105th Congress (1997 - 1998)

January 7 - December 15, 1997

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

1997/01/07
Daily Digest, Tuesday, January 7, 1997;  pages D1 - D26

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/01/09
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 9, 1997;  pages D27 - D32

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: On January 8, the Committee met for organizational
purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on House Oversight: On January 8, the Committee met for
organizational purposes. 

                                           [Page: D31]

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Rules: On January 8, the Committee met for organizational
purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation: On January 8, the Committee met for
organizational purposes. 

IN THE MATTER OF REPRESENTATIVE NEWT GINGRICH

Select Committee on Ethics: On January 8, the Committee met in executive
session to consider scheduling of sanction hearings in the matter of
Representative Gingrich. 



1997/01/20
Daily Digest - Monday, January 20, 1997; pages D34 - D36

Committee Meetings

IN THE MATTER OF REPRESENTATIVE GINGRICH

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: On January 17, the Committee met
in executive session and, by a vote of 7-1, recommended the following in the
matter of Representative Gingrich: a reprimand for violating a rule of the
House; and a $300,000 cost assessment to reimburse the committee for the
investigation. 

Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on this matter. Testimony
was heard from James M. Cole, Special Counsel to the Committee and J. Randolph
Evans, Counsel to Representative Gingrich. 



1997/01/21
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 21, 1997;  pages D37 - D40

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Commerce: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Met for organizational purposes. 

OVERSIGHT--STATUS OF EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY PERSIAN GULF WAR SYNDROME

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held an oversight hearing on the status of
efforts to identify the Persian Gulf War syndrome. Testimony was heard from
Donald Curtis, M.D., member, Presidential Advisory Committee on PGW Veterans'
Illnesses; Kenneth Kizer, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of
Veterans Affairs; Bernard Rostker, Special Assistant, PGW Illnesses,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee also approved oversight reports.D39 



1997/01/22
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 22, 1997;  pages D41 - D44

Committee Meetings

TERM LIMITS--MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing
regarding limiting terms of office for Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S.
House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from Senator Thompson;
Representatives McCollum, Dingell, Fowler, and Barton of Texas; and public
witnesses. 



1997/01/23
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 23, 1997;  pages D46 - D48

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/01/27
Daily Digest - Monday, January 27, 1997;  pages D49 - D50

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/01/28
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 28, 1997;  pages D52 - D56

Committee Meetings 

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/01/29
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 29, 1997;  pages D57 - D59

Committee Meetings

OVERSIGHT--HEALTH THREAT POSED BY TRANSMISSIBLE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHIES

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held an oversight hearing on recent steps by
the FDA and other federal agencies to address the health threat posed by
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), including so-called "Mad Cow
Disease." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Health and Human Services: Michael Friedman, M.D., Deputy Commissioner,
FDA; Lawrence B. Schonberger, M.D., Assistant Director, Public Health,
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious
Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Clarence J. Gibbs,
Jr., Acting Chief, Laboratory of Central Nervous System Studies, National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH; Linda Detwiler, Chair,
TSE Working Group, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA; and
public witnesses. 



1997/01/30
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 30, 1997;  pages D61 - D66

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/02/03
Daily Digest - Monday, February 3, 1997;  pages D68 - D70

Committee Meetings

HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES

Committee on International Relations: On January 31, the Committee held a
hearing on Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1996. Testimony was
heard from John Shattuck, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights and Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

PROPOSED BALANCED BUDGET CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on proposed Balanced Budget
Constitutional Amendments. Testimony was heard from Representatives Stenholm,
Cox of California, Sabo, and Wise; Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury;
and public witnesses. 



1997/02/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 4, 1997;  pages D72 - D77

Committee Meetings

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

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

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on the Budget: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 

DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth and Families held a hearing on H.R. 5, to amend the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, to reauthorize and make improvements to that act.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Education: Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services; and Thomas Bloom, Inspector General; and public
witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 6. 

TERM LIMITS--MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, without recommendation, H.J.
Res. 2, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with
respect to the number of terms of office of Members of the Senate and the
House of Representatives. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health met for organizational
purposes.  

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight met for organizational
purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade met for organizational
purposes. 



1997/02/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 5, 1997;  pages D79 - D84

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes. 

"WHY THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT IS GOOD FOR AMERICANS"
 Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on "Why the Balanced Budget Amendment
is Good for Americans." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

"CELLULAR PRIVACY: IS ANYONE LISTENING? YOU BETCHA!"

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on "Cellular Privacy: Is Anyone Listening? You
Betcha!" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Justice: James K. Kallstrom, Assistant Director in Charge, New York Division,
FBI; and Robert S. Litt, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division;
William Kennard, General Counsel, FCC; and public witnesses.  

WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1, Working Families Flexibility Act of
1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives Granger, Myrick and Fowler; and
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on International Relations: By unanimous consent adopted a motion
urging the Chairman to request that S. Con. Res. 4, commending and thanking
Honorable Warren Christopher for his exemplary service as Secretary of State,
be considered on the Suspension Calendar. 

The Committee also approved a resolution to be introduced in appreciation of
the late Pamela Harriman, Ambassador to France. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 

BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.J. Res. 1, proposing an
amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the U.S.
Government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation. 

Will continue February 11. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on National Security: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Resources: Met for organizational purposes. 

TRUTH IN BUDGETING ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported H.R. 4, Truth
in Budgeting Act. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 

USER FEES FOR FAA SERVICES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Airlines' Proposals to Establish User Fees for FAA Services.
Testimony was heard from John H. Anderson, Jr., Director, Transportation
Issues, Resources, Community and Economic Development Division, GAO; and
public witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 13. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes. 

AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND SOLVENCY; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the solvency of the Airport and
Airway Trust Fund. Testimony was heard from Donald C. Lubick, Assistant
Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; and Louise F. Stoll,
Assistant Secretary, Budget and Programs, Department of Transportation. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources met for
organizational purposes. 



1997/02/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 6, 1997;  pages D86 - D90

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes. 

"WHY THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT IS GOOD FOR AMERICANS"

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on "Why the Balanced Budget Amendment
is Good for Americans." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

"CELLULAR PRIVACY: IS ANYONE LISTENING? YOU BETCHA!"

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on "Cellular Privacy: Is Anyone Listening? You
Betcha!" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Justice: James K. Kallstrom, Assistant Director in Charge, New York Division,
FBI; and Robert S. Litt, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division;
William Kennard, General Counsel, FCC; and public witnesses. 

WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1, Working Families Flexibility Act of
1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives Granger, Myrick and Fowler; and
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on International Relations: By unanimous consent adopted a motion
urging the Chairman to request that S. Con. Res. 4, commending and thanking
Honorable Warren Christopher for his exemplary service as Secretary of State,
be considered on the Suspension Calendar. 

The Committee also approved a resolution to be introduced in appreciation of
the late Pamela Harriman, Ambassador to France. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 

BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.J. Res. 1, proposing an
amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the U.S.
Government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation. 

Will continue February 11. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on National Security: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Resources: Met for organizational purposes. 

TRUTH IN BUDGETING ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported H.R. 4, Truth
in Budgeting Act. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 

USER FEES FOR FAA SERVICES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Airlines' Proposals to Establish User Fees for FAA Services.
Testimony was heard from John H. Anderson, Jr., Director, Transportation
Issues, Resources, Community and Economic Development Division, GAO; and
public witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 13. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes. 

AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND SOLVENCY; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the solvency of the Airport and
Airway Trust Fund. Testimony was heard from Donald C. Lubick, Assistant
Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; and Louise F. Stoll,
Assistant Secretary, Budget and Programs, Department of Transportation. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources met for
organizational purposes. 



1997/02/07
Daily Digest - Friday, February 7, 1997;  pages D92 - D96

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/02/10
Daily Digest - Monday, February 10, 1997;  pages D97 - D100

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/02/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 11, 1997;  pages D101 - D108

Committee Meetings

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
the Health Care Financing Administration and the Agency for Health Care Policy
and Research. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Donna E. Shalala, Secretary; Bruce C.
Vladeck, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration; and Clifton R.
Gaus, Administrator, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
CBO, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Office of Compliance, the Joint Committee on
Printing, the GPO, and the GAO. Testimony was heard from Senator Warner; June
E. O'Neill, Director, CBO; Gregory S. Casey, Sergeant At Arms, U.S. Senate;
Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives; Alan M.
Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; Gary L. Abrecht, Chief, U.S. Capitol
Police; the following officials of the Office of Compliance: Virginia Seitz,
member of the Board; R. Gaull Silberman, Executive Director; and Dennis Duffy,
General Counsel; the following officials of the GPO: Michael F. DiMario,
Public Printer; Wayne P. Kelley, Superintendent of Documents; William M. Guy,
Budget Officer; and Charles C. Cook, Superintendent, Congressional Printing
Management Division; and James F. Hinchman, Acting Comptroller General, GAO. 

                                          [Page: D105]

FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on Financial Services
Modernization legislation including H.R. 268, Depository Institution
Affiliation and Thrift Charter Conversion Act. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 13. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Administration's Budget for
Fiscal Year 1998. Testimony was heard from Franklin D. Raines, Director, OMB. 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY--PROPOSED BUDGET

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a oversight
hearing on the Department of Energy's proposed budget for fiscal year 1998.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Charles B. Curtis, Acting Secretary; Kyle Simpson, Assistant Deputy Secretary;
and Alvin L. Alm, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management. 

