108th Congress (2003 - 2004)

2004/01/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 20, 2004; pages D1 - D6

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/01/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 21, 2004; pages D8 - D12

Committee Meetings

USDA'S BSE RESPONSE

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the USDA's Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Response. Testimony was heard from Ann M.
Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture.

RESERVE COMPONENT HEALTHCARE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on
Reserve Component Healthcare: Medical Holdovers in Current and Future
Deployments. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: Sgt. Craig Allen LaChance, USA, Medical Holdover
Company; and Col. John M. Kidd, USA, Garrison Commander, Third Infantry
Division (Mechanized), both at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Col. Keith Armstrong,
USA, Garrison Commander, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Lt. Gen. James B. Peake, USA,
Surgeon General; Daniel Denning, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Manpower and Reserve Affairs; and Lt. Gen. Joseph R. Inge, USA, Commanding
General, First Army; the following officials of the Department of the Navy:
Vice. Adm. Michael L. Cowan, USN, Surgeon General; and Rear Adm. John M.
Stewart, Jr., USN, Deputy Commander, Navy Personnel Command; and public
witnesses.

                                [Page: D11]

REPORT--SPECIAL EXAMINATION OF FREDDIE MAC

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the OFHEO's report of
the Special Examination of Freddie Mac. Testimony was heard from Armando
Falcon, Director, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department
of Housing and Human Development; and Martin F. Baumann, Chief Financial
Officer, Freddie Mac.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills:
H.R. 2844, Continuity in Representation Act of 2003; H.R. 1997, Unborn Victims
of Violence Act of 2003; H.R. 3261, Database and Collections of Information
Misappropriation Act; and H.R. 2391, Cooperative Research and Technology
Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2003.

CAN U.S. COMPANIES COMPETE GLOBALLY USING AMERICAN WORKERS?

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Can U.S. Companies Compete
Globally Using American Workers? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.



2004/01/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 22, 2004; pages D14 - D15

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/01/23
Daily Digest - Friday, January 23, 2004; pages D17 - D20

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/01/26
Daily Digest - Monday, January 26, 2004; pages D21 - D24

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/01/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 27, 2004; pages D26 - D30

Committee Meetings

BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Budget and Economic
Outlook--Fiscal Years 2005-2014. Testimony was heard from Douglas Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO.

NASA WORKFORCE FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on S. 610, NASA Workforce Flexibility Act of 2003, with 40
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Science and 20 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Government Reform. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered for
amendment under the five-minute rule and that it shall be considered as read.
The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who
have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Boehlert.

FAMILY FARMER BANKRUPTCY RELIEF EXTENSION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing
one hour of general debate on the bill S. 1920, to extend for 6 months the
period for which chapter 12 of title 11 of the United States code is
reenacted, and amendments made in order equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. 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 an amendment in the nature
of a substitute consisting of H.R. 975 as passed by the House, and that it
shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order only those
amendments to that amendment in the nature of a substitute which are 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. The rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Section 2 of the
resolution provides that if the Senate bill, as amended, is passed then it
shall be in order to move that the House insist on its amendment to S. 1920
and request a conference thereof. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Sensenbrenner and Representative Baldwin.



2004/01/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 28, 2004; pages D31 - D38

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE SECTOR--TEMPORARY GUEST WORKER PROPOSALS IMPACT

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Potential Impact of
Recent Temporary Guest Worker Proposals on the Agriculture Sector. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FORCE ROTATION PLAN

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Operation Iraqi Freedom
Force Rotation Plan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, Army;
Gen. Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant, Marine Corps; Lt. Gen. James E.
Cartwright, USMC, Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, and Lt.
Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Director, Operations, both with the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.

FREDDIE MAC'S ACCOUNTING RESTATEMENT: ARE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS WORKING?

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Freddie Mac's Accounting Restatement: Are
Accounting Standards Working?" Testimony was heard from Armando Falcon, Jr.,
Director, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department of
Housing and Urban Development; and Martin Bauman, Chief Financial Officer,
Freddie Mac.

STROKE TREATMENT AND ONGOING PREVENTION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3658, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing
Prevention Act.

BROADCAST INDECENCY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "'Can you say that on TV?': An Examination of
the FCC's Enforcement with Respect to Broadcast Indecency." Testimony was
heard from David H. Solomon, Chief, Enforcement Bureau, FCC; and public
witnesses.

NATIONAL BANK RULES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Congressional Review of OCC Preemption." Testimony
was heard from Julie L. Williams, First Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief
Counsel, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.

                               [Page: D35]

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PAY

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Avoiding 'Financial
Friendly Fire': A Review of Efforts to Overcome Army National Guard Pay
Problems." Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, GAO; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Ernest J. Gregory, Acting Assistant Secretary, Financial Management
and Comptroller; and Lt. Gen. Roger C. Schultz, USA, Director, Army National
Guard, both with the Department of the Army; and Patrick T. Shine, Director,
Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Military and Civilian Pay Services;
and Kenneth Chavez, Unit Commander, B Company, Special Forces, Colorado Army
National Guard.

POSTAL REFORM

Committee on Government Reform: Special Panel on Postal Reform and Oversight
held a hearing entitled "Answering the Administration's Call for Postal
Reform--Part I." Testimony was heard from Brian C. Roseboro, Acting Under
Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; the following
officials of the U.S. Postal Service: S. David Fineman, Chairman, Board of
Governors; and John E. Potter, Postmaster General; George A. Omas, Chairman,
Postal Rate Commission; and David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO.

OVERSIGHT--RELIEVING BURDEN ON SMALL BUSINESS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and
Oversight of the Committee on Small Business held a joint hearing entitled
"What is the Administration's Record in Relieving Burden on Small Business?"
Testimony was heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Patrick Pizzella, Assistant Secretary,
Administration and Management, Department of Labor; Jeffrey Rosen, General
Counsel, Department of Transportation; Kimberly Terese Nelson, Assistant
Administrator, Environmental Information, EPA; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
1073, To repeal section 801 of the Revenue Act of 1916; H.R. 1768, amended,
Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2003; H. Res. 412, Honoring the
men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration on the occasion of its
30th Anniversary; H.R. 3095, Community Recognition Act of 2003; H.R. 339,
amended, Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act; H.R. 2824, amended,
Internet Tobacco Sales Enforcement Act; and H. Res. 56, Supporting the goals
of the Japanese American, German American, and Italian American communities in
recognizing a National Day of Remembrance to increase public awareness of the
events surrounding the restriction, exclusion, and internment of individuals
and families during World War II.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3551, Surface
Transportation Research and Development Act of 2003.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS--LONG-TERM CARE POLICIES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans
Affairs long-term care policies. Testimony was heard from Cynthia A. Bascetta,
Director, Healthcare--Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO; the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: John D. Daigh, Jr., M.D.,
Assistant Inspector General, Health Care Inspections, Office of Inspector
General; and Robert H. Rosell, M.D., Under Secretary, Health; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing to
review Federal and State Oversight of Child Welfare Programs. 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, GAO;Wayne Stevenson, Deputy
Secretary, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, State of Pennsylvania;
William Bell, Commissioner, Administration for Children and Families, New York
City; and public witnesses.

BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled "Integrity and Security at the Border:
The US VISIT Program." Testimony was heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under
Secretary, Border and Transportation Security Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security; Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.



2004/01/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 29, 2004; pages D39 - D40

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/01/30
Daily Digest - Friday, January 30, 2003; pages D41 - D42

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/02
Daily Digest - Monday, February 2, 2004; pages D44 - D47

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 3, 2004; pages D50 - D54

Committee Meetings

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Budget for Fiscal
Year 2005. Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolten, Director, OMB; N.
Gregory Mankiw, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers; and a public witness.

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES AGAINST TERRORISM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Effective Strategies
Against Terrorism. Testimony was heard from Randall Yim, Managing Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Team, GAO; Ilana Kass, Professor, Military
Strategy and Operations, National War College, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.

LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing entitled "Law Enforcement Efforts within
the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: W. Ralph Basham, Director,
U.S. Secret Service; Adm. Thomas H. Collins, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard; and Michael Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement.

IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing 1
hour of general debate on H.R. 3030, Improving the Community Services Block
Grant 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 to the committee amendment that are pre-printed in the
Congressional Record or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.
The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may
be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and
that each amendment shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Boehner and Representatives Osborne and Woolsey.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSALS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Budget
Proposals for fiscal year 2005. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow,
Secretary of the Treasury.



2004/02/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 4, 2004; pages D55 - D59

Committee Meetings

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY PROGRAMS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Recommendations of the
Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim World. Testimony
was heard from Ambassador Margaret Tutwiler, Under Secretary, Public Diplomacy
and Public Affairs, Department of State; and the following officials of the
Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim World: Ambassador
Edward Djerejian, Chairman; and Ambassador David Abshire.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of Defense. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Donald H.
Rumsfeld, Secretary; Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff; and Dov Zakheim, Under Secretary (Comptroller).

                                     [Page: D58]

TREASURY DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of the Treasury
Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow,
Secretary of the Treasury; and a public witness.

COMMUNICATIONS MARKETPLACE--CURRENT STATE OF COMPETITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "The Current State of Competition in the
Communications Marketplace." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE--ROLE OF ATTORNEYS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "The Role of
Attorneys in Corporate Governance." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

"SHOULD WE PART WAYS WITH GPRA?"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled "Should We Part Ways
with GPRA?" Testimony was heard from Paul Posner, Director, Strategic Issues,
GAO; and public witnesses

L VISAS: LOSING JOBS THROUGH LAISSEZ-FAIRE POLICIES? COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on L Visas: Losing Jobs
Through Laissez-Faire Policies? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 
The Committee also considered pending Committee business.

FRAUDULENT ONLINE IDENTITY SANCTIONS ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 3754, Fraudulent Online Identity
Sanctions Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

IMPACT OF SCIENCE ON PUBLIC POLICY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "The Impact of Science on Public Policy." Testimony
was heard from Representative Walden of Oregon; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FOREST INDUSTRY--ISSUES AFFECTING JOBS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Issues Affecting Jobs in the Forest Industry. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 912,
amended, Charles 'Pete' Conrad Astronomy Awards Act; H.R. 1292, amended,
Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2003; H.R. 3389, to amend the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to permit Malcolm Baldridge
National Quality Awards to be made to nonprofit organizations; H.R. 3551,
amended, Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2004; H.R.
3752, Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004; and H. Con. Res. 189,
amended, Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical
Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in
2007-08.

ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSED BUDGET--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Administration's
proposed Fiscal Year 2005 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Testimony was heard from Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
and representatives of veterans organizations.

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.

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Homeland
Security Advisory System: Improving Preparedness through Effective Warning."
Testimony was heard from James M. Loy, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Homeland Security; and John O. Brennan, Director, Terrorist Threat Integration
Center.



2004/02/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 5, 2004; pages D62 - D63

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/06
Daily Digest - Friday, February 6, 2004; pages D66 - D70

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/09
Daily Digest - Monday, February 9, 2004; pages D72 - D74

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 10, 2004; pages D75 - D80

Committee Meetings

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on "Public Diplomacy in the
Middle East." Testimony was heard from Margaret Tutwiler, Under Secretary,
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Department of State; Kenneth Y.
Tomlinson, Chairman, Broadcasting Board of Governors; Jess T. Ford, Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; Harold Pachios, Chairman, Advisory
Commission on Public Diplomacy; Stephen P. Cohen, member, Advisory Group on
Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim World; and public witnesses.

STATUS OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on the Status of
International Religious Freedom: An Analysis of the State Department's 2003
Annual Report. Testimony was heard from Ambassador-at-Large for International
Religious Freedom John V. Hanford III, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

                                     [Page: D78]

DEFENSE OF PRIVACY ACT; OVERSIGHT--PRIVACY IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 338, Defense of Privacy
Act.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Privacy in the Hands of the
Government: The Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland Security.
Testimony was heard from Nuala O'Connor Kelly, Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration
of a motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, or his
designee, to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 743, Social
Security Protection Act of 2003. The rule provides one hour of debate in the
House on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that the
Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the motion to concur in the
Senate amendment. Finally, the rule provides that the previous question shall
be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening
motion. Testimony was heard from Representative Shaw.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSALS FISCAL YEAR 2005--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2005 Budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Testimony was
heard from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services.



2004/02/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 11, 2004; pages D81 - D88

Committee Meetings

DOD AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVES

Committee on Armed Services : Held a hearing on the Department of Defense
aviation safety initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Maj. Gen. Kenneth W. Hess, OSD/USAF, Air Force
Chief of Safety and Commander, U.S. Air Force Safety Center; Brig. Gen. Joseph
A. Smith, USA, Director, Army Safety and Commanding General, U.S. Army Safety
Center; Rear Adm. Richard E. Brooks, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Safety Center;
and Brig. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Aviation,
U.S. Marine Corps; and Christopher Bolkcom, Specialist in National Defense,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

DOD INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE

Committee on Armed Services : Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional
Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on the Department of Defense
Information Systems Architecture: Are We on the Right Path to Achieving
Net-Centricity and Ensuring Interoperability? Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: John P. Stenbit, Assistant
Secretary, Networks and Information Integration and DOD Chief Information
Officer; Lt. Gen. Steven W. Boutelle, USA, Chief Information Officer/G6,
Department of the Army; Maj. Gen. Marilynn Quagliotti, USA, Vice Director,
Defense Information Systems Agency; Rear Adm. Thomas E. Zelibor, USN, Deputy
for C4 Integration and Policy/DoN Deputy CIO (Navy) (OPNAV N6F); David
Tillotson III, Director, C41, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Architecture and
Assessment, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Warfighting Integration; and
Brig. Gen. John R. Thomas, USMC, Director Command, Control, Communications and
Computers (C4), DoN Deputy CIO for USMC.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on the Budget : Held a hearing on the Department of Education Budget
Priorities Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from Representative George
Miller of California; Roderick R. Paige, Secretary of Education; and a public
witness.

                                     [Page: D85]

PREVENTION UNDERAGE DRINKING

Committee on Education and the Workforce : Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "Prevention Underage Drinking: What Works." Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

BROADCASTING DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce : Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on H.R. 3717, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of
2004. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Michael K.
Powell, Chairman; Kathleen Q. Abernathy; Michael J. Copps, Kevin J. Martin,
and Jonathan S. Adelstein, all Commissioners; Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner,
National Football League; and Mel Karmazin, President and Chief Operating
Officer, Viacom Inc.

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.

POSTAL REFORM

Committee on Government Reform , Special Panel on Postal Reform and Oversight
concluded hearings entitled "Answering the Administration's Call for Postal
Reform, Part III." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE--RECRUITING AND RETAINING AMERICA'S BEST

Committee on Government Reform : Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "Espirit de Corps: Recruiting and
Retaining America's Best for the Federal Civil Service (H.R. 3737; H.R. 1601;
S. 129)." Testimony was heard from Ronald P. Sanders, Associate Director,
Strategic Human Resources Policy, OPM; and public witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S MANAGEMENT AGENDA

Committee on Government Reform : Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled "The President's
Management Agenda--Are Agencies Getting to Green?" Testimony was heard from
Clay Johnson, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; and Kyle McSlarrow, Deputy
Secretary, Department of Energy.

PRESIDENT'S INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on International Relations : Held a hearing on the President's
International Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard
from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.

OVERVIEW FEDERAL R&D BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Science : Held a hearing on An Overview of the Federal R&D Budget
for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger, Director,
Office of Science and Technology Policy; Rita R. Colwell, Director, NSF;
Charles E. McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of
Homeland Security; Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary, Technology, Department of
Commerce; and Raymond L. Orbach, Director, Office of Science, Department of
Energy.

HOW DOES THE PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2005 BUDGET REQUEST AFFECT SMALL
BUSINESS?

