
Adm. William D. Smith, USN (Ret.), Senior Fellow, Center for Naval Analysis. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement began
hearings on the fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization request, with
emphasis on the Department of Energy budget. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Charles Curtis, Deputy
Secretary; Victor Reis, Assistant Secretary, Defense Programs; and John
Rohlfing, Director, Office of Nonproliferation and National Security; Harold
Smith, Jr., Assistant to the Secretary, Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological
Matters, Department of Defense; and the following Directors, National
Laboratories: Sig Hecker, Los Alamos; Bruce Tarter, Lawrence Livermore; and
Paul Robinson, President and Director, Sandia. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development continued hearings in the fiscal year 1997 national defense
authorization request, with emphasis on the chemical-biological defense
program and response to urban terrorism. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Ted Prociv, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Chemical and Biological Matters; Maj. Gen. George E. Friel, USA,
Commander, U.S. Army Chemical and Biological Defense Command; RAdm. Scott A.
Frey, USN, Deputy Director, Strategy and Policy, Joint Staff; and Brig. Gen.
Thomas E. Swain, USA, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Missions and Applications,
Office of the Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict;
G. Clay Hollister, Deputy Associate Director, Response and Recovery, FEMA;
Robert Blitzer, Acting Section D182Chief, Domestic Terrorism, FBI, Department
of Fire and Rescue Services, State of Maryland. 

                                          [Page: D182]

EFFECTIVE DEATH PENALTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on H.R.
2703, the Effective Death Penalty and Public Safety Act of 1996, providing one
hour of general debate divided equally between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule provides for the
consideration of only those amendments printed in the report of the Committee
on Rules, which shall be considered only in the order printed in the report,
may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered
as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject
to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule allows
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and allows the Chairman of the Committee of the
Whole to reduce votes to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote
follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule provides one motion to recommit, with
or without instructions. It shall be in order at any time for the Chairman of
the Committee on the Judiciary or a designee to offer amendments en bloc
consisting of amendments not previously disposed of which are printed in the
report of the Committee on Rules or germane modifications thereof. The rule
provides that amendments offered en bloc shall be considered as read (except
that modifications shall be reported), and shall be debatable for 20 minutes
equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary or their designee. The rule permits the original
proponent of an amendment included in an en bloc amendment to insert a
statement in the Congressional Record immediately prior to the disposition of
the amendments en bloc. The rule provides that after passage of H.R. 2703, it
shall be in order to take S. 735 from the Speaker's table and consider it in
the House. The rule allows for a motion to strike all after the enacting
clause of the Senate bill and insert the text of H.R. 2703 as passed by the
House. Finally, the rule provides that it shall be in order to move that the
House insist in its amendment(s) to S. 735 and request a conference. 

Testimony was heard from Representatives McCollum, Schiff, Bryant of
Tennessee, Barr, Burton of Indiana, Cunningham, Bachus, Bartlett of Maryland,
Horn, Istook, Manzullo, Quinn, Martini, Salmon, Conyers, Frank of
Massachusetts, Schumer, Nadler, Watt of North Carolina, Jackson-Lee, Markey,
Hoyer, Traficant, Skaggs, Slaughter, DeLauro, Hastings of Florida, and Stupak. 

OVERSIGHT--RAIL SAFETY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads
continued oversight hearings on Rail Safety: Equipment and FRA Regulatory
Procedures. Testimony was heard from Jolene Molitoris, Administrator, Federal
Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; James E. Hall,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; Dennis Sullivan, Chief
Operating Officer, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); and
public witnesses. 

POVERTY CAUSES--OUT-OF-WEDLOCK BIRTHS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the causes of poverty, with a focus on out-of-wedlock births. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Rangel, Talent, Hutchinson and Clayton; and public
witnesses. 

NRO FORWARDING FUND

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on NRO forward funding. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses. 