ARMORED CAR RECIPROCITY AMENDMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection approved for full Committee action H.R. 624, Armored Car
Reciprocity Amendments of 1997. 

Prior to this action, the subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

REFORM--MAJOR FEDERAL JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Reform of the
Major Federal Job Training Programs. Testimony was heard from John Engler,
Governor, State of Michigan; and David Steele, Senator, State of Utah; William
A. Johnson, Jr., Mayor, Rochester, New York; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; OVERSIGHT PLAN; AND COMMITTEE BUDGET

Committee on House Oversight: Ordered reported H. Con. Res. 11, permitting the
use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration
of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust. 

The Committee also approved the following for the l05th Congress: oversight
plan; and committee budget. 

ADMINISTRATION'S INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET REQUEST; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on International Affairs: Held a hearing on the Administration's
International Affairs Budget request for fiscal year 1998. Testimony was heard
from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State. 

Prior to the hearing, the Committee approved an oversight plan for the 105th
Congress. 

OVERSIGHT--ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND IMMIGRANT RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing regarding Title III of the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Testimony was heard from Paul W. Virtue,
Acting Executive Associate Commissioner, Programs, Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Department of Justice. 

PERSIAN GULF WAR ILLNESSES

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a
hearing on the status of the investigation into Persian Gulf War illnesses.
Testimony was heard from Elaine Larsen, member, Presidential Advisory
Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; and the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Bernard Rostker, Assistant Secretary, Manpower and
Reserve Affairs and Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses; and Stephen
Joseph, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs. 

TERM LIMITS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT; OVERSIGHT PLAN; COMMITTEE BUDGET

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on H.J. Res. 2, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of
the United States with respect to the Constitution of the United States with
respect to the number of terms of office of Members of the Senate and the
House of Representatives. 

The rule makes in order only those amendments in the nature of a substitute
printed in the report of the Committee on Rules. The rule provides that each
amendment may be offered only in the order D106specified in the report, may be
offered only by the member specified, 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, and shall not be subject to amendment.  

                                          [Page: D106]

The rule provides that if more than one amendment is adopted, then only the
one receiving the most affirmative votes is considered as adopted; in the case
of a tie, the last such amendment is adopted. The rule provides that the
Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may postpone a request for a recorded
vote on any amendment, and reduce to five minutes the voting time on the
second and subsequent votes in a series. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Hyde, Representatives McCollum, Inglis, Hutchinson, Petri, Hefley, Fowler,
Christensen, Graham, Sanford, Blunt, Gibbons, Frank of Massachusetts, Scott,
Jackson-Lee of Texas, and Dingell. 

Prior to this action, the Committee approved the following for the 105th
Congress: oversight plan; and the committee budget. 

FAMILY PLANNING FACILITATION AND ABORTION FUNDING RESTRICTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 581, Family Planning Facilitation and Abortion Funding
Restriction Act of 1997, equally divided and controlled by Representative
Smith of New Jersey or his designee and a Member opposed to the bill. The rule
also provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Smith of New Jersey, Oberstar, Pelosi, and Lowey. 

BRIEFING--SECURE COMMUNICATIONS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a briefing on Secure
Communications. The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses. 

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS--PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON GULF WAR
ILLNESSES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing to review the findings and
recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Gulf War Veterans'
illnesses. Testimony was heard from Maj. Marguerite Knox, committee member,
Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; Philip K.
Russell, M.D., member, Committee to Review the Health Consequences of Service
During the Persian Gulf War, Institute of Medicine; Thomas Garthwaite, M.D.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans' Affairs; the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Stephen Joseph, M.D., Assistant
Secretary, Health Affairs; and Bernard Rostker, Special Assistant to the
Deputy Secretary for Gulf War Illnesses; Richard Jackson, M.D., Director,
National Center for Environmental Health, Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; representatives of
veterans organizations; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Administration's fiscal
year 1998 Budget. Testimony was heard from Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the
Treasury. 



1997/02/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 12, 1997;  pages D110 - D116

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

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

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs hearing on Secretary of State. Testimony was
heard from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, the Office of the Inspector General, and on the Health
Resources and Services Administration. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Nelba Chavez,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; June
Gibbs Brown, Inspector General; and Ciro V. Sumaya, M.D., Administrator,
Health Resources and Services Administration. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on
Joint Economic Committee, the Library of Congress, the Architect of the
Capitol/Botanic Garden. Testimony was heard from Representative Saxton; the
following officials of the Library of Congress: James H. Billington,
Librarian; Donald L. Scott, Deputy Librarian; Winston Tabb, Associate
Librarian for Library Services; Reuben Medina, Law Librarian; Daniel
Mulhollan, Director, D114CRS; and Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Alan M. Hantman, Architect
of the Capitol; Members of Congress; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D114]

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROPOSED BUDGET

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held an
oversight hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services' proposed
budget for fiscal year 1998. Testimony was heard from Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and
Human Services; and Paul N. Van de Water, Assistant Director, Budget Analysis,
CBO. 

SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT POLICY

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on Spectrum Management Policy. Testimony was heard
from Reed E. Hundt, Chairman, FCC; Larry Irving, Assistant Secretary,
Communications and Information, Department of Commerce; Michael Amarosa,
Deputy Commissioner, Police Department, City of New York; and public
witnesses. 

ENCOURAGING PENSION SAVINGS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on Defusing the Retirement Timebomb: Encouraging
Pension Savings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

GOVERNMENT RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE ACT; ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on the
"Government Performance and Results Act: Sensible Government for the Next
Century". Testimony was heard from Representative Armey; John Koskinen, Deputy
Director, Management, OMB; and James Hinchman, Acting Comptroller General,
GAO. 

The committee also met for organizational purposes. 

OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on the Future of the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation (OPIC). Testimony was heard from Representatives Kolbe
and Andrews; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FBI INVESTIGATION INTO BOMBING IN SAUDI ARABIA

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight hearing on
the FBI investigation into the Khobar Towers bombing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
and on Foreign FBI Investigations. Testimony was heard from Robert M. Bryant,
Assistant Director, National Security Division, FBI, Department of Justice. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on the fiscal year 1998
national defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: William S. Cohen, Secretary; and Gen.
John M. Shalikashvili, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

INTERNATIONAL SPACE PROGRAM

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the Status of Russian Participation in
the International Space Program. Testimony was heard from John H. Gibbons,
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy; Daniel S. Goldin,
Administrator, NASA; and Marcia S. Smith, Specialist in Aerospace and
Telecommunications Policy, CRS, Library of Congress. 

ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation held a hearing on ISTEA Comprehensive Reauthorization
Proposals: ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act (STEP 21), Transportation
Empowerment Act (Devolution), ISTEA Works. Testimony was heard from Senator
Mack; Representatives Kasich, Smith of Michigan, DeLay, and Condit; Paul E.
Patton, Governor, State of Kentucky; and Christine Todd Whitman, Governor,
State of New Jersey. 

Hearings continue February 27. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET

Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the Administration's fiscal
year 1998 Budget. Testimony was heard from Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of
Health and Human Services. 

AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND TAX REINSTATEMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 668, Airport and Airway
Trust Fund Tax Reinstatement Act of 1997. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 



1997/02/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 13, 1997;  pages D118 - D124

Committee Meetings

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Administration for Children and Families and the
Administration on Aging, Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Health and Human Services: David Satcher, M.D., Director,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Olivia Golden, Administrator,
Children, Youth and Families; and Robyn I. Stone, Acting Assistant Secretary
for Aging. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Joint Committee on Taxation. Testimony was heard from Representative Archer. 

                                          [Page: D122]

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a briefing on the World Situation Update. The
subcommittee was briefed by George Tenet, Acting Director, CIA; and Lt. Gen.
Patrick M. Hughes, USA, Director, DIA, Department of Defense. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit continued hearings on Financial Services
Modernization legislation including H.R. 268, Depository Institution
Affiliation and Thrift Charter Conversion Act. Testimony was heard from Alan
Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of
the Currency; and John F. Downey, Executive Director, Supervision, Office of
Thrift Supervision; Ricki Helfer, Chairman, FDIC; and Arthur Levitt, Jr.,
Chairman, SEC. 

CBO BUDGET OUTLOOK AND ANALYSIS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on CBO Budget Outlook and Analysis of
the Administration's Budget Proposal. Testimony was heard from June E.
O'Neill, Director, CBO. 

ARMORED CAR RECIPROCITY AMENDMENTS; COMMITTEE BUDGET AND OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported H.R. 624, Armored Car Reciprocity
Amendments of 1997. 

The Committee also approved the Committee budget and an oversight plan for the
105th Congress. 

OVERSIGHT PLAN; COMMITTEE BUDGET

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Approved an oversight plan and the
committee budget for the 105th Congress. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET: CIVIL SERVICE IMPACTS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil Service
held a hearing on the Administration's fiscal year 1998 budget: Civil Service
Impacts. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--GAO HIGH-RISK SERIES

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology held a hearing on "Oversight of the
GAO's High-Risk Series." Testimony was heard from Gene L. Dodaro, Assistant
Comptroller General, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO. 

