105th Congress (1997 - 1998)
January 27 - December 19, 1998
House Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at thomas.loc.gov
1998/01/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 27, 1998, pages D1 - D14
Committee Meetings
RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 2625, to redesignate Washington National Airport as "Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport."
1998/01/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 28, 1998, pages D15 - D34
Committee Meetings
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held an oversight
hearing on National Energy Policy. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Ernest J. Moniz, Under
Secretary; Patricia F. Dodley, Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy; and
Dan W. Reicher, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy; Cecil H. Underwood, Governor, State of West Virginia; and public
witnesses.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education began hearings on Labor, Health and Human
Services appropriations for fiscal year 1999. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
[Page: D32]
NATIONAL TESTING--PROHIBIT SPENDING FEDERAL EDUCATION FUNDS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended H.R.
2846, to prohibit spending Federal education funds on national testing
without explicit and specific legislation.
WISCONSIN CHIPPEWA'S CASINO APPLICATION DENIAL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on the
Department of the Interior's denial of the Wisconsin Chippewa's casino
application. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
DISASTER MITIGATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Disaster Mitigation.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Skeen, McKeon and Strickland;
James L. Witt, Director, FEMA; John H. Zirschky, Acting Assistant
Secretary (Civil Works), Department of the Army; and public witnesses.
ARLINGTON CEMETERY BURIAL--WAIVERS GRANTED
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on waivers granted for burial at Arlington
Cemetery. Testimony was heard from Richard L. Hembra, Assistant
Comptroller General, Health, Education, and Human Services Division,
GAO: John C. Metzler, Jr., Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery,
Department of the Army; Togo D. West, Jr., Acting Secretary, Department
of Veterans Affairs; Capt. Michael Rosencrans, USCG, Director, National
Maritime Center, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation;
Ambassador Eric J. Boswell, Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic Security,
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL TAX BURDEN REDUCTION PROPOSALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on proposals to reduce the
Federal tax burden on the American public. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Herger, Weller, McIntosh, Salmon, Riley, McCrery and Cox
of California; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue February 4.
1998/01/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 29, 1998, pages D36 - D42
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing
on the House of Representatives and the Office of Compliance. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the House of Representatives:
Jay Eagen, Chief Administrator Officer; Frank Derville, Associate
Administrator, Office of Finance; Robin H. Carle, Clerk; Jeff Trandahl,
Deputy Clerk; Wilson S. Linvingood, Sergeant at Arms; John W. Lainhardt
IV, Inspector General; Bob Frey, Deputy Inspector General; and John F.
Eisold, M.D., Attending Physician; and the following officials of the
Office of Compliance: Glen Nager, Chairman, Board of Directors; and
Ricky Silberman, Executive Director.
BRIEFING--WORLD-WIDE THREAT
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a briefing on World-Wide Threat. The
Subcommittee was briefed by George Tenet, Director, CIA; and Lt. Gen.
Patrick M. Hughes, USA, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency,
Department of Defense.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Committee on Commerce: Held a hearing on the Tobacco Settlement: Views
of Tobacco Industry Executives. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
WISCONSIN CHIPPEWA'S CASINO APPLICATION DENIAL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Concluded hearings on the
Department of the Interior's denial of the Wisconsin Chippewa's casino
application. Testimony was heard from Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the
Interior.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an
oversight hearing on Congress, the Courts and the Constitution.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Lewis of Kentucky, Hostettler,
Frank of Massachusetts and Campbell; Louis Fisher, Senior Specialist,
Separation of Powers, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses.
[Page: D39]
QUADRENNIAL DEFENSE REVIEW AND NATIONAL DEFENSE PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held
a hearing on the Quadrennial Defense Review and National Defense Panel
Recommendations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Edward L. Warner, III, Assistant Secretary,
Strategy and Threat Reduction; Brig. Gen. James E. Cartwright, USMC,
Deputy Director, Force Structure Resource and Assessment Directorate,
Joint Chiefs of Staff; Lt. Gen. David K. Heebner, USA, Assistant Vice
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; Brig. Gen. James R. Helmly, USA, Deputy
Chief, U.S. Army Reserve; Maj. Gen. William Navas, USA, Director, Army
National Guard; Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN, Deputy
Chief, Naval Operations, Resources, Warfare Requirements and
Assessments; Rear Adm. George Vaughan, USN, Chief, Naval Reserve; Lt.
Gen. Martin R. Steele, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, Policy and
Operations; Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Wilkerson, USMC, Commander, Marine
Forces Reserve; Lt. Gen. Lawrence P. Farrell, Jr., USAF, Deputy Chief of
Staff (Plans and Programs); Maj. Gen. Robert A. McIntosh, USAF, Chief,
Air Force Reserve; and Brig. Gen. Paul A. Weaver, Jr., USAF, Director,
Air National Guard; and the following officials of the National Defense
Panel: Ambassador Richard Armitage; Andrew Krepinevich; and Gen. James
McCarthy, USAF (ret.).
SAFETY ADVANCEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES ACT--THIRD PARTY CONSULTATION PROVISION
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the third party
consultation provision in the Safety Advancement for Employees (SAFE)
Act. Testimony was heard from Senator Enzi; Representatives Dooley of
California and Stenholm; and public witnesses.
HCFA--PREPARING FOR 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Preparing the Health Care Financing Administration for the 21st Century.
Testimony was heard from Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Administrator, Health
Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services;
William J. Scanlon, Director, Health Financing and Systems, GAO; and
public witnesses.
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING--MODIFYING CHILD SUPPORT PENALTIES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a
hearing on modifying child support penalties for automatic data
processing. Testimony was heard from Senator Feinstein; Representative
Cardin, John Monahan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human
Services; Robert Doar, Director, Office of Child Support, Department of
Social Services, State of New York; Leslie L. Frye, Chief, Office of
Child Support, Department of Social Services, State of California;
Wallace N. Dutkowski, Director, Office of Child Support, Department of
Social Services, State of Michigan; and public witnesses.
1998/02/02
Daily Digest - Monday, February 2, 1998, pages D44 - D46
Committee Meetings
EAST ASIA ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: On January 30, the
Committee held a hearing on East Asia Economic Conditions. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury:
Robert E. Rubin, Secretary; and Lawrence H. Summers, Deputy Secretary;
William S. Cohen, Secretary of Defense; Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board
of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
D.C. MANAGEMENT REFORM: COST, SAVINGS AND NET
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On January 30, the
Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a hearing on D.C.
Management Reform: Cost, Savings and Net. Testimony was heard from
Andrew Brimmer, Chairman, D.C. Financial and Responsibility and
Management Assistance Authority; the following officials of the District
of Columbia: Camille Barnett, Chief Management Officer; Anthony
Williams, Chief Financial Officer; Marion D45Barry, Mayor, and Linda
Cropp, Council Chair; and public witnesses.
1998/02/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 3, 1998, pages D48 - D54
Committee Meetings
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT--IMPACT ON PRODUCERS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management and Speciality
Crops held a hearing on proposed tobacco settlement's impact on
producers. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor-Health and Human
Services and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing
on Financial Managers Council and the Library of Congress. Testimony was
heard from Richard Brown, Deputy Assistant Comptroller General,
Operations, GAO; and the following officials of the Library of Congress:
John Webster, Director, Financial Services; James H. Billington,
Librarian; Donald L. Scott, Deputy Librarian; Winston Tabb, Associate
Librarian, Library Services; Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights;
Daniel P. Mulhollan, Director, Congressional Research Service; and Frank
Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation began
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress and
public witnesses.
EAST ASIA ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Concluded hearings on East
Asia Economic Conditions. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Visclosky, Stearns, Crapo, Paul and Sanders; and public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET SUBMISSION
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Administration's FY 1999
Budget Submission. Testimony was heard from Franklin D. Raines,
Director, OMB.
[Page: D51]
HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices for 1997. Testimony was heard from John Shattuck,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor,
Department of State; Wei Jingsheng, Democracy Advocate and former
political prisoner; and public witnesses.
RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 2625, Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The rule provides for a 2 hour time limit on the amendment process. The
rule also makes in order the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original
bill for the purpose of amendment, which shall be considered as read.
The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional
Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting
time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rules provide for one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Shuster; and Representatives Davis of Virginia, Morella,
Oberstar, Norton and Moran of Virginia.
COSTS PAYABLE--TASK FORCE ON NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.J. Res. 107, expressing the sense of the
Congress that the award of attorneys' fees, costs, and sanctions of
$285,864.78 ordered by United States District Judge Royce C. Lamberth on
December 18, 1997, should not be paid with taxpayer funds. The rule
provides that the joint resolution will be considered as read. The rule
permits the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative Hayworth.
CHILD SUPPORT PERFORMANCE AND INCENTIVE ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources approved
for full Committee action H.R. 3130, Child Support Performance and
Incentive Act of 1998.
IRS TAXPAYER ADVOCATE--ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the Annual Report to Congress of the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer
Advocate. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS,
Department of the Treasury: Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner; Lee
Monks, Taxpayer Advocate; and the following District Taxpayer Advocates:
Fran Romano, Connecticut-Rhode Island District; Louis Romito, Associate
District Taxpayer Advocate, Pennsylvania District; Janey Tabor, Ohio
District; Sandra Ling, Pacific-Northwest District; and Elayne M.
Goldstein, Midwest District.
1998/02/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 4, 1998, pages D55 - D62
Committee Meetings
ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS--U.S. AGRICULTURE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities held
a hearing on the Asian financial crisis and to its relationship to U.S.
agriculture. Testimony was heard from August Schumacher, Jr., Under
Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA.
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 Inspector General. Testimony was heard from Roger C. Viadero,
Inspector General, USDA.
[Page: D58]
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held an oversight
hearing on National Park Service, Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from,
Barry T. Hill, Associate Director, Energy, Resources and Science, GAO;
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Robert J.
Williams, Acting Inspector General; John Berry, Assistant Secretary,
Policy, Management and Budget; John Rogers, Deputy Director, Fish and
Wildlife Service; Pat Shea, Director, Bureau of Land Management; and
Robert Stanton, Director, National Park Service; the following officials
of the USDA: Robert Young, Deputy Assistant Inspector General, Audit,
and Robert C. Joslin, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest
Service; I. Michael Heyman, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; Lawrence
J. Wilker, President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;
Earl A. Powell, III, Director, National Gallery of Art; and Walter
Reich, Museum Director, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing
on the Joint Economic Committee, the Architect of the Capitol, the Joint
Committee on Taxation, the GAO and the Capitol Police. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Joint Economic Committee:
Representative Saxton, Chairman; and Christopher Frenze, Executive
Director; the following officials of the Office of the Architect of the
Capitol: Alan M. Hantman, Architect; Stuart Prefnall, Budget Officer;
Robert Miley, Superintendent, House Office Buildings, and Dan Hanlon,
Director, of Engineering; the following officials of the Joint Committee
on Taxation: Representative Archer, Vice Chairman; Mary M. Schmitt,
Deputy Chief of Staff-Law; and Bernard A. Schmitt, Deputy Chief of
Staff-Revenue Analysis; James F. Hinchman, Acting Comptroller General,
GAO; the following members of the U.S. Capitol Police Board: Wilson
Livingood, Sergeant at Arms, House of Representatives; Gregory S. Casey,
Sergeant at Arms, Senate; Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; and
Gary L. Abrecht, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor-Health and Human
Services and Education continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity approved for full Committee action amended H.R.
219, Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 1997.
SUPERFUND PROGRAM STATUS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on the Status of the Superfund Program. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Environmental Protection
Issues Division, GAO: Peter F. Guerrero, Director; and Jim Donaghy,
Eileen Larence and Mitchell Karpman, all Assistant Directors; Tim
Fields, Acting Assistant Administrator, EPA; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2864, amended, to require the Secretary of Labor to establish a program
under which employers may consult with State officials respecting
compliance with occupational safety and health requirements; H.R. 2877,
amended, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; and
H.R. 3096, to correct a provision relating to termination of benefits
for convicted persons.
PATIENT ACCESS ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on Patient
Access to Alternative Treatments: Beyond the FDA. Testimony was heard
from former Representative Berkley W. Bedell of Iowa; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL AVIATION YEAR 2000 IMPACTS ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology, and the Subcommittee on
Technology of the Committee on Science held a joint hearing on Federal
Aviation Administration at Risk: Year 2000 Impacts on the Air Traffic
Control System. Testimony was heard from Joel Willemssen, Director,
Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO; the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Ken Mead, Inspector
General and Jane Garvey, Administrator, FAA; and a public witness.
[Page: D59]
DORNAN V. SANCHEZ--CONTESTED ELECTION; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on House Oversight: Ordered favorably reported a resolution
regarding the Contested Election in the 46th Congressional District of
California.
The Committee also approved pending committee business.
DORNAN V. SANCHEZ--CONTESTED ELECTION
Committee on House Oversight: Task Force for the Contested Election in
the 46th Congressional District of California approved for full
Committee action a resolution regarding the Contested Election in the
46th Congressional Election of California.
U.S. CHINA NUCLEAR COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Implementation
of the U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Testimony was heard
from Robert Einhorn, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Non-Proliferation,
Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, Department of State.
The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on this
subject. Testimony was heard from John Lauder, Director,
Nonproliferation Center, CIA.
ASIA--FINANCIAL CRISIS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific and the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade
held a joint hearing on the Financial Crisis in Asia. Testimony was
heard from Lawrence H. Summers, Deputy Secretary, Department of the
Treasury; Stuart Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economic, Business, and
Agricultural Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved
for full Committee action H.R. 3117, Civil Rights Commission Act of
1998.
OVERSIGHT--COPYRIGHT LICENSING REGIMES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing regarding copyright licensing regimes
covering retransmission of broadcast signals. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
INTERNET GAMBLING PROHIBITION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing
regarding Gambling in Cyberspace: a hearing on the legality of gambling
on the Internet, focusing on H.R. 2380, Internet Gambling Prohibition
Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
NURSING RELIEF ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 2759, Health
Professional Shortage Area Nursing Relief Act of 1997.
REPRESENTATIVE DELLUMS HONORED
Committee on National Security: Met to honor Rep. Donald V. Dellums.
PROHIBIT SPENDING EDUCATION FUNDS ON NATIONAL TESTING WITHOUT SPECIFIC
AUTHORITY
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2846, to prohibit spending Federal education
funds on national testing without explicit and specific legislation. The
rule makes in order the Committee on Education and the Workforce
amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment, which shall be considered as read. The rule
authorizes the Chairman to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule
allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Chairman Goodling, Representatives Clay and
Martinez. Testimony was heard from
RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1
hour of debate on S. 1575, to rename the Washington National Airport
located in the District of Columbia and Virginia as the Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport. The rule provides for the consideration of
the bill in the House and that the bill be considered as read. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit.
ROAD FROM KYOTO
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the Road from Kyoto Part I:
Where Are We, Where Are We Going, and How Do We Get There? Testimony was
heard from Kathleen A. McGintly, Chair, Council on Environmental
Quality; Jay E. Hakes, Administrator, Energy Information Administration,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
[Page: D60]
BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of
Veterans Affairs budget request for FY 1999. Testimony was heard from
Togo D. West, Jr., Acting Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing
on the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation
Programs. Testimony was heard from Cynthia M. Fagnoni, Associate
Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care Issues, Health,
Educators, and Human Services Division, GAO; Espiridion Borrego,
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service,
Department of Labor; Joseph Thompson, Under Secretary, Benefits,
Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of various veterans
organization; and a public witness.
FEDERAL TAX BURDEN
Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on proposals to reduce
the Federal tax burden on the American public. Testimony was heard from
Representative Thune; June O'Neill, Director, CBO; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue February 12.
1998/02/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 5, 1998, pages D63 - D70
Committee Meetings
FOOD STAMP ACT--ANTI-FRAUD PROVISIONS ENFORCEMENT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Nutrition, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing on the enforcement of
anti-fraud provisions of the Food Stamp Act. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the USDA: Roger C. Viadero, Inspector
General; and Yvette S. Jackson, Administrator, Food and Nutrition
Service; James H. DeAtley, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas;
and Christo M. Tolia, Director, Division of Public Assistance Fraud,
Office of the Auditor General, State of Florida.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held an oversight
hearing on the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Art, Kennedy Center and
the Holocaust Museum. Testimony was heard from I. Michael Heyman,
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; Lawrence J. Wilker, President, John
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Earl A. Powell III, Director,
National Gallery of Art; and Walter Reich, Museum Director, U.S.
Holocaust Memorial Museum.
OVERSIGHT--LABOR DEPARTMENT; LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor-Health and Human
Services, and Education held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Labor. Testimony was heard from Carlotta C. Joyner, Director, Education
and Employment Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division,
GAO.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing
on the CBO, and the GPO. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the CBO: June E. O'Neill, Director; James L. Blum,
D66Deputy Director; and David M. Delquadro, Personnel Officer; and the
following officials of the GPO: Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer;
Francis J. Buckley, Jr., Superintendent of Documents and William M. Guy,
Budget Officer.
[Page: D66]
EXAMINATION PARITY AND YEAR 2000 READINESS FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 3116, Examination Parity and Year 2000 Readiness for Financial
Institutions Act
Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on this legislation.
Testimony was heard from Norman D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit
Union Administration; Ellen Seidman, Director, Office of Thrift
Supervision, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
CBO FORECASTS
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Congressional Budget
Office Forecasts. Testimony was heard from June E. O'Neill, Director,
CBO.
OVERSIGHT--ENERGY DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held an
oversight hearing on Department of Energy's Proposed Budget for Fiscal
Year 1999. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Energy; Elizabeth A. Moler, Deputy Secretary; and Ernest
Moniz, Under Secretary.
HIV--PREVENTING TRANSMISSION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Preventing the Transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV). Testimony was heard from Nettie Mayersohn, Assemblywoman,
State of New York; Beth Meyerson, AIDS Director, Bureau of STD/HIV
Prevention, Department of Health, State of Missouri; Lydia R. Tomoshok,
Scientific Consultant, World Health Organization; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations, hearing on proposals to provide fairness to
small business and employees, including the following bills; H.R. 2449,
Fair Access to Indemnity and Reimbursement Act; H.R. 1598, Justice on
Time Act of 1997; H.R. 1595, Fair Hearing Act, and H.R. 758, Truth in
Employment Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CAMPAIGN REFORM
Committee on House Oversight: Held a hearing on Campaign Reform.
Testimony was heard from Representatives White, Horn, Maloney of New
York, Franks of New Jersey, Bereuter, Ford and Mink of Hawaii.
ALGERIA'S TURMOIL
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing on Algeria's Turmoil. Testimony was heard from Ronald Neumann,
Deputy Assistant, Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State; Ramtane
Lamamra, Ambassador, Embassy of Algeria; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CIVIL LIABILITY PORTION OF TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the Civil
Liability Portions of the Proposed Tobacco Settlement. Testimony was
heard from David Ogden, Counselor to the Attorney General, Department of
Justice; Gale Norton, Attorney General, State of Colorado, and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on the fiscal year 1999
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: William S. Cohen,
Secretary; and Gen. Henry H. Shelton, USA., Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff.
RHINO AND TIGER PRODUCT LABELING ACT; RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION
ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
& Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2807, Rhino and
Tiger Product Labeling Act; and H.R. 3113, to reauthorize the Rhinoceros
and Tiger Conservation Act. Testimony was heard from Bruce Babbit,
Secretary of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2098, the National Cave and
Karst Research Institute Act of 1997 and H.R. 2989, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to convey to the St. Jude's Ranch for
Children, Nevada, approximately 40 acres of land in Las Vegas, Nevada,
to be used for the development of facilities for the residential care
and treatment of adjudicated girls. Testimony was heard from Senator
Bingaman; Representatives Skeen; the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: Carson Culp, Assistant Director, Minerals,
Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management; and Michael
A. D67Soukup, Associate Director, Natural Resources Stewardship and
Science, National Parks Service; and public witnesses.
[Page: D67]
SUSPENSIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 0, a resolution providing
that suspensions will be in order on Wednesday, February 11, 1998, or on
Thursday, February 12, 1998. The rule provides that the Speaker or his
designee shall consult with the Minority Leader or his designee on any
suspension considered under this resolution.
NASA POSTURE
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a
hearing on NASA Posture. Testimony was heard from Daniel S. Goldin,
Administrator, NASA.
PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS' ILLNESSES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the research,
investigations and programs involving Persian Gulf War veterans'
illnesses. Testimony was heard from Arthur Caplan, member, Presidential
Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses; the following
officials of the Department of Veterans' Affairs: Kenneth W. Kizer,
Under Secretary, Health, and Joseph Thompson, Under Secretary, Benefits;
Bernard Rostker, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, Gulf War
Illnesses, Department of Defense; the following officials of the GAO;
Donna Heivilin, Director, Planning and Reporting, National Security and
International Affairs Division, and Stephen Backhus, Director, Veterans'
Affairs and Military Health Care Issues, Health, Education, and Human
Services Division; and public witnesses.
IRAQ BRIEFING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on Iraq. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
1998/02/09
Daily Digest - Monday, February 9, 1998, pages D72 - D74
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/02/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 10, 1998, pages D76 - D80
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/02/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 11, 1998, pages D82 - D88
Committee Meetings
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.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the National Transportation Safety Board. Testimony was heard
from James E. Hall, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board.
OVERSIGHT--DC AUDIT REPORT/CFO
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 1997
District of Columbia Audit Report and the Chief Financial Officer.
Testimony was heard from G. Edward DeSeve, Acting Deputy Director, OMB;
the following officials of the District of Columbia: Marion Barry,
Mayor; Linda Cropp, Chair, City Council and Anthony Williams, Chief
Financial Officer; Andrew Brimmer, Chairman, D.C. Financial and
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; and a public
witness.
QUALITY CHILD CARE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 2982,
Quality Child Care for Federal Employees Act. Testimony was heard from
Susan Clampett, Associate Administrator, Management and Workplace
Programs, GSA.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
1998/02/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 12, 1998, pages D89 - D96
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 Secretary of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Dan
Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture.
[Page: D93]
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the Secretary of Labor.
Testimony was heard from Alexis M. Herman, Secretary of Labor.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing
on the Joint Committee on Printing. Testimony was heard from
Representative Ney.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress and public witnesses.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
an Overview hearing. Testimony was heard from William J. Lynn, III,
Under Secretary (Comptroller), Department of Defense.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on Medical Programs. Testimony was heard from Edward D. Martin,
M.D., Acting Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the Office of Inspector General. Testimony was heard from
Kenneth Meade, Inspector General, Department of Transportation; and John
Anderson, Director, Transportation Issues, Resources, Community and
Economic Development Division, GAO.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the following: Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigation Board; DOD-Civil, Cemeterial Expenses, Army and on the
Council on Environmental Quality. Testimony was heard from Paul Hill,
Jr., Chair and CEO, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; the
following officials of Arlington National Cemetery: John Metzler,
Superintendent; Rory Smith, Budget Office; Claudia Tornblom, Acting
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Management and Budget; John Zirschky, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Civil Works, Department of the Army; and Kathleen
McGinty, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality.
NAZI GOLD; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the
restitution of art objects seized by the Nazi from Holocaust victims and
on insurance claims of certain Holocaust victims and their heirs.
Testimony was heard from Senators D'Amato, Specter and Torricelli;
Representatives Foley and Engel; Stephen E. Weil, Emeritus Senior
Scholar, Smithsonian Institution; and public witnesses.
The Committee also considered pending Committee business.
CLONING--LEGAL, MEDICAL, ETHICAL, AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Cloning: Legal, Medical, Ethical, and Social Issues.
Testimony was heard from Senator Frist; Representative Ehlers; and
public witnesses.
MOLTEN METAL TECHNOLOGY FUNDING
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on the Department of Energy's Funding of Molten Metal
Technology. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CONTRACT AGREEMENTS--OVERSIGHT INVESTIGATION--TEAMSTERS ELECTION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Approved Contract Agreements
with those providing services to the Committee in relation to the
oversight investigation of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
election.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PATIENT ACCESS ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS; COMMITTEE
BUSINESS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Ordered reported the
following measures:
H.R. 3120, amended, to designate the United States Post Office located
at 95 West 100 South Street in Provo, Utah, as the "Howard C. Nielson
Post Office Building"; H.R. 2766, to designate the United States Post
Office located at 215 East Jackson Street in Painsville, Ohio, as the
"Karl Bernal Post Office Building"; H.R. 2773, to designate the facility
of the United States Postal Service located at 3750 North Kedzie Avenue
in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Daniel J. Doffyn Post Office Building";
H.R. 2836, to designate the building of the United States Postal Service
located at 180 East Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as the
"Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office Building"; S. 916, to designate the
United States Post Office building located at 750 Highway 28 East in
Taylorsville, Mississippi, as the "Blaine H. Easton Post Office
Building"; and S. 985, to designate the post office located at 194
D94Ward Street in Paterson, New Jersey, as the Larry Coby Post Office".
[Page: D94]
The Committee concluded hearings on Patient Access to Alternative
Treatments: Beyond the FDA. Testimony was heard from Representatives
DeFazio and Moran of Virginia; Ed Gochenour, Senator, State of Georgia;
and public witnesses.
The Committee also considered pending committee business.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology approved for full Committee
action amended H.R. 2982, Quality Child Care for Federal Employees.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee concluded hearings on this
legislation. Testimony was heard from Representative Gilman.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 2883, Government
Performance and Results Act Technical Amendments of 1997. Testimony was
heard from J. Christopher Mihm, Assistant Director, Federal Management
and Workforce Issues, General Government Division, GAO; G. Edward
DeSeve, Acting Deputy Director, OMB; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--PENSION SECURITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Resources held an
oversight hearing on Pension Security: DOL Erisa Enforcement and the
Limited Scope Audit Exemption. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Labor: Olena Berg, Assistant Secretary,
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration; and Patricia Dalton, Deputy
Inspector General; David L. Clark, Director, Audit Oversight and
Liaison, GAO; and public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the
Administration's Fiscal Year 1999 International Affairs Budget request.
Testimony was heard from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State.
SRI LANKA ANNIVERSARY; CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS--U.S. INTERESTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific approved for full Committee action H. Res. 350, congratulating
the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of
their nation's independence.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. Interests in the Central
Asian Republics. Testimony was heard from Robert W. Gee, Assistant
Secretary, Policy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights approved for full Committee action the
following measures: H.R. 2678, amended, International Child Labor
Elimination Act of 1997; and S. Con. Res. 37, expressing the sense of
Congress that Little League Baseball Inc. was established to support and
develop Little League baseball worldwide and should be entitled to all
of the benefits and privileges available to nongovernmental
international organizations.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2604,
Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1997; and
H.R. 2611, Religious Fairness in Bankruptcy Act of 1997. Testimony was
heard from Senator Grassley; Representatives Chenoweth and Packard; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--INTERNET DOMAIN
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2652, Collections
of Information Antipiracy Act; and H.R. 3163, Trade Dress Protection
Act; and an oversight hearing on Internet Domain Name Trademark
Protection. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on Threats to United
States National Security. Testimony was heard from the following former
Directors of the CIA: James Woolsey; and John Deutch.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2807, amended, Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act; H.R. 3113,
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998; and H.R.
3164, amended, Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998.
OVERSIGHT--TUCSON ROD AND GUN CLUB
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Tucson Rod and Gun Club, Arizona. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Forest Service, USDA: Michael
Dombeck, Chief, and Robert Joslin, Chief, National Forest Systems; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D95]
ROAD FROM KYOTO
Committee on Science: Continued hearings on the Road from Kyoto Part 2:
Kyoto and the Administration's Fiscal Year 1999 Budget request.
Testimony was heard from John H. Gibbons, Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology and Director, Office of Science and Technology
Policy; Ernest J. Moniz, Under Secretary, Department of Energy; David M.
Gardiner, Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning and Evaluation, EPA;
and Gary R. Bachula, Acting Under Secretary, Technology, Department of
Commerce.
SPACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a
hearing on Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of NASA: Richard S. Christiansen,
Acting Associate Administrator, Aeronautics and Advanced Space
Transportation Technology; and Gary E. Payton, Deputy Associate
Administrator (Space Transportation Technology); and a public witness.
REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT COMPLIANCE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to examine Federal Agency
compliance with section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Testimony
was heard from L. Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Management and
Workforce Issues, GAO; Enrique Figueroa, Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service, USDA; Nancy E. McFadden, General Counsel, Department
of Transportation; Debra A. Valentine, General Counsel, FTC; and a
public witness.
VA BUDGET
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of
Veterans Affairs budget request for FY 1999. Testimony was heard from
Frank Q. Nebeker, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals;
Espiridion Borrego, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and
Training Service, Department of Labor; representatives of veterans
organizations; and a public witness.
REDUCE FEDERAL TAX BURDEN
Committee on Ways and Means: Concluded hearings on ways to reduce the
Federal tax burden on the American public. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hulshof and Kucinich; and public witnesses.
AGRICULTURE TRADE BARRIERS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held hearing on U.S.
efforts to reduce barriers to trade in agriculture. Testimony was heard
from Representative Thurman; Gus Schumacher, Under Secretary, Farm and
Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA; Peter L. Scher, Special Trade
Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and public
witnesses.
1998/02/13
Daily Digest - Friday, February 13, 1998, pages D97 - D98
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/02/23
Daily Digest - Monday, February 23, 1998, pages D99 - D106
Committee Meetings
EDUCATION STANDARDS AND TESTING IN THE STATES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Education
Standards and Testing in the States. Testimony was heard from Terry
Branstad, Governor, State of Iowa; Frank Brogan, Commissioner of
Education, State of Florida; Michael Ward, Superintendent of Public
Instruction, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT INVESTIGATION--TEAMSTERS ELECTION
Committee of Education and the Workforce: On February 19, the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations approved the issuance of
subpoenas duces tecum regarding the oversight investigation of the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters election.
1998/02/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 24, 1998, pages D108 - D116
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 Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services. Testimony was heard
from August Schumacher, Jr., Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services, USDA; and Len Rogers, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Humanitarian Response, AID, U.S. International
Development Cooperation Agency.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Service, and Education held a hearing on Employment and Training
Administration/Veterans Employment. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Labor: Raymond J. Uhalde,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training; and Espiridion
Borrego, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training
Services.
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 National Credit Union Administration. Testimony was heard from
George Knight, Executive Director, Neighborhood Reinvestment
Corporation; and Norman E. D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit Union
Administration.
CONDUCT OF MONETARY POLICY
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic
and International Monetary Policy held a hearing to review the Federal
Reserve's conduct of monetary policy (Humphrey-Hawkins). Testimony was
heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve
System.
TEACHER TRAINING
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth and Families held a hearing on Teacher Training.
Testimony was heard from Eugene Hickok, Secretary of Education, State of
Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.
[Page: D113]
FEDERAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE CORRECTIONS ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service approved for full Committee action amended the Federal
Retirement Coverage Corrections Act.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from William E. Flynn, Associate Director,
Retirement and Information Service, OPM; Roger W. Mehle, Executive
Director, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--GULF WAR VETERANS HEALTH CONCERNS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held a oversight hearing on ways to improve the federal
government's approach to research into the health concerns of Gulf War
veterans. Testimony was heard from John Feussner, M.D., Chief Research
and Development Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs; Anna
Johnson-Winegar, Director, Environmental and Life Sciences, Department
of Defense; the following officials of the Department of Health and
Human Services: Drue Barrett, Environmental Hazards and Health Effects
Division and William Reeves, M.D., Branch Chief, Viral Exanthems, both
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Sheila Newton,
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Donna Heivilin,
Director, Planning and Reporting, GAO; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--REFUGEE PROGRAMS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Annual Oversight of
Refugee Programs, Policies, and Budget. Testimony was heard from Julia
Taft, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and
Migration, Department of State; and public witnesses.
DEPOT ISSUES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held
a hearing on depot issues. Testimony was heard from Henry L. Hinton,
Jr., Assistant Comptroller, GAO.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2223, Education Land Grant
Act; H.R. 1728, National Park Service Administrative Amendment of 1997;
and H.R. 2993, to provide for the collection of fees for the making of
motion pictures, television productions, and sound tracks in National
Park System and National Wildlife Refuge System units. Testimony was
heard from Representative Hayworth; Sandra Key, Associate Deputy Chief,
Forest Service, USDA; the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: John M. Berry, Assistant Secretary, Policy Management and
Budget; and Maureen Finnerty, Associate Director, Park Operations and
Education, National Park Service; and public witnesses.
WITNESS PROTECTION AND INTERSTATE RELOCATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2181, Witness Protection and Interstate
Relocation Act of 1997. The rule provides that the bill will be
considered by title, and each title will be considered as read. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule
allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative McCollum.
FEDERAL AGENCY COMPLIANCE ACT
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1544, Federal Agency Compliance Act.
The rule makes in order the Committee on the Judiciary amendment in the
nature of a substitute as an original bill for amendment purposes which
shall be considered as read. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendment
in the Congressional Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides
for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representative Gekas.
VETERAN'S LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 3039, Veterans' Transitional Housing
Opportunities Act of 1997; and H.R. 3211, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to enact into law eligibility requirements for burial at
Arlington National Cemetery. Testimony was heard from John McLaurin,
D114Deputy Assistant Secretary (Military Personnel Management and Equal
Opportunity Policy), Department of the Army; Keith Pedigo, Director,
Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; Raymond Boland, Department of Veterans Affairs, State
of Wisconsin; representatives of veterans organizations; and a public
witness.
[Page: D114]
TREASURY REPORT--INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the Treasury Department Report on Innocent Spouse Relief. Testimony was
heard from Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department
of the Treasury; and Lynda D. Willis, Director, Tax Policy and
Administration Issues, GAO.
ASIA TRADE ISSUES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
Asia Trade Issues. Testimony was heard from Charlene Barshefsky, U.S.
Trade Representative; Stuart E. Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economic,
Business and Agricultural Affairs, Department of State; David A. Lipton,
Under Secretary, International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; and
public witnesses.
1998/02/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 25, 1998, pages D118 - D128
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 FDA. Testimony was heard from Michael A. Friedman, M.D., Lead
Deputy Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the Legal Services Corporation and on
the Secretary of State. Testimony was heard from the following officials
from Legal Service Corporation; Douglas Eakelely, Chairman; John
Erlenborn, Vice Chairman; and John McKay, President; and Madeleine K.
Albright, Secretary of State.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Security Assistance.
Testimony was heard from Walter B. Slocombe, Under Secretary, Policy,
Department of Defense; and John Holum, Acting Under Secretary, Arms
Control and International Security Affairs, Department of State.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Pension Agencies, the Office
of Inspector D123General (Labor), the Employment Standards
Administration and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Testimony was heard from
the following officials from the Department of Labor: Olena Berg,
Assistant Secretary, Pension Welfare Benefits Administration; Charles
C., Masten, Inspector General; Katherine G. Abraham, Commissioner,
Bureau of Labor Statistics; Bernard E. Anderson, Assistant Secretary,
Employment Standards Administration; and David M. Strauss, Executive
Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
[Page: D123]
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
a hearing on Army Construction. Testimony was heard from Alma Boyd
Moore, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Army.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on FY 1999, Navy/Marine Corps Budget Overview. 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; and Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant of the Marine
Corps.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on FY
1999, Navy/Marine Corps Acquisition Program. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Navy: John W. Douglass,
Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition); Vice Adm.
Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
(Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments); and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey
W. Oster, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on Treasury Law Enforcement.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Treasury; Robert Rubin, Secretary; Raymond Kelly, Under Secretary,
Enforcement; Sam Banks, Acting Commissioner, Customs Service; John
Magaw, Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Lew Merletti,
Director, Secret Service; William Baity, Deputy Director, Financial
Crime Enforcement Network; and Ralph Basham Director, Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Consumer Product Safety Commission and on
the Consumer Information Center. Testimony was heard from Ann Brown,
Chairman, Consumer Product Safety Commission; and Teresa Nasif,
Director, Consumer Information Center, GSA.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on the tobacco settlement. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
CONFRONTING IRAQ--U.S. OPTIONS
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Options in
Confronting Iraq. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CHINA-HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION; PERUVIAN POPULATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights approved for full Committee action amended
H.Res. 364, urging introduction and passage of a resolution on the human
rights situation in the People's Republic of China at the 54th Session
of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Peruvian Population Control
Program. Testimony was heard from Mark Schneider, Assistant
Administrator, Latin America and the Carribbean, AID, U.S. International
Development Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses.