Committee on Small Business : Held a hearing on How Does the President's
Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Request Affect Small Business? Testimony was heard
from Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2005 BUDGET TAX PROPOSALS

Committee on Ways and Means : Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2005 Budget Tax Proposals. Testimony was heard from Pamela F. Olson, Assistant
Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Ways and Means : Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2005 Budget. Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolten, Director, OMB.

IRAQI SURVEY GROUP DEVELOPMENT

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



2004/02/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 12, 2004; pages D90 - D96

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense began fiscal year 2005
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary
of Defense.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies began fiscal year 2005 appropriation hearings.
Testimony was heard from Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Base Realignment and Closure. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Raymond F. DuBois, Jr.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment; Geoffrey Prosch, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment, Department of the Army;
Hansford T. Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment,
Department of the Navy; and Nelson F. Gibbs, Assistant Secretary,
Installations, Environment and Logistics, Department of the Air Force.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2005--DEPARTMENT OF
THE NAVY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal year 2005 National
Defense Authorization budget request for the Department of the Navy. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Gordon
R. England, Secretary; Adm. Vern Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and
Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs
Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from Anthony J.
Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans
organizations.

ENCOURAGING HEALTHY CHOICES FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "Encouraging Healthy Choices for Healthy Children."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet approved for full Committee action H.R. 3717, Broadcast Decency
Enforcement Act of 2004.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; REVIEW--THIS YEAR'S FLU SEASON

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3536, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
210 Main Street in Malden, Illinois, as the "Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln
Hollinsaid Malden Post Office;" H.R. 3537, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 185 State Street in Manhattan,
Illinois, as the "Army Pvt. Shawn Pahnke Manhattan Post Office;" H.R. 3538, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201
South Chicago Avenue in Saint Anne, Illinois, as the "Marine Capt. Ryan
Beaupre Saint Anne Post Office;" H.R. 3690, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 2 West Main Street in Batavia, New
York, as the "Barber Conable Post Office Building;" H.R. 3769, To designate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 137 East Young
High Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the "Ben Atchley Post Office Building;"
H. Res. 392, Congratulating the Detroit Shock for winning the 2003 Women's
National Basketball Association championship; H. Res. 439, Honoring the life
and career of Willie Shoemaker and expressing the condolences of the House of
Representatives to his family and friends on his death; H. Con. Res. 287,
Recognizing and honoring the life of the late Raul Julia, his dedication to
ending world hunger, and his great contributions to the Latino community and
the performing arts; and H. Res. 519, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives with respect to the earthquake that occurred in San Luis
Obispo County, California, on December 22, 2003.

The Committee approved the release of the transcript of the April 10, 2003
interview of Frank Salemme.  The Committee also held a hearing entitled "A
Review of This Year's Flu Season: Does Our Public Health System Need a Shot in
the Arm?" Testimony was heard from the Department of Health and Human
Services: Julie Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; Janet Heinrich, M.D., Director, Public
Health Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

                                     [Page: D95]

AFGHANISTAN: DRUGS AND TERRORISM AND U.S. SECURITY POLICY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Afghanistan: Drugs and
Terrorism and U.S. Security Policy. Testimony was heard from Representative
Kirk; the following officials of the Department of State: Robert B. Charles,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs; and William B. Taylor, Jr., Coordinator for Afghanistan; Karen P.
Tandy, Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice; and the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Thomas W. O'Connell, Assistant Secretary,
Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict; and Brig. Gen. Gary L. North,
USAF, Director, Politico-Military Affairs for Asia-Pacific, Joint Chiefs of
Staff.

ANTI-COUNTERFEITING AMENDMENTS OF 2003

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 3632, Anti-counterfeiting
Amendments of 2003. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--ENERGY SUPPLY AND THE AMERICAN CONSUMER

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Energy Supply and the American Consumer."
Testimony was heard from Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Department of Energy;
and public witnesses.

LAND CONVEYANCE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3505, to amend the Bend Pine Nursery Land Conveyance Act to
specify the recipients and consideration for conveyance of the Bend Pine
Nursery. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth Estill, Deputy Chief of Programs,
Legislation and Communication, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S VISION FOR SPACE EXPLORATION

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the President's Vision for Space
Exploration. Testimony was heard from Sean O'Keefe, Administrator, NASA; and
John Marburger III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy.

OVERSIGHT--AVIATION SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Aviation Security: Progress and Problems in Passenger
and Baggage Screening. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security: Tom
Blank, Assistant Administrator, Transportation Security Policy; and Randy
Null, Chief Technology Officer; Cathleen Berrick, Director, Homeland and
Justice Division, GAO; and public witnesses.

IRS COMPUTER MODERNIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on IRS
Efforts to Modernize its Computer Systems. Testimony was heard from Mark
Everson, Commissioner, IRS; Larry Levitan, member, IRS Oversight Board; Robert
F. Dacey, Director, Accounting and Information Management Division, GAO; and
public 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.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Department
of Homeland Security's Proposed Fiscal Year 2005 Budget." Testimony was heard
from Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security.



2004/02/23
Daily Digest - Monday, February 23, 2004; pages D97 - D102

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/02/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 24, 2004; pages D103 - D110

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES--NEED FOR DENTAL AND VISION BENEFITS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held an oversight hearing entitled "We'd Like to See You Smile:
The Need for Dental and Vision Benefits for Federal Employees (H.R. 3751)."
Testimony was heard from Abby Block, Deputy Associate Director, OPM; and
public witnesses.

U.S. AND THE IRAQI MARSHLANDS: AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on United States and the Iraqi Marshlands: An
Environmental Response. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Bureau for Asia and the Near East, AID, Department of State: Gordon West,
Acting Assistant Administrator, and John Wilson, Senior Environmental Officer;
and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing entitled "Reauthorization of
the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act." Testimony was heard from Marybeth
Peters, Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing
two hours of debate in the House on H.R. 1997, Unborn Victims of Violence Act
of 2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule provides that the bill
shall be considered as read for amendment. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the
Judiciary now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A
of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying the resolution, shall be
considered as adopted. The rule provides for consideration of the amendment in
the nature of a substitute printed in part B of the report of the Committee on
Rules, if offered by Representative Lofgren or her designee, which shall be
considered as read and shall be 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 Representatives Chabot and Lofgren.

                                    [Page: D107]

WORLD-WIDE THREATS

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



2004/02/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 25, 2004; pages D111 - D120

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 began fiscal year 2005
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
USDA: Ann M. Veneman, Secretary; James R. Mosley, Deputy Secretary; Keith
Collins, Chief Economist; and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to receive a briefing on the CIA. Testimony was heard from George J. Tenet,
Director, CIA.

INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
began fiscal year 2005 appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: Gale A. Norton,
Secretary; P. Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management and
Budget; and John D. Trezise, Director, Budget.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies hearing on SSA. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the SSA: Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner; and James G.
Huse, Jr., Inspector General.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Robert Coonrod, President and CEO; Pat
Mitchell, President and CEO, Public Broadcasting Service; and Kevin Close,
President and CEO, National Public Broadcasting.

                                    [Page: D115]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the following: the Quality of Life; and on Quality of Life in the
Military with Spouses. Testimony was heard from Sgt. Major Kenneth O. Preston,
USA; Master Chief Petty Officer Terry D. Scott, USN; Sgt. Major John L.
Estrada, USMC; and Chief Master Sgt. Gerald R. Murray, USAF.

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
on the following: the Office of Science and Technology Policy; on Arlington
Cemetery; on Consumer Product Commission; and on the Council on Environmental
Quality. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger, Director, Office of
Science and Technology Policy, and President's Science Advisor; John Paul
Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works, Department of the Army; Hal
Stratton, Chairman; Thomas H. Moore and Mary Sheila Gall, both Commissioners,
Consumer Product Safety Commission; and James Laurence Connaughton, Chairman,
Council on Environmental Quality.

RESOLUTION REGARDING VALERIE PLAME; NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported adversely H. Res. 499,
Requesting the President and directing the Secretary of State, the Secretary
of Defense, and the Attorney General to transmit to the House of
Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this
resolution documents in the possession of the President and those officials
relating to the disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie
Plame.

