108th Congress (2003 - 2004)
January 7 - December 15, 2003
House Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at thomas.loc.gov
2003/01/07
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 7, 2003; pages D1 - D8
Committee Meetings
JOINT RESOLUTIONS MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR
2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing that H.J.
Res. 1, making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2003,
will be debatable in the House for one hour equally divided and controlled by
Representative Young of Florida and Representative Obey of Wisconsin. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of H.J. Res. 1. The rule
provides one motion to recommit for H.J. Res. 1. The rule further provides
that H.J. Res. 2, making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year
2003, will be debatable in the House for one hour equally divided and
controlled by Representative Young of Florida and Representative Obey of
Wisconsin. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of H.J.
Res. 2. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit for H.J. Res. 2.
EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT OF 2002
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule on S. 23, to provide
for a 5-month extension of the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation
Act of 2002 and for a transition period for individuals receiving compensation
when the program under such Act ends, providing one hour of debate in the
House equally divided and controlled by Representative Thomas of California
and Representative Rangel of New York. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the bill shall be
considered as read for amendment. The rule provides one motion to recommit.
Finally, the rule provides that Section 2 of the resolution provides that the
allocations referred to in section 3(a)(4)(B)(i) of H. Res. 5 may be submitted
by Representative Nussle of Iowa.
2003/01/08
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 8, 2003; pages D9 - D12
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/09
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 9, 2003; pages D13 - D18
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/10
Daily Digest - Friday, January 10, 2003; pages D19 - D20
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/13
Daily Digest - Monday, January 13, 2003; pages D21 - D22
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/14
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 14, 2003; pages D24 - D26
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/15
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 15, 2003; pages D28 - D30
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/16
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 16, 2003; pages D32 - D34
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/17
Daily Digest - Friday, January 17, 2003; pages D36 - D38
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/21
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 21, 2003; pages D40 - D42
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/22
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 22, 2003; pages D44 - D46
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/23
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 23, 2003; pages D47 - D54
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/24
Daily Digest - Friday, January 24, 2003; pages D55 - D56
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/01/27
Daily Digest - Monday, January 27, 2003; pages D58 - D60
Committee Meetings
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate in the House on H.J. Res. 13, making further continuing appropriations
for the fiscal year 2003. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the joint resolution. The rule provides one motion to
recommit. Finally, the rule provides that Section 2 of the resolution provides
that upon receipt of a message from the Senate transmitting H.J. Res. 2 with a
Senate amendment thereto, it shall be in order to consider in the House a
motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations or his
designee that the House disagree to the Senate amendment and request or agree
to a conference with the Senate thereon.
2003/01/28
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 28, 2003; pages D61 - D66
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/29
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 29, 2003; pages D68 - D72
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
389, Automatic Defibrillation in Adam's Memory Act; H.R. 399, Organ Donation
Improvement Act of 2003; H.R. 342, Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Healthy
Act; H.R. 398, Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act;
H.R. 346, American Spirit Fraud Prevention Act; H.R. 395, Do-Not-Call
Implementation Act; H.R. 361, Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act; H.R.
337, to extend certain hydroelectric licenses in the State of Alaska; and H.R.
397, to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of
a hydroelectric project in the State of Illinois.
Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes.
VA'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans
Affairs' health care system. Testimony was heard from Robert H. Roswell, Under
Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of
veterans organizations.
Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Ways and Means: Met for organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health met for organizational
purposes.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight met for organizational
purposes.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade met for organizational
purposes.
2003/01/30
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 30, 2003; pages D73 - D78
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/01/31
Daily Digest - Friday, January 31, 2003; pages D80 - D82
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/02/03
Daily Digest - Monday, February 3, 2003; pages D84 - D86
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/02/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 4, 2003; pages D87 - D92
Committee Meetings
FISCAL YEAR 2004 BUDGET; OVERSIGHT PLAN; CBO DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION;
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Budget for Fiscal
Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., Director, OMB.
The Committee also took the following action: approved an Oversight Plan for
the 108th Congress; and recommended to the Speaker the appointment of Douglas
Holtz-Eakin to be Director of CBO. Prior to this action, the Committee met
for organizational purposes.
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H .J. Res. 18, making further continuing appropriations for the
fiscal year ending 2003, in the House equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the joint resolution.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hastings of Washington and Frost.
FISCAL YEAR 2004 BUDGET
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal year
2004 Budget proposals. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the
Treasury.
[Page: D90]
Hearings continue tomorrow.
2003/02/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 5, 2003; pages D94 - D100
Committee Meetings
DEFENSE BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2004; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2004 Defense
Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary; Gen. Richard Myers, USAF, Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Dov Zakheim, Under Secretary (Comptroller). Prior
to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes and approved an
Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY--BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2002
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of the Treasury
Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow,
Secretary of the Treasury.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Met for organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR HEALTH
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled &qout;Health of the Telecommunications Sector: A
Perspective from Investors and Economists.&qout; Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT REPORT
Committee on Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes. The
Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN; HOUSE PERIMETER SECURITY PLAN
Committee on House Administration: Met for organizational purposes. The
Committee approved the following: an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress;
and the House Perimeter Security Plan.
VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the State of Veterans'
Employment. Testimony was heard from Angela B. Styles, Administrator, Office
of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; CMSgt. Elizabeth S. Schouten, (USAF),
Deputy Director, Operations, U.S. Air Force Band; Linda G. Williams, Associate
Administrator, Government Contracting, SBA; Kevin Boshears, Director, Office
of Small Business Development, Department of the Treasury; the following
officials of the Veterans Employment and Training Service, Department of
Labor, Frederico Juarbe, Jr., Assistant Secretary; and Ron Bachman, Regional
Administrator Chicago/Denver; and representatives of veterans' organizations.
[Page: D99]
FISCAL YEAR 2004 BUDGET
Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the President's Fiscal Year
2004 Budget proposals. Testimony was heard from Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.,
Director, OMB.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources met for
organizational purposes.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session for
organizational purposes.
2003/02/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 6, 2003; pages D101 - D104
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/02/07
Daily Digest - Friday, February 7, 2003; pages D105 - D106
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/02/10
Daily Digest - Monday, February 10, 2003; pages D108 - D110
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/02/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 11, 2003; pages D112 - D118
Committee Meetings
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT REPORT
Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee
approved and Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT REPORT
Committee on International Relations: Met for organizational purposes. The
Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS--BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans
Affairs Budget request for Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Anthony J.
Principi, Secretary; and Robert H. Rosell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health; and
representatives of veterans' organizations.
2003/02/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 12, 2003; pages D120 - D126
Committee Meetings
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Agriculture: Met for organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 National
Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: Thomas E. White, Secretary; and Gen.
Eric K. Shinseki, USA, Chief of Staff.
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT--BUDGET PRIORITIES
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Transportation
Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Representative
Rahall; and Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Transportation.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on &qout;Back to Work: the
Administration's Plan for Economic Recovery and the Workforce Investment Act.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor; and public
witnesses.
PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT; ADMINISTRATION'S FISCAL YEAR 2004
HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 663,
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act.
The Committee held a hearing entitled &qout;A Review of the Administration's Fiscal
Year 2004 Health Care Priorities.&qout; Testimony was heard from Tommy G. Thompson,
Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Committee met for further
organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on monetary policy and the
state of the economy. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board
of Governors, Federal Reserve System.
RECOVERY AND RENEWAL; PROTECTING CAPITAL MARKETS AGAINST TERRORISM POST 9/11
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;Recovery and
Renewal: Protecting the Capital Markets Against Terrorism Post 9/11.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Davi M. D'Agostino, Director, Financial Markets and
Community Investment, GAO; Robert L. D. Colby, Deputy Director, Division of
Market Regulation, SEC; and public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the President's
International Affairs Budget request for Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard
from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.
IVORY COAST--PROSPECTS FOR PEACE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Prospects for Peace in Ivory Coast. Testimony was heard from Walter H.
D124Kansteiner III, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department
of State; Timothy W. Docking, Program Officer, Research and Studies Program,
U.S. Institute of Peace; and a public witness.
[Page: D124]
HUMAN CLONING PROHIBITION ACT; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 534, Human Cloning
Prohibition Act of 2003.
Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Resources: Met for organizational purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
CONFERENCE REPORT--FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.J.Res. 2, making further
continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2003. and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. Finally, the rule provides that upon adoption of the
conference report the House shall be considered to have adopted H. Con. Res.
35. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young of Florida.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, WORK, AND FAMILY PROTECTION ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule, providing
2 hours of general debate on H.R. 4, Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family
Promotion Act of 2003, with 50 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means, 40
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and 30 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered
as read for amendment. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, which may be
offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a
Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The
rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report,
except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall
constitute the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representative Herger, Chairman Boehner,
Representatives Castle, Cardin, Levin, Woolsey, Kind, Kucinich, Jackson-Lee of
Texas, Lee, McGovern and Watson.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Met for organizational
purposes.
The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 108th Congress.
REAUTHORIZATION--FAA AND AVIATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on reauthorization of the FAA and the Aviation Programs:
Introduction. Testimony was heard from Gerald Dillingham, Director, Civil
Aviation Issues, GAO; Kenneth R. Mead, Inspector General, Department of
Transportation; and Robert Walker, Chairman, Commission on the Future of the
United States Aerospace Industry.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures met for
organizational purposes.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security met for
organizational purposes.
2003/02/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 13, 2003; pages D128 - D134
Committee Meetings
STATE DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2004
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of State Budget
priorities Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Colin L. Powell,
Secretary of State.
MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES ACT; KEEPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE ACT
[Page: D133]
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 13, Museum and Library Services Act of 2003; and H.R. 14, amended,
Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003.
PENSION SECURITY ACT--NEW PENSION PROTECTIONS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on &qout;The Pension Security Act: New Pension Protections
to Safeguard the Retirement Savings of American Workers.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security, Department
of Labor; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
254, to authorize the President of the United States to agree to certain
amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of
America and the Government of the United Mexican States concerning the
establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North
American Development Bank; H.R. 258, amended, American 5-Cent Coin Design
Continuity Act of 2003; H.R. 239, Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act;
H.R. 659, Hospital Mortgage Insurance Act of 2003; and H.R. 657, Emergency
Securities Response Act of 2003. The Committee also approved for submission
to the Committee on the Budget a committee print entitled &qout;Views and Estimates
of the Committee on Financial Services on Matters to be Set Forth in the
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2004.&qout;
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Government Reform: Met for organizational purposes.
The Committee also approved the following: an Oversight Plan for the 108th
Congress; and Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2004 for
submission to the Committee on the Budget.
OVERSIGHT--NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held an oversight hearing on North Korea's Nuclear Program: The Challenge to
Stability in Northeast Asia. Testimony was heard from James A. Kelly,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State.
FEDERAL R&D BUDGET OVERVIEW
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on An Overview of the Federal R&D Budget
for fiscal year 2004. Testimony was heard from John Marburger, Director,
Office of Science and Technology Policy; Samuel W. Bodman, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Commerce; Rita R. Colwell, Director, NSF; and Robert Card, Under
Secretary, Energy, Science and Environment, Department of Energy.
MEDICARE REGULATORY AND CONTRACTING REFORM
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Regulatory and Contracting Reform. Testimony was heard from Thomas Scully,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
FREE ELECTRONIC FILING NATIONAL TAXPAYER ADVOCATE ANNUAL REPORT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Free
Electronic Filing National Taxpayer Advocate Annual Report. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury:
Robert Wenzel, Acting Commissioner; and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer
Advocate; and public witnesses.
2003/02/14
Daily Digest - Friday, February 14, 2003; pages D136 - D138
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/02/24
Daily Digest - Monday, February 24, 2003; pages D139 - D144
Committee Meetings
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: On February 12, the Committee met
in executive session for organizational purposes.
2003/02/25
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 25, 2003; pages D146 - D152
Committee Meetings
HOME BUYING PROCESS SIMPLIFICATION--HUD'S PROPOSAL TO REFORM RESPA
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;Simplifying the Home Buying Process:
HUD's Proposal to Reform RESPA.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--12TH REGULAR MEETING--CONFERENCE OF PARTIES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Twelfth Regular Meeting of the
Conference of the Parties (COP12) of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Testimony was heard from
Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of
the Interior; and Rebecca Lent, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Fisheries,
NOAA, Department of Commerce.
SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY--BURDEN OF REGULATIONS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on the Burden of Regulations on the small business community.
Testimony was heard from Thomas Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and
public witnesses.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS--INDIAN POINT ENERGY CENTER
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Emergency Preparedness at the Indian Point Energy Center located in Buchanan,
New York. Testimony was heard from Representatives Engel and Lowey; Joe
Picciano, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, FEMA, Department of Homeland
Security; Hubert Miller, Regional Administrator, Region 1, NRC; and the
following officials of the State of New York: Ed Jacoby, Director, Emergency
Management Office; Scott Vanderhoef, County Executive, Rockland County; Andrew
Spano, County Executive, Westchester County; and Ed Diana, County Executive,
Orange County.
MEDICARE--ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Eliminating Barriers to Chronic Care Management in Medicare. Testimony was
heard from Stuart Guterman, Director, Office of Research, Development and
Information, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health
and Human Services; and public witnesses.
2003/02/26
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 26, 2003; pages D153 - D160
Committee Meetings
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Agriculture: Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal Year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee also met again for organizational purposes.
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 Office of
Inspector General. Testimony was heard from Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector
General, USDA.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Secretary of the Interior. Testimony was heard from Gale A. Norton, Secretary
of the Interior.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Army Construction. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of the Army: Mario P. Fiori, Assistant Secretary
(Installations and Environment); Major Gen. Larry J. Lust, USA, Assistant
Chief of Staff, Installation Management; Major Gen. Collis N. Phillips, USA,
Deputy Chief, Army Reserve; and Brig. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, USA, Deputy
Director, Army National Guard. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Navy
Construction. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: Hansford T. Johnson, Acting Secretary; Rear Adm.
Michael R. Johnson, USN, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; and
Brig. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Acting Deputy Commandant, Installations
and Logistics.
VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on American Battle Monuments Commission. Testimony was heard
from Major Gen. John Herrling, USA (Ret.), Secretary, American Battle
Monuments Commission.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Selective Service System. Testimony
was heard from Lewis C. Brodsky, Acting Director, Selective Service System.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2004
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Navy: Hansford T. Johnson, Acting
Secretary; Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and Gen.
Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant, Marine Corps.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
EUROPEAN THEATER--U.S. FORWARD-DEPLOYED STRATEGY
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on U.S. forward-deployed strategy
in the European Theater. Testimony was heard from Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs,
USA (Ret.), former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army; Fred
Kagan, Associate Professor, Military History, U.S. Military Academy,
Department of the Army; and a public witness.
HHS BUDGET PRIORITIES
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Health and Human
Services Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Tommy G.
Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
BACK TO WORK INCENTIVE ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 444, Back
to Work Incentive Act of 2003.
THEFT AT LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled D157&qout;Procurement and Property Mismanagement and Theft
at Los Alamos National Laboratory.&qout; Testimony was heard from Gregory H.
Friedman, Inspector General, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
[Page: D157]
In response to a subpoena, Jaret McDonald testified before the Subcommittee.
HEALTH OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR: FCC COMMISSIONERS PERSPECTIVE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled &qout;Health of the Telecommunications Sector: A
Perspective from the Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission.&qout;
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Michael K.
Powell, Chairman; Kevin J. Martin, Michael J. Copps, Kathleen Q. Abernathy,
and Jonathan S. Adelstein, all Commissioners.
DEFRAUDED INVESTORS--RETURNING MONEY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;It's only FAIR:
Returning Money to Defrauded Investors.&qout; Testimony was heard from Stephen M.
Cutler, Director, Division of Enforcement, SEC.
RUSSIA'S POLICIES TOWARD AXIS OF EVIL
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Russia's Policies
Toward the Axis of Evil: Money and Geopolitics in Iraq and Iran. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--PEER-TO-PEER PIRACY ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on &qout;Peer-to-Peer Piracy On
University Campuses.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HUMAN CLONING PROHIBITION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of debate on H.R. 534, Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order
only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution. The rule provides that the 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
a time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent
and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representatives Stearns, Greenwood,
Weldon of Florida, Scott of Virginia, Lofgren and Deutsch.
SBA'S BUDGET; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Small Business
Administration's Budget for Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Hector
Barreto, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.
Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills H.R. 875, Over-the-Road Bus Security; H.R. 866, Wastewater Treatment
Works Security Act of 2003; H.R. 874, Rail Passenger Disaster Family
Assistance Act of 2003. H. Res. 19, designating the room numbered H-236 in the
House of Representatives wing of the Capitol as the &qout;Richard K. Armey Room;&qout;
and H.R. 145, to designate the Federal building located at 290 Broadway in New
York, New York, as the &qout;Ted Weiss Federal Building.&qout;
The Committee also approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
PLANES, TRAINS, AND INTERMODALISM: IMPROVING LINK BETWEEN AIR AND RAIL
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation and
the Subcommittee on Railroads held a joint hearing on Planes, Trains, and
Intermodalism: Improving the Link Between Air and Rail. Testimony was heard
from R.E.G. Davies, Curator of Air Transport, National Air and Space Museum,
Smithsonian Institution; Martin O'Malley, Mayor, Baltimore, Maryland; and
public witnesses.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; ADMINISTRATION'S TRADE AGENDA
Committee on Ways and Means: Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee also held a hearing on the Administration's Trade Agenda.
Testimony was heard from Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative.
[Page: D158]
TERRORIST THREAT INTEGRATION CENTER
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on Terrorist
Threat Integration Center. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/02/27
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 27, 2003; pages D161 - D170
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary
of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Ann M. Veneman, Secretary of
Agriculture.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard from Spencer Abraham, Secretary of
Energy.
VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Sub committee on VA, HUD, and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on Community Development Financial Institutions.
Testimony was heard from Tony Brown, Director, Community Development Financial
Institutions, Department of the Treasury.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Office of Science and Technology
Policy. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger, Director, Office of
Science and Technology Policy.
[Page: D165]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2004
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Air Force: James G. Roche,
Secretary; and Gen. John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff.
DOD BUDGET PRIORITIES
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Defense Budget
Priorities Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from Paul D. Wolfowitz,
Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense; and a public witness.
MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM--ASSESSING NEED TO ENACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled &qout;Assessing the Need to Enact Medical Liability Reform.&qout; Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
NEW BASEL ACCORD--SOUND REGULATION OR CRUSHING COMPLEXITY?
Committee on Financial Services: Sub committee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled &qout;The New Basel
Accord-Sound Regulation or Crushing Complexity?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve
System; Donald Powell, Chairman, FDIC; John D. Hawke, Comptroller of the
Currency, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S DRUG TREATMENT INITIATIVE
Committee on Government Reform: Sub committee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources, hearing on &qout;Recovery Now: The President's Drug Treatment
Initiative.&qout; Testimony was heard from John Walters, Director, Office of
National Drug Control Policy; Charles Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human
Services and a public witness.
OVERVIEW--U.S. POLICY TOWARD WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing on Overview of U.S. Policy Toward the Western Hemisphere.
Testimony was heard from John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug
Control Policy; and the following officials of the Department of State: Adolfo
Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean,
AID; and J. Curtis Struble, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western
Hemisphere Affairs.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;New York's `Sanctuary' Policy and the
Effect of Such Policies on Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Immigration.&qout;
Testimony was heard from John Feinblatt, Criminal Justice Coordinator, City of
New York; John Nickell, Officer, Police Department, Houston, Texas; Michael J.
Cutler, former Senior Special Agent, New York District Office, Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Department of Justice; and a public witness.
NASA'S BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2004 Budget
Request. Testimony was heard from Sean O'Keefe, Administrator, NASA.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Small Business: Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal Year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
OVERSIGHT--AGENCY BUDGETS AND PRIORITIES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Agency Budgets and
Priorities for Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army: R. L. Brownlee,
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works); and Lt. Gen. Robert B.
Flowers, Chief of Engineers; the following officials of the EPA: G. Tracy
Mehan, III, Assistant Administrator, Water; and Marianne Lamont Horinko,
Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Bill Baxter,
Director, TVA; Jamison S. Hawkins, Acting Assistant Administrator, National
Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Thomas A. Weber, Associate
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates
for Fiscal Year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
PATIENTS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT; ARMED FORCES TAX FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 877, Patients Safety Improvement Act of 2003; and H.R. 878, Armed
Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003.
[Page: D166]
SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
H.R. 743, Social Security Protection Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
James G. Huse, Jr., Inspector General, SSA; Barbara Bovbjerg, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses.
2003/03/03
Daily Digest - Monday, March 3, 2003; pages D172 - D176
Committee Meetings
COMBATING TERRORISM: A PROLIFERATION OF STRATEGIES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout;Combating Terrorism: A
Proliferation of Strategies.&qout; Testimony was heard from Raymond Decker,
Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO; James Gilmore, III
Chairman, Advisory Panel to Assess the Domestic Response Capabilities for
Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction; and public witnesses.
2003/03/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 4, 2003; pages D178 - D184
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HHS AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
and Education held a hearing on Commissioner of Social Security
Administration. Testimony was heard from JoAnne B. Barnhart, Commissioner,
SSA. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Inspector General of Social
Security Administration. Testimony was heard from James G. Hushe, Inspector
General, SSA.
U.S.-RUSSIAN COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION AND NON-PROLIFERATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on U.S.-Russian Cooperative Threat
Reduction and Non-Proliferation Programs. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: J. D. Crouch, II, Assistant
Secretary, International Security Policy; and David Steensma, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General, Auditing; Ambassador Linton Brooks, Acting Administrator,
National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Paula A.
DeSutter, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Verification and Compliance,
Department of State; and Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs
and Trade Team, GAO.
IMPROVING ADULT EDUCATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;Improving Adult Education for the 21st
Century.&qout; Testimony was heard from Carol D'Amico, Assistant Secretary, Office
of Vocational and Adult Education, Department of Education; and public
witnesses.
REVIEW FASB ACTIONS POST-ENRON AND WORLDCOM
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;A Review of FASB Actions Post-Enron and
WorldCom.&qout; Testimony was heard from Robert H. Herz, Chairman, Financial
Accounting Standards Board.
[Page: D182]
HEALTH EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost,
Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE REFORM ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 522, Federal Deposit
Insurance Reform Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Donald E. Powell,
Chairman, FDIC.
HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 5, Help Efficient,
Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
NEED FOR BANKRUPTCY REFORM
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the Need for Bankruptcy Reform legislation and H.R. 975,
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2003. Testimony was
heard from Lawrence A. Friedman, Director, Executive Office for United States
Trustees, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Reauthorization of
Transportation Research, Development and Education Programs. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Ellen
Engleman, Administrator, Research and Special Programs Administration; Annette
Sandberg, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; J.
Richard Capka, Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; Robert
Jamison, Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit Administration; and Marilena
Amoni, Assistant Administrator, Traffic Safety Programs, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration; Wesley Lum, Chief, Office of National Liaison,
Division of Research and Innovation, Department of Transportation, State of
California; and public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROPOSALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Administration's Economic
Growth Proposals. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: John W. Snow, Secretary; Pamela F. Olson,
Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy; and Richard H. Clarida, Assistant Secretary,
Economic Policy.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Met for organizational purposes.
2003/03/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 5, 2003; pages D185 - D194
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Farm and
Foreign Agricultural Services. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: J.B. Penn, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services; James R. Little, Administrator, Farm Service Agency; A.
Ellen Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service; and Ross J.
Davidson, Jr., Administrator, Risk Management Agency.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
[Page: D190]
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard from Spencer Abraham,
Secretary of Energy.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Forest
Service. Testimony was heard from Dale N. Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service,
USDA.
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 the Air Force: Nelson Gibbs, Assistant
Secretary, Installations, Environment and Logistics; Major Gen. Earnest
Robbins, USAF, Air Force Civil Engineer; Brig. Gen. William M. Rajczak, USAF,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Force Reserve; and Col. Charles V. Ickes, II, USAF,
Assistant to the Director, Operational Readiness, Air National Guard. The
Subcommittee also held a hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from
Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Tilley, USA; Master Chief Petty Officer Terry D. Scott, USN,
Master Chief Petty Officer; Sgt. Major Alfred J. McMichael, USMC; and Chief
Master Sgt. Gerald Murray, USAF.
BACK TO WORK INCENTIVE ACT; PENSION SECURITY ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
444, Back to Work Incentive Act of 2003.
The Committee began markup of H.R. 1000, Pension Security Act.
Will continue tomorrow.
COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;Comprehensive National Energy Policy.&qout; Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Kyle McSlarrow,
Deputy Secretary; Patrick Wood, Chairman, William L. Massey and Nora
Mead-Brownell, both Commissioners, all with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission; Richard Meserve, Chairman, NRC; and public witnesses.
LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLEANUP PROGRAMS EFFECTIVENESS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing entitled &qout;The Effectiveness of Leaking Underground
Storage Tank Cleanup Programs.&qout; Testimony was heard from Clifford Rothenstein,
Director, Office of Underground Storage Tanks, EPA; John B. Stephenson,
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and Edward Galbraith, Tanks
Section Chief, Land and Air Division, Department of Natural Resources, State
of Missouri.
HOUSING RELATED AGENCY BUDGETS
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on housing related agency
budgets for fiscal year 2004. Testimony was heard from Mel Martinez, Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development; Art Garcia, Director, Rural Housing Service,
USDA; Anthony Lowe, Director, National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security; and a public witness.
BUSINESS CHECKING FREEDOM ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 758 and H.R. 859, Business Checking
Freedom Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Donald L. Kohn, member, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; Wayne A. Abernathy, Assistant Secretary,
Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL REAUTHORIZATION AND STRATEGY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing on &qout;ONDCP Reauthorization and the National
Drug Control Strategy for 2003.&qout; Testimony was heard from John Walters,
Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on the
Smithsonian Institution. Testimony was heard from Lawrence M. Small,
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 192, to amend the Microenterprise
for Self-Reliance Act of 2000 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to
increase assistance for the poorest people in developing countries under
microenterprise assistant programs under those D191Acts; H.R. 441, to amend
Public Law 107-10 to authorize a United States plan to endorse and obtain
observer status for Taiwan at the annual summit of the World Health Assembly
in May 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland; H.R. 868, to amend section 527 of the
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, to require
that certain claims for expropriation by the Government of Nicaragua meet
certain requirements for purposes of the prohibition on foreign assistance to
that government; H. Res. 109, urging passage of a resolution addressing human
rights abuses in North Korea at the 59th session of the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights, and calling on the Government of North Korea to
respect and protect the human rights of its citizens; H. Con. Res. 57,
supporting the goals of International Women's Day; H. Con. Res. 26, condemning
the punishment of execution by stoning as a gross violation of human rights;
and H. Con. Res. 77, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the historic rescue
of 50,000 Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust and commending the Bulgarian
people for preserving and continuing their tradition of ethnic and religious
tolerance.
[Page: D191]
HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5, Help
Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003.
OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S PROPOSED BUDGET
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget.
Testimony was heard from John H. Keys, III, Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior.
ARMED FORCES TAX FAIRNESS ACT OF 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 4, a closed rule providing one
hour of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in
the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report,
shall be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Jefferson, Skelton, Frost, McGovern, and Bordallo.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Rules: Approved budget views and estimates for fiscal year 2004
for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
PATH TO A HYDROGEN ECONOMY; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Path to a Hydrogen Economy.
Testimony was heard from David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes.
HEALTH CARE--SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS AND ALTERNATIVES
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Small Business Access
and Alternatives to Health Care.&qout; Testimony was heard from Senator Talent;
Representative Fletcher; Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor; Hector Barreto, Jr.,
Administrator, SBA; John Hartnedy, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Insurance, State of Arkansas; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Independent Peer Review
of Products that Support Agency Decision-Making. Testimony was heard from Paul
Gilman, Assistant Administrator, Research and Development, EPA; Lynn Scarlett,
Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the
Interior; the following officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: R. L.
Brownlee, Acting Assistant Secretary (Civil Works); and Lt. Gen. Robert B.
Flowers, USA, Chief of Engineers; and public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROPOSALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the Administration's
Economic Growth Proposals. Testimony was heard from Alan Havesi, Comptroller,
State of New York; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
2003/03/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 6, 2003; pages D195 - D202
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on FDA.
Testimony was heard from Mark McClellan, MD, Commissioner, FDA, USDA.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and
Judiciary held a hearing on Secretary of Commerce. Testimony was heard from
Donald Evans, Secretary of Commerce. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on
Attorney General. Testimony was heard from John Ashcroft, Attorney General,
Department of Justice.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: Gale Norton, Secretary; and John
W. Keys, III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Interor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Steve Williams,
Director; Marshall Jones, Deputy Director; and Stephen Guertin, Budget
Officer.
LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
and Education held a hearing on Secretary of Education. Testimony was heard
from Roderick R. Paige, Secretary of Education.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Corporation for National and Community Service. Leslie
Lenkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Corporation for National and Community
Service.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Federal Citizen Information Center.
Testimony was heard from Teresa Nasif, Director, Federal Citizen Information
Center.
ENERGY DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the fiscal year 2004 Department of Energy's budget request. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Robert C.
Card, Under Secretary, Energy, Science and Government; Everet Beckner, Deputy
Administrator, Ddefense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration;
and Jessie H. Roberson, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management.
MEMBER'S DAY
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Member's Day. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Young of Alaska, Skelton, Oberstar, Kucinich, Tierney,
Latham, Brady of Texas, Holt, Wilson of New Mexico, Terry, LoBiondo, Pascrell,
Kanjorski, Rehberg, Kirk, Baird, Cooper, Christensen, Osborne, Davis of
California, Allen, Ehlers, Hayes, Rogers of Alabama, Simmons and Bordallo.
PENSION SECURITY ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
1000, Pension Security Act.
HEAD START: IMPROVING RESULTS FOR CHILDREN
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on &qout;Head Start: Improving Results for Children.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and
Families, Department of Health and Human Services; John G. Rowland, Governor,
State of Connecticut; and public witnesses.
HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5, Help
Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003.
[Page: D200]
ACCOUNTANT, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT STAFFING ACT; BROKER ACCOUNTABILITY
THROUGH ENHANCED TRANSPARENCY ACT
Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the following bills:
H.R. 658, Accountant, Compliance, and Enforcement Staffing Act of 2003; and
H.R. 957, Broker Accountability through Enhanced Transparency Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from James M. McConnell, Executive Director, SEC; and
public witnesses.
POSTAL CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDING ACT; BRINGING FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 735, Postal
Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003. The Committee
also held a hearing entitled &qout;From Reorganization to Recruitment: Bringing the
Federal Government into the 21st Century.&qout; Testimony was heard from Paul
Volcker, Chairman, National Commission on the Public Service.
MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Millennium
Challenge Account. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, AID; and Alan P.
Larson, Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs; John B.
Taylor, Under Secretary, Office of the Under Secretary, International Affairs,
Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.J. Res. 22, proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the
United States. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--COPYRIGHT PIRACY PREVENTION AND THE BROADCAST FLAG
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on &qout;Copyright Piracy
Prevention and the Broadcast Flag.&qout; Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters,
Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress; W. Kenneth Ferree, Bureau Chief,
Media Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims met for organizational purposes.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 793, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant easements and
rights-of-way on the Outer Continental Shelf for activities otherwise
authorized by that Act; and H.R. 794, Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Representative Delahunt; Johnnie Burton, Director,
Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior; Tom Reilly, Attorney
General, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 273, Nutria Eradication and
Control Act of 2003; H.R. 274, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Expansion
Act; H.R. 289, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit
River International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act; and H.R. 417, to revoke a
Public Land Order with respect to certain lands erroneously included in the
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, California. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hunter, Kaptur and Dingell; and Matt Hogan, Deputy Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
FAA AND NASA--REVIEW AERONAUTICS R&D
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
A Review of Aeronautics R&D at FAA and NASA. Testimony was heard from Jeremiah
Creedon, Associate Administrator, Aerospace Technology, NASA; Charlie Keegan,
Associate Administrator, Research and Acquisitions, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--REAUTHORIZATION FAA AND AVIATION PROGRAMS: AIRPORTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration
and the Aviation Programs: Airports. Testimony was heard from officials of
various airport authorities; and public witnesses.
[Page: D201]
RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES AND REAUTHORIZATION--HIGHWAYS, TRANSIT, AND
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
a hearing on Rail Infrastructure Policies and Reauthorization of Highways,
Transit and Surface Transportation Programs. Testimony was heard from Joe
Boardman, Commissioner, Department of Transportation, State of New York; and
public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROPOSALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the Administration's
Economic Growth Proposals. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
Hearings continue March 11.
MEDICARE PAYMENT POLICIES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's (MedPAC) recommendations on Medicare
payment policies. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman,
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, (MedPac); and public witnesses.
2003/03/07
Daily Digest - Friday, March 7, 2003; pages D203 - D208
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/03/10
Daily Digest - Monday, March 10, 2003; pages D209 - D212
Committee Meetings
EMERGING THREATS--NUCLEAR POWER FACILITIES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats, and International Relations held a hearing entitled &qout;Emerging
Threats: Assessing Public Safety and Security Measures at Nuclear Power
Facilities. &qout;Testimony was heard from W. Craig Conklin, Technological Services
Division, Office of National Preparedness, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Hubert Miller, Administrator,
Region I, NRC; Jim Wells, Director, Natural Resources and the Environment,
GAO; the following officials of the State of Connecticut: Richard Blumenthal,
Attorney General; John T. Wiltse, Director, Office of Emergency Management;
and Richard Bond, First Selectman, Town of New Canaan; and public witnesses.