REGULATORY ANALYSIS CREATION ACT; OVERSIGHT: U.S. ATTORNEY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 1704,
Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Creation Act.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Justice's Executive Office for U.S. Attorney, Environment and Natural
Resources Division, and Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Donna A. Bucella, Director, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys; Karen
E. Schreier, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota and Vice
Chairman, Attorney General's Advisory Committee for U.S. Attorneys; Lois
Schiffer, Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources
Division; and Joseph Patchan, Director, Executive Office for the U.S.
Trustees.
[Page: D124]
FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS; OVERSIGHT: CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved
for full Committee action H.R. 3206, Fair Housing Amendments Act of
1998.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing regarding the Civil
Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony was heard
from Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.
MARIJUANA-SHOULD NOT BE LEGALIZED FOR MEDICINAL USE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full
Committee action a proposed resolution expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive narcotic
and should not be legalized for medicinal use.
THREAT ASSESSMENT BRIEFING
.
Committee on National Security: Met in executive session to hold a
threat assessment briefing. The Committee was briefed by John A. Gordon,
Deputy Director, CIA; and Lt. Gen. Patrick M. Hughes, USA, Director,
Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense.
DEPOT ISSUES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness
concluded hearings on depot issues. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: J.S. Gansler, Under
Secretary, Acquisition and Technology; and Darleen A. Druyan, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Acquisition and Management,
Department of the Air Force.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2756, Kake Tribal Corporation Land Exchange Act; H.R. 2812, Unrecognized
Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition Act; H.R. 2924, to amend
the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act to provide for selection of
lands by certain veterans of the Vietnam era and by the Elim Native
Corporation; H.R. 3087, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to grant
an easement to Chugrach Alaska Corporation; and H.R. 3088, to amend the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, regarding Huna Totem Corporation
public interest land exchange. Testimony was heard from Eleanor Towns,
Director of Lands, Forest Service, USDA; John R. Garamendi, Deputy
Secretary, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
FOREST SERVICE ROADLESS AREA MORATORIUM
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on the Administration's Forest Service Roadless
Area Moratorium. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hutchinson,
Oberstar, Herger, Stupak and Taylor of North Carolina; Mike Dombeck,
Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
WIRELESS TELEPHONE PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2460, Wireless Telephone Protection Act. The rule
waives clause 2(I)(6) of rule XI requiring a three-day layover of the
committee report. The rule makes in order the Judiciary Committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment, each section of which shall be considered as read.
The rule accords priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed
their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule further allows
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on
a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally,
the rule provides that after passage of the House bill, it will be in
order to move to insert the House-passed language in the Senate bill
number. Testimony was heard from Representative McCollum.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a
hearing on the following: Department of Energy FY 1999 Budget
Authorization Request; H.R. 1806, to provide for the consolidation of
the Office of Fossil Energy and the Office of Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency of the Department of Energy; and S. 965, to amend
title II of the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to extend an authorization
contained therein. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Energy: Martha A. Krebs, Director, Office of Energy
Research; William D. Magwood, Associate Director, Policy and Analysis,
Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; Patricia Fry Godley,
Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy; Peter N. Brush, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Environment, Safety and Health; Dan W. Reicher, Assistant
Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and James M.
Owendoff, Acting Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management.
[Page: D125]
FY 1999 BUDGET REQUEST NASA
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an
oversight hearing on FY 1999 Budget Request: The Sciences at NASA.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of NASA: Wesley T.
Huntress, Associate Administrator, Space Science; Arnauld E.
Nicogossian, Associate Administrator, Life and Microgravity Sciences and
Applications; Ghassem Asrar. Associate Administrator, Earth Science; and
Joseph Rothenberg, Associate Administrator, Human Space.
REDUCING SMALL BUSINESS TAX BURDEN
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Reducing America's Small
Business Tax Burden. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
GSA BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development met and agreed to postpone a hearing
on the GSA FY 1999 Budget, and related issues.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 3130, Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998;
and H.R. 1432, African Growth and Opportunity Act.
The Committee also held a hearing on the revenue provisions in the
Administration's FY 1999 Budget. Testimony was heard from Lawrence H.
Summers, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Treasury.
BUDGET OVERVIEW BRIEFING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on Budget Overview. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
1998/02/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 26, 1998, pages D129 - D138
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURAL TRADE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
held a hearing to review livestock, dairy, and poultry trade between the
United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Testimony was heard from Lon
Hatamiya, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, 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 Research, Education and Economics. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the USDA: I. Miley Gonzalez, Under Secretary,
Eileen Kennedy, Acting Deputy Under Secretary and Bob Robinson,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, all with Research, Education,
and Economics; Donald Bay, Administrator, National Agricultural
Statistics Service; Floyd P. Horn, Administrator, Agricultural Research
Service; Susan Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research Service; and
Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the Attorney General and on the USIA.
Testimony was heard from Janet Reno, Attorney General; and the following
officials of the USIA: Joseph Duffy, Director; and David Burke,
Chairman, Board of Broadcasters.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, and on GAO, Department of Health and Human
Services oversight. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Labor: Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary,
Occupational Safety and Health; J. Davitt McAteer, Assistant Secretary,
Mine Safety and Health; and Richard L. Hembra, Assistant Comptroller
General, Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of
Congress and public witnesses.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on FY 1999 Army Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: Robert M. Walker,
Under Secretary and Gen. Dennis J. Reimer, USA, Chief of Staff.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on FY
1999 Army Acquisition Program. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: Kenneth J. Oscar, Acting
Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition); Lt. Gen.
Paul Kern, USA, Military Deputy to the Acting Secretary (Research,
Development and Acquisition); and Lt. Gen. William Campbell, USA,
Director, Information Systems D135for Command, Control, Communications
and Computers.
[Page: D135]
TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on the IRS. Testimony was heard
from Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Court of Veterans Appeals and the
Selective Service System. Testimony was heard from Frank Q. Nebeker,
Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals; and Gil Coronado, Director,
Selective Service System.
WIRELESS PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2369, Wireless
Privacy Enhancement Act.
FAIRNESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEES ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations approved for full Committee action H.R.
3246, Fairness for Small Business and Employees Act of 1998.
CAMPAIGN REFORM
Committee on House Oversight: Continued hearings on Campaign Reform.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Calvert, Smith of Michigan,
Price of North Carolina, Slaughter, Linda Smith of Washington, Paul,
Kaptur and Engel.
NARCOTICS POLICY TOWARD COLOMBIA
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Narcotics
Policy Toward Colombia. Testimony was heard from Henry L. Hinton,
Assistant Comptroller General, National Security and International
Affairs, GAO; and the following officials of the DANTI (anti-drug) Unit,
Colombian National Police: Col. Leonardo Gallego, Director; and Lt.
Fernando Lopez, Logistics Support Officer.
CAMBODIA--UNCERTAIN STATUS OF DEMOCRACY
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on Shattered Dream, the Uncertain State of
Democracy in Cambodia. Testimony was heard from Stanley Roth, Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATIVE TAXATION: FCC'S UNIVERSAL SERVICE TAX
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on Administrative Taxation:
The FCC's Universal Service Tax. Testimony was heard from Christopher A.
McLean, Deputy Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--RELIGIOUS FREEDOM--FEDERAL PROTECTION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an
oversight hearing regarding the need for federal protection of religious
freedom after Boerne v. Flores. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2696, amended, Vessel Hull Design Protection Act; H.R. 2294, amended,
Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1997; H.R. 2281, amended, WIPO
Copyright Treaties Implementation Act; and H.R. 3209, the On-line
Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND FAMILY HOUSING BUDGET REQUEST
.
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations &
Facilities held a hearing on FY 1999 budget request for military
construction and military family housing of the Department of Defense.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: John B. Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary; and the following
officials of the Department of the Army; Alma Moore, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, (Installations, Logistics, and Environment); Maj.
Gen. David Whaley, USA, Assistant Chief of Staff, Installations
Management; Brig. Gen. James Helmly, USA, Deputy Chief, Army Reserve;
and Col. Michael Squier, USA, Deputy Director, Army National Guard.
TRICARE PROGRAM STATUS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held
a hearing on the status and effectiveness of the TRICARE program.
Testimony was heard from the following officials form the Department of
Defense: D. Edward Martin, M.D., Acting Assistant Secretary, (Health
Affairs), Col. Steve E. Phurrough, USA, Lead Agent, TRICARE Central
Region 7/8; Rear Adm. Richard A. Nelson, MC, USN, Lead Agent TRICARE
Region 9; Brig. Gen. Dan L. Locker, USAF, Lead Agent Region 4; and
D136Mr. Stephen P. Backhus, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D136]
DOD MODERNIZATION
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee Military Procurement and
the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint
hearing on Department of Defense Modernization for FY 1999. Testimony
was heard from Jacques S. Gansler, Under Secretary, Acquisition and
Technology, Department of Defense.
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT--MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET REQUESTS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on the Administration's FY 1999 budget request
for three agencies within the Department of Interior: Office of Surface
Mining, Minerals Management Service, and the Energy and Minerals
programs of the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: Kathy Karpan,
Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; Cynthia
Quarterman, Director, Minerals Management Service; and Tom Fry, Deputy
Director, Bureau of Land Management.
OVERSIGHT--NOAA AND NATIONAL MARINE SERVICE BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on the Interior: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation,
Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, NOAA, and National Marine Service FY 1999 Budget
request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Interior: Don Barry, Assistant Secretary, Fish and
Wildlife and Parks; and John Rogers Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
OVERSIGHT--FEE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
Committee on the Interior: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public
Lands held an oversight hearing on Fee Demonstration Programs-Successes
and Failures. Testimony was heard from Representative Herger; John M.
Berry, Assistant Secretary, Policy Management and Budget, Department of
the Interior; Lyle Laverty, Regional Forester, Rocky Mountain Region,
Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION AND NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS
AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET REQUESTS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held an oversight
hearing on the FY 1999 Administration Request for the Technology
Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Commerce: Gary Bachula, Acting Under Secretary, Technology and Johnnie
E. Frazier, Acting Inspector General; and Susan Kladiva, Associate
Director, Energy, Resources and Science Issues, Resources, Community and
Economic Development Division, GAO.
TRAVEL AGENTS--STOLEN AIRLINE TICKET STOCKS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on Issues related to Stolen Airline Ticket Stocks from
Travel Agents. Testimony was heard from Neil J. Gallagher, Deputy
Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.
ASSESSING HEALTH CARE QUALITY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Assessing Health Care Quality. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: John
Eisenberg, M.D., Administrator, Agency for Health Care Policy and
Research; and Jeff Kang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Center for Health
Plans and Providers, Health Care Financing Administration; 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 Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; and
public witnesses.
1998/02/27
Daily Digest - Friday, February 27, 1998, pages D140 - D146
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/03/02
Daily Digest - Monday, March 2, 1998, pages D147 - D152
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology held a hearing on the following
measures: Government Waste, Fraud, and Error Reduction Act of 1998; H.R.
2347, Federal Benefit Verification and Integrity Act; and H.R. 2063,
Debt Collection Wage Information Act of 1997.
Testimony was heard from G. Edward DeSeve, Acting Deputy Director,
Management, OMB; Don Hammond, Acting Fiscal Assistant Secretary,
Department of the Treasury; David Longaknecker, Assistant Secretary,
Postsecondary Education, Department of Education; Karen Lee, Acting
Inspector General, SBA and Chairman of the President's Council on
Integrity and Efficiency, Ad Hoc Committee on Benefit Eligibility
Verification; and a public witness.
1998/03/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 3, 1998, pages D153 - D162
Committee Meetings
USDA YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Nutrition, and Foreign Agriculture approved for full Committee action
amended H.R. 3280, USDA Year 2000 Compliance Enhancement Act.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this
legislation. Testimony was heard from Representative Latham; Anne
Thomson Reed, Chief Information Officer, USDA; and Joel Willemssen,
Director, Civil Agencies Information System, Accountant and Information
Management Division, GAO.
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 Rural Development. Testimony was heard from Jill Long
Thompson, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA.
[Page: D158]
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued
appropriation hearings 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 Secretary of Health and
Human Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration and the Inspector General. Testimony was heard from the
following officials from the Department of Health and Human Services:
Donna E. Shalala, Secretary; and Nelba Chavez, Administrator, Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
a hearing on Navy Construction. Testimony was heard from Robert B.
Pirie, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment,
Department of the Navy.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Special Operations Command.
Testimony was heard from Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Commander in
Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the Secretary of Transportation. Testimony was heard from
Rodney E. Slater, Secretary of Transportation.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA-HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on FEMA. Testimony was heard from James Lee
Witt, Director, FEMA.
EEOC--FUTURE DIRECTION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations, hearing on the Future Direction of the
EEOC. Testimony was heard from Speaker Gingrich; Paul Igasaki, Acting
Chairman, EEOC; and public witnesses.
GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology began markup of H.R. 2883,
Government Performance and Results Act Technical Amendments of 1997.
Will continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 2294, Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1997; and H.R. 2696,
Vessel Hull Design Protection Act.
The Committee approved the Committee's Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and
estimates for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
RESALE SYSTEM AND CBO REPORT IMPLICATIONS
Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on Morale,
Welfare and Recreation held a hearing on the resale system and CBO
report implications. Testimony was heard from Deborah Clay-Mendez,
Acting Deputy Assistant Director, CBO; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Rudy de Leon, Under Secretary, Personnel and
Readiness; Maj. Gen. Richard E. Beale, Jr., (Ret.), Director, Defense
Commissary Agency; Maj. Gen. Allen D. Bunger, Commander, Army and Air
Force Exchange Service; Rear Adm. Paul Soderberg, USN, Commander, Navy
Exchange Service Command; and Mike Tharrington, Director, Morale,
Welfare, and Recreation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and public
witnesses.
DOD--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING BUDGET REQUESTS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations
and Facilities held a hearing on the Administration's fiscal year 1999
budget request for the military construction and military family housing
programs of the Department of Defense. 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;
Brig. Gen. James M. Hayes, USMC, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff,
Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps; Rear Adm. John B. Totushek, USN, Deputy Director, Naval Reserve;
Jimmy G. D159Dishner, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force
(Installations); Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia, USAF, The Civil Engineer,
Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; Maj. Gen. Paul A. Weaver, Jr., USAF,
Director, Air National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Ralph S. Clemm, USAF,
Deputy to the Chief, Office of Air Forces Reserve.
[Page: D159]
SPORTFISHING AND BOATING IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 2973, Sportfishing and Boating
Improvement Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representative Tanner;
Dan Ashe, Assistant Director, External Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
PUERTO RICO--FULL SELF GOVERNMENT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 90
minutes of general debate on H.R. 856, to provide a process leading to a
full self government for Puerto Rico, equally divided and controlled by
Representative Young (AK), Representative Miller (CA), Representative
Solomon, and Representative Gutierrez or their designees. The rule makes
in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the
Congressional Record and numbered 1, which shall be considered as read.
The rule waives clause 5(a) of rule XXI (prohibiting appropriations in a
legislative bill) against the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
The rule provides for the consideration, before any other amendment, of
amendment numbered 3, printed in the Congressional Record, which is
debatable for 1 hour equally divided between Representative Serrano and
an opponent. The rule provides for the consideration of amendment
numbered 2, printed in the Congresional Record, which is debatable for
30 minutes equally divided between Representative Serrano and an
opponent. The rule provides that amendments numbered 3 and 2 shall be
considered as read and shall not be subject to a demand for a division
of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole, and that
consideration of those amendments, and all amendments thereto, shall not
exceed one hour.
The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional
Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting
time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit,
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young;
and Representatives Rohrabacher, Barr of Georgia, Miller of California,
Romero-Barcelo, Serrano and Gutierrez.
SBA'S BUDGET--ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the SBA's fiscal year
1999 Budget and their annual performance plan. Testimony was heard from
Aida Alvarez, Administrator, SBA.
REPORTS--MEDICARE PAYMENT POLICIES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
reports regarding Medicare payment policies. Testimony was heard from
Gail R. Wilensky, Chair, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; William
J. Scanlon, Director, Health Financing and Systems Issues, Health,
Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; and public witnesses.
1998/03/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 4, 1998, pages D164 - D174
Committee Meetings
FOREST RECOVERY AND PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2515, Forest
Recovery and Protection Act of 1997.
[Page: D169]
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 Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Testimony was heard from
Shirley Watkins, 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 the Federal Judiciary and the SBA.
Testimony was heard from: Judge John G. Heyburn, II, U.S. District
Court, Western District of Kentucky and Chairman and Judge Robert C.
Broomfield, U.S. District Court, Western District of Arizona and member,
both with the Committee on the Budget, Judicial Conference of the United
States; Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of the
U.S. Courts; Judge Rya W. Zobel, U.S. District Court, District of
Massachusetts and Director, Federal Judiciary Center; and Aida Alvarez,
Administrator, SBA.
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
State. Testimony was heard from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of
State.
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 hearing on Health Resources and Services
Administration, on the Health Care Financing Administration and the
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Testimony was heard from the
following officials from the Department of Health and Human Services:
Claude E. Fox, M.D., Acting Administrator, Health Resources and Service
Administration; John M. Eisneberg, M.D., Administrator, Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research, and Nancy-Ann-Min-DeParle,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
a hearing on the Air Force. Testimony was heard from Rodney A. Coleman,
Assistant Secretary, Department of the Air Force.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on Ballistic Missile Defense. Testimony was heard from Lt. Gen.
Lester L. Lyles, USAF, Director, Ballistic Missile Defense, Department
of Defense.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on the
U.S. Pacific Command/U.S. Forces Korea. Testimony was heard from Adm.
Joseph W. Prueher, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command; and
Gen. John H. Tilelli, Jr., USA, Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Ricardo Martinez,
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and
Kenneth Wykle, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on Departmental Offices; and the
Treasury Inspector General. Testimony was heard from the following
officials from the Department of Treasury: Robert E. Rubin, Secretary;
Richard B. Calahan, Deputy Inspector General; Raisa Otero-Cesario,
Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; Gary L. Whittington,
Assistant Inspector General, Resources; Dennis S. Schindel, Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; William Pugh, Deputy Assistant Inspector
General, Audit; John Balakos, Associate Inspector General, Program
Audits; Charles Little, Acting Director, Office of Information
Technology; Emilie Bebel, Director, Office of Evaluations; and Lori
Vassar, Counsel to the Inspector General.
NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
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 Community Service.
[Page: D170]
MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL AGENCY PAYMENTS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing to Review the Proposed
Rules Regarding the Management of Federal Agency Payments through the
Use of Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT). Testimony was heard from
Senator Faircloth; Representatives Franks of New Jersey and Kanjorski;
John D. Hawke, Jr., Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the
Treasury; John Dyer, Principal Deputy, SSA; Robert Gardner, Chief
Financial Officer, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses.
STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the State of the Economy.
Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on the Kyoto Protocol and Its Economic Implications. Testimony was heard
from Stuart E. Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economic Business and
Agricultural Affairs, Department of State; and Janet Yellen, Chair,
Council of Economic Advisors.
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE COMPETITIONS AND PRIVATIZATION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection began markup of H.R. 1872, Communications Satellite
Competition and Privatization Act of 1997.
Will continue March 11.
HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning approved for full Committee
action amended H.R. 6, Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
ELECTIONS AND POLICIES--FOREIGN INFLUENCE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Met in executive session
to hold a hearing on the activities of China and other countries to
influence U.S. policies and elections. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Janet Reno, Attorney
General and Louis J. Freeh, Director, FBI; George J. Tenet, Director,
CIA; and Lt. General Kenneth A. Minihan, Director, National Security
Agency, Department of Defense.
GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE RESULTS ACT--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology approved for full Committee
action amended H.R. 2883, Government Performance and Results Act
Technical Amendments of 1997.
TROPICAL FOREST PROTECTION ACT
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on H.R. 2870,
Tropical Forest Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Representative
Portman; Thomas Fox, Assistant Administrator, Policy and Planning
Bureau, AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency; Mary
Chavez, Director, International Debt Policy, Department of the Treasury;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa approved
for full Committee action the following resolutions: H. Res. 373,
commending democracy in Botswana; and H. Res. 374, amended, expressing
the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the ongoing violence
in Algeria.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; CUBAN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western
Hemisphere approved for full Committee action the following resolutions:
H. Con. Res. 222, expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the
former International Support and Verification Commission of the
Organization of American States (OAS-CIAV) for successfully aiding in
the transition of Nicaragua from a war-ridden state into a newly formed
democracy and providing continued support through the recently created
Technical Cooperation Mission (OAS-TCM) which is responsible for helping
to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building;
H. Con. Res. 215, amended, congratulating the people of Co-operative
Republic of Guyana for holding multiparty elections; and H. Res. 362,
amended, commending the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Cuba.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the visit of
His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Cuba: An Assessment of its Impact on
Religious Freedom in Cuba. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 1704, amended, Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Creation
Act; H.J. Res. 78, amended, proposing an amendment to D171the
Constitution of the United States regarding religious freedom; H.R.
3117, amended, Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998; H.R. 2589, amended,
Copyright Term Extension Act; H. Res. 372, expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive
drug and should not be legalized for medicinal use; and H.R. 118,
amended, Traffic Stops Statistics Act of 1997.
[Page: D171]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on the fiscal year 1999
National Defense authorization budget request. 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, USA, Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea; and Adm. Harold W.
Gehman, Jr., USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
FY 1999 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MODERNIZATION
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing
on FY 1999 Department of Defense, emphasis on Navy and Marine Corps
modernization programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of the Navy: John W. Douglas, Assistant Secretary,
Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); Vice Admiral Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Resources, Warfare
Requirements and Assessments; and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Oster, USMC,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Programs and Resources.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
CHILD SUPPORT PERFORMANCE AND INCENTIVE ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3130, Child Support Performance and
Incentive Act of 1998. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with section 303(a) of
the Congressional Budget Act (Prohibiting consideration of legislation,
as reported, providing new budget authority, changes in revenues, or
changes in the public debt for a fiscal year until the budget resolution
for that year has been agreed to).
The rule makes in order the Ways and Means Committee amendment in the
nature of a substitute now printed in the bill as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment and provides that it shall be considered as
read. The rule waives points of order against the committee amendment in
the nature of a substitute for failure to comply with section 303(a) of
the Congressional Budget Act.
The rule provides that no amendment shall be in order unless printed in
the Congressional Record. The rule waives points of order against the
amendment by Mr. Cardin printed in the Congressional Record and numbered
2 for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting
nongermane amendments). The rule allows for the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if
the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one
motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Shaw, Levin and Cardin.
WIRELESS PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2369, Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act of 1997.
The rule waives points of order against consideration of the bill for
failure to comply with clause 2(I)(6) of rule XI(3 day availability of
committee reports).
The rule makes in order the Committee on Commerce amendment in the
nature of a substitute now printed in the bill as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment and provides that it shall be considered as
read. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional
Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee on the Whole
to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting
time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Bliley
and Representatives Tauzin and Markey.
MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on Math and Science
Education I; Maintaining the Interest of Young Kids in Science.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
NOAA--BUDGET AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on FY 1999 Budget Authorization Request: NOAA.
Testimony was heard from D. James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans and
Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Joel
Willemsson, Director, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO.
[Page: D172]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and
Paperwork Reduction, hearing on the Regulatory Fairness Program and the
first annual Report to Congress submitted by the national Small Business
Ombudsman. Testimony was heard from Peter Barca, National Ombudsman,
SBA; and pubic witnesses.
FY 1999 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Administration's
FY 1999 budget request for the U.S. Coast Guard. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Transportation; Adm. Robert E. Kramek, USCG, Commandant; Eric A. Trent,
USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer; and Everette L. Tucker, Jr., USCG,
National Commodore; and public witnesses.
SUPERFUND ACCELERATION, FAIRNESS EFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment began markup of H.R. 2727, Superfund
Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act.
Subcommittee recessed subject to call.
1998/03/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 5, 1998, pages D176 - D184
Committee Meetings
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAMS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research held a hearing to review the implementation
of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Testimony was heard
from Craig Cox, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment, USDA.
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 Departmental Administration, the Chief Financial Officer and
the Chief Information Officer. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Pearlie Reed, former Acting Assistant Secretary,
Administration; Sally Thompson, Chief Financial Officer; and Anne F.
Reed, Chief Information Officer.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary, held a hearing on the FBI and the Secretary of Commerce.
Testimony was heard from Louis J. Freeh, Director, FBI, Department of
Justice; and William M. Daley, Secretary of Commerce.
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 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 Service; Clarie V.
Broome, M.D., Acting Director, Center for Disease Control and
Prevention; Jeanette C. Takamura, M.D., Assistant Secretary,
Administration on Aging; Olivia A. Golden, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Administration for Children and Families.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
a hearing on the Quality of Life and the Senior Enlisted from each
Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Hall, USA; Master Chief Petty
Officer John Hagan, USN; Sgt. Maj. Lewis Lee, USMC; and Chief Master
Sergeant Eric W. Benken, USAF.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on FY 1999 Air Force Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: F. Whitten
Peters, Under Secretary and Gen. Michael E. Ryan, USAF, Chief of Staff.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on FY
1999 Air Force Acquisition Program. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Arthur L. Money,
Assistant Secretary (Acquisition) and Lt. Gen. George K. Muellner, USAF,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Acquisition).
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the Coast Guard. Testimony was heard from Adm. Robert E.
Kramek, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Transportation.
[Page: D181]
TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on Financial Management Services,
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Mint. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Richard
Gregg, Commissioner, Financial Management Service; Thomas A. Ferguson,
Associate Director, Research and Development, Bureau of Engraving and
Printing; and Phil Diehl, United States Mint.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on Community Development Financial Institutions.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Treasury: Robert E. Rubin, Secretary; Ellen Lazar, Director, Community
Financial Development Institutions Fund; and John D. Hawke, Jr., Under
Secretary, Domestic Finance.
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND REFORM AND AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 3114, International Monetary Fund Reform and Authorization Act of
1998.
SUPERFUND REFORM ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on H.R. 3000, Superfund Reform Act. Testimony was heard
from Carol M. Browner, Administrator, EPA; Craig O'Connor, General
Counsel, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on the Tobacco Settlement. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATES--DEVELOPING CONSENSUS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Developing
a Consensus on Student Loan Interest Rates. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Gordon and Kanjorski; David A. Longanecker, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education;
and Jonathan Gruber, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Analysis,
Department of the Treasury.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action amended the following
bills: H.R. 2888, Sales Incentive Compensation Act; and H.R. 2327, Drive
for Teen Employment Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Ordered reported amended
the following bills: H.R. 3249, Federal Retirement Coverage Corrections
Act; and H.R. 2883, Government Performance and Results Act Technical
Amendments of 1997.
OVERSIGHT--FEC
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology held an oversight hearing on the
Federal Election Commission. Testimony was heard from Representative
White; the following officials of the FEC: Joan D. Aikens, Chairman;
John C. Surina, Staff Director; and Lawrence M. Noble, General Counsel;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--HEPATITIS C
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held an oversight hearing on Public Health 2000: Hepatitis C,
the Silent Epidemic. Testimony was heard from David Satcher, M.D.,
Surgeon General of the United States, Department of Health and Human
Services; John F. Mazzuchi, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Clinical and
Program Policy, Department of Defense; the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Thomas Holohan, M.D., Chief, Patient
Care Services Officer; and Gary Roselle, Program Director, Infectious
Diseases; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing on H.R. 3310, Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from Jere Glover, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA;
and public witnesses.
CAMPAIGN REFORM
Committee on House Oversight: Continued hearings on Campaign Reform.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Knollenberg, Cook, Rivers,
Clement, Gekas, Gilchrest and Gejdenson.
[Page: D182]
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the
Administration's Foreign Assistance Budget request for FY 1999.
Testimony was heard from J. Brian Atwood, Administrator, AID, U.S.
International Development Cooperation Agency.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific approved for full Committee action amended the following
resolutions: H. Res. 364, urging the introduction and passage of a
resolution on the human rights situation in the People's Republic of
China at the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights; H. Res. 361, calling for free and impartial elections in
Cambodia; and H. Con. Res. 218, concerning the urgent need to establish
a cease fire in Afghanistan and begin the transition toward a
broad-based multiethnic government that observes international norms of
behavior.
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENT
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade, hearing on "Multilateral Agreement on
Investment: Win, Lose or Draw for the U.S.?" Testimony was heard from
Alan Larson, Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs,
Department of State.
CRISIS--GREAT LAKES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and the Subcommittee on Africa held a joint hearing on the
Ongoing Crisis in the Great Lakes. Testimony was heard from Howard
Wolpe, Special Envoy, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--MASS TORTS AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing regarding mass torts and class action
lawsuits. Testimony was heard from Representative Moran of Virginia;
Anthony J. Scirica, Judge, United States Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals,
3rd Circuit; and public witnesses.
NATURALIZATION REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
a hearing on H.R. 2837, Naturalization Reform Act of 1998. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Paul
Virtue, General Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service; and
James S. Angus, Acting Executive Director, Office of Naturalization
Operations; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on the fiscal year
1999 National Defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Wesley
K. Clark, USA, Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command; and Gen.
Anthony C. Zinni, USMC, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command.
Hearings continue March 12.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development continued joint
hearings on FY 1999 Department of Defense with emphasis on Army
modernization. Testimony was heard from Kenneth J. Oscar, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Research, Development and Acquisition, Department
of the Army.
Hearings continue March 10.
OVERSIGHT--ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Endangered Species
Act. Testimony was heard from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and Rolland Schmitten,
Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce.
COMMUNITY PROTECTION AND HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 2458, Community
Protection and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Act of 1997.
OVERSIGHT--ROAD FROM KYOTO; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Science: Continued oversight hearings on the Road From
Kyoto--Part 3: State Department Overview. Testimony was heard from
Stuart E. Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economic, Business and
Agricultural Affairs, Department of State.
The committee also approved pending Committee business.
AVIATION MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 2843, Aviation Medical
Assistance Act of 1997.
[Page: D183]
FAA'S MODERNIZATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on FAA's modernization programs. Testimony was heard from
Gerald L. Dillingham, Associate Director, Transportation Issues, GAO;
the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Jane
Garvey, Administrator, FAA; and Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; and
public witnesses.
GSA BUDGET AND RELATED ISSUES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on the GSA's FY 1999
budget and related issues. Testimony was heard from Jacob J. Lew, Deputy
Director, OMB; Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA;
Judge Norman Stahl, Chairman, Security and Facilities Committee, U.S.
Judicial Conference; J. Peter Basso, Acting Assistant Secretary, Budget
and Programs, Department of Transportation; Bernard L. Ungar, Director,
Government Business Operations Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits approved for
full Committee action the following bills; H.R. 3039, Veterans'
Transitional Housing Opportunities Act of 1997; and H.R. 3211, amended,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to enact into law eligibility
requirements for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, H.R. 3213, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify enforcement of veterans'
employment rights with respect to a State as an employer or a private
employer, to extend veterans' employment and reemployment rights to
members of the uniformed services employed abroad by United States
companies.
1998/03/06
Daily Digest - Friday, March 6, 1998, pages D185 - D192
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/03/09
Daily Digest - Monday, March 9, 1998, pages D194 - D198
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/03/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 10, 1998, pages D199 - D208
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 Food Safety and Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the USDA: Catherine Woteki, Under Secretary,
Caren A. Wilcox, Deputy Under Secretary, Thomas J. Billy, Administrator
and William West, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Management, all with
the Food Safety and Inspection Service; and Stephen B. Durhurst, Budget
Officer.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development held a hearing on the Department of Energy. Testimony was
heard from Federico Pena, Secretary of Energy.
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, National
Institutes of Health. Testimony was heard from Harold E. Varmus, M.D.,
Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the FAA. Testimony was heard from Jane F. Garvey,
Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on EPA. Testimony was heard from Carol M.
Browner, Administrator, EPA.
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Child Nutrition
Programs. Testimony was heard from Ed Cooney, Deputy Administrator,
Special Nutrition Programs, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services,
USDA; Bob Robinson, Director, Issue Area, GAO; Joyce Holmes Benjamin,
Associate Superintendent, Department of Education, State of Oregon; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT INVESTIGATION--TEAMSTERS ELECTION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations began consideration of the issuance of subpoena duces
tecum in the oversight investigation of the International Brotherhood of
Teamsters election.
CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing on the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
implementation of the Congressional Review Act. Testimony was heard from
Robert Murphy, General Counsel, GAO; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; MIDDLE EAST--DEVELOPMENTS
Committee on International Relations: Began markup of H. Con. Res. 277,
directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers
Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Will continue tomorrow.
The Committee also held a hearing on developments in the Middle East.
Testimony was heard from Martin Indyk, Assistant Secretary, Near Eastern
Affairs, Department of State.
JUDICIAL REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 1252, Judicial Reform
Act of 1997.
Will continue March 24.
[Page: D204]
CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law held a hearing on the consumer bankruptcy issues in
H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998; H.R. 2500, Responsible
Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act; and H.R. 3146, Consumer Lenders and
Borrowers Bankruptcy Accountability Act of 1998. Testimony was heard
from Representatives McCollum, Boucher and Moran of Virginia; Edith
Holan Jones, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Randall J.
Newsome, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Northern District of California; and
public witnesses.
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION AUTHORIZATIONS
Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant
Marine held a hearing on the fiscal year 1999 Maritime Administration
authorization request and related matters, and the fiscal year 1999
Panama Canal Commission authorization request and related matters.
Testimony was heard from John F. Graykowski, Acting Maritime
Administrator, Department of Transportation; Togo D. West, Jr.,
Chairman, Board, Panama Canal Commission and Secretary of the Army; and
Alberto Aleman, Administrator, Panama Canal Commission.
MILITARY HOUSING PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVE
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations
and Facilities held a hearing on the implementation of the military
housing privatization initiative. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: John B. Goodman, Deputy Under
Secretary (Industrial Affairs and Installations); Paul W. Jonson, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Army (Installations and Facilities); Duncan
Holaday, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Navy (Installations and
Facilities); and Jimmy Dishner, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force
(Installations).
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and
the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development continued joint
hearings on the fiscal year 1999 National Defense authorization request,
with emphasis on Air Force Modernization. Testimony was heard from Lt.
Gen. George K. Muellner, USAF, Principal Deputy, Acquisition, Department
of the Air Force.
OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR COLUMBIA BASIN ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management
Project. Testimony was heard from Michael Dombeck, Chief, Forest
Service, USDA; Martha Hahn, Idaho State Director, Bureau of Land
Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
AFRICA GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
2 hours of debate on H.R. 1432, Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The
rule provides for consideration of the committee amendment in the nature
of a substitute now printed in the bill, as modified by the amendments
printed in part 1 of the report of the Committee on Rules, as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment which shall be considered as
read. The rule waives points of order against the committee amendment
for failure to comply with clause 7 of Rule XVI (prohibiting nongermane
amendments). The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in
part 2 of the report of the Committee on Rules. The rule provides that
the amendments will be considered only in the order specified in the
report, may be offered only by the Member designated in the report,
shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report, equally divided between a proponent and an opponent and
are not subject to amendment. The rule allows the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Gilman, Representatives Crane, Collins, Miller of Florida,
Menendez, Brown of Ohio, Rangel, Spratt, Waters, Bishop and Davis of
Illinois.
TUCKER ACT SHUFFLE RELIEF ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 992, Tucker Act Shuffle Relief Act of 1997. The
rule makes in order as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the
Judiciary Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, which shall
be considered as read. The rule provides that Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record prior to their
consideration will be given priority in recognition to offer their
amendments if otherwise consistent with House rules. The rule allows the
chairman of the Committee of the Whole D205to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on
a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representative Smith of Texas and Watt of North
Carolina.
[Page: D205]
ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology and the Subcommittee on
Basic Research Subcommittee on Technology held a joint hearing on H.R.
3007, Advancement of Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology
Development Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
SUPERFUND ACCELERATION, FAIRNESS, AND EFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment continued markup of H.R. 2727, Superfund
Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act.
