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.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the
Navy/Marine Corps Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Navy: Gordon R. England, Secretary; ADM.
Vernon E. Clark, USNm Chief, Naval Operations; and GEN Michael W. Hagee, USMC,
Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.  The Subcommittee also met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Navy/Marine Corps Acquisition. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Navy: John J. Young, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary, Research, Development and Acquisition; and VADM John B.
Nathan, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Science, Nuclear Energy and Renewable Energy. Testimony was heard
from Robert Card, Under Secretary, Energy, Science and Environment, Department
of Energy.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Testimony was heard from
Michael Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
U.S. Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from Charles G. Groat, Director,
U.S. Geological Survey, 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 Older American Programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary, Aging; Richard
Hodes, M.D., Director, National Institute on Aging; and David Dye, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training; and David Eisner, CEO,
Corporation for National and Community Service.

                                    [Page: D246]

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the FAA. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Transportation: Marion C. Blakey,
Administrator, FAA; and Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General.

VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Testimony was
heard from Judge Donald Ivers, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Subcommittee held a hearing on Community Development Financial
Institutions. Testimony was heard from Wayne Abernathy, Assistant Secretary,
Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. Interagency Council on
Homelessness. Testimony was heard from Phillip Mangano, Executive Director,
Interagency Council on Homelessness.

COMBATING PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3966, amended, To amend title 10, United States Code, and the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to improve the ability of the Department of Defense to
establish and maintain Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps units at
institutions of higher education, to improve the ability of students to
participate in Senior ROTC programs, and to ensure that institutions of higher
education provide military recruiters entry to campuses and access to students
that is at least equal in quality and scope to that provided to any other
employer; S. 2057, To require the Secretary of Defense to reimburse members of
the United States Armed Forces for certain transportation expenses by the
members in connection with leave under the Central Command Rest and
Recuperation Leave Program before the program was expanded to include domestic
travel; H.R. 3104, To provide for the establishment of campaign medals to be
awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participate in Operation Enduring
Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom; and H. Con. Res. 374, amended, Expressing
the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense, Federal banking agencies,
the National Credit Union Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission
should work to mitigate the financial hardships experienced by members of the
reserve component as a result of being called to active duty.

The Committee also held a hearing on Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of
Mass Destruction. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--TRANSPORTATION COMMAND'S
AIRLIFT AND SEALIFT PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--the
U.S. Transportation Command's (USTRANSCOM) Airlift and Sealift Programs.
Testimony was heard from GEN John W. Handy, USAF, Commander, U.S.
Transportation Command, Department of Defense.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE AND
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE 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--Department of Defense Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) and Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Programs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Glen Lamartin, Director, Defense
Systems, Office of the Secretary; MG James D. Thurman, USA, Director, Army
Aviation Task Force; and LTG Walter E. Buchanan, III, USAF, Commander, Central
Command Air Forces and Commander, 9th Air Force; and the following officials
of the GAO: Neal Curtin, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management; and
Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management.

CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION; SPENDING CONTROL ACT

Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported the following measures: the
Concurrent Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2005; and H.R. 3973, amended,
Spending Control Act of 2004.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FEDERAL CONSOLIDATION LOANS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "Fiscal
Responsibility and Federal Consolidation Loans: Examining Cost Implications
for Taxpayers, Students, and Borrowers." Testimony was heard from
Cornelia M.
Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, GAO; and public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
27, amended, Small Public Housing Authority Act; 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.

                                    [Page: D247]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 3737, Administrative Law Judges Pay Reform Act of 2004; and H.R.
3751, To require that the Office of Personnel Management study and present
options under which dental and vision benefits could be made available to
Federal employees and retirees and other appropriate classes of individuals.

WORLD RADIO CONFERENCES--U.S. PREPARATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on U.S. Preparation for the
World Radio Conferences: Too little, too late? Testimony was heard from
Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary, Transportation Policy, Department of
Transportation; William Readdy, Associate Administrator, Space Flight, NASA;
Michael Gallagher, Acting Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information,
National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of
Commerce; Kathleen Abernathy, Commission, FCC; Ambassador David Gross, U.S.
Coordinator, International Communications and Information Policy, Department
of State; Lin Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary, NII (Networks and Information
Integration), Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

U.S. AND ASIA: CONTINUITY, INSTABILITY AND TRANSITION

Committee International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific held a
hearing on the United States and Asia: Continuity, Instability, and
Transition, Testimony was heard from public wintesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; CURRENT SITUATION IN SERBIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H. Res. 543, House Commission For
Assisting Democratic Parliaments Resolution; and H. Res. 558, amended,
Welcoming the accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
Slovakia, and Slovenia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Current Situation in Serbia.
Testimony was heard from D. Kathleen Stephens, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; Daniel Serwer,
Director, Balkans Initiative, U.S. Institute of Peace; and a public witness.

DESIGNATION OF FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS REFORM ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Humans Rights approved for full Committee action H.R.
3978, Designation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations Reform Act.

EXAMINE NEW APPRAISAL OFFICER

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing to examine how the Department of Interior's new Appraisal
Officer is functioning and how land exchanges are being evaluated. Testimony
was heard from Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management, and
Budget, Department of the Interior.

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY RELIEF ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice, vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 1375, Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act
of 2003, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of the bill (except those arising under provisions
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 other than section 302(f), prohibiting
consideration of legislation providing new budget authority in excess of a
committee's 302(a) allocation of such authority). The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Financial Services and 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 (except those arising under
provisions of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 other than section 302(f),
prohibiting consideration of legislation providing new budget authority in
excess of a committee's 302(a) allocation of such authority). The rule makes
in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in
the report may be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be
offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as
read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided
and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for 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 Oxley, and Representatives Leach, Kelly, Gillmor, Frank of
Massachusetts, Waters, Jackson-Lee of Texas and Weiner.

                                    [Page: D248]

GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on H.R. 3970, Green Chemistry Research
and Development Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Arden Bement, Director,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce and
Acting Director, NSF; Paul Gilman, Assistant Administrator, Research and
Development, EPA; and public witnesses.

COMPUTER-ASSISTED PASSENGER PRESCREENING SYSTEM STATUS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on the Status of the Computer-Assisted Passenger
Prescreening System (CAPPS II). Testimony was heard from David M. Stone,
Acting Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security; Norman J. Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Division, GAO; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS--INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs Information
Technology program. Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz Director,
Information Management Issues, GAO: James C. Reardon, Chief Information
Officer, Military Health System, Office of the Assistant Secretary (Health
Affairs), Department of Defense; Robert N. McFarland, Assistant Secretary,
Information and Technology; Department of Veterans Affairs; and public
witnesses.

HIGHWAY REAUTHORIZATION TAX ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3971, Highway
Reauthorization Tax Act of 2004.

NATIONAL GEO-SPATIAL AGENCY PROGRAM BUDGET; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on National Geo-spatial Agency Program Budget. Testimony was heard
from departmental witnessers.

The Committee also met in executive session to consider Committee business.

BORDER AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY BUDGET PROPOSAL

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland
Security's
Border and Transportation Security (BTS) Budget Proposal." Testimony was
heard
from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Border and Transportation Security,
Department of Homeland Security.



2004/03/18
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 18, 2004; pages D251 - D260

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Agency and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food Safety and
Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Elsa A. Murano, Under Secretary, Food Safety; Barbara J. Masters, Acting
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service; and Stephen J. 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 Patent and Trademark
Office. Testimony was heard from Jon Dudas, Director, U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, Department of Commerce.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on State and Local Law Enforcement
Assistance. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Justice: Deborah J. Daniels, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice
Programs; and Carl R. Peed, Director, Community Oriented Policing Services.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on International HIV/AIDS
Assistance Request. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Randall Tobias, Global
AIDS Coordinator.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Office of Domestic Preparedness. Testimony was heard from Suzanne Mencer,
Director, Office for Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security.

                                    [Page: D253]

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on
Oversight: Presidio Trust. Testimony was heard from Craig Middleton, Executive
Director, Presidio Trust, and a public witness.

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 Department of Education.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Education: Gene Hickok, Acting Deputy Secretary; and Ray Simon, Assistant
Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education.

DEPARTMENT--REDESIGNATION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 1741, To redesignate the
position of the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and the
Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from William S. Dudley, Director, Naval
History, Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy; and public
witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--TRAINING TRANSFORMATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on
Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a joint hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Training
Transformation--Examination of the Joint National Training Capability.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Paul W. Mayberry, Deputy Under Secretary (Readiness); MG Gordon Nash, USMC,
Commander, Joint Warfighting Center, and Director, Joint Training, U.S. Joint
Command, RADM David T. Hart, Jr., USN, Director, Fleet Readiness Division, and
Michael P. Bailey, Technical Director, Technology Division, Training and
Education Command, U.S. Marine Corps, all with the Department of the Navy; BG
Louis W. Weber, USA, Director of Training, Training Directorate (DAMO-TR),
Department of the Army; and BG Norman R. Seip, USAF, Deputy Director,
Operations and Training, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space, Department of
the Air Force.

DOE'S ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES BUDGET

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Department of Energy's Atomic Energy Defense Activities Budget.
Testimony was heard from. The following officials of the Department of Energy:
Ambassador Linton Brooks, Administrator, National Nuclear Security
Administration; and Jessie Hill Roberson, Assistant Secretary, Environmental
Management.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on Defense
Health Programs--Current and Future Issues. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr.,
M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; Ltg. James B. Peake, M.D.,USA,
Surgeon General of the Army; VAdm. Michael L. Cowan, M.D., USN, Surgeon
General of the Navy; and Ltg. George P. Taylor, Jr., M.D., USMC, Surgeon
General of the Air Force; and public witnesses.

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS--REFORM AND STRENGTHEN

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing entitled "Reforming and Strengthening Defined
Benefit
Plans: Examining the Health of the Multiemployer Pension System."
Testimony
was heard from Barbara Bovbjerg. Director, Education, Workforce, and Income
Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the National
Highway
Traffic Safety Administration." Testimony was heard from Jeffrey W.
Runge,
M.D., Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL TRANSFERS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Inter-governmental Transfers: Violations of the Federal-State
Medicaid Partnership or Legitimate State Budget Tool?" Testimony was
heard
from George Reeb, Assistant Inspector General, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Audits, Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human
Services; Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care--Medicaid and Private Health
Insurance Issues, GAO; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D254]

SUCCESSFUL HOMEOWNERSHIP AND RENTING THROUGH HOUSING COUNSELING

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Successful Homeownership and Renting
through Housing Counseling." Testimony was heard from John Weicher,
Assistant
Secretary, Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and
Urban Development; and public witnesses.

THE HUNT FOR SADDAM'S MONEY

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The Hunt for Saddam's Money: U.S. and Foreign
Efforts
to Recover Iraq's Stolen Money." Testimony was heard from Juan Zarate,
Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Executive Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial
Crimes, Department of the Treasury; Paul E. Simons, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Energy, Sanctions and Commodities, Bureau of Economic and Business
Affairs, Department of State; and the following officials of the GAO: Joseph
A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade; and Davi M.
D'Agostino, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; INTERNET PHARMACY CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; COMMITTEE
BUSINESS

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported H.R. 3917, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 695 Marconi Boulevard
in Copiague, New York, as the "Maxine S. Postal United States Post
Office."

The Committee held a hearing entitled "A Prescription for Safety: The
Need for
H.R. 3880, Internet Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act." Testimony was
heard
from William Hubbard, Associate Commissioner, Policy and Planning, FDA, USDA;
and public witnesses.

The Committee also approved pending Committee business.

U.S. RUSSIA RELATIONS--PUTIN'S SECOND TERM

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S.--Russia Relations
in Putin's Second Term. Testimony was heard from A. Elizabeth Jones, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--US VISIT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims, oversight hearing on US VISIT: A Down Payment on Homeland Security.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Robert M. Jacksta, Executive Director, Border Security and
Facilitation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Robert A. Mocny, Deputy
Director, US VISIT Office; and Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Jr., Special Assistant
to the Secretary for Private Sector; and Randolph C. Hite, Director,
Information Technology Architecture and Systems Issues, GAO.

ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS CONSERVATION ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 3883, To reauthorize the Atlantic Striped Bass
Conservation Act. Testimony was heard from John H. Dunnigan, Director, Office
of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department
of Commerce; W. P. Jensen, Deputy Secretary, Department of Natural Resources,
State of Maryland; and public witnesses.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Presidential Awardees for
Excellence in Math and Science Teaching: A Lesson Plan for Success. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

SPACE TRANSPORTATION--NASA AND DOD COOPERATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
NASA-Department of Defense Cooperation in Space Transportation. Testimony was
heard from Craig Steidle, Associate Administrator, Office of Exploration
Systems, NASA; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert
Dickman, Deputy for Military Space, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air
Force; and Ron Sega, Director, Defense Research and Engineering and Chief
Technical Adviser to the Secretary; and a public witness.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing entitled "The Benefits of Health
Savings
Accounts." Testimony was heard from Representative Crane; and public
witnesses.

BUDGET REQUESTS--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security's
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, the Office of Domestic
Preparedness, and First Responder Funding. Testimony was heard from Michael D.
Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of
Homeland Security.

                                    [Page: D255]

HEALTH QUALITY INITIATIVES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health
Quality Initiatives. Testimony was heard from Carolyn Clancy, M.D., Director,
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human
Services; Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission;
and public witnesses.

SSA'S MANAGEMENT--TICKET TO WORK PROGRAM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
the SSA's Management of the Ticket to Work Program. Testimony was heard from
Martin H. Gerry, Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs,
SSA; Troy R. Justesen, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitation Services, Department of Education; and public
witnesses.

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
3266, Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2003.



2004/03/22
Daily Digest - Monday, March 22, 2004; pages D262 - D266

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/03/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 23, 2004; pages D267 - D274

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 meeting on Education Programs. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

"LEGAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES RELATED TO THE FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Legal and Practical Issues
Related to the Faith-Based Initiative." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

IDENTITY THEFT PENALTY ENHANCEMENT ACT; IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATION AND
PROSECUTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1731, Identity Theft
Penalty Enhancement Act; and H.R. 3693, Identity Theft Investigation and
Prosecution Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Timothy Coleman, Counsel to
the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice;
Larry Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigative Division, U.S.
Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

CURRENT BUDGET PROCESS--CONSIDER NEW REFORM AND ENFORCEMENT PROPOSALS

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process concluded
hearings to assess the effectiveness of the current budget process and
consider new reform and enforcement proposals--Part II. Testimony was heard
from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; David M. Walker, Comptroller General,
GAO; and public witnesses.

CIA COMPENSATION REFORM

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on CIA Compensation Reform. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.



2004/03/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 24, 2004; pages D276 - D286

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food and
Nutrition Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Eric M. Bost, Under Secretary, Kate Coler, Deputy Under Secretary, both
with the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; Robert Salazar,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service; Eric Hentges, Executive Director,
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion; 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 Legal Activities; DEA; Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: James Comey, Deputy Attorney
General; Karen Tandy, Administrator, DEA; and Edgar Domenech, Acting Director,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

                                    [Page: D281]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. Marshals Service and Federal
Prison System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Benigno G. Rayna, Director, U.S. Marshals Service; and
Harley G. Lappin, Director, Bureau of Prisons.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Management. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Margaret
Chu, Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and Jessie
Roberson, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Emergency Preparedness and Response. Testimony was heard from Michael
Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, 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 Health Resources and Services
Administration. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth James Duke, M.D.,
Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of
Health and Human Services.

The Subcommittee held a hearing on the Administration for Children and
Families. Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary,
Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human
Services.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Education. Testimony
was heard from Roderick R. Paige, Secretary of Education.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on OMB. Testimony was heard from Joshua
Bolton, Director, OMB.

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on Chemical Safety Hazard Investigation Board. Testimony was
heard from Carolyn W. Merritt, Chair, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigation Board.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Corporation for National and Community
Service. Testimony was heard from David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National
and Community Service.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

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: GEN James
L. Jones, USMC, Commander, U.S. European Command; and GEN James T. Hill, USA,
Commander, U.S. Southern Command.

PRE-POSITIONED EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS--USA AND USMC

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Pre-positioned Equipment Programs of the United States Army and United States
Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from BG Jerome Johnson, USA, Director,
Plans, Operations and Readiness, and BG Kevin T. Ryan, Director, Strategy,
Plans and Policy, both with the Department of the Army; BG Robert B. Neller,
USMC, Director, Operations Division (PO), Plans, Policy and Operations, U.S.
Marine Corps; William M. Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management,
GAO; and a public witness.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Military
Personnel Policy, Benefits and Compensation Overview. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Charles S. Abell,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Franklin L.
Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, Headquarters, Department of the
Army; VADM Gerald Hoewing, USN, Chief, Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations, Manpower and Personnel; and LTG Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy
Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps, both with the
Department of the Navy; LTG Richard Brown, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; Derek B. Stewart, Director, Defense,
Capabilities and Management, GAO; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D282]

"THE STATE OF U.S. INDUSTRY"

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on "The State of U.S.
Industry." Testimony was heard from Donald L. Evans, Secretary of
Commerce.