2003/03/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 11, 2003; pages D213 - D220
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Corporation for Public
D217Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from Robert Coonrod, President and CEO,
Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
[Page: D217]
The Subcommittee also concluded hearings on Corporation for National and
Community Services. Testimony was heard from Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO.
WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AND REHABILITATION ACTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;Workforce Investment and Rehabilitation
Acts: Improving Services and Empowering Individuals.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Emily DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Department of Labor; Robert Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary, Department of Education; Bettie Shaw-Henderson, District
Manager, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, State of Michigan; and
public witnesses.
PROGRESS SINCE 9/11--ANTI-TERRORIST FINANCING EFFORTS EFFECTIVENESS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Progress Since 9/11: The Effectiveness of U.S.
Anti-Terrorist Financing Efforts.&qout; Testimony was heard from Alice Fisher,
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice;
Richard Hoglund, Interim Director, Office of Customs Investigations, Bureau of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; James
Sloan, Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL REGULATIONS--IMPROVE REGULATORY ACCOUNTING COSTS, BENEFITS, AND
IMPACTS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled &qout;How to Improve
Regulatory Accounting: Costs, Benefits, and Impacts on Federal Regulations.&qout;
Testimony was heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.
SAVING THE CONGO BASIS: THE STAKES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Saving the Congo Basin: The Stakes, The Plan. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: Walter H. Kansteiner III,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs; John F. Turner, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs; and Constance Berry Newman, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Africa, AID; and a public witness.
CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT; CHILD OBSCENITY AND PORNOGRAPHY PREVENTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 1104, Child Abduction
Prevention Act.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1104 and H.R.
1161, Child Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act. Testimony was heard from
Daniel P. Collins, Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice;
Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr., Director, Public Defender Service, District of
Columbia; and a public witness.
RESPA REFORM AND THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON SMALL BUSINESS
Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled &qout;RESPA Reform and the Economic
Effects on Small Business.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs: Mel Martinez, Secretary; and
John C. Weicher, Assistant Secretary for Housing-FHA Commissioner; and public
witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROPOSALS
Committee on Ways and Means: Concluded hearings on the Administration's
Economic Growth Proposals. Testimony was heard from Representatives Dreier,
Upton, Ney and Blackburn.
2003/03/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 12, 2003; pages D221 - D230
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food
Safety and Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Garry McKee, Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection
Service; and Elsa Murano, Under Secretary, Food Safety Marketing and
Regulatory Programs. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Marketing and
Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from William Hawks, Under Secretary,
Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Fiscal
Year 2004 Army Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Army: Thomas E. White, Secretary; and Gen. Eric K.
Shinseki, USA, Chief of Staff.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Bureau
of Indian Affairs and Office of Special Trustee for American Indians.
Testimony was heard from James Steven Griles, Deputy Secretary, Office of
Special Trustee for American Indians, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of
the Interior.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of
Education-Panel: &qout;No Child Left Behind Act&qout; program. Testimony was heard from
Eugene Hickok, Under Secretary, Education, Department of Education.
[Page: D226]
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Pacific Command Military Construction. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Leon J. Laporte, USA,
Commander, U.S. Forces, Korea; and Adm. Thomas Fargo, USN, Commander, U.S.
Pacific Command.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Inspector General, Department of
Treasury. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of the Treasury: Dennis Schindel, Deputy Inspector General; and Pam Gardiner,
Acting Treasury Inspector General, Tax.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2004
national defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Charles R. Holland,
USA, Commander, U.S. Special Forces Command; Gen. James T. Hill, USA,
Commander, U.S. Southern Command; Adm. E.P. Giambastiani, USN, Commander, U.S.
Joint Forces Command; Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific
Command; and Gen. Leon J. Laporte, USA, Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget
request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Paul Bogosian, Deputy Program Executive, Aviation, Department of the
Army; the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Rear Adm. Tom
Kilcline, USN, N780 (Head, Aviation Plans and Requirements Branch); and Tom
Laux, Program Executive Officer (Air ASW, Assault, and Special Missions); and
public witnesses.
PATRON AND INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES--MILITARY EXCHANGES, COMMISSARIES, AND
MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on
patron and industry perspectives on military exchanges, commissaries, and
morale, welfare and recreation programs, Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on the Budget: Began markup of the Concurrent Resolution on the
Budget for Fiscal Year 2004.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT--FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IMPROVEMENTS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing on &qout;Recent Improvements of Financial Management Practices at
the U.S. Department of Education.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Education: William D. Hansen, Deputy Secretary;
and Thomas A. Carter, Deputy Inspector General; and Linda Calbom, Director,
Division of Financial Management and Assurance, GAO.
FAMILY TIME FLEXIBILITY ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1119, Family Time Flexibility Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
continued hearings on &qout;Comprehensive National Energy Policy.&qout; Testimony was
heard from J. Mark Robinson, Director, Office of Energy Projects, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MEDICAID TODAY: THE STATES' PERSPECTIVES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
&qout;Medicaid Today: The States' Perspective.&qout; Testimony was heard from the
following Governors: Jeb Bush, Florida; John G. Rowland, Connecticut; and Bill
Richardson, New Mexico.
THEFT AT LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
continued hearings on the &qout;Procurement and Property Mismanagement and Theft at
Los Alamos National Laboratory.&qout; Testimony was heard from Ralph Erickson,
Manager, Lost Alamos National Laboratory Site Office, National Nuclear
Security Administration, Department of Energy; and the following officials of
the Los Alamos National Laboratory: Stanley L. Busboom, staff member; Frank P.
Dickson, Jr., Laboratory Counsel; Richard A. Marquez, Associate Director,
Administration; and John C. Browne, Senior Research Scientist; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D227]
MUTUAL FUND INDUSTRY PRACTICES--EFFECT ON INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;Mutual Fund
Industry Practices and their Effect on Individual Investors.&qout; Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
FEDERAL BUILDINGS AND VEHICLES--ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Energy Efficiency
Improvements in Federal Buildings and Vehicles.&qout; Testimony was heard from
David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Department of Energy; and the following officials of the GSA: Paul Lynch,
Assistant Commissioner, Business Operations, Public Buildings Service; and
William Rivers, Director, Federal Vehicle Policy Division, Office of
Government-wide Policy.
COMMITTEE FUNDING
Committee on House Administration: Met to consider Committee funding requests
for the following Committees: House Administration; Education and the
Workforce; Government Reform; Small Business; Transportation and
Infrastructure; Ways and Means; Intelligence, Financial Services, Judiciary,
Resources; and Standards.
Will continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that H.R. 1208, Northern Island Peace
and Reconciliation Support Act of 2003, be considered on the Suspension
Calendar.
The Committee adversely reported H. Res. 68, requesting the President to
transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date
of the adoption of this resolution documents in the President's possession
relating to Iraq's declaration on its weapons of mass destruction that was
provided to the United Nations on December 7, 2002.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following: H. Res. 132,
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ninth Circuit of
Appeals ruling in Newdow v. United States Congress is inconsistent with the
Supreme Court's interpretation of the first amendment and should be
overturned; and H.R. 975, amended, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer
Protection Act of 2003.
ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN DOMESTIC ENERGY SECURITY ACT
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 39, Arctic Coastal Plain
Domestic Energy Security Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Gale Norton,
Secretary of the Interior; Tara Sweeney, Special Assistant, Rural Affairs,
Governor, State of Alaska; and public witnesses.
HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule on H.R. 5, Help
Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003,
providing two hours of debate in the House, with 80 minutes equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
the Judiciary and 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that in lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees on the
Judiciary and on Energy and Commerce now printed in the bill, the amendment in
the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee report shall be
considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that H. Res. 126 is laid on
the table. Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner, Chairman Tauzin,
and Representatives Conyers, Nadler, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Delahunt, Dingell,
Pallone, Stupak, Engel, DeFazio, Sandlin, Berkley, and Hoeffel.
AEROSPACE COMMISSION REPORT AND NASA WORKFORCE
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Aerospace Commission Report and NASA
Workforce. Testimony was heard from Robert Walker, Chairman, Commission on the
Future of the Aerospace Industry; and public witnesses.
[Page: D228]
FAA AND AVIATION PROGRAMS COMMERCIAL AVIATION AUTHORIZATIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the
Aviation Programs: Commercial Aviation. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
LABOR DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Administration's Fiscal
Year 2004 Budget for the U.S. Department of Labor. Testimony was heard from
Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor.
CIA OVERVIEW
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on the Director of the CIA Overview. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2003/03/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 13, 2003 ; pages D232 - D244
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on National
Resources Conservation Service. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment; Bruce Knight, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
Gerald Patterson, Acting Budget Officer. The Subcommittee also held a hearing
on Research, Education and Economics. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Joseph J. Jen, Under Secretary, Research, Education and
Economics; Edward B. Knipling, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Research
Service; Collen Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education
and Extension Service; Susan E. Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research
Service; and R. Ronald Bosecker, Administrator, National Agricultural
Statistics Service.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE AND THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appriopriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State and
The Judiciary, and Related Agencies held a hearing on SEC. Testimony was heard
from William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on U.S. Northern Command. Testimony was heard from Gen.
Ralph Eberhart, USAF, Commander and Chief, U.S. Northern Command.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Department of Energy-Science, Nuclear Energy, and Renewable
Energy. Testimony was heard from Robert Card, Under Secretary, Energy, Science
and Environment, Department of Energy.
[Page: D238]
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on Secretary of State.
Testimony was heard from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.
INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
held a hearing on National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for
the Humanities. Testimony was heard from Bruce Cole, Chairman, National
Endowment for the Humanities; and Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for
the Arts.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of
Education-Panel: &qout;Special Education and Vocational Education&qout; program.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Education: Robert Pasternack, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitation Services; and Grover Whitehurst, Assistant Secretary,
Institute of Education Sciences; Office of Education Research and Improvement.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Inspector General, Department of
Transportation. Testimony was heard from Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General,
Department of Transportation.
VA AND HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA and HUD, and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on Council on Environmental Quality. Testimony was
heard from James Connaughton, Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigation Board. Testimony was heard from Carolyn Merritt, Chairman,
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the fiscal year 2004
national defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart,
USAF, Commander, U.S. Northern Command; and Adm. James O. Ellis, Jr., USN,
Commander, U.S. Strategic Command.
Hearings continue March 20.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
environmental legislative proposals. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Raymond F. DuBois, Jr., Deputy Under
Secretary, Installations and Environment; Nelson Gibbs, Assistant Secretary,
Air Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics, Department of the Air
Force; Raymond J. Fatz, Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Environment, Safety and
Occupational Health), Department of the Army; and Wayne Arny, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, (Installations and Facilities), Department of the Navy; John Peter
Suarez, Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance, EPA; Julie MacDonald, Special Assistant to Assistant Administrator,
Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; William Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
FORCE PROTECTION POLICY--HOMELAND SECURITY--ROLE OF DOD AND NATIONAL GUARD
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on force protection policy, with emphasis on
the role of the Department of Defense and the National Guard in homeland
security. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary, Homeland Defense; Maj. Gen.
Raymond F. Rees, USA, Acting Chief, National Guard Bureau; and Maj. Gen.
Timothy J. Lowenberg, USAF, The Adjutant General, Director, Military
Department, State of Washington.
TOTAL FORCE TRANSFORMATION--OVERVIEW MILITARY PERSONNEL BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Department of Defense total force transformation and overview of the fiscal
year 2004 military personnel budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Lt. Gen. John Le Moyne, USA, Deputy Chief
of Staff, G-l, U.S. Army; Vice Adm. Gerald Hoewing, USN, Chief of Naval
Personnel; Lt. Gen. Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and
Reserve Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps; and Lt. Gen. Richard E. Brown, USAF,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, U.S. Air Force.
[Page: D239]
CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported the Concurrent Resolution on the
Budget for Fiscal Year 2004.
IDEA--IMPROVING RESULTS FOR CHILDREN AND DISABILITIES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on &qout;IDEA, Focusing on Improving Results for Children and
Disabilities.&qout; Testimony was heard from Dianne Talarico, Superintendent, City
School District, Canton, Ohio; Larry Lorton, Superintendent, Caroline County
School District, Denton, Maryland; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on H.R. 660, Small Business Health Fairness Act of
2003. Testimony was heard from Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee
Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.
COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
concluded hearings on &qout;Comprehensive National Energy Policy.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Sam J. Ervin, Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of
North Carolina; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
21, Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act; H. R 522, amended,
Federal Deposit Insurance Act of 2003; and H.R. 758, amended, Business
Checking Freedom Act of 2003.
PORNOGRAPHY ACCESS ON NETWORKS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Stumbling onto Smut:
The Alarming Ease of Access to Pornography on Peer-to-Peer Networks.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management
Issues, GAO: John M. Netherland, Acting Director, CyberSmuggling Center,
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL E-GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled &qout;Federal E-Government Initiatives: Are We Headed In the Right
Direction?&qout; Testimony was heard from Mark A. Forman, Associate Director,
Information Technology and Electronic Government, OMB; Joel C. Willemssen,
Managing Director, Information Technology, GAO; and public witnesses.
COMMITTEE FUNDING
Committee on House Administration: Met to consider Committee funding requests
for the following Committees: Agriculture, Science, Rules, Armed Services,
Energy and Commerce, Budget, International Relations, Homeland Security and
Veterans.
EUROPE--U.S. PRIORITIES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
United States Priorities in Europe. Testimony was heard from A. Elizabeth
Jones, Assistant Security, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department
of State; and J. D. Crouch, II, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International
Security Policy, Department of Defense.
OVERSIGHT-INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT PIRACY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on the &qout;International
Copyright Piracy: Links to Organized Crime and Terrorism.&qout; Testimony was heard
from John G. Malcolm, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action H.R. 1081, Aquatic Invasive Species
Research Act.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia: Strengthening the Science.
Testimony was heard from Donald Scavia, Chief Scientist, National Ocean
Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Robert Hirsch, Associate D240Director,
Water, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; Dan Ayres, Coastal
Shellfish Lead Biologist, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of
Washington; and public witnesses.
[Page: D240]
OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD AND FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION BUDGET REQUESTS;
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Administration's
Fiscal Year 2004 Budgets for the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime
Commission. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security: Adm. Thomas H. Collins, USCG,
Commandant; and Master Chief Franklin A. Welch, USCG, Master Chief Petty
Officer; and Steven Blust, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission.
Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Reauthorization of Federal
Highway and Transit Programs: What are the needs, and how to meet those needs.
Testimony was heard from Tim Martin, Secretary, Department of Transportation,
State of Illinois; and public witnesses.
SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 743, Social
Security Protection Act of 2003.
HOT SPOTS BRIEFING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.
FUTURE IMAGERY ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on Future
Imagery Architecture Program. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/03/17
Daily Digest - Monday, March 17, 2003; pages D246 - D248
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/03/18
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 18, 2003; pages D250 - D256
Committee Meetings
MILITARY READINESS AND REVIEW--DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
state of military readiness and review of the fiscal year 2004 fiscal year
defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Gen. John M. Keane, USA, Vice Chief of
Staff, Department of the Army; Adm. William J. Fallon, USN, Vice Chief, Naval
Operations, and Gen. William L. Nyland, USMC, Assistant Commandant, Marine
Corps; both with the Department of the Navy; and Gen. Robert H. Foglesong,
USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
fiscal year 2004 Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Raymond F. DuBois,
Jr., Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment; Mario P. Fiori,
Assistant Secretary, Army, Installations and Environment; Maj. Gen. Larry
Lust, USA, Assistant Chief of Staff, Installations Management; and Brig. Gen.
Clyde A. Vaughn, USA, Deputy Director, Army National Guard.
Hearings continue March 20.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS--NRC'S PROPOSED SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;A Review of NRC's Proposed Security Requirements for
Nuclear Power Plants.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
NRC: Richard A. Meserve, Chairman, Edward McGaffigan, Jr., and Jeffrey S.
Merrifield, both Commissioners; and public witnesses.
[Page: D254]
ADMINISTRATION'S TAX PLAN--PROPOSED BENEFITS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation
held a hearing entitled &qout;Paying Dividends: How the President's Tax Plan Will
Benefit Individual Investors and Strengthen the Capital Markets.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Peter R. Fisher, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department
of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1104, Child
Abduction Prevention Act.
BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of debate in the House on H.R. 975, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer
Protection Act of 2003. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature
of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now 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 Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that
the 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 waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representatives Cannon, Watt,
Jackson-Lee of Texas and Schakowsky.
2003/03/19
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 19, 2003; pages D258 - D268
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and related Agencies held a hearing on Rural
Development. Testimony was heard from Tom Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural
Development, USDA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 National Foreign Intelligence Program.
Testimony was heard from John Dempsey, Deputy Director, CIA. The Subcommittee
also held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 Air Force Budget Overview. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force:
James G. Roche, Secretary; and Gen. John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
[Page: D264]
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development met
in executive session to hold a hearing on Department of Energy: National
Nuclear Security Administration. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Linton
Brooks, Under Secretary, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department
of Energy.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
National Park Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Fran Mainella, Director;
Don Murphy, Deputy Director; and Bruce Sheaffer, Comptroller.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Department of Education Panel: &qout;Vocational,
Adult and Postsecondary Education&qout; programs. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Education: Carol D'Amico, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education; and Sally Stroup,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Director, Office of Management and
Budget. Testimony was heard from Mitchell Daniels, Jr., Director, OMB.
VA AND HUD, AND 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 Mel Martinez, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
SPACE PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on space programs in the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization
budget request. Testimony was heard from Peter B. Teets, Under Secretary, Air
Force, Department of Defense.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL THREAT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on Department of Defense efforts to address
the chemical and biological threat. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Dale Klein, Assistant to the Secretary
(Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense); Anthony J. Tether, Director,
Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency; Stephen M. Younger, Director,
Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Brig. Gen. Stephen Reeves, USA, Joint Program
Executive Officer, Chemical and Biological Defense Program, Brig. Gen. Stephen
Goldfein, USAF, Director, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear Defense, J-8, The Joint Staff.
MILITARY PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Committee on Armed Forces: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on
domestic violence, Joint Officer Management and education reform, employer
support of the Guard and Reserve, Reserve pay and benefits, and Department of
Defense Active and Reserve Components Force Mix Study. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Garry L.
Parks, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, USMC, Co-Chair,
Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence; and Charles Abell, Principle Deputy
Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Derek B. Stewart, Director, Defense
Capabilities and Management, GAO; Deborah D. Tucker, Executive Director,
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, Co-Chair, Defense Task Force
on Domestic Violence; and public witnesses.
U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE'S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;Does the U.S. Olympic Committee's
Organizational Structure Impede its Mission?&qout; Testimony was heard from Senator
Campbell, Representative Ryun of Kansas; officials of the U.S. Olympic
Committee; and a public witness.
ENERGY POLICY ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
approved for full Committee action the Energy Policy Act.
DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology began markup of H.R. 1280, Defense
Production Act Reauthorization of 2003. Subcommittee recessed subject to
call. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1280.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Commerce: Kenneth I. Juster, Under Secretary, and Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy
Under Secretary, both with Industry and Security; Michael D. Brown, Under
Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland
Security; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Suzanne D.
Patrick, Deputy Under Secretary, Industrial Policy; and Ronald M. Sega,
Director, Defense Research and Engineering.
[Page: D265]
MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central
Asia held a hearing on the Middle East Partnership Initiative: Promoting
Democratization in a Troubled Region. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: William Burns, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and Wendy Chamberlin, Assistant Administrator,
Asia and the Near East, AID.
OVERSIGHT--ENHANCING AMERICA'S ENERGY SECURITY
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Enhancing America's
Energy Security. Testimony was heard from Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary,
Land and Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; Carl Michael Smith,
Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy, Department of Energy; Hunt Downer,
Representative, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NOAA AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUDGET REQUESTS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Administration's Fiscal Year budget
requests for NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard
from Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, USN (Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and
Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Steven A. Williams, Director,
Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H. Con. Res.
95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for
fiscal year 2004 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2003 and 2005 through 2013, 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 all points of order against
consideration of the concurrent resolution. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute specified in part A of the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted in
the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The rule makes in order only
those amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report which may be
offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a
Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in the report, except that the adoption
of a further amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the
conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. The
rule provides, upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent
resolution for amendment, for a final period of general debate not to exceed
20 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. Finally, the rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall
not be subject to a demand for a division of the question of its adoption.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Nussle and Representatives Toomey, Spratt,
Hooley, Moore, Scott of Virginia, Skelton, Stenholm, Owens, Allen, Bishop of
New York, Marshall and Michaud.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON
RULES
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of March 20, 2003, providing for the
consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 95) establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and
setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005
through 2013.
NANOTECHNOLOGY R&D ACTIVITIES
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on federal nanotechnology research and
development activities, with emphasis on H.R. 766, Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Senators Allen and Wyden;
Richard M. Russell, Associate Director, Technology, Office of Science and
Technology Policy; James Roberto, Associate Laboratory Director, Physical
Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and public witnesses.
[Page: D266]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action the following: Fiscal Year GSA lease resolutions; two GSA
amending resolutions; H.R. 281, to designate the Federal building and United
States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the &qout;Tony
Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse;&qout; H. Con. Res. 53, amended,
authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box
Derby; and H. Con. Res. 96, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the
National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.
WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Meeting the Nation's Wastewater
Infrastructure Needs. Testimony was heard from Larry S. Coffman, Associate
Director, Department of Environmental Resources, Prince Georges County, State
of Maryland; and public witnesses.
PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES--AVAILABILITY AND ELIGIBILITY
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
availability and eligibility for pharmaceutical services provided by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Evans, Lynch, Mica and Wicker; and Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.
CIA PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on CIA Program. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/03/20
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 20, 2003; pages D270 - D278
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food,
Nutrition and Consumer Services. Testimony was heard from Eric Bost, Under
Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE AND THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State and
The Judiciary, and Related Agencies held a hearing on DEA and Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: John B. Brown III, Acting
Administrator, DEA; and Bradley A. Buckles, Acting Director, Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Fiscal
Year 2004 Navy/Marine Corps Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Navy: H.T. Johnson, Acting Secretary;
Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and Gen. Michael W.
Hagee, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Department of Energy: Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Jessie Roberson, Assistant Secretary, Energy, Environmental Management; and
Margaret Chu, Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Secretary of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Tom Ridge,
Secretary of Homeland Secretary.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education held a hearing on Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Testimony was heard from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human
Services.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Testimony was heard
from Ellen Lazar, Executive Director, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry. Testimony was heard from Henry Falk, Assistant
Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of
Health and Human Services.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the 2004 fiscal year defense
authorization budget request for Ballistic Missile Defense programs. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: E.C.
&qout;Pete&qout; Aldridge, Jr., Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics;
J.D. Crouch, Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy; Lt. Gen.
Ronald T. Kadish, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency; and Thomas P.
Christie, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation.
MILITARY READINESS AND REVIEW--DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness continued hearings on
the state of military readiness and review of the fiscal year 2004 Defense
Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: H.T. Johnson, Acting Secretary, Navy; Brig. Gen.
Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and
Logistics (Facilities); Rear Adm. Christopher Cole, USN, Office of Chief of
Naval Operations, Ashore Readiness Division; Rear Adm. Craig McDonald, USN,
Deputy Director, Naval Reserve; Nelson F. Gibbs, Assistant Secretary, Air
Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics; Maj. Gen. Earnest O. Robbins
II, USAF, The Air Force Civil Engineer; Brig. Gen. David A. Brubaker, USAF,
Deputy Director, Air National Guard; and Brig. Gen. William A. Rajczak, USAF,
Deputy to the Chief, Air Force Reserve.
[Page: D276]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget
request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Glen Lamartin, Director, Tactical and Strategic Systems; Claude M.
Bolton, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology,
Department of the Army; Gen. Paul J. Kern, USA, Commanding General, Army
Materiel Command; and Lt. Gen. Robert Magnus, USMC, Deputy Commander, Programs
and Resources, U.S. Marine Corps.
WORKFORCE REINVESTMENT AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1261,
Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003.
HIV/AIDS, TB, AND MALARIA--COMBATING GLOBAL PANDEMIC
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
&qout;HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria: Combating a Global Pandemic.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Claude Allen, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services;
and public witnesses.
ACCOUNTANT, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT STAFFING ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises approved for full Committee action, as
amended, H.R. 658, Accountant, Compliance, and Enforcement Staffing Act of
2003.
DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology approved for full Committee action, as
amended, H.R. 1280, Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2003.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1346, to
amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to provide an additional
function of the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy relating to
encouraging Federal procurement policies that enhance energy efficiency.
ENERGY DEPARTMENT ACQUISITIONS--DECADE OF FAILURE
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;Breaking Fumes; A Decade of
Failure in Energy Department Acquisitions.&qout; Testimony was heard from Robin M.
Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and the following
officials of the Department of Energy: Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General;
and James A. Rispoli, Director, Engineering and Construction Management.
U.S. AND SOUTH ASIA CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICAN POLICY
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on the U.S. and South Asia: Challenges and
Opportunities for American policy. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Christina Rocca, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of South Asian Affairs; and Wendy J. Chamberlin, Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, AID.
FEDERAL COURTS IMPROVEMENT ACT; E-GOVERNMENT ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action the following bills:
H.R. 1302, Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003; and H.R. 1303, amended, to
amend the E-Government Act of 2002 with respect to rulemaking authority of the
Judicial Conference.
SBA FINANCING PROGRAMS--CHANGES NEEDED
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Changes to SBA Financing
Programs Needed for Revitalization of Small Manufacturers.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Ronald Bew, Associate Administrator, Capital Access, SBA; and
public witnesses.
PROTECTING COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation met
in executive session to hold a hearing on Protecting Commercial Aircraft from
the Threat of Missile Attacks. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
MEDICARE REGULATORY AND CONTRACTING REFORM ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 810, Medicare Regulatory and Contracting
Reform Act of 2003.
[Page: D277]
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS--REVIEW STATE USE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing to
Review State Use of Federal Unemployment Funds. Testimony was heard from Emily
S. DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration,
Department of Labor; Sigurd R. Nilsen, Director, Education, Workforce, and
Income Security Issues, GAO; Jon Brock, Executive Director, Employment
Security Commission, State of Oklahoma; Melissa DeLisio, Assistant Director,
Department of Job and Family Services, State of Ohio; Dawn Watson, Secretary,
Department of Labor, State of Louisiana; and a public witness.
NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on National Imagery and Mapping Agency Program. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses.
2003/03/21
Daily Digest - Friday, March 21, 2003; pages D280 - D286
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/03/24
Daily Digest - Monday, March 24, 2003; pages D288 - D290
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/03/25
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 25, 2003; pages D291 - D298
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Administration for Children
and Families. Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, M.D., Assistant
Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and
Human Services.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Administration on Aging. Testimony was
heard from Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary, Aging, Administration
on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services.
OUTSOURCING AND THE OMB CIRCULAR A-76 PROCESS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
outsourcing and the OMB Circular A-76 process. Testimony was heard from Angela
B. Styles, Administrator, Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; Michael M. Wynne,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Acquisition, Technology, Logistics),
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
CBO: ANALYSIS--PRESIDENT'S BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Congressional Budget Office:
Analysis of the President's Budget Fiscal Year 2004. Testimony was heard from
Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.
COMMERCIAL SPECTRUM ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on H.R. 1320, Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act.
Testimony was heard from Nancy Victory, Assistant Secretary, National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce;
Stephen Price, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Spectrum, Space, Sensors and C3
Policy, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;Strengthening America's Communities:
Examining the Impact of Faith-Based Housing Partnerships.&qout; Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
DEPLOYED FORCES--PROTECTING HEALTH
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Protecting the Health of
Deployed Forces: Lessons Learned From the Persian Gulf War. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: William
Winkenwerder, Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; and Michael E. Kilpatrick,
Deputy Director, Deployment Health, Support Directorate; the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Robert H. Roswell, Under
Secretary, Health; and K. Craig Hyams, Chief Consultant, Occupational and
Environmental Health; and public witnesses.
[Page: D296]
DATA MINING--CURRENT APPLICATIONS--FUTURE POSSIBILITIES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing on &qout;Data
Mining: Current Applications and Future Possibilities.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Mark A. Forman, Associate Director, Information Technology and Electronic
Government, OMB; Gregory Kutz, Director, Financial Management and Assurance,
GAO; Paula Dockery, Senator, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.R.760, Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. Prior to
this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 760. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE STATUS--CONCESSIONS MANAGEMENT AND
IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held an oversight hearing on the Status of the National Park Service
Concessions Management Program and Implementing Regulations. Testimony was
heard from Randy Jones, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior; and public witnesses.
SMALLPOX EMERGENCY PERSONNEL PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Testimony heard from Representatives Waxman and Capps but
no action was taken on H.R. 1413, Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act
of 2003.
CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 1194, The Child Abduction Prevention Act of 2003,
with 45 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and 15 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now
printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments
printed in the report shall be considered only in the order printed in the
report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule
provides that after the passage of H.R. 1104, it shall be in order to consider
in the House S. 151, to move to strike all after the enacting clause of S.
151, and to insert the provisions of H.R. 1104 as passed by the House. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the Senate bill and
the motion to strike and insert. Finally, the rule provides that if the motion
is adopted and the Senate bill, as amended, is passed, it shall be in order to
move that the House insist on its amendments and request a conference.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner, Representatives Pence,
Weiner, Maloney, Pomeroy and Acevedo-Vila.
2003/03/26
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 26, 2003; pages D299 - D306
Committee Meetings
U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE AND FOREIGN ASSISTANCE--ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Artificial Barriers to
United States Agricultural Trade and Foreign Food Assistance. Testimony was
heard from Speaker Hastert; Representative Wolf; and public witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on State and Local Law
Enforcement Assistance. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Justice: Deborah J. Daniels, Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Justice; and Carl R. Peed, Director, Community Oriented Policing
Services. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Secretary of State.
Testimony was heard from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: Les Brownlee, Under
Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary; Maj. Gen. Robert H. Griffin, USA.,
Director, both with Civil Works; Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, USA, Chief of
Engineers and Commanding General, Army Corps of Engineers; and Robert Vining,
Chief, Civil Works Programs Management Division.
[Page: D303]
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on the following: Export-Import
Bank; U.S. Trade and Development Agency; and Overseas Private Investment
Corporation. Testimony was heard from Philip Merrill, Chairman, Export-Import
Bank; Peter Watson, President, OPIC; and Thelma Askey, Director, U.S. Trade
and Development Agency.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held an oversight
hearing on Everglades. Testimony was heard from Linda Blum, National Academy
of Science; and Barry T. Hill and Susan Lott, both with GAO; and Ann Klee,
South Florida Ecosystem Task Force.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Health Resources and
Services Administration and on Substance Abuse Mental Health Services.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of NIH, Department of Health
and Human Services, Elizabeth J. Duke, M.D., Administrator, Health Resources
and Services Administration; and Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance
Abuse Mental Health Services.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard
from Members of Congress.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA and HUD and Independent
Agencies held a hearing on Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard
from Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--UNMANNED COMBAT VEHICLES
PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget
request for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) programs. Testimony was heard from Dyke Weatherington, UAV Planning Task
Force, Defense Systems, Air Warfare, Office of the Secretary, Department of
Defense.
WORKFORCE REINVESTMENT AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began markup of H.R. 1261, Workforce
Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003.
Will continue tomorrow.
MEDICARE REGULATORY AND CONTRACTING REFORM ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 810,
Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2003.
ACCOUNTANT, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT STAFFING ACT; DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT
REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
658, Accountant, Compliance, and Enforcement Staffing Act of 2003; and H.R.
1280, amended, Defense Production Act Reauthorization Act of 2003.
&qout;MANAGEMENT AND THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET&qout;
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing on &qout;Management and The
President's Budget.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representative Sessions;
Patricia A. Dalton, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Edward R. McPherson,
Chief Financial Officer, USDA; and the following officials of the OMB: Angela
B. Styles, Administrator, Federal Procurement Policy; and Mark A, Forman,
Associate Director, Information Technology and E-Government.
U.S. POLICY TOWARD SOUTHEAST ASIA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward Southeast Asia. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Matthew P.
Daley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs;
and Gordon West, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and
the Near East, AID.
[Page: D304]
INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation, and Human Rights held a hearing on Overview of International
Terrorist Organizations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of State: J. Cofer Black, Ambassador-at-Large, Coordinator,
Office of Counterterrorism; and E. Anthony Wayne, Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Economic and Business Affairs.
PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 760, Partial-Birth Abortion
Act of 2003. The Committee also considered pending Committee business.
COLUMBIA ORBITER CREW MEMORIAL--ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY; ENHANCED
SECURITY: POLICIES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
Committee on Science: Ordered reported H.R. 1297, to require the construction
at Arlington National Cemetery of a memorial to the crew of the Columbia
Orbiter. The Committee also held a hearing on Enhanced Security: Policies and
Implications for Foreign Students and Scholars. Testimony was heard from Janis
Jacobs, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Department of State; and
public witnesses.