Will continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--PENSION ISSUES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held an oversight
hearing of pension issues. Testimony was heard from David Strauss,
Executive Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; William J.
Scanlon, Director, Health Financing and Systems Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.
1998/03/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 11, 1998, pages D210 - D222
Committee Meetings
USDA'S FARM LOAN PROGRAMS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research held a hearing to review the status of the
USDA's farm loan programs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Gus Schumacher, Jr., Under Secretary, Farm and
Foreign Agricultural Services; and Carolyn Cooksie, Deputy
Administrator, Farm Loan Programs, Farm Service Agency.
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 V. Dunn, Assistant
Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Terry L. Medley,
Administrator, Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service; Enrique
Figueroa, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; and James R.
Baker, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on Supreme Court, Architect of the Capitol,
the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Patent and
Trademark Office and the Technology Administration. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Gary R.
Bachula, Acting Under Secretary, Technology; Raymond Kammer, Director,
National Institute of Standards and Technology; and Bruce A. Lehman,
Assistant Secretary and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development held a hearing on Energy Resources. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Energy: Martha A. Krebs,
Director, Office of Energy Research; Dan W. Reicher, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Terry
R. Lash, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy.
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 Export-Import Bank,
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and
Development Agency. Testimony was heard from James A. Harmon, President
and Chairman, Export-Import Bank; George Munoz, President and CEO,
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, U.S. International Development
Cooperation Agency; and J. Joseph Grandmaison, Director, Trade and
Development Agency.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from Donald J. Barry,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of
the Interior.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, the National Institute on Deafness and on
Other Communication Disorders, and the National Institute of Diabetes,
Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Kenneth Olden,
M.D., Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
James F. Battey, M.D., Director, National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders; and Phillip Gorden, M.D., Director,
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to hold a D217hearing on Intelligence Programs.
Testimony was heard from George J. Tenet, Director, CIA.
[Page: D217]
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on FY 98 Supplemental. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
William S. Cohen, Secretary; Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, USAF, Vice
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and William Lynn, Comptroller.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on Federal Railroad Administration and the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation ( AMTRAK). Testimony was heard from Jolene
Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; and George Warrington, Acting President, National
Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK).
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies continued hearings on EPA. Testimony was heard from Carol M.
Browner, Administrator, EPA.
CREDIT UNION COMMON BOND REQUIREMENT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing to review
the Supreme Court's decision regarding the credit union common bond
requirement and the appropriate Congressional response to the ruling.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Paul, LaTourette, Kanjorski,
Cannon, Smith of Michigan, Baker, Kennedy of Massachusetts and Ehrlich;
Richard Carnell, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department
of the Treasury; Norman D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit Union
Administration; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 3246, Fairness for Small Business and Employees Act of
1998; H.R. 2864, amended, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Compliance Assistance Authorization Act of 1997; H.R. 2877, amended, to
amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; H.R. 3096, to
correct a provision relating to termination of benefits for convicted
persons; and H. Res. 267, amended, expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the citizens of the United States must remain
committed to combat the distribution, sale, and use of illegal drugs by
the Nation's youth.
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE OF REGULATORY ANALYSIS CREATION ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing on H.R. 1704, Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis
Creation Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Kelly; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported amended H.R.
2870, Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998.
The Committee ordered reported unfavorably H. Con. Res. 277, directing
the President pursuant to section 5 (c) of the War Powers Resolution to
remove United States Armed Forces from the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
The Committee favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the
Chairman to request that the following measures be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 364, amended, urging the introduction and
passage of a resolution on the human rights situation in the People's
Republic of China at the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission
on Human Rights; and H. Res. 36l, amended, calling for free and
impartial elections in Cambodia.
The Committee also approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and Estimates
for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 3303, Department of
Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1999, 2000, and
2001. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Justice: Eric H. Holder, Jr., Deputy Attorney General; and Stephen
Colgate, Assistant Attorney General, Administration.
DEFENSE REFORM INITIATIVE
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on the implementation of
the November 1997 Defense Reform Initiative. Testimony was heard from
John J. Hamre, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense.
MISSION CAPABILITY RATES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held
a hearing on mission capability rates. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Thomas
Burnette, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans; and Lt. Gen.
John Coburn, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, both with the
Department of the Army; Vice Adm. James O. Ellis, Jr., USN, D218Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations, Plans, Policy and Operations; Vice Adm.
William J. Hancock, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; Lt. Gen.
Martin R. Steele, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, Policies and
Operations; Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Stewart, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Installations and Logistics; Lt. Gen. Terrence R. Dake, USMC, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Aviation; and Brig. Gen. Bruce B. Byrum, USMC, Assistant
Deputy Chief of Staff, Aviation, all from the Department of the Navy;
Lt. Gen. Patrick K. Gamble, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space
Operations; and Lt. Gen. William P. Hallin, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Installations and Logistics, both with the Department of the Air Force.
[Page: D218]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2186,
to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance to the
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, WY; H.R. 2376,
amended, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act
Amendments of 1997; H.R. 2416, amended, to provide for the transfer of
certain rights and property to the U.S. Forest Service in exchange for a
payment to the occupant of such property; H.R. 2574, to consolidate
certain mineral interests in the National Grasslands in Billings County,
ND, through the exchange of Federal and private mineral interests to
enhance land management capabilities and environmental and wildlife
protection; H.R. 2807, amended, Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act;
H.R. 3087, amended, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to grant an
easement to Chugach Alaska Corporation; H.R. 3113, Rhinoceros and Tiger
Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998; and H.R. 3164, amended,
Hydrographic Service Improvement Act of 1998.
GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS; BUDGET
VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2883, Government Performance and Results Act
Technical Amendments of 1997. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(1)(6) of
rule XI (requiring a three-day layover of the committee report). The
rule makes in order as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the
Government Reform and Oversight Committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute, which will be considered as read. The rule provides that
Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional
Record prior to their consideration will be given priority in
recognition to offer their amendments if otherwise consistent with House
rules. The rule allows the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to
postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce the
voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows
a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Horn, Sessions, Kucinich and Maloney of New York.
The Committee also approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and estimates
for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
CONFERENCE REPORT--FOREIGN AFFAIRS REFORM AND RESTRUCTURING ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report on H.R. 1757, Foreign Affairs Reform
and Restructuring Act of 1998, and against its consideration. The rule
provides that the conference report shall be considered as read.
LINE ITEM VETO
Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process held
a hearing on the Line Item Veto After One Year, the Process and Its
Implementation. Testimony was heard from June O'Neill, Director, CBO;
former Representative William F. Clinger, Jr., State of Pennsylvania;
and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on Defining Successful
Partnerships and Collaborations in Scientific Research. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BUDGET AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on Fiscal Year 1999 Budget Authorization Request:
Environmental Protection Agency Research and Development. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the EPA: Henry Longest, II, Acting
Assistant Administrator, Research and Development; Costel Denson,
Chairman, Executive Committee, Board of Scientific Counselors; Philip
Hopke, member, Clean Air Science Advisory Committee, Science Advisory
Board; Charles E. Kolb, member, Committee on Research Opportunities and
Priorities for the EPA, National Research Council; and Ishwar Murarka,
Vice Chairman, Research Strategies Advisory Committee, Science Advisory
Board.
[Page: D219]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported amended
the following measures: H.R. 2843, Aviation Medical Assistance Act of
1997; and H. Con. Res. 238, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds
for a breast cancer survivors event sponsored by the National Race for
the Cure.
The Committee approved 1 Public Building Resolution and 7 Corps of
Engineers Survey Resolutions.
The Committee also approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and estimates
for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
SUPERFUND ACCELERATION, FAIRNESS, AND EFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended
H.R. 2727, Superfund Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 3039, amended, Veterans' Transitional Housing Opportunities Act of
1997; H.R. 3211, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
enact into law eligibility requirements for burial at Arlington National
Cemetery; and H.R. 3213, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
clarify enforcement of veterans' employment rights with respect to a
State as an employer or a private employer, to extend veterans'
employment and reemployment rights to members of the uniformed services
employed abroad by United States companies.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Ways and Means: Approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and
estimates for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
1998/03/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 12, 1998, pages D224 - D234
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 the Farm Credit
Administration. Testimony was heard from Brooksley Born, Chairperson,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and Marsha Pyle Martin, Chairman
and CEO, Farm Credit Administration.
[Page: D230]
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on Bureau of Prisons. Testimony was heard
from Kathleen Hawk, Director, Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice;
and John Clark, Corrections Trustee, District of Columbia.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress.
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 following officials of the Department of
Energy: Howard R. Canter, Acting Director, Office of Fissile Materials
Disposition; Lake H. Barrett, Acting Director, Office of Radioactive
Waste Management; and James M. Owendoff, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Environmental Management Program.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the Secretary of Energy, the National Endowment of the Arts and the
National Endowment of the Humanities. Testimony was heard from Federico
PenAE6a, Secretary of Energy; and the following officials of the
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities: Kathryn O'Leary
Higgins, Acting Chairman; and Scott Shanklin-Peterson, Senior Deputy
Chairman, both with the National Endowment for the Arts; and William
Ferris, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Human Genome
Research Institute, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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; and Claude Lenfant, M.D., Director,
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held
a hearing on Housing Privatization Efforts. Testimony was heard from
John B. Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary, Industrial Affairs and
Installations, Department of Defense.
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a
hearing on the Federal Transit Administration and the Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Testimony was heard from
Gordon J. Linton, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration,
Department of Transportation; and Richard A. White, General Manager,
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on the Executive Residence, the
Executive Office of the President, and on the OMB. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the National Capital Region, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior: Terry R. Carlstrom, Regional
Director; James I. McDaniel, Director, White House Liaison; and Marilyn
J. Meyers, Budget Analyst; Ada L. Posey, Director, Office of
Administration on behalf of Executive Office of the President Agencies;
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 NASA Space Station Programs. Testimony was
heard from Daniel S. Goldin, Administrator, NASA.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Approved Fiscal Year 1999
Budget views and estimates for submission to the Committee on the
Budget.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Community-Based Care for Americans with Disabilities.
Testimony was heard from Speaker Gingrich; Representative Gephardt; the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation;
and Sally Richardson, Director, Center for Medicaid and State
Operations, Health Care Financing Administration; Ann Koci,
Commissioner, Adult and Medical Services, Department of Social and
Rehabilitation Services, State of Kansas; and public witnesses.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Public and Private
School Choice in the D231District of Columbia. Testimony was heard from
Arlene Ackerman, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Public
Schools, District of Columbia; Lawrence Callahan, Superintendent of
Catholic Schools, Washington, D.C.; and public witnesses.
[Page: D231]
OVERSIGHT--U.S. REGIONAL COUNTERDRUG EFFORTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held an oversight
hearing of U.S. Regional counterdrug efforts. Testimony was heard from
Adm. Robert E. Kramek, USCG, Commandant and U.S. Interdiction
Coordinator, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation; Gen.
Charles E. Wilhelm, USMC, Commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Command,
Department of Defense; and Donnie Marshall, Acting Deputy Administrator,
DEA, Department of Justice.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; DAYTON AGREEMENTS IMPLEMENTATION
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. 235, amended,
calling for an end to the violent repression of the legitimate rights of
the people of Kosova; and H. Res. 373, commending democracy in Botswana.
The Committee also held a hearing on prospects for Implementation of
Dayton Agreements and the New NATO Mission in Bosnia. Testimony was
heard from Ambassador Robert Gelbard, Special Representative of the
President and the Secretary of State for Implementation of the Dayton
Peace Accords, Department of State; and Walter Slocombe, Under
Secretary, Policy, Department of Defense.
HELMS BURTON; TWO YEARS LATER
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on Helms Burton: Two Years
Later. Testimony was heard from Michael Rannenberger, Director, Office
of Cuban Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law continued hearings on the consumer bankruptcy issues
in H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998; H.R. 2500, Responsible
Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act; and H.R. 3146, Consumer Lenders and
Borrowers Bankruptcy Accountability Act of 1998. Testimony was heard
from Richard M. Stana, Associate Director, Administration of Justice
Issues, GAO; Marion A. Olson, Jr., Standing Chapter 13 Trustee, U.S.
Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Texas; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue March 18.
CITIZEN PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.R. 3168, Citizen Protection Act of 1998. Testimony was
heard from Senator Torricelli; Representative Hutchinson; and public
witnesses.
BAIL BOND FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R.
2134, Bail Bond Fairness Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from W. Eugene
Davis, Judge, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Fifth Circuit), and Chair,
Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules, U.S. Judicial Conference; and
public witnesses.
TEMPORARY AGRICULTURAL WORKER ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims
approved for full Committee action H.R. 3410, Temporary Agricultural
Worker Act of 1998.
The Subcommittee also considered private bills.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on National Security: Continued hearings on the fiscal year
1999 National Defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Dennis
J. Reimer, USA, Chief of Staff, Department of the Army; Adm. Jay L.
Johnson, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy; Gen.
Michael E. Ryan, USAF, Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force; and
Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.
MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS
Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on Morale,
Welfare and Recreation held a hearing on morale, welfare and recreation
programs and issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Hall, USA, Sergeant Major
of the Army; Electronics Technician Master Chief Petty Officer John
Hagan, USN, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy; Chief Master Sgt.
Eric W. Benken, USAF, Senior Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force;
Sgt. Maj. Lewis G. Lee, USMC, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps;
Carolyn H. Becraft, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Personnel Support,
Families, and Education); Brig. Gen. Evan R. Gaddis, USA, Commanding
General, Department of the Army; and D232Rear Adm. James B. Hinkle, USN,
Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy; Arthur J.
Meyers, Director, Air Force Services; and Mike Tharrington, Director,
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
[Page: D232]
MILITARY RECRUITING, RETENTION, AND RELATED ISSUES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held
a hearing on military recruiting, retention, and related personnel
programs and policies. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Gebicke,
Director, Military Operations and Capabilities Issues, National Security
and International Affairs Division, GAO; Lt. Gen. Frederick E. Vollrath,
USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Army; Vice Adm.
Daniel T. Oliver, USN, Chief of Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy;
Lt. Gen. Michael D. McGinty, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel,
Department of the Air Force; Lt. Gen. Carol A. Mutter, USMC, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps; Maj. Gen. Mark R. Hamilton, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army
Recruiting Command; Rear Adm. Barbara E. McCann, USN, Commander, U.S.
Navy Recruiting Command; Col. Peter U. Sutton, USAF, Commander, U.S. Air
Force Recruiting Service; and Maj. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, USMC, Commanding
General, U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--CONCESSION REFORM
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1522,
amended, to extend the authorization for the National Historic
Preservation Fund; and H.R. 2098, National Cave and Karst Research
Institute Act of 1997.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Concession Reform.
Testimony was heard from Senator Thomas; Victor S. Rozendes, Director,
Energy, Resources and Science Issues, GAO; Robert Stanton, Director,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
SONNY BONO MEMORIAL SALTON SEA RECLAMATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on H.R. 3267, Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea Reclamation Act. Testimony
was heard from Senator Boxer; Representatives Hunter and Brown of
California; David Hayes, Counselor to the Secretary, Department of the
Interior; Douglas P. Wheeler, Secretary for Resources, State of
California; Christopher Harris, Manager, Water Resources Program,
Department of Water Resources, State of Arizona; Wayne Hardie, Group
Leader, Energy and Environmental Analysis, Los Alamos National
Laboratory; and public witnesses.
LINE ITEM VETO
Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process
concluded hearings on the Line Item Veto After One Year, the Process and
Its Implementation. Testimony was heard from Representatives Solomon,
Packard, Miller of Florida, Castle, Neumann, Murtha, Stenholm, Spratt,
Skaggs, Upton and Roemer.
OVERSIGHT--FAA'S BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held an oversight
hearing to review the FAA's FY '99 Budget Request, including the Flight
2000 Demonstration Program. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the FAA, Department of Transportation: Dennis DeGaetano,
Deputy Associate Administrator, Research and Acquisitions; and Ralph
Eschenbach, Chairman, Research, Engineering and Development Advisory
Committee; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANY PROGRAM CHANGES
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3412, Small
Business Investment Company Technical Corrections Act of 1998.
Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing to discuss
improvements in the Small Business Investment Company program. Testimony
was heard from Lee Mercer, President, National Association of Small
Business Investment Companies.
FAA AND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration
and Airport Improvement Program. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
Hearings continue March 18.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroad
held a hearing on Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization:
Resources Requirements. Testimony was heard from Linda J. Morgan,
Chairwoman, Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation.
SSA COMMISSIONER--CHALLENGES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security and the
Subcommittee on Human Resources held a joint hearing to review the
challenges D233facing the new Commissioner of Social Security. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the SSA: Kenneth S. Apfel,
Commissioner of Social Security; and David C. Williams, Inspector
General; and the following officials of the GAO: Jane L. Ross, Director,
Income Security Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services, Division;
and Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems,
Accounting and Information Management Division.
1998/03/13
Daily Digest - Friday, March 13, 1998, pages D236 - D242
Committee Meetings
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government Appropriations held a hearing on the Office of
National Drug Control Policy and the OPM. Testimony was heard from Barry
R. McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and
Janice R. Lachance, Director, OPM.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held a hearing on District of Columbia Public
Schools: Student Enrollment Count. Testimony was heard from Cornelia M.
Blanchette, Associate Director, Education and Employment Issues, Health
Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; the following officials of
the District of Columbia: Julius W. Becton, CEO and Superintendent,
Public Schools; and Wilma Harvey, Chairman, Board of Education; Joyce
Ladner, member, District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and
Management Assistance Authority; Bruce MacLaury, Chairman, District of
Columbia Public Schools Emergency Board of Trustees; and a public
witness.
IMPROVING READINESS CAPABILITIES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held
a hearing on improving readiness capabilities. Testimony was heard from
David Warren, Director, Defense Management Issues, GAO; the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Maj. Gen. David A. Whaley, USA,
Assistant Chief of Staff, Installations Management, Department of the
Army; Rear. Adm. John T. Scudi, USN, Director, Shore Installation
Management, Department of the Navy; Brig. Gen. Mary Saunders, USAF,
Director, Transportation, Department of the Air Force; Maj. Gen. Joseph
D. Stewart. USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics,
U.S. Marine Corps; and a public witness.
1998/03/16
Daily Digest - Monday, March 16, 1998, pages D243 - D246
Committee Meetings
ALLEGATIONS OF CIA INVOLVEMENT OF DRUG TRAFFICKING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing to receive a
Report on Allegations of CIA Involvement of Drug Trafficking in
California. Testimony was heard from Representatives Millender-McDonald
and Waters; and Frederick P. Hitz, Inspector General, CIA.
1998/03/17
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 17, 1998, pages D248 - D256
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 Natural Resources and Environment. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the USDA: James R. Lyons, Under Secretary,
Natural Resources and Environment; Pearlie S. Reed, Chief, Lawrence E.
Clark, Deputy Chief, Programs, and Fee Busby, Deputy Chief, Science and
Technology, all with the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development met in executive session to hold a hearing on Atomic Energy
Defense Activities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Energy: Victor H. Reis, Assistant Secretary, Defense
Programs; and Rose E. Gottemoeller, Director, Office of Nonproliferation
and National Security.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the Smithsonian and on the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was
heard from I. Michael Hayman, Chairman, Smithsonian Institution; and
Patrick Shea, Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior.
[Page: D252]
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Dental
Research, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases and the National Center for Research Resources. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and
Human Services: Duane Alexander, M.D., Director, National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development; Harold Slavkin, M.D., Director,
National Institute of Dental Research; Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Director,
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
and Judith L. Vaitukaitis, M.D., Director, National Center for Research
Resources.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Natural Security met in
executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Central Command/U.S.
European Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Gen. Wesley K. Clark, USA, Commander in
Chief, U.S. European Command; and Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, USMC, Commander
in Chief, U.S. Central Command.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony
was heard from Togo D. West, Acting Secretary, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SELF AUDITS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on the Federal-State Relationship: Environmental Self Audits.
Testimony was heard from Senator Allard; Steven A. Herman, Associate
Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, EPA; Gale
A. Norton, Attorney General, State of Colorado; David Ronald, Assistant
Attorney General, State of Arizona; and public witnesses.
WIC PROGRAM
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Testimony was
heard from Robert Robinson, Director, Issues Area, GAO; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service held a hearing on Federal Employee Health Benefits: OPM Program
Guidance for 1999. Testimony was heard from William E. Flynn, III,
Associate Director, Retirement and Insurance Services, OPM; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs, approved for
full Committee action, amended, the following bills: H.R. 3310, Small
Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1998; and H.R. 1704,
Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Creation Act.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 3310.
Testimony was heard from Emily Sheketoff, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor;
Joseph Onek, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General, Department of
Justice; Brian J. Lane, Director, Division of Corporate Finance, SEC;
and Neil Eisner, Assistant General Counsel, Regulation and Enforcement,
Department of Transportation.
AFRICA--PRESIDENT'S HISTORIC VISIT
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing to preview the President's Historic Visit to Africa. Testimony
was heard from Susan E. Rice, Assistant Secretary, Africa, Department of
State.
IRAN MISSILE PROTECTION ACT
Committee on National Security: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2786, Iran
Missile Protection Act of 1997.
GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING--FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FINDINGS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held
a hearing on the findings of the Federal Advisory Committee on
Gender-Integrated Training and Related Issues and Department of Defense
response. Testimony was heard from Nancy Kassebaum Baker, Chairman,
Federal Advisory Committee on Gender-Integrated Training and Related
Issues; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Rudy de
Leon, Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness); Gen. William W. Couch,
USA, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Army; Gen. Donald L.
Pilling, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy;
Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Air
Force; and Gen. Richard I. Neal, USMC, Assistant D253Commandant,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and public witnesses.
[Page: D253]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
1833, Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 1997; and H.R. 2742,
California Indian Land Transfer Act. Testimony was heard from Michael J.
Anderson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; Michael E. Lincoln, Deputy Director, Indian Health Service,
Department of Health and Human Services; Stephen V. Quesenberry,
Director, Litigation, Indian Legal Services, State of California; and
public witnesses.
FOREST SERVICE'S ROADLESS AREA POLICY
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3297, to suspend the continued development of a roadless
area policy on public domain units and other units of the National
Forest System pending adequate public participation and determination
that a roadless area policy will not adversely affect forest health and
an oversight hearing on follow up on the Administration's Forest Service
Roadless Area Moratorium. Testimony was heard from Michael Dombeck,
Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
TROPICAL FOREST CONSERVATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2870, Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998.
The rule makes in order as an original bill for the purpose of amendment
the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the
bill, which shall be considered as read. The rule allows the chairman of
the Committee of the Whole to accord priority in recognition to those
members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional
Record . The rule further permits the Chairman of the Committee of the
Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce
the voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote
follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representative Bereuter.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER COMMERCIALIZATION ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on H.R.
2544, Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 1997. Testimony was
heard from Ray Kammer, Director, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
TICKET TO WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a
hearing on the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from Representative Ramstad; Susan Daniels,
Associate Commissioner of Disability, SSA; and public witnesses.
CIA OVERVIEW
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on CIA Overview. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
1998/03/18
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 18, 1998, pages D257 - D266
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURAL TRADE-EUROPE--MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the 1999 Multilateral
Negotiations on Agricultural Trade-Europe. Testimony was heard from Dan
Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture; Peter Scher, Ambassador, Special
Trade Negotiator for Agriculture, Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative; and public witnesses.
[Page: D261]
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the SEC, and on Department of State
Administration of Foreign Affairs. Testimony was heard from Arthur
Levitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC; and Bonnie Cohen, Under Secretary,
Management, Department of State.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development met in executive session to continue hearings on Atomic
Energy Defense Activities. Testimony was heard from Adm. Frank Lee
Bowman, USN, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Department of the
Navy.
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 AID Administrator.
Testimony was heard from J. Brian Atwood, Administrator, AID, United
States International Development Cooperation Agency.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the U.S. Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from Thomas J.
Casadevall, Acting Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the
Interior.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Library of
Medicine, the National Institute of Nursing Research: Fogarty
International Center, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, and the National Eye Institute. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D., Director, National Library of Medicine;
Patricia A. Grady, M.D., Director, National Institute of Nursing
Research; Philip E. Schambra, M.D., Director, Fogarty International
Center; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases; and Carl Kupfer, M.D., Director, National Eye
Institute.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security held a
hearing on the Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from Sergeant Major
Robert E. Hall, USA; Electronic Technical Master Chief Petty Officer,
John Hagan, USN; Sergeant Major Lewis G. Lee, USMC; and Chief Master
Sergeant of the Air Force Eric W. Benken, USAF.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on
Readiness. Testimony was heard from Gen. William W. Crouch, USA. Vice
Chief of Staff of the Army; Adm. Donald L. Pilling, USN, Vice Chief of
Naval Operations; Gen. Richard I. Neal, USMC, Assistant Commandant of
the Marine Corps; and Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff
of the Air Force.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony
was heard from Togo D. West, Acting Secretary, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE COMPETITION AND PRIVATIZATION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, amended, H.R.
1872, Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act.
HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began markup of H.R. 6, Higher
Education Amendments of 1998.
Will continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--YEAR 2000 EFFORTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology, and the Subcommittee on
Technology of the Committee on Science held a joint hearing on the
Oversight of the Federal Government's Year 2000 Efforts. Testimony was
heard from John Koskinen, Chair, President's Council on Year 2000
Conversion, OMB; Gene Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller General, GAO; the
following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Constance E.
Craig, Assistant Commissioner, Information Resources, Financial
Management Services; James J. Flyzik, Acting Chief Information Officer;
Arthur A. Gross, Associate Commissioner, Modernization and Chief
Information Officer, IRS; and Dennis Schendel, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; and a public witness.
[Page: D262]
CAMPAIGN REFORM AND ELECTION INTEGRITY ACT
Committee on House Oversight: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3485,
Campaign Reform and Election Integrity Act of 1998.
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Peace Corps:
10,000 Volunteers by the Year 2000. Testimony was heard from Senators
Coverdell and Dodd; Representatives Farr, Hall of Ohio, Petri, Shays and
Walsh; Donna E. Shalala, Secretary, Department of Health and Human
Services; and the following officials of the Peace Corps, Mark Gearan,
Director; James Carden, Volunteer.
CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Laws continued hearings on the consumer bankruptcy issues
in H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998, H.R. 2500, Responsible
Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act; and H.R. 3146, Consumer Lenders and
Borrowers Bankruptcy Accountability Act of 1998. Testimony was heard
from Judith R. Starr, Assistant Chief Litigation Counsel, Enforcement
Division, SEC; Bernice Donald, Judge, U.S. District Court, Western
District of Tennessee; Michael J. Kane, Deputy Secretary, Enforcement,
Department of Revenue, State of Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property approved for full Committee action the following: Alternative
Dispute Resolution; H.R. 3210, amended, Copyright Compulsory License
Improvement Act; and H.R. 2652, amended, Collections of Information
Antipiracy Act.
U.S. POLICY ON BOSNIA
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy on Bosnia.
Testimony was heard from William S. Cohen, Secretary of Defense; and
Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State.
DEFENSE REFORM INITIATIVE
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations
and Facilities held a hearing on infrastructure implications of the
Defense Reform Initiative. Testimony was heard from John B. Goodman,
Deputy Under Secretary, Industrial Affairs and Installations, Department
of Defense; and the following officials of GAO: Barry W. Holman,
Associate Director, Defense Management Issues; Carol R. Schuster,
Associate Director, Military Operations and Capabilities Issues; and
William M. Solis, Assistant Director, Military Operations and
Capabilities Issues.
QUARTERLY READINESS REPORTS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing
on Quarterly Readiness Reports. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Louis Finch, Deputy Under
Secretary, Readiness; Maj. Gen. John J. Maher, USA, Vice Director,
Operations, Joint Staff; Lt. Gen. Thomas N. Burnette, Jr., USA, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans and Army Operations, Department of
Army; Vice Adm. James O. Ellis, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations, Plans, Policy and Operations, Department of Navy; Lt. Gen.
Patrick K. Gamble, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space
Operations, Department of the Air Force; Lt. Gen. Martin R. Steele,
USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, Policies and Operations,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Problems and Issues
with the National Environmental Policy Act. Testimony was heard from
Kathleen McGinty, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality; Gale Norton,
Attorney General, State of Colorado; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE BUDGET REQUEST AND OTHER
NOAA PROGRAMS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held an oversight hearing on National Marine Fisheries
Service FY '99 Budget request and other National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration programs. Testimony was heard from Robert L. Mallett,
Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce.
OVERSIGHT--DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on Diesel Technology for the 21st Century. Testimony
was heard from Dan Reicher, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY BURDEN
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and
Oversight and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Paperwork
Reduction held a joint hearing on unequal regulatory burden borne by
small businesses. Testimony D263was heard from L. Nye Stevens, Director,
Management Workforce Issues, General Government Division, GAO; Jere W.
Glover, Chief Council for Advocacy, SBA; Thomas E. Kelly, Director,
Office of Regulatory Management and Information, EPA; Greg Watchman,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.
[Page: D263]
FAA AND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on reauthorization of the Federal Aviation
Administration and Airport Improvement Program. Testimony was heard from
Jane F. Garvey, Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation; Norman
Y. Mineta, Chair, National Civil Aviation Review Commission; and public
witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
SHIP SCRAPPING ACTIVITIES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Ship Scrapping
Activities of the United States Government. Testimony was heard from
Representative Miller of California; David Heeter, Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice, State of North Carolina; Patrica A.
Rivers, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Cleanup, Office of the Deputy
Under Secretary, Environmental Security, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views
and estimates for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
VA PARTICIPATION IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Department of Veterans Affairs
participation in the Energy Management Program. Testimony was heard from
John Archibald, Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Department
of Energy; Maj. Gen. Milton Hunter, USA, Director, Military Programs,
Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Army; and the following officials
of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Kenneth Clark, Chief Network
Officer, Veterans Health Administration; and Robert A. Palazzi, Chief
Design Development, West Haven VA Medical Center; and a public witness.
COMMERCIAL MAPPING TECHNOLOGIES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on Commercial Mapping Technologies. The Committee was
briefed by departmental witnesses.
1998/03/19
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 19, 1998, pages D267 - D274
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the DEA, and on NOAA. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Thomas
A. Constantine, Administrator, DEA; Donna Bucella, Director, Executive
Office, U.S. Attorneys; and Mary Lee Warren, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Criminal Division; and D. James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans
and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development held a hearing on the Power Marketing Administrations.
Testimony was heard from the following Administrators of the D271Power
Administrations, Department of Energy: Rodney L. Adelman, Alaska; John
S. Robertson, Acting, Bonneville Power Administration; Charles A.
Borchardt, Southeastern; Michael A. Deihl, Administrator, Southwestern;
and Michael S. Hacskaylo, Acting, Western Area.
[Page: D271]
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the Secretary of Agriculture and the Forest Service. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Agriculture: Dan
Glickman, Secretary; and James Lyons, Under Secretary, Natural Resources
and Environment.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Institute of Drug
Abuse, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the
National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Aging.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: Alan I. Leshner, M.D., Director, National
Institute on Drug Abuse; Enoch Gordis, M.D., Director, National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Steven E. Hyman, M.D.,
Director, National Institute of Mental Health; and Richard J. Hodes,
M.D., Director, National Institute on Aging.
NATIONAL SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress and
public witnesses.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government held a hearing on the FEC and the U.S. Postal
Service. Testimony was heard from Scott E. Thomas, Vice Chairman, FEC,
and Chairman, Finance Committee; and Marvin T. Runyon, Postmaster
General and CEO, U.S. Postal Service.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies, held a hearing on American Battle Monuments Commission, and
the Office of Inspector General, FDIC. Testimony was heard from Gen.
Fred Worner, Chairman, American Battle Monuments Commission; and Gaston
Gianni, Jr., Inspector General, FDIC.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment continued
hearings on the Tobacco Settlement, with emphasis on views of the
public. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
GAO FINDING--ALLEGED MEDICARE IMPROPRIETIES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on GAO's Investigative Findings of Alleged Medicare
Improprieties by a Home Health Agency. Testimony was heard from Eljay B.
Bowron, Assistant Comptroller General, Office of Special Investigations,
GAO; and the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Linda Ruiz, Director, Program Integrity, Health Care Financing
Administration; and George F. Grob, Deputy Inspector General, Office of
Evaluations and Inspections.
HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended H.R.
6, Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 3310, Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1998.
The Committee also approved Fiscal Year 1999 Budget views and estimates
for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Laws concluded hearings on the consumer bankruptcy issues
in H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998, H.R. 2500, Responsible
Borrower Protection Bankruptcy Act; and H.R. 3146, Consumer Lenders and
Borrowers Bankruptcy Accountability Act of 1998. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the U.S. Trustees: Patricia A. Staiano,
Region 3 and Kevyn, Orr, Deputy Director, Executive Office; Robert F.
Hershner, Jr., Chief Bankruptcy Judge, Middle District of Georgia;
Michael J. Kaplan, Chief Bankruptcy Judge, Western District of New York;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office (PTO). D272Testimony was heard from Bruce A. Lehman, Assistant
Secretary, Commerce and Commissioner, Patent and Trademarks, Department
of Commerce; and public witnesses.
[Page: D272]
RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R.
1524, Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1997. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Hutchinson and Baldacci; Hobart Henson, Director,
Office of State, Local and International Training, Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NATURALIZATION APPLICATIONS CASELOAD
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
an oversight hearing on the pending and anticipated caseload of
naturalization applications. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of
Justice: James S. Angus, Acting Executive Director, Office of
Naturalization Operations; and Edward J. Murphy, Deputy Director, Office
of Naturalization Operations.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AUTHORIZATION REQUEST
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement
held a hearing on the Department of Energy fiscal year 1999
authorization request and related matters. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Federico F. Pena,
Secretary; Victor H. Reis, Assistant Secretary, Defense Programs; James
M. Owendoff, Acting Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management; and
Rose E. Gottemoeller, Director, Office of Nonproliferation and National
Security.
RUSSIAN NUCLEAR SECURITY ISSUES
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development held a hearing on Russian nuclear security issues. Testimony
was heard from Gen. Alexander Lebed, (Rtd.) former Secretary Russian
Security Council.
ROYALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held a hearing on H.R. 3334, Royal Enhancement Act of 1998. Testimony
was heard from Cynthia Quarterman, Director, Minerals Management
Service, Department of the Interior; Jim Geringer, Governor, State of
Wyoming, and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on the following: S. 1213 and H.R. 2547,
Oceans Act of 1997, and the Ocean Commission Act. Testimony was heard
from D. James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, Department
of Commerce; and Kenneth Brink, Chairman, Ocean Studies Board, National
Academy of Sciences; and public witnesses.
NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL--IMPACT ON NATIONAL FORESTS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Impact and Status of Northern Spotted Owl on
National Forests. Testimony was heard from Representative Herger; James
Lyons, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; Gerry
Jackson, Assistant Director, Ecological Services, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an
oversight hearing on FY 99 Budget Request: Human Space Flight. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of NASA: Joe Rothenberg,
Associate Administrator, Office of Space Flight; Brig. Gen. (Select)
Kevin Chilton, USAF, Deputy Program Manager, Space Station Program
Office and Tommy Holloway, Program Manager, Space Shuttle Program
Office, both at the Johnson Space Center.
SBA BUDGET
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on SBA Budget. Testimony was
heard from Aida Alvarez, Administrator, SBA; Jack Lew, Deputy Director,
OMB; and public witnesses.
CHARITABLE GIVING PARTNERSHIP ACT
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing
on H.R. 3241, Charitable Giving Partnership Act. Testimony was heard
from Senator Coats; Representatives Myrick and Salmon; David Long,
member, Senate, State of Indiana; and public witnesses.
FAA AND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on reauthorization of the Federal Aviation
Administration and Airport Improvement Program. Testimony was heard from
Gerald L. Dillingham, Associate Director, Transportation Issues, GAO;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D273]
Hearings continue March 25.
VETERANS LEGISLATION; VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action Fiscal Year 1999 Construction Authorization
legislation.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on quality management at the
Veterans Health Administration. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Thomas Garthwaite,
M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health; and John Mather, M.D., Assistant
Inspector General, Health Care Inspections; and public witnesses.