ZERO DOWNPAYMENT ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 3755, Zero Downpayment Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from John Weicher, Assistant Secretary, Housing-Federal
Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM AND FEDERAL LONG-TERM
CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held an oversight hearing entitled "Oversight of the Federal
Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance
Program." Testimony was heard from Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM;
and
public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT'S PLAN--CONSOLIDATE AND CO-LOCATE REGIONAL AND
FIELD OFFICES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on National Security,
Emerging Threats and International Relations held a joint hearing entitled
"The Homeland Security Department's Plan to Consolidate and Co-locate
Regional
and Field Offices: Improving Communication and Coordination." Testimony
was
heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Boarder and Transportation
Security, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS STATUS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "10 Years after the Implementation of DSHEA: The
Status of
Dietary Supplements in the United States." Testimony was heard from
Senator
Durbin; Robert Brackett, Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled "Electronic Government: A Progress Report on the Successes and
Challenges of Government-wide Information Technology Solutions."
Testimony was
heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, E-Government and Information
Technology, OMB; Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management, GAO; the
following officials of the GSA: Martin Wagner, Associate Administrator, Office
of Government-wide Policy; and M. J. Jameson, Associate Administrator (USA
Services), Office of Citizen Services and Communication; Norman Enger,
Director, E-Government (E-Payroll), OPM; Kim Nelson, Chief Information Officer
(E-Rulemaking Initiative), EPA; and George Strawn, Chief Information Officer
(E-Grants), Division of Grants and Agreements, NSF.

PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS--SAFETY AND SECURITY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Safety and Security of
Peace Corps Volunteers. Testimony was heard from Jess Ford, Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; the following officials of the Peace
Corps: Gaddi H. Vasquez, Director; and Charles D. Smith, Inspector General;
and public witnesses.

SAUDI ARABIA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM FINANCING

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on Saudi Arabia and the Fight Against Terrorism
Financing. Testimony was heard from J. Cofer Black, Coordinator, Office of the
Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Department of State; Gary M. Bald, Assistant
Director, Counterterrorism Unit, FBI, Department of Justice; Juan C. Zarate,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Executive Office Terrorist Financing and Financial
Crime, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.

GUEST WORKERS IMPACT ON WORKING AMERICANS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "How Would Millions of
Guestworkers
Impact Working Americans and Americans Seeking Employment?" Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FACILITY TITLE TRANSFERS; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's Facility Title Transfers: Lessons
Learned and Future Opportunities. Testimony was heard from John Keys III,
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D283]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 3747, Wallowa Lake Dam
Rehabilitation and Water Management Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from John
Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
further consideration of H. Con. Res. 393, concurrent resolution establishing
the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2005
and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2004 and 2006
through 2009. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution which may be offered only
in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated
in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in the report, except that the adoption
of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion
of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. The rule
provides, upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution
for amendment, for a final period of general debate not to exceed 10 minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on the Budget. The rule permits the chairman of the Budget
Committee to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical
consistency. Finally, the rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall
not be subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Nussle and Representatives Hensarling, Jones
(NC), Goode, Spratt, Hooley, Edwards, Scott (VA), Thompson (CA), Obey,
Stenholm, Brown (OH), Waters, Gutierrez, Stupak, Woolsey, Jackson-Lee (TX),
Turner (TX), Reyes, Schiff, Bishop (NY) and Miller (NC).

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET PRIORITIES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on the Priorities
in the Department of Energy Budget for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Energy: James Decker,
Principal Deputy Director, Office of Science; David Garman, Assistant
Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Mark R. Maddox, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy; William D. Magwood, IV, Director, Office
of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; and James W. Glotfelty, Director,
Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution.

NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research and the Subcommittee on
Environment, Technology and Standards held a joint hearing on H.R. 3980,
National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from
Anthony Lowe, Administrator, Federal Insurance Mitigation Administration,
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H. Con. Res. 376, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 388, Authorizing the use of
the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service; H. Con.
Res. 389, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the D.C. Special
Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H.R. 3550, amended, Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users; and H.R. 3994, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users.

EMPLOYING VETERANS OF OUR ARMED FORCES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing entitled "Employing
Veterans of
Our Armed Forces." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2004 ANNUAL REPORTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Board of Trustees 2004 Annual
Reports. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury;
Rick Foster, Chief Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
Department of Health and Human Services; Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary, SSA;
and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.

CIA PROGRAM BUDGET

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

                                    [Page: D284]

HOMELAND SECURITY JURISDICTION

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Rules held a hearing
entitled "Homeland Security Jurisdiction: The Perspective of Committee
Leaders." Testimony was heard from members of the following House
Committees:
Intelligence, Chairman Goss and Representative Harman; Agriculture, Chairman
Goodlatte and Representative Stenholm; Energy and Commerce, Chairman Barton
and Representative Dingell; Government Reform, Chairman Davis and
Representative Waxman; Transportation and Infrastructure, Representatives Mica
and Oberstar; Judiciary: Chairman Sensenbrenner; and Ways and Means, Chairman
Thomas.



2004/03/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 25, 2004; pages D288 - D296

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Rural
Development. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA:
Gilbert G. Gonzalez, Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development; Hilda Gay
Legg, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service; Authur A. Garcia, Administrator,
Rural Housing Service; John Rosso, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service; Luis Luna, Deputy Administrator, Community Development; and Dennis
Kaplan, 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 SBA. Testimony was heard from
Hector Barreto, Administrator, SBA.

The Subcommittee held a hearing on the U.S. Trade Representative. Testimony
was heard from Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the EEOC. Testimony was heard from
Cari M. Dominguez, Chairwoman, EEOC.

                                    [Page: D293]

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development met
in executive session to hold a hearing on the National Nuclear Security
Administration. Testimony was heard from Linton F. Brooks, Under Secretary,
Nuclear Security and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration,
Department of Energy.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. Testimony was heard from Robert
Bonner, Commissioner, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security.

The Committee also held a hearing on the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services. Testimony was heard from Eduardo Aguirre, Director,
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
National Park Service. Testimony was heard from Fran Mainella, Director,
National Park 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 the Child Development
Research and Programs. Testimony was heard from Grover J. Whitehurst,
Director, Institute of Education Sciences, Department of Education; and the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: G. Reid
Lyon, Chief, Child Development and Behavior Branch, National Institutes of
Health; and Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and
Families.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on European Command. Testimony was heard from GEN. James L. Jones,
Jr., USMC, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Commander, U.S. European
Command

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Highway Safety Programs. Testimony was
heard from Jeffrey W. Runge, Administrator, National Highway Safety
Administration, Department of Transportation.

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

2005 BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE PROCESS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
2005 Base Realignment and Closure Process. Testimony was heard from Raymond F.
DuBois, Jr., Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment, Department
of Defense; and Barry W. Holman, Director, Defense Capabilities and
Management, GAO.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST--MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Missile
Defense Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: LTG Ronald T. Kadish, USAF, Director, Missile Defense
Agency; LTG Larry J. Dodgen, USA, Commander, Space and Missile Defense
Command; and Thomas P. Christie, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--NAVY AND AIR FORCE TACTICAL
WEAPON ACQUISITION 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--Department of the Navy and Department of the Air Force Tactical
Weapon Acquisition Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the GAO: Allen Li, Director, Acquisition Sourcing Management--(F/A-22); and
Mike Sullivan, Director, Acquisition Sourcing Management--(Joint Strike
Fighter (JSF)); and the following officials of the Department of Defense: John
J. Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary (Research, Development and Acquisition);
VADM John B. Nathan, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfare
Requirements and Programs (N7); and LTG Michael A. Hough, USMC, Deputy
Commandant for Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps, all with the Department of the
Navy; Marvin R. Sambur, Assistant Secretary (Acquisition) and LTG Ronald E.
Keys, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space Operations, both with the
Department of the Air Force.

                                    [Page: D294]

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
POLICY AND PROGRAMS

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 Science and Technology
Policy and Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Ronald M. Sega, Director, Defense Research and
Engineering; Anthony J. Teter, Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency; Thomas H. Killion, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Research and
Technology, Department of the Army; RADM Jay M. Cohen, USN, Chief, Naval
Research, Department of the Navy; and James B. Engle, Deputy Assistant
Secretary (Science, Technology and Engineering), Department of the Air Force.

DOE'S YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT; ALTER NUCLEAR WASTE TRUST FUND

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "A Review of the Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain
Project," and Proposed Legislation to Alter the Nuclear Waste Trust Fund
(H.R.
3429 and H.R. 3981). Testimony was heard from Representatives Gibbons, Berkley
and Porter; Robert G. Card, Under Secretary, Energy, Science, and Environment,
Department of Energy; Nils J. Diaz, Chairman, NRC; David J. Duquette, member,
U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and public witnesses.

"NIH: RE-ENGINEERING CLINICAL RESEARCH"

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "NIH: Re-engineering Clinical Research." Testimony was
heard from
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM STATUS

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the state of the
international financial system. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow,
Secretary of the Treasury.

D.C. COLLEGE ACCESS ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Maintaining a
Level
Playing Field for D.C. Graduates: Legislation to Reauthorize the D.C. College
Access Act." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
District
of Columbia: Anthony A. Williams, Mayor; Kelly Valentine, Acting Director,
Tuition Assistance Grants Program; and Argelia Rodriquez, Executive Director,
College Access Program; and public witnesses.

DEVELOPMENTS IN BURMA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and
the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
held a joint hearing on Developments in Burma. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: Lorne Craner, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and Matthew P. Daley,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and
public witnesses.

RESOLUTION REGARDING APPROPRIATE ROLE OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS IN THE
INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN LAW

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H. Res. 568, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
Judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the laws of the United States
should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign
institutions unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an
understanding of the original meaning of the laws of the United States, and
the Appropriate Role of Foreign Judgments in the Interpretation of American
Law. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

"PROGRESS IN CONSOLIDATING TERRORISM WATCHLISTS--THE TERRORIST SCREENING
CENTER"

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterorism of the
Select Committee on Homeland Security held a joint oversight hearing entitled
"Progress in Consolidating Terrorism Watchlists--The Terrorist Screening
Center (TSC)." Testimony was heard from Donna A. Bucella, Director,
Terrorist
Screening Center (Administered by FBI); Charlie Bartoldus, Director, National
Targeting Center, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; James W. McMahon, Director, Office of Public Security, State of New
York; and a public witness.

MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 3378, Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Marshall Jones, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Rebecca Lent, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Fisheries, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D295]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Commmittee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1517, Land Reinvestment Act;
H.R. 2663, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability
and feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms located on St. Croix,
Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System; and H.R. 3874, To
convey for public purposes certain Federal lands in Riverside County,
California, that have been identified for disposal. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Bono and Graves; Robert Lamb, Special Advisor to the Assistant
Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3598, Manufacturing
Technology Competitiveness Act of 2003.

SPIKE IN METAL PRICES

Committee on Small Business: Continued hearings entitled "Spike in Metal
Prices--Part II." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment held a joint hearing on Ballast Water Management: New
International Standards and National Invasive Species Act Reauthorization.
Testimony was heard from RADM Thomas H. Gilmour, USCG, Assistant Commandant,
Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

JOINT MILITARY INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM AND TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELATED
ACTIVITIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Joint Military Intelligence Program and Tactical Intelligence and
Related Activities. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATED

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Global Intelligence Updated. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.



2004/03/26
Daily Digest - Friday, March 26, 2004; pages D298 - D304

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/03/29
Daily Digest - Monday, March 29, 2004; pages D306 - D310

Committee Meetings

ROTC AND MILITARY RECRUITER EQUAL ACCESS TO CAMPUS ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H.R. 3966, ROTC and Military Recruiter Equal Access to Campus Act of
2004, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of the bill (except those arising under the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974). The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services now
printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representative Rogers of Alabama.



2004/03/30
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 30, 2004; pages D312 - D322

Committee Meetings

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary
and Related Agencies held a hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from Conrad
C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Under Secretary and NOAA Administrator, Department of
Commerce.

The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard
from Members of Congress.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S.
Air Force. Testimony was heard from James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air
Force.

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Air
Force Acquisition. Testimony was heard from Gen. John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief
of Staff, Department of the Air Force.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Science and Technology. Testimony was heard from Charles McQueary, Under
Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

NAVY FORCE STRUCTURE AND SHIP CONSTRUCTION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on Navy Force Structure and Ship Construction. 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. Nathman, USN,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N-7) (Warfare Requirements and Programs);
and VADM James C. Dawson, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N-8)
(Resources, Requirements and Assessments); Ronald O'Rourke, Specialist in
National Defense, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and a
public witness.

LOGISTICS: LESSONS FROM OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Logistics: Lessons from OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and Logistics Transformation.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
MG Robert T. Dail, USA, Director, Operations, TCJ3, United States
Transportation Command; VADM Keith W. Lippert, USN, Director, Defense
Logistics Agency; LTG Claude V. Christianson, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G4,
Department of the Army; and BG Edward G. Usher III, USMC, Assistant Commandant
for Installation and Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps.

SUBPRIME LENDING

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held
a joint hearing entitled "Subprime Lending: Defining the Market and Its
Customers."  Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D318]

"A SYSTEM RUED: INSPECTING FOOD"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "A System Rued: Inspecting
Food."
Testimony was heard from Lawrence J. Dyckman, Director, National Resources and
Environment, GAO; the following officials of the USDA: Robert E. Brackett,
Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA; and Merle
Pierson, Deputy Under Secretary, Food Safety; Dan Glickman, former Secretary
of Agriculture; and a public witness.

DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Measuring the Effectiveness
of
Drug Addiction Treatment." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of
the Department of Health and Human Services: Charles Currie, Administrator,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and Nora D. Volkow,
M.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; and public witnesses.

IMPACT OF HEALTH PROTECTION PROGRAMS ON GUARD AND RESERVE UNITS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Does the
`Total
Force' Add Up? The Impact of Health Protection Programs on Guard and Reserve
Units." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of
Defense: William Winkenwerder, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; LTG
James B. Peake, M.D., The Surgeon General, U.S. Army; Specialist John A.
Ramsey, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, Florida National Guard;
Specialist First Class Scott Emde, 20th Special Forces Group, B Company, 3rd
Battalion, Virginia National Guard; and Specialist Timothi McMichael, U.S.
Army Reserves, Medical Hold Unit, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

NATION'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"Telecommunication and SCADA: Secure Links or Open Portals to the
Security of
the Nation's Critical Infrastructure." Testimony was heard from Robert F.
Dacey, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; James McDonald, Director,
Protective Security Division, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.

ADMINISTRATION AND NONPROLIFERATION

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the Bush
Administration and Nonproliferation: A New Strategy Emerges. Testimony was
heard from John R. Bolton, Under Secretary, Arms Control and International
Security, Department of State; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing on The Defense of Marriage Act. Testimony was heard from John Hanes,
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, State of Wyoming; Bob Barr, former
Representative, State of Georgia; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills:
S. 1301, Video Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2004; H.R. 1678, Anti-Hoax
Terrorism Act of 2004; H.R. 1731, Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act; and
H.R. 3866, Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.  The Subcommittee also held a
hearing on S. 1743, Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act of
2003. Testimony was heard from Michael Kirkpatrick, Assistant Director,
Criminal Justice Information Services Division, FBI, Department of Justice;
Jeanine Pirro, District Attorney, Westchester County, State of New York; and
public witnesses.

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3796, Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation
Reform Act of 2004; and H.R. 3778, Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program
Extension and Reform Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Jeff Jarrett,
Director, Office of Surface Mining, Department of the Interior; J. Steven
Roberts, Deputy Secretary, Office of Mineral Resources Management, Department
of Environmental Protection, State of Pennsylvania; John A. Masterson, Counsel
to the Governor, State of Wyoming; Stephen Hohmann, Director, Division of
Abandoned Mine Lands, Department for Natural Resources, State of Kentucky;
William Michael Sharpe, Assistant Director, AML Program, Conservation
Commission, State of Oklahoma; and public witnesses.

PAY PARITY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate on H. Res. 581, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding rates of compensation for civilian employees and members of the
uniformed services of the United States, in the House equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Government Reform. The rule provides one motion to recommit which may not
contain instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Davis and
Representative Wolf.