1996/03/13
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 13, 1996;  pages D186 - D194

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Inspector General Overview.
Testimony was heard from Roger C. Viadero, Inspector General, USDA. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
National Endowment for the Arts. Testimony was heard from Jane Alexander,
Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts, National Foundation on the Arts and
the Sciences. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the following: the National Mediation Board;
the Railroad Retirement Board; the Armed Forces Retirement Home; the Physician
Payment Review Commission; and the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission.
Testimony was heard from Magdalena G. Jacobsen, Chairwoman, National Mediation
Board; Glen L. Bower, Chairman, Railroad Retirement Board; Dennis W. Jahnigan,
M.D., Chairman, Armed Forces Retirement Home; Gail R. Wilensky, Chair,
Physician Payment Review Commission; and Stuart Altman, Chairman, Prospective
Payment Assessment Commission. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Navy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: Robert B. Pirie, Jr., Assistant Secretary
(Installations and Environment); RAdm. David J. Nash, USN, Civil Engineer
Corps, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Brig. Gen. Thomas A.
Braaten, USMC, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics
(Facilities); and Capt. John F. Brunelli, USN, Executive Assistant, Director,
Naval Reserve. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in an
executive session to hold a hearing on Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific
Command and the Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Adm. Joseph W.
Prueher, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command; and Gen. Gary E. Luck,
USA, Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces
Korea. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Federal Railroad Administration and AMTRAK. Testimony was heard from Jolene M.
Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; and Thomas M. Downs, President and Chairman, Board D191of
Directors, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). 

                                          [Page: D191]

RISK ASSESSMENT--BANKS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the Risk
Assessment of Banks. Testimony was heard from Rich Spillenkothen, Director,
Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, Federal Reserve System; the
following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Eugene A. Ludwig,
Comptroller of the Currency; and Jonathan L. Flechter, Acting Director, Office
of Thrift Supervision; Ricki Helfer, Chairman, FDIC; Aida Alvarez, Director,
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department of Housing and
Urban Development; and public witnesses. 

GENERATIONAL ACCOUNTING

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Generational Accounting and
Long-term Fiscal Prospects. Testimony was heard from June E. O'Neill,
Director, CBO; Paul Posner, Director, Federal Budget Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2596, to
extend energy conservation programs under the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act through fiscal year 1999; H.R. 2967, amended, to extend the authorization
of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978; H.R. 2501,
amended, to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the
construction of a hydroelectric project in Kentucky; H.R. 2630, amended, to
extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric
project in the State of Illinois; H.R. 2695, amended, to extend the deadline
under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of certain
hydroelectric projects in the State of Pennsylvania; H.R.2773, amended, to
extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction
of 2 hydroelectric projects in North Carolina; H.R. 2816, to reinstate the
license for, and extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to
the construction of, a hydroelectric project in Ohio; H.R. 2869, amended, to
extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric
project in the State of Kentucky; and H.R. 1663, amended, Waste Isolation
Pilot Land Withdrawal Amendment Act. 

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

Committee on Governmental Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the Postal
Service held on oversight hearing on the U.S. Postal Service. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: Tirso del
Junco, M.D., Chairman, Board of Governors; Marvin T. Runyon, Postmaster
General and CEO; and Kenneth J. Hunter, Inspector General and Chief Postal
Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Edward J. Gleiman, Chairman, Postal
Rate Commission; and Michael E. Motley, Associate Director, Government
Business Operations Issues, GAO. 

ARMS TRANSFERS TO JORDAN

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Arms Transfers to
Jordan. Testimony was heard from Peter Martinez, Director, Lebanon, Jordan,
Syria Affairs, Office of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State; and the
following officials of the Department of Defense; Bruce Reidel, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Near East and South Asia; and H. Diehl McKalip, Deputy
Director Defense Security Assistance Agency. 

The Committee also approved Budget Views and Estimates for submission to the
Committee on the Budget. 

RESOLUTIONS--HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMBODIA; AND MILITARY STABILITY OF TAIWAN
STRAITS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
approved for full Committee action the following resolutions: H. Res. 345,
expressing concern about the deterioration of human rights in Cambodia; and H.
Con. Res. 148, amended, expressing the sense of the Congress that the United
States is committed to the military stability of the Taiwan Straits and United
States military forces should defend Taiwan in the event of invasion, missile
attack, or blockade by the People's Republic of China. 