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES BLOCK GRANT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held an
oversight hearing on implementation of the Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) block grant. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Olivia A. Golden, Assistant Secretary, Children and Families; and Howard
Rolston, Director, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation,
Administration for Children and Families; Daniel Weinberfg, Division
Chief, Housing and Household Economic Statistics, Bureau of the Census,
Department of Commerce; J. Jean Rogers, Administrator, Division of
Economic Support, Department of Health and Social Services, State of
Wisconsin; Don Winstead, Welfare Reform Administrator, Department of
Children and Families, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
OVERHEAD SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE STUDY
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on Overhead Signals Intelligence Study. The Committee
was briefed by departmental witnesses.
1998/03/20
Daily Digest - Friday, March 20, 1998, pages D276 - D282
Committee Meetings
OVERHEAD ACQUISITION ISSUES; IMAGERY INTELLIGENCE ISSUES; SIGNALS
INTELLIGENCE ISSUES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold hearings on the following: Overhead Acquisition Issues; Imagery
Intelligence Issues; and Signals Intelligence Issues. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.
1998/03/23
Daily Digest - Monday, March 23, 1998, pages D284 - D288
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/03/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 24, 1998, pages D289 - D298
Committee Meetings
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS; EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL AND
RECESSIONS APPROPRIATIONS; REVISED SUBDIVISIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following: Emergency
Supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1998; and the Emergency
Supplemental and Recessions appropriations for fiscal year 1998.
The Committee also approved revised 302(b) subdivisions for fiscal year
1998.
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:
John H. Zirschky, Acting Assistant Secretary (Civil Works); and Lt. Gen.
Joe N. Ballard, USA, Commanding General, Corps of Engineers.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury held a hearing on
the National Archives and the GSA. Testimony was heard from John W.
Carlin, Archivist of the United States, National Archives and Records
Administration; and David J. Barram, Acting Administrator, GSA.
CRITICAL SYSTEMS--YEAR 2000 READINESS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Assessing
the Year 2000 Readiness of Critical Systems at HUD, Treasury, and
Federal Financial Regulatory Agencies. Testimony was heard from John A.
Koskinen, Assistant to the President, Chairman, President's Council on
Year 2000 Conversion; and the following officials of the GAO: Joel C.
Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems; and Jack L.
Brock, Jr., Director, Governmentwide and Defense Information Systems.
WIRELESS ENHANCED 911 SERVICES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Wireless Enhanced 911 Services.
Testimony was heard from Representative Danner; Ricardo Martinez,
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation; Denis Galvin, Deputy Director, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior; David Bibb, Deputy Associate
Administrator, Office of Real Property, Office of Government Wide
Policy, GSA; Hal Daub, Mayor, City of Omaha, Nebraska; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held an oversight hearing to review the Federal Employment
Compensation Act. Testimony was heard from Diane M. Disney, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Civilian Personnel Policy, Department of Defense;
Larry B. Anderson, Manager, Safety and Workplace Assistance, U.S. Postal
Service; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 1252, Judicial Reform Act of 1997; H.R. 3528, Alternative
Dispute Resolution Act of 1998; H.R. 2652, Collections of Information
Antipiracy Act; and H.R. 2759, Health Professional Shortage Area Nursing
Relief Act of 1997.
FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ACT--IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
a hearing regarding the immigration provisions of H.R. 2431, Freedom
from Religious Persecution Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Paul
Virtue, General Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service,
Department of Justice; the following officials of the Department of
D295State: Alan Kreczko, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Population, Refugees, and Migration; and Nancy Sambaiew, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D295]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills; H.R. 3381, Gallatin Land Consolidation
Act of 1998; H.R. 2886, Granite Watershed Enhancement and Protection Act
of 1997; California Spotted Owl Interim Protection Act of 1998; and H.R.
1021 Miles Land Exchange Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from
Representative Herger; Bob Joslin, Deputy Chief, National Forest System,
Forest Service, USDA; Pat Graham, Director, Department of Fish, Wildlife
and Parks, State of Montana; and public witnesses.
REALTY APPRAISAL PROCESS--BLM LAND EXCHANGES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held an oversight hearing on Realty Appraisal Process on BLM Land
Exchanges. Testimony was heard from Pat Shea, Director, Bureau of Land
Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
VISA WAIVER PILOT PROGRAM
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 2578, to amend the Immigration and
Nationality Act to extend the visa waiver pilot program, and to provide
for the collection of data with respect to the number of non-immigrants
who remain in the United States after the expiration of the period of
stay authorized by the Attorney General. The rule provides that no
amendment to the bill will be in order unless printed in the
Congressional Record. The rule allows the chairman of the Committee of
the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and reduce
voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows
a fifteen minute vote. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that after passage of
the House bill, it be in order to insert the House-passed language in
the Senate bill number. Testimony was heard from Representative Smith of
Texas.
COPYRIGHT TERM EXTENSION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 2589, Copyright Term Extension Act.
The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment and provides that it will be considered as
read. The rule provides that no amendment to the committee amendment in
the nature of a substitute will be in order unless printed in the
Congressional Record. The rule waives points of order against the
amendment by Mr. Sensenbrenner printed in the Congressional Record. and
numbered 1 for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting
nongermane amendments). The rule allows the chairman of the Committee of
the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and reduce
voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows
a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Coble and Sensenbrenner.
EDUCATING CHILDREN--COMPETITIVE TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology and the Subcommittee on
Early Childhood, Youth and Families of the Committee on Education and
the Workforce held a joint oversight hearing on Educating our Children
with Technology Skills to Compete in the Next Millennium. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
BUILDING EFFICIENT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND EQUITY ACT; WATER
RESOURCES SURVEY RESOLUTIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 2400, the Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act.
The Committee also approved 4 water resources survey resolutions.
PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
patient confidentiality. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
REQUIREMENTS PROCESS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on the Requirements Process. The Committee was briefed
by departmental witnesses.
1998/03/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 25, 1998, pages D299 - D308
Committee Meetings
RURAL AREAS--EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC DEREGULATION
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research held a hearing on the effect of electric
deregulation on rural areas. Testimony was heard from Wally B. Beyer,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA; and a public witness.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the FCC and the Bureau of the Census.
Testimony was heard from William E. Kennard, Chairman, FCC; and the
following officials of the Department of Commerce: Lee Price, Under
Secretary, Economic Affairs; and James Holmes, Acting Director, Bureau
of the Census.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development held a hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior:
Bruce Babbitt, Secretary; Patricia J. Beneke, Assistant Secretary, Water
and Science; and Eluid L. Martinez, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Testimony
was heard from Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs; and
Paul Homan, Special Trustee for American Indians, both with the Bureau
of Indian Affairs; and Michael H. Trujillo, Director, Indian Health
Service, Department of Health and Human Services.
[Page: D304]
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Cancer Institute
and the Secretary of Education. Testimony was heard from Richard D.
Klausner, M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute, Department of
Health and Human Services; and Richard W. Riley, Secretary of Education.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Testimony was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo, Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended the following bills:
H.R. 1872, Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of
1998; and H.R. 2691, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Reauthorization Act of 1997.
NRC REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on reauthorization of the NRC. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the NRC: Shirley Ann Jackson, Chairman; Nils J. Diaz, Greta
Joy Dicus, and Edward McGaffigan, Jr., all Commissioners.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S DENIAL OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FUNDS TO STATES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the Department of Labor's Denial of
Employment Service Funds to the States. Testimony was heard from Ray
Uhalde, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training, Department
of Labor; John Freeman, Representative, State of Michigan; Doug
Rothwell, CEO and Department Director, Jobs Commission, State of
Michigan; Jonathan Raymond, Deputy Director, Workforce Development,
State of Massachusetts; Diane Rath, Commissioner, Workforce Commission,
State of Texas; and public witnesses.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on House Oversight: Met and approved pending Committee
business.
FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ACT
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported amended H.R.
2431, Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1997.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.J. Res. 84, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of
the United States to provide a procedure by which the States may propose
constitutional amendments. Testimony was heard from Representative
Bliley; George Allen, former Governor, State of Virginia; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime continued hearings on
H.R. 1524, Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1997 and held a
hearing on H.R. 2829, Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1997.
Testimony was heard from Laurie Robinson, Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1522,
amended, to extend the authorization for the National Historic
Preservation; H.R. 1833, amended, Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of
1997; S. 231, National Cave and Karst Research Institute Act; H.R. 3069,
Advisory Council on California Indian Policy Act of 1997; and H.R. 3297,
amended, to suspend the continued development of a roadless area policy
on public domain units and other units of the National Forest System
pending adequate public participation and determinations that a roadless
area policy will not adversely affect forest health.
FOREST RECOVERY AND PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2515, Forest Recovery and Protection Act of 1997.
The rule provides that in lieu of the Agriculture Committee's amendment,
that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text
of H.R. 3530 shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment, and provides that the amendment shall be considered as read.
The rule waives clause 7 of Rule XVI (prohibiting non-germane
provisions) or clause 5(a) of Rule XXI (prohibiting appropriations in a
legislative bill) against the amendment in the nature of a substitute
consisting of the text of H.R. 3530. The rule permits the Chair to
accord priority D305in recognition to Members who have preprinted their
amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule permits the Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Smith and Representatives Furse and Brown of
California.
[Page: D305]
FAIRNESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEES ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
1 hour of debate on H.R. 3246, Fairness for Small Business and Employees
Act of 1998. The rule make in order only those amendments printed in the
report of the Committee on Rules. The rule provides that the amendments
make in order shall be considered only in the order 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,
shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand
for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule permits the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to
postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting
time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit,
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Goodling
and Representatives Fawell and Clay.
SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of general debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight on
H.R. 3310, Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1998.
The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and provides that it will be
considered as read. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of
rule XI (requiring a three-day layover of the committee report) or
section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting consideration
of legislation, as reported, providing new budget authority, changes in
revenues, or changes in the public debt for a fiscal year until the
budget resolution for that year has been agreed to) or section 311 of
the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting consideration of legislation
or an amendment that would cause the total level of new budget authority
or outlays in the most recent budget resolution to be exceeded or would
cause revenues to be less). The rule also waives points of order against
the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute for failure to
comply with section 303 or section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act.
The rule provides that Members who have pre-printed their amendments in
the Congressional Record prior to their consideration will be given
priority in recognition to offer their amendments if otherwise
consistent with House rules. The rule allows the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce the voting time to five minutes on a postponed
question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives McIntosh, Kucinich, and Tierney.
CAMPAIGN REFORM AND ELECTION INTEGRITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Held a hearing on H.R. 3485, Campaign Reform and
Election Integrity Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Thomas, Representatives Gekas, Shays, Stearns, Franks of New Jersey,
White, Gejdenson, Kilpatrick, Dingell, Fazio of California, Price of
North Carolina, Barrett of Wisconsin, Maloney of New York, Farr of
California, and Allen.
OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on International
Science. Testimony was heard from Bruce Alberts, President, National
Academy of Sciences; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BUDGET AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 1999 Budget Authorization Requests:
Department of Energy, EPA Research and Development, and NOAA. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
DEATH TAX REFORM
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports
held a hearing on The First Step: Death Tax Reform. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
FAA AND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
concluded hearings on the D306Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation
Administration and Airport Improvement Program in Light of the
Recommendations of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D306]
JFK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on H.R. 3504, John F.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Authorization Act. Testimony was
heard from Lawrence J. Wilker, President, John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts and Bernard L. Ungar, Director, Government Business
Operations Issues, GAO.
TICKET TO WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security approved
for full Committee action H.R. 3433, Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency
Act of 1998.
INFORMATION ASSURANCE BRIEFING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a briefing on Information Assurance. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
1998/03/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 26, 1998, pages D309 - D318
Committee Meetings
USDA'S FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER REFORM
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
held a hearing to review the USDA's Federal Milk Marketing Order Reform.
Testimony was heard from Enrique E. Figueroa, Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; Ben Brancel, Secretary of
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, State of Wisconsin; and
public witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and the Judiciary held a hearing on State and Local Law Enforcement.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Justice: Joe Brann, Director, Cops Program; Laurie Robinson, Assistant
Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs; and Shay Bilchik,
Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development held a hearing on the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Testimony was heard from Jesse L. White, Jr., Federal Co-Chair,
Appalachian Regional Commission; and Cecil H. Underwood, Governor, State
of West Virginia.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, the Committee on
the Budget and the Committee on Resources held a joint oversight hearing
on the Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Barry T. Hill, Associate
Director, Energy, Resources and Science Issues, GAO; and the following
officials of the USDA: Roger C. Viadero, Inspector General; and Michael
Dombeck, Chief, Forest Service.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Interior held a hearing
on Department of Energy Conservation. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Dan W. Reicher,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and
Patricia Fry Godley, Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Elementary and Secondary
Education; Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, Howard
University and on Special Institutions for the Disabled. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Education;
Gerald N. Tirozzi, Assistant Secretary, Elementary and Secondary
Education; Delia Pompa, Director, Office of Bilingual Education and
Minority Languages Affairs; Judith E. Heumann, Assistant Secretary,
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; and H. Patrick Swygert,
President, Howard University.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Testimony was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo, Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.
CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIP ACCESS ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 1151, Credit Union Membership Access Act.
[Page: D315]
SUPERFUND REFORM ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on H.R. 3000, the Superfund Reform Act. Testimony was
heard from James E. Trobaugh, Mayor, Kokomo, State of Indiana; and
public witnesses.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on New Developments in Medical Research: NIH and Patient Groups.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Tauzin, Johnson of Connecticut,
Fox, Meek of Florida, DeFazio, Porter and Walsh; Harold E. Varmus, M.D.,
Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; former
Representative Raymond J. McGrath of New York; Muhammad Ali, National
Spokesman, National Parkinson Foundation; and public witnesses.
TEAMSTERS--FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Financial Affairs of the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--2000 CENSUS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the Census
held a hearing on Oversight of the 2000 Census: Putting the Dress
Rehearsals in Perspective. Testimony was heard from L. Nye Stevens,
Director, Federal Management and Workforce Issues, GAO; and the
following officials of the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce:
James F. Holmes, Acting Director, John H. Thompson, Associate Director,
Decennial Census; and Paula J. Schneider, Principal Associate Director,
Programs.
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service held a hearing on Long Term Care Insurance as an Employee
Benefit. Testimony was heard from William Flynn, III, Associate
Director, Retirement and Insurance Services, OPM; Bob Williams, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Long Term Care and Disability Policy, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on the following:
the Statistical Consolidation Act of 1998; and S. 1404, Federal
Statistical System Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from L. Nye Stevens,
Director, Federal Management and Workforce Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a oversight
hearing on the 1998 National Drug Control Strategy. Testimony was heard
from Barry R. McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control
Policy.
COLOMBIA--ILLICIT DRUGS TRAFFICKING
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported H.Res. 398,
urging the President to expeditiously procure and provide three UH-60L
Blackhawk utility helicopters to the Colombian National Police solely
for the purpose of assisting the Colonbian National Police to perform
their responsibilities to reduce and eliminate the production of illicit
drugs in Colombia and the trafficking of such illicit drugs, including
the trafficking of drugs such as heroin and cocaine to the United
States.
U.S. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS--RUSSIA, UKRAINE AND NEW INDEPENDENT STATES
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing to review U.S.
Assistance Programs to Russia, the Ukraine and the New Independent
States. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Richard Morningstar, Special
Advisor to the President and the Secretary of State on Assistance to the
New Independent States and Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to the New
Independent States, Department of State; and Don Pressley, Acting
Assistant Administrator, Europe and the New Independent States, AID,
U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency.
OVERSIGHT--RELIGIOUS FREEDOM--FEDERAL PROTECTION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution concluded
oversight hearings on the Need for Federal Protection of Religious
Freedom after Boerne v. Flores, II. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing on privacy in electronic
communications. Testimony was heard from Ambassador David Aaron, Under
Secretary, International Trade, Department of Commerce; David Medine,
Associate Director, Credit D316Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection,
FTC; and public witnesses.
[Page: D316]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full
Committee action the following: H.R. 2925, Deadbeat Parents Punishment
Act of 1997; and the Care for Police Survivors Act of 1998.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following Controlled
Substances Trafficking Prohibition Act; and H.R. 2070, Correction
Officers Health and Safety Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from
Representative Chabot; Wesley S. Windle, Program Officer, Passenger
Operations Division, U.S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury;
and public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on National Security: Concluded hearings on the fiscal year
1999 National Defense authorization request. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert M. Walker,
Acting Secretary, Army; John H. Dalton, Secretary of the Navy; and F.
Whitten Peters, Acting Secretary, Air Force.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills; H.R. 2538, to establish a
Presidential commission to determine the validity of certain land claims
arising out of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848 involving the
descendants of persons who were Mexican citizens at the time of the
Treaty; H.R. 2776, to amend the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the
establishment of the Morristown National Historical Park in the State of
New Jersey, and for other purposes" to authorize the acquisition of
property known as the Warren property; and H.R. 3047, to authorize
expansion of Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis, Texas, by
16 acres. Testimony was heard from Representatives Frelinghuysen,
Bonilla and Redmond; Denis Galvin, Deputy Director, National Park
Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
SONNY BONO MEMORIAL SALTON SEA RECLAMATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for
full Committee action amended H.R. 3267, Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea
Reclamation Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology approved for full
Committee action amended the following bills: H.R. 3007, Commission on
the Advancement of Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology
Development Act; and H.R. 2544, Technology Transfer Commercialization
Act of 1997.
URBAN EDUCATION
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing
on urban education. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
RAIL SAFETY REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Rail Safety Reauthorization: Federal
Railroad Administration Resources Requirements. Testimony was heard from
Jolene Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration,
Department of Transportation.
NATIONAL DROUGHT POLICY ACT; DISASTER ASSISTANCE--FEDERAL COST
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended
H.R. 3035, National Drought Policy Act of 1997.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Federal Cost of Disaster
Assistance. Testimony was heard from James L. Witt, Director, FEMA; Judy
A. England-Joseph, Director, Housing and Community Development Issues,
GAO; Albert R. Capellini, Mayor, Deerfield Beach, State of Florida;
Gavin J. Donohue, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Environmental Conservation, State of New York; and public witnesses.
VA BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION--GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCES AND RESULTS ACT
PRINCIPLES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing
on Government Performances and Results Act (GPRA) principles at the
Veterans Benefits Administration. Testimony was heard from Cynthia M.
Fagnoni, Associate Director, Veterans Affairs and Military Health Care
Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; and Joseph
Thompson, Under Secretary, Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
BUILDING EFFICIENT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND EQUITY ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2400,
Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of 1997.
ANALYSIS AND PRODUCTION ISSUES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Analysis and Production Issues. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses.
[Page: D317]
1998/03/27
Daily Digest - Friday, March 27, 1998, pages D320 - D326
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Institute of
Neurological D322Disorders and Stroke the National Institute of General
Medical Services, the Office of AIDS Research; and the Office of the
Director-NIH; Building and Facilities. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Audrey S. Penn, M.D., Acting Director, National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Marvin Cassman, M.D., Director,
National Institute of General Medical Services; Jack Whitescarver, M.D.,
Acting Director, Office of AIDS Research; and Harold Varmus, M.D.,
Director, NIH.
[Page: D322]
MORTGAGE FINANCE SYSTEM MORTGAGE BROKERS ROLE
Committee on Banking and Financial Services; Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on the Role of Mortgage Brokers in
the Mortgage Finance System. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2869, to amend
the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exempt safety and
health assessments, audits, and reviews conducted by or for an employer
from enforcement action under such Act; H.R. 2871, to amend the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for the
establishment of advisory panels for the Secretary of Labor; H.R. 2873,
to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; H.R. 2879, to
amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; H.R. 2661, Sound
Scientific Practices Act; and H.R. 3519, to require the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration to recognize that electronic forms of
providing MSDSs provide the same level of access to information as paper
copies. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MANDATES INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Held a hearing on H.R. 3534, Mandates Information
Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Representatives Portman and
Condit; and public witnesses.
1998/03/30
Daily Digest - Monday, March 30, 1998, pages D327 - D332
Committee Meetings
OVERSIGHT--USDA DEBT COLLECTION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on
USDA Debt Collection. Testimony was heard from Linda Calbom, Director,
Civil Audits, GAO; and the following officials of the USDA: Sally
Thompson, Chief Financial Officer; Keith Kelly, Administrator, Farm
Service Agency; Wally B. Beyer, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service;
and Jan E. Shadburn, Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
WTO-DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BODY
Committee on International Relations and Oversight: Subcommittee on
International Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on WTO-Dispute
Settlement Body. Testimony was heard from Alan Larson, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State;
Susan G. Esserman, General Counsel, Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative; and public witnesses.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a recorded vote of 8 to 4, a modified
closed rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 3579, Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations for fiscal year 1998 equally divided and
controlled between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(1)(6) of
rule XI (requiring a three-day layover of the committee report), clause
7 of rule XXI (requiring the three-day availability of relevant printed
hearings and reports on general appropriations bills), or section 306 of
the Budget Act of 1974 (prohibiting consideration of legislation within
the jurisdiction of the Budget Committee unless reported by that
committee). The rule provides an additional 30 minutes of debate on the
provision of the bill (Title III) relating to the prohibition on the use
of funds for military operations against Iraq equally divided between
Mr. Skaggs and an opponent. The rule provides that the bill shall be
considered as read. The rule provides that the amendments printed in
part 1 of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as adopted. The
rule waives points of order against the bill, as amended, for failure to
comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
appropriations or legislative provisions in a general appropriations
bill) or clause 6 of rule XXI (prohibiting reappropriations). The rule
makes in order the amendment printed in part 2 of the Rules Committee
report and provides that such amendment may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question. All points of order are waived against the D330amendment.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Livingston, Neumann,
Tiahrt, Chambliss, Coburn, Kim, Obey, Skaggs, Pelosi, Frank of
Massachusetts, Clayton, Klink, Bishop, and Jackson-Lee of Texas.
[Page: D330]
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on
H.R. 10, Financial Services Act of 1997, providing two hours of general
debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member
of the Committee on Banking and Financial Services and one hour equally
divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute printed in part 1 of the report of the Committee
on Rules be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment
and that it shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule
provides that no amendment to the amendment in the nature of a
substitute shall be in order except those printed in part 2 of the Rules
Committee report, which may only be offered in the order printed in the
report, may only be offered by the Member designated in the report,
shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment except as specified in the
report, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order are waived against the amendments printed in the report. The rule
allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone recorded
votes and reduce to five minutes the voting time on any postponed
question, provided that the voting time on the first in any series of
questions is not less that fifteen minutes. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Leach, Representatives McCollum, Roukema, Baker,
Bachus, Campbell, Metcalf, Sessions, Oxley, LaFalce, Vento, Barrett of
Wisconsin, Bentsen, Dingell, and Clyburn.
1998/03/31
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 31, 1998, pages D333 - D342
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the Immigration and Naturalization
Service, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the International Trade
Administration. Testimony was heard from Doris Meissner, Commissioner,
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice; Charlene
Barshefsky, U.S. Trade Representative; and David Aaron, Ambassador,
Under Secretary, International Trade, Department of Commerce.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs continued appropriation hearings.
Testimony was heard from Members of Congress and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
the National Park Service and the National Forest Service. Testimony was
heard from Robert Stanton, Director, National Park Service, Department
of the Interior; and Michael Dombeck, Chief, Forest Service, USDA.
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 and Rehabilitative Services, Educational
Research and Improvements and the Office of Inspector General. 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; Ricky T. Takai, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Educational Research and Improvement; and Steven A. McNamara, Acting
Inspector General.
VA-HUD-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.
COUNTERFEITING INCREASE--PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic
and International Monetary Policy held a hearing to examine the increase
in counterfeiting using personal computers. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Thomas Ferguson,
Deputy Director, Bureau of Engraving and Printing; and Dennis F. Lynch,
Special Agent in Charge, Counterfeit Division, U.S. Secret Service.
JOINT BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Budget Process held a hearing on
Joint Budget Resolution (Should the Budget be a Law?). Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
FCC REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on reauthorization of the FCC.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: William E.
Kennard, Chairman, Susan Ness, Harold W. Furchtgott-Roth, Michael K.
Powell and Gloria Tristani, all Commissioners; Robert P. Murphy, General
Counsel, GAO; and a public witness.
WORKPLACE COMPETITIVE ISSUES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on American Work Project: Workplace
Competitive Issues. Testimony was heard from Representative Goodling;
John R. Fraser, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department
of Labor; and public witnesses.
FOREIGN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on FEC
Enforcement Actions: Foreign Campaign Contributions and Other FECA
Violations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FEC:
Scott E. Thomas, Vice Chairman; Lawrence M. Noble, General Counsel; Lois
Lerner, Associate General Counsel; and Jose Rodriguez, Staff Attorney.
COUNTER-NARCOTICS POLICY--COLOMBIA
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S.
Counter-Narcotics Policy Towards Colombia. Testimony was heard from
Randy Beers, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; Gen. Charles
E. Wilhelm, USMC, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Southern Command, Department
of Defense; Gen. Jose Serrano, Director General, National Police,
Colombia; and public witnesses.
[Page: D339]
BETRAYAL OF SREBRENICA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on the Betrayal of
Srebrenica: Why did the Massacre Happen? Will It Happen Again? Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
BUILDING EFFICIENT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND EQUITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on
H.R. 2400, Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act of
1998, providing two hours of general debate equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure and thirty minutes equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.
The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute as
recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as
modified by the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means
now printed in the bill and as modified by the amendment printed in part
1 of the report of the Committee on Rules, as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment which shall be considered as read. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the amendment in the nature
of a substitute, as modified. The rule makes in order only those
amendments printed in part 2 of the report of the Committee on Rules and
waives all points of order against the amendments. The rule provides
that the amendments made in order under part 2 of the report shall be
considered only in the order 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, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule allows
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on
a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Shuster, Petri, Baker, Archer,
Bilbray, Hunter, Roukema, Kasich, Morella, Shays, Parker, Canady,
Castle, Inglis of South Carolina, McKeon, McIntosh, Graham, Hayworth,
Barr of Georgia, Ryan, Largent, Oberstar, Obey, Spratt. DeLauro, Moran
of Virginia, Norton and Minge.
DOMAIN NAMES SYSTEMS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research and the
Subcommittee on Technology held a joint oversight hearing on Domain
Names Systems: Where Do We Go From Here? Testimony was heard from Ira
Magaziner, Senior Advisor to the President for Policy Development,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
ELECTRICITY DEREGULATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on Electricity Deregulation: Implications for Research
and Development and Renewable Energy. Testimony was heard from Victor S.
Rezendes, Director, Energy Resources and Science Issues, GAO; David
Rohy, Vice Chair, Energy Commission, State of California; and public
witnesses.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT--PROPOSAL
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Proposals for a Water
Resources Development Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
TAX RETURN FILING SEASON; IRS BUDGET
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the 1998 Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year
1999. Testimony was heard from Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner, IRS,
Department of the Treasury; Lynda D. Willis, Director, Tax Policy and
Administration Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
AMERICAS FREE TRADE AREA
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
Free Trade Area of the Americas. Testimony was heard from Representative
Farr; Richard Fisher, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public
witnesses.
HUMAN INTELLIGENCE AND COVERT ACTION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Human Intelligence and Covert Action. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.
1998/04/01
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 1, 1998, pages D343 - D356
Committee Meetings
WTO--MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management and Specialty
Crops held a hearing to review the 1999 World Trade Organization
Multilateral Trade Negotiations. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on the EEOC. Testimony was heard from Paul
Igasaki, Acting Chairman, EEOC.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Human Rights. Testimony
was heard from John Shattuck, Assistant Secretary, Democracy, Human
Rights and Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Postsecondary Education, the
Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Museum and Library
Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Education: David A. Longanecker, Assistant Secretary,
Office of Postsecondary Education; and Norma V. Cantu, Assistant
Secretary, Civil Rights; and Diane Frankel, Director, Institute of
Museum and Library Services, National Foundation on the Arts and the
Humanities.
VA-HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA-HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on NSF. Testimony was heard from Neal F. Lane,
Director, NSF.
FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK OPERATIONS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on General
Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the Operations of the
Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network,
("FinCEN"). Testimony was heard from Richard M. Stana, Associate
Director, GAO; and the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: James Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Enforcement; and William
Baity, Acting Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
FHA--SINGLE FAMILY PROPERTY DISPOSITION
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on FHA-Single Family Property
Disposition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Emelda Johnson, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Single Family Housing; Paul Leonard, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Policy Development and Research; and Susan Gaffney,
Inspector General; and Judy England-Joseph, Director, Housing and
Community Development Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
BUDGET PROJECTIONS AND BASELINES
Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Budget Process held a hearing on
Budget Projections and Baselines. Testimony was heard from Paul Van de
Water, Assistant Director, CBO; and public witnesses.
FDA MANAGEMENT CONCERNS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Management Concerns.
Testimony was heard from Robert Gramling, Director, Corporate Audits and
Standards, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO; the
following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services:
Michael A. Friedman, M.D., Lead Deputy Commissioner; Robert Byrd, Deputy
Commissioner, Management and Systems; and Kathryn C. Zoon, Director,
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research; and a public witness.
VIDEO COMPETITION: MULTICHANNEL PROGRAMMING
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Video Competition: Multichannel
Programming, focusing on the following bills; H.R. 2921, Multichannel
Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997; and H.R. 3210,
Copyright Compulsory License Improvement Act. D353Testimony was heard
from: John Logan, Acting Bureau Chief, Cable Services Bureau, FCC; Dave
Carson, General Counsel, Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D353]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT INVESTIGATION--TEAMSTERS ELECTION;
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended the
following bills: H.R. 2888, Sales Incentive Compensation Act; and H.R.
2327, Drive for Teen Employment Act.
The Committee approved contract agreements regarding the oversight
investigation of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters election.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
FEDERALLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on Federal
Consolidated Financial Statements: Can the Federal Government Balance
Its Books. Testimony was heard from Gene Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller
General, GAO; G. Edward DeSeve, Acting Controller and Acting Deputy
Director, Management, OMB; and the following officials of the Department
of the Treasury: Gerald Murphy, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary,
Domestic Finance; and John D. Hawke, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance.
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. Res. 350, congratulating the
people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their
nation's independence; H. Con. Res. 218, amended, concerning the urgent
need to establish a cease fire in Afghanistan and begin the transition
toward a broad-based multiethnic government that observes international
norms of behavior; H. Res. 374, amended, expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives regarding the ongoing violence in Algeria; H.
Con. Res. 222, expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the
former International Support and Verification Commission of the
Organization of American States (OAS-CIAV) for successfully aiding in
the transition of Nicaragua from a war-ridden state into a newly formed
democracy and providing continued support through the recently created
Technical Cooperation Mission (OAS-TCM) which is responsible for helping
to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building;
H. Con. Res. 215, amended, congratulating the people of the Co-operative
Republic of Guyana for holding multiparty elections; S. Con. Res. 37,
expressing the sense of the Congress that Little League Baseball
Incorporated was established to support and develop Little League
baseball worldwide and that its international character and activities
should be recognized; and H.J. Res. 102, expressing the sense of the
Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the
modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and
cooperation between the United States and Israel.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PRIVATE BILLS
Committee on the Judiciary, Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
872, amended, Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1997; H.R. 2925,
Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1997; H.R. 3565, Care for Police
Survivors Act of 1998; and H.R. 2281, amended, WIPO Copyright Treaties
Implementation Act.
The Committee also met and approved private bills.
LONG RANGE AIRPOWER PANEL RESULTS
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement
held a hearing on the results of the Long Range Airpower Panel.
Testimony was heard from Gen. Larry D. Welch, USAF, (Ret.), President,
Institute for Defense Analysis.
MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
Committee on Science: Continued oversight hearings on Math and Science
Education II, Attracting and Graduating Scientists and Engineers
Prepared to Succeed in Academia and Industry. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
GSA BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on GSA FY 1999 Budget
and related Issues. Testimony was heard from Representatives Myrick,
Granger and Frost; and Paul Chistolini, Deputy Commissioner, Public
Buildings Service, GSA.
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Federal Railroad Administration
Reauthorization: Safety Hardware Issues. Testimony was heard from Jolene
Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; Robert D354Lauby, Director, Office of Railroad Safety,
National Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses.
[Page: D354]
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS--CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported H.R. 3603, to authorize
major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for
the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 1999.
SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the use of an Expert
Panel to Design Long- Range Social Security Reform. Testimony was heard
from Speaker Gingrich; Representatives Kolbe, Nadler and Pomeroy; former
Senator Robert Dole of Kansas; and public witnesses.
DCI WRAP-UP
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Director of Central Intelligence Wrap-up. Testimony
was heard from departmental witnesses.
1998/04/02
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 2, 1998, pages D357 - D364
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/04/03
Daily Digest - Friday, April 3, 1998, pages D366 - D368
Committee Meetings
D.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS--ACADEMIC PLAN
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held a hearing on Academic Plan for the District of
Columbia Public Schools. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the District of Columbia: Kathleen Patterson, Member, City
Council; Bruce MacLaury, Chairman, Public Schools Emergency Board of
Trustees; Julius W. Becton, CEO and Superintendent, Public Schools; and
Arlene Ackerman, Chief Academic Officer; Joyce Ladner, member, District
of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance
Authority; and public witnesses.
[Page: D368]
1998/04/20
Daily Digest - Monday, April 20, 1998, pages D369 - D374
Committee Meetings
SSA FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On April 17, the
Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology held
a hearing on Financial Management Practices at the Social Security
Administration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
SSA: John R. Dyer, Acting Principle Deputy Commissioner; and David C.
Williams, Inspector General.
DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On April 16, the
Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology held
a hearing on Department of Defense Financial Management: Serious
Problems Persist. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Eleanor Hill, Inspector General; and Nelson
Toye, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; and Gene L. Dodaro, Assistant
Comptroller General, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO.
IRS OVERSIGHT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: On April 15, the
Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology held
an oversight hearing on the Internal Revenue Service: The Commissioner
Reports to Congress. Testimony was heard from Charles O. Rossotti,
Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury; Gene L. Dodaro, Assistant
Comptroller General, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; and public witnesses.
1998/04/21
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 21, 1998, pages D376 - D382
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Inspector General Panel--Year
2000 Problem, Year 2000 Management Panel, the Railroad Retirement Board
and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Labor: Patricia W.
Lattimore, Assistant Secretary, Administration and Management; and
Charles C. Masten, Inspector General; the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: John Callahan, Assistant
Secretary, Management and Budget, Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Information Officer; and Thomas D. Roslewicz, Deputy Inspector General,
Audit Services; the following officials of the Department of Education:
Marshall S. Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary; and John P. Higgins, Jr.,
Acting Inspector General; the following officials of the SSA: John R.
Dyer, Principal Deputy Commissioner; and David C. Williams, Inspector
General; the following officials of the Railroad Retirement Board:
Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General; Robert T. Rose, Chief Information
Officer; Jerome F. Kever, Management D380Member; and V.M. Speakman, Jr.,
Labor Member; and Gail Wilensky, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission.
[Page: D380]
VA-HUD-AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
IMF OPERATIONS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on General
Oversight and Investigations held a hearing to review the Operations of
the International Monetary Fund. Testimony was heard from Karin
Lissakers, U.S. Executive Director, International Monetary Fund; Timothy
S. Geithner, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Department of
the Treasury; and public witnesses.
MIGRANT AND SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROTECTION ACT--EFFECT OF FLSA
ON AMISH
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on Issues under the Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and the Effect of the Fair Labor
Standards Act on Amish Families, including discussion of H.R. 2038, MSPA
Clarification Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Pitts and Canady; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on the
Inspector General Act of 1978: Twenty Years After Passage, Are The
Inspectors General Fulfilling Their Mission? Testimony was heard from
Senator Collins; David L. Clark, Director, Audit Oversight and Liaison
Group, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO; Eleanor
Hill, Inspector General, Department of Defense and Vice Chairman,
President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency; June Gibbs Brown,
Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services; Susan M.