CERTAIN STEEL PRODUCTS--IMPACT OF SAFEGUARD ACTION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the
impact of the section 201 safeguard action on certain steel products.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Visclosky, Hoekstra, Knollenberg,
Manzullo, Stupak, Strickland, Kucinich, McCotter; Ney and Acevedo-Vila; and
public witnesses.
2003/03/27
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 27, 2003; pages D308 - D318
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State, the
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FBI, the Federal
Judiciary, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Robert S. Mueller III,
Director, FBI; and Benigno G. Reyna, Director, U.S. Marshals Service; Judge
John G. Heyburn II, U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky; and
Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Fiscal
Year 2003 Emergency Supplemental. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Donald H. Rumsfield, Secretary; Paul
D.Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary; Dov S. Zakheim, Under Secretary, Comptroller;
Gen. Richard B. Meyers, USAF, Chairman; and Lt. Gen. James E. Cartwright,
USMC, Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, both with the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on Supplemental Request for
Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary;
and Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, AID.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Border Security and Transportation Security. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Asa Hutchinson,
Under Secretary, Border Security; and James M. Loy, Assistant Secretary,
Transportation Security Administration.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Testimony was heard from Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human
Services.
[Page: D313]
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Postal Service Retirement
Payments. Testimony was heard from John E. Potter, Postmaster General, U.S.
Postal Service; and Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on National Institute of Environmental Health and Services and
on Consumer Product Safety Commission. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Olden,
M.D., Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Department
of Health and Human Services; and Harold Stratton, Chairman, Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--NAVY PROJECTION FORCES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget request for Navy
Projection Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: John J. Young, Assistant Secretary (Research,
Development and Acquisition); Vice. Adm. John B. Nathman, USN, Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs; and Vice Adm. Michael G.
Mullen, USN, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations, Resources, Requirements, and
Assessments.
DOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on Department of Defense science and
technology policy and programs for fiscal year 2004.Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Ronald M. Sega,
Director, Defense Research and Engineering; Anthony J. Tether, Director,
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; A. Michael Andrews, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Army, Research and Technology; Rear Adm. Jay M. Cohen,
USN, Chief, Naval Research; and James B. Engle, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Air Force (Science, Technology, and Engineering).
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--HEALTH PROGRAM
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget request for the defense
health program and the next generation of TRICARE contracts and TRICARE retail
pharmacy contracts. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D., Assistant Secretary,
Health Affairs; Lt. Gen. James B. Peake, USA, Surgeon General, Army,
Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command; Vice Adm. Michael L. Cowan, USN, Surgeon
General, Navy; and Lt. Gen. George P. Taylor, Jr., USAF, Surgeon General, Air
Force; Marjorie Kanof, M.D., Director, Clinical and Military Health Care, GAO;
and public witnesses.
WORKFORCE REINVESTMENT AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
1261, Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003.
FURTHERING PUBLIC HEALTH SECURITY; PROJECT BIOSHIELD
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee
on Emergency Preparedness and Response of the Select Committee on Homeland
Security held a joint hearing entitled &qout;Furthering Public Health Security:
Project Bioshield,&qout; Testimony was heard from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY RELIEF ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Services
Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 1375, Financial
Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Mark Olson,
member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Dennis Dollar, Chairman,
National Credit Union Administration; the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: Julie L. Williams, First Senior Deputy Comptroller
and Chief Counsel, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; and Carolyn
Buck, Chief Counsel, Office of Thrift Supervision; William S. Kroener, General
Counsel, FDIC; and public witnesses.
CONSUMER SAFEGUARDS ON INTERNET PHARMACY SITES--OVERSIGHT PLAN
[Page: D314]
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Point, Click,
Self-Medicate: A Review of Consumer Safeguards on Internet Pharmacy Sites.&qout;
Testimony was heard from William Hubbard, Senior Associate Commissioner,
Policy Planning and Legislation, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services;
J. Howard Beales, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and public
witnesses. The Committee approved recommendations for an Oversight Plan for
the 108th Congress for all House Committees.
REAUTHORIZATION--OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled &qout;ONDCP Reauthorization: The
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Representative Portman; Christopher Marston, Chief of Staff, Office of
National Drug Control Policy; and public witnesses.
EUROPE-U.S. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
U.S. Assistance Programs in Europe: An Assessment. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of State: Thomas Adams, Acting
Coordinator, U.S. Assistance to Europe ad Eurasia, Bureau of European and
Eurasia Affairs; and Kent R. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe
and Eurasia, AID.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 958, Hydrographic Services
Amendments of 2003; H.R. 959, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Oceanography Amendment Act of 2003; and H.R. 984, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Vice Adm.
Conrad C. Lautenbacher, USN (Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere,
NOAA, Department of Commerce; and D. James Baker, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Academy of Natural Sciences.
WATER RECYCLING
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on Water Supply and Reliability: The Role of Water Recycling.
Testimony was heard from Betsy Cody, Specialist in Natural Resources,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Peggy Neely,
Councilwoman, Phoenix, Arizona; and public witnesses.
FAA AND AVIATION PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the
Aviation Programs. Testimony was heard from Marion C. Blakey, Administrator,
FAA, Department of Transportation.
OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held an oversight
hearing on the status of the implementation of Public Law 107-287, Department
of Veterans Affairs Emergency Preparedness Act of 2002, and post deployment
health care for veterans. Testimony was heard from William Winkenwerder, Jr.,
M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense; Robert H.
Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
CONSOLIDATED CRYPTOLOGIC PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Consolidated Cryptologic Program. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2003/03/31
Daily Digest - Monday, March 31, 2003; D320 - D324
Committee Meetings
DOD--BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION--STRENGTHENING OVERSIGHT
Committee on Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and
International Relations and the Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a joint hearing on
Strengthening Oversight of DOD Business Systems Modernization. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the GAO: Randolph Hite, Director,
Information Technology Architecture and Systems Issues; Gregory Kutz,
Director, Financial Management and Assurance; and Darby Smith, Assistant
Director, Financial Management and Assurance; and the following officials of
the Department of Defense: JoAnn Boutelle, Deputy Chief Financial Officer;
John R. Landon, Principal Director, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Command,
Control, Communications, and Intelligence Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Space
and IT Programs; and Thomas Bloom, Director, Defense Finance and Accounting
Service (DFAS).
HOMELAND SECURITY TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
1416, Homeland Security Technical Corrections Act of 2003. On March 28, the
Committee held a hearing on H.R. 1416. Testimony was heard from Michael
Dorsey, Director of Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
2003/04/01
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 1, 2003; pages D325 - D334
Committee Meetings
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Cost Controls and Cost Drivers in
Federal Transit Investments-Panel. Testimony was heard from Jenna Dorn
Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation;
Thomas E. Margro, General Manager, Bay Area Rapid Transit, San Francisco,
California; and Frank Krusi, President, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago,
Illinois.
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on all major Department of Defense
acquisition programs, and review the Department's plans for acquisition reform
and future acquisition programs. Testimony was heard from E.C. &qout;Pete&qout;
Aldridge, Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Department
of Defense.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense
authorization budget request for the Special Operations Command. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Marshall
Billingslea, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low
Intensity Conflict; and Harry E. Schulte, Acquisition Executive, U.S. Special
Operations Command.
U.S. AIR FORCE REPORT--SEXUAL ASSAULT AT THE ACADEMY
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
U.S. Air Force report on sexual assault at the academy. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: James Roche,
Secretary; and Gen. John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force.
[Page: D330]
CORPORATIONS FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE--PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY
AND REFORMS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing on the &qout;Performance, Accountability, and Reforms at the
Corporation for National and Community Service.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Leslie Lenkowsky, Chief Executive Officer, Corporation for National and
Community Service; and public witnesses.
ENERGY POLICY ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began markup of the Energy Policy Act of
2003. Will continue tomorrow.
OPENING TRADE IN FINANCIAL SERVICES--CHILE AND SINGAPORE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled &qout;Opening Trade
in Financial Services--The Chile and Singapore Examples.&qout; Testimony was heard
from John B. Taylor, Under Secretary, International Affairs, Department of the
Treasury; James E. Mendenhall, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for
Services, Intellectual Property, and Investment; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;The National Flood Insurance Program:
Review and Reauthorization.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representatives Baker,
Bereuter and Blumenauer; Anthony Lowe, Mitigation Division Director and Flood
Insurance Administrator, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--COMPENSATION REFORM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held an oversight hearing &qout;Compensation Reform: How Should the
Federal Government Pay Its Employees?&qout; Testimony was heard from Representative
Ruppersberger; Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM; Christopher J. Mihm,
Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--PERFORMANCE, RESULTS, AND BUDGET DECISIONS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled: &qout;Performance,
Results, and Budget Decisions.&qout; Testimony was heard from Donna McLean, Chief
Financial Officer, Department of Transportation; Paul Posner, Director,
Strategic Issues, GAO; and a public witness.
FOOD AID IN AFRICA--FUTURE OUTLOOK
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Response to East
African Families and the Future Outlook for Food Aid in Africa. Testimony was
heard from Representative Wolf; the following officials of the Department of
State: Alan P. Larson, Under Secretary, Economic, Business, and Agricultural
Affairs; and Andrew Natsios, Administrator, AID; James G. Butler, Deputy Under
Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA; and Sheila Sisulu,
Deputy Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme; and a public
witness.
INTERNET, TAX NONDISCRIMINATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 49, Internet, Tax Nondiscrimination Act. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
COPYRIGHT ROYALTY AND DISTRIBUTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 1417, Copyright Royalty and
Distribution Reform Act. Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of
Copyrights and Associate Librarian, Copyright Services, Copyright Office of
the United States, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 135, Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2003;
H.R. 495, Zuni Indian Tribe Rights Settlement Act of 2003; H.R. 901, to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct a bridge on Federal land
west of and adjacent to Folsom Dam in California; and H.R. 1284, to amend the
Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the
Federal share of the costs of the San Gabriel Basin Demonstration project.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Ose, Doolittle, Linder and Solis; the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: John W. Keys III,
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Theresa Rosier, Counselor to the
Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs; the following officials of the State of
California: Jeff Starsky, Councilman, City of Folsom; and Roger Niello,
Supervisor, Sacramento County; and public witnesses.
[Page: D331]
POSTAL CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDING REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Davis, but action was
deferred on H.R. 735, Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform
Act of 2003.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Chairman Oxley and
Representatives Ose, Rohrabacher and Maloney, but action was deferred on H.R.
522, Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2003.
SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 743, Social Security Protection Act of 2003. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now
printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides for
consideration of the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Green of Texas or
his designee, which shall be considered as read, and shall be separately
debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and
an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed
in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Shaw and
Jefferson.
SBA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY--IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a joint hearing to Improve and Strengthen the SBA Office of Advocacy.
Testimony was heard from Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel, Office of
Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD'S MOVE TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Coast Guard's
Move to the Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Adm.
Thomas H. Collins, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland
Security; and JayEtta Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines, hearings on Member Policy Initiatives and Project
Requests for Reauthorization of Federal Highway and Transit Programs.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Schiff, Udall of Colorado, Emanuel,
Forbes, Putnam, Sherman, Berman, Woolsey, Visclosky, Kilpatrick, Rogers of
Alabama, Shays, Biggert, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Michaud, Nunes, McNulty, Royce
and Honda.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
BRIEFING--SENSITIVE PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Sensitive Program. The Committee was briefed my
departmental witnesses.
2003/04/02
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 2, 2003; pages D336 - D344
Committee Meetings
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress, and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on NIH. Testimony was heard from
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human
Services.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on GSA Building Cost Drivers. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the GSA: Stephen A. Perry,
Administrator; and F. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner, Public Building Service;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D341]
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on OPM. Testimony was heard from Kay Cole
James, Director, OPM.
VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on EPA. Testimony was heard from Christine Todd Whitman,
Administrator, EPA.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the fiscal year national defense authorization budget request for
the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force tactical weapon
system acquisition programs and future technology initiatives. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John J.
Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition); Rear
Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald, USN, Deputy Director, Air Warfare Division, and Lt.
Gen. Michael A. Hough, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, U.S. Marine
Corps, all with the Department of the Navy; Marvin R. Sambur, Assistant
Secretary (Acquisition), Lt. Gen. Ronald E. Keys, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Air and Space Operations, and Lt. Gen. John D.W. Corley, USAF, Principal
Deputy, Assistant Secretary (Acquisition), all with the Department of the Air
Force; and Allen Li, Director, Acquisition Sourcing Management, GAO.
MILITARY RESALE AND MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS ACTIVITIES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on
Military Resale and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs Activities.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Charles S. Abell, Principle Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness;
Lt. Gen Michael E. Zettler, USAF, Chairman, Department of Defense Commissary
Operating Board, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics
Headquarters U.S. Air Force; Maj. Gen. Kathryn G. Frost, USA, Commander, Army
and Air Force Exchange Service; Rear Adm. William J. Maguire, USN, Supply
Corps, U.S. Navy, Commander, Navy Exchange Service Command; Maj. Gen. Mike
Wiedemer, USAF, Director, Defense Commissary Agency; and Michael P. Downs,
Director, Personnel and Family Readiness Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps.
IMPROVING EDUCATION RESULTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1350, Improving Education
Results for Children With Disabilities Act of 2003.
ENERGY POLICY ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Continued markup of the Energy Policy Act of
2003.
RATING THE RATING AGENCIES: THE STATE OF TRANSPARENCY AND COMPETITION
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;Rating the
Rating Agencies: the State of Transparency and Competition.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Annette Nazareth, Director, Division of Market Regulations, SEC;
and public witnesses.
U.S. LEADERSHIP AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA ACT
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1298,
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of
2003.
PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 1036, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses
OVERSIGHT--NONIMMIGRANT STUDENT TRACKING: IMPLEMENTATION AND PROPOSED
MODIFICATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on Nonimmigrant Student Tracking:
Implementation and Proposed Modifications. Testimony was heard from Johnny N.
Williams, Interim Director, Immigration Interior Enforcement, ICE, Department
of Homeland Security; Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Department of Justice;
and public witnesses.
ENERGY SECURITY ACT
Committee on Resources: Approved the Energy Security Act of 2003.
[Page: D342]
EMERGENCY WARTIME SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 1559, making
emergency wartime supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2003. providing one hour of general debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of
the bill. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill
for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
appropriations or legislative provisions in a general appropriations bill).
The rule provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment under the
five-minute rule. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in
recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young of Florida,
Northup, Obey, DeFazio, Waters, Scott, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Delahunt, and
Emanuel.
ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATION ACT
Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 238, Energy Research,
Development, and Commercial Application Act of 2003.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on local
economic development association issues relating to reauthorization of the
Economic Development Administration. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines continued hearings on Member Policy Initiatives and
Project Requests for Reauthorization of Federal Highway and Transit Programs.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Sanders, Frank of Massachusetts,
Manzullo, Farr, McKeon. Spratt, Kucinich, Millender-McDonald, Davis of
Alabama, Pearce, McGovern, Chocola, Hostettler, Tierney, Brown of South
Carolina, DeMint, Terry, Acevedo-Vila, Ryan of Ohio, Eshoo, Grijalva, Edwards,
Christensen, Maloney, Musgrave, Coble, and Davis of California.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
MEDICAL REGULATORY AND CONTRACTING REFORM ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 810, Medical
Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2003.
NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on National Reconnaissance Program. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2003/04/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 3, 2003; pages D345 - D356
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on State Department Management.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary; and Grant S. Green, Under Secretary,
Management.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services and on Agency for Healthcare Research Quality. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Tom Scully, Administrator, Center for Medicare and Medicaid
Services; and Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for Healthcare Research
Quality.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Transportation Safety. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation:
Annette Sandberg, Acting Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration; and Jeffrey Runge, Administrator, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration; and Ellen Engleman, Administrator, National
Transportation Safety Board.
[Page: D351]
VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of
Congress.
NAVAL TRANSFORMATION AND FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITIES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Department of the Navy fiscal year 2004 research and development
program in support of naval transformation and future naval capabilities.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Navy: John J. Young, Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and
Acquisition); Vice Adm. John B. Nathman, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs; and Rear Adm. Jay M. Cohen,
USN, Chief of Naval Research.
BUDGET REQUEST--DOD INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense
authorization budget request for Department of Defense Information Technology
Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: John P. Stenbit, Assistant Secretary, Command, Control,
Communications and Intelligence; Rear Adm. Nancy E. Brown, USN, Deputy
Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (J6) Joint
Staff; Lt. Gen. Harry D. Raduege, Jr., USAF, Director, Defense Information
Systems Agency; Lt. Gen. Peter Cuviello, USA, Chief Information Officer,
Department of the Army; John Gilligan, Chief Information Officer, Department
of the Air Force; David M. Wennergren, USN, Chief Information Officer, and
Brig. Gen. John R. Thomas, USMC, Director, Command, Control, Communications
and Computers (C4). Chief Information Officer, Marine Corps, both with the
Department of the Navy.
VIEWS FROM THE FIELD--MOBILIZED RESERVISTS PERSPECTIVES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on
Views from the Field Perspectives of Mobilized Reservists. Testimony was heard
from Sgt. First Class Steven Davis, U.S. Army Reserve; Master Sgt. Gary L.
Beaver, Virginia Army National Guard; Petty Officer Robert Lehman, Naval
Reserve; Master Sgt. Kevin R. Smith, U.S. Air Force Reserve; Master Sgt. Paul
Needham, Arkansas Air National Guard; Staff Sgt. Johnathan Stallings, North
Carolina Air National Guard; and Gunnery Sgt. Nancy Jean Koehler, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve.
FAMILY TIME FLEXIBILITY ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action H.R. 1119, Family Time
Flexibility Act.
ENERGY POLICY ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the Energy Policy Act of
2003.
FIGHTING FRAUD: IMPROVING INFORMATION SECURITY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a
joint hearing entitled &qout;Fighting Fraud: Improving Information Security.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Tim Caddigan, Special Agent in Charge, Financial
Crimes Division; U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; James
Farnan, Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Division, FBI, Department of Justice;
J. Howard Beales III, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and public
witnesses.
RESTORING EXECUTIVE REORGANIZATION AUTHORITY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Toward a Logical
Governing Structure: Restoring Executive Reorganization Authority.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Representative DeLay; David M. Walker, Comptroller General,
GAO; Nancy Dorn, Deputy Director, OMB; and public witnesses.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PARITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled &qout;International Prescription Drug Parity: Are Americans
Being Protected or Gouged?&qout; Testimony was heard from William K. Hubbard,
Senior Associate Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services;
and public witnesses.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Democratic Republic of Congo: Key to the Crisis in the Great Lakes Region.
Testimony was heard from Charles R. Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of African Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H. Res. 165, amended, expressing
support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement
to the Cyprus problem; H.R. 854, amended, Belarus Democracy Act of 2003; H.
Res. 154, amended, commending the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his
stalwart leadership and unwavering support of the United States in the effort
to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi
people of the scourge of brutal dictatorship; and H. Con. Res 129, expressing
appreciation for the longstanding support and friendship of the people and
Government of the United Kingdom.
[Page: D352]
PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1036,
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 1561, United States Patent and
Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from James Rogan,
Under Secretary, Intellectual Property and Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 901, to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to construct a bridge on Federal land west of an adjacent to
Folsom Dam in California; and H.R. 1284, to amend the Reclamation Projects
Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the Federal share of the
costs of the San Gabriel Basin Demonstration project; H.R. 135, Twenty-First
Century Water Commission Act of 2003; and H.R. 495, Zuni Indian Tribe Water
Rights Settlement Act of 2003.
SMALL BUSINESS EXPENSING
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports held a
hearing on Small Business Expensing: Increasing Incentives for Small Companies
to Grow and Invest in their Businesses. Testimony was heard from Gregg Jenner,
Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Advisor for Tax Policy, Department of
the Treasury; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT PROGRAMS AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines concluded hearings on Member Policy Initiatives and
Project Requests for Reauthorization of Federal Highway and Transit Programs.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Lucas of Kentucky, Stenholm,
Bordallo, Case, Rodriguez, Linda T. Sanchez of California, Bradley of New
Hampshire, Bono, Baca, Lampson, Carson of Indiana, Gonzalez, Goodlatte, Rush,
Davis of Illinois, DeGette, Weller, LaHood, Johnson of Illinois, Kirk, Franks
of Arizona, Hayes, McCollum, Pitts, Capito, Loretta Sanchez of California.
Herger, Burgess, Majette, Edwards, Boozman, John, McCrery, Ross, Vitter,
Rogers of Michigan, Lewis of Kentucky, King of Iowa, Kind, Kanjorski,
Schakowsky, Bell and Strickland.
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT; COLUMBIA ORBITER MEMORIAL ACT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
100, amended, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act; and H.R. 1297, Columbia Orbiter
Memorial Act.
ENERGY TAX POLICY ACT; TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND IRS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 1531, Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003; and H.R. 1528, Taxpayer
Protection and IRS Accountability Act of 2003.
JOINT MILITARY INTELLIGENCE/TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Joint Military Intelligence Program/Tactical Intelligence and
Related Programs. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/04/07
Daily Digest - Monday, April 7, 2003; pages D357 - D362
Committee Meetings
LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT--IRAQ'S VIOLATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: On April 4, the Committee held a hearing on
Iraq's violations of the Law of Armed Conflict. Testimony was heard from W.
Hays Parks, Special Assistant, Law of War Matters, The Judge Advocate General,
Headquarters, Department of the Army.
&qout;THE PRESIDENT'S MANAGEMENT AGENDA: RIGHTSIZING THE U.S. PRESENCE ABROAD&qout;
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;The President's Management
Agenda: Rightsizing the U.S. Presence Abroad.&qout; Testimony was heard from Jess
T. Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade Division; the following
officials of the Department of State: Ruth A. Davis, Director General; Maj.
Gen. Charles E. Williams, USA (Ret.), Director, Overseas Buildings Office;
Richard Nygard, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Management, AID; Anne Sigmund,
Acting Inspector General; and William H. Itoh, Acting Deputy Inspector
General.
PROJECT BIOSHIELD
Committee on Government Reform: On April 4, the Committee held a hearing
entitled &qout;Project BioShield: Contracting for the Health and Security of the
American Public.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director,
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Mark
McClellan, M.D., Commissioner, FDA; Michael Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency
Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security; Dale Klein,
Assistant to the Secretary, Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
2003/04/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 8, 2003; pages D363 - D372
Committee Meetings
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations; Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Special Security Events. Testimony was heard from Ralph Basham, Director,
U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies continued hearings on NIH. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services,
NIH: Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director; Raynard Kington, M.D., Deputy Director;
James Battey, M.D., Director, National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders; and Francis Collins, M.D, Director, National Human
Genome Research Institute; and Thomas Insel, M.D, Director, National Institute
on Mental Health.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on NASA. Testimony was heard from Sean O'Keefe, Administrator,
NASA.
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 660, Small
Business Health Fairness Act of 2003.
DESIGNING 21ST CENTURY MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled &qout;Designing a Twenty-First Century Medicare Prescription Drug
Benefit.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CHECK CLEARING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 1474, Check Clearing for the 21st
Century Act. Testimony was heard from Roger W. Ferguson, Vice-Chairman, Board
of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.
HOMEOWNERSHIP THROUGH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;Promoting the American Dream of
Homeownership through Down Payment Assistance.&qout; Testimony was heard from Mel
Martinez, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
ONDCP REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled &qout;ONDCP Reauthorization: The
High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and CTAC.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Scott Burns, Deputy Director, Office of State and Local Affairs, Office
of National Drug Control Policy; Roger Guevara, Chief of Operations, DEF,
Department of Justice; Christy McCampbell, Chief, Bureauof Narcotics
Enforcement, Department of Justice, State of California; Wayne Wiberg,
Commander, Narcotics and Gang Investigation Section, Police Department,
Chicago, Illinois; the following officials of the State of Maryland: Lt. Col.
Steve Moyer, Chief, Homeland Defense/Intelligence Bureau, State Police; and
Anthony Romano, Chief, Organized Crime Division, Baltimore Police Department;
Ron Burns, Chief, Lakewood Police Department, State of Colorado; and Peter
Modafferi, Chief of Detectives, Rockland County, District Attorney's Office,
State of New York.
CALIFORNIA'S ELECTRICITY MARKET
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on &qout;California's Electricity
Market: Refunds and Reform.&qout; Testimony was heard from Patrick Wood III,
Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL GOVERNMENT--CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled &qout;The Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Federal Government for Fiscal Year 2002.&qout;
Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Linda M.
Springer, Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, OMB; and Donald
V. Hammond, Fiscal Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury.
CYBER SECURITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
&qout;Cyber Security: The Challenges Facing Our Nation In Critical Infrastructure
Protection.&qout; Testimony was heard from Mark A. Forman, Associate Director,
Information Technology and Electronic Government, OMB; Robert Dacey, Director,
Information Security Issues, GAO; Thomas Pyke, Chief Information Officer,
Department of Commerce; Richard Clarke, former Special Advisor to the
President for Cyberspace Security; and public witnesses.
[Page: D369]
OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the &qout;Reauthorization of the United States
Department of Justice: Executive Office of the United States Attorneys, Civil
Division, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Executive Office for
United States Trustees, and Office of Solicitor General.&qout; Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Thomas Sansonetti,
Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division; Stuart
Schiffer, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division; Guy Lewis,
Director, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys; and Lawrence Friedman,
Director, Executive Office for United States Trustees.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 272, to direct the Secretary
of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the
Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for
continued use as cemeteries; H.R. 437, Coltsville Study Act of 2003; and H.R.
1113, to authorize an exchange of land at Fort Frederica National Monument.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Larson of Connecticut and Kingston;
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Bob Anderson,
Acting Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of
Land Management; and Jeffrey Taylor, Assistant Director, Legislative and
Congressional Affairs, National Park Service; Gloria Manning, Associate Deputy
Chief, National Forest System, USDA; former Senator Mack Mattingly, State of
Georgia; and a public witness.
PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1036, Protection of Lawful Commerce
in Arms Act of 2003. The rule waives all points of order against consideration
of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the
bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and
shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule
provides that the amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in
the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner, Representatives
Watt, Lofgren, Jackson-Lee of Texas and Van Hollen.
LITIGATING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Agriculture and
Technology held a hearing on Litigating the Americans with Disability Act.
Testimony was heard from Representative Foley; and public witnesses.
ADOPTION AND SAFE FAMILIES ACT IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing to
examine implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.
Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for
Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; Cornelia
Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; and
public witnesses.
2003 TAX RETURN FILING SEASON AND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
2003 Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year 2004.
Testimony was heard from Robert E. Wenzel, Acting Commissioner, IRS,
Department of the Treasury; James R. White, Director, Tax Issues, GAO; Karen
Hastie Williams, member, IRS Oversight Board; and public witnesses.
2003/04/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 9, 2003; pages D374 - D384
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE AND THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and the
Judiciary, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Supreme Court. Testimony was
heard from the following Justices of the Supreme Court: Anthony M. Kennedy;
and Clarence Thomas. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on FTC. Testimony
was heard from Timothy Muris, Chairman, FTC.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on District of Columbia held a
hearing on Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Paul Quander,
Director, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; and Susan Shafer,
Director, Pretrial Services Agency.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on AID. Testimony was heard from
Andrew Natsios, Administrator, AID, Department of State.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bioterrorism. Testimony was
heard from Jerome M. Hauer, Assistant Secretary, Public Health Emergency
Preparedness, Department of Health and Human Services.
[Page: D380]
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on
House of Representative, the Library of Congress, the CBO, the GPO, and the
GAO. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the House of
Representatives: Jay Eagen, CAO; Jeff Trandahl, Clerk of the House; Wilson S.
Livingood, Sergeant at Arms; Steven McNamara, Inspector General; Geraldine
Gennet, Office of the General Counsel; John R. Miller, Office of the Law
Revision Counsel; and M. Pope Barrow, Office of the Legislative Counsel; John
Eisold, M.D., Office of the Attending Physician; James H. Billington,
Librarian of Congress; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Bruce R. James,
Public Printer, GPO; and David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on National Youth Anti-Drug Media
Campaign. Testimony was heard from John P. Walters, Director, Office of
National Drug Control Policy, and public witnesses. The Subcommittee also
held a hearing on FAA Personnel Costs and Management. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Marion Blakey,
Administrator; FAA; and Kenneth Mead, Inspector General.
VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FAMILY TIME FLEXIBILITY ACT; IMPROVING EDUCATION RESULTS FOR CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITIES ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported H.R. 1119, Family
Time Flexibility Act. The Committee also began markup of H.R. 1350, Improving
Education Results for Children With Disabilities Act of 2003. Will continue
tomorrow.
STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVING MEDICARE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled
Strengthening and Improving Medicare. Testimony was heard from Rick Foster,
Chief Actuary, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health
and Human Services; Barbara Kennelly, President, National Committee to
Preserve Social Security and Medicare; and public witnesses.
COMMERCIAL SPECTRUM ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1320, Commercial
Spectrum Enhancement Act.
FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY RELIEF ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1375,
Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2003.
SARS THREAT; IMMUNITY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;The SARS Threat: Is the
Nation's Public Health Network Prepared for a Possible Epidemic.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services;
Janet Heinrich, Director, Public Health Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
The Committee also approved immunity for William Bulger and Francis Salemme.
STANDARD DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION ADVANCEMENT ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Antitrust held a hearing on H.R.
1086, Standard Development Organization Advancement Act of 2003. Testimony was
heard from Earl Everett, Director, Division of Safety Engineering, Department
of Labor, State of Georgia; and public witnesses.
ENERGY POLICY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour and 30 minutes of general debate with 30 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority members of each of the following Committees:
Science, Resources, and Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order only those
amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution.
The rule provides that the 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 waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Tauzin and Representatives
Wilson of New Mexico, Boehlert, Calvert, McCrery, Johnson of Connecticut, Ryan
of Wisconsin, Pombo, Porter, Shays, Capito, Ose, King of Iowa, Tom Davis of
Virginia, Miller of Florida, Dingell, Markey, Boucher, Stupak, Capps,
Schakowsky, Solis, Davis of Florida, Costello, Udall of Colorado, Wu, Rahall,
Inslee, Udall of New Mexico, Oberstar, Nadler, Blumenauer, Berkley, Maloney,
Waxman, and Hastings of Florida. on H.R. 6, Energy Policy Act of 2003. Further
action was deferred.
[Page: D381]
CONFERENCE REPORT--PROTECT ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany S. 151, Prosecutorial Remedies and
Tools Against the Exploitation of Children Today (PROTECT) Act of 2003 and
against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall
be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and
Representative Scott of Virginia.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION CONFERENCE REPORT--FY 2004 BUDGET RESOLUTION
Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a) of
rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it
is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of April 10, 2003, providing for
consideration or disposition of a conference report to accompany, H. Con. Res.
95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for
fiscal year 2004 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2003 and 2005 through 2013.
NANOTECHNOLOGY--SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Societal Implications of
Nanotechnology, focusing on H.R. 766, Nanotechnology Research and Development
Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
&qout;WILL WE HAVE AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY WITHOUT A STRONG U.S. MANUFACTURING BASE?&qout;
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Will We Have An Economic
Recovery Without a Strong U.S. Manufacturing Base?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Grant Aldonas, Under Secretary, International Trade, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 1527, National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act
of 2003; H. Con. Res. 53, amended, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds
for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 96, authorizing the
use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service;
H. Con. Res. 128, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National
Peace Officers' Memorial Service; H.R. 281, to designate the Federal building
and United States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio,
as the &qout;Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse;&qout; and H.R.
1018, to designate the building located at 1 Federal Plaza in New York, New
York, as the &qout;James L. Watson United States Court of International Trade
Building.&qout; The Committee also approved 15 GSA Lease resolutions and 2
amending resolutions.
FAA AND FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and The
Aviation Programs: General Aviation. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Regional Economic Development Authority issues relating to reauthorization of
the Economic Development Administration. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Appalachian Regional Commission: Anne B. Pope,
Federal Co-Chair; and William C. Shelton, Alternate of the State Co-Chairman;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D382]
OVERSIGHT--TROOPS TO TEACHERS PROGRAM
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an oversight
hearing on the Troops to Teachers Program. Testimony was heard from Nina Rees,
Deputy Under Secretary, Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education;
John Gantz, Director, Defense Activity, Non-Traditional Educational Support,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
EXPANDING COVERAGE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN MEDICARE
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Expanding Coverage of
Prescription Drugs in Medicare. Testimony was heard from Douglas Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public
witnesses.
2003/04/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 10, 2003; pages D386 - D396
Committee Meetings
FARM BILL IMPLEMENTATION; AGRICULTURE ASSISTANCE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing on implementation of the 2002 Farm bill and 2003
Agriculture Assistance. Testimony was heard from J.B. Penn, Under Secretary,
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, USDA.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE AND THE JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and the
Judiciary and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Science and Technology. Testimony was heard from Charles McQueary, Under
Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard.
Testimony was heard from Adm. Thomas H. Collins, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Labor. Testimony was heard
from Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies, on Passenger Rail (Panel). Testimony was heard from
Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation; David L.
Gunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amtrak; and a public witness.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on NSF. Testimony was heard from Rita R. Colwell, Director,
NSF.
IMPROVING EDUCATION RESULTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
1350, Improving Education Results for Children With Disabilities Act of 2003.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STATE REGULATION: WHY SOME CONSUMERS CAN'T GET INSURANCE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled &qout;The Effectiveness of
State Regulation: Why Some Consumers Can't Get Insurance.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Ernst Csiszar, Director, Department of Insurance, State of South
Carolina; and public witnesses.
NATION'S CAPITAL--EMERGENCY READINESS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Are We Ready for
Prime Time? Assessing the State of Emergency Readiness in the Nation's
Capital.&qout; Testimony was heard from Michael Byrne, Director, Office of National
Capital Region Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; Van Harp,
Director, Washington Field Office, FBI, Department of Justice; Teresa
Chambers, Chief, U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; Mark Warner, Governor, State of Virginia; the following officials of
the District of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor; and Charles Ramsey, Chief,
Metropolitan Police Department; Richard White, General Manager, Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; and public witnesses.
BALKANS--ASSESSING PROGRESS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
The Balkans: Assessing the Progress and Looking to the Future. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT TRANSITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;Department of Homeland Security
Transition: Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation
Security, Department of Homeland Security; Rich Stana, Director, Homeland
Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
SIKES ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1497, Sikes Act Reauthorization Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Raymond F. DuBois, Deputy Under Secretary,
Installations and Environment, Department of Defense; Benjamin N. Tuggle,
Chief, Division of Federal Program Activities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D394]
FY 2004 BUDGET RESOLUTION CONFERENCE REPORT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a rule waiving all points of
order against the conference report to accompany H. Con. Res. 95, establishing
the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004
and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005
through 2013, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the
conference report shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one
hour of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. Testimony was heard
from chairman Nussle and Representative Spratt.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION WARTIME SUPPLEMENTAL--CONFERENCE REPORT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of Friday, April 11, 2003, providing for
consideration or disposition of a conference report to accompany H.R. 1559,
making emergency wartime supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2003.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing on Transportation Research and Development: Investing in the
Future. Testimony was heard from Emil Frankel, Assistant Secretary,
Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation; Kate Siggerud, Acting
Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, GAO; Eric E. Harm, Deputy Director,
Division of Highways, Department of Transportation, State of Illinois; and
public witnesses.
VETERAN'S LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 241, Veterans Beneficiary Fairness Act of 2003; H.R.
533, Agent Orange Veterans' Disabled Children's Benefits Act of 2003; H.R.
761, Disabled Servicemembers Adapted Housing Assistance Act of 2003; H.R. 850,
Former Prisoners of War Special Compensation Act of 2003; H.R. 966, Disabled
Veterans' Return-to-Work Act of 2003; and H.R. 1048, Disabled Veterans
Adaptive Benefits Improvement Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
Representative Simpson; the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Daniel L. Cooper, Under Secretary, Benefits; and Ronald J. Henke,
Director, Compensation and Pension Service, both with the Veterans Benefits
Administration; and John H. Thompson, Deputy General Counsel; and
representatives of veterans organizations.
OVERSIGHT--MEDICAL AND PROSTHETIC RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held an oversight
hearing on medical and prosthetic research programs in the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Representative Langevin; the
following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Nelda P. Wray,
M.D., Chief Research and Development Officer, Office of Research and
Development, Veterans Health Administration; Mindy Aisen, M.D., Director,
Rehabilitation Research and Development; John G. Demakis, M.D., Director,
Health Sciences Research and Development; and Fred S. Wright, M.D., Associate
Chief of Staff, Research, VA Healthcare System, State of Connecticut; and
Kevin C. Dellsperger, M.D., Chief of Staff, Associate Dean, Veterans Affairs,
VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa; and public witnesses.
MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on VA's progress in the development of the medical education
program mandated by Section 3 of the Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency
Preparedness Act of 2002. Testimony was heard from Robert H. Roswell, Under
Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; Jerome M. Hauer, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness,
Department of Health and Human Services; Eric Tolbert, Director, Preparedness,
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Col. Maria Morgan, USAF, Deputy Adjutant General, National Guard,
State of New Jersey; and public witnesses.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND &qout;RETURNS TO WORK&qout;
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Unemployment Benefits and &qout;Returns to Work.&qout; Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
2003/04/11
Daily Digest - Friday, April 11, 2003; pages D398 - D404
Committee Meetings
PAPERWORK REDUCTION--IS THE ADMINISTRATION DOING ENOUGH?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on &qout;Mid-Term Report Card: Is
the Bush Administration Doing Enough on Paperwork Reduction?&qout; Testimony was
heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB; Robert E. Wenzel, Acting Commissioner, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; John D. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and
Health, Department of Labor; Victor S. Rezendes, Managing Director, Strategic
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
TACTICAL AIRCRAFT PROGRAMS--CONTROLLING COSTS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout;Controlling Costs in
Tactical Aircraft Programs.&qout; Testimony was heard from David M. Walker,
Comptroller General, GAO; from the following officials of the Department of
Defense; Michael W. Wynne, Principal Deputy, Under Secretary (Acquisition);
and Marvin Sambur, Assistant Secretary, Air Force (Acquisition), Department of
the Air Force; and public witnesses.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION--WARTIME SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS CONFERENCE REPORT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of Saturday, April 12, 2003, providing
for consideration or disposition of a conference report to accompany the bill
(H.R. 1559) making emergency wartime supplemental appropriations for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2003, and for other purposes.
2003/04/12
Daily Digest - Saturday, April 12, 2003; pages D406 - D408
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/04/28
Daily Digest - Monday, April 28, 2003; pages D409 - D414
Committee Meetings
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity continued hearings entitled &qout;Strengthening America's Communities
Examining the Impact of Faith-Based Housing Partnerships.&qout; Testimony was heard
from John C. Weicher, Assistant Secretary, Housing, Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
DISSIDENTS--CASTRO'S BRUTAL CRACKDOWN
Committee on International Relations: On April 16, the Committee held a
hearing on Castro's Brutal Crackdown on Dissidents. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of State: Lorne W. Craner, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; Kim R. Holmes,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs; J. Curtis
Struble, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and
Karen Harbert-Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin
America and the Caribbean AID; and public witnesses.
2003/04/29
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 29, 2003; pages D416 - D422
Committee Meetings
MISSING, EXPLOITED AND RUNAWAY YOUTH
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing entitled &qout;Missing, Exploited and Runaway Youth: Strengthening
the System.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D419]
STRENGTHENING AND REJUVENATING OUR NATION'S COMMUNITIES AND THE HOPE VI
PROGRAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;Strengthening and Rejuvenating our
Nation's Communities and the HOPE VI Program.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Michael Liu, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing, Department of
Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
PROPOSED NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held a hearing on &qout;Transforming the Defense Department: Exploring
the Merits of the Proposed National Security Personnel System.&qout; Testimony was
heard from David S.C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness,
Department of Defense; Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM; David M. Walker,
Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses.
WHY IS SBA LOSING GROUND ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held a hearing on &qout;Why is SBA Losing Ground on Financial
Management?&qout; Testimony was heard from Linda Calbom, Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, GAO; the following officials of the SBA: Thomas
Dumaresq, Chief Financial Officer; and Peter McClintock, Deputy Inspector
General; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND DEFENSE
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations hearing on &qout;Homeland Defense: Old Force
Structures for New Missions?&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary, Homeland
Defense; Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; and Lt. Gen.
Edward G. Anderson III, USA, Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command and
Aerospace Defense Command; Raymond Decker, Director, Defense Capabilities
Management Team, GAO; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing on &qout;Federal
Grants Management: A Process Report on Streamlining and Simplifying the
Federal Grants Process.&qout; Testimony was heard from Linda M. Springer,
Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, OMB; Ed Sontag, Assistant
Secretary, Administration and Management, Department of Health and Human
Services; Paul Posner, Managing Director, Federal Budget and Intergovernmental
Relations, GAO; and public witnesses.
NATO AND ENLARGEMENT
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
NATO and Enlargement: Progress Since Prague. Testimony was heard from Robert
A. Bradtke, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian
Affairs, Department of State; and Ian J. Brzezinski, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, European and NATO Policy, Department of Defense.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 21, Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act;
and H.R. 1223, Internet Gambling Licensing and Regulation Commission Act.
Testimony was heard from Representative Leach; John G. Malcolm, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and
public witnesses.
PRISON RAPE REDUCTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R. 1707,
Prison Rape Reduction Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Tracy Henke,
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs,
Department of Justice; Ashbel T. Wall II, Director, Department of Corrections,
State of Rhode Island; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--GROWING PROBLEM OF INVASIVE SPECIES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands
held a joint oversight hearing on the Growing Problem of Invasive Species.
Testimony was heard from James Tate, Jr., Science Advisor to the Secretary,
Department of the Interior; Chuck Lambert, Deputy Under Secretary, Marketing
and Regulatory Programs, USDA; Stephen Brandt, Director, Great Lakes
Environmental Research Lab, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Edwin Theriot,
Mississippi Valley Division, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D420]
IMPROVING EDUCATION RESULTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 1350,
Improving Education Results for Children with Disabilities Act of 2003,
providing one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the
bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the
bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and
shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule
provides that the amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in
the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
McKeon, Castle, DeMint, Musgrave, Nethercutt, Bass, Simmons, Kirk, Bradley of
New Hampshire, George Miller of California, Woolsey, Davis of California, Van
Hollen, Millender-McDonald, Larson of Connecticut.
2003/04/30
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 30, 2003; pages D424 - D432
Committee Meetings
ADMINISTRATION'S HEALTHY FORESTS INITIATIVE
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing on the Administration's Healthy
Forests Initiative. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and the Environment; Dale
Bosworth, Chief and Peter J. Roussopoulos, Director, Southern Research
Station, Asheville, North Carolina, both with the U.S. Forest Service; and
public witnesses.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on U.S. Special Operations Command. Testimony was heard from
Gen. Charles R. Holland, USAF, Combatant Commander, U.S. Special Operations,
Department of Defense.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on D.C. Courts. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the District of Columbia: Rufus G. King III, Chief Judge, Superior Court; and
Lee F. Satterfield, Presiding Judge, Family Court, both with the Superior
Court of the District of Columbia; Annice M. Wagner, Chairperson, Joint
Committee on Judicial Administration and Chief Judge, Court of Appeals; and
Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr., Director, Public Defender Service.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on Secretary of the Treasury.
Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
[Page: D429]
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. Testimony was heard from
Michael Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Employment Assistance and
Training Activities Panel. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Labor: Emily DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and
Training Administration; Frederico Juarbe, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Veterans
Employment Training; and Kathleen Utgoff, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Executive Office of the President.
Testimony was heard from Tim Campen, Director, Executive Office of the
President.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures: H.
Con. Res. 108, amended, encouraging corporations to contribute to faith-based
organizations; H. Con. Res. 110, recognizing the sequencing of the human
genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past
one hundred years and expressing support for the goals and ideals of Human
Genome Month and DNA Day; H. Con. Res. 147, commemorating the 20th Anniversary
of the Orphan Drug Act and the National Organization for Rare Disorders; H.
Res. 201, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that our
Nation's businesses and business owners should be commended for their support
of our troops and their families as they serve our country in many ways,
especially in these days of increased engagement of our military in strategic
locations around our Nation and around the world; and H.R. 1320, amended,
Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN AMERICA TODAY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;Travel and Tourism in America Today.&qout;
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
U.S. MONETARY AND ECONOMIC POLICY
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on United States monetary and
economic policy. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.
SERVICES ACQUISITION REFORM
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;Better Training, Efficiency
and Accountability: Services Acquisition Reform for the 21st Century.&qout;
Testimony was heard from William Woods, Director, Contracting Issues, GAO;
Stephen Perry, Administrator, GSA; Angela B. Styles, Administrator, Office of
Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; and public witnesses.
HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES REPORTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on a Review of the State
Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Testimony was heard from
Lorne W. Craner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses.
HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003.
U.S. LEADERSHIP AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA ACT
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1298, United States Leadership
Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003. The rule provides
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee
on International Relations now printed in the bill shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments
printed in the report shall be considered only in the order printed in the
report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Hyde and Representatives Smith of New Jersey, Smith of
Michigan, Pitts, Lantos, Crowley and Millender-McDonald.
[Page: D430]
U.S. FLAG DREDGES--INTERPRETATIONS OF EXISTING OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a joint hearing on Interpretations of Existing Ownership
Requirements for U.S. Flag Dredges. Testimony was heard from Barry W.
Holliday, Chief, Navigation and Operations Branch, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Department of the Army; Larry Burton, Director, International Trade
Compliance Division, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CURRENT AMTRAK ISSUES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on Current Amtrak Issues. Testimony was heard from Alan
Rutter, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; Jayetta Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO; David
L. Gunn, President and CEO, AMTRAK; and public witnesses.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1460, Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003; H.R. 1712,
Veterans Federal Procurement Opportunity Act of 2003; and H.R. 1716, Veterans
Earn and Learn Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Renzi; Leo S.
Mackay, Jr., Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; Angela B.
Styles, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
CHALLENGES FACING PENSION PLAN FUNDING
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Challenges Facing Pension Plan Funding. Testimony was heard from
Peter Fisher, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury;
Steven A. Kandarian, Executive Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation;
and public witnesses.
2003/05/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 1, 2003; pages D433- D444
Committee Meetings
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Missile Defense. Testimony was heard from Lt. Gen. Ronald
Kadish, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Testimony was heard from Connie
Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of the
Treasury.
[Page: D438]
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Worker Protection Agencies
Panel. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Labor: John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health;
Dave D. Lauriski, Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health Administration;
Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration;
Victoria A. Lipnic, Assistant Secretary, Employment Standards Administration;
and Jorge Perez-Lopez, Director, Office of International Economic Affairs,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
DEFENSE TRANSFORMATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Defense Transformation for
the 21st Century Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Paul D. Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary; Gen. Richard B.
Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; E.C. &qout;Pete&qout; Aldridge, Under
Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and David S.C. Chu, Under
Secretary, (Personnel and Readiness); David M. Walker, Comptroller General,
GAO; and a public witness.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY--REVIEW UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA'S CONTRACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Review of the University of California's Contract for
Los Alamos National Laboratory.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Energy: Kyle E. McSlarrow, Deputy Secretary;
Ambassador Linton F. Brooks, Under Secretary, Nuclear Security and Acting
Administrator, Nuclear Security, National Nuclear Security Administration; and
Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; and Richard C. Atkinson, President,
University of California.
BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.J. Res. 22, proposing a balanced budget amendment to the
Constitution of the United States.
YOUTH SMOKING PREVENTION AND STATE REVENUE ENFORCEMENT ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 1839, Youth Smoking Prevention
and State Revenue Enforcement Act. Testimony was heard from Paul L. Jones,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and public witnesses.
SIKES ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1497, Sikes Act
Reauthorization Act of 2003.
NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT; GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH AND DATA
MANAGEMENT ACT
Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 766, Nanotechnology
Research and Development Act of 2003.
A motion to report H.R. 1578, Global Change Research and Data Management Act
of 2003, was defeated.
REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT--IRS COMPLIANCE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;IRS Compliance with the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.&qout; Testimony was heard from Pamela F. Olson,
Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; John Graham,
Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Thomas
Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.
COORDINATING HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Education
and the Workforce held a joint hearing on Coordinating Human Services
Transportation. Testimony was heard from Jennifer L. Dorn, Administrator,
Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; William F. Raub,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and
Human Services; David Dye, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and
Training, Department of Labor; Loretta Petty, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education; Kate Siggerud, Acting Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
GAO; Joann Hutchinson, Director, Commission for the Transportation
Disadvantaged, Department of Transportation, State of Florida; and public
witnesses.
MEDICARE COST-SHARING AND MEDIGAP
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Cost-Sharing and Medigap. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth,
Chairman, Medicare Payments Advisory Commission; and public witnesses.
[Page: D439]
SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS AFFECTING PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Social Security Provisions Affecting Public Employees. Testimony was heard
from Robert M. Wilson, Deputy Commissioner, Legislation and Congressional
Affairs, SSA; Barbara Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income
Security, GAO; and public witnesses.
2003/05/05
Daily Digest - Monday, May 5, 2003; pages D445 - D448
Committee Meetings
DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Armed Services: On May 2, the Committee continued hearings on the
Defense Transformation for the 21st Century Act Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; and Adm.Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of
Naval Operations; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Homeland Security:
Improving Public Health Surveillance. Testimony was heard from David W.
Fleming, M.D., Deputy Director, Public Health Science, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; David
Tornberg, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Clinical and Program Policy,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
2003/05/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 6, 2003; pages D449 - D482
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Transportation. Testimony
was heard from Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on &qout;Protecting Children: The use of Medication in our Nation's
Schools.&qout; Testimony was heard from Katherine Bryson, member, House of
Representatives, State of Utah; and public witnesses.
STATE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS--INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Increasing the Effectiveness of State Consumer
Protections.&qout; Testimony was heard from Richard J. Hillman, Director, Financial
Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses.
CIVIL SERVICE AND NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on H.R. 1836, Civil Service and
National Security Personnel Improvement Act. Testimony was heard from
Representative Hoyer; Paul Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense;
Kay Coles James, Director, OPM; Sean O'Keefe, Administrator, NASA; William
Donaldson, Chairman, SEC; and public witnesses.
CAN FACTUAL DATA ANALYSIS STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
&qout;Can Factual Data Analysis Strengthen National Security,&qout; Part 1. Testimony
was heard from Steve McCraw, Assistant Director, Office of Intelligence, FBI,
Department of Justice; Adm. James M. Loy, USCG, (Ret.), Director,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; and
Anthony Tether, Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,
Department of Defense.
COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION
Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H. Res. 148,
providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of
Representatives in the One Hundred Eighth Congress.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on Reauthorization of the U.S. Department
of Justice: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; FBI and DEA. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Richard
J. Hankinson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives; Pasquale J. D'Amuro, Executive Assistant Director,
Counterterrorism/Counterintelligence, FBI; and Rogelio E. Guevara, Chief of
Operagions, DEA.
[Page: D453]
UNLAWFUL INTERNET GAMBLING FUNDING PROHIBITION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 21, Unlawful Internet
Gambling Prohibition Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1685, to amend the
Immigration and Nationality Act relating to posthumous citizenship through
death while on active-duty service during periods of military hostilities to
eliminate the prohibition or immigration benefits for surviving family members
and to provide such benefits for spouses and children; H.R. 1714, Armed Forces
Citizenship Act of 2003; H.R. 1799, Fallen Heroes Immigrant Spouse Fairness
Act of 2003; H.R. 1275, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to change
the requirements for naturalization to citizenship through service in the
Armed Forces of the United States; and H.R. 1814, Nationalization and Family
Protection for Military Members Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hastings of Washington, Frost, Jones of North Carolina, Solis,
Issa and Gutierrez.
NATIONAL SECURITY READINESS ACT
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 1835, National Security
Readiness Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Brig. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, Jr., USA, Commander General
at National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, California, Department of the Army;
Rear Adm. Robert T. Moeller, USN, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and
Policy, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Maj. Gen. William G. Bowdon, III, USMC,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, U.S. Marine
Corps, both with the Department of the Navy; Col. Frank C. DiGiovanni, USAF,
Chief, Ranges, Airfields and Airspace, Operation and Requirements Division,
Air Combat Command, Department of the Air Force; Rear Adm. Jeff Hathaway,
USCG, Director, Operations, Plans and Policy, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Hawaii, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; Craig Manson, Assistant
Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; William
Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.
NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 766, Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute
rule. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Science now printed in the bill as an original
bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the bill shall be
considered 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. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehlert and
Representative Hall.
SBIR, FAST AND MEP PROGRAMS--PRESENT AND FUTURE STATUS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing on the Current and Future Status of the
SBIR, FAST and MEP Programs. Testimony was heard from Darryl Hairston, Deputy
Associate Deputy Administrator, Government Contracting and Business
Development, SBA; Mike Nichols, SBIR, FAST and MOCFAST Director, State of
Missouri; and public witnesses.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS; VETERANS' HOMELESS-ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS STATUS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R 1562, Veterans Health Care Cost
Recovery Act of 2003; H.R. 1715, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
enhance the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recover from
third parties costs of medical care furnished to veterans and other persons by
the Department; H.R. 1832, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs
outpatient clinic located in New London, Connecticut, as the &qout;John P. McGuirk
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic&qout;; H.R. 1908, to name the
health care facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs at 820 South Damen
Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the &qout;Jesse Brown Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center&qout;; and H.R. 1911, to amend title 38, United States Code,
to enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
[Page: D454]
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the status of homeless-assistance
programs for veterans conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
including its coordination with community based providers and other agencies.
Testimony was heard from Leo S. Mackay, Jr., Deputy Secretary, Department of
Veterans Affairs; Ned Cooney, Director, Mental Health Programs, VA Health Care
System, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses.
JOBS AND GROWTH TAX ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2, Jobs and
Growth Reconciliation Tax Act of 2003.
2003/05/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 7, 2003; pages D484 - D492
Committee Meetings
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on Global Health Issues.
Testimony was heard from Tommy Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human
Services; David Gootnick, M.D., Director, International Affairs and Trade,
GAO; Richard Feacham, M.D., Executive Director, Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. Testimony was heard from Robert C.
Bonner, Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Treasury, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on IRS Fiscal Year 2004 Compliance Proposals.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the
Treasury: Mark Everson, Commissioner; and Nancy Killefer, Oversight Board
Chair; Mike Brostek, Director, Tax Issues, GAO; and Bob Greenstein, Executive
Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces approved for
full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1588, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces approved for
full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1588, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1588, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2004.
RUNAWAY, HOMELESS, AND MISSING CHILDREN PROTECTION ACT--
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1925, Runaway, Homeless,
and Missing Children Protection Act.
SARS: ASSESSMENT, OUTLOOK, AND LESSONS LEARNED
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;SARS: Assessment, Outlook, and Lessons Learned.&qout;
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: Jerome M. Hauer, Acting Assistant Secretary, Public Health
Emergency Preparedness; Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Murray Lumpkin, M.D.,
Principal Associate Commissioner, FDA; Jan Heinrich, Director, Health Care and
Public Health Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. Prior to the hearing, the
Subcommittee received a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee received
information from David L. Heymann, M.D., Executive Director, Communicable
Diseases, World Health Organization.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 23, Tornado Shelters Act; H.R. 1276, American Dream Downpayment
Act; and H.R. 1614, HOPE VI Program Reauthorization and Small Community Main
Street Rejuvenation and Housing Act of 2003.
CIVIL SERVICE AND NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL IMPROVEMENT ACT; SERVICES
ACQUISITION REFORM ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 1836, Civil Service and National Security Personnel Improvement
Act; and H.R. 1837, Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003.
[Page: D489]
U.N. SHOULD REMOVE ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAQ; FOREIGN RELATIONS
AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measure be considered
on the Suspension Calendar: H. Con. Res. 160, expressing the sense of Congress
that the United Nations should remove the economic sanctions against Iraq
completely and without condition. The Committee also began markup of H.R.
1950, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005. Will
continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
1086, Standards Development Organization Advancement Act of 2003; H.R. 1437,
to improve the United States Code; H.R. 1529, Involuntary Bankruptcy
Improvement Act of 2003; S. 330, Veterans Memorial Preservation and
Recognition Act of 2003; H.R. 982, to clarify the tax treatment of bonds and
other obligations issued by the Government of American Samoa; H. Res. 180,
supporting the goals and ideals of &qout;National Correctional Officers and
Employees Week&qout; and honoring the service of correctional officers and
employees; S.J. Res. 8, expressing the sense of Congress with respect to
raising awareness and encouraging prevention of sexual assault in the United
States and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault
Awareness and Prevention Month; and H.R. 1954, amended, Armed Forces
Naturalization Act of 2003. The Committee also approved Rules for
consideration of Private Claims and Private Immigration bills.
FLAG PROTECTION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.J. Res. 4, 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. Prior to this action, the
Subcommittee held a hearing on H.J. Res. 4. Testimony was heard from Lt.
Antonio J. Scannella, Police Department, Port Authority of New York; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1497,
amended, Sikes Act Reauthorization Act of 2003; H.R. 1835, amended, National
Security Readiness Act of 2003; and H.R. 1189, to increase the waiver
requirement for certain local matching requirements for grants provided to
American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands.
WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 1261, Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act
of 2003. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the
bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and
shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule
provides that the amendments printed in the report may be considered only in
the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
George Miller of California, Kildee, Tierney, Holt, Van Hollen, Ryan of Ohio,
Kaptur, Faleomavaega, DeLauro, Edwards, Hastings of Florida,
Millender-McDonald and Hooley of Oregon.
ARE BIG BUSINESSES BEING AWARDED CONTRACTS INTENDED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Are Big Businesses Being
Awarded Contracts Intended for Small Businesses?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Angela Styles, Administrator, Office of Procurement Policy, OMB; Fred C.
Armendariz, Associate Deputy Administrator, SBA; Felipe Mendoza, Associate
Administrator, GSA; David E. Cooper, Contracting Issues Director, GAO; and
public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT NEEDS
[Page: D490]
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Highway and Transit Needs:
The State and Local Perspective. Testimony was heard from the following
Governors: Paul E. Patton, Kentucky; Edward G. Rendell, Pennsylvania; and
Jennifer M. Granholm, Michigan; the following Mayors, Victor Ashe, Knoxville,
Tennessee; William Brooks, Belle Isle, Florida; Beverly O'Neill, Long Beach,
California; Greg Nickells, Seattle, Washington; and Elizabeth G. Flores,
Laredo, Texas; and Bill Hansell, Commissioner, Umatilla County, Oregon.
TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WATER COMMISSION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 135, Twenty-First Century
Water Commission Act of 2003 Testimony was heard from Representative Linder;
Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, USA, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Department of the Army; Kathryn J. Jackson, Executive Vice
President, TVA; and public witnesses.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 241, Veterans Beneficiary Fairness
Act of 2003; H.R. 761, Disabled Servicemembers Adapted Housing Assistance Act
of 2003; H.R. 1257, Selected Reserve Home Loan Equity Act; H.R. 1460, amended,
Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003; H.R. 1683, Veterans Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003; and H.R. 1949, Vendee Loan Restoration
Act.
VA'S PROGRESS ON THIRD PARTY COLLECTIONS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on VA's Progress on Third Party Collections. Testimony was
heard from Leo S. Mackay, Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs;
Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO;
representative of a veterans organization; and public witnesses.-
2003/05/08
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 8, 2003; pages D494 - D502
Committee Meetings
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ANNIVERSARY; HEALTHY FOREST RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J. Res.
49, recognizing the important service to the Nation provided by the Foreign
Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture on the occasion of its
50th anniversary; and H.R. 1904, Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Management and Cost Oversight of
Federal Highway Funding. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Transportation: Mary Peters, Administrator, Federal Highway
Administrator; and Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; and Tom Stephens,
Director, Department of Transportation, State of Nevada. The Subcommittee
also held a hearing on the Secretary of the Treasury. Testimony was heard from
John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury.
TRADE IN SERVICES AND E-COMMERCE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;Trade in Services and E-Commerce: The
Significance of the Singapore and Chile Free Trade Agreements.&qout; Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Office of the United States Trade
Representative: Ralph F. Ives III, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative,
Asia-Pacific and APEC Affairs; and Regina K. Vargo, Assistant U.S. Trade
Representative for the Americas; Michelle O'Neill, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Information Technology Industries, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL CREDIT REPORTING SYSTEM IMPORTANCE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;The Importance of the National Credit
Reporting System to Consumers and the U.S. Economy.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Wayne Abernathy, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of
the Treasury; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT--INFORMATION SHARING BARRIERS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Out of Many, One:
Assessing Barriers to Information Sharing in the Department of Homeland
Security.&qout; Testimony was heard from Steve Cooper, Chief Information Officer,
Department of Homeland Security; Mark Forman, Associate Director, Information,
Technology and E-Government, OMB; the following officials of the GAO: Robert
Dacey, Director, Information Technology Team; and Randolph C. Hite, Director,
Architecture and Systems Issues, Information Technology; and public witnesses.
DENTISTRY--FULL DISCLOSURE IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing on &qout;Consumer Choice and Implementing Full Disclosure in Dentistry.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Representative Michaud; and public witnesses.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1950,
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005.
[Page: D500]
U.S. COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION AND NONPROLIFERATION PROGRAMS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and the
Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
held a joint hearing on U.S. Cooperative Threat Reduction and Nonproliferation
Programs, Part I. Testimony was heard from John S. Wolf, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Nonproliferation, Department of State; Ken Baker, Principal Deputy
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy;
and Lisa Bronson, Deputy Under Secretary, Technology, Security, Policy and
Counterproliferation, Department of Defense.
Hearings continue May 14.
OVERSIGHT--DIRECT BROADCASTING SATELLITE SERVICE
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on &qout;Direct Broadcasting
Satellite Service in the Multichannel Video Distribution Market.&qout; Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--WAR ON TERRORISM--IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SINCE 9/11
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held an oversight hearing on War on Terrorism: Immigration Enforcement
Since September 11, 2001. Testimony was heard from Kevin Rooney, Director,
Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice; the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Michael Dougherty, Staff
Director, Operations, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Jay
Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, Bureau of Customs
and Border Protection; and a public witness.
JOBS AND GROWTH RECONCILIATION TAX ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule providing one
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2, Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Tax Act
of 2003, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that the
amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the
bill shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order
against the bill, as amended, and against its consideration. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Thomas and Representatives Smith of Michigan, Rangel,
McDermott, Kanjorski, Cooper of Tennessee, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Loretta
Sanchez of California, Berry, Wu, Weiner, Ross, Emanuel, and Marshall,
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE REDUCTION PROGRAM
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on the National
Earthquake Reduction Program: Past, Present, and Future. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
NASA'S INTEGRATED SPACE TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND ORBITAL SPACE PLAN PROGRAM
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan and Orbital Space Plan Program.
Testimony was heard from Frederick D. Gregory, Deputy Administrator, NASA; and
public witnesses.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES FACING UNINSURED
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports held a
hearing on Overcoming Obstacles Facing the Uninsured: How the Use of Medical
Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts and Tax Credits Can Help.
Testimony was heard from Representative Manzullo; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER PROGRAM STATUS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on the Status of the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. Testimony
was heard from Stephen McHale, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER PROGRAM--ALLOW CARGO PILOTS PARTICIPATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 765, to amend title 49,
United States Code, to allow cargo pilots to participate in the Federal flight
deck officer program.
EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE MISMANAGEMENT IN PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY VETERANS
DEPARTMENT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on past and present efforts to
identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in programs
administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from
Richard J. Griffin, Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Cynthia A. Bascetta, Director, Healthcare--Veterans' Health and Benefits
Issues, GAO.
2003/05/09
Daily Digest - Friday, May 9, 2003; pages D503 - D503 - D508
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1588, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2004.
[Page: D505]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
approved for full Committee action H.R. 1588, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 1588, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
NATION'S CAPITAL--EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;In Search of
Educational Excellence in the Nation's Capital: A Review of Academic Options
for Students and Parents in the District of Columbia.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Representatives Flake and Cummings; Eugene Hickok, Under Secretary,
Department of Education; the following officials of the District of Columbia:
Anthony Williams, Mayor; Linda Cropp, Chairman, Council; Kevin Chavous, Chair,
Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, Council; Peggy Cooper
Cafritz, President, Board of Education; and Josephine Baker, Executive
Director, Public Charter School Board; and public witnesses.
2003/05/12
Daily Digest - Monday, May 12, 2003; pages D510 - D512
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/05/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 13, 2003; pages D514 - D520
Committee Meetings
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from Members of Congress; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Began markup of H.R. 1588, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
Will continue tomorrow.
STATE OF AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on &qout;The State of
American Higher Education: What are Parents, Students and Taxpayers Getting
for their Money?&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM STATE
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the state of the
international financial system, IMF reform, and compliance with IMF
agreements. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury.
TAX DOLLARS--HOW MUCH IS LOST TO IMPROPER PAYMENTS EACH YEAR?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing on &qout;Show Me the Tax
Dollars--How Much is Lost to Improper Payments Each Year?&qout; Testimony was heard
from Linda M. Springer, Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management,
OMB; McCoy Williams, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO; and
Kerry N. Weems, Acting Assistant Secretary, Budget, Technology, and Finance,
Department of Health and Human Services.
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING MILITARY OPERATIONS: OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout;Humanitarian Assistance
Following Military Operations: Overcoming Barriers,&qout; Testimony was heard from
Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, USA, (Ret.), Director, Office of Reconstruction and
Humanitarian Assistance, Department of Defense; the following officials of the
Department of State: Richard Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant, Bureau of
Population, Refugee and Migration; and William J. Garvelink, Senior Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian
Assistance, AID; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--2010 CENSUS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled &qout;The American Community Survey: The Challenges of Eliminating the
Long Form From the 2010 Census.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Commerce: Kathleen Cooper, Under Secretary,
Economic Affairs; and C. Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census;
Joseph Salvo, Director, Population Division, Department of City Planning, New
York City; and public witnesses.