                                    [Page: D319]

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Young of Alaska and
Representatives Petri, Gilchrest, Quinn, Ehlers, Bachus, LaTourette, LoBiondo,
Bereuter, Isakson, Graves, Kennedy of Minnesota, Chocola, Gerlach, Tancredo,
Vitter, Flake, Kirk, Bradley of New Hampshire, Oberstar, Lipinski, Menendez,
Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Millender-McDonald, Blumenauer, Baird, Carson
of Indiana, Davis of Tennessee, Waters, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Turner of Texas,
Holt, Lynch and Schiff, but action was deferred on H.R. 3550, Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN MATH AND SCIENCE
EDUCATION ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research approved for full Committee
action, as amended, H.R. 4030, Congressional Medal for Outstanding
Contributions in Math and Science Education Act.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from Judith Ramaley, Assistant Director, Education and
Human Resources Directorate, NSF; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--INCONSISTENT REGULATION OF WETLANDS AND OTHER WATERS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Inconsistent Regulation
of Wetlands and Other Waters. Testimony was heard from Representative Ose;
John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary (Civil Works), Department of the
Army; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Acting Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; and
public witnesses.

DVA--PROVIDING CERTAIN VETERANS WITH PRESCRIPTION-ONLY HEALTH CARE BENEFIT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Department of Veterans Affairs providing certain veterans with a
prescription-only health care benefit. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Health; Michael A. Valentino, Chief Consultant,
Pharmacy Benefits Management; and Barbara J. Manning, Program Analyst, Policy
and Forecasting Service; representatives of veterans organizations; and a
public witness.

TAX RETURN FILING SEASON AND IRS BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on 2004
Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark
Everson, Commissioner, IRS; and Nancy Killefer, Chair, IRS Oversight Board;
James R. White, Director, Tax Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

COUNTERTERRORISM BUDGET

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

NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, RADIOLOGICAL THREATS TO THE HOMELAND

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on Nuclear,
Biological, Chemical, Radiological Threats to the Homeland. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.

HOMELAND CYBERSECURITY AND DHS ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE BUDGET

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science
and Research and Development held a hearing entitled "Homeland
Cybersecurity
and DHS Enterprise Architecture Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2005."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Robert Liscouski, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection;
and Steven Cooper, Chief, Information Officer.



2004/03/31
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 31, 2004; D323 - D332

Committee Meetings

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on FCC. Testimony was heard from
Michael Powell, Chairman, FCC.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the SEC. Testimony was heard from
William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Missile Defense. Testimony was heard from LTG Ronald
Kadish, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on Contributions of the Army Corps of Engineers in the Restoration
of Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from LTG Robert B. Flowers, USA,
Chief, Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations : Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on U.S. Coast Guard. Testimony was heard from ADM Thomas H. Collins, USCG,
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, 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 Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Testimony was heard from Julie Louise Gerberding,
M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Administrator,
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of Health and
Human Services.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Pacific Command. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: ADM Thomas B. Fargo, USN, Commander,
U.S. Pacific Command; and GEN Leon J. LaPorte, USA, Commander, Republic of
Korea-U.S. Combines Forces Command and Command Forces Korea.

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from
Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DOD

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National
Defense Authorization budget request of the Department of Defense. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ADM
Thomas B. Fargo, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and GEN Leon J.
Laporte, USA, Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.

                                    [Page: D327]

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DOD'S BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
EFFORTS

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's Business Transformation
Efforts. Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, GAO; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: JoAnn Boutelle, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; Margaret E. Myers,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Comptroller) and the Deputy Under Secretary,
Management Reform; Gary L. Winkler, Director, Enterprise Integration, CIO/G6,
Department of the Army; David M. Wennergren, Chief Information Officer,
Department of the Navy; John M. Gilligan, Chief Information Officer,
Department of the Air Force; BG John R. Thomas, USMC, Director C/4 Chief
Information Officer, U.S. Marine Corps; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--RESERVE COMPONENT
TRANSFORMATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request on Reserve
Component Transformation and Relieving the Stress on the Reserve Component.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Albert C. Zapanta, Chairman, Reserve Forces Policy Board; Thomas F. Hall,
Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National
Guard Board; LTG Roger C. Schultz, USA, Director, Army National Guard and LTG
James Helmly, USA, Chief, U.S. Army Reserve, all with the Department of the
Army; VADM John G. Cotton, USN, Director, U.S. Naval Reserve and LTG Dennis M.
McCarthy, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, both with the Department of
the Navy; and LTG Daniel James III, USAF, Director, Air National Guard and LTG
James E. Sherrard III, USAF, Chief, Air Force Reserve, both the Department of
the Air Force.

U.S.-CHINA TRADE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "U.S.-China Trade:
Preparations
for the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade." Testimony was heard from
Charles W. Freeman III, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative; and public
witnesses.

REVIEW TARGETING PROGRAM FOR SEA CARGO

Committee on Energy Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "A Review to Assess Progress with the Bureau of
Customs and Border Protection's Targeting Program for Sea Cargo."
Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner; Vera Adams Port Director, Long Beach,
CA., and Kevin McCabe, Chief Inspector, Newark, New Jersey, all with the
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, and Clark Kent Ervin, Inspector
General; and a public witness.

INCREASE INSURANCE CHOICES FOR CONSUMERS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Working
with
State Regulators to Increase Insurance Choices for Consumers." Testimony
was
heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT "10 YEARS OF GPRA--RESULTS DEMONSTRATED"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled "10 Years of
GPRA--Results, Demonstrated." Testimony was heard from Patricia Dalton,
Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 4019, Concerning participation of Taiwan in the World Health
Organization; H.R. 4011, amended, North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004; H.R.
4060, Peace Corps Safety and Security Act of 2004; H.R. 4061, Assistance for
Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004.

The Committee also favorably considered the following measures and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H.R. 4053, United States International Leadership Act of
2003; H. Res. 402, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding the urgent need for freedom, democratic reform, and international
monitoring of elections, human rights, and religious liberty in the Lao
People's Democratic Republic; H. Res. 535, amended, Expressing the concern and
support of the House of Representatives for local elected officials under
threat of assassination, kidnapping, forcible displacement, and coercion by
terrorist organizations in the Republic of Colombia; H. Res. 563, amended,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the one-year
anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba; H. Res. 576, amended,
Urging the Government of the People's Republic of China to improve its
protection of intellectual property rights; H. Con. Res. 326, Expressing the
sense of Congress regarding the arbitrary detention of Dr. Wang Bingzhang by
the Government of the People's Republic of China and urging his immediate
release; H. Con. Res. 336, Expressing the sense of Congress that the continued
participation of the Russian Federation in the Group of 8 nations should be
conditioned on the Russian Government voluntarily accepting and adhering to
the norms and standards of democracy; H. Con. Res. 352, Recognizing the
contributions of people of Indian origin to the United States and the benefits
of working together with India towards promoting peace, prosperity, and
freedom among all countries of the world; H. Con. Res. 378, Calling on the
Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and
unconditionally release Father Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly; and H. Con. Res. 398,
Expressing the concern of Congress over Iran's development of the means to
produce nuclear weapons.

                                    [Page: D328]

BELARUS AND ITS FUTURE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
Belarus and Its future: Democracy or Soviet-Style Dictatorship? Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

ANABOLIC STEROID CONTROL ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3866, Anabolic
Steroid Control Act of 2004.

OVERSIGHT--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the Legal Services Corporation: Inquiry into the
Activities of the California Rural Legal Assistance Program and Testimony
Relating to the Merits of Client Co-Pay. Testimony was heard from Helaine M.
Barnett, President, Legal Services Corporation; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 4077, Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2004; H.R.
3632, Anti-Counterfeiting Amendments of 2003; and H.R. 3754, Fraudulent Online
Sanctions Act.

OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS--FEDERAL RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
PROCESS

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Federal recognition
and acknowledgment process by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Johnson of Connecticut; R. Lee Fleming, Director,
Office of Federal Acknowledgment, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
further consideration of H.R. 3550, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users. The rule provides for no further general debate except for the final
period of ten minutes following consideration of the bill for amendment
contemplated in the order of the House of March 30, 2004. The rule provides
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill, modified by the
amendments printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee
of the Whole. The rule provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered
as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in
the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in
part B of the Rules Committee report which may be offered only in the order
printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent,
and shall not be subject to amendment or demand for division of the question.
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 the amendment considered as adopted
under the first section of the resolution shall be considered an amendment
offered under section 411 of House Concurrent Resolution 95.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE
CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

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 Thursday, April 1, 2004, providing for consideration
or disposition of the bill (H.R. 3550) to authorize funds for Federal-aid
highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other
purposes.

                                    [Page: D329]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R.
3980, National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004; and H.R. 4030,
Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science
Education Act. of 2004.

The Committee also began markup of H.R. 3970, Green Chemistry Research and
Development Act of 2004.  Will continue tomorrow.

RAILROAD ECONOMIC REGULATION STATUS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
a hearing on the Status of Railroad Economic Regulation. Testimony was heard
from Roger Nober, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.

DOV'S EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES--PROCEDURES FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS AND CREDENTIALING

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on current Department of Veterans Affairs employment practices
with regard to procedures for background checks and credentialing. Testimony
was heard from Cynthia Grubbs, R.N., Director, Office of Policy and Planning,
Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; Cynthia A. Bascetta, Director, Health
Care--Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO; and Frances M. Murphy, M. D.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Health Policy Coordination, Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs

BRIEFING IRAQ WMD UPDATE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction Update. The Committee
was briefed by departmental witnesses.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE BUDGET

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



2004/04/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 1, 2004; pages D334 - D344

Committee Meetings

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on Broadcasting Board of
Governors. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors: Kenneth Tomlinson, Chairman; and Norman
Pattiz, member of the Board.


The Subcommittee held a hearing on Department of State International
Organizations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Ambassador John D. Negroponte, U. S. Permanent
Representative to the United Nations; and Kim Holmes, Assistant Secretary.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Legal Services Corporation.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Legal Services
Corporation: Helanine Barnett; President; and Frank B. Strickland, Chairman.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on District of Columbia held a
hearing on Public Defender Services, Court Services, and Offender Supervision.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia:
Ronald S. Sullivan, Director, Public Defender Services; and Paul A. Quander,
Jr., Director, Court Services and Offender Supervision.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on U.S. Agency for International
Development. Testimony was heard from Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, U.S.
Agency for International Development, Department of State.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Testimony was heard
from LTG Frank Libutti, Under Secretary, Information Analysis and
Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on the
National Endowment for the Arts and on the National Endowment for the
Humanities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National
Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities: Dana Gioia, Chairman, National
Endowment for the Arts; and Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the
Humanities.

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 Workforce Preparation and
Training. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Education: Susan K. Sclafani, Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and
Adult Education; and Sally Stroup, Assistant Secretary, Office of
Postsecondary Education.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury,
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Executive Office of the President.
Testimony was heard from Tim Campen, Assistant to the President and Director
of Office of Administration.

                                    [Page: D340]

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on the NSF. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the NSF: Arden L. Bement, Acting Director; and Warren M. Washington, Chairman.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM AND FORCE
PROTECTION INITIATIVES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget
request--Future Combat System and Force Protection Initiatives. Testimony was
heard from Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
GAO; the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Joseph L.
Yakovac, Jr., USA, Military Deputy and Director, Army Acquisition Corps,
Office of the Assistant Secretary (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), and
LTG Benjamin S. Griffin, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G8 (programming, materiel
integration, and management), both with the Department of the Army; and LTG
Edward Hanlon, Jr., USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development, U.S. Marine
Corps.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--CHEMICAL WEAPONS STOCKPILE
DESTRUCTION PROGRAM

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense
Authorization budget request--Destructions of the U.S. Chemical Weapons
Stockpile--Program and Status. Testimony was heard from Raymond J. Decker,
Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Dale E. Klein, Assistant to the Secretary, Nuclear,
Chemical and Biological Defense Programs; Claude Bolton, Assistant Secretary
of the Army (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics); Pat Wakefield, Deputy
Assistant Secretary (Chemical Demilitarization and Counterproliferation); and
Mike Parker, Director, U.S. Army Chemical Material Agency; Craig Conklin,
Chief, Nuclear and Chemical Hazards Branch Preparedness Division, Emergency
Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security;
Patrick J. Meehan, M.D., Deputy Director, Program National Center for
Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of Health and Human
Services.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET PRIORITIES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "FY 2005 Budget
Priorities for the Department of Energy." Testimony was heard from
Spencer
Abraham, Secretary of Energy.

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL TRANSFERS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health continued hearings
entitled "Inter-governmental Transfers: Violations of the Federal-State
Medicaid Partnership or Legitimate State Budget Tool?" Testimony was
heard
from Dennis G. Smith, Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human
Services; and Barbara Edwards, Deputy Director, Office of Medicaid, Department
of Job and Family Services, State of Ohio.

SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement
Reauthorization Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Eloise Gore, Assistant
Division Chief, Media Bureau's Policy Division, FCC; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Oversight of
the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Testimony was heard from John D.
Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the Currency.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3737, amended, Administrative Law Judges Pay Reform Act of 2004; H.R. 3751,
amended, to require the Office of Personnel and Management study and present
options under which dental and vision benefits could be made available to
Federal employees and other appropriate classes of individuals; H.R. 4012, to
amend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 to permanently
authorize the public school and private school tuition assistance programs
established under the Act; H.R. 1822, to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 3751 West 6th Street in Los Angeles,
California, as the "Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Post Office"; H.R. 3939, to
redesignate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14-24 Abbot Road
in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, as the "Mary Ann Collura Post Office
Buidling"; H.R.
3942, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
7 Commercial Boulevard in Middletown, Rhode Island, as the "Rhode Island
Veterans Post Office Building"; H.R. 4037, to designate the facility of
the
United States Postal Service located at 475 Kell Farm Drive in Cape Girardeau,
Missouri, as the "Richard G. Wilson Processing and Distribution
Facility"; H.
Res. 399, Honoring the life and legacy of Melvin Jones and recognizing the
contributions of Lions Clubs International; H. Res. 578, Supporting the goals
and ideals of Financial Literacy Month; and S. Con. Res. 97, Recognizing the
91st annual meeting of the Garden Club of America.

                                    [Page: D341]

"AFGHANISTAN: ARE THE BRITISH COUNTERNARCOTICS EFFORTS GOING
WOBBLY?"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources, hearing entitled "Afghanistan: Are the British
Counternarcotics Efforts Going Wobbly?" Testimony was heard from Robert
Charles, Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
Affairs, Department of State.

MARIJUANA AND MEDICINE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Marijuana and Medicine: The
Need
for a Science-Based Approach." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Nora D. Volkow,
Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; and Robert J. Meyer, M.D.,
Director, Office of Drug Evaluation II, Center for Evaluation and Research,
FDA; Patricia Good, Chief, Liaison and Policy Section, Office of Diversion
Control, DEA, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

AFRICA--FIGHTING TERRORISM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Fighting Terrorism in Africa. Testimony was heard from Karl Wycoff, Associate
Coordinator, Press, Policy and Plans, Office of the Coordinator for
Counterterrorism, Department of State, and public witnesses.

AL-QAEDA--THREAT TO U.S. AND ALLIES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on Al-Qaeda: The Threat to
the United States and Its Allies. Testimony was heard from Ambassador-at-Large
J. Cofer Black, Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Department of State.

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT--PRESCRIBE OATH OF RENUNCIATION AND ALLEGIANCE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held a hearing on H.R. 3191, to prescribe the oath of renunciation and
allegiance for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Testimony was
heard from Representative Ryun of Kansas; Alfonso Aguilar, Chief, Office of
Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.

LUMBEE RECOGNITION ACT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 898, Lumbee Recognition Act.
Testimony was heard from Representatives McIntyre and Burr; Michael Olsen,
Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2004

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3970, Green Chemistry
Research and Development Act of 2004.

LUNAR SCIENCE AND RESOURCES: FUTURE OPTIONS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space held a hearing on Lunar Science
and Resources: Future Options. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--AIRPORT DEREGULATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Airport Deregulation. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey
N. Shane, Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Transportation; James E.
Bennett, President and CEO, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Bonnie
Allin, President and CEO, Tucson Airport Authority, Tucson, Arizona; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--REPORT VA'S VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TASK
FORCE

Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held an oversight
hearing to receive the report of the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment Service Task Force. Testimony was heard from Dorcas R. Hardy,
Chairman, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Task Force,
Department of Veterans Affairs.

                                    [Page: D342]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2004 ANNUAL REPORTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the Board of Trustees 2004
Annual Reports. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human
Services: Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Deputy Administrator; and Jeff Flick, San
Francisco Regional Administrator.

MEDICARE DISCOUNT DRUG CARD

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on The
Medicare Discount Drug Card. Testimony was heard from Representative Foley;
Michael McMullan, Deputy Director, Center for Beneficiary Choices, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses.