Gaffney, Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION AND AMERICA'S WORKFORCE FOR 21ST CENTURY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
an oversight hearing on Immigration and America's Workforce for the 21st
Century. Testimony was heard from John Fraser, Acting Administrator,
Wage and Hour Division, Employment Standards Administration, Department
of Labor; Carlotta Joyner, Director, Education and Employment Issues,
Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; and public
witnesses.
TAX LIMITATION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule
providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 111, proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States with respect to tax limitations.
The rule provides that the amendment specified in the report of the
Committee on Rules will be considered as adopted. The rule provides 3
hours of debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule provides one
motion to amend if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee, which
will be considered as read, and which will be debatable for one hour
equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Smith of Texas, Barton of Texas and
Shadegg.
SSI FRAUD AND ABUSE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a
hearing on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud and abuse. Testimony
was heard from Representative Herger; the following officials of the
SSA: John Dyer, Acting Principle Deputy Commissioner; and David C.
Williams, Inspector General; Cynthia Fagnoni, Director, Income Security
Issues, GAO; and a public witness.
1998/04/22
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 22, 1998, pages D384 - D392
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services held a hearing on SSA and on Corporation for Public
Broadcasting and National Education Goals Panel. Testimony was heard
from Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; Robert Coonrod, President and
CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting; and Ken Nelson, Executive
Director, National Education Goals Panel.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3532, Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999; H.R. 2217, to extend
the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction
of FERC Project No. 9248 in the State of Colorado; and H.R. 2841, to
extend the time required for the construction of a hydroelectric
project.
REFORMULATED GASOLINE PROGRAM
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on the implementation of the Reformulated Gasoline Program in
California, focusing on H.R. 630, to amend the Clean Air Act to permit
the exclusive application of California State regulations regarding
reformulated gas in certain areas within the State. Testimony was heard
from Representative Tauscher; Richard Wilson, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; Robert Gee, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Policy and International Affairs, Department of
Energy; and public witnesses.
CLINICAL TRIAL SUBJECTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on Clinical
Trial Subjects: Adequate FDA Protections? Testimony was heard from
Michael A. Friedman, Deputy Lead Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health
and Human Services; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Government
Performance and Results Act. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the GAO: Barry T. Hill, Associate Director, Energy,
Resources, and Science Issues, Resources, Community and Economic
Development Division; and Joel Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies'
Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management Division; and
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Robert J.
Williams, Acting Inspector General; and John Berry, Assistant Secretary,
Policy, Management and Budget.
JUDICIAL REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 1252, Judicial Reform Act of 1998. The rule
waives points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to
comply with section 303(a) of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting
consideration of legislation, as reported, providing new budget
authority, changes in revenues, or changes in the public debt D389for a
fiscal year until the budget resolution for the year has been agreed
to).
[Page: D389]
The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill,
modified by striking section 9 (and redesignating succeeding sections
accordingly). The rule provides that each section of that amendment in
the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The rule waives
points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute for
failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting nongermane
amendments) or section 303(a) of the Congressional Budget Act.
The rule further provides that Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record prior to their consideration will
be given priority in recognition to offer their amendments if otherwise
consistent with House rules. The rule allows the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Hyde and Representatives Coble, Chabot, Frank of
Massachusetts, Nadler, Jackson Lee and Delahunt.
BASIC SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH--FEDERAL FUNDING
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on the Irreplaceable
Federal Role in Funding Basic Scientific Research. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
NSF BUDGET AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held an oversight
hearing on the National Science Foundation Fiscal Year Budget
Authorization. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
NSF: Neal F. Lane, Director, NSF; and John E. Hopcroft, Member, National
Science Board.
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and
Oversight held a hearing regarding the Small Business Innovation
Research Program. Testimony was heard from Susan E. Haley, Deputy
Director, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of
Defense; Susan D. Kladiva, Acting Associate Director, Resources and
Science Issues, GAO; Kesh Narayanan, Director, Industrial Innovation
Group, NSF; Wendy Baldwin, M.D., Deputy Director, Extramural Research,
NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; Daniel O. Hill, Assistant
Administrator, Technology, SBA; Charles F. Cleland, Director, Small
Business Innovation Research Program, USDA; and public witnesses.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Surface Transportation Board
Reauthorization: State of the Railroad Industry. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT--PROPOSALS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on proposals for a Water
Resources Development Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Matsui, Doolittle, Visclosky, Pomeroy, Shaw, Fowler,
Herger, Weldon of Florida, Frost, Kind, DeLauro, Dooley, Weller,
Pallone, Calvert, Salmon and Lee.
Hearings continue April 28.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 1023, Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1997; and H.R.
3546, National Dialogue on Social Security Act of 1998.
1998/04/23
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 23, 1998, pages D394 - D402
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary held a hearing on International Organizations and
Peacekeeping. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Ambassador Bill Richardson, U.S. Representative to
the United Nations; and Princeton Lyman, Assistant Secretary,
International Organizations.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Corporation for National and
Community Service, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the
U.S. Institute of Peace, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review
Commission and the National Council on Disability. Testimony was heard
from Harris Wofford, CEO, Corporation for National Service; the
following officials of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service:
John Calhoun Wells, Director; C. Richard Barnes, Deputy Director, Field
Operations; Vella M. Traynham, Deputy Director, National Office
Operations; and Frances L. Leonard, Director, Budget and Finance Office;
Richard H. Solomon, President, United States Institute of Peace; Mary Lu
Jordan, Chairman, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; and
Marca Bristo, Chairperson, National Council on Disability.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
Members of Congress.
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 219,
Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Fazio, Emerson and Christian-Green; Lawrence Summers,
Deputy Secretary, Department of the Treasury; Donald A. Dowdell, Deputy
General Counsel, Department of Insurance, State of Florida; David
Knowles, Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Department of Insurance,
State of California; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS BUDGETING
Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Budget Process held a hearing on
Budgeting for Federal Insurance Programs. Testimony was heard from Susan
J. Irving, Associate Director, Budget Issues, GAO; Marvin Phaup, Deputy
Assistant Director, Special Studies, CBO; and Rudolph G. Penner, Senior
Fellow, Urban Institute.
DIGITAL HIGH DEFINITION TV
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Digital High Definition
Television: Coming Soon to a Home Theater Near You. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the American Worker Project: Emerging
Trends in the High-Tech Workplace. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Failed to obtain
two-thirds Committee majority to grant immunity to four individuals
regarding campaign fundraising investigation.
KUOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing on "The Kuoto Protocol: Is the Clinton-Gore Administration
Selling Out Americans?" Testimony was heard from Senator Hagel;
Representatives Calvert, Knollenberg, Wise, and McCarthy of Missouri;
Edward Montgomery, Chief Economist, Department of Labor; Dan Reicher,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department
of Energy; David Gardiner, Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning,
and Evaluation, EPA; William A. Walaska, Senator, State of Rhode Island;
Tom Alley, D400Representative, State of Michigan; and public witnesses.
[Page: D400]
COMBATING TERRORISM
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a hearing on
"Combating Terrorism: The Proliferation of Agencies' Efforts." Testimony
was heard from Representative Skelton; the following officials of the
GAO: Richard Davis, Director, National Security and International
Affairs Division; and Davi D'Agostino, Assistant Director, National
Security Analysis Division; and Larry C. Johnson, former Deputy
Director, Office of Counter Terrorism, Department of State.
AMERICANS VICTIMS OF TERRORISM
Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measure be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Con. Res. 220, amended,
regarding American victims of terrorism.
The Committee also considered pending Committee business.
ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS--JAPAN'S ROLE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific and the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade
held a joint hearing on Japan's Role in the Asian Financial Crisis.
Testimony was heard from James Glassman, Fellow, American Enterprise
Institute; Bob Grondine, Governor, American Chamber of Commerce, Japan;
Peter S. Walters, Group Vice President, Guardian Industries Corporation;
and Richard Katz, Contributing Editor, The Oriental Economist Report .
BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3150,
Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998.
CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held a hearing on H.R. 1690, to amend title 28 of the United
States Code regarding enforcement of child custody orders. Testimony was
heard from Representative Andrews; and public witnesses.
OCEANS ACT; OVERSIGHT--ARCTIC SNOW GEESE
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3445, Oceans
Act of 1998.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Arctic Snow Geese: Is
the Arctic Ecosystem in Peril? Testimony was heard from Representatives
Hunter and Cunningham; Paul Schmidt, Chief, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2886,
amended, Granite Watershed Enhancement and Protection Act of 1997; H.R.
3467, California Spotted Owl Interim Protection Act of 1998; H.R. 1021,
Miles Land Exchange Act of 1997; and H.R. 3381, Gallatin Land
Consolidation Act of 1998.
SAN RAFAEL SWELL HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on H.R. 3625, San Rafael Swell Heritage and Conservation
Act. Testimony was heard from Senator Bennett; Representative Cannon;
Pat Shea, Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior; the following officials of the State of Utah: Michael Leavitt,
Governor; and Mike Dmitrich, member, Senate; and public witnesses.
AVIATION MATTERS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on the impact of recent alliances, international
agreements, DOT actions, and pending legislation on air fares, air
service, and competition in the airline industry. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Quinn, Walsh, Wolf, Ganske, Moran of Virginia,
Slaughter, Manton, Jackson of Illinois and Norton; John H. Anderson,
Jr., Director, Transportation Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic
Development Division, GAO; Nancy McFadden, General Counsel, Department
of Transportation; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue April 30.
VETERANS' PROGRAMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
the research and treatment of war-related illnesses; and to review the
VA's sexual trauma counseling program. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Capt. Craig Hyams,
M.D., USN, Infectious Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research
Institute, Department of the Navy: and Gary Christopherson, Acting
Principal Deputy Secretary, D401Health Affairs; Richard Miller, M.D.,
Director, Medical Follow-Up Agency, Institute of Medicine, National
Academy of Sciences; Thomas Garthwaite, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary,
Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; Stephen Backhus, Director,
Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care Issues, Health, Education and
Human Services Division, GAO; and representatives of veterans'
organizations.
[Page: D401]
HEALTH CARE--PATIENT APPEALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Patient Appeals in Health Care. Testimony was heard from Mike Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department
of Health and Human Services; William E. Flynn, III, Associate Director,
Retirement and Insurance, OPM; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--TAX LAW-HEALTH INSURANCE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
oversight of current tax law related to health insurance. Testimony was
heard from George M. Reider, Jr., Commissioner, Insurance Department,
State of Connecticut; and public witnesses.
FUTURE IMAGERY ARCHITECTURE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Future Imagery Architecture. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
1998/04/24
Daily Digest - Friday, April 24, 1998, pages D403 - D408
Committee Meetings
HCFA--INSPECTOR GENERAL'S AUDIT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment, the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on
Government Management, Information, and Technology of the Committee on
Government Reform and Oversight held a joint hearing on the Department
of Health and Human Services Inspector General's Audit of the Health
Care Financing Administration's Fiscal Year 1997 Financial Statements.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: June Gibbs Brown, Inspector General; Joe
Vengrin, Assistant Inspector General and Nancy-Ann Min DeParle,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
1998/04/27
Daily Digest - Monday, April 27, 1998, pages D409 - D412
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/04/28
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 28, 1998, pages D414 - D422
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission, the National Mediation Board, the National
Commission on Libraries, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Testimony
was heard from Stuart E. Weisberg, Chairman, Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission; Ernest W. DuBester, Chairman, National
Mediation Board; Jeanne Hurley Simon, Chairperson, National Commission
on Libraries and Information Science; and David F. Lacy, CEO/Chairman of
the Board, Armed Forces Retirement Home.
[Page: D418]
EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic
and International Monetary Policy held a hearing on European Monetary
Union. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
UNDERSTANDING VIOLENT CHILDREN
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Understanding Violent
Children. Testimony was heard from Rodney Hammond, M.D., Director,
Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention
and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on American Worker Project: Impact of
Federal Workplace Agencies, Programs, and Laws on the American Worker.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FEHB PROGRAM--COMPLEMENT TO MILITARY HEALTH CARE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service held a hearing on the FEHB Program as a Complement to Military
Health Care. Testimony was heard from Representatives Stearns, Moran of
Virginia, Thornberry and Watts of Oklahoma; Gary A. Christopherson,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--HEALTH CARE INITIATIVES PURSUED UNDER FALSE CLAIMS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
an oversight hearing on health care initiatives pursued under the False
Claims Act that impact hospitals. Testimony was heard from Donald K.
Stern, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and Chair,
Attorney General's Advisory Committee, Department of Justice; the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Lewis Morris, Assistant Inspector General, Legal Affairs; and Robert A.
Berenson, Director, Center for Health Care Plans and Providers
Administration, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following: H.R. 1865, Spanish Peaks Wilderness Act of
1997; H.R. 3186, Rogue River National Forest Interchange Act of 1998;
H.R. 3187, to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
to exempt not-for-profit entities that hold rights-of-way on public
lands from certain strict liability requirements imposed in connection
with such rights-of-way; H.R. 3520, to adjust the boundaries of the Lake
Chelan National Recreation Area and the adjacent Wenatchee National
Forest in the State of Washington; and a measure to permit the Forest
Service to sell their office in Medford, OR in order to fund an add-on
to the Bureau of Land Management Medford District Office so they can
co-locate. Testimony was heard from Representatives Skaggs and Hastings
of Washington; Ron Stewart, Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and a
public witness.
BATTLE OF MIDWAY NATIONAL MEMORIAL STUDY ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
and Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans held a
joint hearing on H.R. 2800, Battle of Midway National Memorial Study
Act. Testimony was heard from John Rogers, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
AUTHORIZING USE OF CERTAIN LAND
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on H.R. 3220, to authorize the use of certain land in
Merced County, California, for an elementary school. Testimony was heard
from Destry T. Jarvis, Assistant Director, External Affairs, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior.
HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 6, Higher Education
Amendments of 1998, equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The
rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed
in the bill, modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of the report
of the Committee on Rules shall be considered as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute shall be considered by title and that each title
shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
that amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule provides that
before consideration of any other amendment it shall be in order to
consider the amendment printed D419in part 2 of the report of the
Committee on Rules, if offered by Representative Goodling or his
designee. The rule provides that the amendment shall be considered as
read, shall be debatable for twenty minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order are waived against that amendment. The rule provides that if that
amendment is adopted, the provisions of the amendment in the nature of a
substitute as then perfected shall be considered as original text for
the purpose of further amendment. The rule provides that no other
amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in
order except those printed in the Congressional Record. The rule allows
for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and to reduce votes to five minutes on a
postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives McKeon, Clay, Kildee, and
Fattah.
[Page: D419]
FEDERAL FUNDS PROHIBITION--DISTRIBUTION OF NEEDLES FOR INJECTION OF
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on H.R. 3717, to prohibit the expenditure of Federal
funds for the distribution of needles or syringes for the hypodermic
injection of illegal drugs, equally divided and controlled by
Representative Wicker and an opponent. The rule provides one motion to
recommit. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hastert and Wicker.
NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL SECURITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule
providing 3 hours of debate on H.R. 3546, National Dialogue on Social
Security Act of 1998. The rule provides for consideration of an
amendment printed in the Congressional Record, if offered by
Representative Rangel or his designee, which shall be considered as read
and shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by
the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Archer and Representative Stenholm.
OVERSIGHT--TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO FREE TRADE
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held an oversight
hearing on International Standards: Technical Barriers to Free Trade.
Testimony was heard from Ray Kramer, Director, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT--PROPOSALS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment continued hearings on proposals for a Water
Resources Development Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from John
Zirschky, Acting Assistant Secretary (Civil Works), Department of the
Army; and John H. Parcell, Associate Tax Legislative Counsel, Office of
Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury.
1998/04/29
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 29, 1998, pages D424 - D432
Committee Meetings
BANK MERGERS
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Bank
Mergers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: John D. Hawke, Jr., Under Secretary,
Domestic Finance; Ellen Seidman, Director, Office of Thrift Supervision;
and Julie Williams, Acting Comptroller of the Currency; Laurence Meyer,
member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Andrew C. Hove, Jr.,
Acting Chairman, FDIC; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3532,
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999;
H.R. 2217, to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable
to the construction of FERC Project No. 9248 in the State of Colorado;
and H.R. 2841, to extend the time required for the construction of a
hydroelectric project.
TEAMSTERS INVESTIGATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Teamsters Investigation. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the International Brotherhood of
Teamsters: Marvin Levy, Independent Financial Auditor; and Michael
Cherkasky, Election Officer.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
OSHA LEGISLATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on pending OSHA legislation (H.R. 3725, H.R.
3519, H.R. 2869, H.R. 2871, H.R. 2873, H.R. 2879 and H.R. 2661).
Testimony was heard from Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary,
Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, Subcommittee on Human
Resources held a hearing on Bureau of Labor Statistics Oversight: Fixing
the Consumer Price Index (Part II). Testimony was heard from Edward M.
Gramlich, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Katharine
G. Abraham, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of
Labor; Bernard Ungar, Director, Government Business Operations Issues,
GAO; and public witnesses.
ANNUAL DRUG CERTIFICATION
Committee on International Relations: Held hearing on U.S. Annual Drug
Certification. Testimony was heard from the following former officials
of the Department of State: Jeane Kirkpatrick, U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations; and Bernard Aronson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Inter-American Affairs; Brent Scowcroff, former National Security
Advisor; John Walters, former Deputy Director, Office of National Drug
Control Policy; and a public witness.
TRADE IN THE AMERICAS: BEYOND THE SANTIAGO
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade held a D429hearing on Trade in the Americas:
Beyond the Santiago. Testimony was heard from Regina Vargo, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Western Hemisphere, Department of Commerce; Richard
Brown, Director, Economic Policy and Summit Coordination, Bureau of
Inter-American Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
[Page: D429]
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3303,
Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act, Fiscal Years
1999, 2000, and 2001.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on Merchant
Marine approved for full Committee action recommendations on H.R. 3616,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Special Oversight Panel on Morale,
Welfare and Recreation approved for full Committee action
recommendations on H.R. 3616, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1999.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Installations
and Facilities approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3616,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1021,
Miles Land Exchange Act of 1997; H.R. 2556, amended, to reauthorize the
North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the Partnerships for
Wildlife Act; H.R. 2863, amended, Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act; and
H.R. 2886, amended, Granite Watershed Enhancement and Protection Act of
1997.
EXPEDITED PROCEDURES
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 4(b)
of rule XI (requiring a two-thirds vote consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions
reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to a
special rule reported before May 1, 1998 providing for consideration or
disposition of H.R. 3579, making emergency supplemental appropriations
for the fiscal year ending September 20, 1998, an amendment thereto, a
conference thereon, or an amendment reported in disagreement from a
conference thereon.
DC STUDENT OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on S. 1502, District of Columbia Student Opportunity
Scholarship Act of 1997, equally divided between the Majority Leader or
his designee and an opponent. The rule provides one motion to recommit.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Armey, Norton and Scott.
PASSENGER SERVICES ACT--DOMESTIC CRUISE INDUSTRY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Effect of the
Passenger Services Act on the Domestic Cruise Industry. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Smith of Michigan and Taylor of Mississippi;
and public witnesses.
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Federal Railroad Administration
Reauthorization: Human Factors Issues. Testimony was heard from Jolene
Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; James E. Hall, Chairman, National Transportation Safety
Board; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL CEMETERY SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an
oversight hearing on operations within the National Cemetery System.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Stephen P.
Backhus, Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care Issues;
and Dave Clark, Director, Audit Oversight and Liaison; Carolyn Becraft,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Personnel, Family Support and Education,
Department of Defense; Roger R. Rapp, Acting Director, National Cemetery
System, Department of Veterans Affairs; Gen. Fred Woerner, USA (Ret.),
Chairman, American Battle Monuments Commission; and John Vitikacs,
Director, National Veterans and Rehabilitation Commission, The American
Legion.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 3694, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
[Page: D430]
1998/04/30
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 30, 1998, pages D434 - D442
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services continued appropriation D439hearings. Testimony was heard from
Members of Congress.
[Page: D439]
HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING--CONSUMER ABUSES
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on Consumer Abuses in Home
Improvement Financing. Testimony was heard from Representatives Fox of
Pennsylvania and Bentsen; Stanley J. Czerwinski, Associate Director,
Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; Kathryn
Kuhl-Inclan, Assistant Inspector General, Audit, Department of Housing
and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: The
Marketplace of the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met
and authorized the issuance of subpoenas in connection with the
Subcommittee's Portals investigation.
REFORMING BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Reforming Bilingual
Education. Testimony was heard from Representatives Livingston and
Becerra; and public witnesses.
TEAMSTERS INVESTIGATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations continued hearings on the Teamsters Investigation.
Testimony was heard from John J. Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO.
VENEZUELAN MONEY AND THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Held a hearing on
"Venezuelan Money and the Presidential Election". Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the District Attorney's Office, New York
County: Richard T. Preiss, Assistant District Attorney, Senior
Investigative Counsel; and Joseph J. Dawson, Assistant District
Attorney; and a public witness.
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA--U.S. ROLE
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the U.S. Role in
the Caucasus and Central Asia. Testimony was heard from Frederico
PenAE6a, Secretary of Energy; the following officials of the Department
of State: Steve Sestanovich, Ambassador at Large for the Independent
States; and Ambassador Richard Morningstar, Special Advisor to the
President and the Secretary of State and Coordinator of Assistance to
the Newly Independent States; and Don Pressley, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Europe and the New Independent State, AID, U.S.
International Development Cooperation Agency.
U.S. POLICY OPTIONS TOWARD CHINA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on U.S. Policy Options Toward China: Rule of Law
and Democracy Programs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PRIVATE TRUSTEE REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law approved for full Committee action H.R. 2592, Private
Trustee Reform Act of 1997.
CITIZEN PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved
for full Committee action amended H.R. 3168, Citizen Protection Act of
1998.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property approved for full Committee action amended the following bills:
H.R. 3723, United States Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act,
Fiscal Year 1999; and H.R. 1690, to amend title 28 of the United States
Code regarding enforcement of child custody orders.
CHILD PROTECTION AND SEXUAL PREDATOR PUNISHMENT ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R.
3494, Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998, and
related measures. Testimony was heard from Representatives Franks of New
Jersey, Pryce of Ohio, Riley, Weller, Gutknecht, Lampson and Slaughter;
Kevin DiGregory, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division,
Department of Justice; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2431,
amended, Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1997; and H.R. 3736,
Workforce Improvements and Protection Act of 1998.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Personnel
approved for full Committee action D440amended H.R. 3616, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
[Page: D440]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Readiness
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3616, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
OVERSIGHT--WEST COAST GROUNDFISH ISSUE
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held an oversight hearing on West Coast Groundfish Issue.
Testimony was heard from Senator Wyden; Rolland Schmitten, Assistant
Administrator, Fisheries, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on the following: H.R. 1282, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior
to convey certain facilities of the Minidoka project to the Burley
Irrigation District, and for other purposes; H.R. 1943, Carlsbad
Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer Act; H.R. 2161, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to convey the Palmetto Bend Project to the
State of Texas; H.R. 2506, Collbran Project Unit Conveyance Act; H.R.
3056, to provide for the preservation and sustainability of the family
farm through the transfer of responsibility for operation and
maintenance of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, Montana; H.R.
3677, to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey
certain works, facilities, and titles of the Gila Project, and
Designated Lands within or adjacent to the Gila project, to the
Welton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District; H.R. 3687, to authorize
prepayment of amounts due under a water reclamation project contract for
the Canadian River Project, Texas; H.R. 3706, Clear Creek Distribution
System Conveyance Act; and H.R. 3715, Pine River Project Conveyance Act.
Testimony was heard from Representative McInnis; the following officials
of the Department of the Interior: Eluid Martinez, Commissioner, Bureau
of Reclamation; and Ross Mooney, Acting Director, Office of Trust
Responsibilities, Bureau of Indian Affairs; and public witnesses.
CONFERENCE REPORT--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 4, a rule waiving all
points or order against the conference report accompanying H.R. 3579,
making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998, and against its consideration. The rule provides
that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Livingston and Representative Obey.
AVIATION MATTERS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the impact of recent alliances, international
agreements, DOT actions, and pending legislation on air fares, air
services, and competition in the airline industry. Testimony was heard
from Charles A. Hunnicutt, Assistant Secretary, Aviation and
International Affairs, Department of Transportation; John Nannes, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Anti-Trust Division, Department of Justice;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development approved for full Committee action
the following measures: H.R. 2730, to designate the Federal building
located at 309 North Church Street in Dyersburg, Tennessee, as the "Jere
Cooper Federal Building;" H.R. 2225, to designate the Federal building
and United States courthouse to be constructed on Las Vegas Boulevard
between Bridger Avenue and Clark Avenue in Las Vegas, NV, as the "Lloyd
D. George Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R. 3453, to
designate the Federal Building and Post Office located at 100 East B
Street, Casper, Wyoming, as the "Dick Cheney Federal Building;" H.R.
3295, to designate the Federal building located at 1301 Clay Street in
Oakland, California, as the "Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building;" H.R.
3504, amended, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Authorization Act; H. Con. Res. 255, amended, authorizing the use of the
Capitol grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res.
265, authorizing the use of the East Front of the Capitol Grounds for
performances sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts; H. Con. Res. 262, amended, authorizing the 1998 District of
Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be run through
the Capitol Grounds; and H. Con. Res. 263, amended, authorizing the use
of the Capitol Grounds for the seventeenth annual National Peace
Officers' Memorial Service.
U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE ISSUES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
U.S. Customs Service Issues. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: Samuel H. Banks, Acting
Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service; and D441Dennis Schindel, Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; and public witnesses.
[Page: D441]
1998/05/01
Daily Digest - Friday, May 1, 1998, pages D443 - D448
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/05/04
Daily Digest - Monday, May 4, 1998, pages D450 - D454
Committee Meetings
UNION DEMOCRACY IMPEDIMENTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations held a hearing on Impediments to Union
Democracy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL REAL PROPERTY POLICY
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a oversight hearing on
Federal Real Property Policy. Testimony was heard from Representative
Pombo; David Barram, Administrator, GSA; Ida Ruben, member, Senate,
State of Maryland; Dan Bilbrey, Mayor, City of Tracy, California; and
public witnesses.
1998/05/05
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 5, 1998, pages D456 - D462
Committee Meetings
DOLLARS TO THE CLASSROOM ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on H.R. 3248,
Dollars to the Classroom Act. Testimony was heard from Senator
Hutchinson of Arkansas; Representatives Pitts, Tierney and DeLauro;
Linda Schrenko, Superintendent to Schools, State of Georgia; Frank
Brogan, Commissioner of Education, State of Florida; Robert Bartman,
Commissioner of Education, State of Missouri; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--2000 CENSUS: REVISITING THE 1990 CENSUS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the Census
held an oversight hearing on 2000 Census: Revisiting the 1990 Census.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Sawyer and Petri; Kenneth
Darga, Demographer, Department of Management and Budget, State of
Michigan; and public witnesses.
RWANDA: GENOCIDE AND THE CONTINUING CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Rwanda: Genocide and the
Continuing Cycle of Violence. Testimony was heard from Richard McCall,
Chief of Staff, AID, U.S. International Development Agency; and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Procurement met
in executive session and approved for full Committee action amended H.R.
3616, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development met in executive session and approved for full Committee
action H.R. 3616, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999.
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE COMPETITION AND PRIVATIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1872, Communications Satellite
Competition and Privatization Act of 1997. The rule makes in order
D460as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment in
the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Commerce now
printed in the bill, which shall be considered as read. The rule
provides for consideration of only those amendments that have been
pre-printed in the Congressional Record. The rule allows the Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Bliley and Representative Markey.
[Page: D460]
OVERSIGHT--PENSION ISSUES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight continued
oversight hearings on various pension issues. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
1998/05/06
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 6, 1998, pages D463 - D470
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on the National Labor Relations
Board. Testimony was heard from William B. Gould, IV, Chairman, NLRB.
CHLOROFLUOROCARBON-BASED METERED-DOSE INHALERS PHASEOUT EFFORTS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Regulatory Efforts to Phaseout Chlorofluorocarbon-Based
Metered-Dose Inhalers. Testimony was heard from Representatives Smith of
New Jersey, Kennedy of Rhode Island, Foley and Minge; Paul Stolpman,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, EPA; Rafe Pomerance, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Environment and Development, Department of State;
John Jenkins, M.D., Director, Division of Pulmonary Drug Products, FDA,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western
Hemisphere held a hearing on Latin America and the Caribbean: An Update
and Summary of the Summit of the Americas. Testimony was heard from
Peter F. Romero, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Inter-American
Affairs, Department of State; and Mark Schneider, Assistant
Administrator, Latin America, AID, U.S. International Development
Cooperation Agency.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 2431, Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1997; H.R.
3494, Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998; H.R.
3723, United States Patent and Trademark Office Reauthorization Act,
Fiscal Year 1999; and H.R. 1690, to amend title 28 of the United States
Code regarding enforcement of child custody orders.
The Committee failed to approve H.R. 3168, Citizen Protection Act of
1998.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on National Security: Met in executive session and ordered
reported amended, H.R. 3616, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1999.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3694, Intelligence Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1999. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of
rule XI (requiring a 3-day layover of the committee report). The rule
makes in order as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the
committee amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the
bill, modified by striking section 401. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered by title and
that each title shall be considered as read.
The rule waives points of order against the committee amendment for
failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting nongermane
amendments) or clause 5(b) of rule XXI (prohibiting tax D468or tariff
provisions in a bill not reported by a committee with jurisdiction over
revenue measures). The rule provides for consideration of only those
amendments that have been pre-printed in the Congressional Record, and
that those amendments shall be considered as read. The rule permits the
chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes on any
amendment and reduce voting time to five minutes on any series of
questions, provided that the first vote shall not be less than 15
minutes. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or
without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Goss and
Representative Dicks.
[Page: D468]
MANDATES INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3534, Mandates
Information Act of 1998.
OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on the International
Space Station: Problems and Options. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of NASA: Jay Chabrow, Chairman, Cost Assessment and
Validation Task Force, member, Advisory Council; and Dan Goldin,
Administrator; and Duncan Moore, Associate Director, Technology, Office
of Science and Technology Policy.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; RESOLUTIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the
following measures: H.R. 2730, to designate the Federal building located
at 309 North Church Street in Dyersburg, Tennessee, as the "Jere Cooper
Federal Building;" H.R. 2225, to designate the Federal building and
United States courthouse to be constructed on Las Vegas Boulevard
between Bridger Avenue and Clark Avenue in Las Vegas, NV, as the "Lloyd
D. George Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R. 3453, to
designate the Federal Building and Post Office located at 100 East B
Street, Casper, Wyoming, as the "Dick Cheney Federal Building;" H.R.
3295, to designate the Federal building located at 1301 Clay Street in
Oakland, California, as the "Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building;" H.R.
3504, amended, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Authorization Act; H.R. 3035, amended, National Drought Policy Act of
1998; H. Con. Res. 255, amended, authorizing the use of the Capitol
grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 265,
authorizing the use of the East Front of the Capitol Grounds for
performances sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts; H. Con. Res. 262, amended, authorizing the 1998 District of
Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be run through
the Capitol Grounds; and H. Con. Res. 263, amended, authorizing the use
of the Capitol Grounds for the seventeenth annual National Peace
Officers' Memorial Service.
The Committee also approved 7 Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Surface Transportation Board
Reauthorization: Inter-carrier Transactions, Construction and
Abandonments. Testimony was heard from Representatives Barr of Georgia,
Kucinich and Shays; Linda J. Morgan, Chairwoman, Surface Transportation
Board, Department of Transportation; John F. Guinan, Director, Freight
and Passenger Rail, Department of Transportation, State of New York;
John J. Haley, Jr., Commissioner, Department of Transportation, State of
New Jersey; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 3433, Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Act of 1998; and
H.R. 2431, Freedom From Religious Persecution Act of 1998.
1998/05/07
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 7, 1998, pages D471 - D478
Committee Meetings
FOREST SERVICE BUDGET
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 1999
Administration's Budget for the Forest Service, USDA. Testimony was
heard from Representative Herger; Michael Dombeck, Chief, Forest
Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: Building
Tomorrow's Information Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
PARENTAL FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on H.R. 3189, Parental
Freedom of Information Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Tiahrt, Largent and Green; and public witnesses.
IMMUNE GLOBULIN SHORTAGES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held a hearing on Immune Globulin Shortages: Causes and Cures.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: David Satcher, M.D., Surgeon General; Michael
Friedman, M.D., Lead Deputy Commissioner, FDA; and Stephen M. Ostroff,
M.D., Associate Director, Epidemiologic Science, National Center for
Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Bernice
Steinhardt, Director, Health Services Quality and Public Health Issues,
GAO; and public witnesses.
U.S.-EUROPEAN UNION TRADE
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on issues in
U.S.-European Union Trade European Privacy legislation and
Biotechnology/Food Safety Policy. Testimony was heard from Franklin J.
Vargo, Acting Assistant Secretary, Export Promotion, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.
AFRICA IN THE WORLD ECONOMY
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing on Africa in the World Economy. Testimony was heard from Rosa
Whitaker, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses.
ASIA-U.S. SECURITY INTERESTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on Tradition and Transformation: U.S. Security
Interests in Asia. Testimony was heard from Stanley Roth, Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Walter Slocombe, Under
Secretary; and Adm. J.W. Prucher, USN, Commander-In-Chief Pacific
Command.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDONESIA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Human Rights in Indonesia.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATIVE CRIMES AND QUASI-CRIMES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on Administrative Crimes
and Quasi-Crimes. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3633, Controlled Substances
Trafficking Prohibition Act; H.R. 2070, amended, Correction Officers
Health and Safety Act of 1997; H.R. 2829, amended, Bulletproof Vests
Partnership Grant Act of 1997; and S. 170, Clone Pager Authorization
Act.
DUNGENESS CRAB CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 3498, Dungeness Crab Conservation and
Management Act. Testimony was heard from David Evans, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health
approved for full Committee action D477the following bills: H.R. 1865,
Spanish Peaks Wilderness Act of 1997; H.R. 3186, amended, Rogue River
National Forest Interchange Act of 1998; H.R. 3520, to adjust the
boundaries of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the adjacent
Wenatchee National Forest in the State of Washington; and H.R. 3796, to
authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the administrative site
for the Rogue River National Forest and use the proceeds for the
construction or improvement of offices and support buildings for the
Rogue River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.
[Page: D477]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action amended the following bills: H.R.
2538, Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997; and H.R. 3625,
San Rafael Swell National Heritage and Conservation Act.
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPETITION ACT
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairmen Leach and Bliley;
Representatives McCollum, Roukema, Baker, Lazio, Castle, Bachus,
Metcalf, Riley, Oxley, Bonilla, LaFalce, Vento, Kennedy of
Massachusetts, Waters, Gutierrez, Markey, Moran of Virginia, Jackson-Lee
and Kucinich, but no action was taken on H.R. 10, Financial Services
Competition Act.
AVIATION MANUFACTURING AND THE FASTENER QUALITY ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on the
Aviation Manufacturing and the Fastener Quality Act. Testimony was heard
from Raymond Kammer, Director, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; Thomas E. McSweeny, Director,
Aircraft Certification, FAA, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.
MITIGATION AND COST REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Mitigation and Cost
Reduction Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Mike Armstrong,
Associate Director, Mitigation Directorate, FEMA; and public witnesses.
YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the Year 2000 Computer Problem. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: Charles O. Rossotti,
Commissioner, IRS; James J. Flyzik, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Information System and Chief, Information Office; Constance E. Craig,
Assistant Commissioner, Information Resources, Financial Management
Services and Vincette Goerl, Assistant Commissioner, Finance; John Dyer,
Principal Deputy Commissioner, SSA; John Callahan, Assistant Secretary,
Office of Management and Budget, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.
U.S. ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICY TOWARD CUBA
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
U.S. Economic and Trade Policy Toward Cuba. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Moakley, Torres, Ros-Lehtinen, Diaz-Balart and Menendez;
Michael Rannenberger, Coordinator, Cuban Affairs, Department of State;
and public witnesses.