[Page: D518]
REVIEWING SUDAN PEACE ACT REPORT
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Reviewing the Sudan Peace Act Report. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Roger Winter, Assistant Administrator,
Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, AID; and Walter
H. Kansteiner III, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs.
&qout;JOHN ALLEN MUHAMMAD, DOCUMENT FRAUD, AND THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE PASSPORT
EXCEPTION&qout;
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;John Allen Muhammad, Document Fraud, and
the Western Hemisphere Passport Exception.&qout; Testimony was heard from Robert J.
Cramer, Managing Director, Office of Special Investigations, GAO; Roderick
Beverly, Special Agent in Charge, Office of International Operations, FBI,
Department of Justice; Sharon Palmer-Royston, Chief Legal Officer for Passport
Service, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and John E. Fuller,
Head of Antiguan Task Force investigating Muhammad's activities.
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing l hour of
general debate on H.R. 1527, National Transportation Safety Board
Reauthorization Act of 2003. The rule provides that the bill shall be
considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. The rule provides that
the bill shall be considered for amendment by section, and 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. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative Mica.
PENSION SECURITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule on H.R.
1000, Pension Security Act of 2003, providing 1 hour and 20 minutes of debate
in the House, with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
and 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that the
amendment recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now
printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points
of order against the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order the amendment
printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution,
if offered by Representative George Miller of California or his designee,
which shall be considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for one
hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule
waives all points of order against the amendment printed in the report.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
George Miller of California, Andrews, Kucinich, Visclosky and Sanders.
USE OF PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENCIES TO IMPROVE IRS DEBT COLLECTION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
Use of Private Collection Agencies to Improve IRS Debt Collection. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark
W. Everson, Commissioner, and Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both
with the IRS; and Pam Gardiner, Acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration; Alan Felton, Assistant Secretary, Examinations and
Collections, Department of Revenue, State of North Carolina; and public
witnesses.
2003/05/14
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 14, 2003; pages D522 - D530
Committee Meetings
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on District of Columbia held a
hearing on District of Columbia Public Schools. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the District of Columbia: Peggy Cooper Cafritz,
President, Board of Education; Paul Vance, Superintendent, Public Schools; and
Thomas P. Loughlin, Chair, Public Charter School Board.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Agencies held a hearing on International Education.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1588, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
UN'S OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;United Nations Oil For Food Program.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
CHECK CLEARING THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1474,
Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act.
DIVESTING SADDAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Divesting Saddam: Freezing, Seizing, and Repatriating
Saddam's Money to the Iraqis.&qout; Testimony was heard from David Afhauser,
General Counsel, Department of the Treasury; E. Anthony Wayne, Assistant
Secretary, Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State; and Lawrence
Lanzilotta, Principal Deputy and Deputy Under Secretary, Management Reform,
Department of Defense.
U.S. COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION AND NONPROLIFERATION PROGRAMS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and the
Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
concluded joint hearings on U.S. Cooperative Threat Reduction and
Nonproliferation Programs: How Far Have We Come--Where Are We Heading? Part
11. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D528]
UNLAWFUL INTERNET GAMBLING FUNDING PROHIBITION ACT; HEALTHY FORESTS
RESTORATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 21,
amended, Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act; and H.R. 1904,
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on &qout;Reauthorization of the U.S. Department
of Justice: Bureau of Prisons; Office of Justice Programs; U.S. Marshals
Service; and Criminal Division.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Justice: Deborah Daniels, Assistant Attorney
General, Office of Justice Programs; Harley G. Lappin, Director, Federal
Bureau of Prisons; Benigno G. Reyna, Director, United States Marshals Service;
and Julie L. Myers, Chief of Staff, Criminal Division.
CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Cybersecurity Research and
Development. Testimony was heard from Charles E. McQueary, Under Secretary,
Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; Rita R. Colwell,
Director, NSF; Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, National Institute of Standards
and Technology, Department of Commerce; and Anthony Tether, Director, Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of Defense.
WTO'S CHALLENGE TO FSC/ETI RULES--EFFECT ON U.S. SMALL BUSINESS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Effect on U.S. Small
Business of the World Trade Organization's Challenge to the FSC/ETI Rules of
the IRC. Testimony was heard from Representatives Crane and Rangel; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following: a measure to
reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration; and the Aviation
Security Technical Corrections and Improvement Act.
GENERAL DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on General Defense Intelligence Program (GDIP) Budget. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/05/15
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 15, 2003; pages D532 - D544
Committee Meetings
RUNAWAY, HOMELESS AND MISSING CHILDREN PROTECTION ACT; CHILD MEDICATION SAFETY
ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 1925, Runaway, Homeless and Missing Children Protection
Act; and H.R. 1179, Child Medication Safety Act of 2003.
PROJECT BIOSHIELD ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported H.R. 2122, Project
Bioshield Act of 2003.
RETIREMENT SECURITY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;Retirement
Security: What Seniors Need to Know about Protecting Their Futures.&qout; Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
OVEREXPOSED: THE THREATS TO PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON FILE SHARING NETWORKS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Overexposed: The
Threats to Privacy and Security on File Sharing Networks&qout; Testimony was heard
from James E. Farnan, Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Division, FBI,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2086,
Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2003.
U.S. POLICY TOWARD IRAQ
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward
Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
State: Alan P. Larson, Under Secretary, Bureau of Economic, Business, and
Agricultural Affairs; and Wendy J. Chamberlin, Assistant Administrator, Bureau
for Asia and the Near East, AID; and the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Douglas J. Feith, Under Secretary, Policy; and Lt. Gen. Norton A.
Schwartz, USAF, Director, Operations, The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 1115, Class Action Fairness
Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Viet Dinh, Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; Lawrence H. Mirel,
Commissioner, Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation, District of
Columbia; and public witnesses.
SPORTS AGENT RESPONSIBILITY AND TRUST ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 361, Sports Agent
Responsibility and Trust Act. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on H.R. 361. Testimony was heard from Representatives Gordon and
Osborne; and public witnesses.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing on the &qout;Reauthorization of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights
Division.&qout; Testimony was heard from Ralph F. Boyd Jr., Assistant Attorney
General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice.
OVERSIGHT--CALFED'S CROSS-CUT BUDGET
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee Water and Power held an oversight hearing
on CALFED's Cross-Cut Budget. Testimony was heard from Jason Peltier, Special
Assistant, Assistant Secretary, Water and Sciences, Department of the
Interior; and Patrick Wright, Director, California Bay-Delta Authority.
HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Chairmen Goodlatte and Pombo;
Representatives Walden of Oregon, Inslee, Udall of Colorado, George Miller of
California and Matheson, but action was deferred on H.R. 1904, Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003.
SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY--COST OF REGULATIONS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Federal Agency Treatment of Small Business. Testimony
D541was heard from Michael Barrera, National Ombudsman, SBA; and Nina Olson,
National Taxpayer Advocate, IRS, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D541]
SMALL BUSINESSES--IMPACT OF HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACT
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Agriculture and
Technology held a hearing on the Impact of the Highway Beautification Act on
small businesses across America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSED REAUTHORIZATION (SAFETEA)
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on overview of
Administration's Proposed Reauthorization bill (SAFETEA). Testimony was heard
from Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation.
VETERANS LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
1460, amended, Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003; H.R. 1562, amended,
Veterans Health Care Cost Recovery Act of 2003; H.R. 1683, Veterans'
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003; H.R. 1257, Selected
Reserve Home Loan Equity Act; H.R. 1911, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the
Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense; and H.R. 1715,
to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the authority of the
Department of Veterans Affairs to recover from third parties costs of medical
care furnished to veterans and other persons by the Department.
SENSITIVE PROGRAMS BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on
Sensitive Programs Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
BIOSHIELD: COUNTERING THE BIOSHIELD THREAT
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Bioshield:
Countering the Bioterrorist Threat.&qout; Testimony was heard from Anthony S,
Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
2003/05/19
Daily Digest - Monday, May 19, 2003; pages D545 - D550
Committee Meetings
USPS FACILITIES--STAMPING OUT ANTHRAX
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Stamping Out Anthrax in
USPS Facilities: Technologies and Protocols for Bioagent Detection. Testimony
was heard from Keith A. Rhodes, Chief Technologist, GAO; Col. Erik A. Henchal,
USA, Commander, Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Department
of the Army; Thomas G. Day, Vice President, Engineering, U.S. Postal Service;
Capt. Kenneth Martinez, Engineer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Department of Health and Human Services; R. Davis Layne, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor;
and James L. Hadler, M.D., State Epidemiologist, Department of Health, State
of Connecticut; and public witnesses.
DC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY--REVIEW REFORM EFFORTS
Committee on Government Reform: On May 16, the Committee held a hearing on
&qout;Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Residents: A Review of Reform Efforts at the
District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Cornelia Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO;
Olivia A. Golden, Director, Child and Family Services Agency, District of
Columbia; and public witnesses.
HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 1904, Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003, with 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, 20 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Resources, and 10 minutes 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. The rule
provides that the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee
on Rules accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted. The rule
makes in order the amendment printed in part B of the report, if offered by
Representative George Miller of California or his designee, which shall be
considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment printed in part B of the report.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions.
PERSPECTIVES ON HOUSE REFORM: LESSONS FROM THE PAST
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Rules held an oversight
hearing entitled &qout;Perspectives on House Reform: Lessons from the Past.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Charles W. Johnson III, Parliamentarian, House of
Representatives; and public witnesses.
2003/05/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 20, 2003; pages D551 - D559
Committee Meetings
DAIRY INDUSTRY--REVIEW CURRENT STATE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review the current state of the
Dairy industry. Testimony was heard from Keith Collins, Chief Economist, USDA;
and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on
GPO. Testimony was heard from the following officials of GPO: Bruce R. James,
Public Printer; William H. Turri, Deputy Public Printer; Frank A. Partlow,
Jr., Chief of Staff; and Judith C. Russell, Superintendent of Documents. The
Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Capitol Police. Testimony was heard
from the following members of the Capitol Police Board: William H. Pickle,
Chairman, and Sergeant at Arms, U.S. Senate; Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at
Arms, U.S. House of Representatives; Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the
Capitol; and Terrance W. Gainer, Chief, Capitol Police and Ex-Officio member
of the Board.
AMERICA'S TEACHER COLLEGES
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;America's Teacher Colleges: Are They Making
the Grade?&qout; Testimony was heard from Joyce R. Coppin, Chief Executive,
Division of Human Resources, Department of Education, New York City; and
public witnesses.
HYDROGEN ENERGY ECONOMY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;The Hydrogen Energy Economy.&qout; Testimony was heard from
David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy, Efficiency, and Renewable Energy,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2143, Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act; H.R. 1474, amended, Check
Clearing for the 21st Century; H.R. 1375, amended, Financial Services
Regulatory Relief Act of 2003.
CAN FACTUAL DATA ANALYSIS STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census continued hearings entitled
&qout;Can the Use of Factual Data Analysis Strengthen National Security?--Part
Two.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ANTI-TERRORISM INVESTIGATIONS AND THE FOURTH AMENDMENT AFTER
SEPTEMBER 11
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing on &qout;Anti-Terrorism Investigations and the Fourth Amendment After
September 11: Where and When Can the Government Go to Prevent Terrorist
Attacks?&qout; Testimony was heard from Viet D. Dinh, Assistant Attorney General,
Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
COPYRIGHT ROYALTY AND DISTRIBUTION REFORM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
1417, Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act of 2003.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 1588,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, providing two hours
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 provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed
Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Armed Services. The rule makes in order only
those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule provides that
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 debatable for
the time specified in the report, except as specified in section 2 of the
resolution, 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), shall be considered as read, and shall not be subject to a demand
for division of the question. The rule waives all points of order against
amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution.
The rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize for
the consideration of any amendment printed in the report out of the order
printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Committee on
Armed Services or a designee announces from the floor a request to that
effect. The rule provides that during consideration of the bill under this
resolution or by a subsequent order of the House that after a motion that the
Committee rise or after a motion to strike out the enacting words of the bill
(as described in clause 9 of rule XVIII) has been rejected on a legislative
day, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may entertain another such
motion on that day only if offered by the chairman of the Committee on Armed
Services or the Majority Leader. Finally, the rule provides that, after
disposition of the amendments printed in the report, the Committee of the
Whole shall rise without motion and no further consideration of the bill shall
be in order except by a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard
from Chairman Hunter and Representatives Weldon of Pennsylvania, Hefley,
Hostettler, Bishop of Utah, Rogers of Michigan, Petri, Hobson, Gilchrest,
Manzullo, Pickering, Vitter, Kirk, Porter, Skelton, Spratt, Taylor of
Mississippi, Loretta Sanchez of California, Tauscher, Davis of California,
Cooper of Tennessee, Bordallo, Ryan of Ohio, Dingell, Markey, Rahall, Frost,
Lantos, Nadler, Waters, Farr, Maloney, Woolsey, Jackson Lee of Texas, Allen,
Inslee, Tierney, Schiff, Van Hollen, and Linda Sanchez of California.
[Page: D557]
SAFE AND FLEXIBLE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines continued overview hearings on the Administration's
Proposed Reauthorization bill (SAFETA), (Part 11), Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Mary E. Peters,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; and Annette Sandberg,
Administrator Designate, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
OVERSIGHT--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on Surface Transportation Board: Agency Resources and
Requirements. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Roger Nober, Chairman, Surface Transportation
Board; and Phyllis Scheinberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget and
Programs.
BUDGET FOR INTELLIGENCE--RELATED ACTIVITIES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Budgets for intelligence-related activities within the Departments
of State, Energy, and Treasury; and for the Department of Defense Foreign
Counterintelligence Programs. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
PROGRESS REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled &qout;How is America
Safer? A Progress Report on the Department of Homeland Security.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security.
2003/05/21
Daily Digest - [Wednesday], May 21, 2003; pages D562 - D572
Committee Meetings
WTO--NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE STATUS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the status of the World
Trade Organization Negotiations on Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Ann
M. Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture; and Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade
Representative.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Millennium Challenge
Corporation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Alan P. Larson. Under Secretary, Economic, Business and
Agricultural Affairs; and Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, AID.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Architect of the Capitol (Not Capitol Visitor's Center). Testimony was heard
from Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the Capitol.
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Benefits and Costs of Transportation
Options. Testimony was heard from Charles Nottingham, Associate Administrator,
Policy, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
23, Tornado Shelters Act; H.R. 1276, amended, American Dream Downpayment Act;
H.R. 1614, HOPE VI Program Reauthorization and Small Community Main Street
Rejuvenation and Housing Act of 2003; and H.R. 2120, Financial Contracts
Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2003.
FUTURE OF KOSOVO
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Future of Kosovo.
Testimony was heard from Janet L. Brogue, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; Daniel Serwer,
Director, Balkans Initiative, U.S. Institute of Peace; and public witnesses.
[Page: D569]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.J. Res.
4, 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. 361, amended, Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act; H. Res.
193, reaffirming support of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
the Crime of Genocide and anticipating the 15th anniversary of the enactment
of the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987 (the Proxmire Act) on
November 4, 2003; and H.R. 1115, amended, Class Action Fairness Act of 2003.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 1588,
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, providing for further
consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution and
amendments en bloc described in section 2 of the resolution. The rule provides
that amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in the order
printed in the report (except as specified in section 3 of the resolution),
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 in
the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule provides that each
amendment printed in the report shall be debatable for 10 minutes (unless
otherwise specified in the report) 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 report and those amendments en bloc as described in Section 2
of the resolution. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Committee on Armed
Services or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments
printed in the 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 and controlled between the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services or their
designees, and shall not be subject to amendment or demand for a division of
the question. The rule provides that, for the purpose 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 and that 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 amendments en
bloc. The rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize
for consideration of any amendment printed in the report, out of the order
printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Armed Services
Committee or his designee announces from the floor a request to that effect.
Finally, the rule provides a motion to recommit with or without instructions.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION--CONFERENCE REPORT JOBS AND GROWTH TAX RELIEF
RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of Thursday, May 22, 2003, providing for
consideration or disposition of H.R. 2, to provide for reconciliation pursuant
to section 201 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year
2004, any amendment thereto, any conference report thereon, or any amendment
reported in disagreement from a conference thereon.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION AMENDMENTS OF 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a closed rule on H.R. 2185,
to extend the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002
providing one hour of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: S. 703, to designate the regional headquarters building for the
National Park Service under construction in Omaha, Nebraska, as the &qout;Carl T.
Curtis National Park Service Midwest Regional Headquarters Building;&qout; H.R.
1082, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located
at 46 East Ohio Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the &qout;Birch Bayh Federal
Building and United States Courthouse;&qout; and H.R. 2115, amended, Flight
100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act.
[Page: D570]
The Committee also approved U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey resolutions.
SAFE AND FLEXIBLE TRANSPORTATIONEFFICIENCY ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines continued overview hearings on the Administration's
Proposed Reauthorization bill (SAFETEA), (Part 111). Testimony was heard from
Jenna Dorn, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Department of
Transportation.
HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY PREPARING FUTURE
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science,
and Research and Development held an oversight hearing on &qout;Homeland Security
Science and Technology: Preparing for the Future.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Charles McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of
Homeland Security.
2003/05/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 22, 2003; pages D574 - D586
Committee Meetings
CROP INSURANCE INDUSTRY--FINANCIAL STATUS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review the financial status of the Crop Insurance
industry. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Ross
J. Davidson, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and Keith Collins, Chief
Economist; and public witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on Impact of Chinese Imports on
U.S. Companies. Testimony was heard from Peter F. Allgeier, Deputy U.S. Trade
Representative; Grant D. Aldonas, Under Secretary, International Trade,
International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce; Douglas M.
Browning, Deputy Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
NIH--DECODING FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN GENOMIC RESEARCH
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled &qout;National Institutes of Health: Decoding our Federal Investment in
Genomic Research.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Francis Collins, M.D., Director,
National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH; and Muin J. Khoury, M.D.,
Director, Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and Aristides Patrinos, Director, Office of Biological
and Environmental Research, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
HEDGE FUNDS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;The Long and
Short of Hedge Funds: Effects of Strategies for Managing Market Risk.&qout;
Testimony was heard from William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC; and public
witnesses.
SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program:
Promoting Decent Affordable Housing for Families and Individuals who Rent.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Michael Liu, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian
Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2122, amended, Project BioShield Act of 2003; H.R. 2087, amended, Bob Hope
American Patriot Award Act of 2003; H. Con. Res. 162, honoring the city of
Dayton, Ohio, and its many partners, for hosting &qout;Inventing Flight: The
Centennial Celebration,&qout; a celebration of the centennial of Wilbur and Orville
Wright's first flight; H.R. 1465, to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 4832 East Highway 27 in Iron Station, North
Carolina, as the &qout;General Charles Gabriel Post Office&qout;; H.R. 1610, to
redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120
East Ritchie Avenue in Marceline, Missouri, as the &qout;Walt Disney Postal Office
Building&qout;; H. Res. 159, expressing profound sorrow on the occasion of the
death of Irma Rangel; H. Res. 195, congratulating Sammy Sosa of the Chicago
Cubs for hitting 500 major league home runs; and H.R. 2030, to designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 Baldwin Avenue in
Paia, Maui, Hawaii, as the &qout;Patsy Takemoto Mink Post Office Building.&qout;
[Page: D584]
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on H.R. 2086, Office of
National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2003. Testimony was heard
from John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy.
INTERNET TAX NONDISCRIMINATION ACT; BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 49, Internet Tax
Nondiscrimination Act.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 1428, Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of
2003. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Melloy, U.S. Circuit Judge, Court of
Appeals of the Eight Circuit; Paul Mannes, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the
District of Maryland; William O. Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Issues, GAO; and a public witness.
U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
1561, United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 2048, International
Fisheries Reauthorization Act of 2003; and H. Res. 30, concerning the San
Diego long-range sportfishing fleet and rights to fish the waters near the
Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Mary Beth
West, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Fisheries, Bureau of Oceans and
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State;
William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Marshall P. Jones, Jr.,
Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1598, Irvine Basin Surface and Groundwater Improvement
Act of 2003; and H.R. 1732, Williamson County Water Recycling Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Carter and Edwards; Mark Limbaugh,
Director, External and Intergovernmental Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation.
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
CONFERENCE REPORT--JOBS AND GROWTH TAX RELIEF RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report on H.R. 2, Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2003, 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 by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that the
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the conference report to
final adoption without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.
Finally, the rule provides that the yeas and nays shall be considered as
ordered on the question of adoption of the conference report and that clause
5(b) of rule XXI (requiring a three-fifths vote on any measure containing a
federal income tax rate increase) shall not apply to the conference report.
PREMIER CERTIFIED LENDERS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 923, Premier
Certified Lenders Program Improvement Act.
COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Adm. Thomas H. Collins,
USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
WATER: IS IT THE &qout;OIL&qout; OF THE 21ST CENTURY?
Committee on Transportation and infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Water: Is it the &qout;Oil&qout; of the 21st
Century? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D585]
Hearings continue June 4.
VA--LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
long-term care programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was
heard from Cynthia A. Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits
Issues, GAO; and Robert H. Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department
of Veterans Affairs.
FBI NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on the FBI National Security Programs Budget. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
BRIEFING GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to hold a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
PROGRESS REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Concluded hearings entitled &qout;How is
America Safer? A Progress Report on the Department of Homeland Security.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security.
2003/05/23
Daily Digest - Friday, May 23, 2003; pages D587 - D590
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/06/02
Daily Digest - Monday, June 2, 2003; pages D591 - D598
Committee Meetings
FOLLOWING TOXIC CLOUDS: SCIENCE AND ASSUMPTIONS IN PLUME MODELING
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout;Following Toxic Clouds:
Science and Assumptions in Plume Modeling.&qout; Testimony was heard from Keith
Rhodes, Chief Technologist, GAO; Anna Johnson-Wineger, Deputy Assistant to the
Secretary, Chemical/Biological Defense Programs, Department of Defense; Bruce
Hicks, Director, Air Resources Laboratory, NOAA, Department of Commerce;
Donald L. Ermak, Program Leader, National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center,
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory; and public witnesses.
[Page: D595]
FLAG PROTECTION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 5 to 4, a modified closed rule
providing 2 hours of debate in the House on H.J. Res. 4, 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
waives all points of order against consideration of the joint resolution. The
rule makes in order an amendment in the nature of a substitute, if offered by
Representative Conyers or his designee, which shall be separately debatable
for one hour equally divided between the proponent and an opponent. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representatives Watt and
Cooper.
2003/06/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 3, 2003; pages D599 - D606
Committee Meetings
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Screener Background Investigations. Testimony was heard from James M. Loy,
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Steve Benowitz, Associate Director, Product Services, OPM; and
public witnesses.
SCHOOL READINESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on H.R. 2210, School Readiness Act of 2003. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
&qout;CAN TOBACCO CURE SMOKING?--A REVIEW OF TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;Can Tobacco Cure Smoking?--A Review of
Tobacco Harm Reduction.&qout; Testimony was heard from Timothy Muris, Chairman,
FTC; Vice Adm. Richard H. Carmona, USN, U.S. Surgeon General and Acting
Assistant Secretary, Health, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses.
METHYL BROMIDE STATUS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;Status of Methyl Bromide under the Clean Air Act and the
Montreal Protocol.&qout; Testimony was heard from Jeffrey M. Burnam, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International
Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; Jeffrey R.
Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA; Rodney J. Brown,
Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics, USDA; and public
witnesses.
INCREASE ORGAN DONATIONS--ASSESSING INITIATIVES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Assessing Initiatives to Increase Organ Donations.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Michelle Snyder, Director, Office of Special
Programs, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health
and Human Services; and public witnesses.
[Page: D603]
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS--ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;The Accounting
Treatment of Employee Stock Options.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representatives
Dreier and Eshoo; Robert H. Herz, Chairman, Financial Accounting Standards
Board; and public witnesses.
POTENTIAL REDUCED EXPOSURE/REDUCED RISK TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Potential Reduced
Exposure/Reduced Risk Tobacco Products: An Examination of the Possible Public
Health Impact and Regulatory Challenges.&qout; Testimony was heard from Scott
Leischow, M.D., Chief, Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer
Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; Lee Peeler, Deputy
Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--JEWISH EXODUS FROM ARAB LANDS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a briefing entitled &qout;The Forgotten Refugees: the Jewish
Exodus from Arab Lands.&qout; The Subcommittee was briefed by Avi Becker, Secretary
General, World Jewish Congress; Irwin Cotler, Member of Parliament, Canada;
Carole Basri, Adjunct Professor of Corporate Law and Irey Lecturer, University
of Pennsylvania School of Law; and Sami Totah, American Sephardic Federation.
OVERSIGHT--ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held an oversight hearing on the Reauthorization of the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation and Private Property Protection Under the National
Historic Preservation Act. Testimony was heard from deTeel Patterson Tiller,
Acting Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; John Nau, Chairman, Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation; and public witnesses.
PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 760, Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. The rule
makes in order the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Greenwood of
Pennsylvania or his designee, which shall be considered as read, and shall be
separately debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment printed in the report. The rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. The rule provides that after passage of H.R. 760, it
shall be in order to take from the Speaker's table S. 3 and to consider the
Senate bill in the House. The rule provides for a motion to strike all after
the enacting clause of S. 3 and to insert in lieu thereof the provisions of
H.R. 760 as passed by the House. The rule waives all points of order against
the motion to strike and insert. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Chabot, Greenwood, Scott of Virginia, Baldwin, Hoyer and Edwards.
CHECK CLEARING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 1474, Check Clearing for the 21st Century 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 recommended by the
Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as
an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the bill
shall be considered for amendment by section and 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. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative Bachus.
PORT SECURITY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Port Security. Testimony was
heard from Adm. Thomas H. Collins, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security; William C. Ellis, Director of Security, Port
of Long Beach, California; and Bethann Rooney, Manager, Port Security, Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey.
[Page: D604]
TASK FORCE REPORT--IMPROVE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY FOR VETERANS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing to receive the report of the
President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for our Nation's
Veterans. Testimony was heard from Gail R. Wilensky, Co-Chair, President's
Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for our Nation's Veterans.
2003/06/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 4, 2003; pages D607 - D614
Committee Meetings
FARM BILL--CONSERVATION TITLE IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development, and Research held a hearing to review conservation technical
assistance and the implementation of the Conservation Title of the 2002 Farm
Bill. Testimony was heard from Jim Moseley, Deputy Secretary, USDA; and public
witnesses.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony Williams, Mayor;
Linda Cropp, Chairman, Council; and Natwar Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer.
TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ACT; READY TO TEACH ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 438, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003; and H.R. 2211,
Ready to Teach Act of 2003.
STRENGTHENING PENSION SECURITY
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on &qout;Strengthening Pension Security: Examining the
Health and Future of Defined Benefit Pension Plans.&qout; Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
WIRELESS E-911 IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled &qout;Wireless E-911 Implementation: Progress and
Remaining Hurdles.&qout; Testimony was heard from John B. Muleta, Bureau Chief,
Wireless Telecommunications, FCC; and public witnesses.
FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;Fair Credit Reporting Act: How it
Functions for Consumers and the Economy.&qout; Testimony was heard from Howard
Beales, Director, Bureau of Consumer Affairs, FTC; Dolores Smith, Director,
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal
Reserve System; William H. Sorell, Attorney General, State of Vermont; and
public witnesses.
U.S. NONPROLIFERATION POLICY AFTER IRAQ
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Nonproliferation
Policy After Iraq. Testimony was heard from John R. Bolton, Under Secretary,
Arms Control and International Security, Department of State; Alan Zelikoff,
Senior Scientist, Center for National Security and Arms Control, Sandia
National Laboratories; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H. Con. Res. 80, expressing the sense
of Congress relating to efforts of the Peace Parks Foundation in the Republic
of South Africa to facilitate the establishment and development of
transfrontier conservation efforts in southern Africa; H. Con. Res. 134,
acknowledging the deepening relationship between the United States and the
Republic of Djibouti and recognizing Djibouti's role in combating terrorism;
H. Con. Res. 154, concerning the transition to democracy in the Republic of
Burundi; H. Res. 177, amended, commending the people of the Republic of Kenya
for conducting free and fair elections, for the peaceful and orderly transfer
of power in their government, and for the continued success of democracy in
their nation since that transition; H. Res. 237, honoring the life and work of
Walter Sisulu, a critical leader in the movement to free South Africa of
apartheid, on the occasion of his death; and H. Res. 194, amended, regarding
the importance of international efforts to abolish slavery and other human
rights abuses in the Sudan.
[Page: D612]
PROPOSED JOINT COMMITTEE--REVIEW HOUSE AND SENATE RULES, AND OTHER MATTERS
ASSURING CONTINUING REPRESENTATION AND CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS
Committee on Rules: Ordered reported H. Con. Res. 190, to establish a joint
committee to review House and Senate rules, joint rules, and other matters
assuring continuing representation and congressional operations for the
American people. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee on Technology and the
House held a hearing on the concurrent resolution. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Dreier and Frost.
ZUNI INDIAN TRIBE WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT ACT; AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
LAND EXCHANGE ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a closed rule providing that
S. 222, Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act shall be debatable in
the House for 40 minutes equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Resources. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of S. 222. The rule provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions, for S. 222. The rule further provides
that S. 273, Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act, shall be debatable
in the House for 40 minutes equally divided between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Resources. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of S. 273. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit, with or without instructions, for S. 273.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH ACT
Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1081, Aquatic
Invasive Species Research Act.
STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIREFIGHTERS ACT
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on H.R. 1118, Staffing for Adequate Fire
and Emergency Response Firefighters Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY IMPROVEMENT ACT
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1772, Small
Business Advocacy Improvement Act of 2003.
VISA APPROVAL BACKLOG
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Visa Approval Backlog and
its impact on American Small Business. Testimony was heard from Janice L.
Jacobs, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Department of State; Robert
J. Garrity, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI, Department of Justice; and public
witnesses.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on The Administration's Proposal to Reauthorize the Economic
Development Administration. Testimony was heard from David A. Sampson,
Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Department of Commerce and a public
witness.
WATER: IS IT THE &qout;OIL&qout; OF THE 21ST CENTURY?
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment concluded oversight hearings on Water: Is it the
&qout;Oil&qout; of the 21st Century? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CIA TECHNICAL PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on CIA Technical Program. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
2003/06/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 5, 2003; pages D615 - D624
Committee Meetings
COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Testimony was heard from James E. Newsome, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading
Commission.
&qout;CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES: IMPROVING MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES' ACCESS TO
QUALITY CARE&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled &qout;Consumer Directed Services: Improving Medicaid Beneficiaries' Access
to Quality Care.&qout; Testimony was heard from Terry White, Secretary, Department
of Elder Affairs, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
SECURITIES FRAUD DETERRENCE AND INVESTOR RESTITUTION ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 2179, Securities
Fraud Deterrence and Investor Restitution Act of 2003. Testimony was heard
from Stephen M. Cutler, Director, Division of Enforcement, SEC; and public
witnesses.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION EXTENSION; OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG
CONTROL POLICY REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: S. 858,
to extend the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission; and H.R. 2086, amended,
Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2003.
[Page: D620]
WASTED SPACE, WASTED DOLLARS--REFORMING REAL PROPERTY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Wasted Space, Wasted
Dollars: Reform Federal Real Property to Meet 21st Century Needs.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Steven Perry, Administrator, GSA; Linda Springer, Controller,
Office of Federal Financial Management, OMB; Bernard Ungar, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Mark Catlett, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; Charles Williams,
Director, Overseas Building Operations, Department of State; and a public
witness.
OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing entitled &qout;The United
States Department of Justice.&qout; Testimony was heard from John Ashcroft, The
Attorney General.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AMENDMENTS ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1856, Harmful Algal Bloom
and Hypoxia Research Amendments Act of 2003.
MANUFACTURING R&D: HOW CAN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HELP?
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing on Manufacturing R&D: How Can the Federal Government Help?
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--AIRCRAFT CABIN ENVIRONMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on The Aircraft Cabin Environment. Testimony was heard
from John L. Jordan, M.D., Federal Air Surgeon, Office of Aerospace Medicine,
FAA, Department of Transportation; John Howard, M.D., Director, National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to hold a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
BIO-WARFARE THREATS
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness
and Response and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, joint
hearing entitled &qout;Does the Homeland Security Act of 2002 give the Department
the tools it needs to Determine Which Bio-Warfare Threats are Most Serious?&qout;
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Paul J. Redmond, Assistant Secretary, Information Analysis; and Eric
Tolbert, Director, Response Division, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Directorate.
2003/06/09
Daily Digest - Monday, June 9, 2003; pages D626 - D630
Committee Meetings
EPA--DEPARTMENT LEVEL STATUS
Committee on Government Reform: On June 6, the Subcommittee on Energy Policy,
Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on &qout;Elevation of the
Environmental Protection Agency to Department Level Status: H.R. 37, and H.R.