COUNTERNARCOTICS BUDGET

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

INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY LANGUAGE CAPABILITIES

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



2004/04/02
Daily Digest - Friday, April 2, 2004; pages D345 - D350

Committee Meetings

SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT AMENDMENTS--REAUTHORIZE NEW YORK CITY WATERSHED
PROTECTION PROGRAM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials approved for full Committee action H.R. 2771, to amend the Safe
Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the New York City Watershed Protection
Program.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Towns and Kelly; Walter E. Mugdan,
Director, Division of Environmental Planning and Protection, Region 2, EPA;
Erin M. Crotty, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation, State
of New York; and a public witness.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS BUDGET

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



2004/04/05
Daily Digest - Monday, April 5, 2004; pages D352 - D354

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2004/04/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 6, 2004; pages D355-D358

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2004/04/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 7, 2004; pages D359 - D364

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2004/04/08
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 8, 2004; pages D365 - D370

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2004/04/19
Daily Digest - Monday, April 19, 2004; pages D372 - D376

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/04/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 19, 2004; pages D377 - D382

Committee Meetings

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

HIPC DEBT RELIEF

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing entitled "HIPC Debt
Relief: Which Way Forward?" Testimony was heard from Thomas Melito,
Acting
Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on What is the
Administration's Economic Growth Plan Component for Paperwork Reduction?
Testimony was heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of
the Treasury; Patricia A. Dalton, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D380]

CONTINUITY IN REPRESENTATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Ney and Representatives
Larson of Connecticut, Lofgren, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Maloney, Sherman, Baird,
and Langevin, but action was deferred on H.R. 2844, Continuity in
Representation Act of 2004.

BRIEFING--TECHNICAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIC PLAN

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence held a briefing on Technical Transformation Strategic
Plan. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.



2004/04/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 21, 2004; pages D383 - D390

Committee Meetings

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on NIH, with emphasis on
Budget/Road Map. Testimony was heard from Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, Director,
NIH, Department of Health and Human Services.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the IRS. Testimony was heard from Mark
W. Everson. Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury

VA, HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
held a hearing on NASA. Testimony was heard from Sean O'Keefe, Administrator,
NASA.

IRAQ'S TRANSITION TO SOVEREIGNTY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Iraq's Transition to
Sovereignty. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Paul D. Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary; GEN Richard B.
Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Judith Yaphe, Senior Fellow,
National Defense University; Mark I. Grossman, Under Secretary, Political
Affairs, Department of State; Amatzia Baram, Resident Fellow, United States
Institute of Peace; and GEN John Keane, USA (ret.), former Vice Chief of
Staff, U.S. Army.

DOD PERFORMANCE OF ACQUISITION PROCESS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Performance of the
Department of Defense Acquisition Process in Support of Force Protection for
Combat Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Michael W. Wynne, Acting Under Secretary (Acquisition,
Technology, and Logistics); LTG Joseph L. Yakovac, Jr., USA, Military Deputy
and Director, Army Acquisition Corps, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the
Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); and MG Buford C. Blount III,
USA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, both with the Department of the
Army; LTG Edward Hanlon, Jr., USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and
Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and BG William D.
Catto, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Systems Command, both with the
Department of the Navy.

RAISING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT--IMPORTANCE OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on the Importance of
Highly Qualified Teachers in Raising Academic Achievement. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

DOD--CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING READINESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality and
the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a joint hearing
entitled "Current Environmental Issues Affecting the Readiness of the
Department of Defense." Testimony was heard from the following officials
of
the Department of Defense: Raymond DuBois, Deputy Under Secretary,
Installations and Environment; and BG Louis W. Weber, USA, Director of
Training; Marianne Lamont Horinko, Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and
Emergency Response, EPA; the following officials of the State of Colorado:
Douglas H. Benevento, Executive Director, Department of Public Health and
Environment; and Dan Miller, First Assistant Attorney General, Natural
Resources and Environmental Section, Department of Law; and public witnesses.

FASB STOCK OPTIONS PROPOSAL--EFFECT ON U.S. ECONOMY AND JOBS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "The FASB
Stock
Options Proposal: Its Effect on the U.S. Economy and Jobs." Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

DOD'S COUNTERNARCOTICS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "DOD's Counternarcotics: What
Is
Congress Getting For Its Money?" Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Tom O'Connell, Assistant Secretary,
Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict; and BG Benjamin Mixon, USA,
U.S. Southern Command, J-3 Operations Office; and RADM David Kunkel, USCG,
U.S. Pacific Command, J-3 Operations Office, Department of Homeland Security.

                                    [Page: D387]

IRAQ OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Iraq Oil-for-Food
Program: Starving for Accountability. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of State: Patrick F. Kennedy, U.S. Representative
for United Nations Management and Reform, U.S. Mission to the United Nations;
and Robin L. Raphel, Coordinator, Office of Iraq Reconstruction; Michael J.
Thibault, Deputy Director, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of
Defense; Jeff Ross, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, Executive Office
for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, Department of the Treasury; and
public witnesses.

PROTECTING OUR NATION'S CYBER SPACE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census, hearing entitled
"Protecting Our Nation's Cyber Space: Educational Awareness for the Cyber
Citizen." Testimony was heard from Orson Swindle, Commissioner, FTC; Amit
Yoran, Director, National Cyber Security Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.

TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Taiwan Relations
Act: The Next Twenty-Five Years. Testimony was heard from James A. Kelly,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State; Peter W. Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

U.S. AND NORTHERN EUROPE: THE E-PINE INITIATIVE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
the U.S. and Northern Europe: The e-PINE Initiative. Testimony was heard from
Heather Conley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian
Affairs, Department of State; and the following Ambassadors to the United
States: His Excellency Jan K. Eliasson, Sweden; and His Excellency Vygaudas
Usackas, Republic of Lithuania.

OVERSIGHT--DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR REQUIRING FOREIGN VISITORS TO PRESENT
BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Should
the
Congress extend the October, 2004 Statutory Deadline for Requiring Foreign
Visitors to Present Biometric Passports?" Testimony was heard from Colin
L.
Powell, Secretary of State; and Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security.

TERRORIST PENALTIES ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2934, Terrorist
Penalties Enhancement Act of 2003.  Prior to this action, the Subcommittee
held a hearing on this legislation. Testimony was heard from Representative
Carter; Johnny Sutton, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Texas, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.

COLORADO RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION BOUNDARY CORRECTION ACT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 2941, Colorado River Indian
Reservation Boundary Correction Act. Testimony was heard from Michael Olsen,
Counselor to the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and a public witness.

TRIBAL FOREST PROTECTION ACT OF 2004

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on H.R. 3846, Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004. Testimony was
heard from Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA;
and public witnesses.

CONTINUITY IN REPRESENTATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 3, a structured rule providing
60 minutes of general debate on H.R. 2844, Continuity in Representation Act of
2004, with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration and 20
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives points of order
against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 3(c)(4) of
rule XIII (requiring the inclusion of general performance goals and objectives
in a committee report). 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 an
original bill for the purpose of amendment, which shall be considered as read.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of 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.

                                    [Page: D388]

COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 3879, Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.

GDIP BUDGET

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

BRIEFING--NARCO-TERROR CONNECTIONS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Narco-Terror Connections. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.

DHS INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION DIVISION

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science,
and Research and Development and the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border
Security held a joint hearing entitled "The DHS Infrastructure Protection
Division: Public-Private Partnerships to Secure Critical
Infrastructures".
Testimony was heard from Robert Liscouski, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Robert Dacey, Director,
Informational Security Issues, GAO; George C. Newstrom, Secretary of
Technology, State of Virginia; and public witnesses.



2004/04/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 22, 2004; pages D392 - D400

Committee Meetings

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on District of Columbia held a
hearing on District of Columbia Courts. Testimony was heard from the following 
officials of the District of Columbia: Rufus G. King III, Chief Judge,
Superior Court; and Annice Wagner, Chairperson, Joint Committee on Judicial
Administration  and Chief Judge, Court of Appeals.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies continued hearings on NIH, with emphasis  on
Management Issues. Testimony was heard from Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, Director,
NIH, Department of Health and Human Services.

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of 
the House of Representatives: Jeff Trandahl, Clerk of the House; James M.
Eagen III, Chief Administrative Officer; Wilson S. Livingood, Sergeant at
Arms; Steven  McNamara, Inspector General; Geraldine Gennet, Office of the
General Counsel; John R. Miller, Office of the Law Revision Counsel; M. Pope
Barrow, Office of  the Legislative Counsel; and John Eisold, M.D., Office of
the Attending Physician.   The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the GAO.
Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United
States, GAO.

DEVELOPMENTS IN LABOR LAW

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing entitled "Developments in Labor Law: Examining 
Trends and Tactics in Labor Organization Campaigns." Testimony was heard
from
public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 3866, as amended, Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004; H.R. 2771,  To
amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the New York City Watershed
Protection Act; and H. Res. 516, as amended, Supporting the goals of  National
Manufacturing Week, congratulating manufacturers and their employees for their
contributions to growth and innovation, and recognizing the challenges  facing
the manufacturing sector.

                                    [Page: D396]

STATUS REPORT--FEDERAL AGENCIES' CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLANS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing on Can Federal Agencies
Function in the Wake of a Disaster? A Status Report on Federal Agencies' 
Continuity of Operations Plans. Testimony was heard from Linda D. Koontz,
Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; Michael Brown, Under Secretary, 
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; and a public witness.

RESOLUTION--CONDEMNING SUDAN FOR ATTACKS AGAINST INNOCENT PEOPLE; RWANDA'S
GENOCIDE: LOOKING BACK

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H. Con. Res. 403, Condemning the  Government of
the Republic of the Sudan for its attacks against innocent civilians in the
impoverished Darfur region of western Sudan.   The Subcommittee also held a
hearing on Rwanda's Genocide: Looking Back. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

LEGAL THREATS TO TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing entitled "Legal Threats to Traditional Marriage: Implications for
Public  Policy." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL TRADEMARK DILUTION ACT AMENDMENTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on a proposal to amend the
Federal  Trademark Dilution Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee the following measures: H.R. 2619, as 
amended, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2003; H.R.
3378, Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003; H.R. 4114, Migratory Bird Treaty 
Act of 2004; and H. Res. 431, Honoring the achievements of Siegfried and Roy,
recognizing the impact of their efforts on the conservation of endangered
species  both domestically and worldwide, and wishing Roy Horn a full and
speedy recovery.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 646, as 
amended, To expand the boundaries of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield to
authorize the acquisition and interpretation of lands associated with the
campaign  that resulted in the capture of the fort in 1862; H.R. 2201,
National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database Act; H.R. 2663, To
authorize the Secretary of the  Interior to study the suitability and
feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms located on St. Croix, Virgin
Islands, as a unit of the National Park System; H.R.  2966, as amended,
Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2003; H.R. 3768, Timucuan
Ecological and Historic Preserve Boundary Revision Act of  2004; H.R. 3819,
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Designation Act of 2004; and H.R.
3874, To convey for public purposes certain Federal lands in  Riverside
County, California, that have been identified for disposal.

SMALL BUSINESSES CREATING JOBS AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Small Businesses Creating Jobs and Protecting the 
Environment. Testimony was heard from William Farland, Deputy Assistant
Administrator for Science, Office of Research and Development, EPA; and public 
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--REVIEW AIRPORT SCREENER PRIVATIZATION PILOT PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing to Review the Airport Screener Privatization Pilot 
Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Homeland Security: David M. Stone, Acting Administrator, Transportation
Security  Administration; and Clark Kent Ervin, Inspector General; Norman J.
Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice Division, GAO; and
public  witnesses.

GLOBAL UPDATES

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



2004/04/26
Daily Digest - Monday, April 26, 2004; pages D401 - D404

Committee Meetings

JUSTICE FOR ALL: A REVIEW OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
SUPERIOR COURT

Committee on Government Reform: On April 23, the Committee held a hearing on
Justice for All: A Review of the Operations of the District of Columbia
Superior Court. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Superior Court, District of Columbia: Rufus G. King III, Chief Judge; Lee F.
Satterfield, Presiding Judge, Family Court; and Jose M. Lopez, Presiding
Judge, Probate Division; Cornelia M. Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce and
Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.



2004/04/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 27, 2004; pages D406 - D412

Committee Meetings

LABOR, HHD, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION EXAMINING SUCCESS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "Examining Success in Vocational Education."
Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

NUCLEAR SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Nuclear
Security:
Can DOE Meet Physical Facility Security Requirements?" Testimony was
heard
from Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Linton F. Brooks,
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Glenn S.
Podonsky, Director, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance; and a
public witness.

INTERNAL REVENUE CODE--PERMANENTLY EXTEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4181, to amend the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 to permanently extend the increased standard deduction, and the
15-percent individual income tax rate bracket expansion, for married taxpayers
filing joint returns, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides
that the amendment printed in part A of the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted, and that the bill
shall be considered as read. The rule provides for consideration of the
amendment printed in part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution, if offered by Representative Rangel of New York, or his designee,
which shall be considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for one
hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule
waives all points of order against the amendment printed in part B of the
report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Weller, Gerlach and
Rangel.

                                    [Page: D410]

RUSSIA

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Russia. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/04/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 28, 2004; pages D413 - D422

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Agricultural Trade
Negotiations. Testimony was heard from Ann M. Veneman, Secretary of
Agriculture; and Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Representative.

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 Global Disease. Testimony
was heard from Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on
GPO. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GPO: Bruce R.
James, Public Printer of the United States; William H. Turri, Deputy Public
Printer; Steven T. Shedd, Chief Financial Officer; and Marc A. Nichols,
Inspector General.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Capitol Police. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Capitol Police Board: Wilson
Livingood, Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of Representatives, Chairman; William
H. Pickle, Sergeant at Arms, U.S. Senate; Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the
Capitol; and Terrance W. Gainer, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police; and Members of
the Board.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Transit Administration.
Testimony was heard from Jennifer L. Dorn, Administrator, Federal Transit
Administration, Department of Transportation.

                                    [Page: D418]

LABOR DEPARTMENT'S FINAL OVERTIME REGULATIONS WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled
"Assessing
the Impact of the Labor Department's Final Overtime Regulations on Workers and
Employers Overtime Regulations." Testimony was heard from Elaine Chao,
Secretary of Labor; and public witnesses.

SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet approved for full Committee action, as amended, a measure
reauthorizing the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act.

TRIA REVIEW--EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprise and the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a joint hearing entitled: "A Review of TRIA and Its
Effect
on the Economy: Helping America Move Forward." Testimony was heard from
Wayne
A. Abernathy, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of the
Treasury; Richard J. Hillman, Director, Financial Markets and Community
Investment, GAO; and Gregory V. Serio, Superintendent, Department of
Insurance, State of New York.

PRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN ACT OF 2004; COIN AND CURRENCY DESIGN AND COUNTERFEITING
ISSUES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology approved for full Committee action, as
amended, H.R. 3916, Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2004.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled "Money
Matters:
Coin and Currency Design and Counterfeiting Issues". Testimony was heard
from
the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Henrietta H. Fore,
Director, United States Mint; Thomas A. Ferguson, Director, Bureau of
Engraving and Printing; Bruce Townsend, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of
Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; Jeffrey
C. Marquardt, Associate Director, Reserve Bank Operations and Payments
Systems, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--GPO

Committee on House Administration: Held a oversight hearing on the GPO.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GPO: Bruce T. James,
Public Printer of the United States; and Marc A. Nichols, Inspector General;
Linda D. Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.

UN OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the United Nations
Oil-for-Food Program: Issues of Accountability and Transparency. Testimony was
heard from Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade,
GAO; and public witnesses.

NORTH KOREA: HUMAN RIGHTS, REFUGEES AND HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and
the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
held a joint hearing on North Korea: Human Rights, Refugees and Humanitarian
Challenges. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE EUROPEAN UNION RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H. Res. 577, Recognizing 50 years of relations
between the United States Government and the European Union.

CRITICAL HABITAT REFORM ACT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 2933, Critical Habitat Reform
Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Judge Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary,
Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3744, To authorize the Secretary of
Agriculture to sell or exchange all or part of certain administrative sites
and other land in the Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forests and to
use funds derived from the sale or exchange to acquire, construct, or improve
administrative sites; S. 33, To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell
or exchange all or part of certain administrative sites and other land in the
Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forests and to use funds derived from
the sale or exchange to acquire, construct, or improve administrative sites;
S. 434, Idaho Panhandle National Forest Improvement Act of 2003; S. 435,
Sandpoint Land and Facilities Conveyance Act of 2003; and S. 1537, To direct
the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the New Hope Cemetery Association
certain land in the State of Arkansas for use as a cemetery. Testimony was
heard from Representative Ross; and Tom Thompson, Deputy Chief, National
Forest System, USDA.

