106th Congress (1999 - 2000)

January 6 - December 3, 1999

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

1999/01/06
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 6, 1999; pages D1 - D 8

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Rules: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Met for organizational purposes. 



1999/01/07
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 7, 1999;  pages D10 - D11

Committee Meetings


COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Commerce: Met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANY TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT; COMMITTEE
ORGANIZATION

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 68, Small Business
Investment Company Technical Corrections Act of 1999. 

Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on this legislation.
Testimony was heard from Lee Mercer, President, National Association of Small
Business Investment Companies. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 98, to amend chapter 443 of title 49, United States Code, to
extend the aviation war risk insurance program; and H.R. 99, to amend title
49, United States Code, to extend Federal Aviation Administration programs
through September 30, 1999. 

The Committee also met for organizational purposes. 



1999/01/08
Daily Digest - Friday, January 8, 1999; pages D14 - D16

Committee Meetings

CHINA--CRACKDOWN ON DISSIDENTS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Nipping Democracy in
the Bud: The New Crackdown on Dissidents in China. Testimony was heard from
the following former Prisoners of Conscience, People's Republic of China: Wei
Jingsheng; Liu Nianchun; Yao Zhenxian; and Xu Shuiliang. 



1999/01/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 12, 1999; pages D17 - D18

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 14, 1999; pages D20 - D22

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/15
Daily Digest - Friday, January 15, 1999; pages D24 - D26

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/16
Daily Digest - Saturday, January 16, 1999; pages D27 - D28

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/19  [This entry typed into file.]
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 19, 1999;  pages D29 - D55

Committee meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on International Relations:  Met for organizational purposes.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Resources:  Met for organizational purposes.



1999/01/20
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 20, 1999; pages D57 - D60

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Met for organizational purposes. 

STATE OF U.S. MILITARY FORCES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the state of U.S. military
forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Gen. Henry H. Shelton, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen.
Dennis J. Reimer, USA, Chief of Staff, Army; Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN, Chief
of Naval Operations; Gen. Michael E. Ryan, USAF, Chief of Staff, Air Force;
and Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. 

Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on the Budget: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee also approved an oversight plan for the 106th Congress and
created a Task Force on Social Security. 

YEAR 2000 PROBLEM

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Oversight of the Year 2000
Problem: Status of Federal, State, Local and Foreign Governments. Testimony
was heard from John Koskinen, Chairman, President's Council on the Year 2000
Conversion; Joel Willemssen, Director, Accounting and Information Management
Division, GAO; and Lawrence K. Gershwin, National Intelligence Officer for
Science and Technology, National Intelligence Council. 

HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Human Rights in China.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Harold Hongju Koh, Assistant Secretary, Democracy, Human Rights and Labor;
Susan L. Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs;
Louisa Coan, Senior Program Officer for Asia, National Endowment for
Democracy; and public witnesses. 

OUTLOOK--U.S. ECONOMY IN 1999

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Outlook for the State of
the U.S. Economy in 1999. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



1999/01/21
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 21, 1999; pages D62 - D64

Committee Meetings

PRESERVING AND STRENGTHENING SOCIAL SECURITY

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Preserving and Strengthening
Social Security. Testimony was heard from Jack Kemp, former Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development; Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., CEO and President,
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; and Alicia Munnell, Peter F. Drucker, Chair,
Management Sciences, Boston College. 



1999/01/22
Daily Digest - Friday, January 22, 1999; pages D65 - D68

Committee Meetings

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--NEW VISIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on New Visions for the District
of Columbia. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District
of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor; and Linda Cropp, Chair, City Council;
and Alice Rivlin, Chair, District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and
Management Assistance Authority. 



1999/01/23
Daily Digest - Saturday, January 23, 1999; pages D69 - D70

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 
                                           [Page: D70]


1999/01/25
Daily Digest - Monday, January 25, 1999; pages D71 - D72

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/26
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 26, 1999; pages D73 - D76

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/01/27
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 27, 1999; pages D78 - D80

Committee Meetings

STATE AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION REFORMS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Straight Talk:
Leadership in State and Community Education Reforms. Testimony was heard from
Senator Voinovich and Tom Ridge, Governor, State of Pennsylvania. 



1999/01/28
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 28, 1999; pages D81 - D86

Committee Meetings

IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL REFORM--STATES AND COMMUNITIES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Implementing
School Reform in the States and Communities. Testimony was heard from Pat
Forgione, Jr., Commissioner, National Center for Education Statistics,
Department of Education; Lisa Graham Keegan, Superintendent of Public
Instruction, Department of Education, State of Arizona; Nancy S. Grasmick,
Superintendent of Schools, Department of Education, State of Maryland; Gery
Chico, President, Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees, Chicago, Illinois;
and a public witness. 



1999/01/29
Daily Digest - Friday, January 29, 1999; pages D87 - D88

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/02/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 2, 1999; pages D89 - D94

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
House of Representatives, the Office of Compliance and on the Financial
Managers Council. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
House of Representatives: Jay Eagen, Chief Administrative Officer; Jeff
Trandahl, Clerk; Wilson S. Livingood, Sergeant at Arms; John W. Lainhart, IV,
Inspector General; and John F. Eisold, M.D., Attending Physician; the
following officials of the Office of Compliance: Virginia Seitz, member, Board
of Directors; and Ricky Silberman, Executive Director; and the following
officials of the Financial Managers Council: Richard Brown, Deputy Assistant
Comptroller General, Operations, GAO; and John Webster, Director, Financial
Services, Library of Congress. 

YEAR 2000 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on fiscal year 2000 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. 

Hearings continue February 10. 

TRANSFER BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FACILITIES TO LOCAL IRRIGATION AUTHORITIES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
transfer of title of Bureau of Reclamation facilities to local irrigation
authorities. Testimony was heard from Eluid Martinez, Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

FAA SHORT-TERM EXTENSION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 99, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend
Federal Aviation Administration programs through September 30, 1999, equally
divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives clause 4(a) of Rule XIII
(requiring a three-day layover of the committee report) and sections 302(f)
(prohibiting consideration of legislation providing new budget authority in
excess of a subcommittee's 302(b) allocation) and 303(a) (prohibiting
consideration of legislation providing new budget authority or contract
authority for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that fiscal year
has been agreed to) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 against the
consideration of the bill. 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 7 of Rule XVI (prohibiting
nongermane amendments) and sections 302(f) and 303(a) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. 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 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
Chairman Shuster and Representative Oberstar. 

MANDATES INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Ordered reported, amended, H.R. 350, Mandates Information
Act of 1999. 

MANDATES INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House and
Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process held a joint hearing on H. R.
350, Mandates Information Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Condit, Portman and Boehlert; James L. Blum, Acting Director,
CBO; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

IMPACTS OF CURRENT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
impacts of the current Social Security system. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

                                           [Page: D92]

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



1999/02/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 3, 1999; p. D95 - D100

Committee Meetings

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Joint Economic Committee, the GAO, the GPO, the Joint Committee on Taxation,
the Architect of the Capitol, and the Capitol Police Board. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Saxton and Archer; David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer, GPO; Alan M. Hantman,
Architect of the Capitol; the following officials of the Capitol Police Board:
James W. Ziglar, Sergeant at Arms, Senate, Chairman; Wilson Livingood,
Sergeant at Arms, House of Representatives, and Alan M. Hantman, Architect of
the Capitol, both Board members; and Gary L. Abrecht, Chief, U.S. Capitol
Police. 

                                           [Page: D97]

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS

Committee on Armed Services: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on
threats to U.S. national security. Testimony was heard from George Tenet,
Director, CIA.; and Lt. Gen. Patrick M. Hughes, USA, Director, Defense
Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Approved an Oversight Plan for
the 106th Congress. 

CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIP ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held an oversight hearing on the National
Credit Union Administration's implementation of the Credit Union Membership
Access Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
National Credit Union Administration: Norman D'Amours, Chairman; Yolanda Wheat
and Dennis Dollar, both Board Members; and public witnesses. 

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET SUBMISSION

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Budget Submission
for Fiscal Year 2000. Testimony was heard from Jacob J. Lew, Director, OMB. 

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SAFETY ACT AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE SAFETY ACT
REAUTHORIZATIONS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on
reauthorization of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act and the Hazardous
Liquid Pipeline Safety Act. Testimony was heard from Kelley Coyner,
Administrator, Research and Special Programs, Department of Transportation;
and public witnesses. 

WIRELESS PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT ACT; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 514, Wireless Privacy
Enhancement Act of 1999 and H.R. 438, Wireless Communications and Public
Safety Enhancement Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Thomas Surgue,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief, FCC; Maureen Finnerty, Associate
Director, Parks Operations and Education, Department of the Interior; John
Parsons, Associate Regional Director, National Capital Region, National Park
Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
391, Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1999; H.R. 433,
District of Columbia Management Restoration Act of 1999; H.R. 416, Federal
Retirement Coverage Corrections Act; H.R. 437, Presidential and Executive
Office Financial Accountability Act of 1999; and H.R. 436, Government Waste,
Fraud and Error Reduction Act of 1999. 

Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes and
approved an Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on House Administration: Approved an Oversight Plan for the 106th
Congress and a Drug Testing Policy for the House of Representatives. 

The Committee also considered other pending committee business. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIRPORT EXPANSION;
OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 149,
amended, Omnibus Parks Technical Corrections Act of 1999; H.R. 171, to
authorize appropriations for the Coastal Heritage Trail Route in New Jersey;
and H.R. 193, Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River Act. 

The Committee also held an oversight hearing on the impact of the expansion of
the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on the Minnesota Valley
National Wildlife Refuge. Testimony was heard from Senator Grams;
Representative Ramstad; Dan Ashe, Assistant Director, Refuges and Wildlife,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Lynn Pickard,
Manager, Community and Environmental Needs Division, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses. 

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

MANDATES INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 350, Mandates Information Act of 1999. The rule waives points
of order against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause
4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three day layover of the committee report) and
section 306 of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting consideration of
legislation within the D98Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported by
the Budget Committee). 

                                           [Page: D98]

The rule considers the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by
the Committee on Rules now printed in the bill, as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment which is considered as read. The rule waives points of
order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute for failure to
comply with section 306 of the Congressional Budget Act. 

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 to
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
15 minutes. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. 

PAPERWORK ELIMINATION ACT; MICROLOAN PROGRAM TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT;
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 439,
Paperwork Elimination Act; and H.R. 440, Microloan Program Technical
Corrections Act. 

Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes. 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION--PRESENT AND FUTURE TRENDS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Ground
Transportation held a hearing on Present and Future Trends in Ground
Transportation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

SSI FRAUD AND ABUSE; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
SSI fraud and abuse. Testimony was heard from Representative Filner; the
following officials of the SSA: John Dyer, Principal Deputy; and James G.
Huse, Jr., Acting Inspector General; Cynthia Fagnoni, Director, Income
Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes. 

IMPACTS OF CURRENT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on impacts of the current Social Security system, with emphasis on
Social Security protections for women. Testimony was heard from Barbara
Bovbjerg, Associate Director, Income Security Issues, Health, Education, and
Human Services Division, GAO; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 10th. 

AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT; U.S. TRADE RELATIONS WITH SUB-SAHARAN
AFRICA

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade approved for full Committee
action H.R. 434, African Growth and Opportunity Act. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. trade relations with Sub-Saharan
Africa. Testimony was heard from Senator Gramm; Representative Jackson of
Illinois; William Daley, Secretary of Commerce; Robert Rogowsky, Director of
Operations, U.S. International Trade Commission; Jack Kemp, former Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development; Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations; and public witnesses. 



1999/02/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 4, 1999; pages D102 - D108

Committee Meetings

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS

Committee on Armed Services: Met in executive session to conclude hearings on
threats to U.S. national security. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the CIA: John Gannon, Chairman, National Intelligence Council;
and the following National Intelligence Officers: Robert Walpole, Strategic
and Nuclear Programs; Ben Bonk, Near East and South Asia; Barry Lowenkron,
Europe; and Mary Tighe, East Asia. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT--ESTABLISH OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on a proposal to establish an
Office of Management in the Executive Office of the President. Testimony was
heard from G. Edward DeSeve, Acting Deputy Director, Management, OMB; the
following officials of the Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress: Virginia McMurty, Specialist, American National Government; and
Ronald C. Moe, Specialist, Government Organization and Management; Paul
Posner, Director, Budget Issues, Accounting and Information Management, GAO;
and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on International Relations: Continued to meet for organizational
purposes. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on the Judiciary: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 15, Otay Mountain Wilderness Act of 1999;
H.R. 150, Education Land Grant Act; and H.R. 154, 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 Representatives Bilbray, Hayworth and Hefley;
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Tom Fry, Acting
Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Stephen Saunders, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Paul Brouha, Associate Deputy Chief,
Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Science: Met for organizational purposes. 

                                          [Page: D105]

FINANCIAL NEEDS OF AIRPORTS, FAA, AND AVIATION SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on the financial needs of airports, the FAA, and the aviation
system, focusing on the financial commitment needed to enhance the safety of
our airports and air traffic control systems. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

Hearings continue February 10. 

OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD EXPENDITURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on oversight of U.S. Coast Guard
Expenditures. Testimony was heard from Rear Adm. Thad Allen, USCG, Director of
Resources, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee met for organizational purpose. 

PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2000 BUDGET

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2000 Budget. Testimony was heard from Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the
Treasury. 



1999/02/06
Daily Digest - Saturday, February 6, 1999; pages D110 - D112

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1999/02/08
Daily Digest - Monday, February 8, 1999; pages D114 - D118

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/02/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 9, 1999; pages D120 - D124

Committee Meetings

AFRICA--AMERICA'S STAKE IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
America's stake in trade and investment in Africa. Testimony was heard from
Rosa Whitaker, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Africa, and public
witnesses. 

COMMUNITY PROTECTION AND HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the Community Protection and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Act of 1999.
Testimony was heard from Barry T. Hill, Associate Director, Resources
Community and Economic Development Division, GAO; Larry Payne, Assistant
Deputy State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 391, Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act Amendments of 1999.
The rule waives section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting
consideration of legislation providing new budget authority or contract
authority for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that fiscal year
has been agreed to) against the consideration of the bill. The rule provides
that the bill 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 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 Chairman Burton and Representatives
Horn, McIntosh, Kucinich and Turner. 

PRESIDENTIAL AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 437, Presidential and Executive Office Financial Accountability
Act of 1999. The rule provides that the bill 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 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
Chairman Burton and Representatives Horn, McIntosh, Kucinich and Turner. 

GOVERNMENT WASTE, FRAUD AND ERROR REDUCTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 436, Government Waste, Fraud and Error Reduction Act of 1999.
The rule waives section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting
consideration of legislation providing new budget authority or contract
authority for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that fiscal year
has been agreed to) against the consideration of the bill. The rule provides
that the bill 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 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 Chairman
Burton and Representatives Horn, McIntosh, Kucinich and Turner. 

COMMITTEE BUDGET AND OVERSIGHT PLANS

Committee on Rules: Committee approved its budget for 1999 and 2000 and
adopted its Oversight plans for the 106th Congress. 



1999/02/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 10, 1999; pages D125 - D130

Committee Meetings

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; REVIEW LIVESTOCK PRICES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 17,
Selective Agricultural Embargoes Act of 1999; and H.R. 609, to amend the
Export Apple and Pear Act to limit the applicability of the Act to apples. 

The Committee also held a hearing to review livestock prices. Testimony was
heard from Keith Collins, Chief Economist, USDA; and public witnesses. 

Prior to those actions, the Committee met for organizational purposes and
approved the Committee's Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies began appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold hearings on European Command and U.S. Central 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. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Ronald E. Stewart, Deputy Chief,
Programs and Legislation, Forest Service, USDA; and Barry T. Hill, Associate
Director, Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, Resources Community and
Economic Development Division, GAO. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education began D127appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Donna
Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services. 

                                          [Page: D127]

The Subcommittee held a hearing on the Health Care Financing Administration.
Testimony was heard from and the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Administrator, Health Care
Financing Administration; and Dennis P. Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Budget. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

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

The Subcommittee held a hearing on the Library of Congress and CBO. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: James H.
Billington, Librarian; and Donald L. Scott, Deputy Librarian; and the
following officials of the CBO: Dan L. Crippen, Director; and Barry B.
Anderson, Deputy Director. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Began hearings on H.R. 10,
Financial Services Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on H.R.
45, Nuclear Waste Policy Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Gibbons
and Berkley; Lake H. Barrett, Acting Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive
Waste Management, Department of Energy; Jared Cohon, Chairman, U.S. Nuclear
Waste Technical Review Board; Shirley Ann Jackson, Chairman, NRC; Robert
Perciasepe, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA; Stuart E.
Schiffer, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Commercial Litigation Branch,
Civil Division, Department of Justice; Kenny Guinn, Governor, State of Nevada;
Kevin Phillips, Mayor, Caliente, Nevada; and public witnesses. 

INTERNET POSTING--CHEMICAL WORST-CASE SCENARIOS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing on Internet
Posting of Chemical "Worst-Case" Scenarios: A Roadmap for Terrorists?
Testimony was heard from Robert M. Burnham, Section Chief, Domestic Terrorism,
National Security Division, FBI, Department of Justice; Tim Fields, Acting
Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA;
Brett Burdick, Environmental Programs Manager, Department of Emergency
Services, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 

WIRELESS PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT ACT; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 514,
Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act of 1999; and H.R. 438, amended, Wireless
Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; COMMITTEE FUNDING; COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported H.R. 221, to amend
the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit certain youth to perform
certain work with wood products. 

The Committee also approved the Committee Budget request for the 106th
Congress; and the Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS--WASTE AND FRAUD

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Waste and Fraud in Federal
Government Programs. Testimony was heard from June Gibbs Brown, Inspector
General, Department of Health and Human Services; Susan Gaffney, Inspector
General, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Roger C. Viadero,
Inspector General, USDA; and David Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. 

BUDGET REQUEST; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on House Administration: Approved the 106th Committee Budget Request
and considered other pending Committee business. 

KOSOVO--U.S. ROLE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Role in Kosovo.
Testimony was heard from Thomas R. Pickering, Under Secretary, Political
Affairs, Department of State; and Walter B. Slocombe, Under Secretary, Policy,
Department of Defense. 

U.S.-ASIA POLICY CHALLENGES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Challenges in U.S.-Asia Policy. Testimony was heard from
Stanley D128Roth, Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D128]

FINANCIAL NEEDS OF AIRPORTS, FAA AND AVIATION SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the financial needs of airports, the FAA, and the
aviation system, with emphasis on the economic impact of airports and airport
improvements on the community and the economy. Testimony was heard from
Representative Ford; Gerald L. Dillingham, Associate Director, Transportation
Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; and
public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
held a hearing on reauthorizing the Hazardous Materials Transportation
Program. Testimony was heard from Representative Pascrell; Kelley Coyner,
Administrator, Research and Special Programs Administration, Department of
Transportation; Chief Jim Fife, Chairman, Fire Commission, State of West
Virginia; Larry Wort, Chief, Bureau of Safety Programs, Division of Traffic
Safety, Department of Transportation, State of Illinois; and public witnesses. 

AGENCY BUDGETS; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Agency Budgets and Priorities for
fiscal year 2000. Testimony was heard from Joseph W. Westphal, Assistant
Secretary, Army, (Civil Works), Department of Defense; the following officials
of the EPA: J. Charles Fox, Assistant Administrator, Water; and Timothy
Fields, Jr., Acting Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency
Response; the following officials of the TVA: Kate J. Jackson, Executive Vice
President, Resource Group; and David N. Smith, Chief Financial Officer; Albert
S. Jacquez, Administrator, St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Danny
Sells, Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA; and
Nancy Foster, Assistant Administrator, Ocean Services and Coastal Management,
NOAA, Department of Commerce. 

Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes. 

SSI FRAUD PREVENTION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources approved for full
Committee action H.R. 545, SSI Fraud Prevention Act of 1999. 

ANNUAL REPORT--IRS NATIONAL TAXPAYER ADVOCATE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
Annual Report of the Internal Revenue Service National Taxpayer Advocate.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the
Treasury: Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner; and W. Val Oveson, National
Taxpayer Advocate; and Cornelia Ashby, Associate Director, Tax Policy and
Administration Issues, General Government Division, GAO. 

IMPACTS OF CURRENT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on the impacts of the current social security system. Testimony was
heard from Cynthia Fagnoni, Director, Income Security Issues, Health,
Education and Human Services Division, GAO; and public witnesses. 



1999/02/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 11, 1999; pages D132 - D138

Committee Meetings

AGRIBUSINESS CONSOLIDATION

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review agribusiness consolidation.
Testimony was heard from Mark Drabenstott, Vice President and Director, Center
for the Study of Rural America, Federal Reserve Bank, Kansas City, Missouri;
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 Inspector
General. Testimony was heard from Roger C. Viadero, Inspector General, USDA, 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Export and Trade Financing
Agencies. Testimony was heard from James A. Harmon, D135President 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. 

                                          [Page: D135]

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Energy
Conservation. Testimony was heard from Dan Reicher, Assistant Secretary,
Energy, Efficiency, and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and Susan
Kladiva, Associate Director, Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, GAO. 

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 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 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: Jeffrey
P. Kopanda, M.D., Director, Center for Disease Control; Nelba Chavez,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and
John M. Eissenberg, M.D., Administrator, Agency for Health Care Policy and
Research. 

PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND COUNTERMEASURE DEVICES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on protection equipment and countermeasure devices. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Paul
J. Kern, USA, Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary, (Research,
Development, and Acquisition); Patrick Neary, Senior Executive Analyst, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Intelligence, both with the U.S. Army; Vice Adm. Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, (Resources, Warfare
Requirements, and Assessments); Rear Adm. Lowell E. Jacoby, Director, Naval
Intelligence; and Lt. Jack Daly, Amphibious Group Three, all with the U.S.
Navy; Lt. Gen. John E. Rhodes, USMC, Commander, Combat Development Command;
Michael Decker, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, (Intelligence), both with the
U.S. Marine Corps; and Lt. Gen. Gregory S. Martin, USAF, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, (Aquisition); and Maj. Gen. Richard R. Paul, USAF,
Commander, Air Force Research Laboratory Command, Air Force Material Command,
both with the U.S. Air Force. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Continued hearings on H.R. 10,
Financial Services Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Board
of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUDGET; COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5l4,
Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act of 1999; and H.R. 438, amended, Wireless
Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999. 

The Committee also approved the following: Budget for the 106th Congress and
Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

NURSING HOME RESIDENT PROTECTION AMENDMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on H.R. 540, Nursing Home Resident Protection Amendments of 1999. Testimony
was heard from Representative Davis of Florida; Mike Hash, Deputy
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and
Humans Services; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S EDUCATION PROPOSALS AND PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2000

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on the
Administration's Education Proposals and Priorities for fiscal year 2000.
Testimony was heard from Richard Riley, Secretary of Education. 

2000 CENSUS OVERSIGHT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Census held a hearing on
Oversight of the 2000 Census: Examining the Benefits of Post-Census Local
Review. Testimony was heard from Representatives Petri and Sawyer; Everett
Ehrlich, member, U.S. Census Monitoring Board; Kenneth Blackwell, Secretary of
State, State of Ohio; Timothy M. Kaine, Mayor, Richmond, State of Virginia;
and public witnesses. 

POSTAL MODERNIZATION ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Postal Service held a hearing
on H.R. 22, Postal Modernization Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from William
J. Henderson, Postmaster General and CEO, U.S. Postal Service; the following
officials of the Postal Rate Commission: Edward J. Gleiman, Chairman; W.H.
LeBlanc III, Vice Chairman; George A. Omas, Ruth Y. Goldway and Dana B.
Covington, all Commissioners; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D136]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 434, amended, African Growth and Opportunity Act; and H.R. 669, Peace
Corps Expansion Act. 

The Committee also approved its Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
H.R. 434, African Growth and Opportunity Act. Testimony was heard from Susan
Rice, Assistant Secretary, African Affairs, Department of State. 

NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 39, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
Testimony was heard from John Rogers, Deputy Director, Fish and Wildlife, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Robert McDowell,
Director, Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, Department of Environment
Protection and Energy, State of New Jersey; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--GETTYSBURG VISITOR CENTER

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held
an oversight hearing on Gettysburg general management plan and visitor center.
Testimony was heard from Denis P. Galvin, Deputy Director, National Park
Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

BUDGET REQUEST--SCIENCES AT NASA

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Request: The Sciences at NASA. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of NASA: Edward Weiler, Associate Administrator,
Space Science; Ghassem Asrar, Associate Administrator, Earth Science; and
Arnauld Nicogossian, Associate Administrator, Life and Microgravity Sciences
and Applications; and Claude Canizares, Chairman, Space Studies Board,
National Research Council. 

BUDGET REQUEST--TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing to review the
Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Request for the Technology Administration. Testimony
was heard from the following officials from the Department of Commerce: Gary
Bachula, Acting Under Secretary, Technology; Raymond Kammer, Director,
National Institute of Standards and Technology; and Johnnie E. Frazier,
Inspector General. 

SBA'S WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER PROGRAM

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to review the SBA's Women's
Business Center Program. Testimony was heard from Betsy Myers, Associate
Deputy Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, SBA; and public
witnesses.  

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION AND OVERSIGHT PLANS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 92, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse
located at 251 North Main Street in Winston Salem, North Carolina, as the
"Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse"; H.R. 158, to
designate the Federal Courthouse located at 316 North 26th Street in Billings,
Montana, as the "James F. Battin Federal Courthouse"; H.R. 233, to designate
the Federal building located at 700 East San Antonio Street in El Paso, Texas,
as the "Richard C. White Federal Building"; H.R. 396, to designate the Federal
building located at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland, California, as the "Ronald V.
Dellums Federal Building"; H.R. 603, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
clarify the application of the Act popularly known as the "Death on the High
Seas Act"; and H.R. 661, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit
the commercial operation of supersonic transport category aircraft that do not
comply with stage 3 noise levels in the European Union adopts certain aircraft
noise regulations. 

The Committee also approved the following: further Committee organization and
the Oversight Plan for the 106th Congress. 

FINANCIAL NEEDS OF AIRPORTS, FAA AND AVIATION SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
concluded hearings on the financial needs of airports, the FAA, and the
aviation system, focusing on the benefits to passengers and private pilots
from increased funding for airport improvements and air traffic control
modernization. Testimony was heard from Jane F. Garvey, Administrator, FAA,
Department of Transportation; Fred Vogt, Director, Aeronautics Division,
Department of Transportation, State of Tennessee; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D137]

COAST GUARD AND FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION BUDGETS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Coast Guard and Federal
Maritime Commission fiscal year 2000 Budgets. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation:
Adm. James M. Loy, USCG, Commandant; and Master Chief Petty Officer Vincent
Patton, III; Edward P. Walsh, Managing Director, Federal Maritime Commission;
and John H. Anderson, Jr., Issue Area Director, Transportation Issues, GAO. 

CAPITOL COMPLEX--FIRE SAFETY ISSUES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
held a hearing on fire safety issues within the Capitol Complex. Testimony was
heard from John W. Lainhart, Inspector General, U.S. House of Representatives;
Herb Franklin, Executive Assistant, Architect of the Capitol; and a public
witness. 

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF MOTOR CARRIERS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Ground
Transportation held a hearing on oversight of the Office of Motor Carriers:
Part One. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Transportation: Jack Basso, Assistant Secretary, Budget and Programs, Chief
Financial Officer; Kenneth R. Wykle, Administrator, and Julie Anna Cirillo,
Program Manager, Motor Carrier and Highway Safety, both with the Federal
Highway Administration. 

VA BUDGET

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2000 Budget
of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Togo D. West,
Jr., Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans
organizations. 

FEDERAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE CORRECTIONS ACT; SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM LESSONS
LEARNED; COMMITTEE BUDGET AND OVERSIGHT PLANS


Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 416, Federal Retirement
Coverage Corrections Act. 

The Committee also hold a hearing on social security reform lessons learned in
other countries. Testimony was heard from Dan Crippen, Director, CBO; James
Roosevelt, Associate Commissioner, Retirement Policy, SSA; and public
witnesses. 

The Committee approved the following: Committee Budget; and Oversight Plans
for the 106th Congress. 

MEDICARE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Management of the Medicare Program. 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
Public Health Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division, GAO; and
public witnesses. 

Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes. 

FIGHTING FOREIGN PROTECTIONISM--IMPORTANCE OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the
Importance of Trade Negotiations in Fighting Foreign Protectionism. Testimony
was heard from Charlene Barshefsky, U.S. Trade Representative. 

COUNTERNARCOTICS BRIEFING

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



1999/02/12
Daily Digest - Friday, February 12, 1999; pages D140 - D144

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT OUTLOOK

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Resource
Conservation and Credit held a hearing to review agricultural credit outlook.
Testimony was heard from August Schumacher, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services, USDA; Marsha Pyle Martin, Chairman and CEO, Farm Credit
Administration; and public witnesses. 
 
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Continued hearings on H.R. 10,
Financial Services Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: Robert Rubin, Secretary; John D.
Hawke, Jr. Comptroller of the Currency; and Ellen Seidman, Director, Office of
Thrift Supervision; Donna Tanoue, Chairman, FDIC; and Harvey J. Goldschmid,
General Counsel, SEC. 



1999/02/22
Daily Digest - Monday, February 22, 1999; pages D146 - D152

Committee Meetings

DC'S YEAR 2000 CONVERSION COMPLIANCE STATUS

Committee on Government Reform, On February 19, the Subcommittee on the
District of Columbia held a hearing on the Status of the District of
Columbia's Year 2000 Conversion Compliance. Testimony was heard from Jack
Brock, Director, Information Management Issues, Accounting and Information
Management Division, GAO; John Hill, Executive Director, Financial
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; and the following
officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor; Kathleen
Patterson, member, City Council; and Suzanne Peck, Chief Technology Officer. 



1999/02/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 23, 1999;  pages D154 - D162

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Health Resources and Services Administration,
on the Administration for Children and Families and on the Administration on
Aging. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: Claud E. Fox, M.D., Administrator, Health Resources
and Services Administration; and Olivia Golden, Assistant Secretary,
Administration for Children and Families. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Surface Transportation Safety. Testimony was heard from Phyllis
D158Scheinberg, Associate Director, Transportation Issues, GAO; Jim Hall,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and the following officials of
the Department of Transportation: Kenneth Mead, Inspector General; Kenneth
Wykle, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; Ricardo Martinez,
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and Charles
Hunnicutt, Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, Office of
the Secretary; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D158]

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: James E.
Johnson, Under Secretary, Enforcement; Bruce J. Bowen, Acting Director, U.S.
Secret Service; W. Ralph Basham, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center; John W. Magaw, Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; and
Raymond Kelly, Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Consumer Product Commission, the Consumer Information
Center and on the Office of Inspector General, FDIC. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Ann Brown,
Chairman; Mary Sheila Gall, Vice Chairman; and Thomas H. Moore, Commissioner;
the following officials of the GSA: Teresa Nasif, Director, Consumer
Information Center, Beth Newberger, Associate Administrator, Public Affairs;
and Bill Early, Director of Budget; and Gaston Gianni, Jr., Inspector General,
FDIC. 

DEFENSE INFORMATION SUPERIORITY AND INFORMATION ASSURANCE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on
Defense Information Superiority and Information Assurance. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Hamre, Deputy
Secretary; Art Money, Senior Civilian Official, Assistant Secretary (Command,
Control, Communications and Intelligence); Adm. Archie R. Clemins, USN,
Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet; Vice Adm. Arthur K. Cebrowski, USN,
President, Naval War College; Lt. Gen. John L. Woodward, USAF, Director,
Command, Control, Communications and Computers Systems, The Joint Staff; Lt.
Gen. William H. Campbell, USA, Director, Information Systems, Command,
Control, and Computers, Department of the Army; Vice Adm. Robert J. Natter,
USN, Director, Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control, Department of
the Navy; Lt. Gen. William J. Donahue, USAF, Director, Headquarters
Communications and Information, Department of the Air Force; and Lt. Gen. John
E. Rhodes, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command,
U.S. Marine Corps. 

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS--IMPACT OF FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on Impact of the Fair Labor Standards Act on
Volunteer Firefighters. Testimony was heard from Representative Bateman; and
public witnesses. 

Y2K TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE: WILL THE POSTAL SERVICES DELIVER?

Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on the Postal Service, the
Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology, and the
Subcommittee on Technology of the Committee on Science held a joint hearing on
"Y2K Technology Challenge: Will the Postal Services Deliver?" Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: Karla W.
Corcoran, Inspector General; and Norman E. Lorentz, Senior Vice President and
Chief Technology Officer; and Jack L. Brock, Director, Governmentwide and
Defense Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO. 

OVERSIGHT--MINING, THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on Mining, the American Economy and National Security--The
Role of Public Lands in Maintaining a National Asset. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the U.S. Geological Service, Department of the
Interior: Michael J. McKinley and W. David Menzie, both with the Minerals
Information Team; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FOREST SERVICE BUDGET; EMIGRANT WILDERNESS PRESERVATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on the Forest Service Budget for Fiscal Year 2000. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the USDA: James R. Lyons, Under
Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Mike Dombeck, Chief, Forest
Service. 

                                          [Page: D159]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 359, Emigrant Wilderness
Preservation Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Gloria Manning, Acting
Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; and public
witnesses. 

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 438, Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999. The
rule waives points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to
comply with clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the
committee report). 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 each section 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. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Tauzin and Markey. 

WIRELESS PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 514, Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act of 1999. The rule waives
points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with
clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the committee
report). The rule further provides that each section of the bill 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. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Tauzin and Markey. 

FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT; BUDGET VIEWS AND
ESTIMATES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 409, Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of
1999. The rule further provides that each section of the bill 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. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Horn, Portman, and
Turner. 

The Committee also adopted Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held an oversight hearing
on National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program reauthorization. Testimony
was heard from Michael J. Armstrong, Associate Director, Mitigation, FEMA; P.
Patrick Leahy, Chief Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the
Interior; Joseph Bordogna, Acting Deputy Director, NSF; Raymond Kammer,
Director, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses. 

CLEAN WATER ACT--GOVERNORS' PERSPECTIVES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Governors' Perspectives on the
Clean Water Act. Testimony was heard from the following Governors: George E.
Pataki, State of New York; Jim Geringer, State of Wyoming; and Parris N.
Glendening, State of Maryland. 

CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS TRANSITION
ASSISTANCE REPORT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing to receive the Report of the
Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance.
Testimony was heard from Anthony J. Principi, Chairman, Congressional
Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance; and former
Senator Robert Dole of Kansas. 

PRESIDENT'S SOCIAL SECURITY FRAMEWORK

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Social Security
Framework. Testimony was heard from Jacob J. Lew, Director, OMB; Kenneth
Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; the
following officials of D160the CBO: Dan L. Crippen, Director; and Barry B.
Anderson, Deputy Director; Edward Gramlich, member, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D160]

RUSSIAN DEVELOPMENTS: AN INTELLIGENCE UPDATE BRIEFING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Russian Developments: An Intelligence Update. The
Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 



1999/02/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 24, 1999;  pages D163 - D174

Committee Meetings

FOREST SERVICE--FOREST HEALTH MAPS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review Forest Service forest health
maps. Testimony was heard from Anne Bartuska, Director, Forest Management,
Forest Service, USDA; LeRoy N. Kline, Forest Health Specialist, Department of
Forestry, State of Oregon; Dave Struble, Director, Insect and Disease
Management, Forest Service, Department of Conservation, State of Maine; and
public witnesses. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA 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 Department of Agriculture: James Lyons, Under Secretary, National
Resources and Environment; and Pearlie Reed, Chief, Resources Natural
Conservation Service. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a hearing on Embassy Security and on the Bureau of Prisons.
Testimony was heard from Bonnie Cohen, Under Secretary, Management, Department
of State; and Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons,
Department of Justice. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held an executive hearing
on the fiscal year 2000 Intelligence Budget. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the CIA: George J. Tenet, Director; Joan Avalyn
Dempsey, Deputy Director (Community Management); and David W. Carey, Executive
Director; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen.
Patrick M. Hughes, USA, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency; Lt. Gen. James
C. King, USA, Director, National Imagery and Mapping Agency; and Lt. Gen.
Kenneth Minihan, USAF, Director, National Security Agency. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Hurricane Mitch Supplemental.
Testimony was heard from J. Brian Atwood, Administrator, AID, U.S.
International Development Cooperation Agency; and Peter F. Romero, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Inter-American Affairs, Department of State. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Heath and Human Services,
and Education, held a hearing on the Director of NIH, on the National Cancer
Institute and on the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NIH, Department
of Health and Human Services: D169Harold Varmus, M.D., Director; Richard D.
Klausner, Director, National Cancer Institute; and James F. Battey, Director,
National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. 