The Committee also held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National; Defense
Authorization budget request of the Department of the Army. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: Les
Brownlee, Acting Secretary; and Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--SPACE PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request: Status
of the Space Programs. Testimony was heard from Peter B. Teets, Under
Secretary, Department of the Air Force.

DOD FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION AND SURVEILLANCE EFFORTS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Department of Defense force health protection and surveillance efforts for
service members deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs;
Lt. Gen. James J. Peake, M.D., USA., The Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Commander, U.S. Medical Command; Sgt. Major Kenneth O. Preston, Sgt. Major,
USA; and CPL Victor Thibeault, U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum,
New York; the following officials of the Department of Veterans' Affairs:
Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Deputy Chief, Patient Care Officer, Veterans Health
Administration; Susan H. Mather, M.D., Chief Officer, Public Health and
Environmental Hazards; and Laurent S. Lehmann, M.D., Chief, Mental Health
Strategic Health Care Group; and public witnesses.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND CURRENT FISCAL ISSUES

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on The Economic Outlook and Current
Fiscal Issues. Testimony was heard from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System.

STRENGTHENING PENSION SECURITY FOR ALL AMERICANS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled
"Strengthening Pension Security for All Americans: Are Workers Prepared for a
Safe and Secure Retirement?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE REFORM ACT; CONSUMER ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action the following: the
United States Olympic Committee Reform Act; and the Consumer Access to
Information Act of 2004.

SECURITIES FRAUD DETERRENCE AND INVESTOR RESTITUTION ACT; BUDGET VIEWS AND
ESTIMATES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2179,
Securities Fraud Deterrence and Investor Restitution Act of 2003.

                                    [Page: D116]

The Committee approved the following: as amended, "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 2005;" and other pending Committee
business.

IMPROVE REGULATORY ACCOUNTING: COSTS, BENEFITS, AND IMPACTS OF FEDERAL
REGULATIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled "How to Improve
Regulatory Accounting: Costs, Benefits, and Impacts of Federal
Regulations--Part II." 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. PACIFIC ISLAND TERRITORIES--HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing on "Investigation Into Health Care Disparities in the United States
Pacific Island Territories." Testimony was heard from David Cohen, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior;
Nathan Stinson, Jr., M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Minority
Health, Department of Health and Human Services; Felix Camacho, Governor,
Territory of Guam; Juan Babauta, Governor, Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands; Togiola Tulafono, Governor, American Samoa; and Jefferson
Benjamin, M.D., Secretary of Health, Department of Health, Education, and
Social Affairs, Federated States of Micronesia.

RESOLUTION REGARDING VALERIE PLAME; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following measures:
H. Res. 499, adversely, Requesting the President and directing the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General to transmit to
the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the
adoption of this resolution documents in the possession of the President and
those officials relating to the disclosure of the identity and employment of
Ms. Valerie Plame; and H.R. 3818, amended, The Microenterprise Results and
Accountability Act of 2004.

The Committee favorably considered the following measures and adopted a motion
urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension
Calendar: H.R. 3782, Counter-Terrorist and Narco-Terrorist Rewards Program
Act; H.R. 854, amended, Belarus Democracy Act of 2003; H. Res. 530, Urging
passage of a resolution addressing human rights abuses in People's Republic of
China at the 60th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights,
and calling upon the Government of People's Republic of China to respect and
protect human rights; H. Con. Res. 15, Commending India on its celebration of
Republic Day; H. Res. 526, Expressing the sympathy of the House of
Representatives for the victims of the devastating earthquake that occurred on
December 26, 2003 in Bam, Iran; and H. Con. Res. 364, To recognize more than 5
decades of strategic partnership between the United States and the people of
the Marshall Islands in the pursuit of international peace and security.

RESOLUTION REGARDING VALERIE PLAME

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported adversely H. Res. 499, Requesting
the President and directing the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense,
and the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives not later
than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution documents in
the possession of the President and those officials relating to the disclosure
of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION FUNDING

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Funding for Immigration in the
President's 2005 Budget." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Homeland Security: Michael Dougherty, Director, Operations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Eduardo Aguirre, Deputy Director and
Chief of Staff, Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Seth Stodder,
Counselor and Senior Policy Advisor to Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection; and Daniel Smith, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Consular Affairs, Department of State.

OVERSIGHT--EXAMINE POTENTIAL FOR A DELEGATE FROM NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on An Examination of the
Potential for a Delegate from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands. Testimony was heard from David Cohen, Director, Office of Insular
Affairs, Department of the Interior; the following officials of the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Juan N. Babauta, Governor; Pete
A. Tenorio, Resident Representative; and Joaquin G. Adriano, Senate President;
and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D117]

OVERSIGHT--BUDGETS--BUREAU OF RECLAMATION, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND POWER
MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2005 Budgets for the Bureau of
Reclamation, the U.S. Geological Survey and Power Marketing Administrations.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: John Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Robert M.
Hirsch, Associate Director, Water, U.S. Geological Survey; and the following
officials of the Department of Energy: Michael S. Hacskaylo, Administrator,
Western Area Power Administration; Stephen J. Wright, Administrator,
Bonneville Power Administration; Michael A. Deihl, Administrator, Southwestern
Power Administration; and Charles A. Borchardt, Administrator, Southeastern
Power Administration.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE
CONCERNING SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule 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 rule applies the waiver to any special rule reported
on the legislative day of February 26, 2004, providing for consideration or
disposition of H.R. 3783, Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, or any
amendment thereto.

CONFLICT BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SECURITY IN VISA POLICY

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Conflict Between Science and
Security in Visa Policy: Status and Next Steps. Testimony was heard from Asa
Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation Security, Department of
Homeland Security; Janice Jacobs, Assistant Secretary, Office of Consular
Affairs, Department of State; Jess Ford, Director, International Affairs and
Trade, GAO; and Robert Garrity, Jr., Deputy Assistant Director,
Record/Information Administration, FBI, Department of Justice.

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Small Business: Approved Committee's Budget Views and Estimates
for Fiscal Year 2005 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 2523, to designate the United States courthouse located at 125
Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the "Tomochichi United States
Courthouse;" H.R. 2538, to designate the United States courthouse located at
400 North Miami Avenue in Miami, Florida, as the "Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr.,
United States Courthouse;" H.R. 3147, amended, to designate the Federal
building located at 324 Twenty-Fifth Street in Ogden, Utah, as the "James V.
Hansen Federal Building;" and H.R. 3713, To designate the Federal building
located at 250 West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois the "Senator Paul
Simon Federal Building."  The Committee also approved the following:
Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2005 for submission to
the Committee on the Budget; U.S. Army Corps Survey Resolutions; and GSA
Fiscal Year 2004 Leasing Resolutions.

IC ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES AND INFORMATION SHARING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on IC Analytical
Capabilities and Information Sharing. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science
and Research Development held a hearing entitled "Homeland Security Science
and Technology Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2005." Testimony was heard from
Charles McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of
Homeland Security.



2004/02/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 26, 2004; pages D121 - D127

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural
Resources and Environment. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment;
Bruce I. Knight, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Wade Daniel
Runnels, Director, Budget Planning and Analysis Division, Natural Resources
Conservation; and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies began fiscal year 2005 appropriation hearings.
Testimony was heard from Donald L. Evans, Secretary of Commerce.

INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Spencer Abraham,
Secretary of Energy.

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.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor:
Arnold Levine, Deputy Under Secretary, International Labor Affairs; Ann Combs,
Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Victoria
Lipnic, Assistant Secretary, Employment Standards Administration; David
Lauriski, Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health Administration; and John
Henshaw, Assistant Secretary, OSHA.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the U.S. Postal Service. Testimony was
heard from John E. Potter, Postmaster General and CEO, U.S. Postal Service.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--AIR FORCE

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National
Defense Authorization budget request for the Department of the Air Force.
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.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Military
Construction Budget Request for the Programs of the Office of the Secretary of
Defense, the Defense Agencies, and the Reserve Components of the Department of
the Air Force. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Raymond F. DuBois, Jr., Deputy Under Secretary,
Installations and Environment; Nelson F. Gibbs, Assistant Secretary, Air
Force, Installations, Environment, and Logistics; Maj. Gen. Dean Fox, 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.