RURAL HEALTH CLINIC PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on the Need for Better Focus in
the Rural Health Clinic Program. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the GAO: Bernice Steinhardt, Director, Health Service Quality and
Public Health; and Frank Pasquier, Assistant Director--Health Issues, Seattle;
the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Kathy
Buto, Associate Administrator, Policy, Health Care Financing Administration;
Marilyn H. Gaston, M.D., Director, Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health
Resources and Services Administration; and George Grob, Deputy, Office of
Inspector General; and public witnesses. 

SUPERFUND CLEAN-UP

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on
Superfund Clean-Up. Testimony was heard from Representatives Pallone and Mica;
the following officials of the GAO: Peter Guerrero, Director, Environmental
Protection Issues; Stanley Czerwinski, Associate Director and Jim Donagahy,
Assistant Director, both with the Resources, Community and Economic
Development Division; and Mitchell Karpman, Mathematical Statistician; Elliot
Laws, Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA; and
public witnesses. 

HONG KONG'S REVERSION TO PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Hong Kong's Reversion to the People's Republic of China.
Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Bader, Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asian
and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

THREATS TO U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on threats to U.S. National
Security. Testimony was heard from the following former Directors of the CIA:
James Woolsey, William Webster, and James Schlesinger. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Small Business: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 

                                          [Page: D123]

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Met for organizational
purposes. 

USER FEES FOR FAA SERVICES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on Airlines' Proposals to Establish User Fees for FAA
Services. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Administration's fiscal
year 1998 budget. Testimony was heard from Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs; Frank Q. Nebeker, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals;
Preston M. Taylor, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and
Training, Department of Labor; Maj. Gen. John P. Herrling, USA (Ret.),
Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission; and H. Martin Lancasater,
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 105th Congress. 

MEDICARE PROVISIONS OF ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
provisions in the Administration's budget. Testimony was heard from Bruce C.
Vladeck, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET--HUMAN RESOURCES PROVISIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the Human Resource provisions of the fiscal year 1998 Administration's budget.
Testimony was heard from Representative Smith of Texas; Olivia A. Golden,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and
Human Services; Carolyn W. Colvin, Deputy Commissioner, Programs and Policy,
SSA; and public witnesses. 



1997/02/24
Daily Digest - Monday, February 24, 1997;  pages D125 - D130

Committee Meetings

NATIONAL CAPITAL REVITALIZATION AND SELF-GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On February 20, the Subcommittee
on the District of Columbia held a hearing on the Administration's National
Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Plan. Testimony was
heard from Franklin D. Raines, Director, OMB. 

GOVERNMENT COMPUTERS IN THE YEAR 2000

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on "Will Federal
Government Computers be Ready for the Year 2000?" Testimony was heard from
Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Accounting and Management Division, GAO; Liza
McClenaghan, Chief Information Officer, Department of State; Emmett Paige,
Assistant Secretary, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and
Intelligence, Department of Defense; Patricia Lattimore, Chief Information
Officer, Department of Labor; John J. Callahan, Chief Information Officer,
Department of Health and Human Services; Michael Huerta, Associate Deputy
Secretary, Acting Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation; and
Mark D. Catlett, Chief Information Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

U.S. COUNTERNARCOTICS ASSISTANCE TO COLOMBIA

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On February 14, the Subcommittee
on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a
hearing on U.S. Counternarcotics Assistance to Colombia. Testimony was heard
from Robert S. Gelbard, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics
and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 



1997/02/25
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 25, 1997;  pages D131 - D138

Committee Meetings

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a hearing on Inspectors General for the Department of State and
Department of Commerce. Testimony was heard from Jacqueline L.
Williams-Bridger, Inspector General, Department of State; and Frank DeGeorge.
Inspector General, Department of Commerce. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government, on the Customs Service held a hearing on the U.S. Customs
Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Treasury: Ray Kelly, Under Secretary, Enforcement; and George Weise,
Commissioner of Customs, U.S. Customs Service. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit continued hearings on Financial Services
Modernization legislation including H.R. 268, Depository Institution
Affiliation and Thrift Charter Conversion Act. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

HOUSING AND OPPORTUNITY RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development held a hearing on H.R. 2, Housing and Opportunity
Responsibility Act of 1997, and on Personal Responsibility and Accountability
in Communities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

ADULT EDUCATION ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Adult Education
Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Smith of Texas; Patricia McNeil,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, Department of
Education; Andy Hartman, Director, National Institute for Literacy, Department
of Health and Human Services; Sam Drew, Director, Office of Communications,
Department of Education, State of South Carolina; and public witnesses. 

COUNTERNARCOTICS EFFORTS IN MEXICO AND ALONG THE SOUTHWEST BORDER

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a hearing on
"Counternarcotics Efforts in Mexico and Along the Southwest Border". Testimony
was heard from Representative Bonilla; Robert S. Gelbard, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of
State; from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Mary Lee
Warren, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division; Thomas A.
Constantine, Administrator, DEA; and Douglas M. Kruhm, Assistant Commissioner,
U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration and Naturalization Service; and Tony
Castaneda, Chief of Police, Eagle Pass, Texas. 

ADMINISTRATION'S FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Administration's
fiscal year 1998 Foreign Assistance Budget Request. Testimony was heard from
J. Brian Atwood, Administrator, AID, United States International Development
Cooperation Agency. 

                                          [Page: D136]

BRIEFING--INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENTS BY THE CIA

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Research and Development met in executive session to receive a
joint briefing on intelligence assessments by the CIA. The Subcommittees were
briefed by representatives of the CIA. 

MEDICARE HMO PAYMENT POLICIES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
HMO Payment Policies. Testimony was heard from Paul N. Van de Water, Assistant
Director, Budget Analysis, CBO; Gail R. Wilensky, Chair, Physician Payment
Review Commission; Joseph Newhouse, Chairman, Prospective Payment Assessment
Commission; William J. Scanlon, Director, Health Systems Issues, GAO; and
public witnesses. 

ANNUAL REPORT--IRS TAXPAYER ADVOCATE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
Annual Report of the IRS Taxpayer Advocate. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Lee R. Monks,
Taxpayer Advocate; Fran Romano, Connecticut/Rhode Island District, Tom George,
South Texas District, Louis Romito, Pennsylvania District-Pittsburg, Elayne M.
Goldstein, Midwest District, and Jeanne Williams, North Florida District, all
District Taxpayer Advocates. 



1997/02/26
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 26, 1997;  pages D139 - D146

Committee Meetings

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM--USDA'S FINAL REGULATION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource Conservation, and
Research held a hearing to review the USDA's final regulation on the
Conservation Reserve Program. Testimony was heard from Dallas Smith, Acting
Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services, USDA; and public
witnesses. 

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 the
Secretary of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Dan Glickman, Secretary of
Agriculture. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a hearing on the Inspector General for the Department of
Justice and on the Legal Services Corporation. Testimony was heard from
Michael Bromwich, Inspector General, Department of Justice; and Douglas S.
Eakeley, Chairman, Board of Directors, Legal Services Corporation. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Secretary of the Interior. Testimony was heard from Bruce Babbitt, Secretary
of the Interior. 

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Director, NIH, on the National Cancer
Institute and the National Eye Institute. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Harold
Varmus, M.D., Director, NIH; Richard D. Klausner, M.D., Director, National
Cancer Institute; and Carl Kupfer, M.D., Director, National Eye Institute. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing
on the fiscal year 1998 Defense Budget. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: William S. Cohen, Secretary; and Gen.
John M. Shalikashvili, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the Office of Inspector General,
Department of the Treasury and on the Secret Service. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Valerie Lau,
Inspector General; and Eljay B. Bowron, Director, U.S. Secret Service. 

VETERANS' AFFAIRS, 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. 

CREDIT UNION INDUSTRY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on issues currently facing the
D143Credit Union Industry. Testimony was heard from Representative Frost;
Norman E. D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D143]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 649, Department of Energy
Standardization Act of 1997; and H.R. 363, amended, to amend section 2118 of
the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend the Electric and Magnetic Fields
Research and Public Information Dissemination Program; H.R. 651, to extend the
deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction of a hydroelectric
project located in the State of Washington; and H.R. 652, to extend the
deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction of a hydroelectric
project located in the State of Washington. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 649 and H.R.
363. Testimony was heard from Eric Fygi, Deputy General Counsel, Department of
Energy; and a public witness. 

VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil Service
approved for full Committee action H.R. 240, Veterans' Employment Opportunity
Act of 1997. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from James B. King, Director, OPM; and public witnesses. 

CIVIC VOLUNTEERS, YOUTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, AND WAR ON DRUGS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a hearing on Civic
Volunteers, Youth Service Organizations, and the War on Drugs. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

DORNAN V. SANCHEZ

Committee on House Oversight: Task Force on the Contested Election assigned to
the Forty-sixth District of California; adopted a motion postponing the
disposition of Representative Sanchez's motion to dismiss until a hearing on
the merits. 