SLAVERY IN MAURITANIA AND SUDAN

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights and Subcommittee on Africa held a joint hearing on Slavery in
Mauritania and Sudan. Testimony was heard from William H. Twaddell, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, African Affairs, Department of State; former
Representative Mervyn M. Dymally of California; and public witnesses. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on fiscal year 1997
national defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Dennis J. Reimer, USA, Chief of
Staff, Army; Adm. J.M. Boorda, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. C.C.
Krulak, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps; and Gen. Ronald R. Fogelman,
USAF, Chief of Staff, Air Force. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

                                          [Page: D192]

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities began hearings on the fiscal year 1997 national defense
authorization request, with emphasis on the recapitalization and modernization
of facilities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Maj. Gen. Frank Miller, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Installation Management, Department of the Army; RAdm. Louis M. Smith, USN,
Director, Shore Activities Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations,
Department of the Navy; Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Braaten, USMC, Assistant Deputy
Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps; and Maj. Gen.
Eugene A. Lupia, USAF, Air Force Civil Engineer, Department of the Air Force. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1823,
amended, to amend the Central Utah Project Completion Act to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts
between the United States and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District
dated December 28, 1965, and November 26, 1985; H.R. 2824, Snowbasin Land
Exchange Act of 1995; H.R. 1965, amended, to reauthorize the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972; H.R. 2160, amended, to authorize appropriations to
carry out the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1966 and the Anadromous
Fish Conservation Act; and H.R. 1527, amended, to amend the National Forest
Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authorities and duties of the
Secretary of Agriculture in issuing ski area permits on National Forest System
lands and to withdraw lands within ski area permit boundaries from the
operation of the mining and mineral leasing laws. 

The Committee began markup of H.R. 2107, Visitor Services Improvement and
Outdoor Legacy Act of 1995. 

Will continue March 28. 

The Committee also approved a motion to go to conference for all bills
previously reported. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the Airport Improvement Program, with emphasis on
Airport Needs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 
 
Hearings continue tomorrow. 

URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENTS IMPLEMENTATION AND WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
implementation of Uruguay Round Agreements and World Trade Organization.
Testimony was heard from Michael Kantor, U.S. Trade Representative; JayEtta
Hecker, Associate Director, International Relations and Trade Issues, GAO;
Clayton K. Yeutter, former U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses. 



1996/03/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 14, 1996;  pages D196 - D206

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Farm Credit Administration and
on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Testimony was heard from Marsha
Martin, Chairman of the Board, Farm Credit Administration; and John Tull, Jr.,
Acting Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Natural Resources. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the
U.S. Institute of Peace, the National Education Goals Panel and the NLRB.
Testimony was heard from Ambassador Richard W. Carlson, President and CEO,
Corporation for Public Broadcasting; Max M. Kampelman, Vice Chairman, Board of
Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace; Ken Nelson, Executive Director, National
Education Goals Panel; and William B. Gould, IV, Chairman, NLRB. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from congressional and public
witnesses. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a hearing on Commander in Chief, Special Operations
Command and Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Henry H. Shelton,
USA, Commander in Chief, Special Operations Command; and Gen. Binford J.J.
Peay, III, USA, Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
the Office of the Secretary. Testimony was heard from Mortimer L. Downey,
Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation. 

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on tax systems modernization and on IRS
operations. Testimony was heard from the following D203officials of the
Department of the Treasury: Larry Summers, Deputy Secretary; and Margaret
Milner Richardson, Commissioner, IRS. 

                                          [Page: D203]

HEALTH COVERAGE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment approved for
full Committee action H.R. 3070, Health Coverage Availability and
Affordability Act. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Ordered reported the
following bills: H.R. 2570, amended, Older Americans Amendments of 1995; H.R.
3055, to amend section 326 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit
continued participation by Historically Black Graduate Professional Schools in
the grant program authorized by that section; and H.R. 3049, to amend section
1505 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the continuity of the
Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native
Culture and Arts Development. 