                                          [Page: D169]

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the IRS, on the Bureau of Engraving and
Printing, and on the U.S. Mint and Financial Management Service. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Charles
O. Rossotti, Commissioner, IRS; Thomas A. Ferguson, Director, Bureau of
Engraving and Printing; Philip N. Diehl, Director, John P. Mitchell, Deputy
Director, Andrew Cosgarea, Jr., Associate Director, Circulating Coinage, Terry
L. Bowie, Deputy Associate Director for Finance/Deputy Chief Financial
Officer, all with the U.S. Mint; and Richard L. Gregg, Commissioner, Financial
Management Service. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, Independent Agencies,
held a hearing on the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, on
Council on Environmental Quality, and on American Battle Monuments Commission.
Testimony was heard from Paul L. Hill, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Chemical Safety
and Hazard Investigation Board; George Frampton, Council on Environmental
Quality; and Gen. Fred F. Woerner, U.S. Army (Ret.), Chairman, American Battle
Monuments Commission. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2000
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. Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, Vice
Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force; and Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC,
Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps. 

AGING MILITARY EQUIPMENT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on aging military equipment. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Paul J. Hoeper, Assistant Secretary of
the Army (Research and Development and Acquisition) and Lt. Gen. John G.
Coburn, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, both with the Department of
the Army; H. Lee Buchanan, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research
Development and Acquisition) and Vice Adm. James F. Amerault, USN, Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics), both with the Department of the Navy;
Lt. Gen. Gregory S. Martin, USAF, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the
Air Force (Acquisition) and Lt. Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, Deputy Chief of
Staff for Installations and Logistics, both of the Department with the Air
Force; Lt. Gen. Michael J. Williams, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs
and Resources and Maj. Gen. Gary S. McKissock, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps
Material Command, both with Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Lane Pierrot,
Senior Analyst (National Security Division), CBO; and public witnesses. 

CRITICAL READINESS NEEDS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a hearing
on the adequacy of the fiscal year 2000 budget request to meet critical
readiness needs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Rudy de Leon, Under Secretary (Personnel and
Readiness); Lt. Gen. David K. Heebner, USA, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff,
Department of the Army; Vice Adm. C. C. Lautenbacher, USN, Deputy Chief of
Staff of Naval Operations (Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments),
Department of the Navy; Lt. Gen. Roger G. DeKok, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Plans and Programs, Department of the Air Force; and Lt. Gen. M. J. Williams,
USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, U.S.
Marine Corps. 

CONDUCT OF MONETARY POLICY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Conduct of
Monetary Policy. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Department of Energy's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2000.
Testimony was heard from Ernest Moniz, Under Secretary, Department of Energy. 

SUPPORTING WELFARE REFORM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on Supporting Welfare Reform: Cracking Down on Deadbeat Parents.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: Jack Hartwig, Deputy Inspector General; and John Monahan,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, D170Children and Families,
Administration for Children and Families; Nick Young, Director, Child Support
Enforcement Division, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D170]

SATELLITE HOME VIEWER ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Act.
Testimony was heard from Deborah A. Lathen, Chief, Cable Services Bureau, FCC;
and public witnesses. 

ERISA: WORKERS HEALTH INSURANCE

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on ERISA: A Quarter Century of Providing Workers
Health Insurance. Testimony was heard from Leslie Kramerich, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Policy, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 

TEAMSTERS REPORT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations approved a report on the "Financial, Operating, and Political
Affairs of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters". 

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Opening the Mainstream to
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. How much Integration is Really Taking
Place? Testimony was heard from Douglas Kamerow, M.D., Director, Center for
Health Care Technology, Agency for Health Care Policy Research, Department of
Health and Human Services; Thomas V. Holohan, M.D., Chief Patient Care
Services Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs; John F. Mazzuchi, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs,
Clinical and Program Policy, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

NEW YORK--WINNING WAR ON DRUGS AND CRIME

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on "New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani:
Winning the War on Drugs and Crime". Testimony was heard from Rudolph
Guiliani, Mayor, New York City. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on House Administration: Met in executive session and approved the
following: U.S. Capitol Police Security Enhancement Plan; and the Capitol
Perimeter Security Improvement Plan. 

HURRICANE MITCH AFTERMATH

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing on Relief Efforts in Central America in the Aftermath of
Hurricane Mitch. Testimony was heard from Mark L. Schneider, Assistant
Administrator, Latin America; AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation
Agency; Ambassador John P. Leonard, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Central
America, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and Gen.
Charles Wilhelm, USMC, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Southern Command, Department
of Defense. 

OVERSIGHT--CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS--INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE BUDGET

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Contract Support Costs
within Indian Health Service Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael E.
Lincoln, Deputy Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and
Human Services; Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department
of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

PEACE CORPS ACT AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 669, to amend the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations
for fiscal years 2000 through 2003 to carry out that Act. The rule provides
that the bill 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 one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. 

OVERSIGHT--NOAA BUDGET AUTHORIZATION REQUEST

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment held an
oversight hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Authorization Request: NOAA.
Testimony was heard from D. James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans and
Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Joel C.
Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and
Information Management Division, GAO; and a public witness. 

OVERSIGHT--NASA POSTURE

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an oversight
hearing on Fiscal Year D1712000: NASA Posture. Testimony was heard from Daniel
S. Goldin, Administrator, NASA. 

                                          [Page: D171]

SBA'S BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the SBA's Fiscal Year 2000
Budget request. Testimony was heard from Aida Alvarez, Administrator, SBA. 

COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT; FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime approved for full Committee action the following: amended, the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1999; and the Federal Maritime Commission
Authorization Act of 1999. 

DISASTER MITIGATION AND COST REDUCTION ACT; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action
amended H.R. 707, Disaster Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1999. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes. 

VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE BUDGET

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
budget for the Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service.
Testimony was heard from Espiridion Borrego, Assistant Secretary, Veterans'
Employment and Training, Department of Labor; and representatives of veterans
organizations. 

VA MEDICAL CARE BUDGET

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA
Medical Care Budget for Fiscal Year 2000. Testimony was heard from Thomas L.
Garthwaite, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Nick D. Bacon, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, State of
Arkansas; and representatives of veterans organizations. 

RESOLUTION CONCERNING SOCIAL SECURITY; YEAR 2000 CONVERSION
EFFORTS--IMPLICATIONS FOR BENEFICIARIES AND TAXPAYERS; BUDGET VIEWS AND
ESTIMATES

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.J. Res. 32, expressing
the sense of the Congress that the President and the Congress should join in
undertaking the Social Security Guarantee Initiative to strengthen and protect
the retirement income security of all Americans through the creation of a fair
and modern Social Security Program for the 21st Century. 

The Committee also held a hearing on the Year 2000 Conversion Efforts and
Implications for Beneficiaries and Taxpayers. Testimony was heard from John A.
Koskinen, Chairman, President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion; Kenneth S.
Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; the following officials of the Department of
Treasury: Richard L. Gregg, Commissioner, Financial Management Service; Dennis
S. Schindel, Assistant Inspector General, Audit; Charles O. Rossotti,
Commissioner and Paul Cosgrave, Chief Information Officer, both with the IRS;
John W. Magaw, Director; and Patrick Schambach, Assistant Director, Science
and Technology, and Chief Information Officer, both with the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and S. W. Hall, Jr., Assistant Commissioner,
and Chief Information Officer, U.S. Customs Service; the following officials
of the Department of Health and Human Services: Olivia Golden, Assistant
Secretary, Children and Families; and Nancy-Ann DeParle, Administrator, Health
Care Financing Administration; the following officials of the GAO: Joel C.
Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and
Information Management Division; James R. White, Director, Tax Policy and
Administration Issues, General Government Division; and Randolph C. Hite,
Associate Director, Governmentwide and Defense Information Systems, Accounting
and Information Management Divisions; and public witnesses.  

The Committee also adopted Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

FBI INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES AND ACTIVITIES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive an Informal Demonstration: FBI Investigative Techniques and
Activities. 

Prior to the demonstration, the Committee met in executive session for
organizational purposes. 



1999/02/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 25, 1999;  pages D175 - D186

Committee Meetings

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Agriculture: Approved the Committee Budget Views and Estimates
for Fiscal Year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on the U.S. Southern Command. Testimony was heard from Gen.
Charles Wilhelm, USMC, Commander-in-Chief, Southern Command, Department of
Defense. 

                                          [Page: D179]

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the National Human Genome Research Institute,
the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the National
Library of Medicine, the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and the
Fogarty International Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the NIH, Department of Health and Human Services: Harold Varmus, M.D.,
Director; Francis S. Collins, M.D., Director, National Human Genome Research
Institute; Donald A. B. Lindberg, M.D., Director, National Library of
Medicine; Marvin Cassman, M.D., Director, National Institute of General
Medical Sciences; and Gerald T. Keusch, M.D., Director, Fogarty International
Center. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Testimony was heard from John J.
Hamre, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Neighbor Reinvestment Corporation, the National Credit
Union Administration and the Community Development Financial Institute.
Testimony was heard from George Knight, Executive Director, National
Reinvestment Corporation; Norman E. D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit Union
Administration; and Ellen W. Lazar, Director, Community Development Financial
Institutions, Department of the Treasury. 

NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE DEPLOYMENT

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported H.R. 4, to declare it to be the
policy of the United States to deploy a national missile defense. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee in Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on the fiscal year 2000 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:
William Lynn, Under Secretary; Mahlon Apgar, IV, Assistant Secretary
(Installations, Logistics and Environment); Maj. Gen. Milton Hunter, USA,
Director, Military Programs, Corps of Engineers; Maj. Gen. Robert L. Van
Antwerp, Jr., USA, Assistant Chief of Staff, Installations Management; Brig.
Gen. James Helmly, USA, Deputy Chief, Army Reserve; and Brig. Gen. Michael
Squier, USA, Deputy Director, National Guard, all with the Department of the
Army; and Randall Yim, Deputy Under Secretary (Installations). 

PAY AND RETIREMENT REFORM PROPOSALS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on pay and retirement reform proposals. Testimony was heard from Mark E.
Gebicke, Director, Military Operations and Capabilities Issues, National
Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; Christopher Jehn, Assistant
Director, National Security, CBO; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Rudy deLeon, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Lt. Gen. David
Ohle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Army; Vice Adm.
Daniel T. Oliver, USN, Chief, Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy; Lt.
Gen. Donald L. Peterson, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of the Air
Force; and Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and
Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and public witnesses. 

LOGISTICS CAPABILITIES AND/OR SHORTFALLS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a hearing
on logistics capabilities and/or shortfalls. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of GAO: Jack Brock, Director, Information Management
Issues and David Warren, Director, Defense Management Issues; and the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. John G. Coburn,
USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Department of the Army; Vice Adm. James
Amerault, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics), Department of the
Navy; Lt. Gen. John Handy, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and
Logistics, Department of the Air Force; Maj. Gen. Geoffrey B. Higginbotham,
USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps;
Lt. Gen. Henry T. Glisson, USA, Director, Defense Logistics Agency; and Marvin
Langston, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Chief Information Officer (Policy and
Implementation). 

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Research and Development
held a hearing on ballistic missile defense programs. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department D180of Defense: Jacques S. Gansler,
Under Secretary, Acquisition and Technology; Lt. Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF,
Director, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization; and Lt. Gen. Gregory S.
Martin, USAF, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. 

                                          [Page: D180]

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Approved the Committee Budget
Views and Estimates for Fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on
the Budget. 

SOCIAL SECURITY PROPOSAL--MARKET IMPACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on The Market Impact of the Administration's Social Security Proposal.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Sanford, Pomeroy and Smith of
Michigan; and public witnesses. 

MEDICARE+CHOICE: AN EXAMINATION OF THE RISK ADJUSTOR

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Medicare+Choice: An Examination of the Risk Adjustor. Testimony was heard
from Mike Hash, Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; Bill Scanlon, Director, Health
Financing and Public Health, GAO; Gail R. Wilensky, Chair, Medicare Payment
Advisory Commission; and public witnesses. 

ED-FLEX ROLE IN IMPROVING STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND REDUCING BUREAUCRACY

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Putting Performance First: Ed-Flex and
Its Role in Improving Student Performance and Reducing Bureaucracy. Testimony
was heard from Carlotta Joyner, Director, Education and Employment Issues,
GAO; Gregg Stubbs, Assistant Director, Division of Professional Development
and Licensure, Department of Education, State of Ohio; Madeleine Draeger
Manigold, Coordinator, Waivers, Office for the Education of Special
Populations, Education Agency, State of Texas; Michael E. Ward, Superintendent
of Public Instruction, Department of Public Instruction, State of North
Carolina; and a public witness. 

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS; FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD RETIREMENT
PORTABILITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 208, to amend title 5, United
States Code, to allow for the contribution of certain rollover distributions
to accounts in the Thrift Savings Plan, to eliminate certain waiting period
requirements for participating in the Thrift Savings Plan; and H.R. 807,
Federal Reserve Board Retirement Portability Act. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Federal Reserve Board
Retirement Portability. Testimony was heard from Edward W. Kelley, Jr.,
member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and William E. Flynn, III,
Associate Director, Retirement and Insurance Services, OPM. 

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Oversight of the 1999 National Drug
Control Strategy. Testimony was heard from Barry R. McCaffrey, Director,
Office of National Drug Control Policy. 

GAO VIEWS ON DEPARTMENTS--VULNERABILITIES TO WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs, and International Relations held a hearing on Vulnerabilities to
Waste, Fraud and Abuse: Inspector General and GAO Views on the Departments of
Defense, State and Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Henry Henton,
Assistant Comptroller, National Security and Internal Affairs Division, GAO;
Eleanor Hill, Inspector General, Department of Defense; Richard J. Griffin,
Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Jacquelyn
Williams-Bridgers, Inspector General, Department of State. 

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal
Year 2000 International Affairs Budget Request. Testimony was heard from
Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 825, amended,
United States-Macau Policy Act of 1999; H. Res. 32, expressing support for,
and calling for actions in support for, free, fair, and transparent elections
in Indonesia; and H. Con. Res. 28, amended, expressing the sense of Congress
that the United States should introduce and make all efforts necessary to pass
a resolution criticizing the People's Republic of D181China for its human
rights abuses in China and Tibet at the annual meeting of the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights. 

                                          [Page: D181]

BRAZIL'S ECONOMIC CRISIS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on Brazil's Economic Crisis: Implications for
International Trade. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

COPYRIGHT COMPULSORY LICENSE IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 768, Copyright Compulsory License Improvement Act.
Testimony was heard from William J. Roberts, Jr., Senior Attorney, Office of
the General Counsel, Copyright Office, Library of Congress; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--INS DECISIONS IMPACTING AGENCY'S ABILITY TO CONTROL CRIMINAL AND
ILLEGAL ALIENS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on recent Immigration and Naturalization Service decisions
impacting the Agency's ability to control criminal and illegal aliens.
Testimony was heard from Representative Reyes; Doris Meissner, Commissioner,
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice; Norman J.
Rabkin, Director, Administration of Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET REQUESTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year Budget request of the U.S. Geological
Survey, the Office of Surface Mining, the 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: Charles
Groat, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; Nina Hatfield, Deputy Director,
Bureau of Land Management; Thomas Kitsos, Acting Director, Minerals Management
Service; and Kathy Karpan, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement. 

NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT; OVERSIGHT--COASTAL ZONE
MANAGEMENT ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 39, Neotropical
Migratory Bird Conservation Act. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on the Coastal Zone Management
Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Goss; Terry D. Garcia, Assistant
Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce; Robert C. Shinn,
Jr., Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New
Jersey; 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. 15, Otay
Wilderness Act of 1999; H.R. 54, to extend the authorization for the Upper
Delaware Citizens Advisory Council; H.R. 150, Education Land Grant Act; H.R.
154, 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. 449, Gateway Visitor Center Authorization
Act of 1999; H.R. 509, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to
the personal representative of the estate of Fred Steffens of Big Horn County,
Wyoming, certain land comprising the Steffens family property; and H.R. 510,
to direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to John R. and Margaret J.
Lowe of Big Horn County, Wyoming, certain land so as to correct an error in
the patent issued to their predecessors in interest. 

OVERSIGHT--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT BUDGET

Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an oversight
hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget: Human Space Flight. Testimony was heard
from Joe Rothenberg, Associate Administrator, Office of Space Flight,
Headquarters, NASA; Marcia S. Smith, Specialist in Aerospace and
Telecommunications Policy, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses, 

UNSCREWING THE FASTENER QUALITY ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on Unscrewing
the Fastener Quality Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 818,
Disaster Mitigation Coordination Act of 1999; and H.R. 774, Women's Business
Center Amendments of 1999. 

The Committee also approved Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for fiscal
year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

                                          [Page: D182]

DOMESTIC OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION INCENTIVES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
Incentives for Domestic Oil and Gas Production and Status of the Industry.
Testimony was heard from Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy,
Department of the Treasury; Jay Hakes, Administrator, Energy Information
Administration, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. 

STEEL TRADE ISSUES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on Steel
Trade Issues. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cardin, English,
Regula, Visclosky, Traficant, Greenwood, Klink, Stupak, Buyer, Doyle, Berry
and Kucinich; William Daley, Secretary of Commerce; Charlene Barshefsky, U.S.
Trade Representative; and public witnesses. 

BRIEFING--IRAQI DEVELOPMENTS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Iraqi Developments: An Intelligence Update. The
Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/01
Daily Digest - Monday, March 1, 1999;  pages D188 - D192

Committee Meetings

OVERSIGHT--IRS'S FISCAL YEAR 1998 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing of the IRS's Fiscal Year
1998 Financial Statements. Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Associate
Director, Governmentwide Accounting and Financial Management, Accounting and
Information Management Division, GAO: and the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: Donna Cunninghame, Chief Financial Officer, IRS;
and Steven App, Deputy Chief Financial Officer. 

OVERSIGHT--Y2K PROBLEM--STATUS AT HHS

Committee on Government Reform: On February 26, the Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on Oversight of the
Year 2000 Problem: The Y2K Status of the Department of Health and Human
Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Health and Human Services: John J. Callahan, Chief Information Officer; and
Nancy-Ann DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration; and
Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems, GAO. 

HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES--COUNTRY REPORTS

Committee on International Relations: On February 26, the Subcommittee on
International Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on Country Reports on
Human Rights Practices for 1998. Testimony was heard from Harold Hongju Koh,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department
of State; and public witnesses. 



1999/03/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 2, 1999;  pages D194 - D202

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Research,
Education, and Economics. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
USDA: I. Miley Gonzalez, Under Secretary; and Eileen Kennedy, D198Deputy
Assistant Secretary, both with Research, Education, and Economics. 

                                          [Page: D198]

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education, held a hearing on the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute
of Nursing Research, and on National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the NIH, 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;
Patricia A. Grady, M.D., Director, National Institute of Nursing Research;
Claude Lenfant, M.D., Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and
Kenneth Olden, M.D., Director, National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the Executive Office of the President.
Testimony was heard from Mark Lindsay, Director, Office of Administration,
Executive Office of the President; and Jacob Lew, Director, OMB. 

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. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING FISCAL YEAR 2000 BUDGET
REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on fiscal year 2000 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:
Robert Pirie, Jr., Assistant Secretary (Installations and Facilities); Rear
Adm. Louis M. Smith, USN, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command;
Rear Adm. (Select) John P. McLaughlin, USN, Deputy Director, Naval Reserve,
and Maj. Gen. Geoffrey B. Higginbotham, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, all
with the Department of the Navy; Ruby B. DeMesme, Assistant Secretary
(Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Environment), Maj. Gen. Eugene
A. Lupia, USAF, The Civil Engineer, Brig. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, USAF, Deputy
Director, Air National Guard and Brig. Gen. Ralph S. Clemm, USAF, Deputy to
the Chief, Office of the Air Force Reserve, all with the Department of the Air
Force.  

DEFENSE REFORM INITIATIVES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a hearing
on Defense reform initiatives, contracting out, and outsourcing. Testimony was
heard from Barry Holman, Assistant Director, National Security and
International Affairs Division, Defense Management, GAO; and the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Stan Z. Soloway, Deputy Under
Secretary (Acquisition Reform); Randall A. Yim, Deputy Under Secretary
(Installations); Maj. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr., USA, Assistant Chief of
Staff, Installations Management, Department of the Army; Vice Adm. James
Amerault, USA, Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics), Department of
the Navy; Brig. Gen. Richard B. Bundy, USAF, Director, Manpower, Organization
and Quality, Department of the Air Force; and Robert E. Hammond, Assistant
Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps. 

EFT-99 IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on General Oversight
and Investigations held a hearing to review implementation of EFT-99, the
federal program designed to facilitate the payment of government benefits by
electronic rather than paper check. Testimony was heard from John Dyer,
Principal Deputy Commissioner, SSA; Donald V. Hammond, Fiscal Assistant
Secretary, Department of the Treasury; Gregory Bitz, Director of Finance,
Finance and Accounting Services Headquarters, Department of Defense; and a
public witness. 

NURSING HOME RESIDENTS PROTECTION AMENDMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment approved for
full Committee action H.R. 540, Nursing Home Residents Protection Amendments
of 1999. 

OLDER AMERICANS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on The Older
Americans Act: Meeting the Needs of Our Nation's Seniors. Testimony was heard
from Representatives DeFazio and Kolbe; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D199]

OVERSIGHT--2000 CENSUS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on the Census held a hearing on
Oversight of the 2000 Census: Examining the America Counts Today (ACT)
Initiatives to Enhance Traditional Enumeration Methods. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Myrick and Meek of Florida; and Kenneth J. Prewitt,
Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. 

OVERSIGHT--YEAR 2000 PROBLEM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology, and Subcommittee on Technology of the Committee
on Science held a joint hearing on Oversight of the Year 2000 Problem at the
Department of Defense: How Prepared is Our Nation's Defense? Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert J.
Lieberman, Assistant Inspector General, Auditing; and John J. Hamre, Deputy
Secretary; and Jack L. Brock, Director, Governmentwide and Defense Information
Systems, GAO. 

OVERSIGHT--EFFORTS TO REDUCE WASTE, FRAUD AND MANAGEMENT WEAKNESSES BY
CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs, and International Relations held an oversight hearing on efforts to
address waste, fraud and management weaknesses by the Departments of Defense,
Veterans Affairs, and State. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Nelson Toye, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; and
Standley Z. Soloway, Deputy Under Secretary, Acquisition Reform; Edward A.
Powell, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Financial Management, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and Bert T. Edwards, Chief Financial Officer, Department of State. 

U.S. SHOULD INTRODUCE RESOLUTION CRITICIZING CHINA FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES;
FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights approved for full Committee action amended H.Con.Res. 28,
expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should introduce and
make all efforts necessary to pass a resolution criticizing the People's
Republic of China for its human rights abuses in China and Tibet at the annual
meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Foreign Relations Authorization for
Fiscal Years 2000-2001: Department of State Management Initiatives. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Bonnie
Cohen, Under Secretary, Management; and Patrick Kennedy, Assistant Secretary,
Administration.  

BANKRUPTCY LEGISLATION; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended H.R. 808, to extend for 3
additional months the period for which chapter 12 of title 11 of the United
States Code is reenacted. 

The Committee also approved the Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for
fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Independent Counsel Act.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Dickey, Hastings of Florida and
Thompson of Mississippi; and Eric H. Holder, Jr., Deputy Attorney General,
Department of Justice. 

PROHIBITION--COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF SUPERSONIC TRANSPORTATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 661, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit the
commercial operation of supersonic transport category aircraft that do not
comply with state 3 noise levels if the European Union adopts certain aircraft
noise regulations. The rule waives clause 4(a) of Rule XIII (requiring a
three-day layover of the committee report) against consideration of the bill.
The rule provides that the bill shall be open for amendment at any point. The
rule authorizes the chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed 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 for one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Duncan and Sherwood. 

"DEATH ON THE HIGH SEAS ACT"--CLARIFY APPLICATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 603, to amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify the
application of the Act popularly known as the "Death on the High Seas Act".
The rule provides that each section of the bill shall be considered as
D200read. The rule authorizes the chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have pre-printed 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 for one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Duncan and Sherwood. 

                                          [Page: D200]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 819, Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 1999; and
H.R. 707, amended, Disaster Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1999. 

The Committee also approved the Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for
fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

REPORT ON MEDICARE PAYMENT POLICIES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Report on Medicare Payment Policies. Testimony was heard from Gail R.
Wilensky, Chair, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. 



1999/03/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 3, 1999;  pages D203 - D212

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and
Specialty Crops held a hearing on agricultural biotechnology. Testimony was
heard from August Schumacher, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services, USDA; Jim Murphy, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Agricultural
Affairs; and public witnesses. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA 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, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs;
Craig A. Reed, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service;
Enrique Figueroa, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; and James R.
Baker, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration;
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 Legal Services Corporation and on Secretary of
Commerce. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Legal
Services Corporation: Douglas Eakeley, Chairman; John Erlenborn, Vice
Chairman; and John McKay, President; and William M. Daley, Secretary of
Commerce. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on fiscal
year 2000 Department of Defense budget. 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. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Recreational Fees. Testimony was heard from Barry T. Hill, Associate Director,
Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, GAO; and the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: Donald J. Barry, Assistant Secretary, Fish and
Wildlife and Parks; Maureen Finnerty, Associate Director, National Park
Service, Park Operations and Education; John Rogers, Deputy Director, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service; Nina Rose Hatfield, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land
Management; and Denny Beschor, National Director, Forest Service, Recreation,
Heritage, and Wilderness Resources, USDA. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Strokes, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute on
Mental Health, and on National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, 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 NIH, Department of D208Health and Human
Services: Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D., Director, National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Strokes; Richard J. Hodes, M.D., Director, National
Institute on Aging; Steven E. Hyman, M.D., Director National Institute of
Mental Health; Phillip Gorden, M.D., Director, National Institute of Diabetes,
Digestive, and Kidney Diseases; and 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. 

                                          [Page: D208]

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on Office of National Drug Control Policy
and on U.S. Postal Service. Testimony was heard from Barry McCaffrey,
Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and William J. Henderson,
CEO and Postmaster General, U.S. Postal Service. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Court of Veterans Appeals and on the Selective Service
System. Testimony was heard from Frank O. Nebeker, Chief Judge, Court of
Veterans Appeals; and Gil Cornado, Director, Selective Service System. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2000
National Defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Adm. Dennis C. Blair, USN,
Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command; and Gen. John Tilelli, USA,
Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea. 

SERVICE AVIATION AND MODERNIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement and the
Subcommittee on Military Research and Development held a joint hearing on
service aviation modernization plans. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Maj. Gen. Peter C. Franklin, USA,
Deputy for Systems Management and Horizontal Technology Integration, Office of
the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Research, Development and Acquisition);
Rear Adm. John B. Nathman, USN, Director, Air Warfare, Office of the Chief of
Naval Operations; Lt. Gen. Gregary S. Martin, USAF, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition); Maj. Gen, Leslie F. Kenne, USAF,
Program Executive Officer, Joint Strike Fighter; and Lt. Gen. Frederick
McCorkle, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps. 

HEDGE FUNDS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on hedge
funds. Testimony was heard from William J. McDonough, President, Federal
Reserve Bank of New York; Brooksley Born, Chair, Commodity Futures Trading
Commission; Lew Sachs, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Government Financial
Policy, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

HUD'S FISCAL YEAR 2000 BUDGET

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on HUD's fiscal year 2000 budget.
Testimony was heard from Saul N. Ramirez, Jr., Deputy Secretary, Department of
Housing and Urban Development; Judy England-Joseph, Director, Housing and
Community Development Division, GAO. 

SOCIAL SECURITY PROPOSAL--MARKET IMPACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
continued hearings on the Market Impact of the Administration's Social
Security Proposal. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; and Lawrence H. Summers, Deputy Secretary,
Department of the Treasury. 

EDUCATION FLEXIBILITY PARTNERSHIP ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 800,
Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999. 

FIGHTING CRIME IN THE TRENCHES

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Fighting Crime in the
Trenches, Part l, National Problems, Local Solutions: Federalism at Work.
Testimony was heard from Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor, City of New York; John F.
Timoney, Commissioner, Department of Police, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a
public witness. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Met and considered committee funding
requests for the following Committees: House Administration; International
Relations; Standards of Official Conduct; Science; Budget; Veterans Affairs;
Transportation and Infrastructure; and Banking and Financial Services. 

                                          [Page: D209]

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BUDGET REQUEST

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

SOUTH ASIA; CHALLENGES IN U.S. POLICY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on South Asia: Challenges in U.S. Policy. Testimony was heard
from Karl F. Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary, South Asian Affairs, Department
of State; and public witnesses. 

REASSESSING THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on a New World Order: Reassessing the Export
Administration Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cox and Dicks;
William Reinsch, Under Secretary, Bureau of Export Administration, Department
of Commerce; Richard Hogland, Assistant Commissioner, Investigations, U.S.
Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

ANTI-DRUG EFFORT IN AMERICAS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing on the anti-drug effort in the Americas and implementation of
the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act. Testimony was heard from Senator
DeWine; Tom Umberg, Deputy Director, Office of Supply Reduction, Office of
National Drug Control Policy; L. Rank Beers, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State;
Donny Marshall, Deputy Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice; Rear Adm.
Raymond Riutta, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Operations, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Transportation; and Bonni Tischler, Assistant Commissioner,
Investigations, U.S. Customs Service, Department of the Treasury. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 15, Otay
Wilderness Act of 1999; H.R. 154, 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.
449, Gateway Visitor Center Authorization Act of 1999; H.R. 509, amended, to
direct the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the personal
representative of the estate of Fred Steffens of Big Horn County, Wyoming,
certain land comprising the Steffens family property; and H.R. 510, to direct
the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to John R. and Margaret J. Lowe of
Big Horn County, Wyoming, certain land so as to correct an error in the patent
issued to their predecessors in interest. 

DISASTER MITIGATION AND COST REDUCTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 707, Disaster Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1999. The
rule waives clause 4(a) of Rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the
committee report) against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure amendment in the nature of
a substitute as an original bill for purpose of amendment, which shall be open
for amendment by title. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in
recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record. The rule further authorizes 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 Representative Fowler. 

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment held an
oversight hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Request: Department of Energy Office of
Science; Environment, Safety, and Health; and Environmental Management.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Martha A. Krebs, Director, Office of Sciences; Dan M. Berkovitz, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Planning, Policy and Budget, Office of Environmental
Management; and David M. Michaels, Assistant Secretary, Environment, Safety
and Health; and Victor S. Rezendes, Director, Energy, Natural Resources, and
Science Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO. 

OVERSIGHT--AERO-SPACE TECHNOLOGY BUDGET

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a oversight
hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: Aero-Space Technology. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Office of Aero-Space Technology, NASA: Sam
Armstrong, Associate Administrator; and Gary Payton, Deputy Associate
Administrator (Space Transportation Technology). 

                                          [Page: D210]

PRIVATE MARKET--INVESTING SOCIAL SECURITY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Investing Social Security in the Private Market. Testimony was heard from
Lawrence H. Summers, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses. 

BIOLOGICAL WARFARE THREATS AND CAPABILITIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Biological
Warfare Threats and Capabilities. Testimony was heard from John Lauder,
Special Assistant to the Director, Nonproliferation, CIA; and public
witnesses. 



1999/03/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 4, 1999;  pages D214 - D222

Committee Meetings

LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Resource
Conservation, and Credit held a hearing to review the Loan Deficiency Payment
Program. Testimony was heard from August Schumacher, Jr., Under Secretary,
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA; and a public witness. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, held a hearing on
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Testimony was heard from Brooksley Born,
Chair, Commodity Futures Trading Commission. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the
Judiciary, held a hearing on The Federal Judiciary. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Judicial Conference of the United States: Judge
John G. Heyburn II, U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky,
Chairman, Committee on the Budget; Judge Lawrence L. Piersol, U.S. District
Court, District of South Dakota, member, Committee on the Budget; Leonidas
Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of the United States Courts,
member, Executive Committee; and Judge Rya W. Zobel, United States District
Court, District of Massachusetts; Director, Federal Judicial Center.  

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces in Korea. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Adm.
Dennis C. Blair, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command; and Gen. John
H. Tilelli, Jr., USA, Commander in Chief, Korea. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Personnel Issues/Medical Programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Rudy DeLeon, Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness); and Sue Bailey, M.D.,
Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs. 

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 Bill
Richardson, Secretary of Energy. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations 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
Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from Joel Williamson, Director,
Civil Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management,
Division, GAO; and the following officials of the Bureau of Land Management,
Department of the Interior: Tom Fry, Director; Nina Rose Hatfield, Deputy
Director; and Lawrence Benna, Budget Officer. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, the National Eye Institute, and on the Director of NIH and Office of
Director Panel. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Dennis P. Williams, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Budget; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Harold Varmus, M.D., Director, NIH; Carl
Kupfer, M.D., Director; Jack McLaughlin, M.D., Deputy Director; D219Judith
Duff, Executive Officer; and Carol Lipson Fivozinsky, Budget Officer, all with
the National Eye Institute. 

                                          [Page: D219]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, held a
hearing on Air Force Construction. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Ruby B. Demesme, Assistant Secretary
(Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations, and Environment); Maj. Gen. Eugene
A. Lupia, USAF, Civil Engineer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and
Logistics, Headquarters, USAF; Brig. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, USAF, Director,
Air National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Ralph S. Clem, Deputy to the Chief, Air
Force Reserve. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, held a hearing on
the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Testimony was heard from
George Warrington, President and CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation
(AMTRAK); and the following officials of the Department of Transportation:
Jolene M. Molitoris, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration; and
Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the National Archives. Testimony was
heard from John Carlin, Archivist of the United States, National Archives and
Records Administration. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on NSF. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
NSF: Rita Colwell, Director; and Eamon Kelly, Chairman, National Science
Board. 

PILOT RETENTION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on pilot retention--issues and possible solutions. Testimony was heard from
Mark E. Gebicke, Director, Military Operations and Capabilities Issues,
National Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; Christopher Jehn,
Assistant Director, National Security, CBO; and the following officials of the
Department of Defense; Francis M. Rush, Jr., Acting Assistant Secretary (Force
Management Policy); Lt. Gen. David Ohle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Personnel, Department of the Army; Vice Adm. Daniel T. Oliver, USA, Chief of
Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy; Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson, USAF,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force; Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp,
USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S.
Marine Corps, and pilots from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. 

BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on the Department of Energy fiscal year 2000 budget request. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Bill
Richardson, 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. 

MILITARY TRAINING--CAPABILITIES AND SHORTCOMINGS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a hearing
on military training capabilities and shortfalls. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. John M. Abrams, USA,
Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and Maj. Gen.
Robert Flowers, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Engineer Center and Ft.
Leonard Wood, Missouri, both with the Department of the Army; Vice Adm. John
W. Craine, Jr., USN, Director, Naval Training and Chief of Naval Education and
Training; Rear Adm. Toney M. Bucci, USN, Chief, Naval Air Training; Lt. Gen.
.John E. Rhodes, USMC, Commanding General, Combat Development Command and
Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Jones, Director, Training and Education Division (MCCDC),
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, all with the Department of the Navy; Gen.
Lloyd W. Newton, USAF, Commander, Air Education and Training Command and Maj.
Gen. David F. MacGhee, Jr., USAF, Director, Operations, Air Combat Command,
both with the Department of the Air Force. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Began markup of the Financial
Services Act of 1999. 