NEW THINKING ON FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on New Thinking on
Foreign Assistance. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

U.S. POLICY TOWARD NORTH KOREA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Engaging the Hermit Kingdom: U.S. Policy Toward North Korea.
Testimony was heard from Charles Kartman, Assistant Secretary, East Asian and
Pacific Affairs (Acting), Department of State; Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of Defense; and public
witnesses. 

MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES--DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on Department of State Management Initiatives.
Testimony was heard from Patrick Kennedy, Acting Under Secretary, Management,
Department of State. 

PATENT LEGISLATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on the following: H.R. 400, 21st Century Patent System
Improvement Act; H.R. 673, Patent and Trademark Office Surcharge Extension Act
of 1997; and H.R. 811, Patent Term Restoration Act. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Kelly, Hunter, Rohrabacher and Campbell; Bruce A. Lehman,
Assistant Secretary and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S ANTI-GANG AND YOUTH VIOLENCE INITIATIVE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime and the Subcommittee on
Early Childhood, Youth and Families of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce held a joint hearing regarding the Administration's anti-gang and
youth violence initiative. Testimony was heard from Janet Reno, Attorney
General, Department of Justice. 

DEFENSE REFORM

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on defense reform. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John
White, Deputy Secretary; and Paul Kaminski, Under Secretary (Acquisition and
Technology). 

NAVY SHIPBUILDING OVERVIEW

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on Navy
shipbuilding overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy, Department of Defense: John W. Douglass, D144Assistant
Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition); VADM. Donald L. Pilling,
USN, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations, Resources, Requirements, and Assessments;
and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Oster, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and
Resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Ron O'Rourke, Specialist in
National Defense, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and a
public witness. 

                                          [Page: D144]

CARGO AIRCRAFT--TRAFFIC ALERT AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Whether the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System Should
be Required in Cargo Aircraft. Testimony was heard from Guy S. Gardner,
Associate Administrator, Regulation and Certification, FAA, Department of
Transportation; Robert T. Francis, Vice Chairman, National Transportation
Safety Board; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Maj. Gen.
Donald L. Peterson, USAF, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space
Operations, U.S. Air Force; Rear Adm. Dennis V. McGinn, USN, Director, Air
Warfare Division, U.S. Navy; and public witnesses. 

STATE BOATING SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on reauthorization of the State
Boating Safety Grant Program. Testimony was heard from Rear Adm. James T.
Hull, USCG, Director, Operations Policy, United States Coast Guard, Department
of Transportation; and public witnesses. 

WELFARE REFORM LEGISLATION--TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Technical Corrections to Welfare Reform legislation. Testimony was heard from
Representative Herger; Olivia A. Golden, Acting Assistant Secretary, Children
and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

WTO SINGAPORE MINISTERIAL MEETING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the WTO
Singapore Ministerial Meeting. Testimony was heard from Delegate
Christian-Green; Jeffrey M. Lang, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; JayEtta
Hecker, Associate Director, International Relations and Trade Issues, National
Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; and public witnesses. 



1997/02/27
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 27, 1997;  pages D148 - D154

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 the FDA.
Testimony was heard from Michael Friedman, Deputy Commissioner, Operations,
FDA, USDA. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on the Secretary of the
Treasury. Testimony was heard from Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury. 

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the National Center of Human Genome Research,
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institute on
Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Francis S.
Collins, M.D., Director, National Human Genome Research Institute; Anthony S.
Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases;
Kenneth Olden, M.D., Director, National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences; and James B. Snow, Jr., M.D., Director, National Institute on
Deafness and other Communication Disorders. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held an
Overview hearing. Testimony was heard from John J. Hamre, Comptroller,
Department of Defense. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a hearing on the U.S. European Command and on the
U.S. Atlantic Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Gen. George Joulwan, USA, Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
European Command; and Gen. John Sheehan, USMC, Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Atlantic Command. 

MEDICARE MANAGED CARE

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Medicare Managed Care: Payment and Related Issues. Testimony was heard from
Bruce M. Fried, Director, Office of Managed Care, Health Care Financing
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; Jonathan Ratner,
Associate Director, Health Financing Systems, Health, Education, and Human
Services, GAO; Donald A. Young, M.D., Executive Director, Prospective Payment
Assessment Commission; and Roger S. Taylor, M.D., Commissioner, Physician
Payment Review Commission. 

OVERSIGHT--REHABILITATION ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training and Life-Long Learning held an oversight hearing on the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Education: Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary, Office of
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; and Frederic Schroeder,
Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration; P. Charles LaRosa,
Commissioner, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, State of South
Carolina; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--HUD

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human Resources
and Intergovernmental Relations held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Housing and Urban Development: Mission, Management, and Performance. Testimony
D152was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo, Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development. 

                                          [Page: D152]

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held an oversight
hearing on the 1997 National Drug Control Strategy. Testimony was heard from
Barry R. McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy. 

FREE SPEECH AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing
regarding Free Speech and Campaign Finance Reform. Testimony was heard from
Senator McConnell; Representatives Gephardt and Frank of Massachusetts; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing regarding deception of a Congressional Task Force delegation
to the Miami District of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Stephen
Colgate, Assistant Attorney General, Administration; and Doris Meissner,
Commissioner and Chris Sale, Deputy Commissioner, both with the Immigration
and Naturalization Service. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION BUDGET REQUESTS

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on the fiscal year 1998 military construction budget
request for programs of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Agencies, and
the Active and Reserve Components of the Department of the Army. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John B.
Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary (Industrial Affairs and Installations); Robert
M. Walker, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics and
Environment); Maj. Gen. Randolph House, USA, Assistant Chief of Staff,
Installations Management, Department of the Army; Brig. Gen. William Bilo,
Deputy Director, Army National Guard; and Brig. Gen. James Helmly, Deputy
Chief, Army Reserve. 

DOD HEALTH CARE ALTERNATIVES

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a
hearing on Department of Defense health care alternatives for Military
Medicare-Eligible Beneficiaries. Testimony was heard from Stephen P. Backhus,
Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care Issues, GAO; Stephen
Joseph, M.D., Assistant Secretary (Health Affairs), Department of Defense; and
public witnesses. 

DEFENSE R&D FOR FUTURE READINESS

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development held a hearing on Defense research and development for future
readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Anita K. Jones, Director, Defense Research and Engineering; Lee
Buchanan, Deputy Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; Patricia
Sanders, Director, Test Systems Engineering and Evaluation; and Thomas Perdue,
Acting Deputy Under Secretary (Advanced Technology). 

NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING ACT REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources approved
for full Committee action as amended H.R. 709, to reauthorize and amend the
National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. 
 
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this legislation.
Testimony was heard from P. Patrick Leahy, Chief Geologist, U.S. Geological
Survey, Department of the Interior; and a public witness. 

NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, and Wildlife
and Oceans, held a hearing on H.R. 437, to reauthorize the National Sea Grant
College Program Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Stupak; Ronald C.
Baird, Executive Director, National Sea Grant College Program, Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses. 

NOAA BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held oversight hearing on the NOAA fiscal year 1998 budget request,
which includes funding for the National Marine Fisheries Service. Testimony
was heard from D. James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere,
Department of Commerce. 

OVERSIGHT--RESEARCH AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held
an oversight hearing on Research and Resource Management in the National Park
Service. Testimony was heard from Barry T. Hill, Associate Director, Energy,
Resources and D153Science Issues, Resources, Community and Economic
Development Division, GAO; the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: Richard B. Keigley, Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey; Roger G.
Kennedy, Director, National Park Service; and Mark Schaefer, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Water and Science; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D153]

HOUSE RULES RECODIFICATION

Committee on Rules: Bipartisan Ad Hoc Task Force on the Recodification of
House Rules met to discuss the Task Force agenda and goals. 

The Task Force received a briefing on the Recodification of House Rules by
Charles Johnson, Chief Parliamentarian of the House. 

ETHICS REFORM

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Task Force on Ethics Reform met in
executive session to hold a hearing on Ethics Reform. Testimony was heard from
Members of Congress. 

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on Surface
Transportation Research Needs for the Next Century. Testimony was heard from
Mortimer L. Downey, Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation; David L.
Winstead, Secretary, Department of Transportation, State of Maryland; and a
public witness. 

ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation continued hearings on ISTEA Comprehensive Reauthorization
Proposals: On the Administration's and Other Comprehensive Reauthorization
Proposals. Testimony was heard from Rodney E. Slater, Secretary of
Transportation; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 4. 

VA BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Administration's fiscal
year 1998 VA Budget. Testimony was heard from Frank Q. Nebeker, Chief Judge,
U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals; and representatives of veterans organizations. 

ENCOURAGING ADOPTION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Encouraging Adoption. Testimony was heard from Mark Nadel, Associate Director,
Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security met for
organizational purposes. 

ETHICS REFORM

Task Force on Ethics Reform: Met in executive session to discuss Ethics
Reforms. 



1997/02/28
Daily Digest - Friday, February 28, 1997;  pages D156 - D162

Committee Meetings

TERRORIST INCIDENTS INVOLVING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION--FEDERAL RESPONSE

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development, hearing on the Federal response to terrorist incidents involving
weapons of mass destruction. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: H. Allen Holmes, Assistant Secretary (Special
Operations and Low Intensity Conflict); Jeffrey M. David, Office of Special
Technology, Program Manager, Technical Support Working Group National
Programs; and James R. Lawrence, Office of Special Technology, Program
Manager, Technical Support for Working Group International Programs;
Ambassador, Philip C. Wilcox, Jr., Coordinator, Counter-Terrorism, Department
of State; and Gary B. Marrs, Chief, Fire Department, Oklahoma City. 