                                    [Page: D419]

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005.

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing entitled "Fiscal Year 2005 National Institute of Standards
and
Technology Budget: Views from Industry." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

INTEGRATED DEEPWATER SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Integrated Deepwater System.
Testimony was heard from VADM Thomas J. Barrett, USCG, Vice Commandant, U.S.
Coast Guard. Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--AGING WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Aging Water Supply
Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

DVA--RESEARCH ON ALZHEIMER'S, DIABETES AND PARKINSON'S DISEASES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' research on Alzheimer's,
Diabetes and Parkinson's diseases. Testimony was heard from Judith Salerno,
M.D., Deputy Director, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Department of Health
and Human Services; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Michael Kussman, M.D., Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Health and
Timothy J. O'Leary, M.D., Director, Biomedical Laboratory R&D Services,
Office
of Chief Research and Development Officer, both with the Veterans Health
Administration; Franklin J. Zieve, M.D., Associate Chief of Staff for
Research, Richmond VA Medical Center; Robert Ferrante, Director, Experimental
Neuropathology Program, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center,
Bedford VA Medical Center; and Mary Sano, M.D., Acting Chief of Staff for
Research, Bronx VA Medical Center.

OVERSIGHT DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS FIRST RESPONDER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness
and Response held an oversight hearing entitled "The Office for Domestic
Preparedness First Responder Assistance Programs." Testimony was heard
from C.
Suzanne Mencer, Director, Office for Domestic Preparedness, Department of
Homeland Security; and Dennis R. Schrader, Director, Governor's Office of
Homeland Security, State of Maryland.



2004/04/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 29, 2004; pages D424 - D432

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Security Assistance Budget
Request. Testimony was heard from Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary,
Department of State; and Paul D. Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Defense.

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 Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Research and Services. Testimony was heard from Charles G. Curiem,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Highway Administration
(Environmental Streamlining). Testimony was heard from Mary Peters,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation.

AFGHANISTAN: SECURITY AND RECONSTRUCTION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Afghanistan: Security and
Reconstruction. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International
Security Affairs; and LTG Walter Sharp, USA, Director, Strategic Plans and
Policy, The Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Ambassador William Taylor, Coordinator
for Afghanistan, Department of State.

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION SYSTEM--REFORM AND STRENGTHEN

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing entitled "Examining Long-Term Solutions to
Reform and
Strengthen the Defined Benefit Pension System." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

SPYWARE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Spyware: What You Don't Know Can Hurt
You." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FTC:
Mozelle W.
Thompson, Commissioner; and J. Howard Beales III, Director, Bureau of Consumer
Protection; and public witnesses.

ULTRADEEP WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Ultradeep Water Research and Development: What Are
the
Benefits?" Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLay and Sandlin;
Howard
Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy Information Administration,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

TRANSFORMING THE NATIONAL GUARD: RESOURCING FOR READINESS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Transforming the
National Guard: Resourcing for Readiness." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant
Secretary, Homeland Security; Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary, Reserve
Affairs; LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; and MG John A.
Love, USAF, Special Assistant to Combatant Commander for National Guard
Affairs, U.S. Northern Command; Janet A. St. Laurent, Director, Defense
Capabilities and Management, GAO; and the following Adjutant Generals: Wayne
Marty, USA, State of Texas; MG Timothy J. Lowenberg, USAF, State of
Washington; and MG Bruce Tuxill, USAF, State of Maryland.

DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "The Diversity Visa Program,
and Its
Susceptibility to Fraud and Abuse." Testimony was heard from Anne W.
Patterson, Deputy Inspector General, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D430]

OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the International Aspects of Fish and
Wildlife Conservation and Management. Testimony was heard from David A.
Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ocean and Fisheries, Bureau of Oceans and
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State;
William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Kenneth B. Stansell,
Assistant Director, International Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; and a public witness.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3638, Redwood National Park
Boundary Adjustment Act of 2003; H.R. 3932, To amend Public Law 99-338 to
authorize the continued use of certain lands within the Sequoia National Park
by portions of an existing hydroelectric project; and S. 144, Noxious Weed
Control Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Senator Craig; the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: Don Murphy, Deputy Director,
National Park Service; and Scott Cameron, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Performance and Management; Brenda Waters, Noxious Weed Coordinator,
Department of Agriculture, State of Idaho; and public witnesses.

CONTINUITY OF CONGRESS--INCAPACITATION OF MEMBERS AND THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT

Committee on Rules: Held a hearing to address mass incapacitation of Members
and the quorum requirement in the context of the Continuity of Congress.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the
Parliamentarian: Charles W. Johnson, III, Parliamentarian; John Sullivan and
Tom Duncan, both Deputy Parliamentarians; RADM John Eisold, M.D., USN,
Attending Physician to Congress and Rear Admiral, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy;
and Walter Dellinger, former Acting Solicitor General of the United States.

FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE--WOULD IT HELP OR HINDER SMALL BUSINESS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing on Would an Increase in the Federal Minimum
Wage Help or Hinder Small Business? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

THE CAPE TOWN TREATY AND THE COMMERCIAL AVIATION MANPADS DEFENSE ACT;
OVERSIGHT--THE CAPE TOWN TREATY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 4226, The Cape
Town Treaty Implementation Act of 2004; and H.R. 4056, Commercial Aviation
MANPADS Defense Act of 2004.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on The Cape
Town Treaty. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia, Assistant Secretary,
Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following measures: H.R. 348, Prisoners of War Benefits Act of 2003; H.R. 843,
Injured Veterans Benefits Eligibility Act of 2003; H.R. 1735, To amend title
38, United States Code, to increase the maximum amount of a home loan
guarantee available to a veteran; H.R. 2206, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action
National Memorial Act; H.R. 2612, Veterans Adapted Housing Expansion Act of
2003; H.R. 4065, Veterans Housing Affordability Act of 2004; H.R. 3936, To
amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the principal office of the
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to be at any location in
the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, rather than only in the District of
Columbia, and expressing the sense of Congress that a dedicated Veterans
Courthouse and Justice Center should be provided for that Court and those it
serves and should be located, if feasible, at a site owned by the United
States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon Reservation; H.R. 4172, to
amend title 38, United States Code, to codify certain additional diseases as
establishing a presumption of service-connection when occurring in veterans
exposed to ionizing radiation during active military, naval, or air service;
H.R. 4173, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract for a
report on employment placement, retention, and advancement of recently
separated servicemembers; and a measure to create an open period for certain
active duty servicemembers to elect to participate in the program of basic
educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Calvert, Michaud, Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, Davis of
California and Reyes; Kenneth B. Kramer, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals
for Veterans Claims; Robert Epley, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Policy
and Program Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; William Carr, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Military
Personnel Policy, Department of Defense; and representatives of veterans
organizations.

                                    [Page: D431]

SSI PROGRAM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the Supplemental Security Income Program. Testimony was heard from Jo Anne B.
Barnhart, Commissioner, SSA.

TRADE WITH SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA; AFOA ACCELERATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on trade
with sub-Saharan Africa and H.R. 4103, AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from Representative Royce; and public witnesses.



2004/04/30
Daily Digest - Friday, April 30, 2004; pages D433 - D434

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/05/03
Daily Digest - Monday, May 3, 2004; pages D436 - D442

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/05/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 4, 2004; pages D444 - D450

Committee Meetings

STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "Strengthening Vocational and Technical
Education."
Testimony was heard from Jean C. Stevens, Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Curriculum and Instructional Support, Department of Education, State of New
York; Sandy Dunkel, Division Administrator, Career Development Division, Board
of Education, State of Illinois; and public witnesses.

FASB STOCK OPTIONS PROPOSAL--EFFECT ON U.S. ECONOMY AND JOBS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises continued hearings entitled "The
FASB
Stock Options Proposal: Its Effect on the U.S. Economy and Jobs."
Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D448]

MIDDLE-CLASS ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a modified closed rule
providing 1 hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4227, Middle-Class Alternative
Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule
provides for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered
by Representative Rangel of New York or his designee, which shall be
considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Johnson of Connecticut and Israel.

TTIC BRIEFING ON TERRORIST THREATS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a TTIC Briefing on Terrorist Threats. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.



2004/05/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 5, 2004; pages D451 - D458

Committee Meetings

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces approved for
full Committee action H.R. 4200, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2005.

                                    [Page: D455]

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 4200, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Total Force approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4200, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2005.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 2728, Occupational Safety and Health Small Business Day
in Court Act of 2003; H.R. 2729, Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission Efficiency Act of 2003; H.R. 2730, Occupational Safety and Health
Independent Review of OSHA Citations Act of 2003; and H.R. 2731, Occupational
Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act of 2003.

ALASKA NATURAL GAS PIPELINE STATUS REPORT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Status Report."
Testimony was
heard from Senator Murkowski; Patrick Wood III, Chairman, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE--CURRENT MEDICARE PAYMENT SCHEDULE REVIEW

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Physician Fee Schedule: A Review of the Current Medicare
Payment
System." Testimony was heard from Bruce Steinwald, Director, Health
Care--Medicare Payments Issues, GAO; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; and
Glenn Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

ZERO DOWNPAYMENT ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3755, Zero
Downpayment Act of 2004.

INTERIOR DEPARTMENT'S TRIBAL RECOGNITION PROCESS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Betting on
Transparency: Toward Fairness and Integrity in the Interior Department's
Tribal Recognition Process." Testimony was heard from the following
officials
of the Department of the Interior: Theresa Rosier, Counselor to the Assistant
Secretary, Indian Affairs; and Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General; the
following officials of the State of Connecticut: Richard Blumenthal, Attorney
General; and Mark D. Boughton, Mayor, City of Danbury; and public witnesses.

WILDFIRES IN THE WEST

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled "Wildfires in
the
West--Is the Bush Administration's Response Adequate?" Testimony was
heard
from P. Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management, and Budget,
Department of the Interior; Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources
and Environment, USDA; and public witnesses.

MIDDLE EAST--WATER SCARCITY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Water Scarcity in the
Middle East: Regional Cooperation as a Mechanism Toward Peace. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of State: John F. Turner,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and
Scientific Affairs; David Satterfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Near Eastern Affairs; and James Kunder, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau
for Asia and the Near East, AID; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR THE AMERICAS ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action H.R. 3447, Social Investment and Economic
Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2003.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO FILL HOUSE
VACANCIES; TERRORIST PENALTIES ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, adversely, H.J. Res. 83,
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the
appointment of individuals to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives.

The Committee also began markup of H.R. 2934, Terrorist Penalties Enhancement
Act of 2003.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 142,
amended, To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in
the Inland Empire regional water recycling project, to authorize the Secretary
to carry out a program to assist agencies in projects to construct regional
brine lines in California, and to authorize the Secretary to participate in
the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project;
H.R. 1014, amended, Gateway Communities Cooperation Act; H.R. 2010, amended,
To protect the voting rights of members of the Armed Services in elections for
the Delegate representing American Samoa in the United States House of
Representatives; H.R. 2201, National War Permanent Tribute Historical Database
Act; H.R. 2663, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the
suitability and feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms located on St.
Criox, Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System; H.R. 2828,
amended, Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act; H.R.
2912, To reaffirm the inherent sovereign rights of the Osage Tribe to
determine its membership and form of government; H.R. 2966, amended,
Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2003; H.R. 2991, Inland Empire
Regional Water Recycling Initiative; H.R. 3247, amended, Trail Responsibility
and Accountability for the Improvement of Lands Act of 2003; H.R. 3378, Marine
Turtle Conservation Act of 2003; H.R. 3504, To amend the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to redesignate the American
Indian Education Foundation as the National Fund for Excellence in American
Indian Education; H.R. 3505, amended, to amend the Bend Pine Nursery Land
Conveyance Act to specify the recipients and consideration for conveyance of
the Bend Pine Nursery; H.R. 3706, John Muir National Historic Site Boundary
Adjustment Act; H.R. 3768, amended, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Boundary Revision Act of 2004; H.R. 3819, amended, Lewis and Clark National
Historical Park Designation Act of 2004; H.R. 3846, amended, Tribal Forest
Protection Act of 2004; H.R. 3874, amended, To convey for public purposes
certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, that have been
identified for disposal; H.R. 3932, amended, To amend Public Law 99-338 to
authorize the continued use of certain lands within the Sequoia National Park
by portions of an existing hydroelectric project; and H.R. 4114, amended,
Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 2004.

                                    [Page: D456]

DEPLORING THE ABUSE OF PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES CUSTODY IN IRAQ

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour
of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule provides
one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. No witnesses were
heard.

U.S. COMMISSION ON OCEAN POLICY PRELIMINARY REPORT

Committee on Science: Held a hearing entitled "U.S. Commission on Ocean
Policy
Preliminary Report." Testimony was heard from ADM James D. Watkins, USN
(Ret.), Chairman, U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy; and public witnesses.

IMPROVING THE REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Improving the
Regulatory
Flexibility Act--H.R. 2345." Testimony was heard from Representatives
Terry
and Pence; Thomas Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--RAILROAD SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on Railroad Security, Testimony was heard from Allan
Rutter, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; Chet Lunner, Assistant Administrator, Office of Maritime and
Land Security, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Ernest R. Frazier, Sr., Chief of Police and Security Department,
Amtrak; and public witnesses.

AGOA ACCELERATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 4103, AGOA
Acceleration Act of 2004.

DCI WRAP UP BUDGET

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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY--MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled "Maritime Security Operations
within
the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from the
following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: RADM David S. Belz, USCG,
Assistant Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard; Charles E. Stallworth
II, Director, Office of Air and Marine Operations, Bureau of Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement; Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and Tom Blank, Assistant
Administrator, Policy, Transportation Security Administration.



2004/05/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 6, 2004; pages D459 - D466

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on the National Foreign Intelligence Program Budget.
Testimony was heard from George J. Tenet, Director, CIA.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness approved for full
Committee action H.R. 4200, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2005.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces approved for
full Committee action H.R. 4200, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2005.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
approved for full Committee action H.R. 4200, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2005.

ONLINE PORNOGRAPHY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Online Pornography: Closing the Doors
on
Pervasive Smut." Testimony was heard from J. Howard Beales III, Director,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Kevin Lourdeau, Deputy Assistant Director,
Cyber Division, FBI, Department of Justice; Linda D. Koontz, Director,
Information Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

PROTECTING CHILDREN ONLINE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "The `Dot Kids' Internet Domain:
Protecting
Children Online." Testimony was heard from Michael D. Gallagher, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information, National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held an oversight hearing entitled
"Oversight of the Export-Import Bank of the United States."
Testimony was
heard from Philip Merrill, President and Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the
United States.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; SECURITY CLEARANCE BACKLOG

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
4259, Department of Homeland Security Financial Accountability Act; H.R. 4176,
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122
West Elwood Avenue in Raeford, North Carolina, as the "Bobby Marshall
Gentry
Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 295, Congratulating and saluting
Focus:
HOPE on the occasion of its 35th anniversary and for its remarkable commitment
and contributions to Detroit, the State of Michigan, and the United States; H.
Res. 613, Recognizing and honoring the tenth anniversary of Vietnam Human
Rights Day; H. Res. 622, Supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers
Memorial Day; and H.R. 3740, To designate the facility of the United States
Postal Service located at 223 South Main Street in Roxboro, North Carolina, as
the "Oscar Scott Woody Post Office Building."

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "What's the Hold Up: A Review
of
Security Clearance Backlog and Reciprocity Issues Plaguing Today's Government
and Private Sector Workforce." Testimony was heard from Gregory C.
Wilshusen,
Acting Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; Stephen C.
Benowitz, Associate Director, Division for Human Resources Products and
Services, OPM; Heather Anderson, Acting Director, Security, Office of the
Under Secretary for Intelligence, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Update on Federal
Government
Initiatives and Revolutionary New Treatment of Neurodevelopmental
Diseases."
Testimony was heard from Troy Justesen, Assistant Secretary (Acting), Office
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education; and
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D464]

RESOLUTION CONDEMNING SUDAN GOVERNMENT FOR ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS; CRISIS
IN DARFUR

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the chairman to request that H. Con. Res. 403, as amended,
Condemning the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for its attacks against
innocent civilians in the impoverished Darfur region of western Sudan, be
considered on the Suspension Calendar.

The Committee also held a hearing on The Crisis in Darfur: A New Front in
Sudan's Bloody War. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Charles R. Snyder, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
African Affairs; and Roger P. Winter, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, AID; and public witnesses.

SATELLITE HOME VIEWER EXTENSION AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action the Satellite Home
Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004.

FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on H.R. 3283, Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Testimony was heard from Representative Regula; Lynn Scarlett, Assistant
Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the Interior; Tom
Thompson, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Barry T.
Hill, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.

BENEFITS OF TAX INCENTIVES FOR PRODUCERS OF RENEWABLE FUELS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Agriculture and
Technology held a hearing entitled "The Benefits of Tax Incentives for
Producers of Renewable Fuels and Its Impact on Small Businesses and
Farmers."
Testimony was heard from Representative Hulshof; and public witnesses.

MARITIME TRANSPORTATION AMENDMENTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on H.R. 4251, Maritime
Transportation Amendments of 2004. Testimony was heard from RADM John E.
Crowley, USCG, Judge Advocate General, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
following: H.R. 4020, State Veterans' Homes Nurse Recruitment Act of 2004;
H.R. 4231, Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act
of 2004; H.R. 3849, Military Sexual Trauma Counseling Act of 2004; H.R. 4248,
Homeless Veterans Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2004; and a measure to
reform the qualifications and selection requirements for the position of the
Under Secretary for Health. Testimony was heard from Gordon H. Mansfield,
Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; Linda S. Schwarz,
Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Connecticut;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--IRAQI PRISONER ISSUES/ABU GHRAIB

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Iraqi Prisoner Issues/Abu Ghraib. The Committee was
briefed by departmental witnesses.

BRIEFING ON GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE DATA

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.

PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AT HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Progress
in
Addressing Management Challenges at the Department of Homeland Security."
Testimony was heard from James M. Loy, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Homeland Security.



2004/05/07
Daily Digest - Friday, May 7, 2004; pages D467 - D472

Committee Meetings

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS IN IRAQ

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the ongoing investigation into
the abuse of prisoners within the Central Command area of responsibility.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary; GEN Richard B. Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joints
Chiefs of Staff; Les Brownlee, Acting Secretary, Army; GEN Peter J.
Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, Army; and LTG Lance L. Smith, USAF, Deputy
Commander, Central Command.



2004/05/10
Daily Digest - Monday, May 10, 2004; pages D474 - D476

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2004/05/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 11, 2004; pages D478 - D486

Committee Meetings

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT OF 2004

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 3266, Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from Representative Cox; Andrew T. Mitchell, Deputy
Director, Office of Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security;
and William Raub, Acting Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation,
Department of Health and Human Services.

"DOE NUCLEAR SECURITY: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT'S NEXT?"

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "DOE Nuclear Security: What are the Challenges,
and
What's Next?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Energy: Kyle E. McSlarrow, Deputy Secretary; Ambassador Lynton
Brooks, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Glenn
Podonsky, Director, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assessment;
Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and a
public witness.

TERRORIST FINANCING AND MONEY LAUNDERING

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Terrorist Financing and
Money
Laundering Investigations: Who Investigates and How Effective Are They?"
Testimony was heard from Marcy Forman, Deputy Assistant Director, Financial
Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security; the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Donald C. Semesky, Chief, Office of Financial Operations, DEA; Michael
Morehart, Section Chief, Terrorist Financing Operations Section, FBI; and John
Roth, Chief, Criminal Division's Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering
Section; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Dwight
Sparlin, Director, Operations, Policy, and Support for the Criminal
Investigations Branch, IRS; Bob Warner, Chief of Staff, FinCEN; and Daniel
Glaser, Director, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Section; Richard
Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and a public witness.

COMBATING TERRORISM

                                    [Page: D483]

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Combating
Terrorism: Training and Equipping Reserve Component Forces." Testimony
was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ISG Gerald
Neill, 323 Military Intelligence Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, Maryland; SSG
Juan SanchezLopez, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marine Reserves; SP Michael Tanguay, 143
Military Police Company, National Guard, Connecticut; LTG Steve J. Novotny,
530th Military Police Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, Nebraska; BG Louis Weber,
Director of Training, U.S. Army; LTG James R. Helmly, Chief of Army Reserve;
LTG Roger C. Schultz, Director, Army National Guard; and LTG Edward Hanlon,
Commandant, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--CURRENT ISSUES IN WORLD HUNGER

Committee on International Relations: Held a briefing on Current Issues in
World Hunger. The Committee was briefed by Ambassador Tony Hall, Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

THE AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on International Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
The African Growth and Opportunity Act: Building Trade Capacity. Testimony was
heard from Emmy Simmons, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Economic Growth,
Agriculture, and Trade, AID, Department of State; Florizelle H. Liser,
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa; and a public witness.

PRIVATE RELIEF MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims approved for full Committee action private relief bills.

MEDICARE CHRONIC CARE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Medicare Chronic Care Improvement Program. Testimony was heard from Mark
McClennan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Services,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

DISPOSITION OF UNUSED HEALTH BENEFITS IN CAFETERIA PLANS AND FLEXIBLE SPENDING
ARRANGEMENTS; IMPROVE PATIENT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND IMPROVE
MEDICAL CARE; AND SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration
of H.R. 4279, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the
disposition of unused health benefits in cafeteria plans and flexible spending
arrangements, under a modified closed rule. The rule provides one hour of
debate in the House on H.R. 4279 equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The
rule provides for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute
printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution,
if offered by Representative Rangel of New York or his designee, which shall
be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment printed in part A of the report. The
rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 4279 with or without instructions.

Section 2 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4280, to
improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical
care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the
health care delivery system, under a closed rule. The rule provides one hour
of debate in the House on H.R. 4280 with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the
Judiciary and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule
provides one motion to recommit H.R. 4280.

Section 3 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4281, Small
Business Health Fairness Act of 2004, under a modified closed rule. The rule
provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4281 equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Education and the Workforce. The rule provides for consideration of the
amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part B of the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative
Kind of Wisconsin or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall
be separately debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment printed in part B of the report. The rule provides one motion to
recommit H.R. 4281 with or without instructions.

                                    [Page: D484]

Section 4 of the resolution provides that in the engrossment of H.R. 4279 the
clerk shall add the texts of H.R. 4280 and H.R. 4281 as passed by the House,
as new matter at the end of H.R. 4279, and then lay H.R. 4280 and H.R. 4281 on
the table.

Finally, the rule provides that if H.R. 4279 is disposed of without reaching
the stage of engrossment, H.R. 4280 shall be treated in the manner specified
for H.R. 4279 and only H.R. 4281 shall be laid on the table. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives McCrery, Greenwood, Shadegg,
Smith of Texas, Andrews, Kind, Wynn, Scott of Virginia, Sandlin and Baird.

PERMANENTLY EXTEND 10-PERCENT INDIVIDUAL TAX RATE BRACKET

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing
one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4275, to amend the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 to permanently extend the 10-percent individual income tax rate
bracket, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides for consideration
of the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Rangel of New
York or his designee, which shall be considered as read, and shall be
separately debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representative
Sessions.



2004/05/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 12, 2004; pages D488 - D496

Committee Meetings

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative held a hearing on the
Library of Congress; the Architect of the Capitol; and the Capitol Visitor
Center. Testimony was heard from James H. Billington, The Librarian of
Congress; and Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the Capitol.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on Election Assistance Commission.
Testimony was heard from Deforest B. Soaries, Chairman, Election Assistance
Commission.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 4323,
To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide rapid acquisition authority
to the Secretary of Defense to respond to combat emergencies; H.R. 4322, To
provide for the establishment of the headquarters for the Department of
Homeland Security in the District of Columbia, to require the transfer of
administrative jurisdiction over the Nebraska Avenue Naval Complex; and H.R.
4200, amended, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on H.R. 4283, College
Access and Opportunity Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

DIGITAL MEDIA CONSUMERS' RIGHTS ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing on H.R. 107, Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act of
2003. Testimony was heard from Representatives Boucher and Doolittle; and
public witnesses.

NIH ETHICS CONCERNS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "NIH Ethics Concerns: Consulting Arrangements and
Outside Awards." Testimony was heard from Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director,
NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services; and the following officials of the
National Academy of Sciences: Bruce Alberts, President; and Norman R.
Augustine, Co-Chair, Blue Ribbon Panel on Conflict of Interest Policies.

STOCK OPTION ACCOUNTING REFORM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises approved for full Committee action, as
amended, H.R. 3574, Stock Option Accounting Reform Act.

COMMUNITY-BASED BANKS REGULATORY RELIEF

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Cutting Through the Red Tape:
Regulatory Relief for America's Community-Based Banks." Testimony was
heard
from Wayne A. Abernathy, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions,
Department of the Treasury; John M. Reich, Vice Chairman, FDIC; and public
witnesses.

DC CIVIL COMMITMENT MODERNIZATION ACT; POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT
ACT; PAPERWORK AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS ACT

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
4302, District of Columbia Civil Commitment Modernization Act of 2004; and H.
Res. 612, amended, Recognizing and honoring the firefighters, police, public
servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating
fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004; H.R. 4341, Postal
Accountability and Enhancement Act; and H.R. 2432, amended, Paperwork and
Regulatory Improvements Act of 2003.

                                    [Page: D493]

EXPLORING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES--KASHMIR AND DISPUTED TERRITORIES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "Decades of Terror: Exploring Human Rights Abuses in
Kashmir and the Disputed Territories." Testimony was heard from the
following
officials of the Department of State: Michael Kozak, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and Don
Camp, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South Asian Affairs; and public
witnesses.

UN CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea. Testimony was heard from William H. Taft,
IV, Legal Advisor, Department of State; ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Vice Chief
of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy; and public witnesses.

UKRAINE'S FUTURE AND U.S. INTERESTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
Ukraine's Future and United States Interests. Testimony was heard from Steven
Pifer, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
measures: H. Con. Res. 319, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding
the continuing repression of the religious freedom and human rights of the
Iranian Baha i community by the Government of Iran; H. Con. Res. 363,
Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing gross
violations of human rights and civil liberties of the Syrian people by the
Government of the Syrian Arab Republic; H. Res. 615, Expressing the sense of
the House of Representatives in support of full membership of Israel in the
Western European and Others Group (WEOG) at the United Nations; and H. Res.
617, Expressing support for the accession of Israel to the Organization for
Economic Co-operation Development (OECD).

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con.
Res. 414, Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education;
H.R. 3754, amended, Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act; H.R. 1731,
amended, Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act; S. 1301, amended, Video
Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2003; and H.R. 1678, amended, Anti-Hoax Terrorism
Act of 2003.

The Committee began markup of H.R. 2179, Securities Fraud Deterrence and
Investor Restitution Act of 2003.

The Committee also approved private relief bills.

OVERSIGHT--REORGANIZATION OF TRUST MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the current
reorganization of trust management at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the
Office of the Special Trustee. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: Aurene Martin, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; and Ross O. Swimmer, Special Trustee
for American Indians; and public witnesses.

ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on H.R. 4107, Assistance to Firefighters
Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Representative
Pascrell; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: R.
David Paulison, Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, Emergency and
Preparedness Response Directorate; and Andrew Mitchell, Deputy Director,
Office of Domestic Preparedness, Border and Transportation Security
Directorate; and public witnesses.

WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Women's
Entrepreneurship: Successes and Challenges." Testimony was heard from
Melanie
Sabelhaus, Deputy Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the
following: a Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Investment and Leasing Program
resolution; H.R. 3428, To designate a portion of the United States courthouse
located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the "Justin
W.
Williams United States Attorney's Building"; H.R. 3734, To designate the
Federal building at Fifth and Richardson Avenues in Roswell, New Mexico, as
the "Joe Skeen Federal Building"; H.R. 3742, To designate the United
States
courthouse and post office building located at 93 Atocha Street in Ponce,
Puerto Rico, as the "Luis A. Ferre United States Courthouse and Post
Office
Building"; H.R. 3884, To designate the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 615 East Houston Street in San Antonio, Texas, as the
"Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and United States Courthouse";
H.R. 4056,
amended, Commercial Aviation MANPADS Defense Act of 2004; H.R. 4226, amended,
Cape Town Treaty Implementation Act of 2004; H.R. 4251, amended, Maritime
Transportation Amendments of 2004; a resolution on National Transportation
Week; and H. Con. Res. 420, Applauding the men and women who keep America
moving and recognizing National Transportation Week.

                                    [Page: D494]

BRIEFING ON IRAQI PRISONER SITUATION UPDATE

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

ALIGNING CIA HUMINT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Aligning CIA HUMINT. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION'S PROGRESS IN ENHANCING SECURITY

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled "The Transportation Security
Administration's Progress in Enhancing Security." Testimony was heard
from
Stephen J. McHale, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administrator, Department of Homeland Security.



2004/05/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 13, 2004; pages D497 - D504

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Millennium Challenge
Corporation. Testimony was heard from Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, U.S.
Agency for International Development, Department of State; and Paul
Applegarth, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
OF 2004

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4278,
Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act
of 2004.

EXAMINING THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ACT AND ITS BENEFITS FOR WORKERS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing entitled "Examining the Federal Employees'
Compensation Act and Its Benefits for Workers." Testimony was heard from
the
following officials of the Department of Labor: Shelby Hallmark, Director,
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs; and Elliot Lewis, Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; and public witnesses.

"THE US-EU REGULATORY DIALOGUE AND ITS FUTURE"

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The US-EU
Regulatory
Dialogue and Its Future." Testimony was heard from Randal Quarles,
Assistant
Secretary, International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; Ethiopia Tafara,
Director, Office of International Affairs, SEC; Susan Bies, Governor, Federal
Reserve Board, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.

HARNESSING SCIENCE

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Harnessing
Science:
Advancing Care by Accelerating the Rate of Cancer Clinical Trial
Participation." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Michaele Christian, M.D., Associate
Director, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Cancer Therapy
Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute; and Richard Pazdur, M.D.,
Director, Division of Oncology Drug Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and
Research, FDA; and public witnesses.

IRAQ--TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Imminent Transfer
of Sovereignty in Iraq. Testimony was heard from Marc Grossman, Under
Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Stephen A. Cambone, Under Secretary,
Intelligence; Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security
Affairs; and LTG Walter L. Sharp, USA, Director, Strategic Plans and Policy,
The Joint Chiefs of Staff.

BUSINESS ACTIVITY TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 3220, Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Jamie Van Fossen, Representative, State of Iowa; Rick
Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner, State of North Dakota; and public witnesses

                                    [Page: D502]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H.J. Res. 568, amended, Expressing
the sense of the House of Representatives that Judicial determinations
regarding the meaning of the laws of the United States should not be based on
judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions unless such foreign
judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original
meaning of the laws of the United States; and H.R. 1775, To amend title 36,
United States Code, to designate the oak tree as the national tree of the
United States.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.J. Res. 56, Proposing an amendment
to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Musgrave and Frank; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3433, To transfer federal
lands between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior;
H.R. 3479, Brown Tress Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2003; H.R. 4027,
To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make available to the University of
Miami property under the administrative jurisdiction of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration on Virginia Key, Florida, for use by the
University for a Marine Life Science Center; and H.R. 4158, To provide for the
conveyance to the Government of Mexico of a decommissioned National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration ship. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Ros-Lehtinen, Emerson and Case; the following officials of the Department of
the Interior: James Tate, Jr., Science Advisor to the Secretary; and William
Hartwig, Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service; the following officials of the USDA: William Clay, Deputy
Administrator of Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service; and Christopher Pyron, Deputy Chief, Business Operations, Forest
Service; the following officials of Guam: Felix P. Camacho, Governor; and
Senator Tiana Muna Barnes; Pedro A. Tenorio, Resident Representative to the
United States, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and a public
witness.

OVERSIGHT--FIREFIGHTING PREPAREDNESS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing entitled "Firefighting Preparedness: Are we ready for
the
2004 Wildlife Season?" Testimony was heard from Mark Rey, Under
Secretary,
Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary,
Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the Interior; Ellen Engleman
Conners, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and James B. Hull,
Forester, Forest Service, State of Texas and Co-Chair, Blue Ribbon Panel on
Federal Aerial Firefighting.

FEDERAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING R&D

Committee on Science: Held a hearing to examine federal high-performance
computing research and development activities and to consider H.R. 4218,
High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004. Testimony was heard
from John H. Marburger III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy;
and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FAA's AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Avoiding Summer Delays and a Review of the FAA's Air
Traffic Organization. Testimony was heard from Stephen J. McHale, Deputy
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; and the following officials of the FAA, Department of
Transportation: Marion C. Blakey, Administrator; and Russell G. Chew, Chief
Operating Officer.