2138 (Department of Environmental Protection Act).&qout; Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
BIOSHIELD--EFFORTS TO DEVELOP BIO-WARFARE COUNTERMEASURES
Select Committee on Homeland Security: On June 6, the Committee held a hearing
entitled &qout;Bioshield: Lessons from Current Efforts to Develop Bio-Warfare
Countermeasures.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: John Ring La Montagne, M.D., Deputy
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Ali
Khan, M.D., Chief Science Officer, Parasitic Diseases, National Center for
Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
UNLAWFUL INTERNET GAMBLING FUNDING PROHIBITION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 2143, Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition
Act. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the
amendments printed in the report may be considered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives
all points of order against the D629amendments printed in the report. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Kelly, Sensenbrenner and Pombo.
2003/06/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 10, 2003; pages D632 - D640
Committee Meetings
TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ACT; READY TO TEACH ACT
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 438, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003; and H.R. 2211,
Ready to Teach Act.
NATURAL GAS SUPPLY AND DEMAND ISSUES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Natural Gas Supply
and Demand Issues.&qout; Testimony was heard from Guy F. Caruso, Administrator,
Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; Alan Greenspan,
Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Donald L. Mason,
Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission, State of Ohio; and public
witnesses.
FINANCING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS: AN OVERVIEW
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on Financing Employee Ownership Programs: An
Overview. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity continued hearings on &qout;The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program:
Promoting Decent Affordable Housing for Families and Individuals Who Rent.&qout;
Testimony was heard from R.E. Duncan, Chairman, Topeka Housing Authority,
Kansas; Tino Hernandez, Chairman, New York City Housing Authority, New York;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--QUALITY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION AT USDA AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing on &qout;Fixing the
Financials-Featuring USDA and Education.&qout; Testimony was heard from Edward
McPherson, Chief Financial Officer, USDA; Jack Martin, Chief Financial
Officer, Department of Education; and the following officials of the GAO:
McCoy Williams, and Linda Calbon, both Directors of Financial Management and
Assurance.
[Page: D637]
GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled &qout;Geospatial Information: A Progress Report on Improving Our Nation's
Man-Related Data Infrastructure.&qout; Testimony was heard from Mark A. Forman,
Administrator, E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; Scott J. Cameron,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Performance and Management, Department of Interior
and Chairman, Geospatial One-Stop Board of Directors; Linda D. Koontz,
Director, Information Management, GAO; Susan W. Kalweit, Chairman, Interagency
Geospatial Preparedness Team, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and
public witnesses.
RENEWING OPIC AND REVIEWING ITS ROLE IN SUPPORT OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
PRIORITIES
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Renewing OPIC and
Reviewing Its Role in Support of Key U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities Testimony
was heard from Peter S. Watson, President and CEO, Overseas Private Investment
Corporation (OPIC); and public witnesses.
BURMESE FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ACT; PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA RELEASE DR. YANG
JIANLI; SOUTHEAST ASIA--RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific approved for full Committee the following measures: H.R. 2330, Burmese
Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003; and H. Res. 199, amended, calling on the
Government of the People's Republic of China immediately and unconditionally
to release Dr. Yang Jianli, calling on the President of the United States to
continue working on behalf of Dr. Yang Jianli for his release The
Subcommittee also held a hearing on Recent Developments in Southeast Asia.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT (CREATE) ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on the H.R. 2391, Cooperative Research
and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
FLIGHT 100--CENTURY OF AVIATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2115, Flight 100, Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act, equally divided and controlled by 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 amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as modified by the
amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules
accompanying the resolution, as an original bill for the purpose of amendment.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of
substitute. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of
the report. The rule provides that amendments printed in part B of the report
may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by
a Member designated in the report shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall
not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in
the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young
of Alaska and Representatives Mica, Shuster, Cunningham, Manzullo, McHugh,
Gibbons, Peterson of Pennsylvania, Oberstar, Delegate Norton, and
Representatives Matheson, Carson, Moran of Virginia, Waters, and Jackson-Lee
of Texas.
FUTURE OF UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on The Future of
University Nuclear Science and Engineering Programs. Testimony was heard from
Gail H. Marcus, Principal Deputy Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science
and Technology, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN RAILROAD SAFETY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on New Technologies in Railroad Safety. Testimony was
heard from Jo Strang, Deputy Associate Administrator, Railroad Development,
Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D638]
EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE MISMANAGEMENT IN PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY VETERANS
DEPARTMENT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Concluded hearings on past and present efforts
to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in programs
administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Leo S. Mackay,
Jr., Deputy Secretary; and Robert H. Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health.
U.S. BILATERAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH CHILE AND SINGAPORE IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on
Implementation of the U.S. Bilateral Free Trade Agreements with Chile and
Singapore. Testimony was heard from Representatives Sessions and Biggert;
Peter F. Allgeier, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses.
2003/06/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 11, 2003; pages D642 - D650
Committee Meetings
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS SMALL BUSINESS FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction approved
for full Committee action the Military Construction appropriations for fiscal
year 2004.
SMALL BUSINESS FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began markup of H.R. 660, Small
Business Health Fairness Act of 2003.
[Page: D646]
Will continue tomorrow.
FTC REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;The Reauthorization of the Federal Trade
Commission: Positioning the Commission for the Twenty-First Century.&qout;
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FTC: Timothy J. Muris,
Chairman, Mozelle W. Thompson, Orson Swindle, and Thomas B. Leary, all
Commissioners.
NATION'S FIRST RESPONDERS--SPECTRUM NEEDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on entitled &qout;The Spectrum Needs of Our Nation's First
Responders.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representatives Harman and Weldon of
Pennsylvania; Edmond J. Thomas, Chief Engineer, Office of Engineering and
Technology, FCC; Norman J. Jacknis, Chief Information Officer, Department of
Information Technology, Westchester County, State of New York; First Lt. Gene
Adamczyk, State Police, State of Michigan; and public witnesses.
MATCHING CAPITAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled &qout;Matching
Capital and Accountability--The Millennium Challenge Account.&qout; Testimony was
heard from John Taylor, Under Secretary, International Affairs, Department of
the Treasury; and the following officials of the Department of State: Alan
Larson, Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agriculture Affairs; and
Andrew Natsios, Administrator, AID.
CITIZEN'S GUIDE--FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE PRIVACY ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census approved for full Committee
the following: The Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and
The Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS AT CROSSROADS
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Middle East Peace
Process at a Crossroads. Testimony was heard from William Burns, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State.
COMMENDING SIGNING OF U.S.-ADRIATRIC CHARTER; RENEWING THE TRANSATLANTIC
PARTNERSHIP: A VIEW FROM THE U.S.
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action H. Con. Res. 209, commending the signing of the United
States-Adriatric Charter, a charter of partnership among the United States,
Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Renewing the Transatlantic
Partnership: A View From the United States. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
OVERVIEW OF RADIO AND TV MARTI
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on Overview of Radio and Television Marti. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Broadcasting Board of Governors: Kenneth Y.
Tomlinson, Chairman; and Pedro V. Roig, Director, Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con. Res.
21, commemorating the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase; H. Res. 30,
concerning the San Diego long-range sportfishing fleet and rights to fish the
waters near the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico; H.R. 74, to direct the
Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the Lake Tahoe Basin
Management Unit, Nevada, to the Secretary of the Interior, in trust for the
Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada and California; H.R. 272, amended, to direct the
Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County Nevada, and
the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada,
for continued use as cemeteries; H.R. 901, amended, to authorize the Secretary
of the Interior to construct a bridge on Federal land west of and adjacent to
Folsom Dam in California; H.R. 1113, amended, to authorize an exchange of land
at Fort Frederica National Monument; H.R. 1209, to extend the authority for
the construction of a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in the District of
Columbia; H.R. 1284, to amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and
Adjustment Act of 1992 to increase the Federal share of the costs of the San
Gabriel Basin demonstration project; and H.R. 1945, amended, Pacific Salmon
Recovery Act.
CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 1115, Class Action Fairness Act of 2003. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the
bill. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the
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 waives all
points of order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representatives Scott of Virginia,
Lofgren, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Delahunt and Sandlin.
[Page: D647]
TAX RELIEF, SIMPLIFICATION, AND EQUITY ACT--RELATING TO THE CONSIDERATION OF
THE SENATE AMENDMENT
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a rule providing
that upon adoption of the resolution the bill, H.R. 1308, Tax Relief,
Simplification, and Equity Act of 2003, with the Senate amendments thereto, be
hereby taken from the Speaker's table. The rule provides that upon adoption of
the resolution the Senate amendment to the title is hereby agreed to. The rule
further provides that upon adoption of the resolution the Senate amendment to
the text is hereby agreed to with the amendment printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution. Finally, the rule provides
that it shall be in order for the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means
to move that the House insist on its amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.
1308, or that the House disagree to any further Senate amendment, and request
or agree to a conference with the Senate thereon. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Castle, Rangel, Levin, Tanner, Pelosi and Hoyer.
U.S.-RUSSIAN SPACE COOPERATION
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
U.S.-Russian Cooperation in Space. Testimony was heard from John Schumacher,
Assistant Administrator, External Relations, NASA; and public witnesses.
REVITALIZING AMERICA'S MANUFACTURERS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Revitalizing America's
Manufacturers: SBA Business and Enterprise Development Programs.&qout; Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the SBA: Daryl Hairston, Deputy
Associate Deputy Administrator, Government Contracting and Business
Development; and Kaaren Street, Deputy Associate Deputy Administrator,
Enterprise Development; and public witnesses.
EPA GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on EPA Grants Management: Persistent
Problems and Proposed Solutions. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the EPA: Nikki L, Tinsley, Inspector General; and Morris X. Winn,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Administration and Resources Management;
and John B. Stephenson, Director, Environmental Issues, GAO.
VETERANS' MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 886, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide
for the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of
former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999, under the
same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of dependency and indemnity
compensation to the survivors of former prisoners of war who die after that
date; H.R. 1167, to amend title 38, United States Code, to permit remarried
surviving spouses of veterans to be eligible for burial in a national
cemetery; H.R. 1500, Veterans' Appraiser Choice Act; H.R. 1516, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in
southeastern Pennsylvania; and H.R. 2163, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to exclude the proceeds of life insurance from consideration as income
for purposes of determining veterans' pension benefits. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Simpson, Holden, Bradley of New Hampshire, Gerlach,
Larsen of Washington on behalf of Representative Smith of Washington, and
Wilson of New Mexico; John M. Molino, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Military,
Community and Family Policy, Department of Defense; Frederico Juarbe, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Services, Department of
Labor; and Robert Epley, Under Secretary, Policy and Program Management,
Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[Page: D648]
VETERANS' MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
following: H.R. 1720, Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act;
H.R. 116, Veterans' New Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act of 2003; H.R.
2307, to provide for the establishment of new Department of Veterans Affairs
medical facilities for veterans in the area of Columbus, Ohio, and in south
Texas; and H.R. 2349, to authorize certain major medical facility projects for
the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Robert H.
Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and
representatives of veterans organizations.
ADMINISTRATION'S FOSTER CARE FLEXIBLE FUNDING PROPOSAL
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the Administration's Foster Care Flexible Funding Proposal. Testimony was
heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and
Families, Department of Health and Human Services; Barbara Riley, Deputy
Director, Office of Children and Families, Department of Job and Family
Services, State of Ohio; and public witnesses.
2002/06/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 12, 2003; pages D651 - D660
Committee Meetings
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security met in
executive session and approved for full Committee action the Homeland Security
appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
BRIEFING--IRAQ STATUS OF RECONSTRUCTION AND STABILIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Held a briefing on the state of reconstruction
and stabilization operations in Iraq. The Committee was briefed by L. Paul
Bremer, Administrator, Coalition Provisional Authority, (via teleconference);
and Lawrence DiRita, Special Assistant to the Secretary, Department of
Defense.
[Page: D658]
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
660, Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003.
SCHOOL READINESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2210, School Readiness
Act of 2203.
ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
adopted motions authorizing the issuance of subpoenas for certain records and
testimony in connection with the Committee's investigations into (1) the
financial collapse of HealthSouth Corporation, and (2) the safety of dietary
supplements that are manufactured or marketed for use by children.
FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT--CREDIT GRANTNG PROCESS ROLE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;The Role of FCRA in the Credit
Granting Process.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CANADIAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled &qout;Canadian Prescription Drug Importation: Is There A Safety
Issue?&qout; Testimony was heard from William K. Hubbard, Senior Associate
Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 2441, Millennium Challenge Account Authorization and
Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2003; and H.R. 2330, Burmese Freedom and
Democracy Act of 2003.
The Committee also favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the
chairman to request that the following measures be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H.R. 1462, International Disabilty and Victims of Warfare
and Civil Strife Assistance Act of 2003; H. Res. 58, recognizing the
accomplishments of Ignacy Jan Paderewski as a musician, composer, statesman,
and philanthropist and recognizing the 11th Anniversary of the return of his
remains to Poland; H.R. 177, amended, commending the people of the Republic of
Kenya for conducting free and fair elections, for the peaceful and orderly
transfer of power in their government, and for the continued success of
democracy in their nation since that transition; H. Res. 194, amended,
regarding the importance of international efforts to abolish slavery and other
human rights abuses in the Sudan; H. Res. 199, amended, calling on the
Government of the People's Republic of China immediately and unconditionally
to release Dr. Yang Jianli, calling on the President of the United States to
continue working on behalf of Dr. Yang Jianli for his release; H. Res. 237,
honoring the life and work of Walter Sisulu, a critical leader in the movement
to free South Africa of apartheid, on the occasion of his death; H. Res. 242,
expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of
the victims of the terrorist suicide bombing attacks that occurred on May 16,
2003, in Casablanca, Morocco; H. Res. 264, expressing sympathy for the victims
of the devastating earthquake that struck Algeria on May 21, 2003; H. Con.
Res. 49, expressing the sense of the Congress that the sharp escalation of
anti-Semitic violence within many participating States of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is of profound concern and efforts
should be undertaken to prevent future occurrences; H. Con. Res. 80,
expressing the sense of Congress relating to efforts of the Peace Parks
Foundation in the Republic of South Africa to facilitate the establishment and
development of transfrontier conservation efforts in southern Africa; H. Con.
Res. 134, acknowledging the deepening relationship between the United States
and the Republic of Djibouti and recognizing Djibouti's role in combating
terrorism; .H. Con. Res. 154, concerning the transition to democracy in the
Republic of Burundi; H. Con. Res. 169, expressing the sense of Congress that
the United States Government should support the human rights and dignity of
all persons with disabilities by pledging support for the drafting and working
toward the adoption of a thematic convention on the human rights and dignity
of persons with disabilities by the United Nations General Assembly to augment
the existing United Nations human rights system; and H. Con. Res. 209,
commending the signing of the United States-Adriatic Charter, a charter of
partnership among the United States, Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia.
PRISON RAPE REDUCTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1707, Prison
Rape Reduction Act of 2003.
[Page: D659]
CAPTIVE WILDLIFE SAFETY ACT; DON'T FEED THE BEARS ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1006, Captive Wildlife
Safety Act; and H.R. 1472, Don't Feed the Bears Act of 2003. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Peterson of Minnesota. McKeon and Moran of
Virginia; Matt Hogan, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; Elizabeth Estill, Deputy Chief, Programs,
Legislation and Communications, U.S. Forest Service, USDA; and public
witnesses.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on Plant
Biotechnology Research and Development in Africa: Challenges and
Opportunities. Testimony was heard from Speaker Hastert; Rita R. Colwell,
Director, NSF; Andrew Natsios, Administrator, AID, Department of State; and
public witnesses.
CHILEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports held a
hearing on the Chilean Free Trade Agreement. Testimony was heard from Manuel
Rosales, Assistant Administrator, Office of International Trade, SBA;
Christopher Padilla, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental
Affairs and Public Liaison; and public witnesses.
COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation approved for full Committee action the Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2003.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT; SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and
ordered reported the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Special
Programs. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/06/13
Daily Digest - Friday, June 13, 2003; pages D661 - D666
Committee Meetings
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BUDGET AUTONOMY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Budget Autonomy for
the District of Columbia: Restoring Trust in Our Nation's Capital.&qout; Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony
Williams, Mayor; Linda Cropp, Chairman, Council; and Natwar Gandhi, Chief
Financial Officer.
2003/06/16
Daily Digest - Monday, June 16, 2003; pages D668 - D672
Committee Meetings
CONFERENCE REPORT--KEEPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany S. 342, Keeping Children and
Families Safe Act of 2003, and against its consideration. Testimony was heard
from Representative Hoekstra.
BALANCING SECURITY AND COMMERCE
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing on Balancing Security and Commerce, Testimony
was heard from Robert Bonner, Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Richard M. Stana, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice, GAO.
2003/06/17
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 17, 2003; pages D673 - D682
Committee Meetings
FOOD SECURITY ACT AMENDMENTS; BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
11907, to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to ensure the availability of
funds to provide technical assistance for certain conservation programs of the
Department of Agriculture.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing to review Biotechnology in Agriculture.
Testimony was heard from David Hegwood, Special Counsel to the Secretary,
USDA; Lester M. Crawford, Deputy Commissioner, Food and Drugs, FDA, Department
of Health and Human Services; and Stephen L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator,
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, EPA.
HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS; SUBALLOCATION OF
BUDGET ALLOCATIONS REPORTS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2004; Homeland Security; and Military Construction.
The Committee also approved the following: Revised Suballocation of Budget
Allocations Report, Fiscal Year 2003; and the Suballocation of Budget
Allocations Report, Fiscal Year 2004.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies approved for full Committee
action the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and
Related Agencies appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004.
ULLICO SCANDAL--IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. WORKERS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on &qout;The ULLICO
Scandal and its Implications for U.S. Workers.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Warren E. Nowlin, Partner, Williams Mullen and Damon Silvers, Special Counsel
to the Chairman, ULLICO Inc.
In failing to respond to questions, Robert A. Georgine, former President,
Chairman and CEO, ULLICO Inc., invoked constitutional privileges.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH-FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Education and Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
held a hearing on H.R. 1583, Occupational Safety and Health-Fairness Act of
2003, focusing on Small Business and Workplace Safety. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began consideration of H.R. 2473, Medicare
Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.
Will continue tomorrow.
FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT--BACKGROUND CHECKS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on the role of FCRA in employee background
checks and the collection of medical information. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity continued hearings on Section 8 Housing Assistance Program:
Promoting Decent Affordable Housing for Families and Individuals who Rent.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FEDERAL DEBT MANAGEMENT--ARE AGENCIES USING COLLECTION TOOLS EFFECTIVELY?
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held a hearing on &qout;Federal Debt Management--Are Agencies
Using Collection Tools Effectively?&qout; Testimony was heard from Richard L.
Gregg, Commissioner, Financial Management Service, Department of the Treasury;
William H. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Management, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Theresa S. Shaw, Chief Operating Officer, Federal Student Aid,
Department of Education; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported H. Res. 277, expressing
support for freedom in Hong Kong. The Committee also unfavorably reported H.
Res. 260, requesting the President to transmit to the House of Representatives
not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution
documents or other materials in the President's possession relating to Iraq's
weapons of mass destruction.
[Page: D679]
TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS FUTURE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
the Future of Transatlantic Relations: A View from Europe. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RESTORATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 2344, Intellectual Property
Restoration Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from MaryBeth Peters, Register of
Copyrights, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1616, Martin Luther King,
Junior, National Historic Land Exchange Act; and H.R. 1964, Highland
Stewardship Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Lewis of Georgia,
Frelinghuysen, Garrett, Kelly and Saxton; Randy Jones, Deputy Director,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; David Tenny, Deputy Under
Secretary, Natural Resources and the Environment, USDA; and public witnesses.
DEATH TAX REPEAL PERMANENCY ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
of debate in the House on H.R. 8, Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2003. The
rule provides for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered
by Representative Pomeroy or his designee, which shall be considered as read
and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against
the amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Dunn, Leach, Pomeroy and Hooley of Oregon.
TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND IRS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by voice vote a modified closed rule
providing 1 hour of debate in the House on H.R. 1528, Taxpayer Protection and
IRS Accountability Act of 2003. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature
of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means, as modified by
the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the bill, as amended. The rule provides for consideration of the
amendment printed in Part B of the report, if offered by Representative Rangel
or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately
debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in
Part B of the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative Portman and
Visclosky.
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
Andrews, Woolsey, Hinojosa, Kind and Kucinich, but action was deferred on H.R.
660, Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003.
TASK FORCE REPORT--IMPROVE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY FOR VETERANS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Concluded hearings on the Report of the
Administration's Task Force to improve Health Care Delivery for our Nation's
Veterans. Testimony was heard from Leo S. Mackay, Jr., Deputy Secretary,
Department of Veterans Affairs; David S.C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and
Readiness, Department of Defense; the following officials of the President's
Task Force to Improve Health Care: Charles R. Anthony, Mack G. Fleming, Susan
M. Schwartz, Robert W. Spanogle and Harry N. Walters, all Commissioners; and
representatives of veterans organizations.
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2473, Medicare
Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.
BRIEFING--NSA OPERATIONS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on NSA
Operations. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.
2003/06/18
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 18, 2003; pages D684 - D692
Committee Meetings
MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS REVIEW
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review multilateral and bilateral
agricultural trade negotiations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D688]
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on FBI Reorganization. Testimony
was heard from Robert Mueller, Director, FBI, Department of Justice; David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
and approved for full Committee action the Defense appropriations for fiscal
year 2004.
INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
approved for full Committee action the Interior and Related Agencies
appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
WORLDWIDE U.S. MILITARY COMMITMENTS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on worldwide U.S. military
commitments. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Paul D. Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary; and Gen. Peter
Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
FEDERAL MANDATORY PROGRAMS--WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Federal
Mandatory Programs. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; and a public witness.
SCHOOL READINESS ACT
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began markup of H.R. 2210, School
Readiness Act of 2003.
Will continue tomorrow.
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began markup of H.R. 2473, Medicare
Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.
Will continue tomorrow.
MUTUAL FUNDS INTEGRITY AND FEE TRANSPARENCY ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 2420, Mutual Funds
Integrity and Fee Transparency Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Paul F.
Roye, Director, Division of Investment Management, SEC; Richard J. Hillman,
Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public
witnesses.
U.S. PARTICIPATION--INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, ASIAN DEVELOPMENT
FUND AND AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology approved for full Committee action H.R.
2243, to provide for the participation of the United States in the thirteenth
replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association,
the seventh replenishment of the resources of the Asian Development Fund, and
the ninth replenishment of the resources of the African Development Fund.
VISA REVOCATIONS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout; Visa Revocations:
Catching the Terrorists Among Us.&qout; Testimony was heard from Jess T. Ford,
Director, International Affairs and Trade Division, GAO; Catherine Barry,
Managing Director, Office of Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs,
Department of State; the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations,
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and Charles H. Demore, Interim
Assistant Director, Investigations, Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; and Steven C. McCraw, Inspector-Deputy Assistant Director of
Intelligence, FBI, Department of Justice.
COMPACTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION WITH MICRONESIA AND THE MARSHALL REAUTHORIZING
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on Reauthorizing the Compacts of Free Association with
Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Testimony was heard from Albert V. Short,
Director, Office of Compact Negotiations, Department of State; David B. Cohen,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and
Susan S. Westin, Managing Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 884,
Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act; and H.R. 1409, Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians Land Exchange Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Michael
D. Olsen, Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of
the Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D689]
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 3, a modified closed rule
providing 1 hour of debate in the House on H.R. 660, Small Business Health
Fairness Act. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the
bill. The rule provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on
Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as
adopted. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Kind of
Wisconsin or his designee, which shall be considered as read, and shall be
separately debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions.
WHITE-COLLAR JOBS GLOBALIZATION
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Globalization of
White-Collar Jobs: Can America Lose These Jobs and Still Prosper? Testimony
was heard from Representative Johnson of Connecticut; Bruce P. Mehlman,
Assistant Secretary, Technology Policy, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 141, SouthEast
Crescent Authority Act of 2003; H.R. 1071, Southwest Regional Border Authority
Act; H.R. 1572, to designate the historic Federal District Court Building
located at 100 North Palafox Street in Pensacola, Florida, as the &qout;Winston E.
Arnow Federal Building;&qout; and H.R. 1668, to designate the United States
courthouse located at 101 North Fifth Street in Muskogee, Oklahoma, as the &qout;Ed
Edmondson United States Courthouse.&qout; The Subcommittee also approved for full
Committee action the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization.
NATIONWIDE RESEARCH PROGRAMS--VA's HUMAN SUBJECT PROTECTIONS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing to assess the Department of Veterans Affairs management of the
human subject protections maintained in its nationwide research programs.
Testimony was heard from Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and
Benefits Issues, GAO; Robert H. Boswell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
IRAQ WMD
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Iraq WMD. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
COUNTERPROLIFERATION AND COUNTERNARCOTICS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Counterproliferation and Counternarcotics. The Subcommittee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
TERRORIST FINANCING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on Terrorist
Financing. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/06/19
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 19, 2003; pages D693 - D700
Committee Meetings
REVIEW--COMMODITY FUTURES MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review of the Commodity Futures Modernization
Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative approved for full
Committee action the Legislative appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations for
fiscal year 2004.
SCHOOL READINESS ACT
Committee on Education and Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2210,
School Readiness Act.
HIGHER EDUCATION-INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS QUESTIONS OF BIAS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing on &qout;International Programs in Higher Education and Questions of
Bias.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MODERNIZATION ACT; SOCIAL SECURITY ACT
AMENDMENTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2743, as amended, Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act, and H.R.
531, to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend the availability
of allotments for fiscal years 1998-2001, under the State Children's Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP).
NEW BASEL ACCORD--UNIFIED U.S. POSITION SEARCH
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;The New Basel Accord--In Search of a
Unified U.S. Position.&qout; Testimony was heard from Roger Ferguson,
Vice-Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following
officials of the Department of the Treasury: James E. Gilleran, Director,
Office of Thrift Supervision; and John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the
Currency; Donald Powell, chairman, FDIC; and public witnesses.
[Page: D698]
RURAL HOUSING IN AMERICA
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled &qout;Rural Housing in America.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Phyllis Fong, Inspector General, USDA; William B. Shear, Acting
Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; REPORT
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2396, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
1210 Highland Avenue in Duarte, California as the &qout;Francisco A. Martinez
Flores Post Office,&qout; H.R. 1761, to designate the facility of the United States
Postal Service located at 9350 East Corporate Hill Drive in Wichita, Kansas,
as the &qout; Garner E. Shriver Post Office Building&qout;; H.R. 2249, Postmasters
Equity Act of 2003; H.R. 2328, to designate the facility of the Postal Service
located at 2001 East Willard Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the
&qout;Robert A. Borski Post Office Building&qout;; H. Con. Res. 6, supporting the goals
and ideals of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month; H. Con.
Res. 208, Supporting the National Men's Health Week; and H. Res. 240,
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be
established a National Community Health Center Week to raise awareness of
health services provided by community, migrant, public housing, and homeless
health centers. The Committee also approved the following report entitled
&qout;Report--A Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the
Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records.&qout;
NEXT STEP--INVESTIGATION OF USE OF INFORMANTS BY JUSTICE--WILLIAM BULGER
TESTIMONY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;The Next Step in the
Investigation of the Use of Informants by the Department of Justice.&qout;
Testimony was heard from William Bulger, President, University of
Massachusetts.
U.S. POLICY IN AFGHANISTAN
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy in
Afghanistan: Current Issues in Reconstruction. Testimony was heard from
Ambassador Peter Tomsen, former Special Envoy to Afghanistan; Larry P.
Goodson, Professor, Middle East Studies, Department of National Security and
Strategy, U.S. Army War College, Department of the Army; Bernard Frahi, Chief,
Operations Branch, Division for Operations and Analysis, Office for Drug
Control and Crime Prevention, United Nations; and public witnesses.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN FOOD CONSUMPTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 339, Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CONSULAR ID CARDS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;The Issuance, Acceptance, and Reliability
of Consular Identification Cards.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representative
Gutierrez; John Andrews, member, Senate, State of Colorado; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS SUPPLY SHORTAGE
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Domestic Natural Gas Supply Shortage. Testimony was
heard from Steve Brown, Director, Energy Economics and Micro Economic Policy
Analysis, Office of the Federal Reserve System, Dallas, Texas; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health and the
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans held a joint
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2057, Chronic Wasting Disease Support for
States Act of 2003; and H.R. 2416, to provide for the protection of
paleontological resources on Federal lands. Testimony was heard from
Representative McGovern; the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: Charles Groat, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; and Robert Lamb,
Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget; the following
officials of the USDA: Bobby Acord, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service; and Elizabeth Estill, Deputy Chief, Programs and
Legislation, Forest Service; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 511, Mount Naomi Wilderness Boundary
Adjustment Act; H.R. 708, to require the conveyance of certain National Forest
System lands in Mendocino National Forest, California, to provide for the use
of the proceeds from such conveyance for National Forest purposes; H.R. 1038,
Public Lands Fire Regulations Enforcement Act of 2003; and H.R. 1651, Sierra
National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Tancredo, Radanovich, Bishop of Utah and Thompson of
California; Elizabeth Estill, Deputy Chief, Programs and Legislation, Forest
Service, USDA; Larry Parkinson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Law Enforcement
and Security, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D699]
OVERSIGHT--UPDATE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on the Need to Update
Water Quality Standards to Improve Clean Water Act Programs. Testimony was
heard from John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
GAO; and public witnesses.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT AVAILABILITY ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2351, Health
Savings Account Availability Act.
UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD AND ABUSE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight and the Subcommittee on
Human Resources held a joint hearing on unemployment fraud and abuse.
Testimony was heard from Mason Bishop, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment
and Training Administration, Department of Labor; Robert J. Cramer, Managing
Director, Office of Special Investigations, GAO; David Clegg, Deputy Chairman,
Communications, Employment Security Commission, State of North Carolina; and a
public witness.
S CORPORATION REFORM
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on S Corporation Reforms. Testimony was heard from Greg Jenner, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses.
IRAQ WMD
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
continue hearings on Iraq WMD. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
BRIEFING--COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ISSUES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Counterintelligence Issues. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
BRIEFING--GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
&qout;RESPONSE TO TERRORISM: HOW IS DHS IMPROVING OUR CAPABILITIES?&qout;
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Response to
Terrorism: How is DHS Improving Our Capabilities?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Michael Brown, Under Secretary, Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security.
2003/06/20
Daily Digest - Friday, June 20, 2003; pages D701 - D708
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/06/23
Daily Digest - Monday, June 23, 2003; pages D710 - D716
Committee Meetings
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2555, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations
for Fiscal Year 2004 equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the
House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives
points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with
section 501 of House Concurrent Resolution 95 (prohibiting advanced
appropriations) and clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as
specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority
in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wolf, Rogers
of Kentucky, Manzullo, Obey, Sabo, DeLauro, Waters, Filner,
Millender-McDonald, and Baldwin.
EXTENDING SUSPENSION DAYS ON WEDNESDAY THROUGH END OF 108TH CONGRESS
Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Technology and the House held a hearing on
Extending Suspension Days on Wednesday Through the End of the 108th Congress.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Dreier, Hoyer and Frank of
Massachusetts.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE RELATING
TO FY 2004 INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of Tuesday, June 24, 2003, providing for
consideration or disposition of H.R. 2417, to authorize appropriations for
fiscal year 2004 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the
United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central
Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System.
MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMITTEES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session with
Members of the British Intelligence and Security Committees.
2006/06/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 24, 2003; pages D718 - D728
Committee Meetings
KC-767 TANKER LEASE INITIATIVE
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the KC-767 tanker lease initiative. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Air Force: Lt. Gen. Michael E. Zettler,
USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics, Headquarters, U.S.
Air Force; and Maj. Gen. Paul W. Essex, USAF, Director, Plans and Programs,
Headquarters Air Mobility Command; and Neil P. Curtin, Director, Defense
Capabilities and Management, GAO.
LABOR--MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT--UNION DEMOCRACY REFORMS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on &qout;Union Democracy Reforms to the Labor-Management
Reporting and Disclosure Act: H.R. 992, Union Members' Right-to-Know Act; H.R.
993, Labor-Management Accountability Act; and H.R. 994, Union Member
Information Enforcement Act.&qout; Testimony was heard from Lary Yud, Deputy
Director, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Employment Standards
Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.
GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY FROM COAL--FUTURE OPTIONS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing on &qout;Future Options for Generation of Electricity from Coal.&qout;
Testimony was heard from George Rudins, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Coal and
Power Systems, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
IMPORTED, COUNTERFEIT, AND UNAPPROVED DRUGS AVALANCHE INTO U.S.
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation
held a hearing on &qout;A System Overwhelmed: The Avalanche of Imported,
Counterfeit, and Unapproved Drugs into U.S.&qout; Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services:
William K. Hubbard, Associate Commissioner, Policy and Planning; and John
Taylor, Associate Commissioner, Regulatory Affairs; Elizabeth Durant,
Director, Trade Programs, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Department
of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the State of Florida:
Robert Penezic, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor; Gregg Jones, Pharmaceutical
Program Manager, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Regulation and Cesar Arias, Drug
Inspector Supervisor, both with the Bureau of Statewide Pharmaceutical
Services, Department of Health.