1997/03/03
Daily Digest - Monday, March 3, 1997;  pages D164 - D168

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1997/03/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 4, 1997;  pages D169 - D178

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 Catherine E. Woteki, Acting
Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics, USDA. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on Attorney General. Testimony was heard from Janet
Reno, Attorney General, Department of Justice. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: H. Martin Lancaster,
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works); Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard, USA,
Chief, Corps of Engineers; and Maj. Gen. Russell Fuhrman, USA, Director, Civil
Works. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued appropriations
hearing, with emphasis 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 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,
the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human D173Services: Claude J.M. Lefant, M.D.,
Director, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Alan I. Leshner, M.D.,
Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse; and Enoch Gordis, M.D., Director,
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

                                          [Page: D173]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Jerry T. Alley, Jr., Command Sgt. Major, U.S.
Army Forces Command; John Hagan, Master Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy; Lewis
G. Lee, Sgt. Major, U.S. Marine Corps; and Eric W. Benken, Chief Master Sgt.
U.S. Air Force. 

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Ray Kelly, Under Secretary, Law Enforcement; John W. Magaw,
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Charles F. Rinkevich,
Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and Stanley E. Morris,
Director, Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. 

VA--HUD--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation and on the Selective
Service System. Testimony was heard from George Knight, Director, Neighborhood
Reinvestment Corporation; and Gil Coronado, Director, Selective Service
System. 

THE ECONOMY

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the economy. Testimony was heard
from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

FEDERAL JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS REFORM

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Reform of the
Major Federal Job Training Programs. Testimony was heard from Raymond J.
Uhalde, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration,
Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Con. Res. 17, congratulating the
people of Guatemala on the success of the recent negotiations to establish a
process for Guatemala; and H. Con. Res. 18, congratulating the people of the
Republic of Nicaragua on the success of their democratic elections held on
October 20, 1996. 

FY 1998 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 1998 Military Construction Budget
Request for programs of the active and Reserve Components of the Department of
the Navy and the Department of the Air Force. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert B. Pirie, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary, Navy (Installations and Facilities); Rear Adm. David J.
Nash, USN, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Rear Adm. (Select)
John B. Brunelli, USN, Deputy Director, Naval Reserve; Maj. Gen. Joseph D.
Stewart, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics,
Headquarters, Marine Corps; Jimmy G. Dishner, Deputy Chief of Staff
(Installations); Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia, USAF, The Civil Engineer,
Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; Brig. Gen. Paul A. Waver, Deputy Director, Air
National Guard; and Brig. Gen. John A. Bradley, USAF, Deputy to the Chief, Air
Force Reserve. 

READINESS AND PERSONNEL: VIEWS FROM THE FIELD

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel and the
Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a joint hearing on Readiness and
Personnel: Views from the Field. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Thomas A. Schwartz, USA,
Commander, III Corps, Fort Hood, TX; Lt. Gen. Ronald W. Iverson, USAF,
Commander, 7th Air Force, Osan AFB, Korea; Vice Adm. Charles Abbot, Commander,
6th Fleet, Italy; Lt. Gen. Carlton W. Fulford, USMC, Commander I Marine
Expeditionary Force, D174Camp Pendleton, CA; Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Thomas,
USA, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood, TX; Senior Chief Legalman
Renee S. Scheetz, USN, USS Simon Lake (AS33); Senior Master Sgt. Gary Simmons,
USAF, 25th Fighter Squadron, Osan AFB, Korea; Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Constance,
USMC, Regimental Sgt. Maj., 1st Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, CA.; Brig.
Gen. Ronald Richard, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat
Center, Twentynine Palms, CA; Brig. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Commander,
57th Wing, Nellis AFB, NV; Brig. Gen. William S. Wallace, USA, Commander,
National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, CA; Vice Adm. Bernard Smith, USN,
Commander, Naval Tactical Warfare Center, Fallon, NY; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D174]

OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Administration's budget requests with respect to the
following agencies of the Department of the Interior: the U. S. Geological
Survey (except Water Resources Division), the Minerals Management Service, the
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the Bureau of Land
Management (Energy and Minerals, including Mining Law Administration).
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: Gordon Eaton, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; Katherine Henry,
Acting Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement;
Carolita Kallaur, Deputy Director, Minerals Management Service; and W. Hord
Tipton, Assistant Director, Minerals, Lands and Resources Protection, Bureau
of Land Management. 

OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Administration's proposed 1998 budget requests for
the Bureau of Reclamation, the Central Utah Project, and the Water Resources
Division of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Power Marketing
Administrations. Testimony was heard from following officials of the
Department of the Interior: Patricia J. Beneke, Assistant Secretary, Water and
Science; Eluid Martinez, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Robert M.
Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey; and the following officials
of the Power Administrations, Department of Energy: Stephen J. Wright,
Vice-President, National Relations, Bonneville; J. M. Shafer, Administrator,
Western Area; Charles A. Borchardt, Administrator, Southeastern; Michael A.
Deihl, Administrator, Southwestern; and Rodney L. Adelman, Administrator,
Alaska. 

NASA POSTURE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
NASA Posture fiscal year 1998 authorization. Testimony was heard from Daniel
S. Goldin, Administrator, NASA. 

ETHICS REFORM

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Task Force on Ethics Reform held a
hearing on the Ethics Process in the House. Testimony was heard from Joe
Maskill, Legislative Attorney, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation continued hearings on ISTEA Reauthorization: Policy Initiatives
and Requests for Highway and Transit Projects. Testimony was heard from
Representatives McHale, Sabo, Furse, Blumenauer, Hooley of Oregon; DeGette,
LaTourette, Kucinich, Thomas, Holden, Packard, Gillmor and Frelinghuysen; and
public witnesses. 

Hearings continue March 6. 

MEDICARE HOME CARE, SKILLED NURSING FACILITY, AND OTHER POST-ACUTE PAYMENT
POLICIES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Home Health Care, Skilled Nursing Facility, and Other Post-Acute Care Payment
Policies. Testimony was heard from Joseph P. Newhouse, Chairman, Prospective
Payment Assessment Commission; William J. Scanlon, Director, Health Financing
and Systems Issue Area, GAO; George F. Grob, Deputy Inspector General,
Evaluation and Inspections, Office of the Inspector General, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

"HIGH-RISK" PROGRAMS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight, hearing on "High-Risk"
Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the D175GAO:
Gene I. Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller General, Accounting and Information
Management Division; Lynda D. Willis, Director, Tax Policy and Administration
Issues, General Government Division; Jane L. Ross, Director, Income Security
Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division; and Leslie G.
Aronovitz, Associate Director, Health Financing and Systems Issues, Health,
Education, and Human Services, Division; Valerie Lau, Inspector General,
Department of the Treasury; Patricia A. Dalton, Deputy Inspector General,
Department of Labor; and Michael F. Mangano, Principal Deputy Inspector
General, Department of Health and Human Services. 

                                          [Page: D175]

FUTURE IMAGERY ARCHITECTURE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a briefing on the Future
Imagery Architecture. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 



1997/03/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 5, 1997;  pages D180 - D190

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Farm
Credit Administration and on Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Testimony
was heard from Marsha Martin, Chairman and CEO, Farm Credit Administration;
and Mary Ann Keeffe, Acting Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer
Services, USDA. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on Secretary of State and on the FBI. Testimony was
heard from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State; and Louie Freeh,
Director, FBI, Department of Justice. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was heard from Eluid L.
Martinez, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued appropriation
hearings, with emphasis on Energy Programs. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

LABOR--HHS--EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a D184hearing on National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Library of Medicine, the National
Institute on Nursing Research and the Fogarty International Center. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Phillip Gorden, M.D., Director, National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Donald Lindeberg, M.D., Director, National
Library of Medicine; Patricia Grady, M.D., Director, National Institute on
Nursing Research; and Philip Schambra, M.D., Director, Fogarty International
Center.  

                                          [Page: D184]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Army Construction. Testimony was heard from Mike Walker, Assistant
Secretary of the Army, Installations, Logistics and Environment. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in an
executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Pacific Command/U.S. Forces Korea
and on U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Adm. Joseph W. Prueher, USN, Commander-in-Chief,
U.S. Pacific Command; Gen. John H. Tilelli, Jr., USA, Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Forces Korea; and Gen. Binford J.H. Peay, III, USA, Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Central Command. 

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the IRS; the U.S. Mint; Bureau of
Engraving and Printing; and the Financial Management Service. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Larry
Summers, Deputy Secretary; Margaret Milner Richardson, Commissioner, IRS;
Philip N. Diehl, Director of the Mint; Larry Roluff, Director, Bureau of
Engraving and Printing; Rusell D. Morris, Commissioner, Federal Management
Service; and George Munoz, Assistant Secretary, Management and Chief Financial
Officer. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Council on Environmental Quality and on the Office of
Science and Technology Policy. Testimony was heard from Kathleen A. McGinty,
Chair, Council on Environmental Quality; and John H. Gibbons, Director, Office
of Science and Technology Policy. 