DOD TRANSFORMATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Department of Defense Transformation.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Vice Adm. Arthur K. Cebrowski, USN (ret.), Director, Office of Force
Transformation, Office of the Secretary; Maj. Gen. John M. Curran, USA,
Director, Futures Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; Rear Adm.
Kevin J. Cosgriff, USN, Director, Warfare Integration (OPNAV N7F); Lt. Gen.
Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs (AF/XP); Lt.
Gen. Edward Hanlon, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development, Commanding
General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Lt. Gen. Robert W.
Wagner, USA, Deputy Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

                                    [Page: D126]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET PRIORITIES

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Health and Human
Services Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from Tommy G.
Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and a public witness.

BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet continued hearings on H.R. 3717, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of
2004. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3733, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
410 Huston Street in Altamont, Kansas, as the "Myron C. George Post Office;"
H.R. 3797, 2004 District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act; H.J. Res. 87,
Honoring the life and legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and
recognizing his contributions on the anniversary of the date of his birth; H.
Con. Res. 328, Recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and
supporting the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month; H. Res.
433, Honoring the life and legacy of Luis A. Ferre; and H. Res. 475,
Congratulating the San Jose Earthquakes for winning the 2003 Major League
Soccer Cup.

The Committee also approved Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2005 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT TELECOM PLAN

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Will 'Network' Work?
A Review of Whether a Centralized Government Telecom Plan Jibes with an
Ever-Evolving Market." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
GSA: Stephen Perry, Administrator; and Sandra Bates, Commissioner, Federal
Technology Service; Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues,
GAO; Drew Ladner, Chief Information Officer, Department of the Treasury;
Melvin J. Bryson, Director, Information Technology, Administrative Office of
the U.S. Courts; and public witnesses.

AFGHANISTAN--EFFORTS TO STEM FLOW OF HEROIN

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Afghanistan: Law Enforcement
Interdiction Efforts in Transshipment Countries to Stem the Flow of Heroin."
Testimony was heard from Robert Charles, Assistant Secretary, International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; and Karen Tandy,
Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice.

U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AFTER SEPTEMBER 11TH

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Foreign
Assistance After September 11th: Major Changes, Competing Purposes and
Different Standards--Is There an Overall Strategy? Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND AMENDMENTS ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1856, Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Amendments Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Representatives Ehlers;
Richard W. Spinrad, Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held an oversight hearing to examine the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget for the
National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management and Ongoing Efforts to
Reduce Maintenance Backlogs. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of the Interior: Fran Mainella, Director, National Park
Service; and Kathleen Clarke, Director, Bureau of Land Management.

                                    [Page: D127]

"UNION SALTING OF SMALL BUSINESS WORKSITES"

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing entitled "Union Salting of Small Business
Worksites." Testimony was heard from Representative DeMint; and public
witnesses.

AGENCY BUDGETS AND PRIORITIES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Agency Budgets and Priorities for
Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary (Civil
Works); and LTG. Robert B. Flowers, USA, Chief of Engineers, Corps of
Engineers; the following officials of the EPA: Marianne Lamont Horinko,
Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response; and Benjamin H.
Grumbles, Acting Assistant Administrator, Water; Glenn L. McCullough, Jr.,
Chairman TVA; Arturo Q. Duran, Commissioner, International Boundary and Water
Commission; Albert S. Jacquez, Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation; Thomas A. Weber, Associate Chief, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, USDA; and Richard Spinrad, Assistant Administrator,
National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce.

SOCIAL SECURITY DELIVERY PLAN FOR 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
the Social Security Service Delivery Plan for 2005. Testimony was heard from
Joanne B. Barnhart, Commissioner, SSA.

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.

IC LANGUAGE CAPABILITIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on IC
Language Capabilities. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/02/27
Daily Digest - Friday, February 27, 2004; pages D129 - D134

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/03/01
Daily Digest - Monday, March 1, 2004; pages D135 - D140

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/03/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 2, 2004; pages D141 - D168

Committee Meetings

ANDEAN COUNTERDRUG INITIATIVE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Andean Counterdrug Initiative."
Testimony was heard from John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug
Control Policy; Tom O'Connell, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and Low
Intensity Conflict, Department of Defense; and Robert Charles, Assistant
Secretary, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of
State.

                                    [Page: D145]

OVERSIGHT--CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution held an oversight
hearing on the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Testimony was heard from Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General, Civil
Rights Division, Department of Justice.

COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2004

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing one
hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Science. The rule waives points of
order against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 4(a)
of rule XIII (requiring a three-day layover of the committee report). The rule
provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute
rule and that it shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only
those amendments to the bill that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record
or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that
each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the
Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment
shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehlert.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2003

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 1, a structured rule providing
one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. 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 Committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the Committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute which are 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 amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.



2004/03/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 3, 2004; pages D170 - D180

Committee Meetings

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Agriculture: Approved Committee's Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal Year 2005 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FHA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Inspector
General. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Phyllis
K. Fong, Inspector General; Joyce N. Fleischman, Deputy Inspector General;
Robert W. Young, Jr., Assistant Inspector General, Audit; Jon E. Novak, Deputy
Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; Delmas R. Thornsbury, Director,
Resources Management Division; and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on the 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 the Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Dale Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service, USDA.

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 P-16 Education Systems.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D175]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Family Housing Privatization. Testimony was heard from William A.
Armbruster, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Privatization and Partnerships,
Department of the Army.  The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Central
Command Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Gen. John Abizaid, USA,
Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Transportation.
Testimony was heard from Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary of Transportation.

VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
on the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of HUD: Michael Liu, Assistant Secretary, Public and
Indian Housing; and John C. Weicher, Assistant Secretary, Housing/Federal
Housing Commissioner.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DOD

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National
Defense Authorization budget request for the Department of Defense. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: General
John Abizaid, USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command; and Peter W. Rodman,
Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget
request--Department of Defense Capabilities for Conducting Conventional
Long-range Strike Operations. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. James E. Cartwright, USMC, Director,
Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8), Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. T.
Michael Moseley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force; and Rear Adm. Mark
P. Fitzgerald, USN, Director, Air Warfare, Staff, Chief of Naval Operations;
and the following officials of the Congressional Research Services, Library of
Congress: Christopher Bolkcom; and Ronald O'Rourke, both Specialists in
National Defense.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request on Military
Resale and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Charles S. Abell,
Principal Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Maj. Gen. Mike Wiedemer,
USAF, Director, Defense Commissary Agency; Maj. Gen. Kathryn Frost, USA,
Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Command; Rear Adm. William J.
Maguire, USN, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Commander, Navy Exchange Service
Command; and Michael P. Downs, USMC, Director, Personnel and Family Readiness
Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and public witnesses.

MEMBERS' DAY

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members' Day. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Young of Alaska, Hunter, Skelton, Evans, LoBiondo, Kirk,
Hayes, Mica, Herger, Tiahrt, Ehlers, Bordallo, Radanovich, Ryan of Wisconsin,
Rogers of Alabama, Case, Blackburn, Issa, Shaw, Alexander, Ross, Miller of
Florida, Holt and Biggert.

"NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: IMPROVING RESULTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES"

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "No Child
Left Behind: Improving Results for Children with Disabilities." Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 3717, amended, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004; H.R. 3261,
unfavorably, Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act;
H.R. 3658, amended, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act; H. Res. 522,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical
need to increase awareness and education about heart disease and the risk
factors of heart disease among women; S. 1881, amended, Medical Devices
Technical Corrections Act; and H.R. 3872, Consumer Access to Information Act
of 2004.

The Committee also approved pending Committee business.