1998/05/08
Daily Digest - Friday, May 8, 1998, pages D480 - D484
Committee Meetings
DECIMAL PRICING--INDUSTRY IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on Industry Implementation of Decimal Pricing. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Thomas J. McCool,
Director and Richard J. Hillman, Associate Director, both with the
Financial Institutions and Markets Issues, General Government Division;
and Keith Rhodes, Technical Director, Accounting and Information
Management Division.
MAMMOGRAPHY QUALITY STANDARDS ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Commerce on Commerce; Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Reauthorization of the Mammography Quality Standards Act.
Testimony was heard from D. Bruce Burlington, M.D., Director, Center for
Devices and Radiological Health, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; Marsha Lillie-Blanton, Associate Director, Health Services,
Quality, and Public Health Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D481]
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on American Worker Project: Determining
the Appropriateness of Rulemaking at the U.S. Department of
Labor--Regulatory Strategies Outside the Scope of the Administrative
Procedure Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Labor: John Fraser, Acting Administrator, Wage and Hour
Division; and Charles Jeffress, Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety
and Health Administration; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--DC POLICE DEPARTMENT-FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held a hearing on the District of Columbia
Metropolitan Police Department Oversight and Federal Law Enforcement
Assistance. Testimony was heard from Charles H. Ramsey, Chief of Police,
Metropolitan Police Department; Stephen Harlan, Vice-Chairman, Financial
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; the following
officials of the Department of Justice: Peter F. Gruden, Special Agent,
District of Columbia, DEA; and John Barrett, Special Agent, Criminal
Division, Washington Field Office, FBI; Peter J. Dowling, Special Agent,
Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, Department of the
Treasury; and Gary Abrccht, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police.
1998/05/11
Daily Digest - Monday, May 11, 1998, pages D485 - D488
Committee Meetings
HUMAN RIGHTS INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 2635,
Human Rights Information Act. Testimony was heard from Lee Strickland,
Information and Privacy Coordinator, CIA; Steven Garfinkel, Director,
Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records
Administration; and public witnesses.
1998/05/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 12, 1998, pages D489 - D496
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURAL TRADE--MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS--ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the 1999 Multilateral
Negotiations on Agricultural Trade--Asia and the Pacific. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment approved
for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 2202, amended,
National Marrow Donor Program Reauthorization Act of 1997; and H. Con.
Res. 171, declaring the memorial service sponsored by the National
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Memorial Service Board of Directors to
honor emergency medical services personnel to be the "National Emergency
Medical Services Memorial Service".
HANFORD SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL PROJECT--MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on Management Problems with the Department of Energy's Hanford
Spent Nuclear Fuel Project. Testimony was heard from Representative
Hastings of Washington; Gary L. Jones, Associate Director, Energy,
Resources and Science Issues, Resources, Community and Economic
D493Development Division, GAO; John T. Conway, Chairman, Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board; the following officials of the Department of
Energy: Ernest J. Montz, Under Secretary; and John Wagner, Manager,
Richland Operations Office; and public witnesses.
[Page: D493]
OVERSIGHT--CREATING AN OFFICE OF FEDERAL MANAGEMENT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information and Technology held an oversight hearing on
Creating an Office of Federal Management. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the GAO: J. Christopher Mihm, Associate Director,
Federal Management and Workforce Issues; and Paul L. Posner, Director,
Budget Issues, Accounting and Information Management; the following
officials of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress:
Harold C. Relyea, Specialist and Virginia McMurray, Specialist, both
with the American National Government Division; and Ronald C. Moe,
Specialist, Government Organization and Management Division; and public
witnesses.
BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Began consideration of H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy
Reform Act of 1998.
Will continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3109, Thomas Cole National
Site Act; and H.R. 1390, to authorize the Government of India to
establish a memorial to honor Mahatma Gandhi in the District of
Columbia. Testimony was heard from Representatives Solomon, Pallone,
Regula and McCollum; Bill Shaddox, Acting Associate Director,
Professional Services, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior.
OVERSIGHT--CALFED
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on California Federal Bay Delta Program (CALFED).
Testimony was heard from David Potter, Chief Deputy Director, Department
of Water Resources, State of California; and public witnesses.
MANDATES INFORMATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 3534, Mandates Information Act of 1998. The rule
waives points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to
comply with section 306 of the Budget Act (prohibiting consideration of
legislation within the Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported
by the Budget Committee). The rule considers the amendment recommended
by the Committee on Rules now printed in the bill as adopted and the
bill, as amended, as original text for the purpose of further amendment
which is considered as read. The rule allows the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to accord priority in recognition to those
members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record
prior to their consideration. The rule allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone recorded votes and reduce to five
minutes the voting time on any postponed question, provided that the
voting time on the first in any series of questions is not less than
fifteen minutes. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions.
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
1 hour of debate on H.R. 10, Financial Services Act of 1998. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
part 1 of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as an original
bill for the purpose of amendment and that it shall be considered as
read. The rule waives all points of order against that amendment in the
nature of a substitute. The rule provides that no amendment to that
amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those
printed in part 2 of the Rules Committee report, which may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to
amendment except as specified in the report. The rule waives all points
of order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule allows
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone recorded votes
and reduce to five minutes the minimum time for electronic voting on any
postponed votes provided that the voting time on the first in any series
of questions shall be not less than fifteen minutes. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
NEW WILDLIFE REFUGE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 512, New Wildlife Refuge Authorization Act. The
rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed
in the Congressional Record and numbered 1 shall be considered as an
original bill for amendment purposes, and provides that the
D494amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives clause 7 of
rule XVI (prohibiting nongermane amendments) against the amendment in
the nature of a substitute. The rule permits the Chair to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have preprinted their amendments
in the Congressional Record. The rule allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone recorded votes and reduce to five
minutes the minimum time for electronic voting on any postponed votes
provided that the voting time on the first in any series of questions
shall be not less than fifteen minutes. Finally, the rule provides one
motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Young.
[Page: D494]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 3689, The Land Between
the Lakes Protection Act of 1998 and on two Small Watershed Projects.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Whitfield, Tanner, Bryant and
Ryun; Ann W. Wright, General Manager, Land Between the Lakes, Golden
Pond, Kentucky, TVA; and Lawrence E. Clark, Deputy Chief, Programs,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.
VETERANS MEDICARE ACCESS IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 3828, Veterans Medicare Access Improvement
Act of 1998.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade approved for full
Committee action amended the following bills; H.R. 3644, to amend the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide for
the use of customs user fees for additional preclearance activities of
the Customs Services; and H.R. 3809, Drug Free Borders Act of 1998.
1998/05/13
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 13, 1998, pages D497 - D506
Committee Meetings
OVERSIGHT--EPA ACTIVITIES--ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research and the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and
Poultry held a joint oversight hearing on EPA activities related to
concentrated animal feeding operations. Testimony was heard from
Representative Miller of California; the following officials of the EPA:
Michael Cook, Director, Office of Wastewater Management, Office of
Water; and Elaine Stanley, Director, Office of Compliance, Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; Pearlie Reed, Chief, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, USDA; John Baker, Commissioner, Natural
Resources Conservation Commission, State of Texas; and Peter Rooney,
Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California.
OVERSIGHT--IS FHA LIMITING CHOICES FOR HOME FINANCE?
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development held an oversight hearing on Is FHA Limiting
Choices for Home Finance? An Examination of Fair Housing Compliance.
Testimony was heard from Representative Davis of Illinois; and public
witnesses.
FUNDING SPECIAL EDUCATION--GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on First Things
First: Review of the Federal Government's Commitment to Funding Special
Education. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bass and McCarthy of
New York; and public witnesses.
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Failed to obtain
two-thirds Committee majority to grant immunity to four individuals
regarding campaign fundraising investigation.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Kyoto
Protocol: Problems with U.S. Sovereignty and the Lack of Developing
Country Participation. Testimony was heard from Representative
Knollenberg; Janet Yellen, Chair, Council of Economic Advisors; Stuart
Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action amended the following resolutions: H.
Con. Res. 254, calling on the Government of Cuba to extradite to the
United States convicted felon Joanne Chesimard and all other individuals
who have fled the United States to avoid prosecution or confinement for
criminal offenses and who are currently living freely in Cuba; and H.
Res. 421, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives deploring
the tragic and senseless murder of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi, calling on
the Government of Guatemala to expeditiously bring those responsible for
the crime to justice, and calling on the people of Guatemala to reaffirm
their commitment to continue to implement the peace accords without
interruption.
BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform
Act of 1998.
Will continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the National Forest
Foundation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Roger C. Viadero, Inspector General; and Michael Dombeck, Chief,
Forest Service; and a public witness.
FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
1 hour of debate on H.R. 2431, Freedom From Religious Persecution Act.
The rule makes in order as an original bill for amendment purposes an
amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R.
3806, as modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of the report of
the Committee on Rules. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The rule makes in
order only those amendments printed in part 2 of the report of the
Committee on Rules. The rule provides that amendments will be considered
only in the order specified in the report, may be offered only by the
Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided between
a proponent and an opponent and are not subject to amendment or a demand
for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed
in D504the Rules Committee report. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Gilman; Representatives Smith of New Jersey, Manzullo, Brady,
Smith of Texas and Watt of North Carolina.
[Page: D504]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R.
2544, Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 1997; H.R. 3007,
Commission on the Advancement of Women in Science, Engineering, and
Technology Development Act; H.R. 3332, Next Generation Internet Research
Act of 1998; and H.R. 3824, amending the Fastener Quality Act to exempt
from its coverage certain fasteners approved by the Federal Aviation
Administration for use in aircraft.
The Committee also considered pending Committee business.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads concluded hearings on the Surface Transportation Board
Reauthorization: Rates, Access and Remedies. Testimony was heard from
Linda J. Morgan, Chairwoman, Surface Transportation Board, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
1998/05/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 14, 1998, pages D507 - D514
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con.
Res. 171, declaring the memorial service sponsored by the National
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Memorial Service Board of Directors to
honor emergency medical services personnel to be the "National Emergency
Medical Services Memorial Service"; H.R. 2202, amended, National Bone
Marrow Registry Reauthorization Act of 1998; and H.R. 3849, amended,
Internet Tax Freedom Act.
CHINA TRADE POLICY
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on China Trade Policy. Testimony was
heard from Ambassador David Aaron, Under Secretary, International Trade,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2869, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exempt
safety and health assessments, audits, and reviews conducted by or for
an employer from enforcement action under such Act; H.R. 2873, amended,
to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; H.R. 2661,
amended, Sound Scientific Practices Act; and H.R. 3725, amended, Postal
Service Health and Safety Promotion Act.
GULF WAR VETERANS' ILLNESSES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held a hearing on the Status of Efforts to Identify Gulf War
Veterans' Illnesses: Tumor Data. Testimony was heard from Kwai Chan,
Director, Special Studies and Evaluation Group, GAO; Susan Mather, M.D.,
Chief, Public Health and Environmental Hazards Officer, Department of
Veterans Affairs; Gary Christopherson, Acting Assistant Secretary
(Health Affairs), Department of Defense; Richard Miller, M.D., Director,
Medical Follow-Up Agency, Institute of Medicine/National Academy of
Sciences; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific approved for full Committee action the following resolutions: H.
Res. 392, relating to the importance of Japanese-American relations
D512and the urgent need for Japan to more effectively address its
economic and financial problems and open its markets by eliminating
informal barriers to trade and investment, thereby making a more
effective contribution to leading the Asian region out of its current
financial crisis, insuring against a global recession, and reinforcing
regional stability and security; and H. Res. 404, commemorating 100
years of relations between the people of the United States and the
people of the Philippines.
[Page: D512]
BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT; RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND CHARITABLE DONATION
PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3150, amended, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998; and H.R. 2604, Religious
Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1997.
OVERSIGHT--PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS VALOR--CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight
hearing on Congressional Recognition for Acts of Exceptional Valor by
Public Safety Officers. Testimony was heard from Peter E. Bergin,
Acting, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director, Diplomatic
Security Service, Department of State; Donnie R. Marshall, Acting Deputy
Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS LEASING
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas
Leasing. Testimony was heard from Senator Boxer; Representatives Jones,
Pallone, Cunningham, Capps, Lampson, Regula, Scarborough, Goss and
Taylor of Mississippi; and Cynthia Quarterman, Director, Minerals
Management Service, Department of the Interior.
DISABLED SPORTSMEN'S ACCESS ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 2760, Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Cunningham, Peterson of
Minnesota, Chambliss and Kelly; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Sherri W. Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary,
Environmental Security; and Lt. Col. A. Lewis Deal, USMC, Executive
Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico Marine Corps Base; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEST--FOREST HEALTH
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Forest Health in the Rocky Mountain West.
Testimony was heard from Lyle Laverty, Regional Forester, Rocky Mountain
Region, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 3616, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999. The rule waives all points of order against the bill. Finally, the
rule provides that there shall be no further consideration of the
measure except by subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Spence and Representative Skelton.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE RESOLUTION CONCERNING EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE;
COOPERATION WITH CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted by a vote of 7 to 1, a rule providing for
consideration of H. Res. 432, expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives concerning the President's assertions of executive
privilege, in the House with 1 hour of debate equally divided and
controlled by the Majority Leader or his designee and an opponent. The
rule provides that the resolution shall be considered as read. The rule
provides that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on
the resolution to final adoption without intervening motion.
The rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 433, calling upon the
President of the United States to urge full cooperation by his former
political appointees and friends and their associates with congressional
investigations, in the House with one hour of debate equally divided and
controlled by the Majority Leader and an opponent. The rule provides
that the resolution be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides
that the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the
resolution to final adoption without intervening motion.
COMMUNICATING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on Communicating Science
and Engineering in a Sound-Bite World. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
[Page: D513]
OVERSIGHT--MILLENNIUM SHORT CIRCUIT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology and the Subcommittee on
Management, Information, and Technology of the Committee on Government
Reform and Oversight held a joint oversight hearing on Millennium Short
Circuit: The Y2K Effect on Energy Utilities. Testimony was heard from
Hugh L. Thompson, Jr., Deputy Executive Director, Regulatory Programs,
NRC; Kathleen M. Hirning, Chief Information Officer, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
DRUG-FREE WORK PLACES
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing
on how to best obtain drug-free work places. Testimony was heard from
Representative Portman; and public witnesses.
AVIATION SECURITY EFFORTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on the Status of Aviation Security efforts with a focus
on the National Safe Skies Alliance and Passenger Profiling Criteria.
Testimony was heard from Keith O. Fultz, Assistant Comptroller General,
Resources, Community and Economic Development Division, GAO; the
following officials of the Department of Transportation: Alexis M.
Stefani, Deputy Assistant Inspector General, Aviation; and Adm. Cathal
L. Flynn, Associate Administrator, Civil Aviation Security, FAA; James
E. Orlando, Advisor to the Aviation Mail Security Committee, U.S. Postal
Service; and public witnesses.
OIL POLLUTION--CRIMINAL LIABILITY
Committee on Transportation: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation held a hearing on Criminal Liability for Oil Pollution.
Testimony was heard from Capt. Malcolm Williams, USCG, Chief, Office of
Maritime and International Law, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.
VA MEDICAL CENTER--ALLEGED DEATH COVERUPS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the GAO report of the Inspector General
investigation of an alleged cover-up of deaths at the Columbia, Missouri
VA Medical Center in 1992, and an examination of VA's development of a
quality assurance/risk management reporting system. Testimony was heard
from Representative Hulshof; Eljay B. Bowron, Assistant Comptroller
General, Special Investigations, Office of Special Investigations, GAO;
and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
Richard J. Griffin, Inspector General; and Thomas L. Garthwaite, M.D.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Veterans Health Administration.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 3828, Veterans Medicare Access Improvement Act of 1998; and
H.R. 3809, Drug Free Borders Act of 1998.
1998/05/15
Daily Digest - Friday, May 15, 1998, pages D515 - D520
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/05/18
Daily Digest - Monday, May 18, 1998, pages D521 - D524
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/05/19
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 19, 1998, pages D526 - D534
Committee Meetings
SECURITIES LITIGATION UNIFORM STANDARDS ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on H.R. 1689, Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act
of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives Campbell and Eshoo;
the following officials of the SEC: Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman; and
Richard Walker, Director of Enforcement; the following officials of the
Securities Regulation Division, Department of Corporations, State of
California: Blake Campbell, Assistant Commissioner; and A. Peter
Kezirian, Jr., General Counsel; and public witnesses.
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE--SAVINGS THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on Medicare Billing: Savings Through Implementation of
Commercial Software. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; Joel
Willemssen, Director, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; Adm. Tom Carrato, USN, Director, Military Health System Operations,
Department of Defense; Michael W. Hartford, Director, Health
Administration Center, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Nancy-Ann Min
DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department
of Health and Human Services.
TEAMSTERS' ELECTION--WHO PAYS FOR THE RERUN
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on "Who Pays for the Rerun Teamsters'
Election?" Testimony was heard from Stephen R. Colgate, Assistant
Attorney General, Department of Justice; Gary L. Kepplinger, Associate
General Counsel, Accounting and Financial Management, GAO; and Tom
Sever, Secretary-Treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
[Page: D531]
PROTECTING HEALTH INFORMATION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on protecting
Health Information: Legislative Options. Testimony was heard
Representative Shays; and public witnesses.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs continued
hearings on "The Kyoto Protocol: Is the Clinton-Gore Administration
Selling Out Americans? Part II." Testimony was heard from Janet L.
Yellen, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--AIRLINE INDUSTRY--STATE OF COMPETITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the State of
Competition in the Airline Industry. Testimony was heard from Joel
Klein, Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of
Justice; Nancy McFadden, General Counsel, Department of Transportation;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2291, to amend
the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 to enable the Secretary of
the Interior to more effectively utilize the proceeds of sales of
certain items; H.R. 3460, to approve a governing international fishery
agreement between the United States and the Republic of Latvia; H.R.
3461, to approve a governing international fishery agreement between the
United States and the Republic of Poland; and H.R. 3647, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to make technical corrections to a map
relating to the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Skaggs and Deutsch; Gary Taylor, Acting Assistant
Director, External Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior; Brian Hallman, Deputy Director, Office of Marine
Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and
Scientific Affairs, Department of State; David Evans, Deputy Director,
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.
UTAH SCHOOLS AND LANDS EXCHANGE ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on H.R. 3830, Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of
1998. Testimony was heard from Representative Cook; Bruce Babbitt,
Secretary of the Interior; Michael Leavitt, Governor of Utah; and public
witnesses.
FALL RIVER WATER USERS DISTRICT WATER SYSTEM ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on H.R. 1212, Fall River Water Users District Rural Water System Act of
1997. Testimony was heard from David Cottingham, Counselor to the
Assistant Secretary, Water and Science, Department of the Interior;
Douglas Hofer, Director, Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Division of
Parks and Recreation, State of South Dakota; and a public witness.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R.
3616, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998, providing
that no further general debate shall be in order. The rule provides for
consideration of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute
now printed in the bill as an original bill for amendment purposes,
which shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in
order only those amendments printed in the report of the Committee on
Rules and the amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the
resolution. The rule provides that except as specified in section 5 of
the resolution, amendments will be considered only in the order
specified in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question. Except as otherwise provided in
the report, amendments shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided
between a proponent and an opponent. Amendments are not amendable
(except that the Chairman and ranking minority member of the National
Security Committee each may offer one pro forma amendment for the
purpose of further debate on any pending amendment). The rule waives all
points of order against amendments printed in the report and those
amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the resolution. The rule
provides for an additional 2 hours of general debate on U.S. policy
toward China, equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on National Security, which shall precede
consideration of the amendments in part A of the Rules Committee report.
The rule provides for an additional 30 minutes of general debate on the
subject of assigning members of the armed forces to assist in border
control, divided D532equally between the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on National Security, which precede the
amendments printed in part C of the report. The rule authorizes the
Chairman of the National Security Committee or his designee to offer
amendments en bloc consisting of the amendments in part D of the report
or germane modifications thereto, which shall be considered as read
(except that modifications shall be reported), shall be debatable for 20
minutes divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on National Security or their designees and which shall not be
subject to amendment or a demand for a division of the question. The
rule provides that, for the purposes of inclusion in such amendments en
bloc, an amendment printed in the form of a motion to strike may be
modified to the form of a germane perfecting amendment to the text
originally proposed to be stricken. The original proponent of an
amendment included in such amendments en bloc may insert a statement in
the Congressional Record immediately before the dispositions of the en
bloc amendments. The rule permits the Chairman of the Committee of the
Whole to postpone votes on any amendment and to reduce to 5 minutes the
time for voting after the first of a series of votes provided that the
first vote is not less than 15 minutes. The rule also permits the
chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize for consideration of
any amendment printed in the report out of order in which printed, but
not sooner than one hour after the Chairman of the National Security
Committee or a designee announces from the floor a request to that
effect. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Spence and
Representatives Weldon of Pennsylvania, Hefley, Saxton, Fowler, Watts of
Oklahoma, Thornberry, Gibbons, McCollum, Smith of New Jersey, Doolittle,
Bonilla, Campbell, Wamp, Snowbarger, Graham, Skelton, Sisisky, Spratt,
Evans, Taylor of Mississippi, Abercrombie, Reyes, Markey, Frank of
Massachusetts, Traficant, Pallone, Lowey, Engel, Moran of Virginia,
Norton, Sanders, Cramer, Bishop, Maloney of New York, Bentsen, and
Etheridge.
[Page: D532]
COAST GUARD DEEPWATER CAPABILITY REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Coast Guard
Deepwater Capability Replacement Analysis. Testimony was heard from Adm.
Robert Kramek, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a
hearing on Child Support Enforcement. Testimony was heard from Donna
Bonar, Director, Program Operations Division, Office of Child Support
Enforcement, Department of Health and Human Services; Jeffrey Cohen,
Director, Office of Child Support, State of Vermont; Diane Fray, IV-D
Administrator, Department of Social Services, Child Support Program,
State of Connecticut; Alisha Griffin, Acting Assistant Director,
Division of Family Development, State of New Jersey; Jacqueline M.
Jennings, Manager, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of
Human Resources, State of Georgia; and public witnesses.
1998/05/20
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 20, 1998, pages D536 - D544
Committee Meetings
PLANT PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Nutrition, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing on H.R. 3766, Plant
Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Craig Reed, Acting
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA; and
public witnesses.
HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
held a hearing on the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) regulatory requirements. Testimony was heard from
Thomas Billy, Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education held a hearing on Nobel Laureate. Testimony was
heard from the following past recipients of the Nobel Prize: Stanley
Prusiner; Peter Doherty; David Baltimore; Joshua Lederberg; Alfred
Gilman; and Steven Chu.
BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on the Budget: Began markup of the Budget Resolution for
Fiscal year 1999.
[Page: D540]
BIOMETRICS AND THE FUTURE OF MONEY
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic
and International Monetary Policy held a hearing on Biometrics and the
Future of Money. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
ENERGY DEPARTMENT NUCLEAR FACILITIES--EXTERNAL REGULATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on External Regulation of Department of Energy Nuclear Facilities.
Testimony was heard from Elizabeth Moler, Deputy Secretary, Department
of Energy; and the following officials of the NRC: Shirley Ann Jackson,
Chairman; Greta Joy Dicus, Nils J. Diaz and Edward McGaffigan, Jr., all
Commissioners.
AUTO CHOICE REFORM ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on H.R. 2021, Auto Choice Reform Act of 1997. Testimony
was heard from Senator McConnell; Representatives Armey and Moran of
Virginia; and public witnesses.
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations continued hearings on American Worker Project: Innovative
Workplaces for the Future. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs continued
hearings on "The Kyoto Protocol: Is the Clinton-Gore Administration
Selling Out Americans? Part III". Testimony was heard from Cecil
Underwood, Governor, State of West Virginia; Scott Orr, Representative,
State of Montana; and Daniel Canan, Mayor, Muncie, State of Indiana.
SIX INFECTIOUS DISEASES--ERADICATION AND ELIMINATION
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Eradication and
Elimination of Six Infectious Diseases. Testimony was heard from Ben
Nelson, Director, International Relations and Trade, National Security
and International Affairs Division, GAO; Claire Broome, M.D., Acting
Director, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human
Services; Nils Daulaire, Senior Health Advisor, AID, U.S. International
Development Cooperation Agency; David L. Heymann, Director, Division of
Emerging and Other Communicable Diseases. Surveillance and Control,
World Health Organization; and public witnesses.
AFRICA--ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing on Anti-Corruption Efforts in Africa. Testimony was heard from
Carol Peasley, Acting Administrator, Africa, AID, U.S. International
Development Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses.
U.S-TAIWAN RELATIONS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on U.S.-Taiwan Relations. Testimony was heard
from Susan Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3736, amended, Workforce Improvement and Protection Act of 1998; and
H.R. 3633, Controlled Substances Trafficking Prohibition Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE REPORT--BLM MINING REGULATIONS
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1154,
amended, Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act of
1997; H.R. 1635, amended, National Underground Railroad Network to
Freedom Act of 1997; H.R. 1865, Spanish Peaks Wilderness Act of 1997;
H.R. 2411, amended, to provide for a land exchange involving the Cape
Cod National Seashore and to extend the authority for the Cape Cod
National Seashore Advisory Commission; H.R. 2538, amended,
Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act of 1997; H.R. 2742, amended,
California Indian Land Transfer Act; H.R. 2795, amended, Irrigation
Project Contract Extension Act of 1997; H.R. 2812, Unrecognized
Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition Act; H.R. 3267, amended,
Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea Reclamation Act; H.R. 3520, to adjust the
boundaries of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the adjacent
Wenatchee National Forest in the State of Washington; H.R. 3796, to
authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the administrative site
for the Rogue River National Forest and use the proceeds for the
construction or improvement of offices and support buildings for the
Rogue River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management; and H.R.
3797, Wyandotte Tribe Settlement Act of 1998.
[Page: D541]
The Committee also approved a Committee Report on Mining Regulations
promulgated by the Bureau of Land Management.
BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN INTEGRITY ACT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LIMIT
CAMPAIGN SPENDING
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing for
consideration of H.J. Res. 119, Constitutional Amendment to Limit
Campaign Spending, with one hour of general debate equally divided
between Representative DeLay and a Member in favor of the joint
resolution. The rule provides that the joint resolution shall be
considered as read. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in
recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee
of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to
reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote
follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. The rule also provides for consideration
of H.R. 2183, Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act of 1997, under a
modified open amending process any time after adoption of the rule. The
rule provides two hours of general debate, equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on House
Oversight. The rule provides for consideration of the amendments in the
nature of a substitute specified in the Rules Committee report
accompanying this resolution. The rule provides that each amendment in
the nature of a substitute may be offered only in the order specified,
may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed in the
Congressional Record or his designee, shall be considered as read, and
shall not be subject to a substitute amendment or to a perfecting
amendment carrying a tax or tariff measure. The rule waives all points
of order against the amendments in the nature of a substitute. The rule
provides one hour of general debate at the beginning of consideration of
each of the amendments in the nature of a substitute, which shall be
equally divided and controlled by the Member who caused it to be printed
in the Congressional Record or his designee and an opponent. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments to the amendments in the nature of a
substitute in the Congressional Record. The rule provides that if more
than one amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted, then only
the one receiving the greater number of affirmative votes shall be
considered as finally adopted and reported to the House. The rule allows
for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during
consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on
a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally,
the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Thomas and
Representatives DeLay, Shays, Fawell, Goodlatte, Horn, Smith of
Michigan, Bass, Campbell, Fossella, Hutchinson, Snowbarger, Gejdenson,
Obey, Stenholm, Kaptur, Traficant, Slaughter, Maloney of New York,
Meehan, Farr, Allen and Capps.
OVERSIGHT--EPA'S RULE ON PAINTS AND COATINGS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on EPA's Rule on Paints and Coatings: Has EPA met the
Research Requirements of the Clean Air Act? Testimony was heard from
Robert Brenner, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and
Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses.
SBA'S PROGRAMS TO ASSIST VETERANS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and
Oversight and the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs held a joint hearing on the SBA's Programs to Assist Veterans.
Testimony was heard from Clifton Toulson, Jr., Assistant Administrator,
Veterans Affairs, SBA; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads held a hearing on Federal Railroad Administration
Reauthorization: Regulatory Process. Testimony was heard from Donald M.
Itzkoff, Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration,
Department of Transportation; Phyllis F. Scheinberg, Associate Director,
Transportation Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development
Division, GAO; and public witnesses.
DISASTER MITIGATION ACT; SMALL WATERSHED PROJECTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended
H.R. 3869, Disaster Mitigation Act of 1998.
The Subcommittee also approved for full Committee action 2 Natural
Resources Conservation Service Small Watershed Projects.
[Page: D542]
WHISTLEBLOWER
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Whistleblower. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
1998/05/21
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 21, 1998, pages D545 - D556
Committee Meetings
U.S. AGRICULTURE, ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS AND THE IMF
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review U.S. Agriculture, the
Asian Financial Crisis, and the International Monetary Fund. Testimony
was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal
Reserve System; Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the Treasury; and Dan
Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture.
[Page: D553]
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: Doing
Business On-Line. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth and Families approved for full Committee action the
following measures: H. Res. 401, amended, expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives that social promotion in America's schools
should be ended and can be ended through the use of high-quality, proven
programs and practices; H. Res. 399, amended, urging the Congress and
the President to work to fully fund the Federal Government's obligation
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; H.R. 3254, IDEA
Technical Amendments Act of 1998; H.R. 3871, amended, to amend the
National School Lunch Act to provide children with increased access to
food and nutrition assistance during the summer months; H.R. 3874, WIC
Reauthorization Amendments of 1998; and H.R. 3892, to amend the
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 to establish a program to help
children and youth learn English.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS; RELEASING DEPOSITIONS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Ordered reported the
following bills: H.R. 3630, amended, to redesignate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 9719 Candelaria Road, NE, in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the "Steven Schiff Post Office"; H.R. 3808,
amended, to designate the United States Post Office located at 47526
Clipper Drive in Plymouth, Michigan, as the "Carl D. Pursell Post
Office"; H.R. 2798, to redesignate the building of the United States
Postal Service located at 2419 West Monroe Street, in Chicago, Illinois,
as the "Nancy B. Jefferson Post Office Building"; H.R. 2799, to
redesignate the building of the United States Postal Service located at
324 South Laramie Street, in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Reverend Milton
R. Brunson Post Office Building"; H.R. 1704, amended, Congressional
Office of Regulatory Analysis Creation Act.
The Committee also approved the following: pending Committee business;
and the release of 14 depositions regarding the campaign finance
investigation.
2000 CENSUS OVERSIGHT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Census
held a hearing on Oversight of the 2000 Census: Reviewing the Long and
Short Form Questionnaires. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Morella and Canady; and public witnesses.
ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS--TAIWAN'S POSITIVE ROLE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific approved for full Committee action amended H. Con. Res. 270,
acknowledging the positive role of Taiwan in the current Asian financial
crisis and affirming the support of the American people for peace and
stability on the Taiwan Strait and security for Taiwan's democracy.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on Intellectual Property
Rights: the Music and Film. Testimony was heard from Bruce Lehman,
Assistant Secretary and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2448, to provide protection from personal intrusion; and H.R. 3224,
Privacy Protection Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.R. 3682, Child Custody Protection Act. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Ros-Lehtinen, Oberstar and Smith of New Jersey;
Robert Graci, Assistant Executive Deputy Attorney General, Law and
Appeals, Criminal Law Division, Office of the Attorney General, State of
Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.
TRADEMARK LEGISLATION; OVERSIGHT--TRADEMARK PROTECTION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property on the following bills: H.R. 3891, Trademark Anticounterfeiting
Act of 1998; and H.R. 3119, to amend the Trademark Act of 1946 with
respect to the dilution of famous marks and an oversight hearing on
issues in trademark protection and the impact of regulatory delay on
patents. Testimony was heard from Representative Blunt; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D554]
SUBPOENAS; OVERSIGHT--INS RESTRUCTURE PROPOSALS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims
approved the issuance of subpoenas regarding the investigation of the
death of Esequiel Hernandez, Jr.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Alternative Proposals
to Restructure the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Rogers and Reyes; Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.
ROYALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
continues hearings on H.R. 3334, Royalty Enhancement Act of 1998, (Part
II). Testimony was heard from Cynthia Quarterman, Director, Minerals
Management Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.J. Res.
113, amended, approving the location of a Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial in the Nation's Capitol; H.R. 1042, amended, to amend the
Illinois and Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 to extend the
Illinois and Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor Commission; H.R. 1894, to
reauthorize the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Citizen
Advisory Commission for 10 additional years; H.R. 2223, amended,
Education Land Grant Act; H.R. 2776, to amend the Act entitled "An Act
to provide for the establishment of the Morristown National Historical
Park in the State of New Jersey, and for other purposes" to authorize
the acquisition of property known as the Warren property; H.R. 2993,
amended, to provide for the collection of fees for the making of motion
pictures, television productions, and sound tracks in National Park
System and National Wildlife Refuge System units; and H.R. 3047,
amended, to authorize expansion of Fort Davis National Historic Site in
Fort Davis, Texas, by 16 acres.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION
REFORM ACT OF 1998
Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 7 to 4, a rule waiving all
points of order against the conference report [except those arising
under clause 3 of rule XXVIII (pertaining to the scope of the
conference) and predicated on provisions in subtitle A of title V
(relating to the Food Stamp Program)] on S. 1150, Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, and against its
consideration except those arising under section 425 of the
Congressional Budget Act (relating to Unfunded Mandates)]. The rule also
provides that if a point of order against the conference report is
sustained for failure to comply with clause 3 or rule XXVIII the
conference report shall be considered as rejected and the pending
question shall be whether the House shall recede from its amendment and
agree to an amendment to the Senate bill consisting of the text of the
conference report as modified. Testimony was heard from Chairman Smith
of Oregon, and Representatives Smith of Texas and Stenholm.
EXPEDITED PROCEDURES--SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RULE
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 4(b)
of rule XI (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same
day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions
reported from the Rules Committee. The waiver applies to a special rule
reported on May 22, 1998, providing for consideration or disposition of
H.R. 2400, BESTEA, an amendment thereto, a conference report thereon, or
an amendment reported in disagreement from a conference thereon.
DOE LABS--EXTERNAL REGULATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research and the
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a joint oversight hearing on
External Regulation of DOE Labs: Status of OSHA and NRC Pilot Programs.
Testimony was heard from Elizabeth Moler, Deputy Secretary, Department
of Energy; Shirley A. Jackson, Chairman, NRC; Charles N. Jeffress,
Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health, Department of
Labor; and Victor S. Rezendes, Director, Energy, Natural Resources, and
Science Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division,
GAO.
OVERSIGHT--ASTEROIDS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an
oversight hearing on Asteroids: Perils and Opportunities. Testimony was
heard from Carl Pilcher, Science Director, Solar System Exploration,
NASA; Gregory Canavan, Senior Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory;
and public witnesses.
ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing
on entrepreneurial education. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D555]
FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on the Future of Social Security for this Generation and the
Next, with emphasis on proposals affecting Federal, State, and Local
Government Employees. Testimony was heard from Representatives Jefferson
and Frank of Massachusetts; Cynthia Fagnoni, Director, Income Security
Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; Geoffrey
Kollmann, Specialist in Social Legislation, Education and Public Welfare
Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and
public witnesses.
1998/05/22
Daily Digest - Friday, May 22, 1998, pages D557 - D562
Committee Meetings
CONFERENCE REPORT--TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2400,
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Shuster and
Representative Oberstar.
TICKET TO WORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 3433, Ticket to Work and
Self-Sufficiency Act of 1998, in the House without intervention of any
point of order. The rule provides that the amendment recommended by the
Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered
as adopted, modified by the amendment printed in the D561report of the
Committee on Rules. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on the
bill, as amended, equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule also
provides for consideration of an amendment printed in the Congressional
Record if offered by Representative Rangel or his designee, which shall
be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for one hour
equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Bunning and Kennelly.
[Page: D562]
1998/06/01
Daily Digest - Monday, June 1, 1998, pages D654 - D570
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/06/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 2, 1998, pages D572 - D576
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/06/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 3, 1998, pages D578 - D584
Committee Meetings
SELECTIVE AGRICULTURE EMBARGOES ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Nutrition, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing on H.R. 3654,
Selective Agriculture Embargoes Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from
Lon Hatamiya, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA; and
public witnesses.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session to begin mark up of the Department of Defense
appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
Will continue tomorrow.