FINANCIAL MODERNIZATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on Financial
Modernization. Testimony was heard from Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller,
Department of the Treasury; and Ricki T. Helfer, Chairman, FDIC. 

CONDUCT OF MONETARY POLICY

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

HOMELESS HOUSING PROGRAMS CONSOLIDATION AND FLEXIBILITY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development held a hearing on H.R. 217, Homeless Housing Programs
Consolidation and Flexibility Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 649,
Department of Energy Standardization Act of 1997; H.R. 363, amended, to amend
section 2118 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to extend the Electric and
Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Program; H.R.
651, to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction
of a hydroelectric project located in the state of Washington; and H.R. 652,
to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act for the construction of
hydroelectric project located in the State of Washington. 

MEDICARE HOME HEALTH CARE

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Medicare Home Health Care. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Health and Human Services: Bruce Vladeck, Administrator,
Health Care Financing Administration; and Michael F. Mangano, Principal Deputy
Inspector General; the following officials of the GAO: William Scanlon,
Director, Health Financing Systems, Health, Education, and Human Services; and
Thomas Doudal, Senior Assistant Director, Health and Human Services Division;
Donald A. Young, M.D., Executive Director, Prospective Payment Assessment
Commission; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D185]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 1, Working Families Flexibility Act; and H.R. 914, to make certain
technical corrections in the Higher Education Act of 1965 relating to
graduation data disclosures. 

ADMINISTRATION'S EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on the
Administration's Education Initiatives. Testimony was heard from Richard
Riley, Secretary of Education. 

IMPROPER GRANTING OF CITIZENSHIP TO INDIVIDUALS WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice and the Subcommittee on
Immigration and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary held a joint
Subcommittee hearing on Improper Granting of U.S. Citizenship to Individuals
with Criminal Records. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Stephen R. Colgate, Assistant Attorney General,
Administration; Dawn Johnsen, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of
Legal Counsel; Doris M. Meissner, Commissioner, David Rosenberg, Citizenship
USA Program Director; Louis D. Crocetti, Associate Commissioner, Examinations
and David Martin, General Counsel, all with the Immigration and Naturalization
Service; Laurie E. Ekstrand, Associate Director, Administration of Justice,
General Government Division, GAO; and a public witness. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Oversight: Met to consider funding requests from the
following Committees: House Oversight; Ways and Means; Small Business;
International Relations; Agriculture; Judiciary; Standards of Official
Conduct; Transportation and Infrastructure; Veterans' Affairs; Science; and
Intelligence. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H. Con. Res. 16,
concerning the urgent need to improve the living standards of those South
Asians living in the Ganges and the Bahmaputra River Basin; H. Res. 68,
amended, stating the sense of the House of Representatives that the Treaty of
Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States of America and Japan
is essential for furthering the security interests of the United States,
Japan, and the nations of the Asia-Pacific region, and that the people of
Okinawa deserve recognition for their contributions toward ensuring the
treaty's implementation; and H.R. 750, amended, to support the autonomous
governance of Hong Kong after its reversion to the People's Republic of China. 

Following this action, the subcommittee held a hearing on AID Activities and
the Central Asian Republics. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency: Thomas Dine,
Assistant Administrator, Europe and the New Independent States; and Charles
Weden, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia. 

NAFTA REPORT CARD

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade, hearing on "Report Card on NAFTA." Testimony was heard from
Representatives Houghton, Bonior and Kaptur; Regina Vargo, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Western Hemisphere, Department of Commerce; Ira Shapiro, Senior
Counsel and Negotiator, Office of the U. S. Trade Representative; and public
witnesses. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights, hearing on Foreign Relations Authorization for FY 1998: U.S.
Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Testimony was heard from John D. Holum,
Director, U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 400, amended,
21st Century Patent System Improvement Act; H.R. 672, amended, to make
technical amendments to certain provisions of title 17, United States Code;
and H.R. 908, to establish a Commission on Structural Alternatives for the
Federal Courts of Appeals. 

FIREARMS PROHIBITION--DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 26, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide
that the firearms prohibitions applicable by reason of a domestic violence
misdemeanor conviction do not apply if the conviction occurred before the
prohibitions became law; and H.R. 445, to provide that the firearms
prohibitions applicable by reason of a domestic violence misdemeanor
conviction do not apply to government entities. Testimony was heard from Pete
Gagliardi, Deputy Associate Director, Criminal Enforcement Programs, Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of the Treasury; D186David R.
Loesch, Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Justice Information Service
Division, FBI, Department of Justice; Capt. R. Lewis Vass; Records Management
Officer, Department of Police, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D186]

DOD AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 1998 Department
of 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. Jay L. Johnson, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Charles
C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant, Marine Corps; and Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF,
Chief of Staff, Air Force. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

TACTICAL FIGHTER CRAFT MODERNIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on
tactical fighter craft modernization. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Paul Kaminski, Under Secretary
(Acquisition and Technology); and Gen. Joseph Ralston, USAF, Vice Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff; Cindy Williams, Assistant Director, National Security
Division, CBO; and Louis Rodrigues, Director, Defense Acquisitions, National
Security and International Affairs Division, GAO. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J. Res. 32,
to consent to certain amendments enacted by the Legislature of the State of
Hawaii to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920; H.R. 63, to designate the
reservoir created by Trinity Dam in the Central Valley project, CA, as Trinity
Lake; H.R. 412, amended, to approve a settlement agreement between the Bureau
of Reclamation and the Oroville-Tonasket Lake; H.R. 437, to reauthorize the
National Sea Grant College Program Act; and H.R. 709, amended, to reauthorize
and amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. 

QUINCY LIBRARY GROUP FOREST RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC STABILITY ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on H.R. 858, Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery and Economic
Stability Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives Herger and
Fazio of California; James R. Lyons, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment, USDA; and public witnesses. 

NSF AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on NSF
fiscal year authorization. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the NSF: Richard N. Zare, Chairman, National Science Board; and Neal Lane,
Director. 

CLONING: HOW FAR SHOULD WE GO?

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on
Biotechnology and the Ethics of Cloning: How Far Should We Go? Testimony was
heard from Harold E. Varmus, M.D., Director, NIH, Department of Health and
Human Services; Caird E. Rexroad, Jr., Supervisory Research Physiologist,
Agriculture Research Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

ETHICS PROCESS IN THE HOUSE

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Task Force on Ethics Reform met in
executive session to continue hearings on the Ethics Process in the House.
Testimony was heard from Members of Congress. 

GSA FISCAL YEAR AND RENT SHORTFALL
 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on the GSA fiscal year
Program and Rent Shortfall. Testimony was heard from Robert A. Peck,
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA. 

SUPERFUND REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Superfund Reauthorization: Lessons
from the State. Testimony was heard from Christine Todd Whitman, Governor,
State of New Jersey; Mary A. Gade, Director, Environmental Protection Agency,
State of Illinois; Langdon Marsh, Director, Department of Environmental
Quality, State of Oregon; Peder Larson, Commissioner, Pollution Control
Agency, State of Minnesota; John P. Cahill, Acting Commissioner, Department of
Environmental Conservation, State of New York; Jane T. Nishida, Secretary,
Department of Environment, State of Maryland; James M. Strock, Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, State of California; Russell J. Harding,
Director, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan; Harold F.
Reheis, Director, Environmental Protection Division, Department of Natural
Resources, State of Georgia; and Jay J. Manning, Senior Assistant Attorney
General, Ecology Division, Office of the Attorney General, State of
Washington. 

                                          [Page: D187]

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET--EDUCATION AND TRAINING TAX PROVISIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Education and Training Tax
Provisions of the Administration's Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Proposal. Testimony
was heard from Senator Coverdell; Representatives Rangel, Price of North
Carolina and Etheridge; Donald C. Lubick, Acting Assistant Secretary, Tax
Policy, Department of the Treasury; David A. Longanecker, Assistant Secretary,
Postsecondary Education, Department of Education; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS; UNCONVENTIONAL SIGINT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
consider pending business. 

The Committee also met in executive session to hold a briefing on
Unconventional SIGINT (Signal Intelligence). The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses. 



1997/03/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 6, 1997;  pages D191 - D204

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 the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and on the Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services. Testimony was heard from the following: Brooksley Born, Chairperson,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission; the following officials of the USDA:
Dallas R. Smith, Acting Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agriculture
Services; and Grant B. Buntrock, Administrator, Farm Service Agency. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on the Bureau of Export Administration, Department of
Commerce and on the Federal Courts; the Administrative Office and the Federal
Judicial Center. Testimony was heard from William A. Reinsch, Under Secretary,
Export Administration, Department of Commerce; the following officials of the
Judicial Conference: Judge John Heyburn, Chairman; and Judge William Young,
Co-Chairman; Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office, U.S.
Courts; Judge Rya Zobel, Director, Federal Judicial Center. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on TVA and on the Appalachian Regional Commission. Testimony was
heard from Craven Crowell, Chairman, TVA; and the following officials of the
Appalachian Regional Commission: Kirk Fordice, Governor, State of Mississippi,
State's Co-Chairman; and Jesse L. White, Jr., Federal Co-Chairman. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued appropriation
hearings, with emphasis 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 held a hearing on National Institute of Arthritis,
Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, the National Center for Research Resources,
the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National
Institute of Dental Research. Testimony was heard from Stephen Katz, M.D.,
Director, National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease;
Judith L. Vaitukaitis, M.D., Director, National Center for Research Resources;
Duane Alexander, M.D., Director, National Institute of Child Health and
D196Human Development; and Harold C. Slaukin, M.D., Director, National
Institute of Dental Research. 