                                    [Page: D176]

STOCK OPTION ACCOUNTING REFORM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 3574, Stock Option
Accounting Reform Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FINANCIAL REPORT U.S. GOVERNMENT FISCAL YEAR 2003

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing on "Financial Report of the
U.S. Government for Fiscal Year 2003." 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.

FEDERAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"Federal Information Technology Investment Management, Strategic Planning, and
Performance Measurement: 60 Billion Reasons Why." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the OMB: Clay Johnson III, Deputy Director, Management
and Budget; and Karen S. Evans, Administrator, E-Government and Information
Technology; and David A. Powner, Director, Information Technology Management
Issues, GAO.

RESOLUTION REGARDING DEATH OF MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT; U.S. PRIORITIES IN EUROPE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action H. Res. 540, Expressing the condolences and deepest
sympathies of the House of Representatives for the untimely death of
Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. Priorities in Europe. Testimony
was heard from A. Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and
Eurasian Affairs, Department of State.

SITUATION IN HAITI

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on The Situation in Haiti. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; Arthur E. Dewey, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration; and Adolfo A. Franco, Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, AID; Timothy M.
Carney, former U.S. Ambassador to Haiti; and public witnesses.

"MINERALS AND ENERGY; OUTSOURCING AMERICAN JOBS OVERSEAS"

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Minerals and Energy: Outsourcing American Jobs
Overseas" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

REVIEW--HYDROGEN FUEL AND FREEDOMCAR INITIATIVES

Committee on Science: Held a hearing to Review the Hydrogen Fuel and
FreedomCAR Initiatives. Testimony was heard from David K. Garman, Assistant
Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and
public witnesses.

DOD INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Department of Defense Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.

ENABLING INFORMATION SHARING ACROSS INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on Enabling
Information Sharing Across the Intelligence Community. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY--EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
DIRECTORATE BUDGET

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness
and Response held a hearing entitled "Department of Homeland Security
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate Fiscal Year 2005 Budget."
Testimony was heard from Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency
Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security.



2004/03/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 4, 2004; pages D181 - D192

Committee Meetings

MARKETING AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Marketing
and Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: William T. Hawks, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory
Programs; Bobby R. Accord, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service; A.J. Yates, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; and Donna
Reifschneider, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: Gale A. Norton, Secretary; and
John W. Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation.

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 Security.

INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
held a hearing on the Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from
Steven A. Williams, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, 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 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 Veterans' Affairs, HUD and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the EPA. Testimony was heard from
Michael Leavitt, Administrator, EPA.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Military
Construction Budget Request for the Programs of the Department of the Army and
the Department of the Navy. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of the Army: Geoffrey G. Prosch, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Installations and Environment; Maj. Gen. Larry J. Lust, USA, Assistant Chief
of Staff, Installation Management; Maj. Gen. Walter Pudlowski, USA, Special
Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Gary M. Profit,
USA, Deputy Chief, Army Reserve; and the following officials of the Department
of the Navy: H.T. Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment;
Rear Adm. Christopher Weaver, USN, Commander, Navy Installations; and Brig.
Gen. Willie J. Williams, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and
Logistics (Facilities), Commandant of the Marine Corps (LF).

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--AVIATION INDUSTRIAL BASE AND
DOD ROTORCRAFT INVESTMENT PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget
request--Aviation Industrial Base and Department of Defense Rotorcraft
Investment Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Al Shaffer, Director, Plans and Programs for the
Director, Defense Research and Engineering, Office of the Secretary; Maj. Gen.
James D. Thurman, USA, Director, Army Aviation Task Force; Tom Laux, Program
Executive Officer (Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Missions),
Department of the Navy; Rear Adm. Andy Winns, USN, Deputy N78 Aviation
Requirements Officer for Helicopters, U.S. Navy; and Brig. Gen. Samuel T.
Helland, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps;
Joseph H. Bogosian, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Transportation and Machinery,
Department of Commerce; and a public witness.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST--DOD HOMELAND DEFENSE AND HOMELAND
SECURITY MISSIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request--Department of Defense Responsibilities in
Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Missions. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant
Secretary (Homeland Defense); Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National
Guard Bureau; and Maj. Gen. John A. Love, USAF, Special Assistant to the
Commander, Northern Command, National Guard Matters.

                                    [Page: D187]

CHILD NUTRITION AND IMPROVEMENT INTEGRITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3873, Child Nutrition
Improvement and Integrity Act.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Prescription Drug Monitoring: Strategies to Promote Treatment and
Deter Prescription Drug Abuse." Testimony was heard from Representative Rogers
of Kentucky; Marcia Crosse, Director, HealthCare/Public Health and Military
Health Care Issues; James W. Holsinger, M.D., Secretary, Health and Family
Services, State of Kentucky; and public witnesses.

SECURITY DOE NUCLEAR FACILITIES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "A Review of Security DOE Nuclear Facilities and the
Implementation of the Revised Design Basis Threat." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Energy: Glenn S. Podonsky,
Director, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance; Herbert
Richardson, Principal Deputy Inspector General; and William J. Brumley,
Manager, Y-12 Sit Office, National Nuclear Security Administration; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FDIC

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FDIC:
Donald E. Powell, Chairman; and Gaston L. Gianni, Jr., Inspector General; and
Jeanette M. Franzel, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3059, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
304 West Michigan Street in Stuttgart, Arkansas, as the "Lloyd L. Burke Post
Office;" H.R. 3723, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the "Vaughn Gross
Post Office Building;" and H.R. 3855, To designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 607 Pershing Drive in Laclede, Missouri, as
the "General John J . Pershing Post Office."

US-VISIT PROGRAM--GOALS AND CHALLENGES

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "America's New Welcome
Mat: A Look at the Goals and Challenges of the US-VISIT Program." Testimony
was heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation
Security, Department of Homeland Security; Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary,
Consular Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.

U.S. GOVERNMENT STRATEGY FOR FIGHTING HIV/AIDS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The United States
Government Strategy for Fighting HIV/AIDS: Implementation of Public Law
108-25. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, Coordinator for
HIV/AIDS, Department of State.

OVERSIGHT--ALIEN REMOVAL UNDER OPERATION PREDATOR

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on Alien Removal Under "Operation Predator."
Testimony was heard from Michael J. Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and John Walsh, host
of "America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back."

OVERSIGHT--U.S. COAST GUARD AND FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION REQUESTS; COAST
GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard
and Federal Maritime Commission Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Requests, and H.R.
3879, Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland
Security: Adm. Thomas H. Collins, Commandant; and Master Chief Petty Officer,
Franklin A. Welch; and Steven R. Blust, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission.

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL

Committee on Ways and Means: Approved the Committee's Budget Views and
Estimates for Fiscal Year 2005 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

The Committee also held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2005 Budget
for the Department of Labor. Testimony was heard from Elaine L. Chao,
Secretary of Labor.

TERROR THREATS; DETAINEE INFORMATION UPDATE

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

The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Detainee
Information Update. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.

                                    [Page: D188]

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
PROTECTION BUDGET PROPOSAL

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security
held a joint hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland Security's
Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Budget Proposal for Fiscal
Year 2005." Testimony was heard from Frank Libutti, Under Secretary,
Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland
Security.



2004/03/08
Daily Digest - Monday, March 8, 2004; pages D193 - D196

Committee Meetings

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--ENSURING SAFE DRINKING WATER

Committee on Government Reform: On March 5, the Committee held a hearing
entitled "Public Confidence, Down the Drain: The Federal Role in Ensuring Safe
Drinking Water in the District of Columbia." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the EPA: Benjamin H. Grumbles, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Office of Water; and Donald S. Welsh, Regional Administrator,
Region III; Thomas P. Jacobus, General Manager, Washington Aqueduct, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army; Glenn S. Gerstell, Chairman,
District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority; and public witnesses.

IRAQI WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: On March 5, the Committee met in
executive session to hold a hearing on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/03/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 9, 2004; pages D198 - D206

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 Teachers and Math and Science
Education. Testimony was heard from Vicki Bernstein, Director, Alternative
Certification, Department of Education, New York City; and public witnesses.