OVERSIGHT--ACTS OF TERROR--PREPAREDNESS AND FIRST RESPONDER FUNDING

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on How to Best Prepare for Acts of Terror: National Preparedness and
First Responder Funding. Testimony was heard from William O. Jenkins,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Andrew Mitchell, Deputy
Director, Office of Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security;
and George W. Foresman, Assistant to the Governor, Preparedness, State of
Virginia.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1716, amended, Veterans Earn and
Learn Act; H.R. 3936, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the
principal office of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to
be at any location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, rather than
only in the District of Columbia, and expressing the sense of Congress that a
dedicated Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center should be provided for that
Court and those it serves and should be located, if feasible, at a site owned
by the United States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon Reservation;
H.R. 4175, amended, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of
2004; and H.R. 4345, To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the
maximum amount of home loan guaranty available under the home loan guaranty
program of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
                                    [Page: D503]

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 4231, Department of
Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention Act of 2004; and H.R. 4248,
Homeless Veterans Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2004.

FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE REVIEWS--STATE EFFORTS TO COMPLY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
State Efforts to Comply with Federal Child Welfare Reviews. Testimony was
heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Children and Families,
Department of Health and Human Services; Cornelia M. Ashby, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Edward Cotton,
Director, Division of Youth and Family Services, Department of Human Services,
State of New Jersey; and Christopher J. McCabe, Secretary, Department of Human
Resources, State of Maryland.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT INTELLIGENCE BUDGET

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Department of Homeland Security Intelligence Budget. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.

INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY LANGUAGE CAPABILITIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security held a hearing on Intelligence Community Language
Capabilities. Testimony was heard from COL Michael R. Simone, USA, Commandant,
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Department of Defense;
Richard Brecht, Executive Director, Center for Advanced Study of Language; and
Ellen Laipson, President and CEO, Henry L. Stimson Center.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY SHARING

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



2004/05/14
Daily Digest - Friday, May 14, 2004; pages D506 - D510

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/05/17
Daily Digest - Monday, May 17, 2004; pages D512 - D518

Committee Meetings

CHILD CREDIT PRESERVATION AND EXPANSION ACT OF 2004

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing
one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4359, Child Credit Preservation and
Expansion Act of 2004, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides
for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Rangel of New York or his designee, which shall be considered
as read, and shall be separately debatable for one hour equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all point of
order against the amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Camp and Levin.

OSHA AMENDMENTS AND PAPERWORK AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2003

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2728, Occupational Safety and Health Small Business Day
in Court Act of 2004, with one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2728
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that the
amendment recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now
printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides one
motion to recommit H.R. 2728 with or without instructions.

Section 2 of the resolution provides for considerations of H.R. 2729,
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Efficiency Act of 2004, under
a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2729
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment
printed in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution,
shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R.
2729 with or without instructions.

Section 3 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2730,
Occupational Safety and Health Independent Review of OSHA Citations Act of
2004, under a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House
on H.R. 2730 equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule
provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Education and the
Workforce, now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part
B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, shall be
considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 2730 with
or without instructions.

Section 4 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2731,
Occupational Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act of 2004,
under a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R.
2731 equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment
printed in part C of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution,
shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R.
2731 with or without instructions.

Section 5 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2432, Paperwork
and Regulatory Improvements Act of 2003, under a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate in the Committee of the Whole equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Government Reform. The rule waives points of order against consideration of
the bill for failure to comply with clause 4(a) of Rule XIII (regarding the
three-day availability of committee reports). The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original
bill for the purpose of amendment, and shall be considered as read.

                                    [Page: D516]

The rule makes in order only those amendments to the Committee amendment in
the nature of a substitute which are printed in part D of 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 on the Whole. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule provides one
motion to recommit H.R. 2432 with or without instructions.

Section 6 of the resolution provides that in the engrossment of H.R. 2728 the
Clerk shall add the texts of H.R. 2729, H.R. 2730, H.R. 2731, and H.R. 2432,
as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 2728, and then lay on
the table H.R. 2729, H.R. 2730, H.R. 2731, and H.R. 2432.

Finally, the rule provides that if H.R. 2728 is disposed of without reaching
the stage of engrossment, then whichever of H.R. 2729, H.R. 2730, H.R. 2731,
or H.R. 2432 that first passes the House shall be treated in the manner
specified for H.R. 2728 and all other bills that have passed the House shall
be laid on the table.  Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and
Representatives Ose, Kildee, and Tierney.



2004/05/18
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 18, 2004; pages D519 - D528

Committee Meetings

SUPPORTING OUR INTERCOLLEGIATE STUDENT-ATHLETES: PROPOSED NCAA REFORMS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Supporting Our Intercollegiate
Student-Athletes: Proposed NCAA Reforms." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

NIH ETHICS CONCERNS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "NIH Ethics Concerns: Consulting Arrangements and
Outside Awards." Testimony was heard from Marilyn L. Glynn, Acting
Director,
Office of Government Ethics; the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services; Edgar M. Swindell, Associate General Counsel,
Ethics Division; Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Deputy Director, NIH; Lance A.
Liotta, M.D., Chief, Laboratory of Pathology, J. Carl Barrett, Director,
Center for Cancer Research, and Anna D. Barker, Deputy Director, Advanced
Technologies and Strategic Partnerships, all with the National Cancer
Institute; and Emanuel Petricoin, Lead Microbiologist, Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research, FDA; Jack Maskell, American Law Division,
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D524]

MARKET STRUCTURE--SEC PROPOSAL

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "SEC
Proposal on
Market Structure: How will Investors Fare?" Testimony was heard from
public
witnesses.

IMPROVING FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Improving Financial Oversight: A Private Sector
View
of Anti-Money Laundering Efforts." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

FEDERAL WORKFORCE FLEXIBILITY ACT; "FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB: CHIEF
HUMANCAPITAL
OFFICERS"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization approved for full Committee action, as amended, S. 129, Federal
Workforce Flexibility Act of 2003.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "First year on the job:
Chief
Human Capital Officers." Testimony was heard from Kay Coles Jones,
Director,
OPM; Chris Mihm, Managing Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Reginald Wells,
Chief Human Capital Officer, SSA; and a public witness.

ENSURING ACCURACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN LAB TESTING

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Ensuring Accuracy and
Accountability in Lab Testing: Does the Experience of Maryland General
Hospital Expose Cracks in the System?" Testimony was heard from the
following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Steven I. Gutman,
M.D., Director, Office of In Vitro Diagnostics Device Evaluation and Safety,
FDA; and Sean Tunis, M.D., Chief Clinical Officer, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services and Deputy Director, Office of Clinical Standards and
Quality, CMS; Nelson J. Sabatini, Secretary, Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, State of Maryland; and public witnesses.

"HOW CAN WE MAXIMIZE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN
TRANSPORTATION?"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled "How Can We
Maximize
Private Sector Participation in Transportation?" Testimony was heard from
Emil
Frankel, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Policy, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.

SHOULD CHINA JOIN THE NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP?

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Should China Join the
Nuclear Suppliers Group? Testimony was heard from John Wolf, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Nonproliferation, Department of State.

ANTI-TERRORISM INTELLIGENCE TOOLS IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 3179, Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Tools
Improvement Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Justice; Daniel J. Bryant, Assistant Attorney General; and
Thomas J. Harrington, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and a public witness.

OVERSIGHT--ALIEN SMUGGLING

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Pushing the Border Out on
Alien
Smuggling: New Tools and Intelligence Initiatives," Testimony was heard
from
Joe D. Morton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director, Diplomatic
Security Service, Department of State; the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Robert Harris, Deputy Chief, Border Patrol,
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and John P. Torres, Deputy Assistant
Director, Smuggling and Public Safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; and a public witness.

OVERSIGHT--CHESAPEAKE BAY IN YOUR COMMUNITY: A RESTORATION PLAN

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on The Chesapeake Bay in Your Community: A
Restoration Plan. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D525]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 4045, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
prepare a feasibility study with respect to the Mokelumne River; H.R. 3597, To
authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to
conduct a feasibility study on the Alder Creek water storage and conservation
project in El Dorado County, California; and H.R. 2257, Lower Yellowstone
Reclamation Projects Conveyance Act. Testimony was heard from John Keys III,
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.

CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a rule waiving all
points of order against the conference report to accompany S. Con.Res. 95,
Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for
fiscal year 2005 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
year 2006 through 2009, and against its consideration. The rule provides that
the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour
of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. Section 2 provides
that upon adoption in the House of the conference report, and until a
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2005 has been adopted by
the Congress, the provisions of the conference report and its joint
explanatory statement shall have force and effect in the House and that for
the purposes of title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 the
conference report shall be considered for the purposes of the House to have
been adopted by the Congress. The rule provides that nothing in section 2 may
be construed to engage rule XXVII. Section 3 provides that the conferees of
the House on H.R. 2660 shall be, and they are hereby discharged and that H.R.
2660 and its accompanying papers, be, and they are hereby, laid on the table.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing 2 hours of general debate on H.R. 4200, National Defense
Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2005, equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Armed Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services. The rule makes in
order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying
the resolution, and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the
resolution.

The rule provides that amendments shall be considered only in the order
specified in the report (except as specified in section 4 of the resolution),
may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be debatable
for 10 minutes (unless otherwise specified in the report) equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment
(except that the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Armed Services each may offer one pro forma amendment for the purpose of
further debate on any pending amendment), shall be considered as read, and
shall be 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 Rules Committee report and those amendments en
bloc as described in section 3 of the resolution. The rule authorizes the
Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, or his designee, to offer
amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report not earlier disposed of, which shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services or their designees,
and shall not be subject to amendment or demand for a division of the question
in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.

The rule provides that the original proponent of an amendment included in such
amendments en bloc may insert a statement in the Congressional Record
immediately before the disposition of the amendments en bloc. The rule allows
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole to recognize for consideration of
any amendment printed in the Rules Committee report out of the order printed,
but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the Committee on Armed
Services or a designee announces from the floor a request to that effect.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Hunter and Representatives
Cunningham, Ehlers, Manzullo, English, Wamp, Whitfield, Goode, Shimkus, Flake,
Capito, Johnson of Illinois, Kennedy of Minnesota, Beauprez, Skelton, Spratt,
Meehan, Loretta Sanchez, Tauscher, Davis of California, Langevin, Cooper, Meek
of Florida, Markey, Dicks, Lantos, Cardin, Slaughter, Price of North Carolina,
Waters, Bishop of Georgia, Hastings of Florida, Maloney, Woolsey, Blumenauer,
Harman, Strickland, Inslee, Lee, Tierney, Schakowsky, Udall of Colorado,
Matheson and Schiff.

                                    [Page: D526]

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held an oversight hearing on homeless
assistance programs for veterans. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy
Secretary; and John Kuhn, Homeless Program Coordinator, New Jersey Health Care
System; Patricia Carlile, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Needs Programs,
Department of Housing and Urban Development; Don Winstead, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Planning and Evaluation, Office of Human Services Policy,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

REVIEW CIA'S COMPENSATION REFORM INITIATIVE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing to Review CIA's Compensation Reform Initiative, Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/05/19
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 19, 2004; pages D529 - D538

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Agricultural Trade
Negotiations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
4278, Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 2004.

REGIONAL ENERGY RELIABILITY AND SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Regional Energy Reliability and Security: DOE
Authority to
Energize the Cross Sound Cable." Testimony was heard from Senator
Schumer;
Representatives DeLauro, King of New York and Shays; the following officials
of the Department of Energy: Patrick Wood, III, Chairman, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission; and Lee Otis, General Counsel; Richard Blumenthal,
Attorney General, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses.

COMMUNICATIONS MARKETPLACE COMPETITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Competition in the Communications
Marketplace: How Convergence Is Blurring the Lines Between Voice, Video, and
Data Services." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

PROGRAM ASSESSMENT AND RESULTS ACT; OVERSIGHT--NASA'S FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
3826, Program Assessment and Results Act.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing entitled "Mission
Impossible?
Fixing NASA's Financial Management." Testimony was heard from the
following
officials of NASA: Gwendolyn Brown, Chief Financial Officer; Robert Cobb,
Inspector General; and Greg Kutz, Director, Financial Management and
Assurance, GAO.

FEDERAL ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled "Federal Enterprise Architecture: A Blueprint for Improved
Federal IT
Investment and Cross-Agency Collaboration and Information Sharing."
Testimony
was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator of E-Government and Information
Technology, OMB; Randolph C. Hite, Director, Information Technology
Architecture and Systems, GAO; Daniel Matthews, Chief Information Office,
Department of Transportation; Kim Nelson, Chief Information Officer, EPA, and
public witnesses.

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACT

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Implementation of the
Millennium Challenge Act. Testimony was heard from Paul Applegarth, Chief
Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation.

ESTABLISH A COMMISSION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ASSIST PARLIAMENTS
IN EMERGING DEMOCRACIES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action H. Res. 642, Providing for the establishment of a commission
in the House of Representatives to assist parliaments in emerging democracies.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 646,
amended, To Expand the boundaries of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield to
authorize the acquisition and interpretation of lands associated with the
campaign that resulted in the capture of the fort in 1862; H.R. 1156, To amend
the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to
increase the ceiling on the Federal share of the costs of phase I of the
Orange County, California, Regional Water Reclamation Project; H.R. 2619,
amended, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Point National Wildlife Refuge
Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 2831, amended, Newlands Project Headquarters and
Maintenance Yard Facility Transfer Act; H.R. 2909, amended, Utah Test and
Training Range Protection Act; H.R. 3785, amended, To authorize the exchange
of certain land in Everglades Park; H.R. 4115, To amend the Act of November 2, 
1966 (80 Stat. 1112), to allow binding arbitration clauses to be included in
all contracts affecting the land within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian
Reservation; H.R. 4158, To provide for the conveyance to the Government of
Mexico of a decommissioned National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration
ship; H.R. 4362, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to accept a parcel
of Federal land in the State of Washington in trust for the Nisqually Tribe,
to ensure that the acceptance of such land does not adversely affect the
Bonneville Power Administration; S. 144, amended, Noxious Weed Control Act of
2003; and S. 1146, Three Affiliated Tribes Health Facility Compensation Act.

                                    [Page: D536]

FEDERAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY R&D PROGRAMS IMPACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled "The
Impact of Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy R&D
Programs."
Testimony was heard from Peter Smith, Energy Research and Development
Authority, State of New York; and public witnesses.

EPA--HOMELAND SECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing entitled "Homeland Security Research and Development at
the
EPA: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead." Testimony was heard from Paul
Gilman,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Research and Development, EPA; Penrose C.
Albright, Assistant Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, Department
of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

RED TAPE REDUCTION

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Red Tape Reduction:
Improving the Competitiveness of America's Small Manufacturers,"
Testimony was
heard from John Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--BIOMETRICS USE TO IMPROVE AVIATION SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on The Use of Biometrics to Improve Aviation Security.
Testimony was heard from Stewart Verdery, Assistant Secretary for Policy,
Border and Transportation Security, Department of Homeland Security; Keith A.
Rhodes, Chief Technologist, Applied Research and Methods, GAO; and public
witnesses.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
4231, amended, Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Recruitment and Retention
Act of 2004; H.R. 4248, amended, Homeless Veterans Assistance Reauthorization
Act of 2004; H.R. 3936, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize
the principal office of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
to be at any location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, rather than
only in the District of Columbia, and expressing the sense of Congress that a
dedicated Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center should be provided for that
Court and those it serves and should be located, if feasible, at a site owned
by the United States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon Reservation;
H.R. 4345, To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum
amount of home loan guaranty available under the home loan guaranty program of
the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 1716, amended, Veterans Earn and
Learn Act of 2004; and H.R. 4175, amended, Veterans' Compensation
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004, 2 p.m., 334 Cannon.

VA'S ROLE--IN ELECTRONIC-MEDICAL RECORDS SYSTEMS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' role in the development
of interoperable Electronic-medical records systems in the Federal Government.
Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management
Issues, GAO; Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Acting Under Secretary, Health,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; James C.
Reardon, Chief Information Officer, Military Health System, Department of
Defense; and public witnesses.

COMMITTEE BUSINESS--BRIEFING--DOD'S INTELLIGENCE REFORM INITIATIVE

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

The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Department of Defense Intelligence Reform Initiative (DoD HUMINT Reform). The
Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses.



2004/05/20
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 20, 2004; pages D539 - D548

Committee Meetings

FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT REVIEW

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002. Testimony was heard from Keith Collins, Chief Economist, USDA; and
public witnesses.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Department of the Treasury
(International Affairs). Testimony was heard from John Taylor, Under
Secretary, International Affairs, Department of the Treasury.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and
Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of the Treasury.
Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury.