                                          [Page: D196]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Navy Construction. Testimony was heard from Robin Tirie, Assistant
Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment, Department of the
Defense. 

NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 1998 Navy/Marine Corps Budget Overview and on Navy/Marine
Corps Acquisition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: John H. Dalton, Secretary; Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN,
Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant, Marine
Corps; John W. Douglass, Assistant Secretary, Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation; Vice Adm. T. Donald L. Pilling, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval
Operation (Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments); and Lt. Gen.
Jeffrey W. Oster, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
the GAO and on the Secretary of Transportation. Testimony was heard from John
Anderson, Director, Transportation Issues, GAO; and Rodney E. Slater,
Secretary of Transportation. 

TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the Secretary of the Treasury. Testimony
was heard from Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury. 

VA--HUD--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Testimony was heard
from James Lee Witt, Director, FEMA. 

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development continued hearings on H.R. 2, Housing Opportunity and
Responsibility Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo,
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 

Hearings continue March 11. 

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET--CBO'S ANALYSIS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the CBO's Analysis of the
Administration's Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 1998. Testimony was heard
from June E. O'Neil, Director, CBO. 

SEC AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on the Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization Act of 1997.
Testimony was heard from Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC. 

ASSISTED SUICIDE

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Assisted Suicide: Legal, Medical, Ethical, and Social Issues. Testimony was
heard from Bernard Cardinal Law, Archbishop of Boston; Rabbi A. James Rudin,
Director, Interfaith Relations, American Jewish Committee; Rev. David L.
Adams, Executive Director, Office of Government Information, Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod; Rev. Dr. Stanley Harakas, Greek Orthodox Church,
Archdiocese of America; and public witnesses. 

EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Education at a Crossroads, What Works, What's
Wasted. Testimony was heard from Lamar Alexander, former Secretary of
Education; and Delaine Eastin, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of
California. 

FEDERAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM ACQUISITION STRATEGY

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on Federal
Telecommunications System Acquisition Strategy (Post-FTS 2000). Testimony was
heard from Robert J. Woods, Commissioner, GSA; and Frank E. Lalley, Associate
Deputy and Assistant Secretary Telecommunications, Department of Veterans'
Affairs. 

Hearings continue March 12. 

OVERSIGHT--HUD AND LABOR: MISSION MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Resources and
Intergovernmental Relations continued Agency oversight hearings: the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the D197Department of Labor:
Mission, Management, and Performance. Testimony was heard from Susan Geffney,
Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Affairs; Charles C. Masten,
Inspector General, Department of Labor; and the following officials of the
GAO: Larry Dyckman, Associate Director, Housing and Community Development
Issues; and Carlotta Joiner, Director, Education and Employment. 

                                          [Page: D197]

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Oversight: Met to consider funding requests for the
following Committees: Rules; Banking and Financial Services; Budget;
Resources, Education and the Workforce; National Security; Commerce; and
Government Reform and Oversight. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Con. Res. 16, concerning the urgent
need to improve the living standards of those South Asians living in the
Ganges and the Bahmaputra River Basin; H. Res. 68, amended, stating the sense
of the House of Representatives that the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and
Security Between the United States of America and Japan is essential for
furthering the security interests of the United States, Japan, and the nations
of the Asia-Pacific region, and that the people of Okinawa deserve recognition
for their contributions toward ensuring the treaty's implementation; and H.R.
750, amended, to support the autonomous governance of Hong Kong after its
reversion to the People's Republic of China. 

The Committee also ordered reported H.J.Res. 58, amended, disapproving the
certification of the President under section 490(b) of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 regarding foreign assistance for Mexico during fiscal year 1997. 

OVERSIGHT--CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the Congressional Review Act. Testimony was heard
from Robert P. Murphy, General Counsel, GAO; Sally Katzen, Administrator,
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Jonathan Z. Cannon, General
Counsel, EPA; Nancy E. McFadden, General Counsel, Department of
Transportation; Charles W. Johnson, Parliamentarian, House of Representatives;
and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full Committee
action the following bills: H.R. 927, United States Marshals Service
Improvement Act of 1997; H.R. 926, Prisoner Service Opportunity Act of 1997;
and H.R. 924, Victim Allocution Clarification Act of 1997. 

DOD AUTHORIZATION

Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year 1998
Department of Defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from
officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. John G. Tilelli, USA, Commander
in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea; Adm. Joseph W. Prueher, USN, Commander in Chief,
U.S. Pacific Command; and Gen. John J. Sheehan, USMC, Commander in Chief, U.S.
Atlantic Command. 

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development held a hearing on ballistic missile defense. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Lester L.
Lyles, USAF, Director Ballistic Missile Defense Organization; and Paul
Kaminski, Under Secretary, Acquisition and Technology. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans, held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 511, National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and H.R. 512, New Wildlife Refuge
Authorization Act. Testimony was heard from Representative John Tanner; Bruce
Babbit, Secretary of the Interior; Bernie Richter, Assemblyman, State of
California; and public witnesses. 

DOE BUDGET AUTHORIZATION--ENERGY RESEARCH

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, held a hearing
on fiscal year 1998 budget authorization request for Office of Energy
Research, Department of Energy. Testimony was heard from Martha A. Krebs,
Director, Energy Research, Department of Energy; and Victor S. Rezendes,
Director, Energy, Resources and Science Issues, Resources, Community, and
Economic Development Division, GAO. 

PAPERWORK ELIMINATION ACT; ADMINISTRATION BUDGET REQUEST--SBA

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 852, Paperwork Elimination
Act of 1997. 

                                          [Page: D198]

The Committee also held a hearing on the Administration's Budget request for
the SBA for fiscal year 1998. Testimony was heard from Aida Alvarez,
Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. 

ETHICS PROCESS

Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Task Force on Ethics Reform met in
executive session to continue hearings on the Ethics Process in the House.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation, continued hearing on ISTEA Reauthorization: Policy Initiatives
and Requests for Highway and Transit Projects. Testimony was heard from
Members of Congress. 

Hearings continue March 11. 

MEDICARE HMO REGULATION AND QUALITY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
HMO Regulation and Quality. Testimony was heard from Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and
Human Services; and public witnesses. 

FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
the Future of Social Security for this Generation and the Next. Testimony was
heard from the following members of the Advisory Council on Social Security:
Robert M. Ball; Sylvester J. Schieber; and Edward M. Gramlich, Chairman. 

IRAN TERRORISM

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
briefing on Iran Terrorism. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses. 



1997/03/10
Daily Digest - Monday, March 10, 1997;  pages D206 - D210

Committee Meetings

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation continued hearings
on the GAO. Testimony was heard from John Anderson, Director, Transportation
Issues, GAO. 

GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Government Management, Information, and Technology: Subcommittee
on Government Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on
Government Performance and Results Act Implementation: How to Achieve Results.
Testimony was heard from L. Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Management and
Workforce Issues, General Government Division, GAO; Dwight P. Robinson, Deputy
Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; John Dyer, Acting
Principal Deputy Commissioner, SSA; and Ron Stewart, Acting Deputy Chief,
Programs and Legislation, Forest Service, USDA. 

Hearings continue March 13. 

COAST GUARD DRUG INTERDICTION EFFORTS

Committee on Government Management, Information and Technology: Subcommittee
on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a
hearing on Coast Guard Drug Interdiction Efforts in the Transit Zone.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Transportation: Adm. Robert E. Kramek, USCG, Commandant; Lt.
Commander Mike Burns, USCG, C-130 Aircraft Pilot; Lt. Commander Randy
Forrester, USCG, HU-25C Aircraft Pilot; Lt. Jim Carlson, USCG, Commanding
Officer, USCGC Vashon ; Boat Swain 1 Mark Fitzmorris, USCG, Boarding Officer,
USCGC Tampa ; and Adm. Paul A. Yost, former Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. 



1997/03/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 11, 1997;  pages D212 - D222

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 marketing
and regulatory programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: Michael Dunn, Assistant Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory
Programs; Terry Medley, Administrator, Animal and Health Inspection Service;
Lon Hatamiya, Administrator, Agriculture and Marketing Service; James R.
Baker, Administrator, Grain Packers and Stockyards Administration; and Stephen
B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer, Department of Agriculture. 