FIGHTING IDENTIFY THEFT--ROLE OF FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;Fighting Identity Theft--The Role of
FCRA.&qout; Testimony was heard from J. Howard Beales III, Director, Bureau of
Consumer Protection, FTC; Daniel L. Mihalko, Inspector in Charge,
Congressional and Public Affairs, Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Postal
Service; Tim Caddigan, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigative
Division, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--SCHOOL CHOICE
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;School Choice in the
District of Columbia: Opening Doors for Parents and Students.&qout; Testimony was
heard from Representative Boehner; Rod Paige, Secretary of Education; and
Anthony Williams, Mayor, District of Columbia.
EMERGING THREATS: ASSESSING NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMPLEX FACILITY SECURITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on &qout;Emerging Threats:
Assessing Nuclear Weapons Complex Facility Security.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Glenn S. Podonsky, Director,
Office of Oversight and Performance Assurance; Linton F. Brooks,
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Joseph S.
Mahaley, Director, Office of Security; and public witnesses.
[Page: D725]
CYBER SECURITY
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing on &qout;Cyber
Security: The Status of Information Security and the Effects of the Federal
Information Security Management Act (FISMA) at Federal Agencies.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Mark A. Forum, Administrator, Electronic Government and
Information Technology, OMB; Robert F. Dacey, Director, Information Security
Issues, GAO; Johnnie E. Frazier, Inspector General, Department of Commerce;
Robert W. Cobb, Inspector General, NASA; Scott Charbo, Chief Information
Officer, USDA; Drew Ladner, Chief Information Officer, Department of the
Treasury; and Bruce Morrison, Acting Chief Information Officer, Department of
State.
BOOSTING AFRICA'S AGRICULTURAL TRADE
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Boosting Africa's Agricultural Trade. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
FEDERAL JUDICIARY--ARE ADDITIONAL JUDGES NEEDED?
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on &qout;The Federal Judiciary: Is
There a Need for Additional Federal Judges?&qout; Testimony was heard from Dennis
Jacobs, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, State of New York;
William O. Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO;
and a public witness.
OVERSIGHT--DEADLY CONSEQUENCES OF ILLEGAL ALIEN SMUGGLING
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;The Deadly Consequences of Illegal Alien
Smuggling.&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Homeland Security: Jose Garza, Chief Patrol Agent, McAllen Sector, Border
Patrol, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and Tom Homan, Interim
Resident Agent in Charge, San Antonio, Texas, Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL LANDS ABILITY TO MEET ENERGY NEEDS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on &qout;The Ability of Federal Lands to Meet our Energy Needs.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary, Land and
Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills:
H.R. 1521, Johnstown Flood National Memorial Boundary Adjustment Act of 2003;
H.R. 1658, Railroad Right-of-Way Conveyance Validation Act of 2003; and H.R.
2055, to amend Public Law 89-366 to allow for an adjustment in the number of
free roaming horses permitted in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Testimony was
heard from Representative Pombo, Murtha and Jones of North Carolina; the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: Dan Smith, Special
Assistant to the Director, National Park Service; and Bob Anderson, Acting
Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land
Management; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1794, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
construct and rehabilitate Federal water supply lines associated with Folsom
Dam in California; and H.R. 2040, to amend the Irrigation Project Extension
Act of 1998 to extend certain contracts between the Bureau of Reclamation and
certain irrigation water contractors in the State of Wyoming and Nebraska.
Testimony was heard from William Rinne, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, a modified open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2417, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule provides
that the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule.
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 now printed in the bill, which shall be considered as
read. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill,
and against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule
provides that no amendment to the committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute shall be in order except those printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, and all points of order against said
amendments are waived. The rule provides that each amendment 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, and shall not be
subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Goss and
Representatives Cox, Harman, Hastings of Florida, Tauscher, Schiff and Turner
of Texas.
[Page: D726]
VETERANS' MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 116, Veterans' New
Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act of 2003; H.R. 1720, Veterans Health Care
Facilities Capital Improvement Act; H.R. 2357, to amend title 38, United
States Code, to establish standards of access to care for veterans seeking
health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 2433, Health
Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act of 2003.
TERRORIST FINANCING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on Terrorist
Financing. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
2003/06/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 25, 2003; pages D730 - D742
Committee Meetings
USDA DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the USDA Distance Learning
and Telemedicine Program. Testimony was heard from Thomas C. Dorr, Under
Secretary, Rural Development, USDA; and public witnesses.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES; INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES; AND
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2004: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related
Agencies; Interior and Related Agencies; and Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies.
GSE OVERSIGHT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled &qout;GSE Oversight:
The Need for Reform and Modernization.&qout; Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
SAVING TAXPAYER MONEY THROUGH SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;Saving Taxpayer Money Through Sound Financial
Management,&qout; Testimony was heard from Angela M. Antonelli, Chief Financial
Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Thomas C. Dorr,
Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA.
OVERSIGHT--WINNING THE WAR ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT--STATUS OF DOD REFORM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing on &qout;Winning the War on
Financial Management--Status of the Department of Defense Reform.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial Management Assurance, GAO;
and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lawrence J.
Lanzillotta, Principle Deputy and the Deputy Under Secretary, Management
Reform, Office of the Under Secretary (Comptroller); and Paul Granetto,
Director, Defense Financial Auditing Service, Office of the Inspector General.
CANADIAN DRUG IMPORTATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing on &qout;The Practical and Economical Aspects of Canadian Drug
Importation.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representative Gutknecht; and public
witnesses.
U.S. TRADE POLICY AND COMMERCIAL POLICY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on U.S. Trade Policy and Commercial Policy in Southeast Asia
and Oceania. Testimony was heard from James A. Kelly, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and Ralph F.
Ives, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Asia-Pacific and APEC Affairs.
[Page: D739]
TRAFFICKINIG--GLOBAL TRENDS AND TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on &qout;Global Trends in
Trafficking and the Trafficking in Persons Report.&qout; Testimony was heard from
John Miller, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Director, Office of Monitor and
Combat Trafficking in Persons, Department of State; and public witnesses.
IRAN-LIBYA SANCTIONS ACT--INCREASING THREATS FROM IRAN
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central
Asia held a hearing on Enforcement of the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act and
Increasing Security Threats from Iran (Part 1). Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: Charles English, Acting Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; Anna Borg,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs; and Philo
Dibble, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and public
witnesses.
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2003 HEALTH SAVINGS AND
AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 3, a rule providing for the
consideration of H.R. 1, Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of
2003, under a modified closed rule. The rule provides three hours of debate in
the House on H.R. 1 equally divided among and controlled by the chairmen and
ranking minority members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the
Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of H.R. 1. The rule provides for consideration of the amendment
to H.R. 1 printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution,
if offered by Representative Rangel of New York or his designee, which shall
be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment printed in the report. The rule provides
one motion to recommit H.R. 1 with or without instructions. Section 2 of the
resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2596, H.R. 2596, Health Savings
and Affordability Act of 2003, on the legislative day of June 26 or June 27,
2003, under a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House
on H.R. 2596 equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of H.R. 2596. The rule provides one motion to
recommit H.R. 2596 with or without instructions. Section 3 of the resolution
provides that in the engrossment of H.R. 1, the clerk shall add the text of
H.R. 2596, as passed by the House as a new matter at the end of H.R. 1, and
then lay H.R. 2596 on the table. Section 4 of the resolution provides that
during consideration of H.R. 1 and H.R. 2596, notwithstanding the operation of
the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of either
bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Section 5 of the resolution provides
that it shall be in order, any rule of the House to the contrary
notwithstanding, to consider concurrent resolutions providing for adjournment
of the House and Senate during the month of July. Section 6 of the resolution
provides that the Committee on Appropriations may have until midnight on
Thursday, July 3, 2003, to file a report to accompany a bill making
appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2004, and for other purposes. Testimony was heard from
Representative Johnson of Connecticut, Walden of Oregon, Buyer, Gutknecht,
Burgess, Gingrey, Sandlin, Pallone, Brown of Ohio, Strickland, Capps, Kaptur,
Cooper, Dooley, Sanders, Hastings of Florida, McGovern, Larson of Connecticut,
and Emanuel.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2004
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 2559, making
appropriations for military construction, family housing, and base realignment
and closure for the Department of Defense for FY 2004 providing one hour of
general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. Under the rules of the
House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives
points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with
clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative
provisions in an appropriations bill). The rule authorizes the Chair to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in
the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions.
CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution providing that during
the remainder of the One Hundred Eighth Congress, the Speaker may entertain
motions that the House suspend the rules on Wednesdays as though under clause
1 of rule XV.
FOREIGN CURRENCY MANIPULATION EFFECT ON SMALL MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS
[Page: D740]
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Effect of Foreign Currency
Manipulation on Small Manufacturers and Exporters. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 1572, to designate the historic Federal District Court Building
located at 100 North Palafox Street in Pensacola, Florida, as the &qout;Winston E.
Arnow Federal Building&qout;; H.R. 1668, to designate the United States courthouse
located at 101 North Fifth Street in Muskogee, Oklahoma, as the &qout;Ed Edmondson
United States Courthouse,&qout; H.R. 2144, amended, Aviation Security Technical
Corrections and Improvements Act of 2003; H.R. 2443, amended, Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2003; H.R. 2535, amended, Economic Development
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003; H.R. 2572, Amtrak Reauthorization
Act of 2003; H.R. 2571, Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for
the 21st Century; and H.R. 2573, Public Private Partnership Act.
VETERAN'S LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Benefits approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1516, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in
southeastern Pennsylvania; and H.R. 2297, to amend title 38, United States
Code, to modify and improve certain benefits for veterans.
SECURE AMERICA'S BORDERS--ASSESS DHS INITIATIVES
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Assessment of
DHS Initiatives to Secure America's Borders.&qout; Testimony was heard from Asa
Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation Security, Department of
Homeland Security.
CYBER PROBLEM OVERVIEW
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science,
and Research and Development held a hearing entitled &qout;Overview of the Cyber
Problem: A Nation Dependent and Dealing with Risk.&qout; Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
2003/06/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 26, 2003; pages D744 - D756
Committee Meetings
MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING LAW REVIEW
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the mandatory country of
origin labeling law. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Charles Lambert, Deputy Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory
Programs; Nancy Bryson, General Counsel; and Keith Collins, Chief Economist;
and public witnesses.
DEFENSE AND LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2004: Defense and Legislative.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1950, Foreign
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005.
FINANCIAL MAINSTREAM--BROADEN ACCESS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled &qout;Serving the Underserved: Initiatives
to Broaden Access to the Financial Mainstream.&qout; Testimony was heard from Wayne
Abernathy, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of the
Treasury; Dennis Dollar, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and
public witnesses.
COMPETITIVE SOURCING FOR 21ST CENTURY
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing titled &qout;New Century, New
Process: A Preview of Competitive Sourcing for the 21st Century.&qout; Testimony
was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller, GAO; Angela Styles, Director,
Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; Philip Grone, Principal Assistant
Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment, Department of Defense;
Scott J. Cameron, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Performance and Management,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC--U.S. SECURITY POLICY
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and the
Pacific held a hearing on U.S. Security Policy in Asia and the Pacific:
Restructuring America's Forward Deployment. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Peter Rodman, Assistant
Secretary, International Security Affairs; and Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, USN,
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and Christopher LaFleur, Special Envoy,
Northeast Asia Security Consultations, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State.
AMERICAN SERVICEMEMBERS' PROTECTION ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action H.R. 2550, to amend the American Servicemembers' Protection
Act of 2002 to provide clarification with respect to the eligibility of
certain countries for United States miliary assistance.
HOMETOWN HEROES SURVIVORS BENEFITS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 919, Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits.
Testimony was heard from Michael E. Williams, Jr., Fire Rescue Training
Specialist, Office of the State Fire Marshall, Department of Insurance, State
of North Carolina; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CONSULAR IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;The Federal Government's Response to the
Issuance and Acceptance in the U.S. of Consular Identification Cards.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Roberta S. Jacobson, Acting Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; Steven
McCraw, Assistant Director, Office of Intelligence, FBI, Department of
Justice; C. Stewart Verdery, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning, Border
and Transportation Security Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and
a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1204, to amend the National
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to establish requirements
for the award of concessions in the National Wildlife Refuge System, to
provide for maintenance and repair of properties located in the System by
concessionaires authorized to use such properties; and H.R. 2408, National
Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Marshall P.
Jones, Jr. Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D755]=
NASA FLEXIBILITY ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1085, NASA Flexibility Act of 2003.
COMPUTER RESERVATION SYSTEMS REGULATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESS--TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing entitled: &qout;CRS Regulations and Small Business in the Travel
Industry&qout; Testimony was heard from Tom Sullivan, Chief Counsel, Office of
Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING PROPOSALS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on National Rail Infrastructure Financing Proposals.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Transportation: Allan Rutter, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration;
and Roger Nober, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board; Joseph Boardman,
Commissioner, Department of Transportation, State of New York; and public
witnesses.
VETERAN'S LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
1516, as amended, National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 2297, as
amended, Veterans Benefits Act of 2003; H.R. 116, as amended, Veterans' New
Fitzsimons Health Care Facilities Act of 2003; H.R. 1720, as amended, Veterans
Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act; H.R. 2357, as amended, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to establish standards of access to care
for veterans seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R.
2433, as amended, Health Care for Veterans of Project 112/Project SHAD Act of
2003; H.R. 2595, to restore the operation of the Native American Veteran
Housing Loan Program during fiscal year 2003 to the scope of that program as
in effect on September 30, 2002; and H. Con. Res. 159, declaring Emporia,
Kansas, to be the founding city of the Veterans Day holiday and recognizing
the contributions of Alvin J. King and Representative Ed Rees to the enactment
into law of the observance of Veterans Day.
PROJECT BIOSHIELD ACT
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
2122, Project BioShield Act of 2003.
2003/06/27
Daily Digest - Friday, June 27, 2003; pages D757 - D760
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/07/07
Daily Digest - Monday, July 7, 2003; pages D762 - D768
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/07/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 8, 2003; pages D769 - D776
Committee Meetings
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
approved for full Committee action the Energy and Water Development
appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
LOW-INCOME FAMILIES--PROVIDING ASSISTANCE
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on &qout;LIHEAP & CSGB: Providing Assistance to Low-Income
Families.&qout; Testimony was heard from Leslie Lee, LIHEAP Director, Department of
Health and Social Services, State of Delaware; and public witnesses.
CLEAN SKIES INITIATIVE--MULTIPOLLUTANT APPROACH
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;The Clear Skies Initiative: A Multipollutant Approach to
the Clean Air Act.&qout; Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Holmstead, Assistant
Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA.
RURAL HOUSING IN AMERICA
Committee on Financial Services: , Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity continued hearings entitled &qout;Rural Housing in America.&qout; Testimony
was heard from Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA.
FEDERAL ELECTRONIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
&qout;Federal Electronic Records Management: What is the Plan? What is our
Progress?&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National
Archives and Records Administration: John W. Carlin, Archivist; and L.
Reynolds Cahoon, Chief Information Officer; Harriet Riofrio, eRecords
Management Policy and Program Lead, Department of Defense; Linda Koontz,
Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.R. 1997, Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 or Laci and Conner's Law.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
REDUCTION IN DISTRIBUTION OF SPAM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security, hearing on H.R. 2214, Reduction in Distribution of Spam Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Will Moschella, Assistant Attorney General, Office of
Legislative Affairs, Department of Justice; Jerry Kilgore, Attorney General,
State of Virginia; and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule on H.R. 2657, making
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2004, providing one hour of debate in the House on the bill equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against the
bill and against its consideration. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Kingston, Manzullo, Moran of Virginia, and Holt.
[Page: D773]
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 2, an open rule waiving all
points of order against consideration of H.R. 2660, making appropriations for
the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. The rule
provides that general debate shall be confined to the bill. Under the rules of
the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives
all points of order against provisions in the bill, except as specified in the
resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Regula and Obey.
READY TO TEACH ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 2211,
Ready to Teach Act of 2003, providing one hour of general debate equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that the amendment
in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and
the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill
for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives
all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the
amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives Gingrey and Kildee.
TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote a modified closed rule on H.R. 438,
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003, providing one hour of general
debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the
nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative George Miller of California or his designee, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for ten minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
Wilson of South Carolina, Tierney, DeLauro, and Becerra.
2003/07/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 9, 2003; pages D778 - D786
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the
Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies appropriations for
fiscal year 2004.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia approved
for full Committee action the District of Columbia appropriations for fiscal
year 2004.
FEDERAL MANDATORY PROGRAMS--INSPECTORS GENERAL ADDRESS WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on A Closer Look, The Inspectors
General Address Waste, Fraud, Abuse in Federal Mandatory Programs. Testimony
was heard from Kenneth M. Meade, Inspector General, Department of
Transportation; John P. Higgins, Jr., Inspector General, Department of
Education; Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA; Dara Corrigan, Acting
Principal Deputy Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services;
and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures: H.
Con. Res. 215, honoring and congratulating chambers of commerce for their
efforts that contribute to the improvement of communities and the
strengthening of local and regional economics; and H. Res. 296, recognizing
the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company,
which has been a significant part of the social, economic, and cultural
heritage of the United States and many other nations and a leading force for
product and manufacturing innovation throughout the 20th century.
[Page: D782]
The Committee also ordered reported, as amended and without recommendation,
H.R. 1950, Foreign Relations Authorization, Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005.
COMBAT SPAM--LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a
joint hearing entitled &qout;Legislative Efforts to Combat Spam.&qout; Testimony was
heard from J. Howard Beales, III, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection,
FTC; Paula Selis, Senior Counsel, Office of the Attorney General, State of
Washington; and public witnesses.
FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 2622, Fair and
Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from John W.
Snow, Secretary of the Treasury; Timothy J. Muris, Chairman, FTC; and public
witnesses.
MAKING HEATH CARE MORE AFFORDABLE
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled &qout;Making Health Care More Affordable:
Extending Premium Conversion to Federal Retirees.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Representative Tom Davis of Virginia; and public witnesses.
DISRUPTING THE MARKET STRATEGY--NARCOTICS SOURCE NATIONS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled &qout;Disrupting the Market: Strategy,
Implementation, and Results in Narcotics Source Nations.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Paul Simons, Assistant Secretary, Department of State; Andre Hollis,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Defense; Roger Guevara, Director of
Operations, DEA, Department of Justice; and Roger Mackin, Counternarcotics
Officer and U.S. Interdiction Coordinator, Department of Homeland Security.
INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing on &qout;International Child Abduction: The Rights of American Citizens
Being Held in Saudi Arabia.&qout; Testimony was heard from Maura Harty, Assistant
Secretary, Consular Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE ACT
Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on H.R. 2205, National
Museum of African American History and Culture Act. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Lewis of Georgia, Kingston and Norton; Lawrence Small,
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; Robert L. Wright, Chairman, National
Museum of African American History and Culture Presidential Plan of Action
Commission; Robert R. Howe, Assistant Chief, U.S. Capitol Police; Jeff
Trandahl, Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives; Alan Hantman, Architect of the
Capitol; and a public witness.
SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY--U.S. RECORD 2002-2003
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on A Survey and Analysis
of Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2002-2003. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Lorne W.
Craner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; and
Roger P. Winter, Assistant Administrator, Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and
Humanitarian Assistance, AID; Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, former U.S. Ambassador to
the United Nations; Harold H. Koh, former Assistant Secretary, Democracy,
Human Rights and Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
1707, amended, Prison Rape Reduction Act of 2003; H.R. 2330, Burmese Freedom
and Democracy Act of 2003; H.R. 1561, amended, United States Patent and
Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2003; H.R. 2086, amended, Office of
National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2003; and H.R. 1375,
Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2003. The Committee adversely
reported, as amended, H. Res. 287, directing the Attorney General to transmit
to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the
adoption of this resolution all physical and electronic records and documents
in his possession related to any use of Federal agency resources in any task
or action involving or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the
period beginning May 11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003, except information the
disclosure of which would harm the national security interests of the United
States.
[Page: D783]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1038,
Public Lands Fire Regulations Enforcement Act of 2003; H.R. 1616, Martin
Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site Land Exchange Act; H.R. 1651,
amended, Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003; H.R. 1658, Railroad
Right-of-Way Conveyance Validation Act of 2003; H.R. 2040, to amend the
Irrigation Project Contract Extension Act of 1998 to extend certain contracts
between the Bureau of Reclamation and certain irrigation water contractors in
the States of Wyoming and Nebraska; H.R. 2059, Fort Bayard National Historic
Landmark Act; S. 233, Coltsville Study Act of 2003; and S. 278, Mount Naomi
Wilderness Boundary Adjustment Act.
INDIAN TRUST FUND LAWSUIT
Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on &qout;Can a process be
developed to settle matters relating to the Indian Trust Fund lawsuit?&qout;
Testimony was heard from James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, Department
of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTION DIGITAL AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on H.R. 2183,
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act
of 2003. Testimony was heard from Rita R. Colwell, Director, NSF; and public
witnesses.
SAVING OUR DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Saving Our Defense Industrial
Base. Testimony was heard from Suzanne D. Patrick, Deputy Under Secretary,
Industrial Policy, Department of State; Matthew S. Borman, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Export Administration, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--GSA'S 2004 CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND LEASING PROGRAM
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on GSA's Fiscal Year 2004 Capital Investment and Leasing Program.
Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer; F. Joseph Moravec,
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA; and Jane R. Roth, Judge, U.S.
Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, Chairman, Committee on Security and
Facilities, Judicial Conference.
FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION: LESSONS LEARNED AND APPLIED FROM THE FIRST GULF WAR
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on Force Health Protection: Lessons Learned and Applied from
the First Gulf War. Testimony was heard from William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D.,
Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE Management Activity,
Department of Defense; Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary,
Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Marjorie E. Kanof, M.D., Director,
Health Care--Clinical and Military Health Care Issues, GAO.
2003/07/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 10, 2003; pages D788 - D796
Committee Meetings
CROP INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review crop insurance products for specialty crop
producers. Testimony was heard from Russell Redding, Executive Deputy
Secretary, Administration, Department of Agriculture, State of Pennsylvania;
and public witnesses.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs approved for full Committee action the Foreign
Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs appropriations for fiscal
year 2004.
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Testimony was heard from Gen. Tommy Franks, USA, Commander, U.S. Central
Command.
HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITY
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;Affordability in Higher Education: We know
there's a problem; what's the solution?&qout; Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
NIH: BRINGING RESEARCH FROM THE BENCH TO THE BEDSIDE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled &qout;NIH: Bringing Research from the Bench to the Bedside.&qout; Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services: Donald A. B. Lindberg, M.D., Director, National Library of Medicine;
Mark L. Rohrbaugh, Director, Office of Technology Transfer, Office of the
Director; and Anna D. Barker, Deputy Director, Strategic Scientific
Initiatives, National Cancer Institute, all with NIH; and Theresa Mullin,
Associate Commissioner, Office of Planning and Evaluation, FDA; and public
witnesses.
ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
approved a motion authorizing the issuance of subpoenas in connection with the
Committee's investigation into dietary supplements containing ephedra.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises approved for full Committee action the
following bills: H.R. 1553, to amend the securities laws to permit church
pension plans to be invested in collective trusts; and H.R. 2179, amended,
Securities Fraud Deterrence and Investor Restitution Act of 2003.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform : Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2556, amended, DC Parental Choice Incentive Act of 2003; H.R. 2438, to
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 West
Pine Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as the &qout;Major Henry A. Commiskey, Sr.
Post Office Building;&qout; H. Con. Res. 230, honoring the 10 communities selected
to receive the 2003 All-America City Award; H. Res. 303, honoring Maynard
Holbrook Jackson, Jr., former Mayor of the City of Atlanta, and extending the
condolences of the House of Representatives on his death; and S. 867, to
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 710
Wicks Lane in Billings, Montana, as the &qout;Ronald Reagan Post Office Building.&qout;.
FOREIGN TRAVEL TO U.S.--NEW VISA AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS IMPACT
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on &qout;Smooth Sailing or an
Impending Wreck? The Impact of New Visa and Passport Requirements on Foreign
Travel to the United States.&qout; Testimony was heard from Janice L. Jacobs,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Department of State; Michael
Cronin, Associate Commissioner, Immigration Policy and Programs, Bureau of
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Robert J.
Garrity, Jr., Acting Assistant Director, Records Management Division, FBI,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
DRAFT IMPLEMENTING PROPOSALS--U.S.-CHILE FREE TRADE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT
ACT; U.S. SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Agreed to the following draft implementing
proposals, as amended: the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Implementation Agreement Act;
and the U.S. Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.
[Page: D795]
ANTI-HOAX TERRORISM ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 1678, Anti-Hoax Terrorism Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Representative McCotter; Susan Brooks, U.S. Attorney,
Southern District of Indiana, Department of Justice; James McMahon,
Superintendent, New York State Police; and a public witness.
COMPACTS OF FREE ASSOCIATION AMENDMENTS ACT; COMPACT IMPACT RECONCILIATION ACT
Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following measures: H.J. Res.
63, to approve the &qout;Compact of Free Association, as amended between the
Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated
States of Micronesia,&qout; and the &qout;Compact of Free Association, as amended
between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of
the Republic of the Marshall Islands,&qout; and otherwise to amend Public Law
99-239, and to appropriate for the purposes of amended Public Law 99-239 for
fiscal years ending on or before September 30, 2023 and H.R. 2522, Compact
Impact Reconciliation Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Case; the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: David Cohen, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs; and Nikolao Pula, Director, Office of
Insular Affairs; Albert V. Short, Negotiator for the Compact of Free
Association, Department of State; Susan Westin, Managing Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; Senator Peter M. Christian, Chief
Negotiator, Federal States of Micronesia; Gerald Zackios, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; Felix P. Camacho,
Governor of Guam; and Vicente Pangelinan, Speaker, I Liheslaturan Guahan.
COMPETITION FOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LABORATORY CONTRACTS
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Competition for
Department of Energy Laboratory Contracts: What is the Impact on Science?
Testimony was heard from Robin Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and
Environment, GAO; Robert Gordon Card, Under Secretary, Energy, Science and
Environment, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
DRAFT IMPLEMENTING PROPOSALS--U.S.-SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION ACT; AND U.S.-CHILE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Approved the following draft implementing
proposals: the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation
Act; and the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PRIVACY
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Social Security Number Privacy. Testimony was heard from Barbara Bovbjerg,
Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; James G. Huse, Jr.,
Inspector General, SSA; and public witnesses.
GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE BRIEFING
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to hold a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
PERSPECTIVES ON HOUSE REFORM: COMMITTEES AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Rules held a hearing
entitled &qout;Perspectives on House Reform: Committees and the Executive Branch.&qout;
Testimony was heard from James Schlesinger, former Secretary of Energy, former
Secretary of Defense and former Director of the CIA; and public witnesses.
2003/07/11
Daily Digest - Friday, July 11, 2003; pages D797 - D802
Committee Meetings
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies approved for full Committee action the Transportation,
Treasury and Independent Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
IMMIGRATION RELIEF UNDER THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE FOR SERIOUS CRIMINALS
AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held an oversight hearing on &qout;Immigration Relief Under the Convention
Against Torture for Serious Criminals and Human Rights Violators.&qout; Testimony
was heard from C. Steward Verdery, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning,
Border and Transportation Security Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Eli Rosenbaum, Director, Office of Special Investigations,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
2003/07/14
Daily Digest - Monday, July 14, 2003; pages D804 - Dl810
Committee Meetings
INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor of North
Carolina, Obey, and Dicks on H.R. 2691, making appropriations for the
Department of the Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2004.
Further action was deferred.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 1950,
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY 2004-2005, providing one hour of
general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on International Relations. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
International Relations now printed in the bill modified by the amendments
recommended by the Committees on Armed Services and Energy and Commerce also
printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on International Relations modified by the amendments recommended by
the Committees on Armed Services and Energy and Commerce. The rule makes in
order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying
the resolution and en bloc amendments as described in section 2 of the
resolution. The rule provides that amendments shall be considered only in the
order specified in the report (except as specified in section 3 of the
resolution), may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be debatable for D808the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment
except as specified in the report, shall be considered as read, 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 and against en bloc amendments as described
in section 2 of the resolution. The rule authorizes the chairman of the
Committee on International Relations or his designee to offer amendments en
bloc consisting of amendments printed in the report, which shall be considered
as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled
between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
International Relations or their designees, and shall not be subject to
amendment or demand for a division of the question. The rule provides that the
original proponent and of an amendment included in such amendments en bloc may
insert a statement in the Congressional Record immediately before the
disposition of the amendments en bloc. The rule allows the Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole to recognize for the consideration of any amendment
printed in the report out of the order printed, but not sooner than one hour
after the Chairman of the Committee on International Relations 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 Hyde and Representatives Smith of New Jersey, Rohrabacher,
Hostettler, Crane, Lantos, Sherman, Schiff, Bordallo, and Pallone.
2003/07/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 15, 2003; Pages D811 - D822
Committee Meetings
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2004: Energy and Water Development; and District of Columbia.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on
Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; and Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the Capitol.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
approved for full Committee action the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
AMERICAN--EXPANDING ACCESS TO COLLEGE
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;Expanding Access to College in America: How
the Higher Education Act Can Put College Within Reach.&qout; Testimony was heard
from Teri Flack, Deputy Commissioner, Higher Education Coordinating Board,
State of Texas; and public witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO REPLACE--30-YEAR TREASURY RATE
Committee on Education and the Workplace: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures of the Committee on
Ways and Means held a joint hearing on Examining Pension Security and Defined
Benefit Plans: the Administration's Proposal to Replace the 30-year Treasury
Rate. Testimony was heard from Ann Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee
Benefits Security, Department of Labor; Peter Fisher, Under Secretary,
Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on monetary policy and the
state of the economy. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman,.
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System.
FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND CONSOLIDATION
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
on &qout;Federal Information Systems Integration and Consolidation: Maximizing
Technology Investment Across Agency Boundaries.&qout; Testimony was heard from Mark
A. Forman, Administrator, E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; and
public witnesses.
UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT OR LACI AND CONNER'S LAW
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.R. 1997, Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 or Laci and
Conner's Law.
EXTEND SPECIAL IMMIGRANT RELIGIOUS WORKER PROGRAM
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims approved for full Committee action H.R. 2151, to amend the Immigration
and Nationality Act to extend for an additional 5 years the special immigrant
religious worker program.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H. R. 1006,
amended, Captive Wildlife Safety Act; H.R. 1409, Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians Land Exchange Act; and S. 111, to direct the Secretary of the Interior
to conduct a special resource study to determine the national significance of
the Miami Circle site in the State of Florida as well as the suitability and
feasibility of its inclusion in the National Park System as part of Biscayne
National Park.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1289, National Parks
Institute Act; H.R. 532, Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National
Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act; and H.R. 408, to provide for
expansion of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Camp and Lantos; Dan Smith, Special Assistant to the Director,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D819]
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 2691, making appropriations for the Department of the
Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under
the rules of the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The
rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to
comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as specified in the
resolution. The rule waives points of order against amendments for failure to
comply with clause 2(e) of rule XXI (prohibiting designated emergencies in
reported appropriation bills). The rule authorizes the Chair to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in
the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions.
SCHOOL READINESS ACT
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
Castle, Murphy, George Miller of California, Woolsey, Hinojosa, Tierney, Kind,
Grijalva, Majette, Van Hollen, Frank of Massachusetts, Edwards, Waters, Scott
of Virginia, Kennedy of Rhode Island, Jackson-Lee of Texas and Schiff, but
action was deferred on H.R. 2210, School Readiness Act of 2003.
NOAA SATELLITES
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards
held a hearing on NOAA Satellites: Will Weather Forecasting Be Put at Risk?
Testimony was heard from Gregory Withee, Assistant Administrator, National
Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, NOAA, Department of
Commerce; Peter Teets, Under Secretary, Air Force and Executive Agent for
Space, Department of Defense; David Powner, Acting Director, Information
Technology Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
CONTRACT BUNDLING AND SMALL BUSINESS PROCUREMENT
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Contract Bundling and Small Business Procurement. Testimony
was heard from Jo Baylor, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business
Utilization, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Ralph C. Thomas III,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business
Utilization, NASA; Sean M. Moss, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization, Department of Transportation; Theresa A. Speake,
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department
of Energy; Linda Oliver, Deputy Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
TRANSFER PHYSICAL AND ELECTRONIC RECORDS TO THE HOUSE REGARDING USE OF FEDERAL
AGENCY RECORDS--INVOLVING TEXAS LEGISLATURE MEMBERS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered unfavorably reported
H. Res. 288, directing the Secretary of Transportation to transmit to the
House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption
of this resolution all physical and electronic records and documents in his
possession related to any use of Federal agency resources in any task or
action involving or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the period
beginning May 11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003, except information the
disclosure of which would harm the national security interests of the United
States. Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on this
resolution. Testimony was heard from Representative Green of Texas; and
Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General, Department of Transportation.
RESEARCH COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R.
1585, to establish an office to oversee research compliance and assurance
within the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans
Affairs. Testimony was heard from Robert H. Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary,
Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a public witness.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
consider pending business.
INDUSTRY SPEAKS ON CYBERSECURITY
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science,
and Research and Development held a hearing entitled &qout;Industry Speaks on
Cybersecurity.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2003/07/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 16, 2003; pages D824 - D834
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES AND FOREIGN
OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2004: Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies;
and Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs.