Will continue March 10. 

                                          [Page: D220]

ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET--CBO ANALYSIS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the CBO analysis of the
Administration's fiscal year 2000 budget. Testimony was heard from Dan L.
Crippen, Director, CBO. 

NURSING HOME RESIDENTS PROTECTION AMENDMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported H.R. 540, Nursing Home Residents
Protection Amendments of 1999. 

SAVE OUR SATELLITES ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 851, Save Our
Satellites Act of 1999. 

DECENNIAL CENSUS IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on the Census approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 683, Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1999. 

OVERSIGHT--U.S./MEXICO COUNTERNARCOTICS EFFORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Oversight of U.S./Mexico
Counternarcotics Efforts. Testimony was heard from Thomas A. Constantine,
Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice; Rand Beers, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of
State; and Ben Nelson, Director, International Relations, Foreign Trade,
National Security and International Affairs Division, GAO. 

POSTAL MODERNIZATION ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Postal Service held a hearing
on H.R. 22, Postal Modernization Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Donna
E. Patterson, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Met and considered committee funding
requests for the following Committees: Small Business; Resources; Judiciary;
Agriculture; Ways and Means; Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Armed
Services; Education and the Workforce; Government Reform; Commerce; and Rules. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported amended H.R. 825,
United States-Macau Policy Act. 

The Committee considered the following measures and adopted a motion urging
the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar:
H.R. 973, Security Assistance Act of 1999; H. Res. 32, expressing support for,
and calling for actions in support of, free, fair, and transparent elections
in Indonesia; and H. Con. Res. 28, amended, expressing the sense of Congress
that the United States should introduce and make all efforts necessary to pass
a resolution criticizing the People's Republic of China for its human rights
abuses in China and Tibet at the annual meeting of the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights. 

The Committee also approved the Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for
fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY PROGRAMS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on Foreign Relations Authorization for Fiscal
Years 2000-2001: Public Diplomacy Programs. Testimony was heard from
Representative Roemer; the following officials of the USIA: Penn Kemble,
Acting Director; and Edward E. Kaufman, member, Broadcasting Board of
Governors; and Carl Gershman, President, National Endowment for Democracy. 

OVERSIGHT--KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER RULES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the "The `Know Your Customer' Rules: Privacy in
the Hands of Federal Regulators". Testimony was heard from Representatives
Barr of Georgia and Paul; the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the Currency; and Timothy R.
Burniston, Managing Director, Compliance Policy and Specialty Examinations,
Office of Thrift Supervision; Richard A. Small, Assistant Director, Division
of Banking Supervision and Regulation, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve
System; Christie A. Sciacca, Associate Director, Division of Supervision,
FDIC; David Medine, Associate Director, Financial Practices Division, FTC;
Jere W. Glover, Chief Counsel, Office of Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D221]

SECURITY AND FREEDOM THROUGH ENCRYPTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 850, Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE)
Act. Testimony was heard from William Reinsch, Under Secretary, Export
Administration, Department of Commerce; Barbara McNamara, Deputy Director,
NSA, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on issues arising from past designations of temporary
protected status and fraud in prior amnesty programs. Testimony was heard from
Paul Virtue, General Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

The Subcommittee also considered other pending business. 

OVERSIGHT--U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on fiscal year 2000 budget request of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from Jamie Clark,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. 

OVERSIGHT--FOREST SERVICE ROADS MORATORIUM

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Forest Service Roads Moratorium. Testimony was heard from
Representative Stupak; Ron Stewart, Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FAA R&D FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held an oversight hearing on
Soaring into the Future? Funding Requirements for FAA Research and
Development. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Steven Zaidman, Associate Administrator,
Research and Acquisitions, FAA; and Alexis M. Stefani, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General, Aviation; and public witnesses. 

FIGHTING FOREIGN PROTECTIONISM--IMPORTANCE OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade continued hearings on the
Importance of Trade Negotiations in Fighting Foreign Protectionism. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses. 

FISCAL YEAR 2000 BUDGET; DCI'S PERSPECTIVE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: The DCI's Perspective. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/05
Daily Digest - Friday, March 5, 1999;  pages D223 - D230

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/03/08
Daily Digest - Monday March 8, 1999;  pages D232 - D236

Committee Meetings 

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/03/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 9, 1999; pages D238 - D244

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related D241Agencies held a hearing on the Food Safety and Inspection
Service. Testimony was heard from Catherine Woteki, Under Secretary, Food
Safety, USDA. 

                                          [Page: D241]

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior: Jamie
Rappaport Clark, Director; and Gary V. Seccucci, Budget Officer. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Secretary of Education, and on Elementary
and Secondary Education, Bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Education: Richard W. Riley, Secretary; Judith Johnston, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education; Delia Pompa, Director, Office
of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Aviation Financing, and on Air Traffic Control Modernization. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of GAO: Susan Irving, Budget Issues Group;
Susan A. Poling, Associate General Counsel; Gerald Dillingham, Transportation
Issues Group; and the following officials of the Department of Transportation:
Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; Jane F. Garvey, Administrator, FAA; Peter
Basso, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs, Chief Financial
Officer; and Monte R. Belger, Deputy Administrator, FAA; and public witnesses. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on the FEC. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the FEC: Scott E. Thomas, Chairman; Darryl R. Wold,
Vice Chairman; and Danny L. McDonald, Commissioner. 

MILITARY PRIVATIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on the Military Housing Privatization Initiative and
the privatization of military utility systems. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Randall Yim, Deputy Under
Secretary (Installations); Mahlon Apgar, IV. Assistant Secretary, Army
(Installations and Environment); Duncan Holaday, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Navy (Installations and Facilities); and Jimmy Dishner, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Air Force (Installations). 

LITTORAL WARFARE PROTECTION AND SHIP RECAPITALIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on littoral warfare protection and ship recapitalization. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Rear
Adm. Michael G. Mullen, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division (N86); Michael
Hammes, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Navy, Ship programs (Research, Development
and Acquisition); Maj. Gen. Dennis T. Krupp, USMC, Director, Expeditionary
Warfare Division (N85), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Brig. Gen. Jan C.
Huly, USMC, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, Policy, and Operations,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and a public witness. 

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on School Discipline: What's Happening in
the Classroom. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION: REFUGEES AND MIGRATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on Foreign Relations Authorization for fiscal
year 2000-2001: Refugees and Migration. Testimony was heard from Julia V.
Taft, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration,
Department of State; and public witnesses. 

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 701,
Conservation Reinvestment Act of 1999 and H.R. 798, to provide for the
permanent protection of the resources of the United States in the year 2000
and beyond. Testimony was heard from Representatives Dingell and Maloney of
Connecticut; Jack Caldwell, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, State
of Louisiana; Bernadette Castro, Commissioner, Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation, State of New York; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

EDUCATION FLEXIBILITY PARTNERSHIP ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote a modified closed rule providing for
one hour of general debate on H.R. 800, Education Flexibility Partnership Act
of 1999, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule waives clause
4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the committee report)
against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment
process shall not exceed 5 hours. The rule makes in order the Committee on
Education and the Workforce amendment in the nature of a substitute D242now
printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment, which
shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Congressional Record. The rule provides that each amendment
printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who
caused it to be printed or his designee, and each amendment 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. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Goodling and
Representatives Castle Clay, Kildee and Wu. 

                                          [Page: D242]

FIXING THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM--IMPACT OF LITIGATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology and the Subcommittee on
Government Management, Information, and Technology of the Committee on
Government Reform held a joint hearing on The Impact of Litigation on Fixing
the Year 2000 Problem. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 717, National
Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1999; and H.R. 1000, amended, Aviation
Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century. 

CHALLENGES CONFRONTING OLDER CHILDREN LEAVING FOSTER CARE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Challenges Confronting Older Children Leaving Foster Care. Testimony was heard
from Carol W. Williams, Associate Commissioner, Children's Bureau,
Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses. 

INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Military Operations and the Role and Performance of Intelligence in
Desert Fox. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 10, 1999;  pages D246 - D256

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM REVIEW

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and
Specialty Crops held a hearing on Review of the Federal Crop Insurance
Program. Testimony was heard from Kenneth D. Ackerman, Administrator, Risk
Management Agency, USDA. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Farm and Foreign Agriculture
Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: August
Schumacher, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service; Kenneth D.
Ackerman, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and Keith Kelly,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a hearing on the Secretary of State, and on The Supreme Court.
Testimony was heard from Madeline Albright, Secretary of State; and the
following Associate Justices of the Supreme Court: David H. Souter; and
Clarence Thomas. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on fiscal
year 2000 Air Force Budget. Testimony was heard from F. Whitten Peters, Acting
Secretary of the Air Force, Department of Defense. 

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on the fiscal
year 2000 Air Force Acquisition Program. Testimony was heard from the
following Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force, Department
of Defense: Lt. Gen. Gregory S. Martin, USAF, (Acquisitions); and Darleen A.
Druyan, (Acquisitions and Management). 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Secretary of Agriculture, and on the Forest Service. Testimony was heard from
the D251following officials of the USDA: Dan Glickman, Secretary; James R.
Lyons, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Michael
Dombeck, Chief, Forest Service. 

                                          [Page: D251]

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 Improvement,
and Howard University. 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; Cyril Kent McGuire, Assistant Secretary,
Educational Research and Improvement; and H. Patrick Swygert, President,
Howard University. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Sergeant Major, Robert E. Hall, USA; Master
Chief Petty Officer, James L. Herdt, USN; Sergeant Major, Lewis G. Lee, USMC;
and Chief Master Sergeant, Eric W. Benken, USAF. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Aviation Safety and Security. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Transportation: Alexis M. Stefani, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General, Aviation; Jane F. Garvey, Administrator, FAA; and Cathal I.
Flynn, Associate Administrator, Civil Aviation Security, FAA; and James E.
Hall, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was
heard from Andrew Cuomo, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

U.S. POLICY ON IRAQ

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the U.S. policy on Iraq.
Testimony was heard from R. James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; John Hillen,
Senior Fellow for Political-Military Studies, Center for Strategic and
International Studies and Thomas A. Keaney, Executive Director, Foreign Policy
Institute, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. 

PHARMACY REDESIGN AND TRICARE CLAIMS PROCESSING

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on pharmacy redesign and TRICARE claims processing. Testimony was heard from
Sue Bailey, Assistant Secretary (Health Affairs), Department of Defense;
Stephen P. Backhus, Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Special Oversight Panel on Morale, Welfare, and
Recreation held a hearing on morale, welfare and recreation programs and
resale activity oversight. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Gail McGinn, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary
(Personnel Support, Families and Education); Rudy de Leon, Under Secretary
(Personnel and Readiness); Brig. Gen. Craig B. Whelden, USA, Commanding
General, Community and Family Support Command; Maj. Gen. Robert L, VanAntwerp,
Jr., USA, Assistant Chief of Staff (Installation Management); Maj. Gen. Barry
Bates, USA, Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, all with the
Department of the Army; Rear Adm. James B. Hinkle, USN, Assistant Commander,
Personnel Command; Philip G. Short, Director, Personal and Family Readiness,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Vice Adm. James F. Amerault, USN, Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics); Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, USMC, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Rear Adm. Richard T. Ginman,
USN, Commander, Navy Exchange Service Command; and Philip G. Short, Director,
Personal and Family Readiness, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, all with the
Department of the Navy; Arthur Myers, Director of Services; Lt. Gen. John W.
Handy, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff (Installations and Logistics), both with
the Department of the Air Force; and Maj. Gen. Richard E. Beale, Jr., (USA,
Ret.), Director; Alan L. Flowers, Category Manager, Health and Beauty Aids;
and William T. Wood, Buyer, Breakfast Cereals and Nutritional Snacks, all with
the Defense Commissary Agency. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Continued markup of the Financial
Services Act of 1999.  

Will continue tomorrow. 

                                          [Page: D252]

EXXON-MOBILE MERGER

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on the
Exxon-Mobil merger. Testimony was heard from William J. Baer, Director, Bureau
of Competition, FTC; Jay Hakes, Administrator, Energy Information
Administration, Department of Energy; and Michael McAlevey, Deputy Director,
Division of Corporate Finance, SEC. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; REPORT; OVERSIGHT--CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; BUDGET
VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
807, amended, Federal Reserve Board Portability Act; and H.R. 858, District of
Columbia Court Employees Whistleblower Protection Act of 1999. 

The Committee also approved the following: a draft report entitled: "A
Citizen's Guide On Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of
1974 to Request Government Records;" and the Committee's Budget Views and
Estimates for fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

The Committee held an oversight hearing on Cardiovascular Disease: Is the
Federal Government Doing More Harm Than Good? Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the NIH, Department of Health and Human Services:
Claude Lenfant, M.D., Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and
Donald A. B. Lindberg, M.D., Director, National Library of Medicine; Joan Z.
Bernstein, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and public witnesses. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on House Administration: Met to consider pending Committee business. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; U.S. ROLE IN KOSOVO

Committee on International Relations: Began markup of H. Con. Res. 24,
expressing congressional opposition to the unilateral declaration of a
Palestinian state and urging the President to assert clearly United States
opposition to such a unilateral declaration of statehood. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

The Committee also held a hearing on the U.S. Role in Kosovo. Testimony was
heard from former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas; the following former Secretaries
of State: Henry A. Kissinger; and Jeane Kirkpatrick; and public witnesses. 

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the reauthorization of the Independent Counsel
Act. Testimony was heard from the following former Attorney Generals: William
P. Barr; and Benjamin R. Civiletti; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--JUVENILE JUSTICE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight hearing on
putting consequences back into juvenile justice, Federal, State, and local
efforts. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Justice: Kevin DiGregory, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal
Division; and Sherry Scheel Matteucci, U.S.Attorney, State of Montana; and a
public witness. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

RESOURCE PROTECTION

Committee on Resources: Concluded hearings on the following bills: H.R. 701,
Conservation Reinvestment Act of 1999 and H.R. 798, to provide for the
permanent protection of the resources of the United States in the year 2000
and beyond. Testimony was heard from Senator Boxer; Representatives McGovern
and Chambliss; Governor Thomas R. Carper, State of Delaware; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--WARNER CREEK TIMBER SALE

Committee on Resources: Task Force on Warner Creek met in executive session to
discuss the Warner Creek Timber Sale and related matters. 

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO RESOLUTION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing 2
hours of debate on H. Con. Res. 42, Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo
Resolution. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall be open to
amendment at any point. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Congressional Record. The rule provides that each amendment printed in
the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be
printed or his designee, and each amendment shall be considered as read. The
rule allows for the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to postpone votes
during consideration of the resolution, 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 and Representative
Gejdenson. 

                                          [Page: D253]

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 819, Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 1999. The
rule provides that the bill shall be open for amendment at any point. 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 Representative Gilchrest.  

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment held an
oversight hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget Authorization Request: Department
of Energy--Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fossil Energy,
and Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Dan Reicher, Assistant
Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; William D. Magwood, IV,
Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; and Robert S.
Kripowicz, Acting Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the following bills: H.R. 700, Airline Passenger Bill of
Rights Act of 1999; H.R. 780, Passenger Entitlement and Competition
Enhancement Act of 1999; and H.R. 908, Aviation Consumer Right To Know Act of
1999. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

CAPITAL ASSET PLANNING

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Veterans Health Administration capital asset planning. Testimony was heard
from Stephen P. Backhus, Director, Veterans' Affairs and Military Health Care
Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services, Division, GAO; Thomas
Garthwaite, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and a public witness. 

STEEL IMPORTS; BUDGET REVENUE PROVISIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered adversely reported H.R. 975, to provide
for a reduction in the volume of steel imports, and to establish a steel
import notification and monitoring program. 

The Committee also held a hearing on Revenue Provisions in the
Administration's Fiscal Year 2000 Budget. Testimony was heard from
Representative Etheridge; Donald C. Lubick, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy,
Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 



1999/03/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 11, 1999;  pages D258 - D270

Committee Meetings

FOREST SERVICE BUDGET

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review the Forest Service fiscal
year 2000 Budget. Testimony was heard from Representatives Herger and Peterson
of Pennsylvania; the following officials of the USDA: Michael Dombeck, Chief,
Forest Service; and Roger C. Viadero, Inspector General; Linda M. Calbom,
Director, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Accounting and
Financial Management Issues, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; and public witnesses. 

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Supplemental Appropriations
for fiscal year 1999. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on fiscal
year 2000 Navy/Marine Corps Budget Review. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Navy: Richard Danzig, Secretary;
Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and Gen. Charles C.
Krulak, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. 

                                          [Page: D263]

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Energy Resources and Science. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Dan Reicher, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; William D.
Magwood, IV, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; and
Martha Krebs, Director, Office of Science. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Security Assistance.
Testimony was heard from John D. Holum, Acting Under Secretary, Arms Control
and International Security Affairs, Department of State; and James Bodner,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Defense. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
Smithsonian. Testimony was heard from I. Michael Heyman, Secretary,
Smithsonian Institution. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Postsecondary Education, and Special
Institutions for the Disabled, and on Secretary of Labor. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Education: Judith E.
Heumann, Assistant Secretary, Special Education and Rehabilitative Services;
Robert R. Davila, Vice President, National Technical Institute for the Deaf,
Rochester Institute of Technology; and Tuck Tinsley, III, President, American
Printing House for the Blind. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Navy Construction. Testimony was heard from Robert B. Pirie,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, (Installations and Environment), Department
of Defense. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
continued hearings on Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony
was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 

DEFENSE BUDGET REQUESTS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the various combatant
commanders-in-chief (CINC's) on their geographic areas of responsibility and
assess the impact of the fiscal year 1999 defense budget request on their
respective missions. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Walter B. Slocome, Under Secretary (Policy) and Gen.
Anthony C. Zinni, USMC, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command. 

DOMESTIC TERRORISM--FEDERAL RESPONSE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Research and Development
held a hearing on the federal response to domestic terrorism involving weapons
of mass destruction--increasing the effectiveness of the domestic emergency
preparedness program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Charles L. Cragin, Acting Assistant Secretary, Reserve
Affairs; Delores M. Etter, Deputy Under Secretary, Science and Technology;
Raymond Dominguez, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Forces and Resources), Office
of the Assistant Secretary (Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict);
and Major. Gen. John Doesburg, USA, Commander, U.S. Army Soldier and
Biological Chemical Command; and Page Stoutland, Director, Chemical and
Biological Nonproliferation Program, Department of Energy. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported amended the
Financial Services Act of 1999. 

DEFENSE BUDGET

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on "The Clinton Defense Plan:
Shipshape or Treading Water?" Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: John J. Hamre, Deputy Secretary; and William J.
Lynn, III, Under Secretary, Comptroller; and public witnesses. 

EXXON-MOBIL MERGER

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power concluded hearings on
the Exxon-Mobil merger. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

"DATE RAPE" DRUGS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on "Date Rape" Drugs. Testimony was heard from Representative
Jackson-Lee; the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Nicholas Reuter, Associate Director, Domestic and International Drug
Control, Office of Health Affairs, FDA; and D264Stephen Zukin, M.D., Director,
Clinical and Services Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Terrance W. Woodworth,
Deputy Director, Office of Diversion Control, DEA; and Patricia Maher, Civil
Division; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D264]

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on School Violence: Protecting our
Children. Testimony was heard from Mark Rosenberg, M.D., Director, National
Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Census approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 928, 2000 Census Mail Outreach
Improvement Act; H.R. 929, 2000 Census Language Barrier Removal Act; H.R.
1009, to authorize the awarding of grants to cities, counties, tribal
organizations, and certain other entities for the purpose of improving public
participation in the 2000 decennial census; and H.R. 1010, to improve
participation in the 2000 decennial census by increasing the amounts available
to the Bureau of the Census for marketing, promotion, and outreach. 

COMBATTING TERRORISM--GAO VIEWS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans'
Affairs, and International Relations held a hearing on "Government-wide
Spending to Combat Terrorism: GAO Views on the President's Annual Report".
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National Security and
International Affairs Division, GAO: Henry L. Hnton, Jr., Assistant
Comptroller; and Davi M. D'Agostino, Assistant Director, National Security
Analysis. 

TIBETAN UPRISING--40TH ANNIVERSARY--DALAI LAMA'S PLIGHT

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy
Considerations on the Fortieth Anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising and the
Dalai Lama's Flight into Exile. Testimony was heard from Julia V. Taft,
Assistant Secretary, Population, Refugees, and Migration, Department of State;
and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 850, Security and
Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act; H.R. 769, Madrid Protocol
Implementation Act; and H.R. 771, to amend rule 30 of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure to restore the stenographic preference for recording
depositions; and H.R. 1027, amended, Satellite Television Improvement Act. 

OVERSIGHT--JUVENILE JUSTICE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime concluded oversight hearings
on putting consequences back into juvenile justice, Federal, State, and local
efforts. Testimony was heard from Representative Mike Lawlor, member, House of
Representatives, State of Connecticut; Judge Patricia West, Juvenile and
Domestic Relations District Court, Virginia Beach; and Judge Richard D.
Taylor, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Richmond, both with
the State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims also held
an oversight hearing on the impact of immigration on low-skilled American
workers and on American minority communities. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Yukon River Salmon Act,
the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967, and the Intergovernmental Consultative
Committee Agreement Between the Government of the United States and the
Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Mutual Fisheries
Relations of May 31, 1988. Testimony was heard from Mary Beth West, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Oceans, Fisheries and Space, Department of State; Rowan
Gould, Deputy Assistant Director, Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; and Gary Matlock, Chief, Sustainable Fisheries
Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 66, to preserve the cultural resources of
Route 66 Corridor and to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide
assistance; and H.R. 659, to authorize appropriations for the protection of
Paoli and Brandywine Battlefields in Pennsylvania, to direct the National Park
Service to conduct a special resource study of Paoli and Brandywine
Battlefields, to authorize the Valley Forge Museum of the American Revolution
at Valley Forge D265National Historical Park. Testimony was heard from Senator
Specter; Representatives Wilson, Weldon of Pennsylvania, Pitts and Hoeffel;
Katherine Stevenson, Associate Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship,
National Parks Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D265]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 992, amended, to convey the Sly
Park Dam and Reservoir to the El Dorado Irrigation District; H.R. 1019, to
direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey lands and interests comprising
the Carlsbad Irrigation Project to the Carlsbad Irrigation District; H.R. 841,
amended, Welton-Mohawk Transfer Act; and H.R. 862, Clear Creek Distribution
System Conveyance Act. 

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held an oversight
hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget: Regulations and Operations. Testimony was
heard from Keith Calhoun-Senghor, Director, Office of Space Commercialization,
Technology Administration, Department of Commerce; Patti Grace Smith,
Associate Administrator, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, FAA,
Department of Transportation; Joseph Rothenberg, Associate Administrator,
Office of Human Space Flight, NASA; and a public witness. 

SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY REVIEW PANELS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Paperwork
Reduction and the Subcommittee on Government Programs and Oversight held a
joint hearing on the Small Business Advocacy Review Panels created by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 1000, amended, Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st
Century; H.R. 130, to designate the United States Courthouse located at 40
Centre Street in New York, New York, as the "Thurgood Marshall United States
Courthouse"; H.R. 751, amended, to designate the Federal building and United
States courthouse located at 504 Hamilton Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania,
as the "Edward N. Cahn Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R.
717, National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 1999; H.R. 820, amended, Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 1999; H. Con. Res. 44, amended, authorizing the use
of the Capitol Grounds for the 18th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial
Service; H. Con. Res. 47, amended, authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds
for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 48, authorizing the
use of the Capitol Grounds for the opening ceremonies of Sunrayce 99; H. Con.
Res. 49, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a bike rodeo to be
conducted by the Earth Force Youth Bike Summit; H. Con. Res. 50, authorizing
the 1999 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be
run through the Capitol Grounds; and H. Con. Res. 51, expressing the sense of
Congress that Dr. Doan Viet Hoat is to be praised and honored for his
commitment to fight for democratic change in Vietnam. 

The Committee also approved an 11(b) resolution. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
approved for full Committee action the following: H.R. 130, to designate the
United States Courthouse located at 40 Centre Street in New York, New York as
the "Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse;" H.R. 751, amended, to
designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 504
Hamilton Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the "Edward N. Cahn Federal
Building and United States Courthouse;" H. Con. Res. 44, amended, authorizing
the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 18th annual National Peace Officers'
Memorial Service; H. Con. Res. 47, amended, authorizing the use of the Capitol
grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 48,
authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the opening ceremonies of
Sunrayce 99; H. Con. Res. 49, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a
bike rodeo to be conducted by the Earth Force Youth Bike Summit; H. Con. Res.
50, authorizing the 1999 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement
Torch Run to be run through the Capitol Grounds; and H. Con. Res. 51,
expressing the sense of Congress that Dr. Doan Viet Hoat is to be praised and
honored for his commitment to fight for democratic change in Vietnam. 

The Subcommittee also approved an 11(b) resolution. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Approved the Committee's Budget Views and
Estimates for fiscal year 2000 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

                                          [Page: D266]

WHISTLEBLOWING AND RETALIATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on whistleblowing and retaliation in the Department of Veterans
Affairs. Testimony was heard from Elaine Kaplan, Special Counsel, Office of
Special Counsel; the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Richard J. Griffin, Inspector General; Eugene A. Brickhouse,
Assistant Secretary, Human Resources and Administration; and Leigh Bradley,
General Counsel; and public witnesses. 

DISABILITY BENEFICIARIES--BARRIERS PREVENTING RETURN TO WORK

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Barriers Preventing Disability Beneficiaries from Returning to Work. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Johnson of Connecticut and Ramstad; Kenneth S.
Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; Cynthia M. Fagnoni, Director, Income Security
Issues, Health, Education and Human Services Division, GAO; and public
witnesses. 

BRIEFING--COX/DICKS COMMITTEE FINDINGS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Findings of the Cox/Dicks Committee. The Committee was
briefed by Representatives Cox and Dicks. 



1999/03/15
Daily Digest - Monday, March 15, 1999;  pages D272 - D276

Committee Meetings

NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY ACT

Committee on Commerce: On March 12, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power
continued hearings on H.R. 45, Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Bill Richardson, Secretary of Energy. 

DOT AND FAA--WILL THEY BE READY FOR YEAR 2000?

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology and the Subcommittee on Technology of the
Committee on Science held a joint hearing on "Will the Department of
Transportation and the FAA be Ready for the Year 2000?" Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Mortimer L.
Downey, Deputy Secretary; Jane F. Garvey, Administrator, FAA; and Kenneth M.
Mead, Inspector General; and Joel C. D274Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies
Information Systems, GAO. 

                                          [Page: D274]

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION

Committee on International Relations: On March 12, the Subcommittee on
International Operations and Human Rights held a hearing on the Foreign
Relations Authorization for Fiscal Year 2000-2001: Security of United States
Missions Abroad. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: David G. Carpenter, Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic
Security, Department of State; and Adm. William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.); and
a public witness.  

SMALL BUSINESS YEAR 2000 READINESS ACT

Committee on Small Business: On March 12, the Committee held a hearing on S.
314, Small Business Year 2000 Readiness Act. Testimony was heard from Jeanne
M. Sclater, Deputy Associate Deputy Administrator, Office of Capital Access,
SBA; and public witnesses. 



1999/03/16
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 16, 1999,  pages D278 - D286

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on 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 State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Laurie Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs; Shay
Bilchik, Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention;
and Joseph E. Brann, Director, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 

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: James M. Owendorff,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Environmental Management, and Lake H.
Barrett, Acting Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on U.S.
Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from Charles G. Groat, 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 Secretary of Labor, the Employment
Standards Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor:
Alexis M. Herman, Secretary; Bernard E. Anderson, Assistant Secretary,
Employment Standards Administration; and J. Davitt McAteer, Assistant
Secretary, Mine Safety and Health. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation held a hearing on
Coast Guard Capital and Funding Requirements. Testimony was heard from Adm.
James Loy, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation
and John Anderson, Director, Transportation Issues, GAO. 

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION AUTHORIZATIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine
held a hearing on the fiscal year 2000 Maritime Administration authorization
request and fiscal year 2000 (first quarter) Panama Canal Commission
authorization request. Testimony was heard from Clyde Hart, Administrator,
Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation; Louis Caldera,
Secretary of the Army; and Alberto Aleman Zubieta, Administrator, Panama Canal
Commission. 

LONG-TERM PLANNING--MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND INSTALLATIONS MANAGEMENT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities held a hearing on long-term planning for military infrastructure
and installations management requirements. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Maj. Gen. Robert L. Van
Antwerp, Jr., USA, Assistant Chief of Staff, Installations Management,
Department of the Army; Rear Adm. Michael W. Shelton, USN, Facilities and
Engineering Division (N44), Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Logistics,
Department of Navy; Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia, USAF, The Civil Engineer,
Department of the Air Force; Maj. Gen. Geoffrey B. Higginbotham, USMC, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S.
Marine Corps; and Read Adm. Jack E. Buffiington, USN (Ret.), D283Department of
Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas. 

                                          [Page: D283]

HOMELESS HOUSING PROGRAMS CONSOLIDATION AND FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on the Homeless Housing Programs
Consolidation and Flexibility Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Women's Health: Raising Awareness of Cervical Cancer. Testimony was heard
from Senator Mack; Representative Eshoo; the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., Deputy
Director and Nancy Lee, M.D., Associate Director, Science, both with the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Douglas R. Lowey, M.D., Deputy
Director and Edward L. Trimble, M.D., Head Surgery Section, both with the
National Cancer Institute, NIH. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported amended H. Res. 101,
Providing amounts for the expenses of certain committees of the House of
Representatives in the One Hundred Sixth Congress.  

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999. Testimony was heard
from Representatives McCollum, Smith of Michigan, Boucher, Rothman,
Jackson-Lee of Texas, Slaughter and LaFalce; Joe Lee, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge,
Eastern District of Kentucky; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL FOREST PLANNING

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Committee of Scientists--National Forest Planning.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: James R. Lyons,
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Mike Dombeck, Chief,
Forest Service; and public witnesses. 

COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 820, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1999. The rule 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 open for amendment at any point. 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 for one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative
LoBiondo. 

STEEL IMPORTS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 90 minutes
of debate on H.R. 975, to provide for a reduction in the volume of steel
imports, and to establish a steel import notification and monitoring program.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Archer and Representatives
Quinn, Moran of Kansas, Levin, Visclosky, Doyle and Mascara. 

OVERSIGHT--INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 21ST CENTURY

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held an oversight hearing
on Information Technology for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Neal
Lane, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy; and public witnesses. 

CHILD CARE FINANCING

Committee on Ways and Means; Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Federal Resources Available for Child Care. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Maloney of New York and Tauscher; Olivia A. Golden, Assistant
Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and
Human Services; Gene Falk, Specialist in Social Legislation, Domestic Social
Policy Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Paul
Cullinan, Chief, Human Resources Cost Estimate Unit, CBO; Clarence H. Carter,
Commissioner, Department of Social Services, State of Virginia; and public
witnesses. 

CLANDESTINE OPERATIONS--COVERT ACTION BUDGETS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on the Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: Clandestine Operations. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D284]

The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year
Budget: Covert Action. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/17
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 17, 1999,  pages D288 - D298

Committee Meetings 

(Committees not listed did not meet) 

CROP INSURANCE REFORM 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded
hearings to examine the nature of risk management in agriculture and federal
crop insurance programs, after receiving testimony from Ken Ackerman,
Administrator, Risk Management Agency, Department of Agriculture; Phil Cyre,
Hazel, South Dakota, on behalf of the National Farmers Union; Dean Kleckner,
American Farm Bureau Federation, and Roger Swartz, Crop Insurance Research
Bureau, both of Park Ridge, Illinois; Kyle Phillips, Iowa Corn Growers
Association, Knoxville; Allen Helms, American Cotton Producers, Clarkedale,
Arkansas, on behalf of the National Cotton Council; Marc Curtis, American
Soybean Association, Leland, Mississippi; Mike Miller, American Association of
Crop Insurers, Topeka, Kansas; and Ken Rulon, Cicero, Indiana. 

APPROPRIATIONS--AIR FORCE 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded hearings on
proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2000 for Air Force programs,
focusing on airmen, infrastructure, and modernization, after receiving
testimony from F. Whitten Peters, Acting Secretary, and Gen. Michael E. Ryan,
Chief of Staff, both of the Air Force. 

APPROPRIATIONS--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch concluded
hearings on proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2000, after receiving
testimony in behalf of funds for their respective activities from James H.
Billington, Librarian of Congress; Daniel P. Mulhollan, Director,
Congressional Research Service; David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the
United States, General Accounting Office; Michael F. DiMario, Public Printer,
Government Printing Office; and Janet S. Zagorin, American Bar Association's
Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 

DEFENSE ACQUISITION REFORM 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
concluded hearings to examine the efforts to reform and streamline the
Department of Defense's acquisition process, after receiving testimony from
Paul J. Hoeper, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics,
and Technology; H. Lee Buchanan, III, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for
Research, Development and Acquisition; Darleen A. Druyun, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Management; and Lt.
Gen. Henry T. Glisson, USA, Director, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of
Defense. 

AUTHORIZATION--DEFENSE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Airland concluded hearings on
proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal year 2000 for the Department
of Defense, focusing on tactical aviation modernization, and the future years
defense program, after receiving testimony from H. Lee Buchanan, Assistant
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; Darleen A.
Druyun, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition
and Management; Philip E. Coyle, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation,
Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Louis J. Rodrigues, Director, Defense
Acquisitions, Issues, National Security and International Affairs Division,
General Accounting Office. 

2000 BUDGET 

Committee on the Budget: Committee met to mark up a proposed concurrent
resolution setting forth the fiscal year 2000 budget for the Federal
Government, but did not complete consideration thereon, and will meet again
tomorrow. 

                                          [Page: D291]

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably
reported the following business items: 

S. 507, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related
resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various
projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, with
amendments; 

S. 148, to require the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to
provide assistance in the conservation of neotropical migratory birds; 

S. 574, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make corrections to a map
relating to the Coastal Barrier Resources System; 

S. 67, to designate the headquarters building of the Department of Housing and
Urban Development in Washington, D.C., as the "Robert C. Weaver Federal
Building"; 

S. 272 and H.R. 396, bills to designate the Federal building located at 1301
Clay Street in Oakland, California, as the "Ronald V. Dellums Federal
Building"; 

S. 392, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located
at West 920 Riverside Avenue in Spokane, Washington, as the "Thomas S. Foley
Federal Building and United States Courthouse", and the plaza at the south
entrance of that building and courthouse as the "Walter F. Horan Plaza"; 

S. 437, to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 338
Las Vegas Boulevard South in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the "Lloyd D. George United
States Courthouse"; 

S. 453, to designate the Federal building located at 709 West 9th Street in
Juneau, Alaska, as the "Hurff A. Saunders Federal Building"; 

S. 460, to designate the United States courthouse located at 401 South
Michigan Street in South Bend, Indiana, as the "Robert K. Rodibaugh United
States Bankruptcy Courthouse"; 

H.R. 92, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse
located at 251 North Main Street in Winston Salem, North Carolina, as the
"Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse"; 

H.R. 158, to designate the Federal Courthouse located at 316 North 26th Street
in Billings, Montana, as the "James F. Battin Federal Courthouse"; 

H.R. 233, to designate the Federal building located at 700 East San Antonio
Street in El Paso, Texas, as the "Richard C. White Federal Building"; and 

The nominations of Gary S. Guzy, of the District of Columbia, to be an
Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Anne
Jeannette Udall, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of
the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental
Policy Foundation. 

OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 

Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee held hearings to examine
the loss of open space and environmental quality, focusing on sprawl and
development, and related proposals, receiving testimony from Mayor Paul
Helmke, Fort Wayne, Indiana, on behalf of the United States Conference of
Mayors; Terry Kauffman, Board of Commissioners, Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, on behalf of the National Association of Counties; Richard Moe,
National Trust for Historic Preservation, Kathryn Hohmann, Sierra Club, and
Gary Garczynski, National Association of Home Builders, all of Washington,
D.C.; and Nelson C. Rising, Catellus Development Corporation, on behalf of the
National Realty Committee, and Steven Hayward, Pacific Research Institute for
Public Policy, both of San Francisco, California. 

Hearings will continue tomorrow. 

MEDICARE REFORM 

Committee on Finance: Committee concluded hearings to examine certain Medicare
provisions in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 relating to provider payment
policies and the Medicare+Choice program, after receiving testimony from
Nancy-Ann DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; William J. Scanlon, Director, Health
Financing and Public Health Issues, Health, Education, and Human Services
Division, General Accounting Office; and Gail R. Wilensky, Medicare Payment
Advisory Commission, Washington, D.C. 

U.S.-IRAQ POLICY 

Committee on Foreign Relations/Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Committee concluded joint hearings to examine the impact of the United
Nations' proposals to expand Iraqi oil for food on United States policy toward
Iraq, after receiving testimony from Bill Richardson, Secretary of Energy; and
Thomas R. Pickering, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. 

NUCLEAR SAFETY TREATY 

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded hearings on the Convention
on Nuclear Safety, done at Vienna on September 20, 1994 (Treaty Doc. 104-6),
after receiving testimony from Robert J. Einhorn, Deputy Assistant Secretary
of State for Nonproliferation; Gary Jones, Associate Director for D292Energy,
Resources and Science Issues, Resources, Community and Economic Development
Division, General Accounting Office; and Marvin Fertel, Nuclear
Infrastructure, Support, and International Programs, Nuclear Energy Institute,
Washington, D.C. 

                                          [Page: D292]

NOMINATION 

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded hearings on the nomination
of Robert A. Seiple, of Washington, to be Ambassador at Large for
International Religious Freedom after the nominee testified and answered
questions on his own behalf. 

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL ACT 

Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee resumed hearings on the future of
the Independent Counsel Act, receiving testimony from Janet Reno, Attorney
General, Department of Justice; Charles G. La Bella, U.S. Attorney for the
Southern District of California, San Diego, former Supervising Attorney,
Campaign Financing Task Force; John Q. Barrett, St. John's University School
of Law, New York, New York, former Associate Independent Counsel, Iran-Contra
Investigation; and Philip B. Heymann, Harvard University, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, former Associate Watergate Special Prosecutor. 

Hearings recessed subject to call. 

BUSINESS MEETING 

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee began markup on
S. 326, to improve the access and choice of patients to quality, affordable
health care, but did not complete action thereon, and will meet again
tomorrow. 

NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE 

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded hearings on S. 400, to
provide technical corrections to the Native American Housing Assistance and
Self-Determination Act of 1996, and to improve the delivery of housing
assistance to Indian tribes in a manner that recognizes the right of tribal
self-governance, after receiving testimony from Jacqueline Johnson, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Native American
Programs; and Chester Carl, Window Rock, Arizona, and John Williamson, Port
Angeles, Washington, both on behalf of the National American Indian Housing
Council. 

INTELLIGENCE 

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on
intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials from the intelligence
community. 

Committee will meet again tomorrow. 



1999/03/18
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 18, 1999,  pages D299 - D308

Committee Meetings 

DISASTER ASSISTANCE IMPLEMENTATION 

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the USDA's implementation
of disaster assistance and the operation of other programs. Testimony was
heard from Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on
Departmental Administration/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Information Officer.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Sally Thompson,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Administration and Chief Financial Officer; Anne
F. Thomson Reed, Chief Information Officer; and Rosalind Gray, Director,
Office of Civil Rights. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the
Judiciary held a hearing on International Organizations and Peacekeeping.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Ambassador Peter Burleigh, Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations;
and David Welch, Assistant Secretary, International Organizations. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Military Readiness. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, USA,
Vice Chief of Staff, Army; Adm. Donald L. Pilling, USN, Vice Chief of Naval
Operations; Gen. Terrance R. Dake, USMC, Assistant Commandant of the Marine
Corps; and Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. 

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, Office of Defense Programs; Rose E.
Gottemoeller, Director, Office of Nonproliferation and National Security; and
Laura S.H. Holgate, Director, Office of Fissile Materials Disposition. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Service Department of Energy-Fossil Energy. Testimony was heard from Robert W.
Gee, Acting Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy, Department of Energy. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Service,
and Education, held a hearing on Gallaudet University and on Institute of
Museum and Library Services and Railroad Retirement Board. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Education: I King Jordan,
President, Gallaudet University; and Judith E. Heumann, Assistant Secretary,
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Diane B. Frankel, Director,
Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Foundation on the Arts and
Humanities; and Cherryl T. Thomas, Chair, Railroad Retirement Board. 

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. 

TREASURY--POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government held a hearing on Secretary of the Treasury and on Customs
Integrity. Testimony was heard from the Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of the
Treasury; and the following officials of the U.S. Customs Service of the
Department of the Treasury: Raymond Kelly, Commissioner; William Keefer,
Assistant Commissioner for Internal Affairs; Vincent Parolisi, Office of
Internal Affairs; and public witnesses. 

RECRUITING ISSUES 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on recruiting issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Congressional Commission on Servicesmembers and Veterans Transition
Assistance: Anthony J. Principi, Chairman; and G. Kim Wincup, Vice Chairman;
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Francis M. Rush, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Secretary (Force Management Policy); Maj. Gen. Evan Gaddis,
USA, Commanding General, U.S. D305Army Recruiting Command; Rear Adm. Barbara
McGann, USN, Commander, U.S. Navy Recruiting Command; Brig. Gen. Peter U.
Sutton, USAF, Commander, U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service; and Maj. Gen.
Garry L. Parks, USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting
Command. 

                                          [Page: D305]

SHIPMENT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness held a hearing
on the shipment of household goods. Testimony was heard from David Warren,
Director, Defense Management Issues, GAO; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Roger W. Kallock, Deputy Under Secretary (Logistics);
Lt. Gen. Roger G. Thompson, USA., Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S.
Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Privratsky, USA,
Director, Transportation, Energy and Troop Support, Department of the Army;
and public witnesses. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on
Electricity Competition: Evolving Federal and State Roles. Testimony was heard
from Vincent A. Persico, member, General Assembly and Co-Chair, Special
Committee on Electric Utility Deregulation, State of Illinois; John M. Quain,
Chairman, Public Utility Commission, State of Pennsylvania; Craig A. Glazer,
Chairman, Public Utility Commission, State of Ohio; Susan F. Clark,
Commissioner, Public Service Commission, State of Florida; Marsha Smith,
Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of Idaho; and public witnesses. 

BOND PRICE COMPETITION IMPROVEMENT ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on the Bond Price Competition Improvement Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Arthur Leavitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC; and public witnesses. 

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention Act: Preventing Juvenile Crime at School and in the Community.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES--LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service held a hearing
on Long Term Care Insurance for Federal Employees. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the OPM: Janice Lachance, Director; and William E.
Flynn III, Associate Director, Retirement and Insurance Services; and public
witnesses. 

DRUG ABUSE--PREVENTION AND TREATMENT 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Overview of Agency Efforts to Prevent
and Treat Drug Abuse. Testimony was heard from Daniel Schecter, Deputy
Director, Demand-Reduction (Acting), Office of National Drug Control Policy;
from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Richard A. Millstein, Deputy Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH;
and Joseph H. Autry, III, M.D., Deputy Administrator, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration; and Vicki Verdeyen, Psychology Services
Programs, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice. 

OVERSIGHT--FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT JUSTICE AND FAA 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on Oversight of Financial
Management Practices at the Department of Justice and the Federal Aviation
Administration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Michael Bromwich, Inspector General; and Stephen
Colgate, Assistant Attorney General, Administration; Linda Calbom, Director,
Resources, Community, and Economic Development Accounting and Financial
Management, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO; and from the
following officials of the Department of Transportation: John Meche, Deputy
Assistant Inspector General, Financial, Economic, and Information Technology;
David K. Kleinberg, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; and Carl Schellenberg,
Assistant Administrator, Financial Services, FAA. 

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS VIEWS 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs, and International Relations held a hearing on views of Veterans
Service Organizations. Testimony was heard from representatives of veterans
organizations. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law,
continued hearings on H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Leach and Roukema; the following Bankruptcy Judges:
Thomas D306Carlson, Northern District of California; and Tina Brozman, Chief
Judge, Southern District of New York; Jere W. Glover, Chief Counsel, Office of
Advocacy, SBA; Oliver Ireland, Associate General Counsel, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D306]

COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION ANTIPIRACY ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 354, Collections of Information Antipiracy Act.
Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, Library of
Congress; Andrew Pincus, General Counsel, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses. 

NURSING RELIEF FOR DISADVANTAGED AREAS ACT; OVERSIGHT--ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims approved
for full Committee action H.R. 441, Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act
of 1999. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on illegal immigration.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Michael R. Bromwich, Inspector General; Michael D. Cronin, Associate
Commissioner, Programs and Louis Nardi, Director, Investigations, Field
Operations, both with the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and Amy
Dale, Administrator, Detention Services, Federal Bureau of Prisons; Donna J.
Hamilton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Consular Affairs, Department
of State; and public witnesses. 

LAND SOVEREIGNTY

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 883, to preserve the
sovereignty of the United States over public lands and acquired lands owned by
the United States, and to preserve State sovereignty and private property
rights in non-Federal lands surrounding those public lands and acquired lands.
Testimony was heard from Representative Emerson; Melinda L. Kimble, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs, Department of State; Kate Stevenson, Associate Director, Cultural
Resources, Stewardship and Partnership, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET REQUESTS--NOAA AND NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the fiscal year 2000 budget request of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine
Fisheries Service. Testimony was heard from D. James Baker, Under Secretary,
Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 66,
to preserve the cultural resources of Route 66 Corridor and to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance; H.R. 658, Thomas Cole
National Historic Site Act; and H.R. 659, to authorize appropriations for the
protection of Paoli and Brandywine Battlefields in Pennsylvania, to direct the
National Park Service to conduct a special resource study of Paoli and
Brandywine Battlefields, to authorize the Valley Forge Museum of the American
Revolution at Valley Forge National Historical Park. 

OVERSIGHT--AUTHORIZATION REQUEST; EPA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment held an
oversight hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget Authorization Request:
Environmental Protection Agency Research and Development. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the EPA: Norine Noonan, Assistant
Administrator, Research and Development, Office of Research and Development;
and W. Randall Seeker, Chairman, Research Strategies Advisory Committee,
Science Advisory Board; and David G. Wood, Assistant Director, Resources,
Community and Economic Development Division, GAO. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
continued hearings on the following bills: H.R. 700, Airline Passenger Bill of
Rights Act of 1999, H.R. 780, Passenger Entitlement and Competition
Enhancement Act of 1999, and H.R. 908, Aviation Consumer Right to Know Act of
1999. Testimony was heard from Representatives Dingell, Forbes and Slaughter;
Nancy E. McFadden, General Counsel, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses. 

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY BURIAL ELIGIBILITY ACT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported H.R. 70, Arlington National
Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act. 

                                          [Page: D307]

MEDICARE+CHOICE PROGRAM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Medicare+Choice Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human
Services: Robert A. Berenson, M.D., Director, Center for Health Plans and
Providers; Carol Cronin, Director, Center for Beneficiary Services; and
Jeffrey Kang, M.D., Director and Chief Clinical Officer, Office of Clinical
Standards and Quality; and public witnesses. 

STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS--TAX TREATMENT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Tax
Treatment of Structured Settlements. Testimony was heard from Joseph Mikrut,
Tax Legislative Counsel, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

BUDGET: IMAGERY INTELLIGENCE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: Imagery Intelligence. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/19
Daily Digest - Friday, March 19, 1999,  pages D310 - D316

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/03/22
Daily Digest - Monday, March 22, 1999,  pages D318 - D322

Committee Meetings

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on Emergency Management. Testimony
was heard from Michael Walker, Deputy Director, FEMA; and public witnesses. 



1999/03/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 23, 1999,  pages D323 - D334

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Navy/Marine Corps Acquisition Program.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
H. Lee Buchanan, Assistant Secretary of the Navy; Vice Adm. Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; and Lt. Gen. Michael J.
Williams, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on U.S. D330Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: Joseph W. Westphal,
Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Civil Works); Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard, USA,
Chief, Corps of Engineers; Maj. Gen. Russell L. Fuhrman, USA, Director of
Civil Works; and Thomas F. Caver, Jr., Chief, Programs Management Division,
Directorate of Civil Works. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

                                          [Page: D330]

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Military Training Report.
Testimony was heard from Walter B. Slocombe, Under Secretary, Policy,
Department of Defense; and Eric D. Newsom, Assistant Secretary,
Political-Military Affairs, Department of State. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Indian
Health Service. Testimony was heard from Michael H. Trujillo, M.D., Assistant
Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and
Human Services. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Departmental Management Panel and on
Corporation for Public Broadcasting and National Education Goals Panel.
Testimony was heard from Patricia Lattimore, Assistant Secretary,
Administration and Management, Department of Labor; John Callahan, Assistant
Secretary, Management and Budget, Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Information Officer, Department of Health and Human Services; Marshall S.
Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Education; Kenneth P. Boehne,
Chief Financial Officer, Railroad Retirement Board; John Dyer, Principal
Deputy Commissioner, SSA, and public witnesses. 

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. 

SUPERFUND PROGRAM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on the Superfund Program. Testimony was heard from Tim Fields,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA;
Peter F. Guerrero, Director, Environmental Protection Issues, GAO; and a
public witness. 

WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Lazio and Waxman; Sally Richardson, Director, Center for
Medicaid and State Operations, Health Care Financing Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; Anthony A. Williams, Mayor, District
of Columbia; Roger Auerbach, Administrator, Senior and Disabled Services
Division, State of Oregon; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--OSHA

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held an oversight hearing on the OSHA. Testimony was heard from
Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 

HUD--REFORMS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on "HUD Losing $1 Million Per
Day: Promised `Reforms' Slow in Coming". Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Nancy
H. Cooper, District Inspector General, Audit; and William Apgar, Assistant
Secretary, Housing, Federal Housing Commissioner; Stanley Czerwinski,
Associate Director, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division,
GAO; and public witnesses. 

SIERRA LEONE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Sierra Leone: Prospects for Peace and Stability. Testimony was heard from
Susan Rice, Assistant Secretary, African Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses. 

NEGOTIATING WTO AGRICULTURAL AGREEMENT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on Leveling the Playing Field and Opening
Markets: Negotiating a WTO Agricultural Agreement. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 1211, Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001.D331 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT--FLAG DESECRATION

                                          [Page: D331]

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.J. Res. 33, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of
the United States. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cunningham, Lewis
of Georgia, Sweeney and Gilchrest; former Representative David Skaggs of
Colorado; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the
Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a joint oversight hearing
on Secretarial powers under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976: excessive use of Sec. 204 withdrawal authority by the Administration.
Testimony was heard from Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--NEPA PARITY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on "NEPA Parity". Testimony was heard from Sandra Key,
Associate Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest Service, USDA; and
public witnesses. 

EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing l hour of
debate on H.R. 1141, making emergency supplemental appropriations for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1999. The rule waives clause 4(c) of rule
XIII (requiring the three-day availability of printed hearings on a general
appropriations bill) and section 302 (prohibiting consideration of a
committee's legislation providing new budget authority until that committee
has filed its 302(b) report and consideration of legislation providing new
budget authority in excess of a subcommittee's 302(b) allocations of such
authority) and 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. The rule
provides that the bill be open to amendment by paragraph. 

The rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations
or legislative provisions in a general appropriations bill and prohibiting
non-emergency designated amendments to be offered to an appropriations bill
containing an emergency designation) against provision in the bill. The rule
waives all points of order against the amendment printed in the report
accompanying the rule and provides that the amendment shall be offered only by
a Member designated in the report or his designee, shall be considered as
read, 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 grant priority
in recognition to members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record prior to their consideration. 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 designated
amendments to be offered to an appropriations bill containing an emergency
designation) and section 302(c) of the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting
consideration of a committee's legislation providing new budget authority
until that committee has filed its 302(b) report) against all amendments
during the consideration of this bill. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Young and Representatives Hansen, Obey, Edwards, Waters and Bentsen. 

LOCAL CENSUS QUALITY CONTROL ACT

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Representatives Miller of Florida,
Maloney of New York, Millender-McDonald and Gonzalez, but action was deferred
on H.R. 472, Local Census Quality Control Act. 

U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on the
U.S. Fire Administration Authorization for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001.
Testimony was heard James Lee Witt, Director, FEMA; Karen Brown, Deputy
Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses. 

BARRIERS TO MINORITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing on
barriers to minority entrepreneurship. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

PENSION ISSUES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
Pension Issues. Testimony was heard from Donald C. Lubick, Assistant
D332Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; Leslie Kramerich,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy of the Pension and Welfare Benefits
Administration, Department of Labor; David M. Strauss, Executive Director,
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; and public witnesses. 

CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICAN RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

                                          [Page: D332]

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the trade
provisions of H.R. 984, Caribbean and Central American Relief and Economic
Stabilization Act. Testimony was heard from Senator Graham; Representative
Kolbe; Richard W. Fisher, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; Alan P. Larson,
Assistant Secretary, Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State; from
the following Ambassadors to the United States: Bernardo Vega, Dominican
Republic; Francisco X. Aguirre-Sacasa, Nicaragua; Rene A. Leon, Republic of El
Salvador; and Jaime Daremblum, Costa Rica; and public witnesses. 
 
BUDGET: OVERHEAD (SATELLITE) COLLECTION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: Overhead (Satellite) Collection. Testimony
was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 24, 1999,  pages D335 - D346

Committee Meetings

EPA'S PROPOSED PLANT PESTICIDE RULE

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and
Specialty Crops and the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a joint hearing to Review the EPA's proposed
Plant Pesticide Rule. Testimony was heard from James V. Aidala, Associate
Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances, EPA; and public witnesses. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the
Judiciary held a hearing on Bureau of the Census and on Immigration and
Naturalization Service. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Prewitt, Director,
Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; and Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Ballistic Missile Defense. Testimony was heard from Lt.
Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF, Director, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization,
Department of Defense. 

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Special
Access Programs. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the Corporation for National and Community
Service; the National Mediation Board; the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service; the U.S. Institute of Peace; the Federal Mine Safety and Health
Review Commission; and Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Testimony was heard from Harris Wofford, President, Corporation for National
and Community Service; Magdalena G. Jocobson, Chairwoman, National Mediation
Board; C. Richard Barnes, Director Designee, Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service; Richard H. Solomon, President, U.S. Institute of Peace;
and Mary Lu Jordan, Chairman, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review
Commission. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Office of Science and Technology Policy, and on the
Department of Defense-Civil, Cemeterial Expenses, Army. Testimony was heard
from Neal Lane, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy; and Joseph
W. Westphal, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works, Department of
Defense. 

HEDGE FUNDS--BANK LENDING AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services, Subcommittees on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on bank lending and other
transactions with hedge funds. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Federal Reserve System: Laurence H. Meyer, member, Board of
Governors; and William J. McDonough, President, Federal Reserve Bank of New
York; and Michael J. Brosnan, Deputy Comptroller, Department of the Treasury. 

AMERICA'S HEALTH: PROTECTING PATIENTS' ACCESS TO CARE

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on America's Health: Protecting Patients' Access to Quality Care and
Information. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--MEXICAN COUNTER NARCOTICS EFFORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held an oversight hearing on Mexican Counter narcotics
Efforts: Are We Getting Full Cooperation? Testimony was heard from Jeff
Weitzman, Canine Enforcement Officer, Orlando Field Division, U.S. Customs
Service, Department of the Treasury; Thereon Bowman, Chief of Police,
Arlington, Texas; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D342]

REGULATORY COSTS AND BENEFITS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Economic Growth,
Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on "Should Agencies Be
Allowed To Keep Americans In The Dark About Regulatory Costs and Benefits?"
Testimony was heard from Representative Bliley; G. Edward DeSeve, Deputy
Director, Management, OMB; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--ANTHRAX VACCINE INOCULATION PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans'
Affairs and International Relations held an oversight hearing on the Anthrax
Vaccine Inoculation Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Sue Bailey, Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs;
Lt. Gen. Ronald R. Blanck, USA; Deputy Surgeon General Todd Fisher, USN; and
Lt. Gen. Charles H. Roadman, II, USAF; and public witnesses. 

U.S. POLICY TOWARDS NORTH KOREA--PENDING PERRY REPORT

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy Towards
North Korea and the Pending Perry Review. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on U.S. Cuba-Relations: Where Are We and Where Are We Heading?
Testimony was heard from Michael Ranneberger, Director, Office of Cuban
Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 850,
Security and Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act; H.R. 769, Madrid Protocol
Implementation Act; H.R. 1189, to make technical corrections in title 17,
United States Code; H.R. 1027, amended, Satellite Television Improvement Act;
H.R. 46, Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 1999; and H.R. 441,
Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999,  

The Committee also approved proposed Immigration Subcommittee Rules of
Procedure for private immigration bills and private claims bills and other
pending Committee business. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 916, to make
technical amendments to section 10 of title 9, United States Code; and H.R.
462, to clarify that government pension plans of the possessions of the United
States shall be treated in the same manner as State pension plans for purposes
of the limitation on the State income taxation of pension income. 

The Subcommittee also began markup of H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H. Con. Res.
68, establishing the Congressional budget for the United States Government for
fiscal year 2000, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for each of
fiscal years 2001 through 2009, 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 and one hour on economic goals and
policies equally divided and controlled by Representative Saxton and
Representative Stark. The rule waives clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a
three-day layover of the committee report) against consideration of the bill.
The rule considers the amendment printed in part 1 of the Rules Committee
report as adopted upon adoption of the resolution. The rule makes in order
only those amendments printed in part 2 of the Rules Committee report to be
offered only in the order specified, only by the Member designated, debatable
for forty minutes each 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 except that if an amendment in the nature of a
substitute is adopted, it is not in order to consider further substitutes. The
rule provides that upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent
resolution for amendment, for a final period of general debate not to exceed
ten minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on the Budget. 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.
Finally, the rule suspends the application of House Rule XXIII (relating to
the establishment of the statutory limit on the public debt) with respect to
the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2000. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Kasich and Representatives Hunter, Dunn, Graham, Spratt,
Minge, Clement, Mink, Defazio, Stenholm, John, Filner, Brown of Florida and
Guiterrez. 

                                          [Page: D343]

HOME PAGE TAX REPEAL ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on Home
Page Tax Repeal Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Terry; Larry
Rudolph, General Counsel, NSF; and public witnesses. 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET REQUEST--RESULTS ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment held a
hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget Authorization Request: Department of
Energy--Results Act Implementation. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Energy: Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General;
John R. Sullivan, Director, Strategic Planning Budget and Program Evaluation,
Office of Policy and International Affairs; and Gwendolyn Cowan, Director,
Office of Procurement and Assistance Policy, Office of Procurement and
Assistance Management, Office of Management and Administration; and Susan D.
Kladiva, Associate Director, Energy, Resources, and Science, Resources,
Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO. 

RANGE MODERNIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
Range Modernization, Part 1. Testimony was heard from Major Gen. Robert C.
Hinson, USAF, Director, Operations, Air Force Space Command, U.S. Air Force,
Department of Defense; Loren Shriver, Deputy Director, Launch and Payload
Operations, Kennedy Space Center, NASA; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--OIL POLLUTION ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a joint oversight hearing on the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Testimony was heard from Adm. James M. Loy, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard, Department of Transportation; Elaine Davies, Deputy Director, Office of
Emergency and Remedial Response, EPA; David Kennedy, Director, Office of
Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses. 

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE--CHINESE ESPIONAGE ISSUES AT LABORATORIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Counterintelligence and Chinese Espionage Issues at Department of
Energy Laboratories. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/03/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 25, 1999,  pages D347 - D360

Committee Meetings 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the
Judiciary held a hearing on SBA and on Drug Enforcement Programs. Testimony
was heard from Aida Alvarez, Administrator, SBA; and the following officials
of the Department of Justice: Thomas Constantine, Administrator, DEA; James
Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division; and Donna Bucella,
Director, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS 

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

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 Beneke, Assistant Secretary, Water and Science; and Eluid Martinez,
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation. 

FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations held a hearing
on AID Administrator. Testimony was heard from Brian Atwood, Administrator,
AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Department of Energy: Conservation. Testimony was heard from Dan Reicher,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy. 

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the National Council on Disability; the
National Commission on Libraries; the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and the NLRB. Testimony was heard from
Audrey McCrimon, Chairperson, Committee on Finance, National Council on
Disability; Jeanne Hurley Simon, Chairperson, National Commission on
Libraries; David F. Lacy, Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board, Armed
Forces Retirement Home; Gail Wilensky, Chairperson, Medicare Payments Advisory
Commission; and John C. Truesdale, Chairman, NLRB. 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government, on Office of National Drug Control Policy. Testimony was
heard from Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control
Policy; Alan I. Leshner, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witness. 

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

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

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2000
National Defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Louis Caldera, Secretary of
the Army; Richard Danzig, Secretary of the Navy; and F. Whitten Peters, Acting
Secretary of the Air Force. 

TECHNOLOGY AND BANKING 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on Technology
and Banking. Testimony was heard from Brooksley Born, Chair, Commodity Futures
Trading Commission; Laura Unger, Commissioner, SEC; James Kamihachi, Senior
Deputy Comptroller, Economic and Policy Analysis, Department of the Treasury;
Arthur Murton, Director, Division of Insurance, FDIC; and public witnesses. 
 
ROSA PARKS GOLD MEDAL AWARD 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and
International Monetary Policy approved for full Committee action H.R. 573, to
authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to
Rosa Parks in recognition of her contributions to the Nation. 

SATELLITE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 851, Satellite
Competition and Consumer Protection Act. 

                                          [Page: D358]

JUVENILE CRIME CONTROL AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on H.R. 1150, Juvenile Crime Control and
Delinquency Prevention Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Patricia Mantoya,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of
Health and Human Services; and Shay Bilchik, Administrator, Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Judicial Programs, Department of
Justice. 
 
EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on Expanding Affordable Health Care Coverage:
Benefits and Consequences of Association Health Plans. Testimony was heard
from Steven B. Larsen, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Maryland; and
public witnesses. 

LATEX ALLERGIES AND THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Latex Allergies and the Healthcare Industry:
Do OSHA's Actions Confuse or Clarify? Testimony was heard from Angela Presson,
M.D., Medical Officer, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
Department of Labor; Elizabeth D. Jacobson, M.D., Acting Director, Center for
Devices and Radiological Health, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services;
and public witnesses. 

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT HEALTH AND EDUCATION ACT 

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on "Dietary Supplement Health
and Education Act: Is the FDA Trying to Change the Intent of Congress?"
Testimony was heard from Jane E. Henney, Commissioner, FDA, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

TRADE DEFICIT 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on "A Record Trade Deficit: How Can the
U.S. Government Prevent a Looming Trade Crisis?" Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Commerce: Michael J. Copps, Assistant
Secretary, Trade Development; and Johnnie E. Frazier, Acting Inspector
General; and public witnesses. 

U.S. CAPITOL POLICE MANAGEMENT 

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on United States Capitol
Police Management. Testimony was heard from Robert W. Gramling, Director,
Corporate Audits and Standards, Accounting and Information Management
Division, GAO; James W. Zigler, Chairman, U.S. Capitol Police; Alan M.
Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at Arms, House
of Representatives; Gary L. Albrecht, Chief of Police; and a public witness. 

RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Russian Foreign
Policy: Proliferation to Rogue Regimes. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

RESOLUTION CONDEMNING MURDER OF A HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER 

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights approved for full Committee action H. Res. 128, condemning
the murder of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson and calling for the
protection of defense attorneys in Northern Ireland. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of
1999. 

OVERSIGHT--PATENT REFORM; PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE REAUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held an oversight hearing on Patent Reform and a hearing on the Patent and
Trademark Office Reauthorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Rohrabacher and Campbell; Todd Dickinson, Acting
Assistant Secretary and Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--BENEFITS OF A MORE EDUCATED WORKFORCE 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on the benefits to the American Economy of a more educated
workforce. Testimony was heard from the following Senior Legal Specialists,
Directorate of Legal Research, Western Law Division, Library of Congress:
Kersi Shroff and Stephen Clarke; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R. 209,
Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 1999; H.R. 1184, Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Authorization Act of 1999; and H.R. 1183, Fastener Quality
Act Amendments of 1999. 

The Committee also approved its Oversight Agenda for the 106th Congress. 

WOMEN'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES 

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Government Programs and Oversight
held a hearing on D359women's business enterprises. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Kelly and Dunn; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D359]

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF MOTOR CARRIERS 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Ground
Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Office of Motor Carriers.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an oversight
hearing on the Veterans Benefits Administration. Testimony was heard from
Joseph Thompson, Under Secretary, Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs; Cynthia A. Bascetta, Associate Director, VA
and Military Health Care, GAO; and representatives of veterans organizations. 

DVA'S MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ACT PROGRAM 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs management of the
Federal Employees' Compensation Act program. Testimony was heard from Shelby
Hallmark, Deputy Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs,
Department of Labor; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Richard J. Griffin, Inspector General; Ronald E. Cowles, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Human Resources Management; John Hancock, Director,
Occupational Health and Safety Staff, Office of Administration; Fred Malphus,
Director, Veterans Integrated Service Network 2; and Smith Jenkins, Jr.,
Director, Veterans Integrated Service Network 22. 

SOCIAL SECURITY'S GOALS AND CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING REFORM 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Social Security's Goals and Criteria for Assessing Reforms. Testimony was
heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Stephen C. Goss, Deputy
Chief Actuary for Long-Range Actuarial Estimates, SSA; and public witnesses. 

BUDGET: ALL-SOURCE ANALYSIS 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2000 Budget: All-Source Analysis. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses. 



1999/04/12
Daily Digest - Monday, April 12, 1999,  pages D361 - D370

Committee Meetings

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: On March 26, the Subcommittee on Interior held a
hearing on the Indian Health Service. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary,
Indian Affairs and Thomas M. Thompson, Acting Special Trustee for American
Indians. 

IRAQI OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Commerce: On March 26, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held
a hearing on The Iraqi Oil for Food Program and Its Impact. Testimony was
heard from Representative Watkins; Bill Wood, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Office of International Organizations, Department of State; Jay
Hakes, Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy;
Carl Michael Smith, Secretary of Energy, State of Oklahoma; Michael Williams,
Commissioner, Railroad Commission, State of Texas; and public witnesses. 

REVIEW--FEDERAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Committee on Government Reform: On March 31, the Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on "Can the Federal
Government Balance Its Books? A Review of the Federal Consolidated Financial
Statements". Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General,
GAO; G. Edward DeSeve, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; and Donald V.
Hammond, Fiscal Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury. 

OVERSIGHT--HCFA FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Committee on Government Reform: On March 26, the Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a hearing on "Oversight of
Financial Management Practices at the Health Care Financing Administration".
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: June Gibbs Brown, Inspector General; and Michael M. Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration. 

MICROENTERPRISE FOR SELF-RELIANCE ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 1143, Microenterprise for Self-Reliance Act of 1999. The rule
waives clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the
committee report) against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the bill shall be open for amendment by section. 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 Chairman
Gilman and Representative Gejdenson. 



1999/04/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 13, 1999,  p. D372 - 380

Committee Meetings

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the EPA. Testimony was heard from Carol Browner,
Administrator, EPA. 

FINALIZING BANK PREPAREDNESS FOR YEAR 2000

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Finalizing Bank
Preparedness for the Year 2000: Testing, Credit Risk, Contingency Planning and
Liquidity, and Customer Confidence. Testimony was heard from Edward W. Kelley,
Jr., member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; from the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller
of the Currency; and Ellen Seidman, Director, Office of Thrift Supervision;
Donna Tanoue, Chairman, FDIC; Norman D'Amours, Chairman, National Credit Union
Administration; John P. Burke, Banking Commissioner, Department of Banking,
State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--REGULATORY CLASSIFICATION OF LOW-POWER TV LICENSEES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held an oversight hearing on Regulatory Classification of Low-Power
Television Licensees. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Mass Media Bureau, FCC: Roy J. Stewart, Chief; and Keith Larson, Associate
Chief, Engineering; and public witnesses. 

REWARDING PERFORMANCE IN COMPENSATION ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on Rewarding Performance in Compensation Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

YEAR 2000--ARE CRITICAL PROGRAMS READY?

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology and the Subcommittee on Technology of the
Committee on Science held a joint hearing on "Are the Federal Government's
Critical Programs Ready for January 1st, 2000?" Testimony was heard from
Deidre Lee, Acting Deputy Director, Management, OMB; Joel Willemssen,
Director, Civil Agencies Information Systems, GAO; Anne Reed, Chief
Information Officer, AID, U.S. Information Development Cooperation Agency;
Fernando Burbano, Chief Information Officer, Department of State; and James
Flyzik, Chief Information Officer, Department of the Treasury. 

DEBT RELIEF FOR AFRICA

Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Debt Relief for Africa. Testimony was heard from Representative Waters;
William Schuerch, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Development, Debt
and Environmental Policy, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D377]

YEAR 2000 READINESS AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 775, Year 2000 Readiness
and Responsibility Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Davis of
Virginia, Dreier, Moran of Virginia, Cramer, Dooley of California and Sandlin;
Walter K. Stapleton, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the National
Environmental Policy and the Environmental Quality Improvement Act. Testimony
was heard from George Frampton, Acting Chair, Council on Environmental
Quality. 

Hearings continue April 21. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT--TAX LIMITATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a recorded vote of 7 to 1, a structured rule
providing 3 hours of debate on H. J. Res. 37, proposing an amendment to the
Constitution of the United States with respect to tax limitations. The rule
provides for one motion to amend if offered by the Minority Leader or his
designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable
for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent.
Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Scarborough, Barton of
Texas and Watt of North Carolina. 

LOCAL CENSUS QUALITY CHECK ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote a structured rule providing for one
hour of debate on H.R. 472, Local Census Quality Check Act, as amended, in the
House, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Government Reform. The rule considers the amendment
printed in the Rules Committee report as adopted upon the adoption of the
resolution. The rule provides for the consideration of the amendment numbered
one printed in the Congressional Record, if offered by Representative Maloney
of New York or her designee, which shall be debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled between the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the
rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 

CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report on H. Con. Res. 68, establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2000 and
setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for each of fiscal years 2001
through 2009, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the
conference report shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of
debate equally divided and controlled between the chairman and ranking
minority of the Committee on the Budget. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Kasich. 

HAZARDOUS DUTY AREAS--TAX BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 1376, to extend the tax
benefits available with respect to services performed in a combat zone to
services performed in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro)
and certain other areas. 

1999 TAX RETURN FILING--IRS BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
1999 Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year 2000.
Testimony was heard from Charles O. Rossotti, Commissioner, IRS, Department of
the Treasury; James R. White, Director, Tax Policy and Administration Issues,
General Government Division, GAO; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET AUTHORIZATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on budget
authorizations for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for the U.S. Customs Service,
U.S. International Trade Commission, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative,
and other Customs issues. Testimony was heard from Representative Rodriguez;
the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Raymond W. Kelly,
Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service; John P. Simpson, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Regulatory, Tariff, and Trade Enforcement; and Dennis S. Schindel,
Assistant Inspector General, Audit; Richard W. Fisher, Deputy U.S. Trade
Representative; Lynn M. Bragg, Chairman, U.S. International Trade Commission;
the following officials of the GAO: Norman J. Rabkin, Director, Administration
of Justice Issues, General Government Division; and Randolph C. Hite,
Associate Director, Governmentwide and Defense Information Systems, Accounting
and Information Management Division; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D378]

BUDGET: DCI WRAP-UP

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on fiscal year 2000 Budget: DCI Wrap-up. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses. 