LOCAL EMPOWERMENT AND FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations approved for full Committee action H.R. 2086,
Local Empowerment and Flexibility Act of 1995. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following
resolutions: H. Res. 345, expressing concern about the deterioration of human
rights in Cambodia; H. Res. 379, expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives concerning the eighth anniversary of the massacre of over
5,000 Kurds as a result of a gas bomb attack by the Iraqi Government; H. Con.
Res. 102, concerning the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community; H.J.
Res. 158, to recognize the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 35th anniversary
and the Americans who have served as Peace Corps volunteers; and H. Con. Res.
148, amended, expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States is
committed to the military stability of the Taiwan Strait and United States
military forces should defend Taiwan in the event of invasion, missile attack
or blockade by the People's Republic of China. 

CRISIS IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Crisis in the Taiwan Strait: Implications for U.S. Foreign
Policy. Testimony was heard from Winston Lord, Assistant Secretary, East Asian
and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of Defense; and public
witnesses. 

FEDERAL COURTS IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 1989, Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1995. Testimony
was heard from Stephen H. Anderson, Judge, Salt Lake City, Utah; Emmett R.
Cox, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; Barefoot Sanders, Chief
Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; Earl W. Britt, Judge,
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina; and a public witness. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on fiscal year 1997
national defense authorization request, with emphasis on the ABM Treaty and
its relationship to national and theater missile defense programs. Testimony
was heard from R. James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; Richard N. Perle,
former Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy, Department of
Defense; and Michael Krepon, President, Henry L. Stimson Center. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1772, amended, to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire certain interests in the
Waihee Marsh for inclusion in the Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex; H.R.
1836, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire property in the
town of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York, for inclusion in the
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge; H.R. 2660, to increase the amount
authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior for the Tensas
River National Wildlife Refuge; and H.R. 2679, to revise the boundary of the
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. 
 
IMMIGRATION IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on H.R. 2202, Immigration in the National Interest Act of
1995. The rule waives all points of order except those arising under section
425(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (unfunded mandates) against
consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the Committee on the
Judiciary amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the bill,
D204as modified by the amendment printed in part 1 of the report of the
Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute, as modified, shall be considered as
read. 

                                          [Page: D204]

The rule provides for the consideration of the amendments printed in the
report of the Committee on Rules, which shall be considered only in the order
printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and opponent,
shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a
division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The
rule waives all points of order against the amendments referenced in the
report of the Committee on Rules except those arising under section 425(a) of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (unfunded mandates). 

The rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and allows the Chairman of the Committee of
the Whole to reduce to five minutes a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. The rule provides that a separate vote may be demanded in
the House on any amendment adopted to the committee amendment in the nature of
a substitute. The rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. 

The rule further provides that it shall be in order at any time for the
Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary or a designee to offer amendments
en bloc consisting of amendments not previously disposed of which are printed
in the report of the Committee on Rules or germane modifications thereof,
which may include a perfecting amendment to text proposed to be stricken by
such an amendment. Amendments offered en bloc shall be considered as read
(except that modifications shall be reported) and shall be debatable for 20
minutes equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on the Judiciary or their designees. The original proponent of
an amendment included in an en bloc amendment is permitted to insert a
statement in the Congressional Record immediately prior to the disposition of
the amendment en bloc. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hyde,
McCollum, Smith of Texas, Schiff, Gallegly, Canady of Florida, Goodlatte,
Bryant of Tennessee, Chabot, Chrysler, Campbell, Tate, Archer, Shaw, Bunning,
Camp, Doolittle, Pombo, Chambliss, Smith of New Jersey, Dreier, Rohrabacher,
Deal of Georgia, Kim, Kingston, Bilbray, Brownback, Waldholtz, Conyers,
Schumer, Berman, Bryant of Texas, Scott, Becerra, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Vento,
Gutierrez, Roybal-Allard, Velazquez, Abercrombie, Cardin, Kleczka, Condit,
Farr of California, Obey, Beilenson, Richardson, Traficant, and Filner. 

ENERGY--OUTLOOK AND IMPLICATIONS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
U.S. Energy Outlook and Implications for Energy R&D. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Energy: Jay E. Hakes,
Administrator, Energy Information Administration; and Joseph J. Romm, Acting
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and public
witnesses. 