[Page: D581]
HOW SANCTIONS CAN AFFECT U.S. POLICY INTERESTS
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on How Sanctions
Can Affect U.S. Policy Interests. Testimony was heard from Stuart
Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economics, Business and Agricultural
Affairs, Department of State; Jan Paul Acton, Assistant Director,
Natural Resources and Commerce Division, CBO; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on Effects of
Consolidation on the State of Competition in the Financial Services
Industry. Testimony was heard from Laurence Meyer, member, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; John Nannes, Deputy Assistant
Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; Bill Baer,
Director, Bureau of Competition, FTC; and public witnesses.
CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on H.
Con. Res. 284, revising the congressional budget for the United States
Government for fiscal year 1998, establishing the congressional budget
for fiscal year 1999 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for
fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, providing three hours of
general debate with two hours equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget,
including one hour on economic goals and policies equally divided and
controlled by Representative Saxton and Representative Stark. The rule
provides for the consideration as an original concurrent resolution for
the purpose of amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute
printed in part 1 of the Rules Committee report. The rule makes in order
only those amendments in the nature of a substitute printed in part 2 of
the Rules Committee report to be offered only in the order specified,
only by the Member designated, debatable for one hour each equally
divided and controlled and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule
waives all points of order against the amendments except that if an
amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted, it is not in order
to consider further substitutes. The rule allows the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
concurrent resolution, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a
postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule
permits the Chairman of the Budget Committee to offer amendments in the
House to achieve mathematical consistency pursuant to section 305(a)(5)
of the Budget Act. The rule suspends the application of House Rule XLIX
(relating to the establishment of the statutory limit on the public
debt) with respect to the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal
year 1999. Testimony was heard from Chairman Kasich and Representatives
Scarborough, Spratt, Minge, and Stenholm.
TIANANMEN SQUARE
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration of H. Con. Res. 285, expressing the sense of the Congress
that the President of the United States should reconsider his decision
to be formally received in Tiananmen Square by the Government of the
People's Republic of China, in the House. The rule provides one hour of
debate equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and a
Member opposed. The rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Gilman.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT--RESTORING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule
providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 78, proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States restoring religious freedom in the
House. The rule provides that the joint resolution shall be considered
as read, and that the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the joint
resolution shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides that the
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint
resolution, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto to final
passage without intervening motion except as specified. The rule
provides for one hour of debate on the joint resolution, as amended,
equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary. The rule also provides for consideration of
a further amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules
accompanying this resolution, which may be offered only by the Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, and shall be
separately debatable for one hour equally divided between the proponent
and an opponent. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Canady, Istook, Scott, Edwards, Bishop, and Green.
FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on the Future of Social Security for this Generation and the
Next, examining proposals regarding personal accounts. Testimony was
heard from Representative Smith of D582Michigan; Edward M. Gramlich,
member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Fred T. Goldberg,
Executive Director, Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D582]
INDIAN NUCLEAR TESTING--PANEL FINDINGS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Panel Findings on the Indian Nuclear Testing.
Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
1998/06/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 4, 1998, pages D585 - D592
Committee Meetings
FOREST SERVICE--OFF-BUDGET FUNDS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing on Review of off-budget funds
administered by the Forest Service. Testimony was heard from James J.
Meissner, Associate Director, Energy, Resources, and Science Issues,
Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; Ron
Stewart, Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest Service, USDA;
and public witnesses.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on National Security met in
executive session and approved for full Committee action the Department
of Defense appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
U.S. HOLOCAUST ASSETS COMMISSION ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 3662, U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Act of 1998.
Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on H.R. 3662.
Testimony was heard from Stuart Eizenstat, Under Secretary, Economics,
Business and Agricultural Affairs, Department of State; and public
witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: New Methods for Making Electronic
Purchases. Testimony was heard from Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., member,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended the
following measures: H. Res. 401, expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that social promotion in America's schools should be
ended and can be ended through the use of high-quality, proven programs
and practices; H. D590Res. 399, urging the Congress and the President to
work to fully fund the Federal Government's obligation under the
Individual with Disabilities Education Act; H.R. 3892, English Language
Fluency Act; H. Res. 417, regarding the importance of fathers in the
raising and development of their children; H.R. 3874, WIC
Reauthorization Amendments of 1998; and H.R. 3254, IDEA Technical
Amendments Act of 1998.
[Page: D590]
The Committee also approved Contract Agreements providing services to
the Committee regarding its oversight investigation of the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters election.
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA--SALE OF BODY PARTS
Committee on International Relations: Committee on Government Reform and
Oversight held a joint hearing on the Sale of Body Parts by the People's
Republic of China. Testimony was heard from Representative Linda Smith;
and public witnesses.
INDONESIA--U.S. POLICY OPTIONS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on U.S. Policy Options Toward Indonesia: What We
Can Expect; How We Can Help. Testimony was heard from Aurelia Brazael,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asia and the Pacific, Department of
State; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3891, Trademark
Anticounterfeiting Act of 1998.
The Subcommittee also began consideration of H.R. 3789, Class Action
Jurisdiction Act. of 1998.
IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
a hearing on H.R. 225, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to
permit certain aliens who are at least 55 years of age to obtain a
4-year nonimmigrant visitor's visa. Testimony was heard from
Representative McCollum; Paul Virtue, General Counsel, Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
DEPOT MAINTENANCE WORKLOAD COMPETITION
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on Competition for Depot
Maintenance Workload. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: J.S. Gansler, Under Secretary,
(Acquisition and Technology); F. Whitten Peters, Acting Secretary; and
Darleen A. Druyun, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary (Acquisition and
Management), both with the Department of the Air Force.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--FISHING VESSELS U.S. OWNERSHIP
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2291, to amend the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 to enable
the Secretary of the Interior to more effectively utilize the proceeds
of sales of certain items; H.R. 3460, to approve a governing
international fishery agreement between the United States and the
Republic of Latvia; and H.R. 3498, amended, Dungeness Crab Conservation
and Management Act.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on United States
Ownership of Fishing Vessels. Testimony was heard from Senator Stevens;
David Evans, Deputy Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; Rear Adm. Robert C. North, USCG., Assistant
Commandant, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN INTEGRITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the amendments printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying H.R. 2183, Bipartisan Campaign Integrity Act, if offered by
the Member designated in the report. The rule provides that the
amendment shall be considered as read.
IRAN MISSILE PROLIFERATION SANCTIONS ACT
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a closed rule
on H.R. 2709, Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997,
providing for a single motion offered by the chairman of the Committee
on International Relations or his designee to concur in each of the
Senate amendments. The rule provides that the Senate amendments and the
motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate
in the House equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on International Relations.
OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology concluded oversight
hearings on International Standards Part II: The Impact of Standards on
the Digital D591Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D591]
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Kyoto Protocol: The
Undermining of American Prosperity? Testimony was heard from Janet L.
Yellen, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers; and public witnesses.
SHIP SCRAPPING ACTIVITIES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Ship Scrapping
Activities of the United States Government. Testimony was heard from
Patricia Rivers, Chief, Environmental Restoration, Corps of Engineers,
U.S. Army, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL BUILDINGS SECURITY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on Security in Federal
Buildings. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GSA:
Robert Peck, Commissioner; and Eugene Waszily, Deputy Inspector General,
Audits; Bernard Ungar, Director, Government Business Operations Issues,
GAO; and public witnesses.
WETLANDS RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended
H.R. 1290, Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3980, Persian Gulf War
Veterans' Health Care and Research Act of 1998; H.R. 3336, to name the
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Gainesville, Florida,
as the "Malcolm Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center";
and H.R. 2775, to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs medical
center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, as the "H. John Heinz III Department
of Veterans Affairs Medical Center."
1998/06/05
Daily Digest - Friday, June 5, 1998, pages D594 - D600
Committee Meetings
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on Electronic Commerce: The Promise of Better Healthcare Through
Telemedicine. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATIES IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on H.R. 2281, WIPO Copyright Treaties
Implementation Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Community Services
Block Grant. Testimony was heard from Michael Micciche, Director,
Department of Community Services and Development, State of California;
Carlton Mitchell, Deputy Commissioner, Community Development, Department
of Youth and Community Development, New York City; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on the
Implementation of the Debt Collection Improvement Act. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury:
Jerry Hawke, Under Secretary; Richard Gregg, Commissioner, Financial
Management Service; and Richard Calahan, Acting Inspector General; Gary
Engel, Associate Director, Accounting and Information Management
Division, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Mark Catlett, Chief Financial Officer; and Todd Grams, Chief
Financial Officer, Veterans Health Administration; and D597Nelson Toye,
Deputy Comptroller, Department of Defense.
[Page: D597]
OVERSIGHT--HUD CONTRACTING
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held an oversight hearing on HUD Contracting: Vulnerabilities
and Proposed Solutions. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs: Susan Gaffney, Inspector
General; and Stephen Carberry, Chief Procurement Officer; Stanley J.
Czerwinski, Associate Director, Housing and Community Development
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
DRUG TESTING AND DRUG TREATMENT--CUTTING EDGE ISSUES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security,
International Relations, and Criminal Justice held a hearing on Cutting
Edge Issues in Drug Testing and Drug Treatment. Testimony was heard from
Representative Solomon; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported amended H. Res.
392, relating to the importance of Japanese-American relations and the
urgent need for Japan to more effectively address its economic and
financial problems and open its markets by eliminating informal barriers
to trade and investment, thereby making a more effective contribution to
leading the Asian region out of its current financial crisis, insuring
against a global recession, and reinforcing regional stability and
security.
The Committee also adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that
the following measures be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Con.
Res. 270, amended, acknowledging the positive role of Taiwan in the
current Asian financial crisis and affirming the support of the American
people for peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait and security for
Taiwan's democracy; and H. Res. 404, commemorating 100 years of
relations between the people of the United States and the people of the
Philippines.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3745, amended, Money
Laundering Act of 1998; and H.R. 3898, Speed Trafficking Life in Prison
Act of 1998.
1998/06/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 9, 1998, pages D602 - D608
Committee Meetings
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on H.R. 3844, Wireless Communications
and Public Safety Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Michael,
Chief, Emergency Medical Services Division, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; David Bibb, Deputy
Associate Administrator, Office of Governmentwide Real Property Policy,
GSA; and public witnesses.
HEAD START
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Head Start. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Mica and Sanchez; Carlotta Joyner,
Director, Education and Employment Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENT IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on
"Implementation of the Electronic Freedom of Information Amendments of
1996: Is Access to Government Information Improving?" Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Richard
L. Huff, Co-Director, Office of Information and Privacy; and John E.
Collingwood, Assistant Director, Office of Public and Congressional
Affairs, FBI; Patricia M. Riep-Dice, Freedom of Information Officer,
NASA; Abel Lopez, Acting Director, Freedom of Information Division,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
ACTS OF ECOTERRORISM
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on acts
of ecoterrorism committed by radical environmental organizations.
Testimony was heard from Representative Riggs; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL LAND USE POLICIES IMPACT ON RURAL COMMUNITIES
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Impact of
Federal Land Use Policies on Rural Communities. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
O&C LANDS PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on H.R. D6063542, O&C Lands Protection Act. Testimony was
heard from Carson Culp, Assistant Director, Minerals Realty and Resource
Protection, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and a
public witness.
[Page: D606]
BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a structured rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3150, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1998.
The rule waives section 303(a) of the Congressional Budget Act
(prohibiting consideration of legislation, as reported, providing new
budget authority, changes in revenues, or changes in the public debt for
a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that year has been agreed
to) against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
the Judiciary now printed in the bill be considered as an original bill
for the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the amendment in
the nature of a substitute shall be considered by title and that each
title shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute.
The rule provides that no amendment to the committee amendment in the
nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the
Rules Committee report, which may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report,
shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule
allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Gekas, McCollum,
Wolf, English of Pennsylvania, Nadler, Jackson-Lee, Delahunt, Moran of
Virginia, Velazquez, Bentsen, Blumenauer, Davis of Illinois and
Kilpatrick.
SALES INCENTIVE COMPENSATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 2888, Sales Incentive Compensation Act. The rule
makes in order the Committee on Education and the Workforce amendment in
the nature of a substitute as an original bill for amendment purposes,
which shall be considered as read. The rule allows for the Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule authorizes the Chair
to accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Goodling; and Representatives Fawell and Payne.
1998/06/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 10, 1998, pages D609 - D618
Committee Meetings
METHYL BROMIDE PHASE OUT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research held a hearing to review the phase out of
methyl bromide. Testimony was heard from Representatives Thomas, Herger
and Miller of Florida; Paul Stolpman, Director, Office of Atmospheric
Programs, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; Keith Pitts, Special
Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, USDA; and public witnesses.
OVER-THE-COUNTER DERIVATIVES MARKET REVIEW
[Page: D614]
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management and Specialty
Crops held a hearing to review the regulation of the over-the-counter
derivatives market. Testimony was heard from Brooksley Born,
Chairperson, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; John D. Hawke, Under
Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Richard
Lindsey, Director, Division of Market Finance, SEC; 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 approved
for full Committee action the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year
1999.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development approved for full Committee action the Energy and Water
Development Appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative approved for
full Committee action the Legislative Appropriations for fiscal year
1999.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction
approved for full Committee action the Military Construction
Appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
SECURITIES LITIGATION UNIFORM STANDARDS ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 1689, Securities
Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1997.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: The Future of
the Domain Name System. Testimony was heard from George Strawn, Division
Director, Division of Advanced Networking Infrastructure and Research,
NSF; J. Beckwith Burr, Acting Associate Administrator,
Telecommunications and Information and Director of the Office of
International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended the
following bills: H.R. 2869, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1970 to exempt safety and health assessments, audits, and reviews
conducted by or for an employer from enforcement action under such Act;
H.R. 2661, Sound Scientific Practices Act; H.R. 2873, to amend the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; and H.R. 3725, Postal
Service Health and Safety Promotion Act.
YEAR 2000 PROBLEM--STATUS UPDATE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology, hearing on the Status Update on
the Year 2000 Problem. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO: Joel
Willemssen, Director; and Jack L. Brock, Director, Governmentwide and
Defense Information Systems; John Callahan, Assistant Secretary,
Management and Budget, Department of Health and Human Services; Marshall
Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Education; William Curtis,
Special Assistant for the Year 2000, Command, Control, Communication and
Intelligence, Department of Defense; and Howard Lewis, Jr., Acting Chief
Information Officer, Department of Energy.
OVERSIGHT--U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Postal
Service held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Postal Service. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service:
William J. Henderson, Postmaster General and CEO; and Karla W. Corcoran,
Inspector General; and Bernard L. Ungar, Director, Government Business
Operations Issues, GAO.
CHINA--FORCED ABORTION AND STERILIZATION
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Forced Abortion and
Sterilization in China: The View from the Inside. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2893, to amend the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act to provide for appropriate study and repatriation of remains for
D615which a cultural affiliation is not readily ascertainable; and H.R.
3903, to provide for an exchange of lands located near Gustavus, Alaska.
Testimony was heard from Representative Hastings of Washington;
Katherine Stevenson, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Stewardship
and Partnership, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D615]
CHILD PROTECTION AND SEXUAL PREDATOR PUNISHMENT ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
1 hour of debate on H.R. 3494, Child Protection and Sexual Predator
Punishment Act of 1998. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the Committee on the
Judiciary amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the
bill, which shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of
order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute.
The rule provides for consideration of only those amendments printed in
the Rules Committee report accompanying this resolution, which may be
offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by
a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report.
The rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone
votes during consideration of the bill, and allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to reduce votes to five minutes on a postponed
question if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives McCollum, Franks of New Jersey, Bachus,
Bass, Foley, Gutknecht, Kelly, Salmon, Riley, Jackson-Lee, Lampson and
Sherman.
OVERSIGHT--ROLE OF SCIENCE IN MAKING EFFECTIVE DECISIONS
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on The Role of Science
in Making Effective Decisions. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY--DRUG INTERDICTION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Drug Interdiction
and other matters relating to the National Drug Control Policy.
Testimony was heard from Rear Adm. Ernest R. Riutta, USCG, Assistant
Commandant, Operations, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation;
Gregory K. Williams, Chief of Operations, Drug Enforcement
Administration, Department of Justice; Robert Brown, Assistant Deputy
Director, Office of Supply Reduction, Office of National Drug Control
Policy; Joseph W. Maxwell, Acting Executive Director, Air Interdiction,
U.S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS; COURT OF VETERANS' APPEALS ACT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an
oversight hearing on the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the Court of
Veterans Appeals and to review H.R. 3212, Court of Veterans Appeals Act
of 1998. Testimony was heard from Frank Q. Nebeker, Chief Judge, U.S.
Court of Veterans Appeals; Richard B. Standefer, Acting Chairman, Board
of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; and
representatives of various veterans' organizations.
INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on the
Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act of 1998. Testimony
was heard from Fred Hitz, Inspector General, CIA; Eleanor Hill,
Inspector General, Department of Defense; Michael Bromwich, Inspector
General, Department of Justice; Fred Kaiser, Specialist in National
American Government, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress; and Kate Martin, Director, Center for National Security
Studies.
1998/06/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 11, 1998, pages D619 - D626
Committee Meetings
FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Forest Service
timber sale program. Testimony was heard from Representatives Herger and
Stupak; James Lyons, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment,
USDA; Ray Craig, Assistant State Forester, Management Division,
Department of Forestry, State of Oregon; and public witnesses.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service,
and General Government approved for full Committee action the Treasury,
Postal Service, General Government Appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
MONEY LAUNDERING MEASURES
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
the following bills: H.R. 4005, Money Laundering Deterrence Act of 1998;
and H.R. 1756, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Strategy Act of
1997.
Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on these measures.
Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; the following officials of
the Department of the Treasury: Raymond W. Kelley, Under Secretary,
Enforcement; and Robert Serino, Deputy General Counsel, Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency; Mary Lee Warren, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; Jonathan Winer,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Division, Department of State; and public witnesses.
ENERGY CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power approved for
full Committee action H.R. 4017, Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act
of 1998.
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS AND NATIONAL ASSESSMENT
GOVERNING BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on reauthorization of the
National Assessment of Educational Progress and the National Assessment
Governing Board. Testimony was heard from Mary Blanton, Vice
Chairperson, National Assessment Governing Board; and public witnesses.
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARDS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held a hearing on Institutional Review Boards (IRBs): A System
in Jeopardy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: George F. Grob, Deputy
Inspector General, Evaluation and Inspections; Eric Meslin, Executive
Director, National Bioethics Advisory Committee; and Gary B. Ellis,
Director, Office of Protection D624from Research Risks, Office of
Extramural Research, NIH; and public witnesses.
[Page: D624]
RECONSTRUCTING SIERRA LEONE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing on Reconstructing Sierra Leone. Testimony was heard from Johnnie
Carson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, African Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.
U.S. CUSTOMS MODERNIZATION--IMPLICATIONS ON TRADE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on Modernization of U.S.
Customs: Implications On Trade. Testimony was heard from Stuart Seidel,
Assistant Commissioner (Rules and Regulations), U.S. Customs Service,
Department of the Treasury.
CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved
for full Committee action amended H.R. 3682, Child Custody Protection
Act.
OVERSIGHT; PROTECTING AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS TRADE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing on the United States Judicial
Conference, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and
the Federal Judicial Center. Testimony was heard from Wm. Terrell
Hodges, Chairman, Executive Committee, Judicial Conference of the United
States; Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of United
States Courts; and Rya W. Zobel, Director, Federal Judicial Center.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 3578, Protecting American
Small Business Trade Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey D.
Kovar, Assistant Legal Advisor, Department of State; and public
witnesses.
FBI'S NATIONAL INSTANT-CHECK SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
FBI's implementation of a national instant-check system for screening
prospective gun buyers. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Justice: James E. Kessler, Jr., Section Chief,
Operations Branch, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, FBI;
and Jan M. Chaiken, Director, Bureau of Justice Statistics; Lt. Robert
G. Kemmler, Assistant Records Management Officer, Firearms Transaction
Program, Department of State Police, State of Virginia; Lt. Col. Cynthia
Smith, Bureau Chief, Drug and Criminal Enforcement, State Police, State
of Maryland; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PRIVATE IMMIGRATION MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims
approved for full Committee action amended the following bills: H.R.
2837, Naturalization Reform Act of 1997; and H.R. 371, Hmong Veterans'
Naturalization Act of 1997.
The Committee also considered private immigration bills.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION--INFORMATION ASSURANCE
Committee on National Security: Subcommittee on Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing
on the Fiscal Year 1999 National Defense authorization request on
Critical Infrastructure Protection--Information Assurance. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Jeffrey
Hunter, Director, Critical Infrastructure Office; Linton Wells, II,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Command, Control, Communications
and Intelligence; and Brig. Gen. John H. Campbell, USAF, Deputy
Director, Information Operations (J-39).
OVERSIGHT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the impact of the spiny dogfish
harvest on striped bass. Testimony was heard from Richard Schaffer,
Chief, Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Hannibal Bolton,
Division Chief, Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; George Lapointe, Director,
Interstate Fisheries Management Program, Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1390, to
authorize the Government of India to establish a memorial to honor
Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia; H.R. 1728, amended, National
Park Service Administrative Amendment of 1997; H.R. 3109, Thomas Cole
National Historic Site Act; H.R. 3830, Utah Schools and Lands Exchange
Act of 1998; and H.R. 3055, amended, to deem the activities of the
Micosukee Tribe on the Tamiami Indian Reservation to be consistent with
the purposes of the Everglades National Park.
[Page: D625]
PASSENGER INTERFERENCE; CARRY-ON BAGGAGE REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
held a hearing on the problem of passenger interference with flight
crews and a review of H.R. 3064, Carry-on Baggage Reduction Act of 1997.
Testimony was heard from Guy Gardner, Associate Administrator,
Regulations and Certifications, FAA, Department of Transportation; and
public witnesses.
ADOPTION REUNION REGISTRIES--SCREENING OF ADULTS WORKING WITH CHILDREN
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a
hearing on Adoption Reunion Registries and Screening of Adults Working
with Children. Testimony was heard from Senators Levin, Craig and
Bennett; Representative Bliley; Kent Markus, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Department of Justice; Josette P. Marquess, Coordinator, Adoption
Reunion Registry and Post Adoption Services Unit, Department of Children
and Families, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
CHINA PROLIFERATION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on China Proliferation. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
1998/06/12
Daily Digest - Friday, June 12, 1998, pages D628 - D634
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/06/15
Daily Digest - Monday, June 15, 1998, pages D636 - D640
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/06/16
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 16, 1998, pages D641 - D648
Committee Meetings
APPROPRIATION BILLS; BUDGET ALLOCATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following
appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999: Energy and Water Development;
Military Construction; and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
The Committee also approved Section 302(b) Budget Allocations for fiscal
year 1999.
CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital
Markets, Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing
on H.R. 3637, Children's Development Commission Act. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on H.R. 3610, National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 1998. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
TEAMSTERS FINANCE REPORTING AND PENSION DISCLOSURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Financing Reporting and Pension Disclosures. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
[Page: D645]
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA--SALE OF BODY PARTS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, and the Committee on
International Relations held a joint hearing on the Sale of Body Parts
by the People's Republic of China, Part II. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: John Shattuck, Assistant
Secretary, Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Bureau; and Howard Lange,
Acting Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau; and a
public witness.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology approved for full Committee
action the following: as amended the Government Waste, Fraud, and Error
Reduction Act of 1998; H.R. 2508, amended, to provide for the conveyance
of Federal land in San Joaquin County, CA, to the city of Tracy, CA; and
the Federal Procurement System Performance Measurement and Acquisition
Workforce Training Act of 1998.
VICTIMS OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION AROUND THE WORLD
Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Victims of Religious
Persecution Around the World. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.R. 4019, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CONFERENCE REPORT--EDUCATION SAVINGS AND SCHOOL EXCELLENCE ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2646, Education
Savings and School Excellence Act of 1998, and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Archer.
TAX CODE TERMINATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on H.R. 3097, Tax Code Termination Act. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the
report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution be
considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Archer
and Representatives Largent and Boswell.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON U.S. SECURITY AND MILITARY/COMMERCIAL CONCERNS WITH
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Committee on Rules: Ordered reported amended H. Res. 463, to establish
the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial
Concerns With the People's Republic of China.
Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on this resolution.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Cox of California, Thomas and
Dicks; R. James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; Richard V. Allen, former
National Security Advisor; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development approved for full Committee action
the following bills: H.R. 2379, to designate the Federal building and
U.S. courthouse located at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, NC,
as the "Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse";
H.R. 2787, amended, to designate the United States courthouse located in
New Haven, Connecticut, as the "Richard C. Lee United States
Courthouse"; H.R. 3696, amended, to designate the Federal Courthouse
located at 316 North 26th Street in Billings, Montana, as the "James F.
Battin Federal Courthouse"; H.R. 3223, to designate the Federal building
located at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the "J.J. `Jake'
Pickle Federal Building"; and S. 1800, to designate the Federal building
and United States courthouse located at 85 Marconi Boulevard in
Columbus, Ohio, as the "Joseph P. Kinneary United States Courthouse".
The Subcommittee also approved for full Committee action the following:
9 Repair and Alteration Program resolutions; 1 Advanced Design Program
resolution; and 2 Boarder Station Construction Program resolutions.
YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEMS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problems and telecommunications systems.
Testimony was heard from Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Information
Resources Management, Accounting and Information Management, GAO;
Michael Power, Defense Commissioner, FCC; and public witnesses.D646
1998/06/17
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 17, 1998, pages D649 - D656
Committee Meetings
MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS--AGRICULTURAL TRADE--AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE
EAST
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the 1999 Multilateral
Negotiations on Agricultural Trade--Africa and the Middle East.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS; TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following
appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999: Defense; and Treasury, Postal
Service, General Government.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FUND REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on the reauthorization
of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury:
John D. Hawke, Jr., Under Secretary, Domestic Finance; Ellen Lazar,
Director, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and Richard
B. Calahan, Deputy Inspector General; Judy A. England-Joseph, Director,
Housing and Community Development Issues, Resources, Community and
Economic Division, GAO; and public witnesses.
PORTALS INVESTIGATION
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met
to receive subpoenaed documents in connection with the Subcommittee's
ongoing Portals investigation.
Adopted, by a vote of 9 to 6, a resolution finding Franklin L. Haney in
contempt for failure to comply with the subpoena duces tecum served on
him, and directing the Chairman of the Subcommittee to report such
finding to the full Committee for such action as the Committee deems
appropriate.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action the following
bills: H.R. 2921, Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection
Act of 1997; and H.R. 872, amended, Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of
1998.
[Page: D653]
The Subcommittee also began markup of H.R. 2281, WIPO Copyright Treaties
Implementation Act.
Will continue tomorrow.
TEAMSTERS FINANCE REPORTING AND PENSION DISCLOSURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations concluded hearings on International Brotherhood of
Teamsters Financing Reporting and Pension Disclosures. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor: John
Kotch, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Howard Campbell, Acting
Chief, Reporting and Disclosure Section, both with the Office of
Labor-Management Standards; Alan Lebowitz, Deputy Assistant Secretary;
Ian Dingwall, Chief Accountant; and Joseph Applebaum, Chief Actuary, all
with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE--CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT
IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing on the White House Global Climate Change Initiative and
Congressional Review Act Implementation: Is OMB Hiding the Truth About
New Regulations. Testimony was heard from Robert Murphy, General
Counsel, GAO; and G. Edward DeSeve, Deputy Director-Designate for
Management, OMB.
ADMINISTRATION'S POW/MIA POLICIES AND PROGRAMS--WORLDWIDE REVIEW
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Worldwide Review
of the Administration's POW/MIA Policies and Programs. Testimony was
heard from Charles Kartman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; Frederick C.
Smith, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security
Affairs/Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense; Ambassador
Malcolm Toon, Chairman, U.S.-Russian Joint Commission on POW/MIA; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 3849, Internet Tax Freedom Act; H.R. 3529, Internet Tax
Freedom Act; and H.R. 371, Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 1997.
The Committee began markup of H.R. 3682, Child Custody Protection Act.
Will continue June 23.
The Committee also considered pending Committee business.
EXPORT OF SATELLITES TO CHINA--U.S. POLICY
Committee on National Security and the Committee on International
Relations: Held a joint hearing on U.S. policy regarding the export of
satellites to China. Testimony was heard from Joan Johnson Freese,
Professor of International Security Studies, Air War College, Department
of the Air Force; Shirley A. Kan, Analyst in Foreign Affairs,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public
witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J.
Res. 113, approving the location of a Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
in the Nation's Capitol; H.R. 1659, amended, Mount St. Helens National
Volcanic Monument Completion Act; H.R. 1728, amended, National Park
Service Administrative Amendment of 1997; H.R. 1983, Narragansett
Justice Act; H.R. 2993, amended, to provide for the collection of fees
for the making of motion pictures, television productions, and sound
tracks in National Park System and National Wildlife Refuge System
units; H.R. 3460, amended, to approve a governing international fishery
agreement between the United States and the Republic of Latvia; and H.R.
3830, Utah Schools and Lands Exchange Act of 1998.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON U.S. SECURITY AND MILITARY/COMMERCIAL CONCERNS WITH
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1
hour of debate on H. Res. 463, to establish the Select Committee on U.S.
National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns With the People's
Republic of China. The rule provides that the resolution shall be
considered as read. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature
of a substitute now printed in the resolution shall be considered as
adopted. The rule provides that the previous question shall be
considered as ordered without intervening motion.
OVERSIGHT--HUMANE GENOME PROJECT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on The Humane Genome Project: How Private Sector
Developments Affect the Government Program. Testimony was heard from
Aristides A. Patrinos, Associate Director, Energy Research for Health
and Environmental Research, Department of Energy; Francis Collins, M.D.,
Director, National Human Genome D654Research Institute, NIH, Department
of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
[Page: D654]
VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM REVIEW
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
the Future of the VA Health Care System. Testimony was heard from
Kenneth W. Kizer, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Stephen P. Backhus, Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military
Health Care Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS--RENEWAL OF MFN STATUS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
U.S.-China trade relations and renewal of China's most-favored (MFN)
status. Testimony was heard from Representatives Stark, Solomon, Smith
of New Jersey, Weldon of Pennsylvania, Pelosi and Dooley; Susan
Esserman, General Counsel, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative;
Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.
U.S. ELECTORAL PROCESS--ALLEGED EFFORTS BY PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO
INFLUENCE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Update on Alleged Efforts by People's Republic of
China to influence U.S. Electoral Process. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Janet Reno, Attorney
General; and Louis J. Freeh, Director, FBI.
1998/06/18
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 18, 1998, pages D657 - D666
Committee Meetings
SELECTIVE AGRICULTURAL EMBARGOES ACT; RECREATIONAL CABIN FEES
Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3654, Selective
Agricultural Embargoes Act of 1998.
The Committee also held a hearing on H.R. 3765, to gradually increase
the fees paid by current holders of Forest Service special use permits
that authorize the construction and occupancy of private recreation
houses or cabins. Testimony was heard from Gloria Manning, Associate
Deputy Chief, National Forest System, USDA; and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Legislative
Appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia
held a hearing on District of Columbia's Fiscal Year 1999 Budget
Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
District of Columbia: Marion Barry, Jr., Mayor; and Linda W. Cropp,
Chairman, Council; and Andrew F. Brimmer, D.C. Financial Responsibility
and Management Assistance Authority.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior approved for full
Committee action the Interior appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent
Agencies began mark up of the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
BUDGET PROCESS REFORM
Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Budget Process held a hearing on
Members' Proposals to Reform the Budget Process. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Cox of California, Barton of Texas, Stenholm, Sabo
and Castle.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: Investing On-line. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATIES IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action amended H.R.
2281, WIPO Copyright Treaties Implementation Act.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES--LEGISLATIVE OPTIONS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on Making the
Federal Government Accountable: Legislative Options to Improve Financial
Management Practices. Testimony was heard from Representatives Armey and
Neumann; Gene L. Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller General, GAO; and a
public witness.
DRUG CULTURE--SHATTERING MYTHS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice held a hearing on
"Shattering the Myths of the Drug Culture-Celebrity Role Models Just Say
No." Testimony was heard from Representatives Watts of Oklahoma and
Ryun; and public witnesses.
INDIA-PAKISTAN NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on India-Pakistan Nuclear Proliferation.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
State: Karl F. Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary, South Asian Affairs; and
Robert J. Einhorn, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Nonproliferation; and
David Aaron, Under Secretary, International Trade, Department of
Commerce.
CLASS ACTION JURISDICTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property held a hearing on H.R. D6633789, Class Action Jurisdiction Act
of 1998. Testimony was heard from Representative Moran of Virginia; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D663]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held
a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2986, for the relief of the
survivors of the 14 members of the Armed Forces and the one United
States civilian who were killed on April 14, 1994, when the United
States fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down 2 helicopters in Iraq; and
H.R. 3022, to amend title 19, United States Code, to authorize the
settlement and payment of claims against the United States for injury
and death of members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense
civilian employees arising from incidents in which claims are settle for
death or injury of foreign nationals. Testimony was heard from
Representative Collins; Elijay B. Bowron, Assistant Comptroller General,
Special Investigations, GAO; Capt. Elliott L. Bloxom, USN, Director of
Compensation, Military Personnel Policy, Office of Under Secretary
(Personnel and Readiness), Department of Defense; Donald M. Remy, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Department of Justice; and
public witnesses.
EXPORTS OF SATELLITES TO CHINA--U.S. POLICY
Committee on National Security: and the Committee on International
Relations continued joint hearings on U.S. policy regarding the export
of satellites to China. Testimony was heard from Jan Lodel, Principal
Deputy Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Defense; John Holum,
Acting Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and
William Reinsch, Under Secretary, Export Administration, Department of
Commerce.
Hearings continue June 23.
ROYALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 3334, Royalty
Enhancement Act of 1998.
GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1481, Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife
Restoration Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives
LaTourette and English of Pennsylvania; Gary Edwards, Assistant
Director, Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; Gavin C. Christie, Integrated Management of Sea Lamprey
Specialist, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Department of State; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2970, National Historic
Lighthouse Preservation Act of 1997; H.R. 3746, to authorize the
addition of the Paoli Battlefield site in Malvern, Pennsylvania, to the
Valley Forge National Historical Park; H.R. 3883, to revise the boundary
of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site to include Knob
Creek Farm; and H.R. 3910, Automobile National Heritage Area Act of
1998. Testimony was heard from Representatives Weldon of Pennsylvania,
Souder, Lewis of Kentucky, Dingell, Levin, Knollenberg and Upton; Denis
Galvin, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 1688, Lewis and Clark Rural Water System
Act of 1997; H.R. 2108, Dutch John Federal Property Disposition and
Assistance Act of 1997; and H.R. 2306, Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water
System Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Senator Johnson;
Representatives Thune, Minge, and Latham; Eluid Martinez, Commissioner,
Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Susan D. Kladiva,
Associate Director, Energy, Resources and Science Issues, GAO; Gary
Hanson, Mayor, Sioux Falls, State of South Dakota; and public witnesses.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 4059, making appropriations for military
construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the
Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999. The
rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure
to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
appropriations and legislative provisions in general appropriations
bill), and clause 6 of rule XXI (prohibiting re-appropriations in
general appropriations bills).
The rule permits the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments
in the Congressional Record. The rule allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
provided the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. The D664rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule
provides that the allocations contemplated by section 302(a) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 shall be considered as made to the
Committee on Appropriations. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Packard and Hefner.
[Page: D664]
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 4060, making appropriations for energy and water
development for the fiscal year ending September 30 1999. The rule
waives clause 7 of rule XXI (requiring relevant printed hearings and
reports to be available for three-days prior to the consideration of a
general appropriations bill) against consideration of the bill.
The rule waives clause 2 (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in a general appropriations bill); clause 5(b)
(prohibiting tax or tariff provisions in a bill not reported by a
committee with jurisdiction over revenue measures); and clause 6
(prohibiting reappropriations in a general appropriations bill) of rule
XXI against the bill.