1999/04/14
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 14, 1999,  pages D381 - D388

Committee Meetings

FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry, hearing to review the U.S. Forest Service's Forest
Inventory and Analysis Program. Testimony was heard from Robert Lewis, Deputy
Chief, Research and Development, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a hearing on the SEC, the FCC, and on the Administration of
Foreign Affairs. Testimony was heard from Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC;
William E. Kennard, Chairman, FCC; and Bonnie Cohen, Under Secretary,
Management, Department of State. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

                                          [Page: D385]

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
continued hearings on the EPA. Testimony was heard from Carol M. Browner,
Administrator, EPA. 

HUD'S Y2K PREPAREDNESS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the Department
of HUD's Preparedness for the Year 2000: Testing, Contingency Planning, and
Business Partner Outreach. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Saul Ramirez, Deputy
Secretary; and Susan Gaffney, Inspector General; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 45, amended, Nuclear Waste Policy
Act of 1999; H.R. 459, to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act for
FERC Project No. 9401, the Mt. Hope Waterpower Project; and H.R. 1378, to
authorize appropriations for carrying out pipeline safety activities under
chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code. 

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Title I of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act: An Overview. Testimony was heard from
Alan L. Ginsburg, Director, Planning and Evaluation Service, Office of the
Under Secretary, Department of Education; and public witnesses. 

TAX REFORM IN THE STATES

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Tax Reform in the States,
Part 2, of a series on National Problems, Local Solution: Federalism at Work.
Testimony was heard from the following Governors: Christine T. Whitman, New
Jersey; Mike Huckabee, Arkansas; and Jim Gilmore, Virginia. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on International Relations: Began markup of H.R. 1211, Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

U.S.-TAIWAN RELATIONS REVIEW

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing to Review U.S.-Taiwan Relations on the 20th Anniversary of the
Taiwan Relations Act. Testimony was heard from Susan Shirk, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; Kurt Campbell,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Asia and Pacific Affairs, Department of Defense;
and public witnesses. 

SHOULD WE REAUTHORIZE OPIC?

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on Should We Reauthorize OPIC? Testimony was
heard from George Munoz, President, Overseas Private Investment Corporation,
U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT--PROHIBITING FLAG DESECRATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action, by a vote of 7 to 4, H.J. Res. 33, proposing an amendment to
the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the
physical desecration of the flag of the United States. 

OVERSIGHT--LAW ENFORCEMENT BORDER PROBLEMS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on law enforcement problems at the border between the United
States and Canada, focusing on the issues of drug smuggling, illegal
immigration, and terrorism. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Justice: Michael Pearson, Executive Associate
Commissioner, Field Operations, Headquarters, Immigration and Naturalization
Service; Eugene Davis, Deputy Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and Michael Bromwich,
Inspector General; Robert Trotter, Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs
Service, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

LANDOWNERS EQUAL TREATMENT ACT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 1142, Landowners Equal
Treatment Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representative Thomas; Jamie
Rappaport Clark, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; Richard M. Whitman, Attorney-in-Charge, Natural Resources Section,
Department of Justice, State of Oregon; and public witnesses. 

HAZARDOUS DUTY AREAS--TAX BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 1376, to D386extend the tax benefits available with respect to
services performed in a combat zone to services performed in the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) and certain other areas. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule further provides
that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means and printed
in the bill be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. 

                                          [Page: D386]

CLIMATE CHANGE BUDGET AUTHORIZATION REQUEST

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
the Fiscal Year 2000 Climate Change Budget Authorization Request. Testimony
was heard from Neal F. Lane, Director, Office of Science and Technology
Policy; David M. Gardiner, Assistant Administrator, Policy, EPA; and the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Dan W. Reicher, Assistant
Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Jay E. Hakes,
Administrator, Energy Information Administration. 



1999/04/15
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 15, 1999,  pages D390 - D400

Committee Meetings 

WATERSHED PROJECTS 

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Resource
Conservation, and Credit held a hearing regarding Bexar-Medina-Atascosa
Counties Small Watershed Project and H.R. 728, The Small Watershed
Rehabilitation Amendments of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representative
Bonilla; Danny D. Sells, Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and
Judiciary held a continued appropriations hearing. Testimony was heard from
Members of Congress. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from D.
James Baker, Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on Fiscal Year D3942000 D.C. Budget and on the Mayor's Short-term
Action Plan. Testimony was heard from Alice Rivlin, Chair, D.C. Financial
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; and the following
officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony A. Williams, Mayor and Linda W.
Cropp, Council Chair. 

                                          [Page: D394]

FOREIGN OPERATIONS 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 Albright, Secretary of State. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS 

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

LABOR-HHS-EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS 

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

VA-HUD-INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of
Congress. 

NATO MILITARY OPERATIONS 

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on NATO military operations
against the Republic of Yugoslavia. 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. 

ENERGY LABORATORIES--COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROBLEMS 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on recent counterintelligence problems at Department of Energy
laboratories. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Energy: Notra Trulock III, Special Advisor, Intelligence
Activities; Ernest J. Moniz, Under Secretary; and Edward J. Curran, Director,
Office of Counterintelligence; and Elizabeth Molter, former Deputy Secretary,
Department of Energy. 

TRENDS IN MONEY LAUNDERING 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on General Oversight and
Investigations held a joint hearing on Trends in Money Laundering. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury:
Elisabeth Bresee, Assistant Secretary, Enforcement; and Bonni G. Tischler,
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Investigations, U.S. Customs Service; the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Mary Lee Warren, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division; and Jodi Avergun, Assistant
U.S. Attorney, Eastern Division of New York; Donald Clemmer, Assistant
Attorney General, State of Texas; and public witnesses. 

HOMELESS HOUSING PROGRAMS CONSOLIDATION AND FLEXIBILITY ACT 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Development approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 1073,
Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act. 

BOND PRICE COMPETITION IMPROVEMENT ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
approved for full Committee action H.R. 1400, Bond Price Competition
Improvement Act of 1999. 

TRANSPLANTATION--INCREASE ORGAN SUPPLY 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on Putting Patients First: Increasing Organ Supply for Transplantation.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

IMPEDIMENTS TO UNION DEMOCRACY 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on "Impediments to Union Democracy: Department of
Labor Enforcement of Rank-and-File Rights and the Boilermakers Union".
Testimony was heard from Bernard Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Employment
Standards, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 

OLDER AMERICANS ACT AMENDMENTS 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on H.R. 782, Older
Americans Act Amendments of 1999. Testimony was heard from Jeanette Takamura,
Assistant Secretary, Aging, Department of Health and Human Services; and
Raymond Uhalde, Deputy Assistant D395Secretary, Employment and Training
Administration, Department of Labor. 

                                          [Page: D395]

TAX REFORM IN THE STATES 

Committee on Government Reform: Continued hearings on Tax Reform in the
States, Part 2, of a series on National Problems, Local Solution: Federalism
at Work. Testimony was heard from George Pataki, Governor, State of New York.  

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE ACCESS ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia
approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 974, District of Columbia
College Access Act. 

"CLINTON-GORE v. THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Economic Growth,
Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on Government
Management, Information, and Technology held a joint hearing on "Clinton-Gore
v. The American Taxpayer". Testimony was heard from Charles O. Rossotti,
Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury; the following officials of the
GAO; Nye Stevens, Director, Federal Management and Workforce Issues; and James
R. White, Director, Tax Policy and Administrations Issues; Deidre A. Lee,
Acting Director, Management, OMB; Anne F. Thomson Reed, Chief Information
Office, USDA; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; CHILD SURVIVAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1211,
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

The Committee also favorably considered the following measures and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the
Suspension calendar: H.R. 1379, Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Technical
Corrections Act; H. Res. 128, amended, condemning the murder of human rights
lawyer Rosemary Nelson and calling for the protection of defense attorneys in
Northern Ireland; H. Con. Res. 54, amended, recognizing the historic
significance of the first anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Agreement; and
H. Con. Res. 83, amended, expressing the sense of the Congress that the
Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its President Slobodan
Milosevic release the three illegally detained United States servicemen and
abide by the Geneva Convention protocols regarding the treatment of both
prisoners of war and innocent civilians. 

The Committee also held a hearing on The Child Survival and Infectious Disease
Program: Achievements and Challenges for the Future. Testimony was heard from
Barbara Turner, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Global
Programs, AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency; Carol
Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF; and public witnesses. 

STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE--PROPOSALS TO PARTIALLY FILL

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Administration's proposal to utilize 28 million
barrels of federal royalty oil to partially fill the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve. Testimony was heard from Rick Furiga, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Department of Energy; and Walter Cruickshank,
Associate Director, Policy and Management Information Improvement, Mineral
Management Service, Department of the Interior. 

OVERSIGHT--MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING REGULATIONS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on migratory bird hunting regulations to
increase the harvest of Mid-Continent light geese. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Peterson of Minnesota and Pickering; John Rogers, Deputy
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses. 

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on H.R. 834, to extend the authorization for the National Historic
Preservation Fund. Testimony was heard from Delegate Norton; Robert Stanton,
Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses. 

NOAA BUDGET AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Authorization Request: NOAA Fleet Maintenance and
Planning, Aircraft Services and NOAA Corps. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Commerce: Bob Taylor, Acting Deputy
Director, NOAA Corps Operations; and George Ross, Assistant Inspector General,
Audits; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D396]

MELISSA VIRUS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on The Melissa
Virus: Inoculating Our Information Technology from Emerging Threats. Testimony
was heard from Raymond Kammer, Director, National Institutes of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; Michael A. Vatis, Director, National
Infrastructure and Protection Center, FBI, Department of Justice; Keith
Rhodes, Technical Director, Office of the Chief Scientist, GAO; and a public
witness. 
 
BEACHES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, CLEANUP, AND HEALTH ACT; RESOLUTIONS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported amended H.E.
999, Beaches Environmental Assessment, Cleanup, and Health Act of 1999. 

The Committee also approved 6 Corps of Engineers Survey resolutions. 

BEACHES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, CLEANUP, AND HEALTH ACT; RESOLUTIONS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 999,
Beaches Environmental Assessment, Cleanup, and Health Act of 1999. 

The Subcommittee also approved for full Committee action 6 Corps of Engineers
Survey resolutions. 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS READINESS FOR YEAR 2000

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on the readiness of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Year
2000, including emergency medical facility preparedness and coordination with
FEMA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Accounting and
Information Management Division, GAO: Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil
Agencies Information Systems; and Nabajyoti Barkakati, Technical Assistant
Director, Office of the Chief Scientist; the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael Slachta, Jr., Deputy Assistant
Inspector General, Auditing; Thomas Phelps, Project Manager, Central Office
Audit Operations Division; Hershel Gober, Deputy Secretary; Ernest D. Castro,
Year 2000 Program Manager; Sally L. Wallace, Program Manager, Year 2000,
Veterans Benefits Administration; Leonard R. Bourget, Project Manager, Year
2000; and Steven Wexler, Chief, Biomedical Engineering, both with the Veterans
Health Administration; William K. Hubbard, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Policy,
FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and a public witness. 

SOCIAL SECURITY TRUSTEES' REPORT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
the 1999 Social Security Trustees' Report. Testimony was heard from the
following public members of the Social Security Board of Trustees: Stephen G.
Kellison; and Marilyn Moon. 



1999/04/19
Daily Digest - Monday, April 19, 1999,  pages D401 - D404

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1999/04/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 20, 1999,  pages D405 - D412

Committee Meetings

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress. 

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was D409heard
from Togo D. West, Jr., Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 

                                          [Page: D409]

BANK SECRECY ACT--REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on General Oversight
and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer
Credit held a joint hearing on reporting requirements under the Bank Secrecy
Act of 1970 and related statutes. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: James E. Johnson, Under
Secretary, Enforcement; and Bonni G. Tischler, Assistant Commissioner, Office
of Investigations, U.S. Customs Service; Mary Lee Warren, Deputy Assistant
Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; Richard A. Small,
Assistant Director, Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; Christie A. Sciacca, Associate Director,
Division of Supervision, FDIC; and public witnesses. 

WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment approved for
full Committee action amended H.R. 1180, Work Incentives Improvement Act of
1999. 

ENERGY LABORATORIES--SECURITY--GAO PERSPECTIVE

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on Security at the Department of Energy's Laboratories: The
Perspective of the General Accounting Office. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, GAO: Victor
S. Rezendes, Director; William F. Fenzel, John R. Schulze and Gary R. Boss,
all Assistant Directors. 

EMPLOYER HEALTH PLAN ACCOUNTABILITY

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations, hearing on Employer Health Plan Accountability: Do Participants
Have Adequate Protections? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

REGULATORY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Economic Growth,
Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs approved for full Committee action
amended H.R. 1074, Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1999. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of
1999. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 791, Star-Spangled Banner National
Historic Trail Study Act of 1999; and H.R. 1104, to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over land within the
boundaries of the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site to the
Archivist of the United States for the construction of a visitor center.
Testimony was heard from Denis Galvin, Deputy Director, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; John W. Carlin, Archivist of the United States,
National Archives and Records Administration; and public witnesses. 

CONFERENCE REPORT-EDUCATION FLEXIBILITY PARTNERSHIP ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 11 to 0, a rule waiving all points
of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 800, Education
Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999, and against its consideration. The rule
provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Goodling and Representative Castle. 

EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION ACT

Committee On Rules: Granted, by a vote of 10 to 0, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 1184, Earthquake Hazards Reduction Authorization Act of
1999. The rule waives clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three day layover
of the committee report) against consideration of the bill. The rule provides
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee
on Science now printed in the bill be considered as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the committee amendment in the
nature of a substitute shall be open for amendment by section. 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 Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representative Smith of Michigan. 

                                          [Page: D410]



1999/04/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 21, 1999,  pages D414 - D422

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on the Kosovo Supplemental. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Williams S. Cohen,
Secretary; and Gen. Henry H. Shelton, USA, Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff. 

LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

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

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
continued hearings on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard
from Togo D. West, Jr., Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AUTHORIZATIONS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and
International Monetary Policy held a hearing on the Administration's Fiscal
Year 2000 authorizations for the international financial institutions and
related programs. Testimony was heard from Lawrence Summers, Deputy Secretary,
Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1400, Bond
Price Competition Improvement Act of 1999; H.R. 459, to extend the deadline
under the Federal Power Act for FERC Project No. 9401, the Mt. Hope Waterpower
Project; amended, H.R. 1378, to authorize appropriations for carrying out
pipeline safety activities under chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code;
and H.R. 45, amended, Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999. 

FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Federal Prison Industries. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

WORKPLACE LEGISLATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 987, Workplace
Preservation Act; the Safety and Health Audit Promotion Act; the Safety and
Health Audit Promotion and Whistleblower Improvement Act; and the Models of
Safety and Health Excellence Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Petri, Andrews, Blunt and Pelosi; and public witnesses. 

RESOLUTION--REMOVE U.S. ARMED FORCES FROM PRESENT OPERATIONS AGAINST
YUGOSLAVIA

Committee on International Relations: Began markup of H. Con. Res. 82,
directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers
Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from their positions in
connection with the present operations against the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

KOSOVO SITUATION

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Situation in
Kosovo. Testimony was heard from Madeleine K. Albright, Secretary of State. 

EMBATTLED STATE OF U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS

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 Embattled State of U.S.-China Relations: Assessing the Zhu
Rongji Visit. Testimony was heard from Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary, East
Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Continued markup of H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform
Act of 1999. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

BEACHES, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, CLEANUP, AND HEALTH ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 11 to 0, an open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 999, Beaches, Environmental Assessment, Cleanup,
D419and Health Act of 1999. The rule makes in order the Committee on
Transportaton and Infrastructure amendment in the nature of a substitute as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment, which shall be open for amendment
by section. 

                                          [Page: D419]

The rule provides for the consideration of the (manager's) amendment printed
in the Rules Committee report, if offered by Representative Shuster or his
designee. The rule provides that the manager's amendment shall be considered
as read, may amend portions of the bill not yet read for amendment, shall not
be subject to amendment or to a division of the question, and is debatable for
10 minutes equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. If adopted,
the amendment is considered as part of the base text for further amendment
purposes. 

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 Boehlert and Bilbray. 

SPACE LAUNCH INDEMNIFICATION EXTENSION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
Extension of Space Launch Indemnification. Testimony was heard from Esta
Rosenberg, Attorney Advisor, Office of the Chief Counsel, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses. 

GENETICS TESTING

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on Genetics
Testing in the New Millennium: Advances, Standards and Implications. Testimony
was heard from Raymond Kammer, Director, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; the following officials of the Department
of Health and Human Services: Francis S. Collins, M.D., Director, National
Human Genome Research Institute, NIH; and William F. Raub, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Science Policy, Office of the Secretary; and a public witness. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 118, to designate
the Federal building at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as the "J.J.
`Jake' Pickle Federal Building"; H.R. 560, amended, to designate the Federal
building located at 300 Recinto Sur Street in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, as
the "Jose V. Toledo United States Post Office and Courthouse"; H.R. 686, to
designate a United States courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, as the "Garza-Vela
United States Courthouse"; H.R. 1121, to designate the Federal building and
United States courthouse located at 18 Greenville Street in Newnan, Georgia,
as the "Lewis R. Morgan Federal Building and United States Courthouse"; S.
453, to designate the Federal building located at 709 West 9th Street in
Juneau, Alaska, as the "Hurff A. Saunders Federal Building"; and S. 460, to
designate the United States courthouse located at 401 South Michigan Street in
South Bend, Indiana, as the "Robert K. Rodibaugh United States Bankruptcy
Courthouse". 

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended H.R.
1480, Water Resources Development Act of 1999. 

VETERAN'S LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1071, Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 1999; and
H.R. 1182, Servicemembers Educational Opportunity Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Vice Adm.
Patricia A. Tracey, USN, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Military Personnel
Policy; Maj. Gen. Evan Gaddis, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting
Command; Rear Adm. Barbara E. McGann, USN, Commander, U.S. Navy Recruiting
Command; Brig. Gen. Peter U. Sutton, USAF, Commander, U.S. Air Force
Recruiting Service; Maj. Gen. Gary L. Parks, USMC, Commanding General, U.S.
Marine Corps Recruiting; Sergeant First Class Thomas R. Krech, Recruiter, U.S.
Army; Petty Officer Laura D. Johnson, Recruiter, U.S. Navy; Staff Sergeant
Robert A. Austin, Field Recruiter, U.S. Air Force; and Gunnery Sergeant Paul
Jornet, Recruiter, U.S. Marine Corps; the following officials of the U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Transportation: Rear Adm. Thomas J. Barrett, USCG,
Director, Reserve and Training; and Electricians Mate Second Class Keisha R.
Gill, USCG, Recruiter, U.S. Coast Guard; former Representative G.V. Montgomery
of Mississippi; and a public witness. 

                                          [Page: D420]

VA MEDICAL FACILITIES--SUSPENSION OF MEDICAL RESEARCH

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
and the Subcommittee on Health held a joint hearing on the suspension of
medical research at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities in West
Los Angeles and Sepulveda, California. Testimony was heard from J. Thomas
Puglisi, Director, Division of Human Subject Protections, Office for
Protection from Research Risks, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services;
from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Dean C.
Norman, M.D., Acting Chief of Staff, West Los Angeles Medical Center; Kenneth
Clark, Chief, Network Officer; Ronald Norby, Clinical Manager and Deputy
Network Director, Veterans Integrated Service Network 22; and Kenneth W.
Kizer, M.D., Under Secretary, Health; and public witnesses. 

BRIEFING--CHINA DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on China Damage Assessment. The Committee was briefed by
departmental officials. 



1999/04/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 22, 1999,  pages D423 - D432

Committee Meetings 

FOOD QUALITY PROTECTION ACT IMPLEMENTATION 

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review the implementation of the
Food Quality Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Hastings
of Washington; Keith Pitts, Special Assistant to the Deputy Security, USDA;
James V. Adiala, Associate Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention,
Pesticides and Toxic D427Substances, EPA; Donny Dippel, Assistant
Commissioner, Pesticide Programs, Department of Agriculture, State of Texas;
and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D427]

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Florida Initiative. Testimony was heard from Victor S. Rezendes, Director,
Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, GAO; and Patricia Beneke, Assistant
Secretary, Water and Science, Department of the Interior. 

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS 

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

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION 


Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on
Electricity Competition: Reliability and Transmission in Competitive
Electricity Markets. Testimony was heard from James Hoecker, Chairman, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; Fred Schmidt, Chief,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of the Attorney General, State of
Nevada; and public witnesses. 

IDENTITY THEFT 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection and the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
joint hearing on Identity Theft: Is There Another You? Testimony was heard
from Joan Z. Bernstein, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 905, Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children Protection
Act; and H.R. 1150, Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of
1999. 

WELFARE REFORM--STATE AND LOCAL INITIATIVES 

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Welfare Reform Is Working: A
Report on State and Local Initiatives. Testimony was heard from Thomas G.
Thompson, Governor, State of Wisconsin; Claude A. Allen, Secretary, Department
of Health and Human Services, State of Virginia; Jason A. Turner,
Commissioner, Human Resources Administration, New York City; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--DVA's PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS ACT IMPLEMENTATION 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans'
Affairs and International Relations held an oversight hearing to examine the
Department of Veterans Affairs implementation of the Persian Gulf War Veterans
Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from Senator Byrd; the following officials of
the Department of Veterans Affairs: Susan Mather, M.D., Chief Public Health
and Environmental Hazards Officer; Fran Murphy, M.D., Chief Consultant,
Occupational Medicine; John Thompson, Deputy General Counsel; and Robert
Epley, Director, Compensation and Benefits; and a public witness.  

RESOLUTION--REMOVE U.S. ARMED FORCES FROM PRESENT OPERATIONS AGAINST
YUGOSLAVIA 

Committee on International Relations: Continued markup of H. Con. Res. 82,
directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers
Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from their positions in
connection with the present operations against the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. 

Will continue April 27. 

NORTHERN IRELAND POLICING 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Need for New and
Effective Policing in Northern Ireland. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Continued markup of H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform
Act of 1999. 

Will continue April 27. 

CONSEQUENCES OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full Committee
action H.R. 1501, Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act of 1999. 

SPANISH PEAKS WILDERNESS ACT; OVERSIGHT--FOREST ROADS 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing H.R. 898, Spanish Peaks Wilderness Act of 1999. Testimony was heard
from Representative McInnis; Ron Stewart, Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA;
and public witnesses. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on a proposed measure on
Forest Roads, Community Right to Know. Testimony was heard from Ron Stewart,
Deputy Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D428]

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT; RESOLUTIONS; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 1480, amended, Water Resources Development Act of 1999; H.R. 118,
to designate the Federal building at 300 East 8th Street in Austin, Texas, as
the "J.J. `Jake' Pickle Federal Building"; H.R. 560, amended, to designate the
Federal building located at 300 Recinto Sur Street in Old San Juan, Puerto
Rico, as the "Jose V. Toledo United States Post Office and Courthouse"; H.R.
686, to designate a United States courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, as the
"Garza-Vela United States Courthouse"; H.R. 1121, to designate the Federal
building and United States courthouse located at 18 Greenville Street in
Newnan, Georgia, as the "Lewis R. Morgan Federal Building and United States
Courthouse"; S. 453, to designate the Federal building located at 709 West 9th
Street in Juneau, Alaska, as the "Hurff A. Saunders Federal Building"; S. 460,
to designate the United States courthouse located at 401 South Michigan Street
in South Bend, Indiana, as the "Robert K. Rodibaugh United States Bankruptcy
Courthouse"; H.R. 1034, amended, to declare a portion of the James River and
Kanawha Canal in Richmond, Virginia, to be nonnavigable waters of the United
States for purposes of title 46, United States Code, and other maritime laws
of the United States; and H.R. 1162, to designate the bridge on United States
Route 231 that crosses the Ohio River between Maceo, Kentucky, and Rockport,
Indiana, as the "William H. Natcher Bridge". 

The Committee also approved 6 Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions. 

VETERANS--LONG-TERM CARE 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
issue of long-term care for veterans. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Kenneth W. Kizer, M.D., Under
Secretary, Health; and Kathleen Greve, Chief, State Home Construction; and
public witnesses. 

MEDICARE COVERAGE APPEALS 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Coverage Decisions and Beneficiary Appeals. Testimony was heard from following
officials of the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health
and Human Services: Michael Hash, Deputy Administrator; and Jeff Kang, M.D.,
Director, Office of Clinical Standards and Quality; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--CHILD PROTECTION 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held an oversight
hearing on Child Protection. Testimony was heard from Olivia A. Golden,
Assistant Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and Human
Services; Karen Spar, Congressional Research Service, Education and Public
Welfare Division, Library of Congress; Kathleen Kearney, Secretary, Department
of Children and Families, State of Florida; Jess McDonald, Director,
Department of Children and Family Services, State of Illinois; and public
witnesses. 



1999/04/26
Daily Digest - Monday, April 26, 1999,  pages D433 - 436

Committee Meetings

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION--MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: On April 23, the Subcommittee on Government
Programs and Oversight held a hearing on the continuing need to conserve
natural resources because of their limited nature, focusing on the major
contributions made by businesses both large and small to conservation and a
healthy environment through science and technology. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 



1999/04/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 27, 1999,  pages D437 - D444

Committee Meetings

LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on the SSA, the Department of Education;
Postsecondary Education and the Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Apfel, Commissioner, SSA; David
Longanecker, Assistant Secretary, Postsecondary Education, Department of
Education; and Stuart E. Weisberg, Chairman, Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission.

Y2K AND MEDICARE PROVIDERS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing on Y2K and
Medicare Providers: Inoculating Against the Y2K Bug. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration;
and George Grob, Deputy Inspector General; Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil
Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; and public witnesses. 

MINIMUM WAGE--IMPACT ON POVERTY

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Minimum Wage:
Reviewing Recent Evidence of Its Impact on Poverty. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

RESOLUTIONS--REMOVE U.S. ARMED FORCES FROM OPERATIONS AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA;
DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA

Committee on International Relations: Ordered adversely reported the following
resolutions: by a vote of 30 ayes to 19 nays, H. Con. Res. 82, directing the
President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove
United States Armed Forces from their positions in connection with the present
operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; and, by a vote of 49
ayes to 0 nays, H.J. Res. 44, declaring a state of war between the United
States and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Continued markup of H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform
Act of 1999. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 359, Emigrant Wilderness
Preservation Act of 1999; H.R. 898, Spanish Peaks Wilderness Act of 1999; H.R.
1523, Forests Roads-Community Right-To-Know Act; and H.R. 1524, Public Forests
Emergency Act of 1999. 

OVERSIGHT--EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held
an oversight hearing on issues regarding Everglades National Park and
surrounding areas impacted by management of the Everglades. Testimony was
heard from William Leary, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, Fish,
Wildlife, and Parks, National Parks Service, Department of the Interior; Steve
Shiver, Mayor, Homestead, Florida; and public witnesses. 

MEASURES RELATING TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

Committee on Rules, granted by a vote of 9 to 2, a closed rule providing for
one hour of debate equally divided and controlled among the chairmen and
ranking minority members of the committees on International Relations and
Armed Services. The rule provides for consideration in the House, without
intervention of the question of consideration, H.R. D4421569, prohibiting the
use of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense from being used for the
deployment of ground elements of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia unless that deployment is specifically authorized by law, under
a closed amendment process and providing for no intervening motion except (1)
one hour of debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Armed Services and (2) one motion to recommit. The
rule provides for consideration in the House, without intervention of any
point of order or the question of consideration, H. Con. Res. 82, directing
the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from their positions against
Yugoslavia, under a closed amendment process and providing for one hour of
debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on International Relations. The rule provides for consideration in
the House without intervention of any points of order or the question of
consideration, H.J. Res. 44, declaring a state of war between the U.S. and
Yugoslavia, under a closed amendment process and providing for no intervening
motion except for (1) one hour of debate equally divided between the chairman
and ranking minority of the Committee on International Relations and (2) one
motion to recommit. The rule provides that it shall be in order on the same
legislative day without intervention of the question of consideration to
consider in the House S. Con. Res. 21, authorizing the President to conduct
military air operations and missile strikes against Yugoslavia, if called up
by Representative Gejdenson or his designee, under a closed amendment process
and providing one hour of debate equally divided between the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on International Relations. The rule
provides that provisions of sections 6 and 7 of the War Powers Resolution
shall not apply during the remainder of the 106th Congress to a measure
introduced pursuant to section 5 of the War Powers Resolution with respect to
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Goodling, Campbell, Weldon of Pennsylvania, and Gejdenson. 

                                          [Page: D442]

FARM AND RANCH RISK MANAGEMENT ACT

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Business
Opportunities and Special Business Problems held a hearing on H.R. 957, Farm
and Ranch Risk Management Act. Testimony was heard from Representative
Hulshof; and public witnesses. 

FATHERHOOD

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Fatherhood. Testimony was heard from Raymond J. Uhalde, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor; and
public witnesses. 



1999/04/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 28, 1999,  pages D446 - D454

Committee Meetings

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING--MEAT AND PRODUCE

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing to review country of origin labeling for meat and produce. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Hill, Pomeroy, Bono, and Chenoweth; Caren A.
Wilcox, Deputy Under Secretary, Food Safety, USDA; Robert E. Robertson,
Associate Director, Food and Agriculture Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on Corrections; Court Services and Offender Supervision; and Public
Defender Service. Testimony was heard from John L. Clark, Corrections Trustee;
John A. Carver, Trustee, Court Services and Offender Supervision; and Jo-Ann
Wallace, Director, Public Defender Service. 

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
National Endowment for the D450Humanities and the National Endowment for the
Arts. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National
Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities: William R. Ferris, Chairman,
National Endowment for the Humanities; and Bill Ivey, Chairman, National
Endowment for the Arts. 

                                          [Page: D450]

LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Inspectors General Panel and on the Nobel
Laureate Panel. Testimony was heard from Charles C. Masten, Inspector General,
Department of Labor; June Gibbs Brown, Inspector General, Department of Health
and Human Services; John P. Higgins, Jr., Acting Inspector General, Department
of Education; James G. Huse, Jr., Acting Inspector General, SSA; and Martin J.
Dickman, Inspector General, Railroad Retirement Board; Paul Berg, 1980 Nobel
Prize in Chemistry; Joseph L. Goldstein, 1985 Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine; Thomas R. Cech, 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry; and the following
winners of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers:
David D. Chang and Ulrike Heberlein. 

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
concluded appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

YUGOSLAVIA--MILITARY OPTIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on military options in Yugoslavia.
Testimony was heard from the following former officials of the Department of
Defense: Maj. Gen. Charles Link, USAF (Ret.); Lt. Gen. Van Riper, USMC (Ret.),
former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; Maj. Gen. Bill Nash, USA
(Ret.); Col. Harry Summers, USA (Ret.); and Col. Robert Killebrew, USA (Ret.),
former Director, Army After Next Program. 

NATURAL DISASTER--IMPACT ON HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE AVAILABILITY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and
Community Opportunity held a hearing on Growing Threats of Natural Disaster
and the Impact on Homeowners' Insurance Availability. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on H.R. 10, Financial Services Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 905, amended, Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children
Protection Act; H. Con. Res. 88, urging the Congress and the President to
increase funding for the Pell Grant Program and existing Campus-Based Aid
Programs; and H. Con. Res. 84, amended, urging the Congress and the President
to fully fund the Federal Government's obligation under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported amended H.R. 833, Bankruptcy
Reform Act of 1999. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R. 66,
to preserve the cultural resources of the Route 66 corridor and to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance; H.R. 150, Education Land
Grant Act; H.R. 562, to approve and ratify certain transfers of land and
natural resources by or on behalf of the Delaware Nation of Indians; H.R. 658,
Thomas Cole National Historic Site Act; H.R. 659, Protect America's Treasures
of the Revolution for Independence for Our Tomorrow Act. 

The Committee also approved a motion to authorize the Chairman to issue
subpoenas for records regarding the oversight review of the cancellation of a
long-term contract between the United States and the Alaska Pulp Corporation. 

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 1480, Water Resources Development Act of 1999. The rule
makes in order the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure amendment in
the nature of a substitute as an original bill for purpose of amendment,
modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of this report. The rule also
waives all points of order against consideration of the amendment in the
nature of a substitute. 

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part 2 of this
report. Amendments made in order 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 D451and an opponent, shall not
be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. 

                                          [Page: D451]

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 provides for one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Shuster and Representatives
Boehlert, Oberstar and Tauscher. 

K-12 MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on K-12 Math and Science Education--What
is Being Done to Improve It? Testimony was heard from Rita Colwell, Director,
NSF; Judith Johnson, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and
Secondary Education, Department of Education; Daniel Goldin, Administrator,
NASA; and public witnesses. 

NSF BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on
National Science Foundation fiscal year 2000 Budget Request. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the NSF: Rita Colwell, Director; and
Eamon Kelly, Chairman, National Science Board. 

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and
ordered reported amended H.R. 1555, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000. 



1999/04/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 29, 1999,  pages D455 - D462

Committee Meetings

LIVESTOCK--PRICE REPORTING

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing to review price reporting for livestock. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

EMERGENCY KOSOVO SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS; SUBALLOCATION

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Emergency Kosovo
Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999. 

The Committee also approved the Fiscal Year 1999 Section 302(b) reallocations. 

LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
concluded appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress
and public witnesses. 

AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE POLICY AND RESEARCH REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on reauthorization of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
Testimony was heard from John M. Eisenberg, M.D., Administrator, Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses. 

SUBPOENAS--ENERGY LABORATORIES SECURITY

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations approved
the issuance of subpoenas ad testificandum to secure testimony in connection
with the Subcommittee's ongoing review of D460security at the Department of
Energy's laboratories and nuclear weapon facilities. 

                                          [Page: D460]

TEAMSTERS--RE-RUN ELECTION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Re-run Election. Testimony was heard from Michael G. Cherkasky, Election
Officer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. 

IMPROVING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Improving
Student Achievement: Examining Impact of Teacher Quality and Smaller Class
Sizes. Testimony was heard from Pat Forgione, Jr., Commissioner, National
Center of Education Statistics, Department of Education; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation of the
Committee on Transportation held a joint hearing on Oversight of Federal Real
Property Management: Obstacles and Innovative Approaches to Effective Property
Management. Testimony was heard from J. Christopher Mihm, Associate Director,
Federal Management and Workforce Issues, General Government Division, GAO;
Randall Yim, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Installations, Department of
Defense; Denis Galvin, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior; Thomas Garthwaite, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health,
Department of Veterans Affairs; Rudolph Umscheid, Vice President, Facilities,
U.S. Postal Service; G. Martin Wagner, Associate Administrator, Office of
Governmentwide Policy, GSA; and a public witness. 

OVERSIGHT--ANTHRAX--MANDATORY VACCINE--SAFETY AND EFFICACY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs, and International Relations continued hearings on Anthrax (II):
Safety and Efficacy of the Mandatory Vaccine. Testimony was heard from Kwai
Chan, Director, Special Studies and Evaluations, National Security and
International Affairs Division, GAO; Katherine Zoon, M.D., Director, Center
for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; Brig. Gen. Eddie Cain, USA, Joint Program Manager, Biological
Defense, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Postal Service approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 197, to designate the facility
of the United States Postal Service at 410 North 6th Street in Garden City,
Kansas, as the "Clifford R. Hope Post Office"; H.R. 1251, to designate the
United States Postal Service building located at 8850 South 700 East, Sandy,
Utah, as the "Noel Cushing Batement Post Office Building"; H.R. 1377, to
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service at 13234 South
Baltimore Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the "John J. Buchanan Post Office
Building"; H.R. 1191, to designate certain facilities of the United States
Postal Service in Chicago, Illinois; and H.R. 22, amended, Postal
Modernization Act. 

DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Democracy in Africa, 1989-1999: Progress, Problems and Prospects. Testimony
was heard from Vivian Lowery Derryck, Assistant Administrator, Africa, AID,
U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses. 

Y2K READINESS AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 755, Year 2000 Readiness and
Responsibility Act. 

Will continue May 4. 

OVERSIGHT--REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on Regulatory Flexibility Act and the
Economic Impact of National Marine Fisheries Service Regulations. Testimony
was heard from Penelope Dalton, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Jere W. Glover, Chief
Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; 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. 747, Arizona
Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1999; H.R. 791, amended,
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Study Act of 1999; H.R. 834, to
extend D461the authorization for the National Historic Preservation Fund; and
H.R. 1104, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to transfer
administrative jurisdiction over land within the boundaries of the Home of
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site to the Archivist of the United
States for the construction of a visitor center. 

                                          [Page: D461]

SECOND BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL RETREAT PROPOSALS

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House held a
hearing on proposals from the Second Bipartisan Congressional Retreat.
Testimony was heard from Representatives LaHood, Sawyer, Houghton and Eshoo,
all Co-Chairs, Retreat Planning Committee; Stanley Bach, Senior Specialist,
Legislative Process Government Division, Congressional Research Service,
Library of Congress; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R. 1550,
Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1999; H.R. 1551, Civil Aviation
Research and Development Authorization Act of 1999; H.R. 1552, Marine Research
and Related Environmental Research and Development Programs Authorization Act
of 1999; and H.R. 1553, National Weather Service and Related Agencies
Authorization Act of 1999. 

KYOTO PROTOCOL

Committee on Small Business, Held a hearing to further examine the Kyoto
Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Testimony was heard from Janet L. Yellen, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers;
and a public witness. 



1999/04/30
Daily Digest - Friday, April 30, 1999,  pages D463 - D468

Committee Meetings 

STATUS--DC SCHOOLS 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held
an oversight hearing on the Status of the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Testimony was heard from Constance Newman, Vice-Chairman, D.C. Financial
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; and the following
officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor; Kevin Chavous,
member, City Council; Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent, Public Schools; and
Maudine Cooper, Chairman, Public Schools Board of Transitional Education Board
of Trustees. 



1999/05/03
Daily Digest - Monday, May 3, 1999,  pages D470 - D474

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/05/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 4, 1999, pages D476 - D482

Committee Meetings

SECTION 8 "OPT-OUTS" AND EMERGENCY RESIDENTS PROTECTION ACT

                                          [Page: D479]

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing held a
hearing on Section 8 "Opt-Outs" and H.R. 1136, Emergency Residents Protection
Act. Testimony was heard from William Apgar, Assistant Secretary,
Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and public witnesses. 

"HOW UNIFORMITY TREATS DIVERSITY: DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL?"

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on "How
Uniformity Treats Diversity: Does One Size Fit All?" Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.D480 

LOSING PANAMA: THE IMPACT ON REGIONAL COUNTERDRUG CAPABILITIES

                                          [Page: D480]

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Losing Panama: The Impact on Regional
Counterdrug Capabilities. Testimony was heard from Peter F. Romero, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of
State; Ana Maria Salazar, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Drug Enforcement Policy
and Support, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on Financial Management
Practices at the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Donald Mancuso, Acting Inspector
General; and William Lynn, Under Secretary, Chief Financial Officer; and Gene
Dodaro, Assistant Comptroller General, Accounting and Information Management,
GAO. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 775,
amended, Year 2000 Readiness and Responsibility Act; and H.R. 916, to make
technical amendments to section 10 of title 9, United States Code. 

BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on
H.R. 833, Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999, providing one hour of general debate
to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with section 302 (prohibiting
consideration of legislation which exceeds a committee's allocation of new
spending authority) or section 311 (prohibiting consideration of legislation
that would cause the total level of new budget authority or outlays in the
most recent budget resolution to be exceeded or cause revenues to be less) of
the Congressional Budget Act. The rule provides that it shall be in order to
consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the
five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by
the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill. The rule waives all
points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute
and amendments thereto. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides
that amendments made in order 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 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 Hyde; and Representatives Gekas, Graham, Morella,
Conyers, Nadler, Watt of North Carolina, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Delahunt,
Rothman, Dooley of California, Moran of Virginia, Barrett of Wisconsin and
Velazquez. 



1999/05/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 5, 1999,  pages D483 - D490

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER REFORM--USDA'S FINAL DECISION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing on the USDA's Final Decision for the Reform of Federal Milk Marketing
Orders. Testimony was heard from Senator Kohl; Representatives Obey, Klink and
Kind; Enrique E. Figueroa, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA; Ben Brancel, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection, State of Wisconsin; Gene Hugoson, Commissioner, Department of
Agriculture, State of Minnesota; and public witnesses. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials
continued hearings on H.R. 10, Financial Services Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Baker and Roukema; Robert E. Rubin, Secretary of
the Treasury; Arthur Levitt, Jr., Chairman, SEC; and public witnesses. 

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE AUDIT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Fiscal Year 1998 Audit of the Corporation for
National Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Corporation for National Service: Harris Wofford, CEO; and Luise Jordan,
Inspector General; and a public witness. 

HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Flexibility for
Quality Programs and Innovative Ideas for High Quality Teachers. Testimony was
heard from Marnie S. Shaul, Associate Director, Education and Employment
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--OCEAN SHIPPING REFORM ACT--ANTITRUST ASPECTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on Antitrust Aspects of
the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Federal Maritime Commission: Harold J. Creel, Jr., Chairman;
and Delmond J.H. Won, Commissioner; John Nannes, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FIRST AMENDMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing on First Amendment and Restrictions on Political Speech. Testimony was
heard from David M. Mason, Commissioner, FEC; and public witnesses. 

TRADEMARK AMENDMENTS ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on H.R. 1565, Trademark Amendments Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Todd Dickinson, Acting Assistant Secretary, and Acting
Commissioner, Patents and Trademarks, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--NONIMMIGRANT VISA FRAUD

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on nonimmigrant visa fraud. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Michael Bromwich, Inspector
General; William A. Yates, Director, Immigration Services and Gary Bradford,
Assistant Director, Texas Service Center, both with the Immigration and
Naturalization Service; the following officials of the Department of State:
Jacquelyn L. Williams-Bridgers, Inspector General; Nancy Sambaiew, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Visa Services; and Jill Esposito, Post Liaison Division,
Visa Office, both with the Bureau of Consular Affairs; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 359,
Emigrant Wilderness Preservation Act of 1999; H.R. 747, Arizona Statehood and
Enabling Act Amendments of 1999; H.R. 883, American Land Sovereignty
Protection Act; H.R. 898, Spanish Peaks Wilderness; H.R. 1104, to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over
land within the boundaries of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National
Historic Site to the Archivist of the United States for the construction of a
visitor center; and H.R. 1523, amended, Forests Roads--Community Right-To-Know
Act. 

KOSOVO EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule
providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 1664, making emergency
supplemental appropriations for military operations, refugee relief, and
humanitarian assistance relating to the conflict in Kosovo, and for military
operations in Southwest Asia for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999 to
be equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives points of order against
D488consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 4 of rule XIII
(requiring a three-day layover of the committee report and requiring three-day
availability of printed hearings on a general appropriations bill) and section
306 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (prohibiting consideration of
legislation within the Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported by the
Budget Committee). The rule waives points of order against provisions in the
bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
or legislative appropriations in a general appropriations bill). The rule
provides that before consideration of any other amendment it shall be in order
to consider the amendments printed in the report of the Rules Committee. The
rule makes in order amendments printed in the report accompanying this
resolution, which may be offered only by a Member designated in the report,
shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified, shall
not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a
division of the question in the House or the Committee of the Whole. The rule
waives all points of order against amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The rule waives points of order during consideration of the bill
against amendments for failure to comply with clause 2(e) of rule XXI
(prohibiting non-emergency designated amendments to be offered to an
appropriations bill containing an emergency designation). 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 Lewis of California, Istook, Hunter, Smith of New Jersey,
Burton of Indiana, Rohrabacher, Gutknecht, Souder, Obey, Farr and Hall of
Ohio. 



1999/05/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 6, 1999;  pages D491 - D500

Committee Meetings

HEDGE FUNDS

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on the President's
Working Group Study on Hedge Funds. Testimony was heard from Brooksley Born,
Chairperson, Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Gary Gensler, Under
Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Annette L. Nazareth,
Director of Market Regulation, SEC; Pat Parkinson, Associate Director,
Division of Research and Statistics, Federal Reserve System; and public
witnesses. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on
Electricity Competition: Market Power, Mergers, and PUHCA. Testimony was heard
from A. Douglas Mclamed, Principle Deputy Attorney General, Antitrust
Division, Department of Justice; Mozelle Thompson, Commissioner, FTC; Isaac C.
Hunt, Commissioner, SEC; Douglas W. Smith, General Counsel, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. 

CLEAN AIR ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment held a hearing
on H.R. 11, 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 Senator Feinstein; Representatives
Franks of New Jersey, and Tauscher; Robert Perciasepe, Assistant
Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA; from the following officials of the
State of California: Winston Hickox, Secretary, Environmental Protection,
Environmental Protection Agency; and Pam O'Connor, Mayor, San Monica; and
public witnesses. 

HEALTH CARE QUALITY--IMPACT OF EXTERNAL REVIEW

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on Impact of External Review on Health Care Quality.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--CRIMINAL FINES, AND RESTITUTION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight hearing on
Crime, Criminal Fines, and Restitution: Are Federal Offenders Compensating
Victims? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Richard
M. Stana, Associate Director, Administration of Justice Issues; and Jan B.
Montgomery, Assistant General Counsel. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and
Oceans approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1552,
D496amended, Marine Research and Related Environmental Research and
Development Programs Authorization Act of 1999; H.R. 1643, to establish a
moratorium on large fishing vessels in Atlantic herring and mackerel
fisheries; H.R. 1651, to amend the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 to
extend the period during which reimbursement may be provided to owners of
United States fishing vessels for costs incurred when such a vessel is seized
and detained by a foreign country; H.R. 1652, Yukon River Salmon Act of 1999;
and H.R. 1653, to approve a governing international fishery agreement between
the United States and the Russian Federation. 

                                          [Page: D496]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1243,
National Marine Sanctuaries Enhancement Act of 1999; H.R. 34, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to make technical corrections to a map relating to
the Coastal Barrier Resources System; H.R. 535, to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to make corrections to a map relating to the Coastal Barrier
Resources System; H.R. 1489, to clarify boundaries on maps related to the
Coastal Barrier Resources System; and H.R. 1431, to reauthorize and amend the
Coastal Barrier Resources System Act. Testimony was heard from Representative
Goss; Gary Grazer, Acting Assistant Director, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Jo Ann Howard,
Administrator, Federal Insurance Administration, FEMA; Sally Yozell, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce;
former Representaive Thomas B. Evans, Jr., of Delaware; and public witnesses. 

BLACK CANYON NATIONAL PARK AND GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, and Public Lands held
a hearing on H.R. 1165, Black Canyon National Park and Gunnison Gorge National
Conservation Area Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representative
McInnis; Stephen Saunders, Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and pubic witnesses. 

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Testimony was heard from Jim Hall, Chairman, National Transportation Safety
Board; and public witnesses. 

KOSOVO

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



1999/05/10
Daily Digest - Monday, May 10, 1999;  pages D501 - D504

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



1999/05/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 11, 1999;  pages D505 - D512

Committee Meetings

SOCIAL SECURITY RETURNS--USING LONG-TERM MARKET STRATEGIES

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on Using
Long-term Market Investment Strategies to Enhance Social Security Returns.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

NTIA REAUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 1999. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Larry
Irving, Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information; and George Ross,
Assistant Inspector General, Auditing; Col. Richard W. Skinner, USAF,
Assistant D509Deputy Secretary, Space and ISR Programs, Department of Defense;
and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D509]

ESEA--EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Education Technology under ESEA.
Testimony was heard from Eugene Hickok, Secretary, Department of Education,
State of Pennsylvania; Henry Marockie, Superintendent of Schools, Department
of Education, State of West Virginia; and public witnesses. 

JOHNNY CHUNG: FOREIGN CONNECTIONS, FOREIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Johnny Chung: Foreign
Connections, Foreign Contributions. Testimony was heard from Johnny Chung. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa approved for full
Committee action as amended the following resolutions: H. Con. Res. 75,
condemning the National Islamic Front (NIF) government for its genocidal war
in southern Sudan, support for terrorism, and continued human rights
violations; and H. Res. 62, expressing concern over the escalating violence,
the gross violations of human rights, and the ongoing attempts to overthrow a
democratically elected government in Sierra Leone. 

OVERSIGHT--MARSHALL ISLANDS--NUCLEAR CLAIMS, RELOCATION AND RESETTLEMENT
EFFORTS

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the status of Nuclear
Claims, Relocation and Resettlement Efforts in the Marshall Islands. Testimony
was heard from Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; Allan Stayman, Director, Office of Insular
Affairs, Department of the Interior; Kurt M. Campbell, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Asian and Pacific Affairs, International Security Affairs,
Department of Defense; Paul Seligman, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health
Studies, Department of Energy; the following officials of the Republic of the
Marshall Islands: Philip Muller, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Trade; Marie
L. Maddison, Secretary, Foreign Affairs and Trade; and H.E. Tony deBrum,
Minister of Finance; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 592, to redesignate Great Kills Park in
the Gateway National Recreation Area as "World War II Veterans Park at Great
Kills"; and H.R. 1031, White Bluffs Protection Act. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Fossella and Hastings of Washington; the following officials
of the Department of the Interior: Denis Galvin, Deputy Director, National
Park Service; and Steve Richardson, Chief of Staff, Bureau of Reclamation; Dan
Berkovitz, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy, Planning, and
Budget-Environmental Management, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. 

YEAR 2000 READINESS AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of debate on H.R. 775, Year 2000 Readiness and Responsibility Act. The rule
makes in order as an original bill for purpose of amendment the Committee on
the Judiciary amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the bill,
modified by the amendments printed in part 1 of the report of the Committee on
Rules accompanying the resolution.  

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part 2 of the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that
amendments made in order 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 division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. 

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 Goodlatte, Ehlers,
Davis of Virginia, Nadler, Scott and Lofgren. 

GSA'S FISCAL YEAR 2000 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
held a hearing on GSA's Fiscal Year 2000 Capital Investment Program. Testimony
was heard from Paul Chistolini, Deputy Commissioner, Public Buildings Service,
GSA. 



1999/05/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 12, 1999;  pages D514 - D522

Committee Meetings

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative approved for full
Committee action the Legislative appropriations for fiscal year 2000. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Special Oversight Panel on Merchant Marine
approved for full Committee consideration recommendations on H.R. 1401,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Special Oversight Panel on Morale, Welfare and
Recreation approved for full Committee consideration recommendations on H.R.
1401, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Installations and
Facilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 1401, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

OFHEO'S PROPOSED RISK-BASED CAPITAL RULE

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the Office
of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's proposed Risk-Based Capital Rule.
Testimony was heard from Mark A. Kinsey, Acting Director, Office of Federal
Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

REGULATORY BURDEN RELIEF

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on Regulatory Burden Relief.
Testimony was heard from Laurence H. Meyer, member, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the Currency; and Carolyn J.
Buck, Chief Counsel, Office of Thrift Supervision; Andrew Hove, Vice Chairman,
FDIC; Robert Fenner, General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration;
and public witnesses. 

EVEN START AND FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAMS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Even Start and
Family Literacy Programs Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Testimony was heard from Andy Hartman, Director, National Institute for
Literacy, Department of Education; Cheryl Keenan, Director, Bureau of Adult
Basic and Literacy Education, Department of Education, State of Pennsylvania;
Mary Brown, Program Supervisor, Even State Family Education Program, Public
Schools, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and public witnesses. 

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR AND EDUCATION--MANAGEMENT--Y2K COMPUTER PROBLEM

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Review of the Management of the Year 2000
Computer Problem by the Department of Labor and the Department of Education.
Testimony was heard from Marshall Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department
of Education; the following officials of the Department of Labor: Patricia W.
Lattimore, Assistant Secretary, Administration and Management; and Patricia A.
Dalton, Assistant Inspector General; Joel Willemssen, Director, Civil Agencies
Information Systems Issues, GAO; and a public witness. 

RUSSIA'S FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES: WHAT ARE THEY?

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Russia's Foreign
Policy Objectives: What are They? Testimony was heard from Steven R.
Sestanovich, Ambassador at Large and Special Adviser to the Secretary for
Independent States, Department of State; Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft, USAF
(Ret.), former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and a
public witness. 

DEMOCRACY IN INDONESIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Democracy in Indonesia: Preparations for the National
Election. Testimony was heard from Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary, East
Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; Robert C. Randolph, Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, AID, U.S. D519International
Development Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D519]

NATIONAL POLICE TRAINING COMMISSION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 1659, National Police
Training Commission Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Serrano, Meeks of New York, and Walsh; Julius Davis, Deputy Chief of Police,
Los Angeles, California; the following officials of the Department of Police,
Chicago, Illinois: Callie L. Baird, Administrator in Charge, Office of
Professional Standards; and Charles B. Roberts, Assistant Deputy
Superintendent; Terrence W. Gainer, Assistant Chief of Police, Metropolitan
Police Department, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. 

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.R. 1691, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--IMPLEMENTATION--NET ACT AND ENFORCEMENT AGAINST INTERNET PIRACY 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the Net Act and Enforcement
Against Internet Piracy. Testimony was heard from Kevin V. DiGregory, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Computers Crime Division, Department of Justice;
Timothy B. McGrath, Interim Staff Director, U.S. Sentencing Commission; and
public witnesses. 

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R. 764,
Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Cathryn Turman, Acting
Director, Office for Victims of Crime; and Patrick Coleman, Deputy Director,
Policy and Management, Bureau of Justice Assistance; and public witnesses. 

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 1555, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000. 

The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Select Committee on Intelligence 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 points of order against the amendment in
the nature of a substitute for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI
(prohibiting nongermane amendments). 

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Congressional
Record. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional
Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his
designee, and each amendment shall be considered as read. 

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 Goss. 

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS REFORM ACT

 Committee on Rules: Held a hearing on H.R. 853, Comprehensive Budget Process
Reform Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representatives Nussle, Cardin
and Minge; Dan L. Crippen, Director, CBO; Susan J. Irving, Associate Director,
Federal Budget Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

METHANE HYDRATE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 1753, Methane Hydrate Research and Development
Act of 1999. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1753 (and S.
330). Testimony was heard from Robert S. Kripowicz, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Fossil Energy, Department of Energy; William Dillon, Geologist,
U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; and a public witness. 

Y2K IN ORBIT: IMPACT ON SATELLITES AND GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology, the Subcommittee on Space
and Aeronautics and the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and
Technology of the Committee on Government Reform held a joint hearing on Y2K
in Orbit: Impact on Satellites and the Global Positioning System. Testimony
was heard from Lee B. Holcomb, Chief Information Officer, Department of
Defense; Marvin Langston, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of
Defense; Keith Rhodes, D520Technical Director, Computers and
Telecommunications, GAO; and a public witness. 

                                          [Page: D520]

RECYCLE AMERICA'S LAND ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 1300, Recycle America's Land
Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Carol M. Browner, Administrator, EPA;
and public witnesses. 



1999/05/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 13, 1999;  pages D523 - D530

Committee Meetings 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA 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 2000. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel approved for
full Committee action amended H.R. 1401, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Readiness approved for
full Committee action H.R. 1401, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Years 2000 and 2001. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power continued hearings on
Electricity Competition, focusing on the Role of the Federal Electric
Utilities. Testimony was heard from Representatives DeFazio, McDermott,
Nethercutt, Wamp, Clement, Franks of New Jersey and Hastings of Washington;
Mark Medford, Executive Vice President, Customer Service, TVA; Mark Mazur,
Acting Director, Office of Policy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue May 20. 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS--ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on Access to Buildings and Facilities by
Telecommunications Providers. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the FCC: Thomas Sugrue, Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; William
H. Johnson, Deputy Chief, Cable Services Bureau; and public witnesses. 

HIGH-QUALITY TEACHER FORCE 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning held a hearing on Developing and
Maintaining a High-Quality Teacher Force. Testimony was heard from Katrina
Robertson Reed, Associate Superintendent, Administrative Services, Public
Schools, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. 

SAFETY MEETINGS PROTECTION 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1434, to amend the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970. Testimony was heard from Henry L. Solano, Solicitor,
Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; FEHBP: OPM'S POLICY GUIDANCE 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service approved for
full action the following bills: H.R. 457, Organ Donor Leave Act; and H.R.
206, to provide for greater access to child care services for Federal
employees. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on FEHBP: OPM's Policy Guidance for
Fiscal Year 2000. Testimony was heard from William E. Flynn, III, Associate
Director, Retirement and Insurance Services, OPM; and public witnesses. 

INTERNATIONAL LAW; THE IMPORTANCE OF EXTRADITION 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on International Law: The Importance of
Extradition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Mary Lee Warren, Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
Criminal Division; and Donnie Marshall, Deputy Administrator, DEA; Jamison S.
Borek, Deputy Legal Adviser, Department of State; Rear Adm. Ernest Riutta,
USCG, Assistant Commandant, Operations, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Transportation; and a public witness. 

                                          [Page: D528]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--SINGLE AUDIT ACT AMENDMENTS 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology approved for full Committee action the following
bills: H.R. 28, Quality Child Care for Federal Employees Act; H.R. 1219,
amended, Construction Industry Payment Protection Act of 1999; and H.R. 1442,
amended, Law Enforcement and Public Safety Enhancement Act of 1999. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Single Audit Act Amendments
of 1996. Testimony was heard from Deidre A. Lee, Acting Deputy Director,
Management, OMB; David L. Clark, Director, Audit Oversight and Liaison, GAO;
and Auston G. Johnson, Auditor, State of Utah. 

KOSOVO REFUGEE NEEDS; KOSOVO--DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES 

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered the following
resolution and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that it be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 161, amended, expressing the
sense of the House of Representatives regarding the condition and humanitarian
needs of refugees within Kosovo. 

The Committee also held a hearing on Diplomatic Initiatives for Kosovo,
including H. Con. Res. 99, expressing the sense of the Congress that the
congressional leadership and the Administration should support the efforts and
recommendations of the United States Congress-Russian Duma meeting in Vienna,
Austria, held April 30 to May 1, 1999, in order to bring about a fair,
equitable, and peaceful settlement between warring factions in Yugoslavia.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Weldon of Pennsylvania, Abercrombie,
Gibbons, Pitts, Sherwood, Saxton, Bartlett of Maryland, Brown of Florida,
Kucinich, Hinchey and Sanders; and Thomas R. Pickering, Under Secretary,
Political Affairs, Department of State. 

OVERSIGHT--YOUTH CULTURE AND VIOLENCE .

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing to examine youth culture
and violence. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS REFORM ACT 

Committee on Rules: Concluded hearings on H.R. 853, Comprehensive Budget
Process Reform Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representatives Smith of
Michigan, Barton of Texas, Gekas, Regula, Castle and Spratt. 

NASA AUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1654, National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 1999. 

DEATH TAX REPEAL AND SMALL BUSINESS 

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports and the
Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Business Opportunities and Special Small
Business Problems held a joint hearing on "What Would Repealing The `Death'
Tax Mean For Small Business?" focusing on H.R. 8, Death Tax Elimination Act.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Dunn and Tanner; and public
witnesses. 

U.S. MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FUTURE NEEDS 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Future Needs of the U.S. Marine
Transportation System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Adm. James Loy, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard;
and Clyde J. Hart, Jr., Administrator, Maritime Administration; Scott B.
Gudes, Deputy Under Secretary, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.  

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, Hazardous Materials and Pipeline Transportation
approved for full Committee action the following: resolutions authorizing the
GSA's Fiscal Year 2000 Capital Investment Program; two construction
prospectuses resolutions; H. Con. Res. 91, authorizing the use of the Capitol
Grounds for a clinic to be conducted by the United States Luge Association;
and H. Con. Res. 105, authorizing the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 1999
Special Olympics World Games to be run through the Capitol Grounds. 

MEDICARE SELF-REFERRAL LAWS 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Self-Referral Laws. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Kathleen A. Buto, Deputy Director,
Center for Health Plans and Providers, Health Care Financing Administration;
and D. McCarty Thornton, Chief Counsel to the Inspector General; and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D529]

FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENT LIVING 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Foster Care Independent Living. Testimony was heard from Representative DeLay;
Cynthia Fagnoni, Director, Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

KOSOVO 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Kosovo. Testimony was heard from Samuel R. Berger, Assistant to the
President for National Security Affairs. 



1999/05/14
Daily Digest - Friday, May 14, 1999;  pages D532 - D538

Committee Meetings 

TREASURY-POSTAL SERVICE, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service, and
General Government approved for full Committee action the Treasury, Postal
Service, and General Government appropriations for fiscal year 2000. 



1999/05/17
Daily Digest - Monday, May 17, 1999;  pages D539 - D542

Committee Meetings

CONFERENCE REPORT--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1141, making emergency
supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and
against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall
be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young. 



1999/05/18
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 18, 1999;  pages D543 - 550

Committee Meetings 

FOREST SERVICE--PAYMENT TO COUNTIES 

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review U.S. Forest Service payments
to counties. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research and
Specialty Crops held a hearing on Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Brooksley Born, Chairperson; Barbara
Pedersen Holum, David D. Spears and James E. Newsome, Commissioners; Gary
Gensler, Under Secretary Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Annette
L. Nazareth, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC; and Patrick M.
Parkinson, Associate Director, Division of Research and Statistics, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on D.C. Courts. Testimony was heard from Gloria L. Jarmon, Director,
Health, Education and Human Services, Accounting and Financial Management
Issues, GAO; and the following officials of the Courts of the District of
Columbia: Chief Judge Annice M. Wagner, Court of Appeals; Chief Judge Eugene
N. Hamilton, Superior Court; and Ulysses B. Hammond, Executive Officer. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement approved for
full Committee action amended H.R. 1401, National Defense Authorization Act
for fiscal year 2000 and 2001. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Research and Development
approved for full Committee action H.R. 1401, National Defense Authorization
Act for fiscal year 2000 and 2001. 

                                          [Page: D547]

SCHOOL VIOLENCE 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on School Violence: Views of Students and
the Community. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

HEPATITIS B VACCINE 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Hepatitis B Vaccine: Is the Vaccine
Helping or Hurting Public Health? Testimony was heard from Representative
Moakley; the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Harold Margolis, Chief, Hepatitis Branch, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and Susan Ellenberg, Director, Biostatistics and
Epidemiology Division, FDA; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--CUSTOMER SERVICE--OFFICE OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROGRAMS 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on Oversight of Customer Service at
the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. Testimony was heard from Matthew
Fairbanks, Special Agent/Pilot, DEA, Department of Justice; the following
officials of the Department of Labor: Patricia Dalton, Deputy Inspector
General; and Shelby Hallmark, Deputy Director, Office of Workers' Compensation
Programs; and public witnesses. 

FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on the FEC. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the FEC: Scott E. Thomas, Chairman; and
Darryl Wold, Vice Chairman and Chairman, Federal Election Commission Budget
Committee; and public witnesses. 

ENCRYPTION: SECURITY IN A HIGH TECH ERA 

Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on Encryption: Security in a High Tech Era.
Testimony was heard from William E. Reinsch, Under Secretary, Bureau of Export
Administration, Department of Commerce; Barbara McNamara, Deputy Director,
NSA, Department of Defense; Ron Lee, Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 238, to amend section 274 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act to impose mandatory minimum sentences, and
increase certain sentences, for bringing in and harboring certain aliens and
to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide enhanced penalties for
persons committing such offenses while armed; H.R. 456, for the relief of the
survivors of the 14 members of the Armed Forces and the one United States
civilian Federal employee who were killed on April 14, 1994, when United
States fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down 2 United States helicopters over
Iraq; H.R. 945, to deny to aliens the opportunity to apply for asylum in Guam;
and H.R. 1745, to amend the Immigraton and Nationality Act to provide for the
removal of aliens who associate with known terrorists. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Collins, Rogan, Underwood and Udall of Colorado; Capt.
Elliott L. Bloxom, USN, Director, Compensation for Military Personnel Policy,
Department of Defense; the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Donald M. Rooney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division; and Bo
Cooper, Acting General Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service; Capt.
Anthony Tangeman, USCG, Chief, Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Transportation; and a public witness. 

OVERSIGHT--FOREST SYSTEMS--RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Public and Private Resource Management and Protection
Issues in the National Forest Systems. Testimony was heard from William F.
Wasley, Director, Law Enforcement and Investigations, Forest Service, USDA;
and public witnesses. 

WW II VETERANS PARK AT GREAT KILLS 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action as amended H.R. 592, to redesignate Great
Kills Park in the Gateway National Recreation Area as "World War II Veterans
Park at Great Kills". 

NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 1654, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 1999. The rule waives points of order against
consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 4(a) of rule XIII
(requiring a three-day layover of the committee report). The rule provides
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee
on Science now printed in the bill be considered as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the committee amendment in the
nature of a D548substitute shall be considered as open to amendment at any
point. The rule waives points of order against the amendment in the nature of
a substitute for failure to comply with clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting
nongermane amendments). 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 Chairman Sensenbrenner and
Representative Gordon. 

                                          [Page: D548]

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND RELATED AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 1553, National Weather and Related Agencies Authorization Act
of 1999. The rule waives points of order against consideration of the bill for
failure to comply with clause 4(a) of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover
of the committee report). The rule provides that it shall be in order to
consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five
minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Science and now printed in the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be open for amendment at any
point. 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 Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representative Gordon. 

OPIC--ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTERS 

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports held a
hearing on the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and its assistance to
small business exporters. Testimony was heard from George Munoz, President and
CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, U.S. International Development
Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade approved for full Committee
action the following bills: H.R. 1833, amended, Trade Agency Authorizations,
Drug Free Borders and Prevention of On-Line Child Pornography Act of 1999; and
H.R. 984, Caribbean and Central America Relief and Economic Stabilization Act. 



1999/05/19
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 19, 1999;  pages D552 - D560

Committee Meetings

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research and
Specialty Crops, continued hearings on Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS;
BUDGET ALLOCATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriation
for fiscal year 2000. 

The Committee also approved Suballocations of Budget Allocations for fiscal
year 2000. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1401, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. 

WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1180, Work Incentives
Improvement Act of 1999. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND SITE SECURITY ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment, hearing on H.R.
1790, Chemical Safety Information and Site Security Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Ivan K. Fong,
Deputy Associate Attorney General; and Robert Burnham, Chief, Domestic
Terrorism Section, FBI; Timothy Fields, Jr., Acting Assistant Administrator,
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue May 26. 

OLDER AMERICANS ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Postsecondary
Education, Training, and Life Long Learning held a hearing on H.R. 782, Older
Americans Act Amendments Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Marnie S.
Shaul, Associate Director, Education and Employment Issues, GAO; 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. 1459,
Models of Safety and Health Excellence Act of 1999; H.R. 1439, Safety and
Health Audit Promotion and Whistleblower Improvement Act of 1999; H.R. 987,
Workplace Preservation Act; and H.R. 1381, Rewarding Performance in
Compensation Act, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
974, amended, District of Columbia College Access Act; H.R. 1074, amended,
Regulatory Right-to-Know Act of 1999; H.R. 206, to provide for greater access
to child care services for Federal employees; H.R. 100, to establish
designations for United States Postal Service buildings in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; H.R. 197, to designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service at 410 North 6th Street in Garden City, Kansas, as the "Clifford R.
Hope Post Office"; H.R. 1191, to designate certain facilities of the United
States Postal Service in Chicago, Illinois; H.R. 1251, to designate the United
States Postal Service building located at 8850 South 700 East, Sandy, Utah, as
the "Noal Cushing Bateman Post Office Building"; H.R. 1377, to designate the
facility of the United States Postal D557Service at 13234 South Baltimore
Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the "John J. Buchanan Post Office Building";
H.R. 28, Quality Child Care for Federal Employees Act; H.R. 1442, amended, Law
Enforcement and Public Safety Enhancement Act of 1999; H.R. 1219, amended,
Construction Industry Payment Protection Act of 1999; and H.R. 457, Organ
Donor Leave Act. 

                                          [Page: D557]

The Committee also approved the following: a draft report entitled: "Making
the Federal Government Accountable: Enforcing the Mandate for Effective
Financial Management"; and the release of Interrogatories and Documents
related to Committee investigation of illegal fundraising. 

OVERSIGHT--MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE'S ROYALTY VALUATION PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held an oversight hearing on the Minerals
Management Service's Royalty Valuation Program. Testimony was heard from Susan
Kladiva, Associate Director, Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, Resources,
Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; the following officials of
the Department of the Interior: Sylvia Baca, Acting Assistant Secretary, Land
and Minerals Management; and Robert Williams, Acting Inspector General; and
public witnesses.  

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1659,
amended, National Police Training Commission Act of 1999; H.R. 462, to clarify
that governmental pension plans of the possessions of the United States shall
be treated in the same manner as State pension plans for purposes of the
limitation on the State income taxation of pension income; and H.R. 576. to
amend title 4, United States Code, to add the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
to the list of days on which the flag should especially be displayed. 

The Committee also approved private relief bills. 

AMERICAN LAND SOVEREIGNTY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 883, American Land Sovereignty Protection Act. 

The rule provides that the bill will be open for amendment at any point and
that the amendment process shall not exceed 4 hours. The rule makes in order
only those amendments preprinted in the Congressional Record and pro forma
amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that the amendments
may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his designee,
shall be considered as read, and may be amended. 

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 Young and Representatives Miller of California and
Vento. 

NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE DEPLOYMENT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule which makes in order a
motion to concur in the Senate amendment in the House to the bill, H.R. 4, to
declare it to be the policy of the United States to deploy a national missile
defense. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Armed Services. 

VETERAN'S MILLENNIUM HEALTH CARE ACT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Veteran's Millennium Health Care Act. Testimony was heard from Kenneth W.
Kitzer, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and
representatives of veterans' organizations. 



1999/05/20
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 20, 1999;  pages D561 - 572

Committee Meetings

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research and
Specialty Crops continued hearings on Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue June 8. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Legislative appropriations
for fiscal year 2000. 

KEY INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ISSUES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on key
international financial issues. Testimony was heard from Robert E. Rubin,
Secretary of the Treasury; Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors,
Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

BUDGET PROCESS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Budget Process. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Nussle, Cardin and Minge; Jacob J. Lew, Director,
OMB; Dan Crippen, Director, CBO; Rudolph G. Penner, former Director, CBO; and
public witnesses. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power continued hearings on
Electricity Competition, focusing on PURPA, Stranded Costs, and the
Environment. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue May 26. 

AMERICA--THREAT OF BIOTERRORISM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on the Threat of Bioterrorism in America: Assessing the Adequacy of
Federal Law Relating to Dangerous Biological Agents. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Justice: Jim Reynolds, Chief,
Terrorism and Violent Crime Section, Criminal Division; and Robert M. Burnham,
Chief, Domestic Terrorism Section, National Security Division, FBI; the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: William
Raub, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy; and Stephen M. Ostroff, M.D.,
Associate Director, Epidemiologic Science, National Center for Infectious
Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and public witnesses. 

FCC COMMISSION REFORM

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on Federal Communications Commission Reform: The
States' Perspective. Testimony was heard from Irma Muse Dixon, Commissioner,
District 3, Public Service Commission, State of Louisiana; William R. Gillis,
Commissioner, Utilities and Transportation Commission, State of Washington;
David W. Rolka, Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of
Pennsylvania; Bob Rowe, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, State of
Montana; and a public witness. 

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Academic
Achievement for All: Increasing Flexibility and Improving Student Performance
and Accountability. Testimony was heard from Representative Tanner; Bret
Schundler, Mayor, Jersey City, New Jersey; William Moloney, Commissioner of
Education, Department of Education, State of Colorado; and public witnesses. 