COMMERCE-JUSTICE-STATE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on Secretary of Commerce. Testimony was heard from
William M. Daley, Secretary of Commerce. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Bureau
of Land Management. Testimony was heard from Sylvia Baca, Interim Director,
Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Secretary of Education, and on Elementary and
Secondary Education and Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Education: Richard W. Riley, Secretary; Gerald N. Tirozzi, Assistant
Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education; Delia Pompa, Director, Office
of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs; and Thomas Corwin,
Director, Elementary, Secondary and Vocational Analysis Division, Budget
Service. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Air Force. Testimony was heard from Rodney Coleman, Assistant
Secretary, Air Force, Management, Personnel 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 1998 Air Force Budget overview. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Sheila E. Widnall,
Secretary; and Gen. Ronald R. Fogelman, USAF, Chief of Staff. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
National Transportation Safety Board and on the Office of Inspector General.
Testimony was heard from James E. Hall, Chairman, National Transportation
Safety Board; and Joyce Fleischman, Acting Inspector General, Department of
Transportation. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the National Park Service, on the
Executive Office of the President, and on OMB. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior:
Terry Carlstrom, Acting Regional Director, National Capitol Region; and James
McDaniel, Associate Regional Director, White House Liaison; the following
officials of the Office of Administration: Ada L. Posey, Acting Director; and
Jurg Hochuli, Associate Director, Financial Management Division; and Franklin
D. Raines, Director, OMB. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Testimony was heard from Harris Wofford, CEO, Corporation for National and
Community Service. 

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY--GEOGRAPHIC TARGETING ORDER

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on General Oversight
and Investigations held a hearing on the use of the Department of the Treasury
Geographic Targeting Order. Testimony was heard from Barry McCaffrey,
Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Raymond Kelly, Under
Secretary, Enforcement, Department of the Treasury; Robert Litt, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; and Howard Safir,
Commissioner, Policy Department, City of New York. 

                                          [Page: D217]

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1997

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development continued hearings on H.R. 2, Housing Opportunity and
Responsibility Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Susan Gaffney, Inspector
General, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Steven Goldsmith, Mayor,
Indianapolis, Indiana; and public witnesses. 

MEDICAID REFORM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Medicaid Reform: the Governor's View. Testimony was heard from William
Scanlon, Director, Health Financing Systems, Health, Education, and Human
Services, GAO; Gail Wilensky, Chair, Board of Directors, Physician Payment
Review Commission; the following Governors: Michael O. Leavitt, State of Utah;
and Bob Miller, State of Nevada; and a public witness.  

D.C. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the District of
Columbia, approved for full Committee action as amended H.R. 514, to permit
waiver of District of Columbia residency requirements for certain employees of
the Office of the Inspector General of the District of Columbia. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform and Management: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology approved for full Committee action the
following bills: H.R. 173, to amend the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 to authorize donation of surplus law enforcement canines
to their handlers; H.R. 680, to amend the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer to States of surplus personal
property for donation to nonprofit providers of necessaries to impoverished
families and individuals; and H.R. 930, Travel and Transportation Reform Act
of 1997. 

NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES--U.S. ASSISTANCE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Assistance to the
Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union. Testimony was heard from
Ambassador Richard Morningstar, Coordinator, U.S. Assistance to the Newly
Independent States, Department of State; and Thomas Dine, Assistant
Administrator, Europe and the Newly Independent States, AID, U.S.
International Development Cooperation Agency. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS REAUTHORIZATION

Committe on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on Foreign Relations Reauthorization for FY
1998: Refugees and Migration. Testimony was heard from Phyllis E. Oakley,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Department
of State. 

DOD CHEMICAL WEAPONS DESTRUCTION; BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on National Security, Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on the Department of Defense program for the destruction of chemical
weapons stockpile and fiscal year 1998 budget request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gilbert F. Decker,
Assistant Secretary, Army (Research, Development and Acquisition); Michael A.
Parker, Deputy to the Commander, Program Manager, Assembled Chemical Munitions
Demilitarization Alternatives, Chemical and Biological Defense Command; and
Theodore Prociv, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary, Office of the Under
Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology), Nuclear, Chemical and
Biological Defense Programs (Chemical/Biological Matters). 

ARMY MODERNIZATION

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on Army
modernization. Testimony was heard from Gilbert F. Decker, Assistant
Secretary, Army (Research, Development and Acquisition), Department of
Defense. 

MEASURING READINESS

Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a
hearing on measuring readiness. Testimony was heard from Mark Gebicke,
Director, Military Operations and Capabilities, GAO; and the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Louis Finch, Deputy Under Secretary
(Readiness); Brig. Gen. Stephen B. Plummer, USAF, Deputy Director, Current
Readiness and Capabilities, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Maj. Gen. D. C. Grange,
Director, Operations, Readiness and Mobilization, Department of the Army; Rear
Adm. John Craine, Jr., USN, Director, Assessments, Department of the Navy;
Maj. Gen. Donald L. Peterson, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and
Operations, Department of the Air Force; and Brig. Gen. Matthew Broderick,
USMC, Director, Operations Division, Plans, Policy and Operations Division,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Mark Gebicke, Director, Military
Operations and Capabilities, GAO. 

                                          [Page: D218]

STATE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION ACT PROGRAM--FEDERAL FUNDING

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on Federal funding of the State Land and Water Conservation Act
Program. Testimony was heard from Kate Stevenson, Associate Director, Cultural
Resources Stewardship and Partnership, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior; Donald W. Murphy, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation,
State of California; and public witnesses. 

PAPERWORK ELIMINATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 852, Paperwork Elimination Act of 1997. The rule accords
priority in recognition to those Members who have pre-printed their amendments
in the Congressional Record prior to their consideration. The rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Talent and Representative LaFalce. 

BALANCED BUDGET

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule on H. Res. 89,
requesting the President to submit a budget for fiscal year 1998 that would
balance the Federal budget by fiscal year 2002 without relying on budgetary
contingencies. The rule provides two hours of debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on the Budget
or their designees. Finally the rule provides one motion to recommit, which
may contain instructions if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee. If
the motion includes instructions, then it shall be debatable for five minutes
by the proponent and five minutes by an opponent. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Sununu, Granger, Pitts, Spratt, Minge, Stenholm, and Tauscher. 

BUDGET AUTHORIZATION--EPA

Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, held hearing on
Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Authorization Request: EPA Research and Development.
Testimony was heard from Joseph K. Alexander, Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Research and Development, EPA; Stanley J. Czerwinski, Associate Director,
Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; and a public
witness. 

ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation continued hearings on Member policy initiatives and requests
for highway and transit projects in the ISTEA Reauthorization. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress; and Kirk Fordice, Governor, State of
Mississippi. 

Hearings continue March 13. 

MEDICARE DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE HOSPITAL PAYMENTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Teaching
Hospitals and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments. Testimony was
heard from Joseph Newhouse, Chairman, Prospective Payment Assessment
Commission; Gail Wilensky, Chair, Physician Payment Review Commission; and
public witnesses. 

BUDGET AUTHORIZATIONS--CUSTOMS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION, OFFICE OF
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on Budget
Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1998 and 1999 for the U.S. Customs, the U.S.
International Trade Commission, and the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative. Testimony was heard from George J. Weise, Commissioner, U.S.
Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; Jeffrey M. Lang, Deputy U.S.
Trade Representative; Marcia E. Miller, Chairman, U.S. International Trade
Commission; the following officials of the GAO: Norman J. Rabkin, Director,
Administration of Justice Issues, General Government Division; and JayEtta Z.
Hecker, Associate Director, International Relations and Trade Issues, National
Security and International Affairs Division; and public witnesses. 

SPECIAL NAVY BRIEFING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
Briefing: Special Navy. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 



1997/03/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 12, 1997;  pages D224 - D234

Committee Meetings

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 111, to
authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of unused
agricultural land in Dos Palos, CA, to the Dos Palos Ag Boosters for use as a
farm school; H.R. 394, to provide for the release of the reversionary interest
held by the United States in certain property located in the County of Iosco,
MI; H.R. 785, to designate the J. Phil Campbell, Senior, Natural Resource
Conservation Center; and H.R. 1000, to require States to establish a system to
prevent prisoners from being considered part of any household for purposes of
determining eligibility of the household for food stamp benefits to be
provided to the household under the Food Stamp Act of 1997. 

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Nutrition,
and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing on the status of the electronic benefit
transfer system for the food stamp program. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the USDA: Mary Ann Keeffe, Acting Under Secretary,
D228Food and Consumer Services; and Roger Viadero, Inspector General; Bob
Rasor, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Investigation, U.S. Secret
Service, Department of the Treasury; G. Edward De Seve, Controller, OMB; and
public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D228]

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on food safety. Testimony was heard from
Ron Billy, Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on United States Information Agency/International
Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from Joseph Duffy, Director, United States
Information Agency; and David Burke, Chairman, Board of International
Broadcasters. 

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on
Counterterrorism. Testimony was heard from Louis J. Freeh, Director, FBI,
Department of Justice; and the following officials of the Department of State:
Ambassador Philip Wilcox, Coordinator, Counterterrorism; and Eric Boswell,
Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic Security. 
 
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal. Testimony was heard from
the Department of Energy: Lake H. Barrett, Acting Director, Civilian Radio
Active Waste Management; and Alvin Alm, Assistant Secretary, Environmental
Management. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Fish
and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from John Rogers, Acting Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Vocational and Adult Education; Special
Education; Rehabilitative Services, and on Postsecondary Education. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Education:
Patricia W. McNeil, Assistant Secretary, Vocational and Adult Education;
Judith E. Heumann, Assistant Secretary, Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services; and David Longanecker, Assistant Secretary, Postsecondary Education. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Mili