NONPROLIFERATION: ASSESSING MISSILE TECHNOLOGY EXPORT CONTROLS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emergency
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Nonproliferation:
Assessing Missile Technology Export Controls. Testimony was heard from Joseph
A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; Matthew S.
Borman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Export Administration, Department of
Commerce; Robert W. Maggi, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Directorate Defense
Trade Controls, Department of State; the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Lt. Gen. Tome H. Walters, Jr., USAF, Defense Security Cooperation
Agency; and Lisa Bronson, Deputy Under Secretary, Technology Security Policy
and Counterproliferation; Andrew Feickert, Specialist, National Defense,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D203]

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the Department of Justice: Executive Office for
United States Attorneys, Civil Division, Environment and Natural Resources
Division, Executive Office for United States Trustees, and Office of the
Solicitor General. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Thomas Sansonetti, Assistant Attorney General,
Environment and Natural Resources Division; Peter Keisler, Assistant Attorney
General, Civil Division; Guy Lewis, Director. Executive Office for United
States Attorneys; and Lawrence Friedman, Director, Executive Office for United
States Trustees.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN FOOD CONSUMPTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified open rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 339, Personal Responsibility in Food
Consumption Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. 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 committee amendment in the nature of a substitute.
The rule makes in order only those amendments to the committee amendment that
are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are pro-forma amendments for
the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the
Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be
printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Keller and Watt.

UNINSURED

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Uninsured. Testimony was heard from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; and
public witnesses.



2004/03/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 10, 2004; pages D207 - D218

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Research,
Education and Extension. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: Joseph J. Jen, Under Secretary, Education and Economics; Edward B.
Knipling, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Research Service; Colien
Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension
Service; Susan E. Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research Service; R. Ronald
Bosecker, Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Services; and
Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of State,
Administration of Foreign Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary;
and Grant Green, Under Secretary, Management.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army
Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: Les Brownlee, Acting Secretary; and Gen. Peter
Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff.

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Army
Acquisition Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: Gen. Claude M. Boulton, USA, Assistant Secretary
Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology; and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sorenson, USA,
Deputy, Systems Management to the Assistant Secretary of the Army.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was heard from John
Paul Woodley, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) and the following
officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: LTG. Robert B. Flowers, USA,
Chief, Engineers; MG. Carl A. Strock, Director, Civil Works; and Robert F.
Vining, Chief, Programs Management Division, Civil Works Directorate.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on the Secretary of State.
Testimony was heard from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.

INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
held a hearing on Indian Health Services. Testimony was heard from Charles W.
Grim, D.D.S., Director, Indian Health Services, Department of Health and Human
Services.

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 the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services. Testimony was heard from Dennis Smith, Acting
Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality. Testimony was heard from Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human Services.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Dove S. Zakheim, Under Secretary,
Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer; and Raymond F. DuBois, Deputy Under
Secretary, Installations and Environment.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on GSA. Testimony was heard from Stephen
A. Perry, Administrator, GSA.

FISCAL YEAR 2005 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--TOTAL FORCE
ADEQUACY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on the Adequacy
of the Total Force. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. James E. Cartwright, USMC, Director, Force
Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8), Joint Chiefs of Staff; Lt. Gen.
Richard A. Cody, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3. Headquarters; and Lt. Gen.
Franklin L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, Headquarters, both with
the Department of the Army; Vice Adm. Kevin P. Green, USN, Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations, Plans, Policy and Operations, Headquarters; and Vice Adm.
Gerald Hoewing, USN, Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations, Manpower and Personnel, Headquarters, both with the Department of
the Navy; Lt. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and
Programs, Headquarters; and Lt. Gen. Richard Brown, USAF, Deputy Chief of
Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, both with the Department of the Air Force; Lt.
Gen. Jan C. Huly, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations,
Headquarters; Lt. Gen. Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy Commander, Manpower and
Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, both with the U.S. Marine Corps.

                                    [Page: D214]

CHILD NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT AND INTEGRITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
3873, Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act.

HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES REVIEW

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "A Review of the
Administration's FY2005 Health Care Priorities." Testimony was heard from
Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

OVERSIGHT--SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Satellite Home Viewer
Improvement Act." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

COIN AND MEDAL MEASURES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology approved for full Committee action the
following measures: H.R. 1914, Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin
Act of 2003; H.R. 2131, To award a congressional gold medal to President Jose
Maria Aznar of Spain; H.R. 2768, John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act; and
H.R. 3277, Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.  Prior to
this action, the Committee held a hearing on these measures. Testimony was
heard from William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice, United States Supreme Court;
Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary, Department of State, J. Steven Griles,
Deputy Secretary; Department of the Interior; and Gen. Carl E. Mundy, Jr.,
USMC (Ret.), 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY--MAKING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT A PRIORITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled "Making Financial
Management a Priority at DHS." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Clark Kent Ervin, Inspector
General; and Andrew Maner, Chief Financial Officer.

FUTURE OF U.S.-LIBYAN RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Weapons of Mass
Destruction, Terrorism, Human Rights and the Future of U.S.-Libyan Relations.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
William J.Burns, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and
Paula A. DeSutter, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Verification and Compliance;
and public witnesses.

HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES--REVIEW STATE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Human Rights Practices
Around the World: A Review of the State Department's 2003 Annual Report.
Testimony was heard from Lorne W. Craner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FOREST SERVICE BUDGET

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 President's Budget for the Forest
Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark
Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Dale Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service.

BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 2, a structured rule providing
ninety minutes of general debate on H.R. 3717, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act of 2004, 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
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy
and Commerce 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 to the committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute which are 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 Barton and Representatives Upton, Markey, Stupak,
Price of North Carolina, Hinchey, Inslee and Watson.

                                    [Page: D215]

SPACE EXPLORATION--PERSPECTIVES ON PRESIDENT'S VISION

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Perspectives on the President's Vision
for Space Exploration. Testimony was heard from Lennard Fisk, Chairman, Space
Studies Board, National Academy of Sciences; and public witnesses.

SPIKE IN METAL PRICES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Spike in Metal Prices:
What Does it Mean for Small Manufacturers?" Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation approved for full Committee action, as amended,
H.R. 3879, Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
MISMATCHES AND MISUSE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight and the Subcommittee on
Social Security held a joint hearing on Social Security Number and Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number Mismatches and Misuse. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark Everson,
Commissioner; and Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both with the IRS;
and Pamela Gardiner, Acting Inspector General, Tax Administration; the
following officials of the SSA: James B. Lockhart III, Deputy Commissioner;
and Patrick P. O'Carroll, Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; and
Michael Brostek, Director, Tax Issues, GAO.

INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY BUDGET REVIEW

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

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN--COMMUNITY-MILITARY COORDINATION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on Intelligence
Community-Military Coordination in Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROPOSED INFORMATION ANALYSIS BUDGET

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland Security
Proposed Information Analysis Budget for Fiscal Year 2005." Testimony was
heard from Patrick M. Hughes, Assistant Secretary, Information Analysis,
Department of Homeland Security.



2004/03/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 11, 2004; pages D220 - D230

Committee Meetings

PEANUT PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Speciality Crops and Foreign
Agriculture Programs held a hearing to review the Peanut Program. Testimony
was heard from Floyd Gaibler, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services, USDA; and public witnesses.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FDA.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FDA, Department of
Health and Human Services: Lester M. Crawford, Acting Commissioner; Jeffrey M.
Weber, Associate Commissioner, Management and Chief Financial Officer; and
William R. Beldon, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget.

COMMERCE, STATE, JUSTICE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, State, Justice,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Judiciary.
Testimony was heard from Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative
Office of the United States Courts; and Chief Judge John Heyburn, Chairman,
Budget Committee, Judicial Conference of the United States.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on the Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard from Spencer
Abraham, Secretary of Energy.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Border and Transportation Security. Testimony was heard from Asa
Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation Security, Department of
Homeland Security.  The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Acting
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration. Testimony was heard
from ADM David Stone, USN, (Ret.), Acting Administrator, Transportation
Security Administration, 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 held a hearing on the Secretary of Education.
Testimony was heard from Rodney Paige, Secretary of Education.