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on School Violence: What is Being Done to
Combat School Violence? What Should be Done? Testimony was heard from Nelba
Chavez, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; William Modzeleski, Director, Safe
and Drug-Free Schools Program, Department of Education; Charlie Condon,
Attorney General, State of South Carolina; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION DEMONSTRATION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 102, National Youth Crime
Prevention Demonstration Act. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, and Intellectual Property
approved for full Committee action the following: H.R. 354, amended,
Collections of Information Antipiracy Act; the American Inventors Protection
Act; H.R. 1565, amended, Trademark Amendments Act of 1999; H.R. 1852,
Multidistrict Trial Jurisdiction Act of 1999; H.R. 1761, amended, Copyright
Damages Improvement Act of 1999; and H.R. 1225, United States Patent and
Trademark Office Reauthorization Act, Fiscal Year 2000. 

                                          [Page: D567]

OVERSIGHT--STELLER SEA LIONS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on Steller Sea Lions. Testimony was heard
from Andrew Rosenberg, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Frank V. Kelty, Mayor,
Unalaska, State of Alaska; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--COUNTY SCHOOLS 25% FUNDING STABILIZATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on County Schools 25% Fund Stabilization. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--CALIFORNIA CENTRAL VALLEY WATER MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on California Central Valley Water Management. Testimony was heard
from Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior; Mary Nichols, Secretary of
Resources, State of California; and public witnesses. 

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SECURITY

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Security at the Department of Energy:
Who's Protecting the Nation's Secrets. Testimony was heard from Bill
Richardson, Secretary of Energy. 

EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND IMPROVING VEHICLE SAFETY

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology, hearing on Easing Traffic
Congestion and Improving Vehicle Safety: ITS and Transportation Technology
Solutions for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Wykle,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation;
and public witnesses. 

VETERANS' MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1071, Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 1999; and
H.R. 1182, Servicemembers Educational Opportunity Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from Nora Egan, Deputy Under Secretary, Management, Veterans Benefits
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans
organizations; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL CEMETERIES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on National Cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery.
Testimony was heard from Representative Chenoweth; Roger R. Rapp, Acting Under
Secretary, National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs;
Brian E. Burke, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army (Civil Works),
Department of the Army; Ray Boland, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs,
State of Wisconsin; Charles F. Smith, Assistant Secretary, Division of
Veterans Affairs, State of North Carolina; Lt. Col. Robin L. Higgins, USMC
(Ret.), Executive Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Florida;
and representatives of veterans organizations. 

TRADE AGENCY AUTHORIZATIONS, DRUG FREE BORDERS AND PREVENTION OF ON-LINE
PORNOGRAPHY ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1833, Trade Agency
Authorizations, Drug Free Borders and Prevention of On-Line Pornography Act of
1999. 

FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENCE ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 1802, Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. 

CUSTOMS SERVICE PASSENGER INSPECTION OPERATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on U.S.
Customs Service passenger inspection operations. Testimony was heard from
Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, U.S. Customs Service, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses. 



1999/05/24
Daily Digest - Monday, May 24, 1999;  pages D573 - D578

Committee Meetings

KEY INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ISSUES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: On May 21, the Committee
continued hearings on key international financial issues. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses. 

SALARY OF THE PRESIDENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on the Salary of the President of
the United States. Testimony was heard from Sharon Gressle, Specialist,
American National Government, Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses. 

SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 3, a closed rule providing 2
hours of debate on H.R. 1259, Social Security and Medicare Safe Deposit Box
Act of 1999. The rule provides that the bill be considered as read and that
the amendment printed in section 2 of the resolution be considered as adopted.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Herger, Shaw and
McDermott. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 1906, making appropriations for the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. The rule waives clause 4(a) of rule
XIII (requiring a 3 day layover of the committee report) and section 306 of
the Congressional Budget Act (prohibiting consideration of legislation within
the Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported by the Budget Committee)
against consideration of the bill. The rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized and legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill) against provisions in the 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
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 and Kaptur. 



1999/05/25
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 25, 1999;  pages D580 - D588

Committee Meetings

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

Committee on the Budget: Task Force on Social Security held a hearing on
International Social Security Reform. Testimony was heard from Dan Crippen,
Director, CBO; and public witnesses. 

Y2K AND MEDICAL DEVICES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a joint hearing on Y2K and
Medical Devices: Screening for the Y2K Bug. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services:
William Hubbard, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Policy; and Thomas Shope,
Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Science and Technology, Center
for Devices and Radiological Health; Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil
Agencies Information Systems, Accounting and Information Management Division,
GAO; and public witnesses. 

SECURITY AND FREEDOM THROUGH ENCRYPTION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Practices held a hearing on H.R. 850, Security and Freedom through Encryption
(SAFF) Act. Testimony was heard from Ronald D. Lee, Associate Deputy Attorney
General, Department of Justice; Barbara McNamara, Deputy Director, NSA,
Department of Defense; William Reinsch, Under Secretary, Commerce, Export
Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

EDUCATION REFORM

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Education Reform: Putting the Needs of
Our Children First. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered the following
measures and adopted motions urging the Chairman to request that they be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 1908, amended, to authorize the
transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign countries; H. Res. 178,
concerning the tenth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 4, 
1989, in the People's Republic of China; and H. Res. 168, recognizing the
Foreign D585Service of the United States on the occasion of its 75th
anniversary. 

ETHIOPIA-ERITREA WAR

                                          [Page: D585]

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
the Ethiopia-Eritrea War: U.S. Policy Options. Testimony was heard from Susan
Rice, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--FCC LICENSE TRANSFER PROCEEDINGS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on Novel Procedures in FCC License Transfer
Proceedings. Testimony was heard from Harold Furchtgott-Roth, Commissioner,
FCC; and public witnesses. 

METHANE HYDRATE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on H.R. 1753, (and S. 330) Methane Hydrate Research and Development
Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representative Doyle; Timothy S.
Collett, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the
Interior; Robert S. Kripowicz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fossil
Energy, Department of Energy; Bilal U. Haq, Division of Ocean Sciences, NSF;
and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on the Role of the National Forests in the Lewis and Clark
Bicentennial. Testimony was heard from Paul Brouha, Associate Deputy Chief,
Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held
an oversight hearing on New NPS Methodology used to evaluate the achievement
of natural quiet restoration standards in Grand Canyon National Park.
Testimony was heard from Representative Berkeley; Jackie Lowey, Deputy
Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; David Traynham,
Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning and International Aviation, FAA,
Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. 

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted by voice vote a structured rule
providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 1905, making appropriations for
the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, divided
equally 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 section 306 (prohibiting consideration of
legislation within the Budget Committee's jurisdiction, unless reported by the
Budget Committee) or section 401 (prohibiting consideration of budget related
legislation, as reported, that is not subject to appropriations) of the
Congressional Budget Act. The rule also waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized or legislative provisions in a general
appropriations bill) except as specified in the rule. The rule makes in order
only the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution, and pro forma amendments offered by the chairman or ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees for the
purpose of debate. The rule waives points of order against the amendment
printed in the report for failure to comply with clause 2 of Rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized or legislative provisions in a general
appropriations bill). The rule provides that the amendment made in order may
be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as
read, and 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 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 Taylor of North
Carolina, Castle, Shays, Camp, Pastor, Hoyer, Farr of California, Lowey,
DeLauro, and Weiner. 

EDUCATION LAND GRANT ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule
providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 150, Education Land Grant Act,
equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Resources. The rule makes in order the Committee on Resources
amendment in the nature of a substitute as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment, which shall be open for amendment at any point. 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 D586reduce 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 Hansen and Hayworth. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

                                          [Page: D586]

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1655, Department of Energy
Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1999. 

The Committee also began mark up of H.R. 1742, Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development and Science Advisory Board Authorization
Act of 1999. 

The Committee recessed subject to call. 

SMALL BUSINESS REVIEW PANEL TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS ACT

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 1882, Small Business Review
Panel Technical Amendments Act of 1999. 

WELFARE TO WORK

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Empowerment held a hearing on
"Welfare To Work: What Is Working, What Is Next?" Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

TAX CODE COMPLEXITY--INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES

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
businesses. Testimony was heard from W. Val Oveson, National Taxpayer
Advocate, IRS, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

ALLEGATIONS OF CIA INVOLVEMENT IN DRUG TRAFFICKING IN CALIFORNIA

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Allegations of CIA Involvement in Drug Trafficking in California.
Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/05/26
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 26, 1999;  pages D589 - D598

Committee Meetings

RURAL AREAS--ELECTRIC DEREGULATION EFFECTS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Resource
Conservation, and Credit held a hearing to review the effects of electric
deregulation on rural areas and an examination of legislative proposals.
Testimony was heard from Wally Beyer, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service,
USDA; Mark Mazur, Director, Office of Policy, Department of Energy; and public
witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 629, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Amendments
Act of 1999; and H.R. 413, Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of
1999. 

Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on these measures.
Testimony was heard from Senator Kennedy; Representative Rush; Gary Gensler,
Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power continued hearings on
Electricity Competition, focusing on State Restructuring Efforts and Consumer
Protection Issues. Testimony was heard from Elaine Kolish, Associate Director,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Mary Ellen Burns, Assistant Attorney
General in Charge, Bureau of Energy and Telecommunications, State of New York;
and public witnesses. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND SITE SECURITY ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment concluded
hearings on H.R. 1790, Chemical Safety Information and Site Security Act of
1999. Testimony was heard from Leon G. Billings, member, House of Delegates,
State of Maryland; and public witnesses. 

DOE'S-FUNDED ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP TECHNOLOGIES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on a Review of the Department of Energy's Deployment of DOE-Funded
Environmental Cleanup Technologies. Testimony was heard from Representative
Hastings of Washington; Gary L, Jones, Associate Director, Energy, Resources,
and Sciences Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Ernest J. Moniz, Under Secretary; James Owendoff, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Environmental Management; and Gerald Boyd, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Science and Technology; and public witnesses. 

COMBATING TERRORISM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veteran's
Affairs and International Relations held a hearing on Combating Terrorism:
Proposed Transfer of the Domestic Preparedness Program to the Department of
Justice. Testimony was heard from Charles L. Cragin, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense; Andy Mitchell,
Deputy Director, Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support,
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and the following officials
of the FEMA: Barbara Y. Martinez, Deputy Director, National Domestic
Preparedness Office; and Catherine Light, Director, Office of National
Security Affairs. 

COX COMMITTEE REPORT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on The Cox Committee: Report of the Select Committee on U.S.
Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's Republic of China.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Cox and Dicks. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J. Res.
33, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of
the United States; H.R. 354, amended, Collections of Information Antipiracy
Act; H.R. 1565, amended, Trademark Amendments Act of 1999; H.R. 1761, amended,
Copyright Damages D595Improvement Act of 1999; and H.R. 1225, United States
Patent and Trademark Office Reauthorization Act, Fiscal Year 2000. 

                                          [Page: D595]

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 1691, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Use of Land and Money
Mitigation Requirements in Endangered Special Act Enforcement. Testimony was
heard from Jamies Clark, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior; Penelope Dalton, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 2, a structured rule providing
one hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services on H.R. 1401,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal years 2000 and 2001. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes
in order the Committee on Armed Services amendment in the nature of a
substitute now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in Part
A of the Rules Committee report, which shall be considered as read. The rule
also waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute, as modified. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report and pro forma amendments offered by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services for the purpose
of debate Amendments printed in Part C of the Rules Committee report may be
offered en bloc. 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 division of the
question. The rule provides that, except as otherwise specified in the report,
each amendment printed in the report shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be
subject to amendment (except that the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Armed Services 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 Rules Committee report and
those amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the resolution. The rule
provides for an additional one hour of general debate at the beginning of the
second legislative day of consideration of H.R. 1401, which shall be equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Armed Services. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Armed
Services Committee or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of
the amendments in Part C of the Rules Committee report or germane
modifications thereto, which shall be considered as read (except that
modifications shall be reported), shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally
divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services
Committee or their designees, and shall not be subject to amendment or demand
for 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 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 permits the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize
for consideration of any amendment printed in the report out of the order in
which printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Armed
Services 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, Thornberry, Hostettler, Hilleary, Ryun of Kansas,
Riley, Goodling, Boehlert, Shays, Castle, Collins, Hoekstra, Frelinghuysen,
Metcalf, Ney, Weldon of Florida, Thune, Sweeney. Wilson, Ose, Skelton, Evans,
Taylor of Mississippi, Abercrombie, Allen, Sanchez, McIntyre, Rodriguez,
Stenholm, Frank of Massachusetts, Traficant, Costello, Roemer, Waters,
Hinchey, Velazquez and Kucinich. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R. 1742,
Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development and Science
Advisory Board Authorization Act of D5961999; H.R. 1743, Environmental
Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 1999; and
H.R. 1656, Department of Energy Commercial Application of Energy Technology
Authorization Act of 1999. 

                                          [Page: D596]

The Committee began markup of H.R. 1744, National Institute of Standards and
Technology Authorization Act of 1999. 

The Committee recessed subject to call. 

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: The
Benefits and Pitfalls of Conducting Business Over the Internet. Testimony was
heard from Daniel O. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Technology, SBA; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF MOTOR CARRIERS AND OF BUS SAFETY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Ground
Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Office of Motor Carriers and
of Bus Safety. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Eugene A. Conti, Jr., Assistant Secretary,
Transportation Policy; and Kenneth R. Wykle, Administrator, Federal Highway
Administration; Joseph Osterman, Director, Office of Highway Safety, National
Transportation Safety Board; the following officials of the State of New
Jersey: C. Richard Kamin, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Motor Vehicles;
and James Crawford, Executive Director, South Jersey Transportation Authority;
former Representative Norman Mineta of California; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S HARBOR SERVICES FEE PROPOSAL

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Administration's Harbor
Services Fee Proposal. Testimony was heard from Joseph W. Westphal, Assistant
Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Department of Defense; and public
witnesses. 

FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENCE ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1802, Foster Care
Independence Act of 1999. 



1999/05/27
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 27, 1999;  pages D600 - D614

Committee Meetings

RURAL AREAS--ELECTRIC DEREGULATION EFFECTS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Resource
Conservation, and Credit held a hearing to review the effects of electric
deregulation on rural areas and an examination of legislative proposals.
Testimony was heard from Wally Beyer, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service,
USDA; Mark Mazur, Director, Office of Policy, Department of Energy; and public
witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 629, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Amendments
Act of 1999; and H.R. 413, Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of
1999. 

Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on these measures.
Testimony was heard from Senator Kennedy; Representative Rush; Gary Gensler,
Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses. 

ELECTRICITY COMPETITION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power continued hearings on
Electricity Competition, focusing on State Restructuring Efforts and Consumer
Protection Issues. Testimony was heard from Elaine Kolish, Associate Director,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Mary Ellen Burns, Assistant Attorney
General in Charge, Bureau of Energy and Telecommunications, State of New York;
and public witnesses. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND SITE SECURITY ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment concluded
hearings on H.R. 1790, Chemical Safety Information and Site Security Act of
1999. Testimony was heard from Leon G. Billings, member, House of Delegates,
State of Maryland; and public witnesses. 

DOE'S-FUNDED ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP TECHNOLOGIES

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on a Review of the Department of Energy's Deployment of DOE-Funded
Environmental Cleanup Technologies. Testimony was heard from Representative
Hastings of Washington; Gary L, Jones, Associate Director, Energy, Resources,
and Sciences Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Ernest J. Moniz, Under Secretary; James Owendoff, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Environmental Management; and Gerald Boyd, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Science and Technology; and public witnesses. 

COMBATING TERRORISM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veteran's
Affairs and International Relations held a hearing on Combating Terrorism:
Proposed Transfer of the Domestic Preparedness Program to the Department of
Justice. Testimony was heard from Charles L. Cragin, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense; Andy Mitchell,
Deputy Director, Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support,
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and the following officials
of the FEMA: Barbara Y. Martinez, Deputy Director, National Domestic
Preparedness Office; and Catherine Light, Director, Office of National
Security Affairs. 

COX COMMITTEE REPORT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on The Cox Committee: Report of the Select Committee on U.S.
Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's Republic of China.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Cox and Dicks. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J. Res.
33, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of
the United States; H.R. 354, amended, Collections of Information Antipiracy
Act; H.R. 1565, amended, Trademark Amendments Act of 1999; H.R. 1761, amended,
Copyright Damages D595Improvement Act of 1999; and H.R. 1225, United States
Patent and Trademark Office Reauthorization Act, Fiscal Year 2000. 

                                          [Page: D595]

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action amended H.R. 1691, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Use of Land and Money
Mitigation Requirements in Endangered Special Act Enforcement. Testimony was
heard from Jamies Clark, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior; Penelope Dalton, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National
Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 2, a structured rule providing
one hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services on H.R. 1401,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal years 2000 and 2001. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes
in order the Committee on Armed Services amendment in the nature of a
substitute now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in Part
A of the Rules Committee report, which shall be considered as read. The rule
also waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute, as modified. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report and pro forma amendments offered by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services for the purpose
of debate Amendments printed in Part C of the Rules Committee report may be
offered en bloc. 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 division of the
question. The rule provides that, except as otherwise specified in the report,
each amendment printed in the report shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be
subject to amendment (except that the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Armed Services 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 Rules Committee report and
those amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the resolution. The rule
provides for an additional one hour of general debate at the beginning of the
second legislative day of consideration of H.R. 1401, which shall be equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Armed Services. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Armed
Services Committee or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of
the amendments in Part C of the Rules Committee report or germane
modifications thereto, which shall be considered as read (except that
modifications shall be reported), shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally
divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services
Committee or their designees, and shall not be subject to amendment or demand
for 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 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 permits the chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize
for consideration of any amendment printed in the report out of the order in
which printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Armed
Services 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, Thornberry, Hostettler, Hilleary, Ryun of Kansas,
Riley, Goodling, Boehlert, Shays, Castle, Collins, Hoekstra, Frelinghuysen,
Metcalf, Ney, Weldon of Florida, Thune, Sweeney. Wilson, Ose, Skelton, Evans,
Taylor of Mississippi, Abercrombie, Allen, Sanchez, McIntyre, Rodriguez,
Stenholm, Frank of Massachusetts, Traficant, Costello, Roemer, Waters,
Hinchey, Velazquez and Kucinich. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported amended the following bills: H.R. 1742,
Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development and Science
Advisory Board Authorization Act of D5961999; H.R. 1743, Environmental
Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation Authorization Act of 1999; and
H.R. 1656, Department of Energy Commercial Application of Energy Technology
Authorization Act of 1999. 

                                          [Page: D596]

The Committee began markup of H.R. 1744, National Institute of Standards and
Technology Authorization Act of 1999. 

The Committee recessed subject to call. 

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Electronic Commerce: The
Benefits and Pitfalls of Conducting Business Over the Internet. Testimony was
heard from Daniel O. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Technology, SBA; and
public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF MOTOR CARRIERS AND OF BUS SAFETY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Ground
Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Office of Motor Carriers and
of Bus Safety. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Eugene A. Conti, Jr., Assistant Secretary,
Transportation Policy; and Kenneth R. Wykle, Administrator, Federal Highway
Administration; Joseph Osterman, Director, Office of Highway Safety, National
Transportation Safety Board; the following officials of the State of New
Jersey: C. Richard Kamin, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Motor Vehicles;
and James Crawford, Executive Director, South Jersey Transportation Authority;
former Representative Norman Mineta of California; and public witnesses. 

ADMINISTRATION'S HARBOR SERVICES FEE PROPOSAL

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Administration's Harbor
Services Fee Proposal. Testimony was heard from Joseph W. Westphal, Assistant
Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Department of Defense; and public
witnesses. 

FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENCE ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended H.R. 1802, Foster Care
Independence Act of 1999. 



1999/06/07
Daily Digest - Monday, June 7, 1999;  pages D615 - D622

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held. 



1999/06/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 8, 1999;  pages D623 - D632

Committee Meetings 

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION 

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and
Specialty Crops continued hearings on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Transportation
appropriations for fiscal year 2000. 

SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND 

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on the
Social Security Trust Fund: Myth and Reality. Testimony was heard from David
D629Koitz, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and a public
witness. 

                                          [Page: D629]

KANSAS--AD VALOREM TAX REFUND 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on the
Kansas Ad Valorem Tax Refund. Testimony was heard from Representative Moran of
Kansas; Douglas Smith, General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
Department of Energy; Carla Stovall, Attorney General, State of Kansas; Sheila
Lumpe, Chair, Public Service Commission, State of Missouri; and public
witnesses. 

MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPMENTS 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Developments in the
Middle East. Testimony was heard from Martin S. Indyk, Assistant Secretary,
Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State. 

CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.R. 1218, Child Custody Protection Act. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 1401,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001, providing
one hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order
the Committee on Armed Services 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 amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule
makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report and
pro forma amendments offered by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Armed Services for the purpose of debate. The rule provides
that the amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report may be
offered en bloc. The rule makes in order the amendment by Representative Cox
printed in the Congressional Record on June 8, 1999. 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. The rules provides that,
except as otherwise specified in the report, each amendment printed in the
report shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to amendment (except that
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services
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 the
amendments printed in the Rules Committee report and those amendments en bloc
described in section 3 of the resolution. The rule provides an additional
period of general debate prior to the consideration of the last five
amendments in part A of the Rules Committee report for one hour, which shall
be confined to the subject of the United States policy relating to the
conflict in Kosovo. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Armed Services
Committee or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments
printed in part B of the Rules Committee report or germane modifications
thereto, which shall be considered as read (except that modifications shall be
reported), shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Armed Services Committee or their
designees, and shall not be subject to amendment or 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 disposition of the en bloc
amendments. 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. The rule permits the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize
for consideration of any amendment printed in the report out of the order in
which printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Armed
Services Committee or a designee announces from the floor a request to that
effect. The rule provides that before consideration of any other amendment it
will be in order to consider the amendment printed in the Congressional Record
on June 8, 1999, by Representative Cox, if offered by Representative Cox or
his designee, which will be considered as read, debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, will not be subject
to amendment, and will not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole, and waives all points
of order against the amendment. The rule D630provides one motion to recommit,
with or without instructions. The rule provides that after passage of H.R.
1401, it shall be in order to take from the Speaker's table S. 1059 and to
consider the Senate bill in the House. The rule waives all points of order
against the Senate bill and against its consideration. The rule provides that
it shall be in order to move to strike all after the enacting clause of the
Senate bill and to insert in lieu thereof the provisions of H.R. 1401 as
passed by the House and waives all points of order against the motion.
Finally, the rule provides that House Resolution 195 is laid on the table. 

                                          [Page: D630]

U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on United
States-China trade relations and the possible accession of China to the World
Trade Organization. Testimony was heard from Representatives Smith of New
Jersey, Frank of Massachusetts, Wolf, Pelosi, Rohrabacher, Dooley of
California and Blumenauer; Richard W. Fisher, Deputy U.S. Trade
Representative; Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

BRIEFING--ENCRYPTION ISSUES 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
briefing on Encryption Issues. The Committee was briefed by Barbara McNamara,
Deputy Director, NSA, Department of Defense. 

FBI HANDLING--COUNTERINTELLIGENCE MATTERS--LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on FBI Handling of Counterintelligence Matters at the Los Alamos
National Laboratory. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 



1999/06/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 9, 1999;  pages D634 - D642

Committee Meetings

ECONOMIC SANCTIONS--EFFECT ON U.S. AGRICULTURE 

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review economic sanctions and the
effect on U.S. agriculture. Testimony was heard from Representative
Nethercutt; Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture; Stuart E. Eizenstat, Under
Secretary, Economics, Business, and Agricultural Affairs, Department of State;
and public witnesses. 

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on H.R. 1714, Electronic Signatures in Global and
National Commerce Act. Testimony was heard from Andy Pincus, General Counsel,
Department of Commerce; Donald Upson, Secretary of Technology, State of
Virginia; Daniel J. Greenwood, Deputy General Counsel, Information Technology
Division, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses. 

ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Academic Accountability. Testimony was
heard from Tommy G. Thompson, Governor, State of Wisconsin; Frank Brogan, Lt.
Governor, State of Florida; and public witnesses. 

2000 CENSUS 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Census held a hearing on
Oversight of the 2000 Census: Examining the Bureau's Policy to Count
Prisoners, Military Personnel, and Americans Residing Overseas. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Gilman and Green of Wisconsin; Kenneth Prewitt,
Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS POLICIES AND PRACTICES 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on Geographical Information Systems
Policies and Programs. Testimony was heard from Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of
the Interior; Jim Geringer, Governor, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. 

HEPATITIS C INFECTION--VETERANS AT RISK 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs, and International D639Relations held a hearing on Outreach to
Veterans at Risk for Hepatitis C Infection. Testimony was heard from Thomas
Garthwaite, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and
public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D639]

ASSISTING RUSSIA 

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Assisting Russia: What
Have We Achieved After Seven Years? Testimony was heard from Bill Taylor,
Coordinator, U.S. Assistance to the Newly Independent States, Department of
State; George Ingram, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe and
the Newly Independent States, AID, U.S. International Development and
Cooperation Agency; and public witnesses. 

EVALUATING--INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION AND THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY 

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on Evaluating the International Trade
Administration and the Trade and Development Agency. Testimony was heard from
David Aaron, Under Secretary, International Trade, Department of Commerce;
Nancy Frame, Deputy Director, Trade and Development Agency; and public
witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; SUBPOENAS 

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1524,
Public Forests Emergency Act of 1999; H.R. 592, amended, World War II Veterans
Park at Great Kills; H.R. 791, amended, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic
Trail Study Act of 1999; H.R. 1167, amended, Tribal Self-Governance Amendments
of 1999; H.R. 1243, amended, National Marine Sanctuaries Enhancement Act of
1999; H.R. 1431, amended, Coastal Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act of
1999; H.R. 1533, Wyandotte Tribe Settlement Act; H.R. 1651, Fishermen's
Protective Act Amendments of 1999; H.R. 1652, amended, Yukon River Salmon Act
of 1999; and H.R. 1653, to approve a governing international fishery agreement
between the United States and the Russian Federation. 

The Committee also approved a motion to authorize and issue subpoenas
regarding federal employees. 

U.S. ANTARCTIC RESEARCH PROGRAM 

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on the
U.S. Antarctic Research Program. Testimony was heard from Karl A. Erb,
Director, Office of Polar Programs, NSF; and public witnesses. 

SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT REVIEW 

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Fair and Simple Tax Relief for
Small Business, reviewing the Small Employer Tax Relief Act of 1999 (SETRA).
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS--PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on preservation and promotion of General Aviation Airports.
Testimony was heard from John H. Anderson, Jr., Director, Transportation
Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, GAO; David F.
Traynham, Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning and International
Aviation, FAA, Department of Transportation; William Gehman, Deputy Director,
Aeronautics, Department of Transportation, State of Michigan; William D.
Miller, II, Director, Aeronautics and Space Commission, State of Oklahoma; and
public witnesses. 

PREPAREDNESS AGAINST TERRORIST ATTACKS 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Emergency Management held a hearing on Preparedness
Against Terrorist Attacks. Testimony was heard from Mark Gebicke, Director,
National Security and Preparedness Issues, GAO; Catherine H. Light, Director,
Office of National Security Affairs, FEMA; Charles L. Cragin, Acting Assistant
Secretary (Reserve Affairs), Department of Defense; Barbara Y. Martinez,
Deputy Director, National Domestic Preparedness Office, FBI, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses. 

VETERANS' MILLENNIUM HEALTH CARE ACT 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action amended the Veterans' Millennium Health Care Act. 

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN 

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on proposals to strengthen Social
Security. Testimony was heard from Senators Gramm, Moynihan, Grassley, Breaux,
Kerrey and Gregg; Representatives Stark, Stenholm, Kolbe, DeFazio, Nadler,
Smith of Michigan and Sanford. 

Hearings continue tomorrow. 

ENCRYPTION LEGISLATION 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Encryption
legislation. Testimony was heard D640from Representative Goodlatte; William A.
Reinsch, Under Secretary, Bureau of Export Administration, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses. 



1999/06/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 10, 1999; pages D644 - D654

Committee Meetings 

RUSSIA ECONOMIC TURMOIL 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Russia Economic
Turmoil. Testimony was heard from Ted Truman, Assistant Secretary,
International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; William Taylor, Ambassador
at Large and Senior Coordinator for the New Independent States, Department of
State; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2035, to
correct errors in the authorizations of certain programs administered by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and H.R. 10, amended,
Financial Services Act of 1999. 

AUTHORIZATION--TITLE I--ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on Key Issues in the
Authorization of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Testimony was heard from Cheri Yecke, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Education, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 

WOMEN'S CANCERS 

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Role of Early Detection
and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Women's Cancers. Testimony was
heard from Edward Trimble, M.D., National Cancer Institute, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported H.R. 17, Selective
Agricultural Embargoes Act of 1999. 

The Committee also favorably considered and amended the following measures and
adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H.R. 1175, to locate and secure the return of Zachary
Baumel, an American citizen, and other Israeli soldiers missing in action; H.
Res. 62, expressing concern over the escalating violence, the gross violations
of human rights, and the ongoing attempts to overthrow a democratically
elected government in Sierra Leone; and H. Con. Res. 75, condemning the
National Islamic Front (NIF) government for its genocidal war in southern
Sudan, support for terrorism, and continued human rights violations. 

OVERSIGHT--ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ISSUES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims held an
oversight hearing on illegal immigration issues. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 529, to require the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service to approve a permit required for importation
of certain wildlife items taken in Tajikistan; and H.R. 1934, to amend the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish the John H. Prescott Marine
Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. Testimony was heard from
Representative Barcia; Penelope Dalton, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Marshall
Jones, Assistant Director, International Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department 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. 940, Lackawanna Valley Heritage Area Act
of 1999; and H.R. 1619, Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National
Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Gejdenson and Neal of Massachusetts; Katherine Stevenson,
Assistant Director, Cultural, Resource, Stewardship and Partnership, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

K-12 MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION 

Committee on Science and the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education,
Training, and Life-Long Learning of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce held a joint hearing on K-12 Math and Science Education--Finding,
Training and Keeping Good Teachers. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH BARRIERS 

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
Barriers to Commercial Space Launch. Testimony was heard from Laura
Montgomery, Attorney-Advisor, Office of the Chief Counsel, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses. D651 

                                          [Page: D651]

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Association Health Plans:
Giving Small Businesses the Benefits They Need. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

RECYCLE AMERICA'S LAND ACT 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action amended H.R.
1300, Recycle America's Land Act of 1999. 

VETERAN'S MEASURES 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 605, Court of Appeals For Veterans Claims Act of 1999;
H.R. 690, to amend title 38, United States Code, to add bronchiolo-alveolar
carcinoma to the list of diseases presumed to be service-connected for certain
radiation-exposed veterans; H.R. 708, to amend title 38, United States Code,
to provide for reinstatement of certain benefits administered by the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs for remarried surviving spouses of veterans upon
termination of their remarriage; H.R. 784, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to authorize the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the
surviving spouses of certain former prisoners of war dying with a
service-connected disability rated totally disabling at the time of death;
H.R. 1214, Veterans' Claims Adjudication Improvement Act of 1999; and H.R.
1765, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1999. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Bilirakis and Smith of New Jersey; Joseph
Thompson, Under Secretary, Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. 

CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AMERICA RELIEF AND STABILIZATION ACT; AFRICAN GROWTH AND
OPPORTUNITY ACT 

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported amended the following bills:
H.R. 984, Caribbean and Central America Relief and Economic Stabilization Act;
and H.R. 434, African Growth and Opportunity Act. 

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN 

Committee on Ways and Means: Concluded hearings on proposals to strengthen
Social Security. Testimony was heard from Representatives Archer and Shaw; and
Stephen C. Goss, Deputy Chief Actuary, SSA. 

INTELLIGENCE ISSUES BRIEFING 

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



1999/06/14
Daily Digest - Monday, June 14, 1999; pages D656 - D660

Committee Meetings

HEALTH CARE COSTS AND AMERICA'S UNINSURED

Committee on Education and the Workforce: On June 11, the Subcommittee on
Employer-Employee Relations held a hearing on the Relationship Between Health
Care Costs and America's Uninsured. Testimony was heard from Dan Crippen,
Director, CBO; William J. Scanlon, Director, Health Financing and Public
Health Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

INDEPENDENT COUNSEL STATUTE REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: On June 11, the Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Independent
Counsel Statute. Testimony was heard from former Senators George J. Mitchell
of Maine and Robert Dole of Kansas; and public witnesses. 

CONSEQUENCES FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS ACT

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Members of Congress, but no action
was taken on H.R. 1501, Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act of 1999. 

AVIATION INVESTMENT AND REFORM ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 1000, Aviation Investment and Reform Act for
the 21st Century, to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
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,
modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on
Rules accompanying this resolution. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule
makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee
report accompanying this resolution. The rule provides that amendments
D659made in order 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 division of the question
in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule allows 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 Shuster and Representatives Sweeney, Hyde, Traficant, Obey, Dingell,
Jackson of Illinois, and Weiner. 

                                          [Page: D659]



1999/06/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 15, 1999; pages D661 - D668

Committee Meetings

DEBT RELIEF

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Held a hearing on Debt Relief.
Testimony was heard from Tim Geithner, Under Secretary, International Affairs,
Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

PERSONAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND ANNUITIES--SECURE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on Secure
Investment Strategies for Personal Retirement Accounts and Annuities.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

CONSUMER AND INVESTOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on H.R. 1858, Consumer and Investor Access to
Information Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Andrew J. Pincus, General
Counsel, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. 

DELINQUENT DEBTS--FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLECTION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on "What is the Federal Government
Doing to Collect the Billions of Dollars in Delinquent Debts it is Owed?"
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Donald Hammond, Fiscal Assistant Secretary; and Richard Gregg,
Commissioner, Financial Management Services; Thomas J. Pestka, Director, Debt
Collection Services; Sally Thompson, Chief Financial Officer, USDA; and Saul
Ramirez, Deputy Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

FUTURE--ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP WITH EUROPE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Future of Our
Economic Partnership with Europe. Testimony was heard from Stuart Eizenstat,
Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, Department of
State; David Aaron, Under Secretary International Trade, Department of
Commerce; and a public witness. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 1658, Civil Asset Forfeiture
Reform Act. 

The Committee began markup of H.R. 1691, Religious Liberty Protection Act of
1999. 

Will continue June 23. 

CONSEQUENCES FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS ACT; MANDATORY GUN SHOW BACKGROUND
CHECK ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate confined to the bill and the amendments made in order
to H.R. 1501, Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act of 1999, divided equally
between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the
Judiciary. The rule provides for consideration of only the amendments printed
in part A of this report accompanying the resolution. The rule further
provides that, except as specified in the resolution, amendments will be
considered only in the order specified in part A of this report, may be
offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as
read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided
and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a
demand for division of the question. The amendments printed in part A of this
report shall not be subject to amendment, except as specified in part A of
this report. The rule also waives all points of order against the amendments
printed in part A of this report. The rule permits the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to recognize for consideration of any amendment printed
in part A of this report out of the order in which printed, but not sooner
than one hour after the chairman of the Judiciary Committee or a designee
announces from the floor a request to that effect. 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 H.R. 1501, with or without instructions. Additionally, the rule
provides one hour of general debate confined to the bill and the amendments
made in order to H.R. 2122, Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act of 1999,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority D666member
of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule provides for consideration of only
the amendments printed in part B of this report accompanying the resolution.
The rule further provides that amendments will be considered only in the order
specified in part B of this report, may be offered only by a Member designated
in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and
an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the
question. The amendments printed in part B of this report shall not be subject
to amendment. The rule also waives all points of order against the amendments
printed in part B of this report. 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 H.R.
2122, with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that in the
engrossment of H.R. 1501 the clerk shall add the text of H.R. 2122, as passed
by the House as a new matter at the end of H.R. 1501, and then lay H.R. 2122
on the table. On June 14, the Committee heard testimony on this legislation
from Chairman Hyde and Representatives McCollum, Barr of Georgia, Hutchinson,
Scarborough, Goodling, Roukema, Franks of New Jersey, Kelly, Radanovich,
Salmon, Wamp, Schaffer, DeMint, Fletcher, Green of Wisconsin, Hayes, Sweeney,
Wilson, Conyers, Frank of Massachusetts, Nadler, Scott, Lofgren, Jackson-Lee,
Waters, Delahunt, Wexler, Rothman, Baldwin, Obey, Markey, Dingell, Mink of
Hawaii, Frost, Gejdenson, Slaughter, DeLauro, Stupak, Kennedy of Rhode Island,
Millender-McDonald, Kucinich, Pascrell, Maloney of Connecticut, Goode,
McCarthy of New York, Berkley, Udall of New Mexico, and Udall of Colorado. 