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the Airport Improvement Program, with emphasis on
airport needs. Testimony was heard from Gerald L. Dillingham, Associate
Director, Transportation Issues/Resources, Community, and Economic Development
Division, GAO; Frederick H. Vogt, Director, Aeronautics Division, Department
of Transportation, State of Tennessee; William L. Blake, Director, Division of
Aeronautics, Department of Transportation, State of Illinois; Willard G.
Plentl, Jr., Director of Aviation, Division of Aviation, Department of
Transportation, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 20. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for
submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

UNITED STATES-ISRAEL FREE TRADE AREA IMPLEMENTATION ACT AMENDMENTS; BUDGET
VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 3074, to amend the United
States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 to provide the
President with additional proclamation authority with respect to articles of
the West Bank or Gaza Strip or a qualifying industrial zone. 

The Committee also approved Budget Views and Estimates for submission to the
Committee on the Budget. 



1996/03/15
Daily Digest - Friday, March 15, 1996;  pages D208 - D216

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1996/03/18
Daily Digest - Monday, March 18, 1996;  pages D217 - D222

Committee Meetings 

No committee meetings were held. 



1996/03/19
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 19, 1996;  pages D224 - D232

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Michael Dunn,
Assistant Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Lon S. Hatamlya,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; Lonnie J. King, Administrator,
Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service; and James R. Baker, Administrator,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a hearing on Commander in Chief, U.S. European
Command. Testimony was heard from Gen. George A. Joulwan, USA, Commander in
Chief, U.S. European Command. 

BANK INSURANCE AND THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on issues relating
to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal
Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury:
John Hawke, Jr., Under Secretary, Domestic Finance; and Jonathan Fiechter,
Acting Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Ricki Helfer, Chairman, FDIC;
and public witnesses. 

AMERICORPS

Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities: Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations held a hearing on Americorps. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Corporation for National and Community Service:
Harris Wofford, CEO; and Luise Jordan, Inspector General; and public
witnesses. 

D.C. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the District of
Columbia held a hearing on the Implementation of Public Law 104-8, District of
Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia:
Andrew Brimmer, Chairman; Joyce Ladner; Constance Newman, Steve Harlan and Ed
Singletary, Board Members, all with the Financial Responsibility and
Management Assistance Authority; Marion Barry, Mayor; and David A. Clarke,
Chairman, Council. 

Hearings continue March 28. 

UNITED STATES-NORTH KOREAN RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on United States-North Korean Relations: From the Agreed
Framework to Food Aid. Testimony was heard from Winston Lord, Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; Stanley Roth,
Director, Research and Studies, United States Institute of Peace; and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D230]

ROGUE REGIMES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on Attempts by Rogue Regimes to Influence U.S.
Policy. Testimony was heard from Representative Barr; and public witnesses. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization,
with emphasis on the military construction budget request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert E. Bayer,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Installations; Paul Johnson, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Installations and Housing; Maj. Gen. Frank L. Miller, Jr., USA,
Assistant Chief of Staff, Installation Management; Maj. Gen. William A. Navas,
Jr., USA, Director, Army National Guard; and Brig. Gen. James Helmly, USA,
Deputy Chief, Army Reserve, all with the Department of the Army. 

Hearings continue March 21. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development continued joint hearings on
the fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization, with emphasis on the Army
modernization request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: Gilbert F. Decker, Assistant Secretary, Research,
Development and Acquisition; and Lt. Gen. Ronald V. Hite, USA, Military Deputy
to the Assistant Secretary, Research, Development and Acquisition. 

Hearings continue March 22. 