                                    [Page: D227]

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.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--NAVY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization Budget Request--Navy
Research and Development, Transformation and Future Navy Capabilities.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Navy: John J. Young, Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and
Acquisition); VADM John B. Nathan, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N-7)
(Warfare Requirements and Programs); VADM Cutler J. Dawson, Jr., Deputy Chief
of Naval Operations (N-8) (Resources, Requirements, and Assessments); LTG
Edward Hanlon, Jr., USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development
Command; and RADM Jay M. Cohen, USN, Chief of Naval Research, Director, Test
and Evaluation and Technology Requirements.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--ASSESSING ADEQUACY TO MEET
READINESS NEEDS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization Budget Request--Assessing the
Adequacy of the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget to Meet Readiness Needs. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN George
Casey, USA, Vice Chief of Staff, Army, Headquarters, Department of the Army;
ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations and LTG Jan C.
Huly, USMC, Deputy Commander, Plans, Policy and Operations, U.S. Marine Corps,
both with the Department of the Navy; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Vice
Chief of Staff, Air Force, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
OVERSIGHT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request--Special Operations Command Oversight. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas W.
O'Connell, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict;
GEN Bryan D. Brown, USA, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command; LTG
Philip Kensinger, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations
Command; LTG Paul Hester, USAF, Commander, Air Force Special Operations
Command; RADM Albert Calland, USN, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command;
and Command CMSgt Robert Martens, Jr., U.S. Air Force, Senior Enlisted
Advisor, U.S. Special Operations Command.

BUDGET RESOLUTION

Committee on the Budget: Began markup of the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year
2005.

Committee recessed subject to call.

CHANGING NATURE OF THE ECONOMY--CRITICAL ROLES OF EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "The
Changing Nature of the Economy: The Critical Roles of Education and Innovation
in Creating Jobs & Opportunity in a Knowledge Economy." Testimony was heard
from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and
public witnesses.

COLLEGE RECRUITING--ARE STUDENT ATHLETES BEING PROTECTED?

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "College Recruiting: Are Student Athletes
Being Protected?" Testimony was heard from Representative Osborne; and public
witnesses.

IRAQ--REBUILDING CHALLENGES

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Complex Task of
Coordinating Contracts Amid Chaos: The Challenges of Rebuilding a Broken Iraq.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
MG Carl A. Strock, USA, Director, Civil Works, Army Corps of Engineers; GEN
Paul J. Kern, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command; MG Wade H.
McManus, Jr., USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Field Support Command; Tina
Ballard, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army (Policy and Procurement); Dov S.
Zakheim, Under Secretary, (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer; William
H. Reed, Director, Defense Contract Audit Agency; and RADM David Nash, USN
(Ret.), Director, Iraq Program Management Office, Coalition Provisional
Authority; and Lewis Lucke, Deputy Assistant Administrator, AID, Department of
State.

                                    [Page: D228]

"CERVICAL CANCER AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Cervical Cancer and Human
Papillomavirus." Testimony was heard from Representative Weldon of Florida;
the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Ed.
Thompson, M.D., Deputy Director, Public Health Services, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; Edward L. Trimble, M.D., Gynecologic Oncologist,
National Cancer Institute, NIH; and Daniel G. Schultz, M.D., Director, Office
of Device Evaluation, Center for Devices and Radiologic Health, FDA; and
public witnesses.

SUDAN: PEACE AGREEMENT AROUND THE CORNER?

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Sudan: Peace Agreement Around the Corner? Testimony was heard from the
following officials ofthe Department of State: Charles R. Snyder, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs; and Roger P. Winter, Assistant
Administrator, Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, AID; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--COPYRIGHT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Section 115 of the
Copyright Act: In Need of Update? Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters,
Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION FUNDING

Committee on the Judiciay: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Funding for Immigration in the
President's 2005 Budget." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET REQUESTS--NOAA AND FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Administration's Fiscal Year 2005
budget requests for NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was
heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN, (Ret.), Under Secretary,
Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Steven A. Williams,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

CURRENT BUDGET PROCESS--CONSIDER NEW REFORM AND ENFORCEMENT PROPOSALS

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process held a
hearing to assess the effectiveness of the current budget process and consider
new reform and enforcement proposals. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Hensarling, Ryan of Wisconsin, Chocola, Stenholm, Hill, Kirk, Hastings of
Washington, Castle and Cox; and Josh Bolten, Director, OMB.

EPA BUDGET

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing on the Fiscal Year EPA Budget. Testimony was heard from Clay
Johnson III, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; Paul Gilman, Assistant
Administrator, Research and Development, EPA; Paul Posner, Managing Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.

VA'S POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER PROGRAMS STATUS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
current status of Department of Veterans' post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Robert H. Roswell, M.D., Under Secretary,
Health; Thomas Horvath, M.D., Chief of Staff, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans
Affairs Medical Center; Terence Keane, Director, National Center for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Boston Health Care System; Harold Kudler,
M.D., Co-Chair, Under Secretary, Health's Special Committee on PTSD, Durham
Medical Center; Chaplain Robert W. Mikol, Clinical Chaplain, Lyons Campus, New
Jersey Health Care System; and Rev. Philip G. Salois, VISN 1 Chaplain Program
Manager, Boston Health Care System; the following officials of the Department
of Defense: LTC Kenneth Brown, Chaplain, U.S. Army; LT Charles E. Hodges,
Chaplain Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve; and CDR Mark Jumper, Staff Chaplain, U.S.
Coast Guard Academy; representatives of veterans organizations; and public
witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S TRADE AGENDA

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on President Bush's Trade Agenda.
Testimony was heard from Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative.

                                    [Page: D229]

NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM BUDGET

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on National Reconnaissance Program 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 receive a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.



2004/03/12
Daily Digest - Friday, March 12, 2004; pages D231 - D236

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/03/16
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 16, 2004; pages D238 - D242

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 School Leadership. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Homeland Security
Advisory System: Threat Codes and Public Responses. Testimony was heard from
Patrick M. Hughes, Assistant Secretary, Information Analysis, Department of
Homeland Security; Randall Yim, Managing Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Team, GAO; Shawn Reese, Analyst, American National Government,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

INFORMATION SECURITY IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled "Information Security in the Federal Government: One Year Into the
Federal Information Security Management Act." Testimony was heard from Robert
F. Dacey, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; Karen Evans,
Administrator, Electronic Government and Information Technology, OMB; Benjamin
Wu, Deputy Under Secretary, Technology, Department of Commerce; Paul Corts,
Assistant Attorney General, Administration, Department of Justice; Jeffrey
Rush, Jr., Inspector General, Department of the Treasury; Ellis W. Merschoff,
Chief Information Officer, NRC; and Kerry Weems, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Budget, Technology and Finance, Department of Health and Human Services.

ANABOLIC STEROIDS CONTROL ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 3866, Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from Representative Sweeney; Joseph Rannazzisi, Deputy
Director, Office of Diversion Control, DEA, Department of Justice; and public
witnesses.

LIBERATION OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing four hours
of debate in the House on H. Res. 557, relating to the liberation of the Iraqi
people and the valiant service of the United States Armed Forces and Coalition
forces, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on International Relations, or their designee. The
rule provides one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. The
rule provides that Section 1 of the resolution provides that during
consideration of H. Res. 557, notwithstanding the operation of the previous
question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the resolution to a
time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Hyde and
Representatives Hastings of Florida, Jackson-Lee of Texas, and Inslee.

CONSOLIDATED CRYPTOLOGIC BUDGET

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



2004/03/17
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 17, 2004; pages D244 - D250

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; Ross J. Davidson,
Jr., Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget
Officer.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Supreme Court. Testimony
was heard from U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy and Clarence
Thomas.  The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the FBI. Testimony was heard
from Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI, Department of Justice.

D