The rule permits the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments
in the Congressional Record. The rule also allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to postpone votes during consideration of the
bill, and to reduce voting time to five minutes on a postponed question
if the vote follows a fifteen minute vote. The rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives McDade and Fazio.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 4058, to
amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize programs of the
Federal Aviation Administration; H.R. 2748, amended, Airline Service
Improvement Act; and H.R. 4057, amended, Airport Improvement Program
Reauthorization Act of 1998, 9:30 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits approved for
full Committee action a measure providing the following: a
cost-of-living adjustment and making various improvements in education,
housing, and cemetery programs; and administrative provisions relating
to the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the Court of Veterans Appeals.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on these
proposals. Testimony was heard from Nora Egan, Deputy Under Secretary,
Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on the Future of Social Security for this Generation and the
Next, examining proposals regarding personal accounts. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
U.S.-VIETNAM TRADE RELATIONS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
U.S.-Vietnam trade relations, including the Administration's renewal of
Vietnam's waiver under the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of
1974. Testimony was heard from Senator Kerry; Representatives Smith of
New Jersey and Rohrabacher; Pete Peterson, Ambassador to Vietnam; and
public witnesses.
CHINA AND MISSILE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on China and Missile Technology Transfers. Testimony was
heard from George J. Tenet, Director, CIA.
1998/06/19
Daily Digest - Friday, June 19, 1998, pages D668 - D676
Committee Meetings
BORDER SMOG REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment approved
for full Committee action amended H.R. 8, Border Smog Reduction Act of
1997.
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on American Worker Project: Evaluating
Regulatory Practices at the U.S. Department of Labor. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor: Ida
Castro, Acting Director, Women's Bureau; and Suzanne Seiden, Director,
Special Projects, Wage and Hour Division; and a public witness.
COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT; PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full
Committee action the following: H.R. 218, amended, Community Protection
Act of 1997; and the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 1998.
1998/06/22
Daily Digest - Monday, June 22, 1998, pages D678 - D682
Committee Meetings
YEAR 2000: BIGGEST PROBLEMS--PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology, hearing on Year 2000: Biggest
Problems and Proposed Solutions. Testimony was heard from Edward DeSeve,
Deputy Director, Management, OMB; Rona Stillman, Chief Scientist,
Computers and Telecommunications, GAO; and public witnesses.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 4101,
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1999, providing one hour of general debate equally divided
between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations. The rule waives clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI (relating to
the 3 day availability of the report) and clause 7 of rule XXI (relating
to the 3 day availability of printed hearings) against consideration of
the bill. The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report of
the Committee on Rules shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives
clause 2 (prohibiting unauthorized and legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill) and clause 6 (prohibiting reappropriations in an
appropriations bill) of rule XXI against the bill as amended. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule
allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Skeen,
Nethercutt, Petri, Pombo, Lewis of Kentucky, Kaptur, Obey and Lowey.
1998/06/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 23, 1998, pages D683 - D692
Committee Meetings
LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services, and Education approved for full Committee action the Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations for Fiscal Year
1999.
INTERNATIONAL BANKING AND FINANCE--YEAR 2000 CHALLENGE
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the Year
2000 Challenge to International Banking and Finance. Testimony was heard
from Ernest T. Patrikis, First Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of
New York; and public witnesses.
EMERGENCIES--BUDGETARY TREATMENT
Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Budget Process, hearing on
Budgetary Treatment of Emergencies. Testimony was heard from James Lee
Witt, Director, FEMA; from the following officials of the CBO: James
Blum, Deputy Director; and Theresa Gullo, Chief, State and Local
Government Cost Estimates; and Keith Bea, Specialist, American National
Government, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
STATES' ALTERNATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations,
held a hearing on States' Alternative Environmental Compliance
Strategies. Testimony was heard from Michael Gryszkowiec, Director,
Planning and Reporting, GAO; the following officials of the EPA: Nikki
L. Tinsley, Acting Inspector General; and Eric Schaeffer, Director,
Office of Regulatory Enforcement; David B. Struhs, Commissioner,
Department of Environmental Quality, State of Massachusetts; and Mike
Phillips, Director, Strategic Projects and Planning, Department of
Environmental Protection, State of Florida.
ANTI-SLAMMING MEASURES
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Protecting Consumers Against
Slamming, focusing on the following bills: H.R. 3888, Anti-slamming
Amendments Act; and H.R. 3050, Slamming Prevention and Consumer
Protection Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Goodlatte; Smith of New Jersey and Bass; Lawrence E. Strickling, Deputy
Bureau Chief, Common Carrier Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses.
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAM
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Youth, and Families held a hearing on Comprehensive School
Reform Program. Testimony was heard from Gerald Tirozzi, Assistant
Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education;
and public witnesses.
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Adopted a resolution
granting Congressional immunity to Irene Wu, Nancy Lee, Larry Wong, and
Kent La regarding the Committee's campaign fundraising investigation.
CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3682, Child
Custody Protection Act.
Committee recessed subject to call.
EXPORTS OF SATELLITES TO CHINA--U.S. POLICY
Committee on National Security: and the Committee on International
Relations concluded joint hearings on U.S. policy regarding the export
of satellites to China. Testimony was heard from Walter B. Slocombe,
Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Defense; John Holum, Acting Under
Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and William Reinsch,
Under Secretary, Export Administration, Department of Commerce.
OVERSIGHT--FOREST SERVICE LAW ENFORCEMENT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Forest Service Law Enforcement. Testimony was
heard from Barry T. Hill, Associate Director, Energy, Resources, and
Science Issues, GAO; Robert Joslin, Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA;
and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action the following bills: S. 1693, Vision
2020 National Parks System Restoration Act; and H.R. 4004, to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance to the Casa Malpais
National Historic Landmark in Springerville, Arizona, and to establish
the Lower East Side Tenement National Historic Site.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 3705, Ivanpah Valley
Airport Public Lands Transfer D689Act. Testimony was heard from Pete
Culp, Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection,
Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and a public
witness.
[Page: D689]
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 4103, making appropriations for the
Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999. The
rule waives points of order against consideration of the bill for
failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI (requiring a three day
layover of the committee report), clause 7 of rule XXI (requiring
printed hearings and reports to be available for three days prior to
consideration of general appropriations bills), or section 306 of the
Budget Act of 1974 (prohibiting consideration of legislation within the
jurisdiction of the Budget Committee unless reported by that committee).
The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution shall be considered as
adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole.
The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill which do
not comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill) and clause 6 of rule
XXI (prohibiting reappropriations in a general appropriations bill). The
rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members
who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The
rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone
votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to
five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen
minute vote. The rule provides that consideration of section 8106 for
amendment under the five minute rule shall not exceed one hour. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instruction.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Young of Florida, Gilman,
Sessions, Murtha, Skaggs and Maloney of New York.
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 4104,
making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the United States
Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain
independent agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999,
providing one hour of general debate equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations.
The rule waives points of order against consideration of the bill for
failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI (requiring a 3-day
layover of the committee report), or clause 7 of rule XXI (requiring
printed hearings and reports to be available for 3 days prior to
consideration of general appropriations bills). The rule provides that
the amendments printed in part 1 of the report of the Committee on Rules
accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted in the House
and in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives points of order
against provisions in the bill, as amended, which do not comply with
clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized or legislative
appropriations in a general appropriations bill) and clause 6 of rule
XXI (prohibiting reappropriations in a general appropriations bill),
except as specified in the rule. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendments printed in part 2 of the Rules Committee report
and provides that such amendments may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule
allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kolbe, Morella,
Hoyer, Obey, Lowey, DeLauro and Maloney of New York.
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY FINANCING ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a
hearing on H.R. 3684, Employment Security Financing Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from Grace Kilbane, Director, Unemployment Insurance
Service, Department of Labor; Robert R. Cupp, Senator, President Pro
Tempore, and Co-Chairman, Finance Committee, Senate, State of Ohio;
Joseph Weisenburger, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Employment
Security, State of New Hampshire; Douglas Jamerson, Secretary,
Department of Labor and Employment Security, State of Florida; and
public witnesses.
INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES--TAX CODE COMPLEXITY IMPACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
the impact of complexity in the tax code for individual taxpayers and
small D690businesses. Testimony was heard from Carl Olandt, Unemployment
Compensation Director of Accounts, Labor Department, State of
Connecticut; and public witnesses.
[Page: D690]
TRADE MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H.R. 2316, to amend trade laws
and related provisions to clarify the designation of normal trade
relations; and H.J. Res. 120, disapproving the extension of the waiver
authority contained in section 402(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 with
respect to Vietnam.
DOD COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session
to hold a hearing on DOD Counterintelligence. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
1998/06/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 24, 1998, pages D694 - D704
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT MEASURES
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource
Conservation, and Research approved for full Committee action proposed
legislation concerning agricultural credit.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
and Judiciary approved for full Committee action the Commerce, Justice,
State, and Judiciary appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia
held a hearing on Public Education, on Corrections and Public Safety
Fiscal Year 1999 Budget requests. Testimony was heard from Gloria
Jarmon, Director, GAO; Robert E. Langston, Chief, National Park Service
Police, Department of the Interior; Stephen D. Harlan, member, D.C.
Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; Maudine
Cooper, Chair, Emergency Transitional Education Board of Trustees; and
the following officials of the District of Columbia: Wilma Harvey,
President, Board of Education; Arlene Acherman, Superintendent, Public
Schools; Josephine Baker, Chair, Public Charter School Board; Margaret
A. Moore, Director, Department of Corrections; John L. Clark,
Corrections Trustee; John A. Carver, Trustee, Court Services and
Offender Supervision; Charles H. Ramsey, Chief, Metropolitan Police
Department; Donald Edwards, Chief, Fire Department; and Annice M.
Wagner, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals.
The Subcommittee also obtained information on the general D.C. Fiscal
year 1999 budget request. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PORTALS INVESTIGATION--CONTEMPT CITATION
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended the following bills:
H.R. 872, Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1998; H.R. 2921,
Multichannel Video Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1997; H.R.
8, Border Smog Reduction Act of 1998; and H.R. 1689, Securities
Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998.
The Committee also approved, by a roll call vote of 26 yeas to 18 nays,
a Report finding Franklin L. Haney in Contempt of Congress and directing
the Speaker to certify the Report with respect to Mr. Haney to the U.S.
Attorney for the District of Columbia.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended the
following bills: H.R. 3248, Dollars in the Classroom Act; and H.R. 3007,
Commission on the Advancement of Women in Science, Engineering, and
Technology Development Act.
AMERICAN WORKER PROJECT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations continued hearings on American Worker Project: Meeting
the Needs of the 21st Century Workplace. Testimony was heard from
Stephen Goldsmith, Mayor, Indianapolis, State of Indiana; and public
witnesses.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ISSUES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service held a hearing on Civil Service Reform Issues. Testimony was
heard from Janice LaChance, Director, OPM; Mike Brostek, Associate
Director, Federal Workforce and Management Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs continued
hearings D701on "The Kyoto Protocol: Is the Clinton-Gore Administration
Selling Our Americans? Part IV." Testimony was heard from Senator Enzi;
Ernest Moniz, Under Secretary, Department of Energy; Eliza Perry, City
Councilwoman, Homestead, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
[Page: D701]
COLOMBIAN HEROIN CRISIS
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Colombian Heroin
Crisis. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Tom Kneir: Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal
Investigation Division, FBI; and Donnie Marshall, Acting Deputy
Administrator, DEA; and Bonnie G. Tischler, Assistant Commissioner,
Office of Investigation, U.S. Customs Service, Department of the
Treasury.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa approved
for full Committee action the following measures: H. Res. 415, to
promote independent radio broadcasting in Africa; and H. Con. Res, 292,
amended, calling for an end to the recent conflict between Eritrea and
Ethiopia.
CHINA AND ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT: SUCCESS OR FAILURE?
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Economic Policy and Trade held a hearing on China and Economic
Engagement: Success or Failure? Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY EFFECTS OF CONSOLIDATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the Effects of
Consolidation on the State of Competition in the Telecommunications
Industry. Testimony was heard from Joel Klein, Assistant Attorney
General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; Susan Ness,
Commissioner, FCC; and public witnesses.
CLASS ACTION JURISDICTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual
Property approved for full Committee action H.R. 3789, Class Action
Jurisdiction Act of 1998, amended.
INTERNET GAMBLING PROHIBITION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R.
2380, Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1997. Testimony was heard
from Kevin Di Gregory, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal
Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
ENCOURAGE COMPETITION AND TAX FAIRNESS AND PROTECT TAX BASE OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 1168, to encourage
competition and tax fairness and to protect the tax base of State and
local governments. Testimony was heard from Representatives Istook,
Visclosky and LaHood; Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing
1 hour of debate on H.R. 4112, making appropriations for the Legislative
Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999. The rule waives
clause 2(I)(6) of rule XI (requiring a 3 day layover of the committee
report), clause 3 of rule XXI (requiring that the report include a list
of unauthorized accounts), clause 7 of rule XXI (requiring relevant
printed hearings and reports be available for three days prior to the
consideration of a general appropriations bill), and section 401 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (prohibiting consideration of
budget-related legislation, as reported, that is not subject to
appropriations) against consideration of the bill.
The rule waives clause 2 (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in a general appropriations bill), and clause 6
(prohibiting reappropriations in a general appropriations bill), of rule
XXI against provisions in the bill, except against section 108
(mandating participation in government transit programs). The rule
provides that no amendments will be in order except those printed in the
Rules Committee report accompanying this resolution. The rule provides
that each amendment may be considered only in the order printed in the
report, may be offered only by a member designated in the report, shall
be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided
between the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to
amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments
printed in the report. The rule provides that the chairman of the
Committee of the Whole may postpone recorded votes on any amendment and
that the chairman may reduce voting time on postponed questions to 5
minutes, provided that the voting time on the first in a series of
questions is not less than 15 minutes. Finally, the rule provides one
motion to recommit with or without instruction. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Walsh, Serrano, Hoyer, Farr, Gutierrez and Blumenauer.
[Page: D702]
CONFERENCE REPORT--IRS RESTRUCTURING AND REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2676, Internal
Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Archer.
ADJOURNMENT RESOLUTION
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for the
consideration of a concurrent resolution providing for the adjournment
of the House and Senate for the Independence Day district work period.
The rule waives all points of order against the consideration of the
resolution.
OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on Houston, We Have a
Problem: The Administration's Plan to Fix the International Space
Station. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the NASA:
Daniel Goldin, Administrator; and Jay Chabrow, Chairman, Cost Assessment
and Validation Task Force, Advisory Council; and Allen Li, Associate
Director, GAO.
HUBZONE PROGRAM
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and
Oversight held a hearing on the HubZone Program. Testimony was heard
from Jesse L. White, Jr., Federal Co-Chairman, Appalachian Regional
Commission; Ralph C. Thomas, III, Associate Administrator, Office of
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, NASA; the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Loyd C. Alderman, Director,
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Defense
Logistics Agency; and Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Office of the Secretary of the Army;
Richard L. Hayes, Associate Deputy Administrator, Government Contracting
and Minority Enterprise Development, SBA; and Robin Douglas, Regional
Manager, Western Maryland, Department of Business and Economic
Development, State of Maryland.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 3980, amended, Persian Gulf Veterans Health Care and Research Act
of 1998; and H.R. 4110, Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 1998.
ERA OF SURPLUSES--MANAGING THE PUBLIC DEBT
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Managing the Public Debt
in an Era of Surpluses. Testimony was heard from Paul L. Posner,
Director, Budget Issues, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; Gary Gensler, Assistant Secretary, Financial Markets, Department of
the Treasury; and public witnesses.
1998/06/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 25, 1998, pages D705 - D716
Committee Meetings
FOOD QUALITY PROTECTION ACT--IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Nutrition, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review the
implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act. Testimony was heard
from Richard Rominger, Deputy Secretary, USDA; D714Fred Hansen, Deputy
Administrator, EPA; Jean-Mari Peltier, Chief Deputy Director,
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulation,
State of California; and public witnesses.
[Page: D714]
AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION'S USE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities held
a hearing to review the Administration's use of agricultural export
programs. Testimony was heard from Representative Hill and August
Schumacher, Jr., Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services, USDA.
INTERIOR AND VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following
appropriations for fiscal year 1999: Interior and VA, HUD and
Independent Agencies.
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Began markup of H.R. 219,
Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 1997.
Will continue July 15.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: Consumer
Protection in Cyberspace. Testimony was heard from Eileen Harrington,
Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, Bureau of Consumer
Protection, FTC; Shirley Sarna, Assistant Attorney General, Bureau of
Consumer Frauds and Protection, State of New York; and public witnesses.
IMPEDIMENTS TO UNION DEMOCRACY
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations continued hearings on Impediments to Union
Democracy, Part II: Right to Vote in the Carpenter's Union? Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
NIGERIA--PROSPECTS FOR DEMOCRACY
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Prospects for
Democracy in Nigeria. Testimony was heard from Susan Rice, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
following bills; H.R. 4100, Free Market Prison Industries Reform Act of
1998; and H.R. 2758, Federal Prison Industries Competition in
Contracting Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice: Kathleen Hawk
Sawyer, Director; and Steve Schwalb, Assistant Director; Michael J.
Sullivan, Secretary, Department of Corrections, State of Wisconsin; and
public witnesses.
RADIATION WORKERS JUSTICE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration held a hearing
on H.R. 3539, Radiation Workers Justice Act of 1998. Testimony was heard
from Representative Redmond; Donald M. Remy, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Civil Division, Department of Justice; Lawrence J. Fine, M.D.,
Director, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field
Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Center
for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FOREST SERVICE TRAINING
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Forest Service Training. Testimony was heard
from Ron Stewart, Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest
Service, USDA.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES OVERSIGHT--AUBURN DAM SITE;
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 4111, amended, to
provide for outlet modifications to Folsom Dam, a study for
reconstruction of the Northfork American River Cofferdam, and the
transfer to the State of California all right, title, and interest in
and to the Auburn Dam; H.R. 1282, amended, to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to convey certain facilities of the Minidoka project to the
Burley Irrigation district; H.R. 1943, amended, to convey certain real
property within the Carlsbad Project in New Mexico to the Carlsbad
Irrigation District; H.R. 3056, to provide for the preservation and
sustainability of the family farm through the transfer of responsibility
for operation and maintenance of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project;
H.R. 3687, amended, to authorize prepayment of amounts due under a water
reclamation project contract for the Canadian River Project, Texas; and
H.R. 4048, amended, to convey the Sly Park Dam and Reservoir to the El
Dorado Irrigation District.
The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the status of the Auburn
Dam Site and the potential to transfer the Federal interest to the State
of California. Testimony was heard from John Zirschky, Acting Assistant
Secretary of the Army, Civil D715Works, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D715]
OVERSIGHT--CHINA: DUAL-USE SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Science: Held an oversight hearing on China: Dual-Use Space
Technology. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS EXPANSION ACT
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 4078, Women's Small
Business Expansion Act of 1998.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; RESOLUTIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the
following bills: H.R. 2379, to designate the Federal building and U.S.
courthouse located at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, NC, as the
"Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse"; H.R.
2787, amended, to designate the United States courthouse located in New
Haven, Connecticut, as the "Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse";
H.R. 3696, amended, to designate the Federal Courthouse located at 316
North 26th Street in Billings, Montana, as the "James F. Battin Federal
Courthouse"; H.R. 3982, amended, to designate the Federal building
located at 310 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina, as the "Terry
Sanford Federal Building"; H.R. 3223, to designate the Federal building
located at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the "J.J. `Jake'
Pickle Federal Building"; S. 1800, to designate the Federal building and
United States courthouse located at 85 Marconi Boulevard in Columbus,
Ohio, as the "Joseph P. Kinneary United States Courthouse"; Corps of
Engineers Survey Resolutions; NRCS Small Watershed Project Resolutions;
H.R. 3869, amended, Disaster Mitigation Act of 1998; H.R. 4058, to amend
title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize programs of the Federal
Aviation Administration; H.R. 2748, amended, Airline Service Improvement
Act; and H.R. 4057, amended, Airport Improvement Program Reauthorization
Act of 1998.
The Committee approved the following resolutions: 12 Public Building; 9
construction; 1 advance design; 2 repair and alteration; 9 Corps of
Engineers Survey; and 2 NRCS Small Watershed Project.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing of the U.S.
Role in the International Maritime Organization. Testimony was heard
from Rear Adm. Robert C. North, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Marine
Safety, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE CORRECTIONS ACT; TRADE MEASURES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 3249, Federal
Retirement Coverage Corrections Act.
The Committee adversely reported the following measures: H.J. Res. 120,
disapproving the extension of the waiver authority contained in section
402(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to Vietnam; and H.J. Res.
121, disapproving the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment
(most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of the People's Republic
of China.
1998/06/26
Daily Digest - Friday, June 26, 1998, pages D717 - D720
Committee Meetings
HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Human Rights in China.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D720]
1998/07/06
Daily Digest - Monday, July 6, 1998, pages D722 - D726
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/07/07
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 7, 1998, pages D727 - D730
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/07/08
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 8, 1998, pages D731 - D734
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/07/09
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 9, 1998, pages D736 - D740
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
1998/07/10
Daily Digest - Friday, July 10, 1998, pages D741 - D746
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/07/13
Daily Digest - Monday, July 13, 1998, pages D747 - D750
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
1998/07/14
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 14, 1998, pages D752 - D760
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSED CONTRACTING REGULATIONS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on "The Administration's Proposed
Contracting Regulations: `Good Government' or `Blacklisting'?" Testimony
was heard from Edward DeSeve, Controller and Acting Deputy Director,
Management, OMB; Cornelia Blanchette, Associate Director, Education and
Employment Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
NAZI WAR CRIMES DISCLOSURE ACT
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 4007 and
S. 1379, Nazi War Crimes Disclosure Act. Testimony was heard from
Senator DeWine; William Z. Slany, Historian, Department of State; Lewis
J. Bellardo, Deputy Archivist, National Archives and Records
Administration; former Representative Elizabeth Holtzman of New York;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on the
Federal Advisory Committee Act. Testimony was heard from L. Nye Stevens,
Director, Federal Management and Workforce Issues, GAO; G. Martin
Wagner, Associate Administrator, Governmentwide Policy, GSA; Ruth L.
Kirschstein, Deputy Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human
Services; Jim Solit, Committee Management Officer, Department of Energy;
Bruce Alberts, President, National Academy of Sciences; and public
witnesses.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.R. 4019, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
LETHAL DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a
hearing on H.R. 4006, Lethal Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from John A. Kitzhaber, Governor, State of Oregon;
and public witnesses.
CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration in the House of H.R. 3682, Child Custody Protection Act,
with 2 hours of debate. The rule provides that the Judiciary Committee
amendment now printed in the bill will be considered as adopted.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Canady,
Ros-Lehtinen, Watt of North Carolina and Jackson Lee of Texas.
SONNY BONO MEMORIAL SALTON SEA RECLAMATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule
providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3267, Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea
Reclamation D758Act. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration in the House. The rule provides, in lieu of the Resources
Committee amendment, that an amendment in the nature of a substitute
printed in the report of the Committee on Rules shall be considered as
adopted. The rule provides for an amendment to be offered by
Representative Miller of California or his designee printed in the
Congressional Record, which shall be considered as read, and shall be
debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and
the opponent. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit,
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Radanovich, Lewis of California and Miller of California.
[Page: D758]
TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 4104, making appropriations for the Treasury
Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of
the President, and certain Independent Agencies, for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1999. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with section 306 of the
Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting consideration of legislation
within the Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported by the
Budget Committee). The rule waives points of order against section 628
for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized or legislative provisions in a general appropriation bill).
The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional
Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting
time to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a
fifteen minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions.
1998/07/15
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 15, 1998, pages D761 - D770
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Commerce, Justice,
State, and Judiciary appropriations for fiscal year 1999.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs approved for full committee action the
Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Relations appropriations for
fiscal year 1999.
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE AVAILABILITY ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended
H.R. 219, Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 1997.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on Electronic Commerce: The Energy Industry in the Electronic Age.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
NBA PIONEERS--PENSION FAIRNESS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations held a hearing on Pension Fairness for NBA
Pioneers. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held a hearing on Washington Convention Center
Authority. Testimony was heard from Andrew Brimmer, Chairman, District
of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance
Authority; the following officials of the District of Columbia: Marion
Barry, Mayor; and Linda Cropp, Chairman, City Council; Gloria Jarmon,
Director, Health, Education, and Human Services Accounting and Financial
Management Issues, GAO; Rick Hendricks, Director, Project Development,
National Capital Division, GSA; and Terry Golden, Chairman, Washington
Convention Center Authority.
KYOTO PROTOCOL
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National
Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs continued
hearings on "The Kyoto-Protocol: Is the Clinton-Gore Administration
Selling Out Americans?" (Part V). Testimony was heard from John C.
Horsley, Associate Deputy Secretary and Director, Office of
Intermodalism, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.
AFRICA--COMBATING INTERNATIONAL CRIME
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a
hearing on Combating International Crime in Africa. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Tom Kneir,
Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI; and
Michael Horn, Chief, Foreign Operations, DEA; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; OVERSIGHT--ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported amended H.R. 4111, to provide
for outlet modifications to Folsom Dam, a study for reconstruction of
the Northfork American River Cofferdam, and to transfer to the State of
California all right, title, and interest in and to the Auburn Dam.
The Committee also held an oversight hearing on the Endangered Species
Act. Testimony was heard from Michael Anable, Deputy State Land
Commissioner, Land Department, State of Arizona; Renne Lohoefener,
Assistant Regional Director, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; Peter Coppelman, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Department of
Justice; Eleanor S. Towns, Regional Forester, USDA; and public
witnesses.
VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 4194, making appropriations for the Department of
Veterans D767and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry
independent agencies, commissions, corporations, and offices for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1998. The rule waives section 306
(prohibiting consideration of legislation within the Budget Committee's
jurisdiction, unless reported by the Budget Committee) of the
Congressional Budget Act against consideration of the bill.
[Page: D767]
The rule provides that the amendment printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution shall be considered as
adopted. The rule waives clause 6 (prohibiting reappropriations in an
appropriation bill) of rule XXI against provisions in the bill and
clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized and legislative
provisions in an appropriations bill) against provisions in the bill as
amended, except as otherwise specified in the rule.
The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the Congressional
Record and numbered 12, which may be offered only by Representative
Leach or a designee, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to
a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee
of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment
numbered 12.
The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional
Record. The rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
to postpone votes during consideration of the bill, and to reduce votes
to five minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen
minute vote. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Lewis of
California, Tiahrt, Leach, Lazio of New York, Kelly, Stokes, Obey,
Kennedy of Massachusetts, Engel and Gutierrez.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Representatives Regula, Johnson
of Connecticut, Stearns, Greenwood, Yates and Gutierrez, but action was
deferred on H. R. 4193, making appropriations for the Department of the
Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998.
OVERSIGHT--SCIENCE OF RISK ASSESSMENT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held an
oversight hearing on the Science of Risk Assessment: Implications for
Federal Regulation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESSES--YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Impact of the Year
2000 (Y2K) Computer Problem on Small Businesses. Testimony was heard
from Fred Hochberg, Deputy Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND COMPLIANCE
PROGRAM
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the U.S.
Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection and Compliance Programs.
Testimony was heard from Capt. Thomas H. Gilmour, USCG, Director, Field
Activities, Office of Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.
U.S.-JAPAN TRADE RELATIONS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
United States-Japan Trade Relations. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Levin, Bereuter and Graham; and public witnesses.
1998/07/16
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 16, 1998, pages D771 - D780
Committee Meetings
TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation approved for
full Committee action the Transportation appropriations for fiscal year
1999.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS--RELIEVING REGULATORY BURDEN
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on proposals to reduce
unnecessary regulatory burden on the financial services industry and
streamlining the regulatory process. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Metcalf, Kelly and McCollum; Laurence H. Meyer, member,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following officials of
the Department of the Treasury: Julie L. Williams, Acting Comptroller of
the Currency; and Carolyn Buck, Chief Counsel, Office of Thrift
Supervision; Donna Tanoue, Chairman, FDIC; and public witnesses.
REWARDING PERFORMANCE IN COMPENSATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 2710, Rewarding Performance in
Compensation Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Human
Resources held an oversight hearing on Early Childhood Interventions:
Public-Private Partnerships. Testimony was heard from Lincoln C. Almond,
Governor, State of Rhode Island; and public witnesses.
U.S. AND RUSSIA: ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. and Russia:
Assessing the Relationship. Testimony was heard from Steve Sestanovich,
Ambassador-at-Large, Office of the Special Adviser to the D778Secretary
For the Newly Independent States, Department of State; Paul Goble,
Director, Communications Division, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty,
Inc., USIA; and public witnesses.
[Page: D778]
U.S. AND KOREA--COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF RELATIONS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia approved for
full Committee action H. Res. 459, commemorating 50 years of relations
between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended the following
bills: H.R. 3891, Trademark Anticounterfeiting Act of 1998; and H.R.
4090, Public Safety Act Officer Medal of Valor Act of 1998.
The Committee also approved private immigration bills.
COMMISSION TO ASSESS THE BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT TO THE U.S.
Committee on National Security: Held a hearing on the findings and
conclusions of the Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to
the United States. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to the United
States: Donald Rumsfeld, Chairman; William R. Graham and Gen. George Lee
Butler, USAF
(Ret.), both members.
GREAT LAKES FISH AND WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT; OVERSIGHT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife
and Oceans approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 1481, Great
Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1997.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Pilot Program to
Control Non- Indigenous Species Nutria at the Blackwater National
Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. Testimony was heard from Glenn Carowan,
Refuge Manager, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Sarah Taylor-Rogers,
Assistant Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, State of Maryland;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--REGIONAL HAZE
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held
an oversight hearing on Regional Haze. Testimony was heard from Janice
McDougal, Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, Forest
Service, USDA; John Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, EPA; Don Matlick, Director, Smoke Management, Department of
Forestry, State of Oregon; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3981, to modify the
boundaries of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument; H.R.
4109, to authorize the Gateway Visitor Center at Independence National
Historical Park; H.R. 4141, to amend the Act authorizing the
establishment of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area to
modify the boundaries of the Area, and to provide for the protection of
lands, waters, and natural, cultural, and scenic resources within the
national recreation area; and H.R. 4158, National Park Enhancement and
Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Speaker Gingrich;
Representatives Bateman, Fox of Pennsylvania, Bartlett of Maryland and
Borski; Destry Jarvis, Assistant Director, External Affairs, National
Parks System, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for
full Committee action amended the following bills: H.R. 2161, to direct
the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Palmetto Bend Project to the
State of Texas; H.R. 3677, to authorize and direct the Secretary of the
Interior to convey certain works, facilities, and titles of the Gila
Project, and Designated Lands within or adjacent to the Gila Project, to
the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District; H.R. 3706, Clear
Creek Distribution System Conveyance Act; and H.R. 3715, Pine Ridge
Project Conveyance Act.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY--SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COSTS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing
on the social and economic costs of teenage pregnancy. Testimony was
heard from Val Stevens, Senator, State of Washington; and public
witnesses.
SBA'S PROPOSED NEW AUTOMATED LOAN MONITORING SYSTEM
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and
Oversight held a hearing with respect to the SBA's Proposed New
Automated Loan Monitoring System. Testimony was heard from Joel
Willemssen, Director, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; the following officials of the SBA: John L. Gray, Associate Deputy
Administrator; and Lawrence E. Barrett, Chief Information Officer; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D779]
MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION REQUESTS; GSA IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Public
Buildings and Economic Development held a hearing on the Status of the
Courthouse Construction Program, U.S. Mission to the United Nations
Construction Request and comments on H.R. 2751, General Services
Administration Improvement Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Judge
Norman Stahl, Chairman, Security and Facilities Committee, Judicial
Conference of the United States; Judge Ann C. Williams, U.S. District
Court, Northern District of Illinois; Robert Peck, Commissioner, Public
Buildings Service, GSA; and Ambassador A. Peter Burleigh, Deputy
Representative to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
OVERSIGHT--STANDARDS FOR ADJUDICATING CLAIMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an
oversight hearing on the standards for adjudicating claims presented by
veterans suffering from hepatitis C, cerebral malaria and Persian Gulf
illnesses. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Teresa Wright, M.D., Director,
Gastroenterology, VA Medical Center San Francisco; John Booss, Director,
Neurology; Robert Epley, Director, Compensation and Pension Service,
Veterans Benefits Administration; and Nils Roberts Varney, Psychologist,
VA Medical Center Iowa City; and representatives of various veterans
organizations.
ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN TO DELAY IMPLEMENTATION OF BALANCED BUDGET ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
the Administration's Plan to Delay Implementation of the Balanced Budget
Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from Senator Collins; Representative
Pappas; Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; William J.
Scanlon, Director, Health Financing Systems, GAO; and public witnesses.
1998/07/17
Daily Digest - Friday, July 17, 1998, pages D781 - D790
Committee Meetings
FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES SUPERVISORY IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R.
4062, Financial Derivatives Supervisory Improvement Act of 1998.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
Hearings continue July 24.
DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT
Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 2281, Digital
Millennium Copyright Act of 1998.
EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS REPORT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations adopted the following Subcommittee report "Education at a
Crossroads: What Works and What's Wasted in Education Today".
OVERSIGHT--CIVIL RIGHT DIVISION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an
oversight hearing on the Civil Rights Division of the Department of
Justice. Testimony was heard from Bill Lann Lee, Acting Assistant
Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CIVIL APPLICATION OF RICO TO NONVIOLENT ADVOCACY GROUPS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight
hearing addressing the civil application of the Racketeering Influenced
Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) to nonviolent advocacy groups. Testimony
was heard from Frank J. Marine, Acting Chief, Organized Crime and
Racketeering Section, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
COUNTERNARCOTICS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Counternarcotics. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
1998/07/20
Daily Digest - Monday, July 20, 1998, pages D792 - D798
Committee Meetings
STATE OF CANCER RESEARCH
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a
hearing on The State of Cancer Research. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of
Health and Human Services: Edison Liu, M.D., Director, Division of
Clinical Sciences; and Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Chief of Surgery; and
public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule
on H.R. 4193, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior
and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999,
providing one hour of general debate equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations.
The rule waives section 306 (prohibiting matters within the jurisdiction
of the Budget Committee in a measure not reported by it) or 401
(prohibiting consideration of budget-related legislation, as reported,
that is not subject to appropriations) of the Budget Act against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution shall be
considered as adopted.
The rule waives clause 2 (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations and
legislative provisions) and clause 6 (prohibiting reappropriations in an
appropriations bill) of rule XXI against the bill except as follows:
page 88, line 10, through page 89, line 6 (NEA). The rule makes in order
those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report, which shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the
report equally divided between a proponent and an opponent, and shall
not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of order against
the amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule
allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the bill, and to reduce voting time to five
minutes on a postponed question if the vote follows a fifteen minute
vote. The rule waives clause 2(e) of rule XXI prohibiting non-emergency
amendments to be offered to a bill containing an emergency designation
under the Budget Act) against amendment to the bill. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions.
1998/07/21
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 21, 1998, pages D800 - D808
Committee Meetings
ENERGY POLICY ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing
on H.R. 2568, Energy Policy Act Amendments of 1997. Testimony was heard
from Thomas Gross, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Transportation
Technologies, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and
Consumer Protection continued hearings on Electronic Commerce: Privacy
in Cyberspace, focusing on data privacy measures, including H.R. 2368,
Data Privacy Act of 1997. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the FTC: Robert Pitofsky, Chairman; Orson Swindle, Sheila
F. Anthony and Mozelle W. Thompson, all Commissioners; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on Civil
Service approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
2526, to amend title 5, United States Code, to make the percentage
limitations on individual contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan more
consistent with the dollar amount limitation on elective deferrals; H.R.
2566, Civil Service Retirement System Actuarial Redeposit Act of 1997;
H.R. 4280, to provide for greater access to child care services for
Federal employees; and H.R. 2943, to amend title 5, United States Code,
to increase the amount of l |