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a
hearing on the fiscal year 1997 national defense authorization, with emphasis
on force readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Paul Blackwell, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Operations and Plans, Department of the Army; VAdm. Thomas J. Lopez, USN,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Resources, Warfare Requirements and
Assessments, Department of the Navy; Lt. Gen. Arthur C. Blades, USMC, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Plans, Policies and Operations, U.S. Marine Corps; Lt. Gen.
Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations,
Department of the Air Force; Maj. Gen. Clinton V. Horn, USAF, Director of
Operations, U.S. Special Operations Command; and Maj. Gen, William J. Begert,
USAF, Director, Operations and Logistics, U.S. Transportation Command. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2505, to
amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to make certain clarifications
to the land bank protection provisions; and H.R. 1786, to regulate fishing in
certain waters of Alaska. Testimony was heard from Deborah L. Williams,
Special Assistant to the Secretary for Alaska, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources held an
oversight hearing on Western Area Power Administration Construction and
Maintenance Activities and Bureau of Reclamation Power Facilities Management.
Testimony was heard from J.M. Shafer, Administrator, Western Area Power
Administration, Department of Energy; Patricia J. Beneke, Assistant Secretary,
Water and Science, Department of the Interior; Janet Frasier-Rogers, Chairman,
Colorado River Commission; and a public witness. 

NSF'S PARTNERSHIP FOR ADVANCED COMPUTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on NSF's
Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure Program. Testimony was
heard from Paul Young, Assistant Director for Computer and Information Science
and Engineering, NSF; Edward Hayes, Chairman, Report on the Task Force on the
Future of NSF Supercomputing Centers Program; and public witnesses. 

HEALTH COVERAGE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3103, Health
Coverage Availability and Affordability Act of 1996. 

COLLECTION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Collection. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1996/03/20
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 20, 1996;  pages D234 - D242

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Research,
Education and Economics. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: Karl N. Stauber, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and
Economics; Floyd P. Horn, Administrator, Agricultural Research Service; Robert
H. Robinson, Administrator, Cooperative, State, Research, Education and
Extension Service; Susan Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research Service; and
Don Bay, Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Geological Survey and on the National Park Service. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Gordon B. Eaton,
Director, U.S. Geological Survey; George T. Frampton, Jr., Assistant
Secretary, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Roger G. Kennedy, Director; John J.
Reynolds, Deputy Director; and C. Bruce Sheaffer, Comptroller, all with the
National Park Service. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing
on fiscal year 1997 Navy/Marine Corps Posture and Navy/Marine Corps
Acquisition Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: John H. Dalton, Secretary; John W. Douglass, Assistant
Secretary; Adm. Jeremy M. Boorda, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; VAdm. T.
Joseph Lopez, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Charles C. Krulak,
USMC, Commandant, Marine Corps; and Maj. Gen. J.W. Oster, USMC, Deputy Chief
of Staff, Programs and Resources. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Federal Highway Administration. Testimony was heard from Rodney Slater,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. Department of Transportation. 

                                          [Page: D239]

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on NASA. Testimony was heard from Daniel S. Goldin,
Administrator, NASA. 

DEVELOPMENTS IN BANKING IN CHINA, HONG KONG AND TAIWAN

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Recent
Developments in Banking and Finance in the People's Republic of China, Hong
Kong, and Taiwan. Testimony was heard from David Lipton, Assistant Secretary,
International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

HEALTH COVERAGE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 1996

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3070, Health Coverage
Availability and Affordability Act of 1996. 

SECURITY CHALLENGES POSED BY CHINA

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on security challenges posed by
China. Testimony was heard from Arthur N. Waldron, Professor, Strategy and
Policy, U.S. Naval War College; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Implementation and
Administration of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands held
an oversight hearing on Historic Preservation and a hearing on the following
bills: H.R. 563, to amend the National Historic Preservation Act to prohibit
the inclusion of certain sites on the National Register of Historic Places;
H.R. 1179, Historical Black Colleges and University Historic Building
Restoration and Preservation Act; and H.R. 3031, to amend the Act of October
15, 1966 (80 Stat. 915), as amended, establishing a program for the
preservation of additional historic property throughout the Nation. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Dunn, Herger, and Clement; Gray F. Reynolds,
Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA; Edward M. Norton, Jr., Vice President,
Public Policy, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Wilson Martin,
Deputy, Historic Preservation Officer, State of Utah; Kathleen S. Kilpatrick,
Deputy Director, Department of Historic Resources, State of Virginia; and
public witnesses. 

FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration in the House of H.