[Page: D831]
MID-SESSION REVIEW BUDGET U.S. GOVERNMENT
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Mid-Session Review Budget of the
United States Government. Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolten, Director,
OMB.
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS IMPROVE
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on &qout;Food for Thought: How to Improve Child Nutrition Programs.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Vice Adm. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., The Surgeon
General, Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; Eric
M. Bost, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, USDA.; Betsy
Clarke, Director, Women Infants and Children, Department of Health, State of
Minnesota; and public witnesses.
U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE--LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO REFORM
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;Legislative Efforts to Reform the U.S.
Olympic Committee.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
bills: H. R. 2043, United States Financial Policy Committee for Fair Capital
Standards Act; and H.R. 2622, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of
2003.
IMPROVE FEDERAL REORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SPENDING
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Cutting Out Waste,
Fraud, Mismanagement, Overlap and Duplication: Exploring Ideas for Improving
Federal Reorganization, Management and Spending.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Patrick E. McFarland, Inspector General, OPM; and Paul L. Posner, Managing
Director Strategic Issues, GAO.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R.
1231, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and
military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to
allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums; and H.R. 1151, to provide
that transit pass transportation fringe benefits be made available to all
qualified Federal employees in the National Capital Region; to allow passenger
carriers which are owned or leased by the Government to be used to transport
Government employees between their place of employment and mass transit
facilities.
GAO HUMAN CAPITAL REFORM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held a hearing on &qout;GAO Human Capital Reform: Leading By Example.&qout;
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: David M. Walker,
Comptroller General; and Christopher A. Keisling, Employees Advisory Council;
and public witnesses.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CRIMES
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Intellectual Property
Crimes: Are Proceeds From Counterfeited Goods Funding Terrorism? Testimony was
heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation
Security, Department of Homeland Security; Ronald K. Noble, Secretary General,
INTERPOL; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2738, United States--Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; H.R. 2739,
United States--Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; H.R. 49,
amended, Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act; and H.R. 1303, amended, to amend
the E-Government Act of 2002 with respect to rule-making authority of the
Judicial Conference.
OVERSIGHT--UNFUNDED MANDATES REFORM ACT
Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Technology and the House held an oversight
hearing on the 1996 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act--&qout;An Overview of
Effectiveness and Opportunities for Enhancement.&qout; Testimony was heard from
Representatives Portman and Etheridge; and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.
SUPERCOMPUTING: IS THE U.S. ON THE RIGHT PATH?
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Supercomputing: Is the U.S. on the
Right Path? Testimony was heard from Raymond L. Orbach, Director, Office of
Science, Department of Energy; Peter A. Freeman, Assistant Director, Computer
and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, NSF; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D832]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action the following: General Services Administration's Fiscal Year
2004 Capital Investment and Leasing Program and Courthouse related
resolutions; H.R. 2523, to designate the United States courthouse located at
125 Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the &qout;Topmochichi United States
Courthouse;&qout; and H.R. 2274, to designate the United States courthouse at south
Federal Place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the &qout;Santiago E. Campos United
States Courthouse.&qout;.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FIDUCIARY AND FIELD EXAMINATION ACTIVITY
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
Department of Veterans Affairs' Fiduciary and Field Examination Activity.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Robert J. Griffin, Inspector General; and Ronald J. Henke, Director,
Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefit Administration; and public
witnesses.
BRIEFING--HUNT FOR AL-QAIDA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Hunt for al-Qaida. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.
TRANSFER PHYSICAL AND ELECTRONIC RECORD TO THE HOUSE REGARDING USE OF FEDERAL
AGENCY RECORDS--INVOLVING TEXAS LEGISLATURE MEMBERS
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered adversely reported H. Res. 286,
directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of
Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this
resolution all physical and electronic records and documents in his possession
related to any use of Federal agency resources in any task or action involving
or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the period beginning May
11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003, except information the disclosure of which
would harm the national security interests of the United States.
2003/07/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 17, 2003; pages D836 - D846
Committee Meetings
HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATE ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Health Insurance Certificate Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
REVIEW DOE'S RADIOACTIVE HIGH-LEVEL WASTE CLEANUP PROGRAM
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled &qout;A Review of DOE's Radioactive High-Level Waste
Cleanup Program.&qout; Testimony was heard from Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural
Resources and Environment, GAO; Jesse Roberson, Assistant Secretary,
Environmental Management, Department of Energy; Michael Wilson, Program
Director, Nuclear and Mixed Waste Program, Department of Ecology, State of
Washington; and David Wilson, Assistant Chief, Bureau of Land and Waste
Management, Department of Health and Environmental Control, State of South
Carolina.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2548, amended, Federal Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2003; and H.R.
2746, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
141 Weston Street in Hartford, Connecticut, as the &qout;Barbara B. Kennelly Post
Office Building.&qout;.
&qout;A NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT: IS IT GOOD FOR SENIORS?&qout;
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing on &qout;A New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: Is it Good for
Seniors?&qout; Testimony was heard from Representatives Gutknecht and Emanuel; and
public witnesses.
PIRACY DETERRENCE AND EDUCATION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 2517, Piracy Deterrence and
Education Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Jana Monroe, Assistant
Director, Cyber Division, FBI, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FORENSIC DNA TECHNOLOGY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on &qout;Advancing Justice Through Forensic DNA
Technology.&qout; Testimony was heard from Sarah V. Hart, Director, National
Institute of Justice, Department of Justice; Paul B. Ferrara, M.D., Director,
Division of Forensic Science, State of Virginia; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on &qout;The Role of Strategic and Critical Minerals in Our
National and Economic Security.&qout; Testimony was heard from Charles G. Groat,
Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills:
H.R. 958, Hydrographic Services Amendments of 2003; H.R. 1204, to amend the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to establish
requirements for the award of concessions in the National Wildlife Refuge
System, to provide for maintenance and repair of properties located in the
System by concessionaires authorized to use such properties; H.R. 2048,
International Fisheries Reauthorization Act of 2003; and H.R. 2408, National
Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Act of 2003.
[Page: D845]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1598, Irvine Basin Surface and
Groundwater Improvement Act of 2003; and H.R. 1732, Williamson County Water
Recycling Act of 2003.
U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research approved for full Committee
action, as amended, H.R. 2692, United States Fire Administration Authorization
Act of 2003. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this
measure. Testimony was heard from Representative Camp; David Paulison, U.S.
Fire Administrator and Director, Preparedness Division of the Emergency
Preparedness and Response Directorate/FEMA, Department of Homeland Security;
Arden Bement, Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Technology Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
ENDANGERED FARMERS AND RANCHERS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture
and Technology held a hearing on Endangered Farmers and Ranchers: the
Unintended Consequences of the Endangered Species Act. Testimony was heard
from Representative Pombo; Harold Manson, Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife
and Parks, Department of the Interior; Thomas Sullivan, Chief Counsel, Office
of Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.
WATER QUALITY FINANCING ACT; WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 1560, Water Quality Financing Act of 2003; and H.R.
2557, Water Resources Development Act of 2003.
U.S.-SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT; U.S.-CHILE FREE TRADE
AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2739,
United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; and H.R.
2738, United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.
WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Waste, Fraud and Abuse.
Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Joseph R.
Brimacombe, Deputy Director, Compliance Policy, Small Business--Self Employed
Division, IRS, Department of the Treasury; James G. Huse, Jr., Inspector
General, SSA; Bill Jordan, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General
for the Civil Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
FIRST RESPONDERS
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled &qout;First
Responders: How States, Localities and the Federal Government Can Strengthen
Their Partnership to Make America Safer.&qout; Testimony was heard from Mitt
Romney, Governor, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses.
2003/07/18
Daily Digest - Friday, July 18, 2003; pages D848 - D854
Committee Meetings
AMERICA--METHAMPHETAMINE PROBLEM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled, &qout;Facing the Methamphetamine
Problem in America.&qout; Testimony was heard from Representatives Boozman and
Case; Roger E. Guevara, Chief of Operations, DEA, Department of Justice; John
C. Horton, Associate Deputy Director, State and Local Affairs, Office of
National Drug Control Policy; and public witnesses.
OMB'S RECORD--SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK RECORD
Committee on Government: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural Resources, and
Regulatory Reform, and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight of
the Committee on Small Business held a joint hearing entitled &qout;What is OMB's
Record in Small Business Paperwork Relief?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Representative Manzullo; John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.
[Page: D850]
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING MILITARY OPERATIONS: OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats, and International Relations continued hearings entitled &qout;Humanitarian
Assistance Following Military Operations: Overcoming Barriers--Part II.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Susan Westin, Managing Director, International
Affairs and Trade, GAO; Joseph Collins, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Stability
Operations, Department of Defense; the following officials of the Department
of State: Richard Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant, Bureau of Population,
Refugee and Migration; and James Kunder, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia
and Near East, AID; and public witnesses.
COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION AMENDMENTS
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.J. Res. 63, to approve the
&qout;Compact of Free Association, as amended between the Government of the United
States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia,&qout;
and the &qout;Compact of Free Association, as amended between the Government of the
United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands,&qout; and otherwise to amend Public Law 99-239, and to appropriate for the
purposes of amended Public Law 99-239 for fiscal years ending on or before
September 30, 2023.
PENSION PRESERVATION AND SAVINGS EXPANSION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1776, Pension
Preservation and Savings Expansion Act of 2003.
2003/07/21
Daily Digest - Monday, July 21, 2003; pages D855 - D860
Committee Meetings
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS; EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following: VA, HUD and
Independent Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2004; and the Emergency
Supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2003.
BROADBAND SERVICES--REGULATORY STATUS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled &qout;The Regulatory Status of Broadband Services:
Information Services, Common Carriage, or Something in Between?&qout; Testimony was
heard from Robert Pepper, Chief, Policy Development, Office of Strategic
Planning and Policy Analysis, FCC; Charles M. Davidson, Commissioner, Public
Service Commission, State of Florida; and public witnesses.
&qout;IS DOD MEETING STRIKE FIGHTER INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE PROGRAM GOALS?&qout;
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled &qout;Is DOD Meeting
Strike Fighter (JSF) International Cooperative Program Goals?&qout; Testimony was
heard from Katherine V. Schinasi, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing
Management, GAO; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Al
Volkman, Director, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (International
Cooperation); Suzanne Patrick, Deputy Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology
and Logistics (Industrial Policy); and Maj. Gen. John L. Hudson, USAF, Program
Management, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program.
[Page: D858]
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2800, making appropriations for foreign operations,
export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall
be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Kolbe, Biggert, Obey, Lowey, Jackson of Illinois,
Frank of Massachusetts, and McCollum.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2799, making appropriations for the Departments of
Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under the
rules of the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule
waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply
with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as specified in the
resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wolf, Ose, Serrano, and
Jackson-Lee of Texas.
2003/07/22
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 22, 2003; pages D861 - D870
Committee Meetings
WTO'S AGRICULTURAL NEGOTIATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Geographical Indications
and the World Trade Organization's agricultural negotiations. Testimony was
heard from Jon W. Dudas, Deputy Under Secretary, Intellectual Property and
Deputy Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.
CONSOLIDATION LOANS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing on &qout;Consolidation Loans: What's Best for Past
Borrowers, Future Students and U.S. Taxpayers?&qout; Testimony was heard from
Representatives Regula and DeLauro; and public witnesses.
FASB DERIVATIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled &qout;FASB Derivative Accounting Standards.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Leslie F. Seidman, member, Financial Accounting
Standards Board; and public witnesses.
CLEAN AIR ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled &qout;`Bump Up' Policy Under Title I of the Clean Air Act.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and
Radiation, EPA; R.B. Marquez, Commissioner, Natural Resource Conservation
Commission, State of Texas; and public witnesses.
[Page: D866]
FHA MULTIFAMILY LOAN LIMIT ADJUSTMENT ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity approved for full Committee action H.R. 1985, FHA Multifamily Loan
Limit Adjustment Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from John Weicher, Assistant Secretary, Housing/Federal
Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public
witnesses.
PAPERWORK AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on H.R. 2432, Paperwork and
Regulatory Improvements Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from John D. Graham,
Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Thomas M.
Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy; SBA; and public witnesses.
U.S. AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
The United States and the European Union: Understanding the Partnership.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Charles R. Ries, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and
Eurasian Affairs; and Carl F. Lankowski, Deputy Director, Area Studies,
Coordinator for European Area Studies, Foreign Service Institute.
TERRORIST THREAT INTEGRATION CENTER--RELATIONSHIP WITH JUSTICE AND HOMELAND
SECURITY DEPARTMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: and the Select Committee on Homeland Security held
a joint hearing entitled &qout;The Terrorist Threat Integration Center (TTIC) and
Its Relationship with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.&qout;
Testimony was heard from John O. Brennan, Director, Terrorist Threat
Integration Center; Larry Mefford, Executive Assistant Director,
Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence, FBI, Department of Justice; Bill
Parish, Acting Assistant Secretary, Information Analysis, Directorate of
Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; and a public witness.
DEFENSE OF PRIVACY ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
and the Subcommittee on the Constitution held a joint hearing on H.R. 338,
Defense of Privacy Act, and Privacy in the Hands of the Government. Testimony
was heard from Senator Grassley; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action the following bills:
H.R. 2391, amended, Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE)
Act of 2003; H.R. 2714, State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 2003;
and H.R. 1768, Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2003.
JOHN RISHEL GEOTHERMAL STEAM ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on the John Rishel Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 2003. Testimony
was heard from Patricia Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and
Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 546, Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historical Park Addition Act of 2003; H.R. 2457, Castillo de San
Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education Act; and H.R. 2715, to
provide for necessary improvements to facilities at Yosemite National Park.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Case and Mica; Jon Jarvis, Regional
Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; and a public witness.
U.S. SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT AND U.S. CHILE FREE
TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration
of H.R. 2738, United States-Chile Free Trade Implementation Act, under a
closed rule providing 2 hours of debate in the House with one hour and forty
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Ways and Means and twenty minutes 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
H.R. 2738. The rule provides that pursuant to section 151(f)(2) of the Trade
Act of 1974, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on H.R. 2738
to final passage without intervening motion.
[Page: D867]
The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 2739, U.S.-Singapore Free
Trade Agreement Implementation Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 2
hours of debate in the House on H.R. 2739 with one hour and forty minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Ways and Means and twenty minutes 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 H.R.
2739. The rule provides that pursuant to section 151(f)(2) of the Trade Act of
1974, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on H.R. 2739 to
final passage without intervening motion. The rule provides that during
consideration of H.R. 2738 or H.R. 2739, not withstanding the operation of the
previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to
a time designated by the Speaker.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R.
2734, Federal Aviation Administration Research and Development Reauthorization
Act; H.R. 1085, NASA Flexibility Act of 2003; H.R. 1856, Harmful Algal Bloom
and Hypoxia Research Amendments Act of 2003; H.R. 2801, Minority Serving
Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2003; H.R.
2608, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of
2003; and H.R. 2692, United States Fire Administration Authorization Act of
2003.
&qout;FEDERAL PROCUREMENT POLICY: IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FAILING CERTAIN
INDUSTRIAL SECTORS?&qout;
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing on &qout;Federal Procurement Policy: Is the
Federal Government Failing Certain Industrial Sectors?&qout; Testimony was heard
from Diedre Lee, Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy,
Department of Defense; Jody Falvey, Director, Office of Small Business
Development, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
MANDATORY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on elimination
of waste, fraud and abuse in mandatory transportation programs as required by
the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution reconciliation instructions. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation:
Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; and Mary E. Peters, Administrator, Federal
Highway Administration; Jayetta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Team, GAO; and the following officials of the Railroad Retirement Board:
Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General; and Michael S. Schwartz, Chairman.
PORT SECURITY--INTERIM FINAL REGULATIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Interim Final Regulations on
Port Security. Testimony was heard from Adm. Thomas H. Collins, USCG,
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
consider pending business.
&qout;CYBERSECURITY--GETTING IT RIGHT&qout;
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science
and Research and Development held a hearing entitled &qout;Cybersecurity--Getting
It Right.&qout; Testimony was heard from Daniel G. Wolf, Information Assurance
Director, NSA, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
2003/07/23
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 23, 2003; pages D871 - D882
Committee Meetings
WILDFIRE SEASON AND THREATS
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the 2002 Wildfire Season
and the Wildfire Threats of the 2003 Season. Testimony was heard from Mark E.
Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; and public
witnesses.
AIR FORCE TANKER LEASE PROPOSAL
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Air Force Tanker Lease
Proposal. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Michael Wynne, Acting Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and
Logistics; Marvin R. Sambur, Assistant Secretary, Air Force (Acquisition); and
Maj. Gen. Paul W. Essex, USAF, Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters, Air
Mobility Command; Neal Curtin, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management,
GAO; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 382, Solid Waste
International Transportation Act of 2003; H.R. 411, to direct the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out certain
authorities under an agreement with Canada respecting the importation of
municipal solid waste; and H.R. 1730, Solid Waste Interstate Transportation
Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Senator Stabenow; Representative Miller
of Michigan; Robert Springer, Director, Office of Solid Waste, EPA; the
following officials of the State of Michigan: Ken Sikkema, member, Senate; and
Steven Chester, Director, Department of Environmental Quality; the following
officials of New York City: Andrew Lanza, Councilman; and Robert Orlin, Deputy
Commissioner, Department of Sanitation; Nick DiPasquale, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Environmental Protection, State of Pennsylvania; and public
witnesses.
&qout;ISSUES RELATING TO EPHERA-CONTAINING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held an hearing entitled &qout;Issues Relating to Ephera-containing Dietary
Supplements.&qout; Testimony was heard from Marcia Crosse, Acting Director, Health
Care--Public Health and Science Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D878]
In refusing to give testimony, the following witnesses invoked Fifth Amendment
privileges: Michael Ellis, Founder and co-owner; and Daniel Rodriguez, R.N.,
Head Nurse, all with Metabolife International, Inc., San Diego, California;
and David Brown, former President and Chief Executive Officer, Metabolife
International, Inc., San Diego, California.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following: H.R. 1533, to
amend the securities laws to permit church pension plans to be invested in
collective trusts; H.R. 1985, amended, FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment
Act of 2003; H.R. 253, amended, Two Floods and Your Are Out of the Taxpayers'
Pocket Act of 2003; and H.R. 2420, amended, Mutual Funds Integrity and Fee
Transparency Act of 2003.
POST 9/11 FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL--IMBALANCED COMPENSATION SYSTEM
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization and the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human
Resources held a joint hearing entitled &qout;Federal Law Enforcement Personnel in
the Post 9/11 Era: How Can We Fix an Imbalanced Compensation System?&qout;
Testimony was heard from Representatives Filner, Van Hollen, Rogers of Alabama
and King of New York; Joanne Simms, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Human
Resources Administration, Department of Justice; Norman J. Rabkin, Managing
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Donald J. Winstead, Deputy
Associate Director, Center for Pay and Performance Policy, OPM; Kay Frances
Dolan, Director, Human Relations Policy, Department of Homeland Security; and
public witnesses.
GAO HUMAN CAPITAL REFORM ACT
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2751, GAO
Human Capital Reform Act of 2003.
SEC STRATEGIC PLANNING
Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled &qout;SEC Strategic
Planning--Will Additional Resources Help the SEC Fulfill It's Mission?&qout;
Testimony was heard from Richard Hillman, Director, Financial Markets and
Community Investment, GAO; and Peter Derby, Managing Executive, Operations,
Office of the Chairman, SEC.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.J. Res. 63, amended, to approve the &qout;Compact of Free Association, as amended
between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of
the Federated States of Micronesia,&qout; and the &qout;Compact of Free Association, as
amended between the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands,&qout; and otherwise to amend
Public Law 99-239, and to appropriate for the purposes of amended Public Law
99-239 for fiscal years ending on or before September 30, 2023; H.R. 1813,
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2003; and H.R. 2620, amended,
Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003.
CENTRAL ASIA TERRORISM, RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM, AND REGIONAL STABILITY
Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia, hearing on Central Asia: Terrorism, Religious Extremism, and
Regional Stability. Testimony was heard from Stephen Blank, Professor,
Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College; and public witnesses.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2765, making appropriations for the government of the
District of Columbia and other activities chargeable in whole or in part
against the revenues of said District for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall
be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule provides
that the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the rule
may be offered only by a Member designated in the report and only at the
appropriate point in the reading of the bill, 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 amendment printed in the report. The rule authorizes the
Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides that after a motion
that the Committee rise has been rejected on a legislative day, the Chairman
of the Committee of the Whole may entertain another such motion on that day
only if offered by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations or the
Majority Leader, or a designee. The rule provides that after a motion to
strike out the enacting words of the bill (as described in clause 9 of rule
XVIII) has been rejected, the Chairman may not entertain another such motion
during further consideration of the bill. Finally, the rule provides one
motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Frelinghuysen and Smith of New Jersey.
[Page: D879]
PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET ACCESS ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour
of debate on H.R. 2427, Pharmaceutical Market Access Act of 2003, in the House
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, or their designees. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
during consideration of the bill, notwithstanding the operation of the
previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to
a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit. Testimony was heard from Representatives Buyer, Gutknecht, Emerson,
Deutsch, Sanders, and Emanuel.
READY TO TEACH ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2210, Ready to Teach Act of 2003, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that in lieu of
the amendment recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now
printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed
in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, and
provides that it shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of
the report. The rule provides that amendments printed in part B of the report
shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered
only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall
be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question
in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in part B of the report. The rule
provides that after a motion that the Committee rise has been rejected on a
legislative day, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may entertain
another such motion on that day only if offered by the chairman of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce or the Majority Leader or a designee.
The rule provides that after a motion to strike out the enacting words of the
bill (as described in clause 9 of rule XVIII) has been rejected, the Chairman
may not entertain another such motion during further consideration of the
bill. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions.
TAX CODE--ASSISTING SMALL BUSINESSES--RECENT GAINS AND WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Assisting Small Businesses
Through the Tax Code--Recent Gains and What Remains to be Done. Testimony was
heard from Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; Nina E. Olson,
Taxpayer Advocate, IRS, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 2557, Water Resources Development Act of 2003.
The Committee also approved the following: GSA Fiscal Year 2004 Capital
Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions and Courthouse Resolutions; Natural
Resources Conservation Service Small Watershed Resolution; and Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Report.
INTELLIGENCE ISSUES; LEGAL AUTHORITIES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive sessions to hold
hearings on Intelligence Issues and Legal Authorities. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses.
SECURING AMERICA'S BORDERS--BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled &qout;Best Business Practices in Securing
America's Borders.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D880]
2003/07/24
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 24, 2003; pages D883 - D892
Committee Meetings
TOBACCO QUOTA BUYOUT
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Tobacco Quota Buyout.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Fletcher and Kingston; and public
witnesses.
FOOD STAMP PROGRAM--REVIEW OPERATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight,
Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review operations of the Food Stamp
Program. Testimony was heard Eric M. Bost, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition,
and Consumer Services, USDA.
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2004.
CYBER TERRORISM
Committee on Armed Services; Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on hearing on Cyber Terrorism: The New
Asymmetric Threat. Testimony was heard from Robert Lentz, Director,
Information Assurance, Department of Defense; Robert F. Dacey, Director,
Information Technology Team, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D889]
LONG-TERM FEDERAL OBLIGATIONS--ECONOMIC EFFECTS
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Economic Effects of Long-Term
Federal Obligations. Testimony was heard from Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO; and a public witness.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LEGISLATION
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2728,
Occupational Safety and Health Small Business Day in Court Act of 2003; H.R.
2729, Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Efficiency Act of 2003;
and H.R. 2730, to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide for
an independent review of citations issued by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration.
&qout;ISSUES RELATING TO EPHEDRA-CONTAINING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing
entitled &qout;Issues Relating to Ephedra-containing Dietary Supplements.&qout;
Testimony was heard from Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Commissioner, FDA,
Department of Health and Human Services; and J. Howard Beales III, Director,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC.
FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2622, Fair
and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003.
The Committee also approved and forwarded to the Committee on the Budget the
following: &qout;Changes in Law to Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.&qout;
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2309, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
2300 Redondo Avenue in Signal California, as the &qout;J. Stephen Horn Post Office
Building;&qout; H. Con. Res. 235, celebrating the life and achievements of Lawrence
Eugene &qout;Larry&qout; Doby; and H. Res. 315, congratulating Rafael Palmeiro of the
Texas Rangers for hitting 500 major league home runs and thanking him for
being a role model for the Cuban American community, as well as for all
Americans.
OVERSIGHT--THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN--PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST
Committee on Government Reform: Held an oversight hearing entitled &qout;The Thrift
Savings Plan: Putting Customers First?&qout; Testimony was heard from Andrew Saul,
Chairman, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board; Edward P. McPherson,
Chief Financial Officer, USDA; Alan Lebowitz, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Program Operations, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of
Labor; and public witnesses.
ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Antitrust held an oversight hearing
on &qout;The Antitrust Enforcement Agencies: The Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice and the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade
Commission.&qout; Testimony was heard from R. Hewitt Pate, Assistant Attorney
General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; and Timothy J. Muris,
Chairman, FTC.
OVERSIGHT--PATENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on &qout;Patent Quality
Improvement.&qout; Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on the Abandoned Mine Lands Program. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Kanjorski and Holden; Jeffrey Jarrett, Director, Office
of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.
MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 2693, Marine Mammal Protection Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Rebecca Lent, Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce; Marshall
Jones, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; David Cottingham, Executive Director, Marine Mammal Commission; and
public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following measures: H.R. 1005, PILT and Refuge Revenue Sharing
Permanent Funding Act; H.R. 1723, Caribbean National Forest Act of 2003; H.R.
2707, Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act; and to direct
the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain lands within the Arapaho and
Roosevelt National Forest in the State of Colorado. Testimony was heard from
Representative Beauprez, Pearce and Stenholm; Elizabeth Estill, Deputy Chief,
Programs, Legislation and Communications, U.S. Forest Service, USDA; the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: Chris Kearney, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Policy/International Affairs; and James Tate, Science
Advisor to the Secretary; and public witnesses.
[Page: D890]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following measures: H.R. 2828, Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental
Improvement Act; and H.R. 2641, Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act. Testimony
was heard from Senator Feinstein; and public witnesses.
MAKING EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 2003
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote a modified closed rule providing
one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2859, making emergency supplemental
appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003, equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations. The rule waives all point of order against consideration of
the bill. The rule provides for consideration of the amendment printed in the
Congressional Record, if offered by Representative Toomey or his designee,
which shall be considered as read and shall separately debatable for twenty
minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The
rule waives all points of order against that amendment. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
VA/HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS, 2004
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, an open rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2861, Departments of Veterans Affairs and
Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations, 2004,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to
accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Representatives Smith of New Jersey,
Simmons, Obey, Mollohan, Edwards, Evans, Hastings of Florida, and Rodriguez.
SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day
it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported
from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special
rule reported on the legislative day of July 25, 2003, providing for
consideration or disposition of H.R. 2861, making appropriations for the
Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for
sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.
SMALL BUSINESS REAUTHORIZATION AND MANUFACTURING REVITALIZATION ACT
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2802, Small
Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Revitalization Act of 2003.
OVERSIGHT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on
oversight of the Department of Labor's administration of the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) under chapter 43 of
title 38, United States Code. Testimony was heard from Susan LaChance,
Manager, Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition, U.S. Postal Service;
Frederico Juarbe, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training
Service, Department of Labor; and representatives of veterans' organizations;
and public witnesses.
SSA'S SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
SSA's Service Delivery Plan. Testimony was heard from Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
Commissioner, SSA; the following officials of the GAO: Robert E. Robertson,
Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues; and Linda D.
Koontz, Director, Information Technology; and a public witness.
[Page: D891]
IRAQ--SUFFICIENCY OF INTELLIGENCE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Sufficiency of
Intelligence on Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following former Directors
of the CIA: John M. Deutch; and R. James Woolsey; John J. Hamre, former Deputy
Secretary of Defense; and Anthony H. Cordesman, Arleigh A. Burke Chair in
Strategy, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT INFORMATION SHARING CAPABILITIES--IMPROVEMENTS
Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled &qout;Improvements to Department of
Homeland Security Information Sharing Capabilities--Vertical and Horizontal
Intelligence Communications&qout;. Testimony was heard from Bill Parrish, Acting
Assistant, Information Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; V. Phillip
Lago, Deputy Executive Secretary, CIA; Steven McCraw, Assistant Director,
Office of Intelligence, FBI, Department of Justice; James Kallstrom, Senior
Advisor to the Governor on Counter Terrorism, State of New York; George
Foresman, Deputy Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness,
State of Virginia; and a public witness.
2003/07/25
Daily Digest - Friday, July 25, 2003; pages D894 - D902
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1829,
amended, Federal prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003;
H.R. 292, Korean War Veterans Recognition Act of 2003; H. Res. 234, condemning
bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, Muslim-Americans, South
Asian-Americans, and Sikh-Americans; H.R. 2655, to amend and extend the Irish
Peace Process Cultural and Training Programs Act of 1998; and H.R. 1837,
amended, Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003.
[Page: D899]
BRIEFING--COUNTERTERRORISM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Counterterrorism. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
2003/07/28
Daily Digest - Monday, July 28, 2003; pages D903 - D906
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/07/29
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 29, 2003; pages D908 - D913
{Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.}
2003/07/30
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 30, 2003; pages D915 - D920
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/07/31
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 31, 2003; pages D921 - D928
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2003/08/01
Daily Digest - Friday, August 1, 2003; pages D930 - D934
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/09/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 2, 2003; pages D935 - D940
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2003/09/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 3, 2003; pages D941 - D946
Committee Meetings
&qout;BLACKOUT 2003: HOW DID IT HAPPEN AND WHY?&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled &qout;Blackout 2003: How
Did It Happen and Why?&qout; Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Energy: Spencer Abraham, Secretary; and Patrick Wood,
Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; the following officials of the
State of Ohio: Bob Taft, Governor; and Alan R. Schriber, Chairman, Public
Utilities Commission; the following officials of the State of Michigan:
Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor; Kwame Kilpatrick, Mayor, Detroit; and J.Peter
Lark, Chairman, Public Service Commission; William M. Flynn, Chairman, Public
Service Commission, State of New York; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 2989, Transportation, Treasury, and Independent
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to
accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Istook, Flake, Olver, Hastings of Florida, Delahunt, Hooley of
Oregon, Davis of Florida and Ruppersberger.
2003/09/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, September 4, 2003; pages D947 - D954
Committee Meetings
INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Testimony was heard
from Frank Libutti, Under Secretary, Information Analysis and Infrastructure
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK UPDATE
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Update of the Budget and Economic
Outlook. Testimony was heard from Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.
STRENGTHENING PENSION SECURITY AND DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on &qout;Strengthening
Pension Security and Defined Benefit Plans: Examining the Financial Health of
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.&qout; Testimony was heard from David
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Steven A. Kandarian, Executive Director,
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
&qout;BLACKOUT 2003: HOW DID IT HAPPEN AND WHY&qout;
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Concluded hearings entitled &qout;Blackout 2003:
How Did It Happen and Why?&qout; Testimony was heard from William J. Museler,
President and CEO, Independent System Operator, New York; James P. Torgerson,
President and CEO, Independent System Operator, Midwest; David Goulding, CEO,
The Independent Market Operator of Ontario, Canada; Gordon van Welie, CEO,
Independent System Operator, New England; and public witnesses.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Government
Accountability: Efforts to Identify and Eliminate Waste and Mismanagement.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Christopher Burnham, Assistant Secretary, Resource Management and Chief
Financial Officer, Bureau of Resource Management; Anne M. Sigmund, Acting
Inspector General; John Marshall, Assistant Administrator, Management and
Chief Information Officer and Everett Mosley, Inspector General, both with
AID; and Jess Ford, Director, Bureau of International Affairs and Trade, GAO.
OVERSIGHT--COLLEGE ATHLETIC CONFERENCES AND ANTITRUST ASPECTS OF BOWL
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on &qout;Competition in
College Athletic Conferences and Antitrust Aspects of the Bowl Championship
Series.&qout; Testimony was heard from Scott Cowen, Chairman, Presidential
Coalition for Athletics Reform; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--INTERNET DOMAIN NAME FRAUD
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on &qout;Internet Domain Name
Fraud--the U.S. Government's Role in Ensuring Public Access to Accurate Whois
Data.&qout; Testimony was heard from James E. Farnan, Deputy Assistant Director,
Cyber Crime Division, FBI, Department of Justice; Theodore W. Kassinger,
General Counsel, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION AMENDMENTS ACT
Committee on Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, H.J. Res. 63, Compact of
Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.
[Page: D953]
COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD REPORT
Committee on Science: Held a hearing on &qout;The Columbia Accident Investigation
Board Report.&qout; Testimony was heard from Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., USN
(Ret.), Chairman, Columbia Accident Investigation Board.
ECONOMIC GROWTH--RURAL ECONOMY
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to discuss attracting economic
growth for the rural economy and whether the federal government is adequately
supporting a policy of growth in the rural portions of the country. Testimony
was heard from Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA; David
A. Sampson, Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Economic Develo |