PATRIOT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 659, Protect
America's Treasures of the Revolution for Independence for Our Tomorrow Act,
providing one hour of general debate divided equally between the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources. The rule makes in order
as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment in the nature
of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Resources now printed in the
bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute be
considered for amendment by title. 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. 

UNINSURED AMERICANS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Uninsured Americans. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

ENCRYPTION LEGISLATION

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

LAUNCH FAILURES AND LAUNCH ISSUES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence held a hearing on Launch Failures and Launch Issues.
Testimony was heard from Keith R. Hall, Director, National Reconnaissance
Office, CIA; the following officials of the Department of the Air Force,
Department of Defense: Darleen A. Druyan, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Acquisition and Management; and Brig. Gen. William R. Looney, USAF,
Director, Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command; and a public
witness. 



1999/06/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 16, 1999; pages D669 - D678

Committee Meetings

LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENT PROGRAM REVIEW

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the structure and policies
of the Loan Deficiency Payment Program. Testimony was heard from Dan Glickman,
Secretary of Agriculture. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on DC Health Initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the District of Columbia: Marlene N. D675Kelley, M.D., Interim
Director and Paul Offner, Deputy Director, Department of Health; and John A.
Fairman, General Manager and CEO, Health and Hospital Public Benefit
Corporation. 

                                          [Page: D675]

LOAN LOSS RESERVES

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on loan loss reserves.
Testimony was heard from Harvey Goldschmid, General Counsel, SEC; Laurence
Meyer, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: Wayne Rushton, Senior Deputy
Comptroller, Bank Supervision Policy; and Richard M. Riccobono, Deputy
Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Donna Tanoue, Chairman, FDIC; and
public witnesses. 

AMERICA'S HEALTH

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment continued
hearings on America's Health, with emphasis on Access to Affordable Health
Coverage for the Uninsured. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

Hearings continue June 23. 

SECURITY AND FREEDOM THROUGH ENCRYPTION

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection approved for full Committee action amended H.R. 850, Security and
Freedom Through Encryption. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2041,
amended, Patient Right to Obstetric and Gynecological Care Act of 1999; H.R.
2042, Health Care Access, Affordability, and Quality Advisory Commission Act
of 1999; H.R. 2043, amended, Patient Right to Unrestricted Medical Advice Act
of 1999; H.R. 2044, Patient Right to Pediatric Care Act of 1999; H.R. 2045,
Patient Right to Emergency Medical Care Act of 1999; H.R. 2046, amended,
Patient Access to Information Act of 1999; H.R. 2047, Small Business Access
and Choice for Entrepreneurs Act of 1999; and H.R. 2089, amended, Group Health
Plan Review Standards Act of 1999. 

DRUG LEGALIZATION--PROS AND CONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on the Pros and Cons of Drug Legalization,
Decriminalization and Harm Reduction. Testimony was heard from Barry R.
McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Alan Leshner,
Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Department of Health and Human
Services; Donnie Marshall, Deputy Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice;
James McDonough, Director, Office of Drug Control Policy, State of Florida;
and public witnesses. 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans'
Affairs, and International Relations held a hearing on the Department of
Defense's Financial Management: Time to Reform the Prompt Payment Act?
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Thomas Bloom, Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service; and Robert J.
Lieberman, Assistant Inspector General; David E. Cooper, National Security and
International Affairs Division, GAO; and public witnesses. 

MALAYSIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Malaysia: Assessing the Mahathir Agenda. Testimony was heard
from Ralph L. Boyce, Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

DEMOCRACY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on Democracy in the Western Hemisphere: Achievements and Challenges.
Testimony was heard from Ambassador David Passage, former Andean Desk Officer,
Department of State; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1752, Federal Courts Improvement
Act of 1999; and H.R. 2112, Multidistrict, Multiparty, Multiforum Jurisdiction
Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Joel B. Rosen, U.S. Magistrate Judge,
Camden, New Jersey; Harvey F. Schlesinger, Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle
District of Florida; John F. Nangle, U.S. District Judge, Southern District
for Georgia; and public witnesses. 

TORNADOES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Basic Research held a joint hearing on Tornadoes:
Understanding, Modeling and Forecasting Supercell Storms. Testimony was heard
from Morris Weisman, D676Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Division,
National Center for Atmospheric Research, NSF; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D676]

VETERANS' MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1247, World War II Memorial Completion Act; H.R. 1476,
National Cemetery Act of 1999; H.R. 1484, to authorize appropriations for
homeless veterans reintegration projects under the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act; H.R. 1603, Selected Reserve Housing Loan Fairness Act
of 1999; H.R. 1663, National Medal of Honor Memorial Act; and H.R. 2040,
Veterans' Cemeteries Assessment Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Brown of Florida, Doyle, Barr of Georgia and Calvert; Roger
Rapp, Acting Under Secretary, Memorial Affairs, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Espiridion Borrego, Assistant Secretary, Veterans Employment and
Training, Department of Labor; Maj. General John P. Herrling (Ret.),
Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission; and representatives of
veterans' organizations. 

REDUCING THE TAX BURDEN

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Reducing the Tax Burden: I.
Enhancing Retirement and Health. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Stark, Cardin, Johnson of Connecticut, Portman, Jefferson and Pomeroy; and
public witnesses. 

Hearings continue June 23. 

ENCRYPTION BRIEFING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
briefing on Encryption. The Committee was briefed by Ambassador David Aaron,
President's Special Envoy for Encryption.  


1999/06/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 17, 1999; pages D680 - D686

Committee Meetings

FREEDOM TO E-FILE ACT

Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on H.R. 852, Freedom to E-File Act.
Testimony was heard from Ira Hobbs, Deputy Chief Information Officer, USDA;
and public witnesses. 

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS REFORM ACT

Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported amended, H.R. 853, Comprehensive
Budget Process Reform Act of 1999. 

COMPREHENSIVE ELECTRICITY COMPETITION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on H.R.
1828, Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act. Testimony was heard from Bill
Richardson, Secretary of Energy. 

STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Department of Education's Student Loan
Programs: Are Tax Dollars at Risk? Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Education: Steven A. McNamara, Jr., Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; Marshall S. Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary; and Greg
Woods, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Student Financial Assistance
Programs; and public witnesses. 

CAMPAIGN REFORM

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Campaign Reform.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Gilchrest, Calvert and Sabo. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 744, to rescind the consent of
Congress to the Northeast Dairy Compact; and H.R. 1694, Dairy Consumers and
Producers Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Senators Feingold, Landrieu
and Schumer; Tommy G. Thompson, Governor, State of Wisconsin; Leon C. Graves,
Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets, State of Vermont;
and public witnesses. 

NATIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING REAUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on H.R. 1528, National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999.
Testimony was heard from P. Patrick Leahy, D685Chief Geologist, U.S.
Geological Survey, Department of the Interior. 

                                          [Page: D685]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1231, to direct the Secretary of
Agriculture to convey certain National Forest lands to Elko County, Nevada,
for continued use as a cemetery; H.R. 2079, to provide for the conveyance of
certain National Forest System lands in the State of South Dakota; H.R. 468,
Saint Helena Island National Scenic Act; and H.R. 695, to direct the Secretary
of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to convey an administrative
site in San Juan County, New Mexico, to San Juan College. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Gibbons, Thune, Kildee and Udall of New Mexico; and Ron
Stewart, Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest Service, USDA. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on the Role of the National
Forests in the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial (Part II). Testimony was heard
from Ron Stewart, Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest Service,
USDA; and a public witness. 

NATIONAL MONUMENT NEPA COMPLIANCE ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a
hearing on H.R. 1487, National Monument NEPA Compliance Act. Testimony was
heard from John Leshy, Solicitor, Department of the Interior. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Representatives Wolf, Paul, Barr
of Georgia, Sabo and Hinchey, but no action was taken on H.R. 2084, making
appropriations for the Department of Transportation and related agencies for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. 

EPA'S HIGH PRODUCTION CHEMICAL TESTING PROGRAM

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on
EPA's High Production Volume (HPV) Chemical Testing Program. Testimony was
heard from William Sanders, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics, EPA; and public witnesses. 

FEDERAL RESEARCH AND SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on Federal
Research and Small Business Innovation Research Program. Testimony was heard
from Susan D. Kladiva, Associate Director, Energy, Resources and Science
Issues, GAO; Timothy Foreman, Deputy Director, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Defense; Charles W. Wessner,
Program Director, Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy, National
Research Council, National Academy of Sciences; and a public witness. 

VETERAN'S LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Benefits approved for full
Committee action the Veteran's Benefits Improvement Act of 1999. 

U.S.-VIETNAM TRADE RELATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
U.S.-Vietnam Trade Relations. Testimony was heard from Senator Kerry;
Representatives Rohrabacher and Blumenauer; Douglas Peterson, U.S. Ambassador
to Vietnam; and public witnesses. 



1999/06/18
Daily Digest - Friday, June 18, 1999; pages D688 - D694

Committee Meetings 

No committee meetings were held. 



1999/06/21
Daily Digest - Monday, June 21, 1999; pages D696 - D700

Committee Meetings 

No committee meetings were held. 



1999/06/22
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 22, 1999; pages D702 - D710

Committee Meetings 

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS REFORM ACT 

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported H.R. 853, Comprehensive Budget
Process Reform Act of 1999. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on DC Public Schools. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Schools of the District of Columbia: D707Mike Peabody, Chair, Public
Charter School Coalition; Jack McCarthy, Managing Director, Apple Tree
Institute; Josephine Baker, Chair, Public Charter School Board; Arlene
Ackerman, Superintendent of Public Schools; Maudine R. Cooper, Emergency Board
of Trustees; and Wilma R. Harvey, President, Board of Education; Constance
Newman, Vice Chair, D.C. Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance
Authority; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D707]

IMF LENDING POLICIES--GAO REPORT 

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and
International Monetary Policy held a hearing on GAO Report on IMF Lending
Policies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Susan
Westin, Associate Director, Financial Institutions and Market Issues; and Jim
Johnson, Associate Director, International Relations and Trade Issues. 

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE 

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on Social
Security Disability Insurance. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the SSA: Jane Ross, Deputy Commissioner, Policy; and Mark Nadel,
Associate Commissioner, Disability and Income Assistance; and a public
witness. 

RUDMAN REPORT 

Committee on Commerce: Held a hearing on the Rudman Report: Science at its
Best, Security at its Worst. Testimony was heard from Bill Richardson,
Secretary of Energy and Warren B. Rudman, Chairman, President's Foreign
Intelligence Advisory Board. 

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Review and Oversight of the Department of
Education's Office of Civil Rights. Testimony was heard from Norma Cantu,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education; and a
public witness. 

COMMITTEE BUSINESS 

Committee on House Administration: Considered and approved pending Committee
business. 

QUALITY HEALTH--CARE COALITION ACT 

Committee on the Judiciary Held a hearing on H.R. 1304, Quality Health-Care
Coalition Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Representatives Campbell and
Cooksey; Robert Pitofsky, Chairman, FTC; Joel Klein, Assistant Attorney
General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims approved
for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 456, amended, for the
relief of the survivors of the 14 members of the Armed Forces and the one
United States civilian Federal employee who were killed on April 14, 1994,
when United States fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down 2 United States
helicopters over Iraq; and H.R. 1788, Nazi Benefits Termination Act of 1999. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1444, to
authorize the Secretary of the Army to develop and implement projects for fish
screens, fish passage devices, and other similar measures to mitigate adverse
impacts associated with irrigation system water diversions by local
governmental entities in the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho;
H.R. 1934, amended, Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 1999; and H.R.
2181, Fisheries Survey Vessel Authorization Act of 1999. 

CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE REFORM ACT 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing one
hour of debate on H.R. 1658, Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act. 

The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The
rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute modified by the
amendment recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the
bill be considered as the original bill for the purpose of amendment. 

The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be
open for amendment by section. The rule provides that prior to the
consideration of any other amendment it shall be in order to consider the
amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, which may be offered by
Representative Hyde or his designee, may amend portions of the bill not yet
read for amendment, and shall be considered as read. 

The rule provides for the consideration of only those amendments pre-printed
in the Congressional Record, which may be offered only by the Member who
caused it to be printed or his designee. 

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 Hyde. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROHIBITING PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE FLAG 

                                          [Page: D708]

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing two
hours of debate in on H.J. Res. 33, proposing an amendment to the Constitution
of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical
desecration of the flag of the United States. 

The rule makes in order an amendment in the nature of a substitute to be
offered by Representative Conyers or his designee, debatable for one hour
equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule
provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Canady of Florida and Watt of North Carolina. 

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2084, making appropriations for the Department of
Transportation and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2000 to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives clause 4(c) of rule XIII
(requiring the three-day availability of printed hearings on a general
appropriations bill) and section 401(a) of the Congressional Budget Act
(prohibiting consideration of legislation containing new contract authority
not subject to appropriations) against consideration of the bill. The rule
waives clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized or legislative
provisions in an appropriations bill) against provisions in the bill, except
as otherwise specified in the rule. The rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI
against the amendment printed in the report accompanying this resolution,
which may be offered only by the Member designated in the report and at the
appropriate point in the reading of the bill, shall be considered as read, and
shall not be subject to amendment. 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
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. 

NANOTECHNOLOGY 

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Basic Research held a hearing on
Nanotechnology: The State of Nano-Science and Its Prospects for the Next
Decade. Testimony was heard from Eugene Wong, Assistant Director, Engineering
Directorate, NSF; Paul McWhorter, Deputy Director, Microsystems Science,
Technology and Components Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Department of
Energy; and public witnesses. 

CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND WET WEATHER FLOWS LEGISLATION 

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Clean Water Infrastructure and Wet
Weather Flows legislation. Testimony was heard from J. Charles Fox, Assistant
Administrator, Water, EPA; the following Mayors from the State of
Massachusetts: Edward M. Lambert, Jr., Fall River; and Frederick Kalisz, Jr.,
New Bedford; David Pollison, Head, Planning Branch, Delaware River Basin
Commission, West Trenton, New Jersey; Michael J. Hornbrook, Director, Sewer
Facilities Development, Water Resources Authority, State of Massachusetts; and
public witnesses. 

U.S. INTERNATIONAL TAX REGIME--COMPLEXITY 

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
complexity of the Current U.S. International Tax Regime. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses. 



1999/06/23
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 23, 1999; pages D712 - D720

Committee Meetings 

WTO MINISTERIAL 

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing on the Administration's preparation
for the 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial. Testimony was heard
from Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture; Charlene Barshefsky, U.S. Trade
Representative; and public witnesses. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on the DC Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the District of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor; Linda Cropp, Chairman,
Council; and Valerie Holt, Chief Financial Officer; Alice Rivlin, Chairman,
D.C. Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority; and a
public witness. 

SECURITY AND FREEDOM THROUGH ENCRYPTION (SAFE) ACT 

Committee on Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 850, Security and
Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act. 

AMERICA'S HEALTH 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and Environment continued
hearings on America's Health, focusing on Protecting Patients with a Strong
Appeals Process. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

WORKFORCE PRESERVATION ACT; REWARDING PERFORMANCE IN COMPENSATION ACT 

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 987, Workforce Preservation Act; and H.R. 1381, amended, Rewarding
Performance in Compensation Act. 

IS MEXICO A SAFE HAVEN FOR KILLERS? 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on Getting Away With Murder, Is Mexico a
Safe Haven for Killers?: The Del Toro Case. Testimony was heard from
Representative Miller of Florida; Mary Lee Warren, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Department of Justice; Jamison M. Borek, Deputy Legal Advisor,
Department of State; and a public witness. 

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE ACT 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 1599, Year 2000 Compliance
Assistance Act. Testimony was heard from Joel C. Willemssen, Director, Civil
Agencies Information Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO;
Frank P. Pugliese, Commissioner, Federal Supply Service, GSA; and public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--COMBATING TERRORISM 

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs and International Relations held an oversight hearing on Combating
Terrorism: Role of the National Guard Response Teams. Testimony was heard from
Mark E. Gebicke, Director, National Security Preparedness Issues, National
Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Charles Cragin, Acting Assistant Secretary,
D718Reserve Affairs; Maj. Gen. Roger Shultz, USA, Director, Army National
Guard; and Brig. Gen. Bruce Lawlor, USA, Deputy Director, Military Support,
Director, Consequence Management Program Integration Office, National Guard;
and Maj. Gen. John H. Finimore V, USAF, Adjutant General, National Guard,
State of New York. 

                                          [Page: D718]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1152, Silk Road
Strategy Act of 1999; and H.R. 1794, amended, concerning the participation of
Taiwan in the World Health Organization (WHO). 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1691,
amended, Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999; H.R. 1218, Child Custody
Protection Act; and H.R. 2014, to prohibit a State from imposing a
discriminatory commuter tax on nonresidents. 

WARNER CREEK TIMBER SALE 

Committee on Resources: Task Force on Warner Creek Timber Sale and Related
Matters met in executive session to discuss the Warner Creek Timber Sale and
related matters. 

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET PROCESS REFORM ACT 

Committee on Rules: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 853, Comprehensive
Budget Process Reform Act of 1999. 

VETERANS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACT 

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1568, Veterans
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999. 

Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on H.R. 1568. Testimony was
heard from Betsy Myers, Associate Administrator, Entrepreneurial Development
and Director of Small Business Welfare to Work, SBA; representatives of
veterans organizations; and public witnesses. 

VETERANS' LEGISLATION 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2280, amended, Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 1999; and H.J. Res. 34,
congratulating and commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

REDUCING THE TAX BURDEN 

Committee on Ways and Means: Concluded hearings on Reducing the Tax Burden:
II, Providing Tax Relief to Strengthen the Family and Sustain a Strong
Economy. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rangel, Weller, Hulshof,
Clement, Danner, Graham, McIntosh, Turner, Baird and Crowley; and public
witnesses. 



1999/06/24
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 24, 1999; pages D722 - D730

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing to review H.R. 1402, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to
implement the Class I milk price structure known as Option 1-A as part of the
implementation of the D727final rule to consolidate Federal milk marketing
orders. Testimony was heard from Representatives Blunt and Green of Wisconsin;
Jesse Ventura, Governor, State of Minnesota; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D727]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY--SECURITY PROBLEMS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the security problems at the
U.S. Department of Energy. Testimony was heard from Warren B. Rudman,
Chairman, President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. 

COUNTERPARTY RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY GROUP STUDY

Committee on Banking and Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets,
Securities, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on a Study
Released by The Counterparty Risk Management Policy Group. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses. 

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on H.R. 1714, Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce
Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

DATA SERVICES DEPLOYMENT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection, held a hearing on Deployment of Data Services. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses. 

BILINGUAL EDUCATION ACT EXAMINATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Youth, and Families held a hearing on Examining the Bilingual Education Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

IMMUNITY RESOLUTIONS; DO TIGHTER SECURITY ADVOCATES FACE INTIMIDATION?

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported H.R. 1327, to designate the
United States Postal Service building located at 34480 Highway 101 South in
Cloverdale, Oregon, as the "Maureen B. Neuberger United States Post Office." 

The Committee approved resolutions to Grant Immunity to Maria Mapili, Reynaldo
Mapili and Charles T. Chiang. 

The Committee held a hearing on Retaliation at the Departments of Defense and
Energy: Do Advocates of Tighter Security for U.S. Technology Face
Intimidation? Testimony was heard from Representative Weldon of Pennsylvania;
Lt.Col. Edward McCallum, Director, Office of Safeguards and Security,
Department of Energy; the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Peter Leitner, Senior Strategic Trade Adviser and Michael Maloof, Chief,
Technology Security Operations, both with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency;
and Jonathan Fox, Arms Control Specialist, Defense Special Weapons Agency. 

The Committee also met in executive session on this subject. Testimony was
heard from Robert Henson, Physcist, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Department
of Energy. 

FRANCHISING OVERSIGHT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on franchising: the franchise relationship, mutual
rights and obligations of franchisees and franchisors, and assessing the need
for more regulation. Testimony was heard from Representatives Coble, LaFalce
and Dickey; and public witnesses. 

PAIN RELIEF PROMOTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.R. 2260, Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property
held an oversight hearing on the Report of the U.S. Copyright Office on
Copyright and Digital Distance Education; and Intellectual Property Security
Registration. Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of
Copyrights, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--U.S. SECRET SERVICE 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held an oversight hearing on
the United States Secret Service. Testimony was heard from Brian Stafford,
Director, U.S. Secret Service, Department of the Treasury. 

NATIONAL MONUMENT NEPA COMPLIANCE ACT; OVERSIGHT 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1487, National Monument
NEPA Compliance Act. 

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Noxious Weeds and Invasive
Plants. Testimony was heard from Henri Bisson, Assistant Director, D728Bureau
of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Robert Lewis, Deputy Chief,
Research and Development, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D728]

OVERSIGHT--RESTRUCTURED ELECTRIC INDUSTRY 

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Role of the Power Marketing Administration's in a Restructured
Electric Industry. Testimony was heard from James J. Hoecker, Chairman,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; Victor S.
Rezendes, Director, Energy, Resources, and Science Issues, Resources,
Community and Economic Development Division, GAO; and public witnesses, 

FOSTER CARE INDEPENDENCE ACT 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 1802, Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. The
rule further provides 20 minutes of general debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce. 

The rule waives clause 401(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
(prohibiting consideration of legislation providing new entitlement authority
which becomes effective during the current fiscal year) against consideration
of the bill. The rule makes in order as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Ways and Means. The rule also waives clause 401(b) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 against consideration of the amendment in the
nature of a substitute. 

The rule provides for consideration of only the amendments printed in the
report accompanying the resolution. The rule further provides that the
amendments will be considered only in the order specified in the report, may
be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as
read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this 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 division of the question.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the
report. 

Additionally, 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 Johnson of Connecticut,
Buyer, Cardin, and Thompson of California. 

WHY ARE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES VULNERABLE? 

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Technology held a hearing on Federal
Agencies Under Attack: Why Are Government Websites Vulnerable? Testimony was
heard from Raymond Kammer, Director, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; Michael Jacobs, Deputy Director,
Information Systems Security, NSA, Department of Defense; and Keith Rhodes,
Technical Director, Office of the Chief Scientist, GAO. 

PRIME ACT; LOAN PROGRAMS AMENDMENTS 

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 413, PRIME
ACT. 

The Committee also held a hearing on proposed amendments to the 7(a) and 504
Loan Programs. Testimony was heard from Fred P. Hochberg, Deputy
Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. 

TRADE SANCTIONS--PENALIZE SMALL BUSINESS 

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports held a
hearing on "Do Unilateral Economic Trade Sanctions Unfairly Penalize Small
Business?" Testimony was heard from Representative Crane; and public
witnesses. 

HOMELESS VETERANS 

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on the effectiveness of federal grants to community based
organizations with regard to homeless veterans. Testimony was heard from
Cynthia A. Bascetta, Associate Director, Veterans Affairs and Military Health
Care Issues, GAO; Espiridion A. Borrego, Assistant Secretary, Veterans'
Employment and Training, Department of Labor; Fred Karnas, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Special Needs Assistance Programs, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; Peter H. Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Programs,
Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. 

WORLD DEVELOPMENTS BRIEFING 

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
briefing on World Developments: A Global Update. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D729]



1999/06/25
Daily Digest - Friday, June 25, 1999; pages D731 - D736

Committee Meetings 

OPERATING SUBSIDIARY 

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on Risky Business in the Op. Sub.: How the OCC Dropped the Ball.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 



1999/06/28
Daily Digest - Monday, June 28, 1999; pages D737 - D740

Committee Meetings

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction approved
for full Committee action the Military Construction appropriations for fiscal
year 2000. 

WARNER CREEK TIMBER SALE

Committee on Resources: Task Force on Warner Creek Timber Sale and Related
Matters met in executive session to continue to discuss the Warner Creek
Timber Sale and related matters. 



1999/06/29
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 29, 1999; pages D742 - D750

Committee Meetings

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior approved for full
Committee action the Interior appropriations for fiscal year 2000. 

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM PLANS

Committee on the Budget: Social Security Task Force held a hearing on Review
of Social Security Reform Plans. Testimony was heard from Senators Gregg and
Breaux; Representatives Archer, Shaw, Kolbe, Stenholm, Smith of Michigan,
Sanford, DeFazio, Nadler, Bartlett of Maryland and Markey. 

DOE NUCLEAR FACILITIES--WORKER SAFETY

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
hearing on Worker Safety at DOE Nuclear Facilities. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Energy: David M. Michaels,
Assistant Secretary, Environment, Safety, and Health; and R. Keith
Christopher, Director, Office of Enforcement and Investigations; the following
officials of the GAO: Gary I. Jones, Associate Director, Energy, Resources,
and Science Issues; and William R. Swick, Assistant Director, Seattle Field
Office; and public witnesses. 

MUHAMMAD ALI BOXING REFORM ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on H.R. 1832, Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

ENHANCING RETIREMENT SECURITY

Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations, hearing on Enhancing Retirement Security, including discussion of
H.R. 1102, Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Portman and Cardin. 

DEFENSE OFFSETS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing on "Defense Offsets: Are They Taking Away
Our Jobs?" Testimony was heard from Senator Feingold; Roger Majak, Assistant
Secretary, Export Administration, Department of Commerce; Alfred Volkman,
Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Commercial and International Programs,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

GOVERNMENT WASTE CORRECTIONS ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Information, and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 1827, Government Waste
Corrections Act of 1999. Testimony was a heard from David Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; Deidre Lee, Acting Director, Management, OMB; the following
officials of the Department of D746Defense: George H. Allen, Deputy Commander,
Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia; and Gerald R. Peterson, Chief, Accounts
Payable Division, Army Air Force Exchange Service; Michelle Snyder, Director,
Financial Management Office, and Chief Financial Officer, Health Care
Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D746]

CAMPAIGN REFORM

Committee on House Administration: Continued hearings on Campaign Reform.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Gillmor, Hutchinson, Regula, Shays,
Mink of Hawaii, Andrews, and Tanner. 

Y2K, CUSTOMS FLOWS AND GLOBAL TRADE

Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on International Economic
Policy and Trade held a hearing on "Y2K, Customs Flows and Global Trade: Are
We Prepared to Meet the Challenges of the New Millennium?" Testimony was heard
from John McPhee, Director, Office of Computers and Business Equipment and
Trade Development, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce;
S. W. Hall, Jr., Assistant Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, U.S.
Customs Service, Department of the Treasury; Jack L. Brock, Director,
Governmentwide and Defense Information Systems, GAO; and a public witness. 

U.S POLICY TOWARD VICTIMS OF TORTURE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Operations
and Human Rights held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward Victims of Torture.
Testimony was heard from Leslie Gerson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State; Lavinia Limon,
Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Health and Human
Services; Ann Van Dusen, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Policy and
Program Coordination, AID, U.S. International Development Cooperation Agency;
Bo Cooper, Acting General Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses. 

REGULATORY FAIR WARNING ACT

Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 881, Regulatory Fair Warning Act of 1999. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, and Wildlife
and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Testimony was heard from Pennelope Dalton, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries,
National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce; Marshall Jones,
Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; Ron DeHaven, Deputy Administrator, Animal Care, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, USDA; and John E. Reynolds, Chairman, Marine Mammal
Commission. 

OVERSIGHT--GAO REPORT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on a GAO Report entitled: "A Cohesive Strategy is Needed to
Address Catastrophic Wildlife Threats." Testimony was heard from Barry Hill,
Associate Director, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division,
GAO; and Janice McDougle, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, Forest
Service, USDA. 

OVERSIGHT--PARK VISITORS--HEATH RISKS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held
an oversight hearing on Dealing with Occurrence of the Hantavirus Disease and
associated health risks to Park Visitors on the Channel Islands National Park
in California. Testimony was heard from Maureen Finnerty, Associate Director,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; James N. Mills, Chief,
Medical Ecology Unit, Special Pathogens Branch, National Center for Infectious
Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and
Human Services; Vicki Kramer, Chief, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Department
of Health Services, State of California; and a public witness. 

CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a closed rule
providing for consideration in the House of H.R. 1218, Child Custody
Protection Act, with 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Canady of Florida and Watt of North Carolina. 

                                          [Page: D747]

ROUTE 66 CORRIDOR

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 66, to preserve the cultural resources of the Route 66 corridor
and to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance. 
 
The rule makes in order the Committee on Resources amendment in the nature of
a substitute as an original bill for the purpose of amendment, which shall be
open to amendment by section. 

The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole may 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 for one motion
to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representative Hansen. 

STAR-SPANGLED BANNER HISTORIC TRAIL STUDY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 791, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Study Act of
1999. 

The rule makes in order the Committee on Resources amendment in the nature of
a substitute as an original bill for purpose of amendment, which shall be open
for amendment at any point. 

The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole may 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 for one motion
to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representative Hansen. 

WORLD WAR II VETERANS PARK AT GREAT KILLS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 592, to Redesignate Great Kills Park in the Gateway National
Recreation Area as "World War II Veterans Park at Great Kills". 

The rule makes in order the Committee on Resources amendment in the nature of
a substitute as an original bill for purpose of amendment, which shall be open
for amendment at any point. The rule waives clause 7 of rule XVI (prohibiting
nongermane amendments) against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. 

The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole may 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 for one motion
to recommit, with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hansen and Fossella. 

RUDMAN REPORT--DOE SECURITY PROBLEMS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the Rudman Report on Security Problems
at the Department of Energy. Testimony was heard from Warren B. Rudman,
Chairman, President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. 

RANGE MODERNIZATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, the Subcommittee
on Military Procurement and the Subcommittee on Military Research and
Development of the Committee on Armed Services held a joint hearing on Range
Modernization, Part II. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Richard C. Henry, USAF (Ret.), Chairman,
Range Integrated Product Team, Air Force Space Command; and John M. Borky,
Vice Chairman, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the requirement for
Double Hulls under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Testimony was heard from
Representative Frelinghuysen; Rear Adm. Robert C. North, USCG, Assistant
Commandant, Marine Safety, U.S Coast Guard, Department of Transportation; and
public witnesses. 

REDUCING NONMARITAL BIRTHS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Reducing Nonmarital Births. Testimony was heard from Stephanie J. Ventura,
Senior Researcher, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Edward
Tetelman, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Human Services, State of New
Jersey; and public witnesses.D748 



1999/06/30
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 30, 1999; pages D752 - D764

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS; WATERSHED PLAN

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1402, to require
the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the Class I milk price structure
known as Option 1-A as part of the implementation of the final rule to
consolidate Federal milk marketing orders. 

The Committee also approved Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties Water Conservation
Plan. 

KOSOVO AIR CAMPAIGN--B-2 BOMBER PERFORMANCE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Procurement held a
hearing on the performance of the B-2 Bomber in the Kosovo air campaign.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air
Force: Lt. Gen. Marvin R. Esmond, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space
Operations; and Brig. Gen. Leroy Barnidge, USAF, Commander, 509th Bomber Wing,
Whiteman Air Force. 

UNNECESSARY BUSINESS SUBSIDIES

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Unnecessary Business Subsidies.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Miller of Florida, Sununu, Shadegg,
Minge and Hoeffel; former Representative Robert Shamansky, State of Ohio; and
public witnesses. 

CONSUMER AND INVESTOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials held a
hearing on H.R. 1858, Consumer and Investor Access to Information Act of 1999.
Testimony was heard from Annette L. Nazareth, Director, Division of Market
Regulation, SEC; and public witnesses. 

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunication, Trade, and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on H.R. 2384, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Authorization Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

TEACHER EMPOWERMENT ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
1995, Teacher Empowerment Act. 

TEAMSTER LOCAL 500 TRUSTEESHIP--LESSONS LEARNED

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on Lessons Learned from the Teamster Local 500
Trusteeship. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

FEHBP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service held a hearing
on Implementing the FEHBP Demonstration Project for Military Retirees: A Good
Faith Effort, or Another Broken Promise. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Cunningham, Moran of Virginia and Romero-Barcelo; William E.
Flynn, III, Associate Director, Retirement and Insurance, OPM; and public
witnesses. 

FEDERALISM ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Economic Growth,
Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on H.R. 2245,
Federalism Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from L. Nye Stevens, Director,
Federal Management and D761Workforce Issues, General Government Division, GAO;
and public witnesses. 

                                          [Page: D761]

OVERSIGHT--DOD'S ANTHRAX VACCINE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans
Affairs and International Relations held an oversight hearing to examine the
Department of Defense's sole source procurement of anthrax vaccine. Testimony
was heard from Louis J. Rodriguez, Director Defense Acquisition Issues,
National Security and International Affairs Division, GAO; David R. Oliver,
Jr., Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Acquisition Technology, Department of
Defense; and a public witness. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H. Res. 57,
amended, expressing concern over interference with freedom of the press and
the independence of judicial and electoral institutions in Peru; H. Res. 181,
condemning the kidnaping and murder by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) of 3 United States citizens, Ingrid Washinawatok, Terence
Freitas, and Lah'ena'e Gay; H. Res. 17, concerning the extradition to the
United States of Salvadorans; H. Res. 228, expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives regarding the peace process in Colombia and calling on the
government and all other parties to the current conflict in Colombia to take
steps to advance the peace process so as to end the ongoing violence which
continues to pose a serious threat to democracy, human rights, and economic
and social stability in that nation; H. Res. 25, congratulating the Government
of Peru and the Government of Ecuador for signing a peace agreement ending a
border dispute which has resulted in several military clashes over the past 50
years; and H. Con. Res. 140, amended, expressing the sense of the Congress
that Haiti should conduct free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections. 

INTERNET LEGISLATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1686,
Internet Freedom Act; and H.R. 1685, Internet Growth and Development Act of
1999. Testimony was heard from Erik Sten, Commissioner of Public Works,
Portland, Oregon; and public witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1552,
amended, Marine Research and Related Environmental Research and Development
Programs Authorization of 1999; S. 361, to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to transfer to John R. and Margaret J. Lowe of Big Horn County,
Wyoming, certain land so as to correct an error in the patent issued to their
predecessors in interest; S. 449, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to
transfer to the personal representative of the estate of Fred Steffens of Big
Horn County, Wyoming, certain land comprising the Steffens family property;
H.R. 468, amended, Saint Helena Island National Scenic Area Act; H.R. 535, to
direct the Secretary of the Interior to make corrections to a map relating to
the Coastal Barrier Resources System; H.R. 695, amended, to direct the
Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to convey an
administrative site in San Juan County, New Mexico, to San Juan College; H.R.
834, amended, to extend the authorization for the National Historic
Preservation Fund; H.R. 1487, amended, National Monument NEPA Compliance Act;
H.R. 1528, National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999; H.R. 1753,
amended, Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act of 1999; H.R. 1934,
amended, Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 1999; H.R. 2079, to provide
for the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the State of
South Dakota; and H.R. 2181, to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to acquire
and equip fishery survey vessels. 

CONFERENCE REPORT--YEAR 2000 READINESS AND RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 775, Year 2000 Readiness and
Responsibility Act, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the
conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Goodlatte, Davis of Virginia and Conyers. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule on H.R.
10, Financial Services Act of 1999, providing ninety minutes of general
debate: forty-five minutes