EPA'S RESOURCE CONSERVATION CHALLENGE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing entitled "EPA's Resource Conservation
Challenge."
Testimony was heard from Matthew Hale, Deputy Director, Office of Solid Waste,
EPA.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Cards: Immediate Savings
for
Seniors." Testimony was heard from Mark B. McClellan, M.D.,
Administrator,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Humans
Services; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--HUD'S BUDGET

Committee on Financial Services: Held an oversight hearing on the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, including the Department's budget request
for fiscal year 2005. Testimony was heard from Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.

FEDERAL CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Redundancy and
Duplication in Federal Child Welfare Programs: A Case Study on the Need for
Executive Reorganization Authority." Testimony was heard from
Representative
DeLay; Wade Horn, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Department of
Health and Human Services; J. Robert Flores, Administrator, Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Justice; and Colien
Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service, USDA.

"HISTORIC PRESERVATION OF THE PEOPLING OF AMERICA"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Historic Preservation of the
Peopling of America." Testimony was heard from Janet Snyder Matthews,
Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service, Department of
the Interior; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEC AND THE 527 RULEMAKING PROCESS

Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on the Federal
Election Commission and the 527 Rulemaking Process. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Federal Election Commission: Bradley A. Smith,
Chairman; Ellen L. Weintraub, Vice Chair; Scott E. Thomas and Michael Toner,
both Commissioners.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE U.S. REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Administrative
Conference of the United States." Testimony was heard from the following
Associate Justices of the Supreme Court: Antonin Scalia and Stephen G. Beyer.

OVERSIGHT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Internet, and Intellectual
Property held an oversight hearing entitled "Derivative Rights, Moral
Rights,
and Movie Filtering Technology." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DRAFT REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON OCEAN POLICY

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the "Draft Report of
the
U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy." Testimony was heard from ADM James D.
Watkins, USN (Ret.), Chairman, U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

                                    [Page: D547]

STEEL AND ALUMINUM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on An Examination
of H.R. 3890, to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and
Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. Testimony was heard from. Douglas L.
Faulkner, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

REFORMING REGULATION

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Reforming Regulation to Keep America's Small Businesses
Competitive. Testimony was heard from Representative Hayworth; and public
witnesses.

OVERTIME REGULATIONS' EFFECT ON SMALL BUSINESS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and
Government Programs held a hearing on the Department of Labor's Overtime
Regulations' Effect on Small Business. Testimony was heard from Alfred B.
Robinson, Deputy Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor;
and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AND RESTORATION EFFORTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Great Lakes Water
Quality and Restoration Efforts. Testimony was heard from Thomas V. Skinner,
Manager, Great Lakes National Program Office, EPA; Gerald W. Barnes, Director
of Programs, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers; Stephen B. Brandt, Director, Great Lakes Environmental Research
Laboratory, NOAA, Department of Commerce; R. Mack Gray, Deputy Under
Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; and Robyn Thorson,
Regional Director, Midwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

SSI PROGRAM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the SSI program. Testimony was heard from Robert E. Robertson, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Patrick O'Carroll,
Acting Inspector General, SSA; David Podoff, member, Social Security Advisory
Board; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--DETAINEE ISSUES RELATED TO GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on detainee issues related to the Global War on terrorism.
The Committee was briefed by MG Jeffery Miller, USA, Deputy Commander for
Detainee Operations, Commander Joint Task Force 7, Department of Defense.



2004/05/21
Daily Digest - Friday, May 21, 2004; pages D549 - D552

Committee Meetings

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the conduct and support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: GEN Richard B. Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs
of Staff; GEN Peter J. Schoonmaker, USA, Chief of Staff, Army; and GEN Michael
W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

DC'S LEAD CONTAMINATION EXPERIENCE--LESSONS LEARNED

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Thirsty for
Results:
Lessons Learned from the District of Columbia's Lead Contamination
Experience." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA:
Benjamin Grumbles, Acting Administrator, Water; and Donald Welsh,
Administrator, Region III; Thomas P. Jacobus, General Manager, Washington
Aqueduct, Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Jerry N. Johnson,
General Manager, Water and Sewer Authority, District of Columbia; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AND RESTORATION EFFORTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment concluded oversight hearings on Great Lakes Water
Quality and Restoration Efforts. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kirk
and Emanuel; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D552]



2004/06/01
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 1, 2004; pages D554 - D560

Committee Meetings

GULF WAR ILLNESSES--STATUS OF RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Examining
the
Status of Gulf War Research and Investigations on Gulf War Illnesses."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Janet Heinrich,
Director, Health Care-Public Health Issues; and Keith Rhodes, Chief General
Accounting Technologist; Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Acting Under Secretary,
Health and Acting Chief Research and Development Officer, Department of
Veterans Affairs; MG Lester Martinez-Lopez, U.S. Army, Commanding General,
U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.

BACK TO WORK INCENTIVE ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a record vote of 8 to 2, a
closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4444, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that an amendment
in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 4444 shall be
considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Section 2 of the rule provides that in the engrossment
of H.R. 4444, the clerk shall add the texts of H.R. 4409 and H.R. 4410 as
passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 4444, and then lay H.R.
4409 and H.R. 4410 on the table. Finally, the rule provides that if H.R. 4444
is disposed of without reaching the stage of engrossment, either H.R. 4409 or
H.R. 4410, whichever first passes the House shall be treated in the manner
specified for H.R. 4444 and the other bill shall be laid on the table.
Testimony was heard from Representatives McKeon, Porter, and Kildee.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF
INDIVIDUALS TO FILL VACANCIES

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a record vote of 8 to 2, a
closed rule providing 90 minutes of debate in the House equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the
Judiciary. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representatives Rohrabacher, Nadler, and
Baird.

                                    [Page: D557]

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3266, Faster and Smarter Funding for First
Responders Act of 2004.



2004/06/02
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 2, 2004; pages D561 - D568

Committee Meetings

REVIEW--FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Federal Agricultural
Mortgage Corporation, Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
GAO: Davi M. D'Agostino, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment;
and Jeanette Franzel, Director, Financial Management and Assurance; Nancy C.
Pellett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration;
Gregory Zerzan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions Policy,
Department of the Treasury; and the following officials of the Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation: Frederick L. Dailey, Chairman, and Henry D,
Edelman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
and approved for full Committee action the Department of Defense
appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

BALANCING NIH'S PRIORITY SETTING PROCESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Scientific Opportunities and Public Needs: Balancing NIH's
Priority
Setting Process." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services: Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director;
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases; Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute;
and Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse.

"ADVANCING THE DTV TRANSITION: AN EXAMINATION OF THE FCC MEDIA BUREAU
PROPOSAL"

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Advancing the DTV Transition: An
Examination
of the FCC Media Bureau Proposal." Testimony was heard from W. Kenneth
Ferree,
Chief, Media Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses.

INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE: 529 STATE TUITION SAVINGS PLANS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Investing
for
the Future: 529 State Tuition Savings Plans." Testimony was heard from
public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D566]

RIGGS AND UBS--RISK MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY FAILURES: LESSONS LEARNED

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Risk Management and Regulatory Failures at Riggs
Bank
and UBS: Lessons Learned." Testimony was heard from Daniel Stepano,
Deputy
Chief Counsel, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the
Treasury; and Thomas C. Baxter, Jr., General Counsel, and Executive Vice
President, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Federal Reserve System.

OVERSIGHT--NETWORK VULNERABILITIES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the census held an oversight hearing
entitled "Who Might be Lurking at Your Cyber Front Door? Is Your System
Really
Secure? Strategies and Technologies to Prevent, Detect and Respond to the
Growing Threat of Network Vulnerabilities." Testimony was heard from
Karen
Evans, Administrator, E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; Robert
Dacey, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; Amit Yoran, Director,
National Cyber Security Division, Department of Homeland Security; Dawn
Meyerriecks, Chief Technology Officer, Defense Information Systems Agency,
Department of Defense; Daniel Mehan, Assistant Administrator, Information
Services and Chief Information Officer, FAA, Department of Transportation; and
public witnesses.

U.S. POLICY IN AFGHANISTAN

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on United States Policy
in Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: William B. Taylor, Coordinator for Afghanistan; James
Kunder, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asian and the Near East,
U.S. Agency for International Development; and Charlotte Ponticelli, Senior
Coordinator, Office of International Women's Issues; and Marybeth Long, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Counternarcotics, Department of Defense.

U.S. POLICY IN EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on U.S. Policy in East Asia and the Pacific. Testimony was
heard from James A. Kelly, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and
Pacific Affairs, Department of State.

CAREERS FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Careers for the
21st
Century: The Importance of Education and Worker Training for Small
Business."
Testimony was heard from Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment
and Training Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.

FASTER AND SMARTER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 3266, Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2004.

ASSESSING THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY'S ANALYTIC CAPABILITIES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Assessing the Intelligence Community's Analytic
Capabilities. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/06/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 3, 2004; pages D569 - D576

Committee Meetings

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on FBI Transformation. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the FBI, Department of Justice:
Robert S. Mueller, III, Director; Maureen Baginski, Executive Assistant
Director, Intelligence; and John Pistole, Executive Assistant Director,
Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence; Laurie E. Ekstrand, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; the following officials of the
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress: Alfred Cumming,
Specialist, Intelligence and National Security Foreign Affairs, Defense and
Trade Division; and Todd Masse, Specialist, Domestic Intelligence and
Counterterrorism, Domestic Social Policy; and a public witness.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia held a
hearing on the District of Columbia Budget. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony A. Williams, Mayor;
Linda W. Cropp, Chairwoman, Council; and Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief Financial
Officer.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved for
full Committee action the Department of Homeland Security appropriations for
fiscal year 2005.

INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
approved for full Committee action the Department of the Interior and Related
Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

ARMED FORCES--SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on sexual assault prevention and
response in the armed forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and
Readiness; Ellen Embrey, Deputy Assistant, Force Health Protection and
Readiness; Reginald J. Brown, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Manpower and
Reserve Affairs; Michael Dominguez, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force,
Manpower and Reserve Affairs; and William Navas, Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs; the following officials of the Department
of Veterans Affairs: Frances Murphy, M.D., Deputy Under Secretary, Health
Policy Coordination; Carol O'Brien, Director, Center for Sexual Trauma
Services, DVA Medical Center, Bay Pines, Florida; and Lori Katz, Staff
Psychologist, Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator, DVA Women's Health Clinic,
Long Beach, California; and public witnesses.

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT; SATELLITE HOME VIEWER
EXTENSION AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the following:
H.R. 3266, Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2003; and
the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
4363, amended, Helping Hands for Homeownership Act of 2004; H.R. 3916,
amended, Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2004; H.R. 3755, amended, Zero
Downpayment Act of 2004; and H.R. 4471, Home Ownership Opportunities for
Native Americans Act of 2004.

The Committee began markup of H.R. 3574, Stock Option Accounting Reform Act.

The Committee recessed subject to call.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; SUPERSIZING OF AMERICA--COMBATING OBESITY AND
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3826, amended, Program Assessment and Results Act; H.R. 4222, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 550 Nebraska Avenue in
Kansas City, Kansas, as the "Newell George Post Office Building"; H.
Con. Res.
257, Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should posthumously
award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harry W. Colmery; and H. Res. 653,
Honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush on the occasion of his
80th birthday.

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "The Supersizing of America:
The
Federal Government's Role in Combating Obesity and Promoting Healthy
Living."
Testimony was heard from Lester M. Crawford, M.D., Acting Commissioner, FDA,
Department of Health and Human Services; Eric Hentges, M.D., Director, Center
for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA; Lynn Swann, Chair, President's
Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D575]

OVERSIGHT--OPERATIONS OF THE U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on the Operations of the U.S.
Copyright Office. Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of
Copyrights, Library of Congress.

ACCESS TO RURAL PHYSICIANS IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims, approved for full Committee action H.R. 4453, Access to Rural
Physicians Improvement Act of 2004.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans approved for full Committee action the following bills: S. 1814, To
transfer federal lands between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary
of the Interior; H.R. 3479, Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of
2003; and H.R. 4027, amended, To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make
available to the University of Miami property under the administrative
jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on
Virginia Key, Florida, for use by the University for a Marine Life Science
Center.

AIRLINE INDUSTRY--FINANCIAL CONDITION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on The Financial Condition of the Airline Industry.
Testimony was heard from JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Team, GAO; Michael Kestenbaum, Executive Director, Air Transportation
Stabilization Board; and public witnesses.

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE: IRAN

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Counterintelligence: Iran. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL TERRORISM UPDATE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on Global
Terrorism Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.

NATIONAL BIODEFENSE STRATEGY

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Towards A
National Biodefense Strategy." Testimony was heard from Penrose Albright,
Assistant Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security;
from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, and William F. Raub, M.D., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Public Health Emergency Preparedness; MG Lester Martinez-Lopez, USA,
Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command; and
public witnesses.



2004/06/04
Daily Digest - Friday, June 4, 2004; pages D578 - D582

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/06/07
Daily Digest - Monday, June 7, 2004; pages D583 - D586

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/06/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 8, 2004; pages D588 - D592

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/06/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 9, 2004; pages D593 - D598

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY AND INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR
2005; BUDGET ALLOCATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2005: Homeland Security; and Interior and Related Agencies.  The
Committee also approved a Report on Suballocations of Budget Allocations for
fiscal year 2005.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
approved for full Committee action the Energy and Water Development
appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

                                    [Page: D597]

OVERSIGHT--MARINE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT IMPLEMENTATION; PORT SECURITY
IMPROVEMENTS ACT; U.S. SEAPORT MULTIYEAR SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on Implementation of the
Maritime Transportation Security Act, and on the following bills: H.R. 2193,
Port Security Improvements Act of 2003; and H.R. 3712, United States Seaport
Multiyear Security Enhancement Act. Testimony was heard from RADM Larry
Hereth, USCG, Director, Port Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security; Noel Cunningham, Director, Operations, Port of Los Angeles,
California; and Michael Mitre, Coast Port Security Director, International
Longshore and Warehouse Union.



2004/06/14
Daily Digest - Monday, June 14, 2004; pages D600 - D610

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 approved for full Committee
action the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and
Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

RESOLUTION--REQUESTING DOD TRANSMIT TO THE HOUSE RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION
CONDUCTED BY MAJOR GENERAL ANTONIO M. TAGUBA

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered adversely reported H. Res. 640, Of
inquiry requesting that the Secretary of Defense transmit to the House of
Representatives before the expiration of the 14-day period beginning on the
date of the adoption of this resolution any picture, photograph, video,
communication, or report produced in conjunction with any completed Department
of Defense investigation conducted by Major General Antonio M. Taguba relating
to allegations of torture or allegations of violations of the Geneva
Conventions of 1949 at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq or any completed Department
of Defense investigation relating to the abuse or alleged abuse of a prisoner
of war or detainee by any civilian contractor working in Iraq who is employed
on behalf of the Department of Defense.

                                    [Page: D605]

ENERGY LEGISLATION

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 4503, Energy Policy Act of 2004. The rule provides one
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4503, with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources, and 10 minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R.
4503.

Section 2 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4517, U.S.
Refinery Revitalization Act of 2004, under a closed rule. The rule provides
one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4517 equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 4517.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Barton and Representatives Gilchrest,
Stupak, Olver, Van Hollen and Hastings (FL).

ENERGY LEGISLATION

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing
for consideration of H.R. 4513, to provide that in preparing an environmental
assessment or environmental impact statement required under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to any action
authorizing a renewable energy project, no Federal agency is required to
identify alternative project locations or actions other than the proposed
action and the no action alternative, and for other purposes. The rule
provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4513 equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Resources. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in Part A of the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Pombo of California or his designee, which shall be considered
as read and shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment printed in part A of the report. The rule provides
one motion to recommit H.R. 4513 with or without instructions.

Section 2 of the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4529, Arctic
Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security and Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation
Reform Act of 2004, under a modified closed rule. The rule provides one hour
of debate in the House on H.R. 4529, with 50 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Resources and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule makes in
order the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part B of the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Pombo of California or his designee, which shall be considered
as read and shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part B of
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 4259 with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Pombo and
Representative Kanjorski.

AMERICAN JOBS CREATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 4520, as amended, American
Jobs Creation Act of 2004.



2004/06/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 15, 2004; pages D612 - D622

Committee Meetings

REVIEW FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSERVATION
TITLE

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development, and Research held a hearing to review Implementation of the
Conservation Title of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: James R. Little,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency; and Bruce I. Knight, Chief, Natural
Resources Conservation Service; and public witnesses.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State,
Judiciary and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the
Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies appropriations for
fiscal year 2005.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Navy Budget Request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Navy: ADM Vern Clerk, USN, Chief, Naval
Operations; H.T. Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment;
and GEN William Nyland, USMC, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. TROOP WITHDRAWALS FROM KOREA STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the strategic implications of
U.S. troop withdrawals from Korea. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on H.R. 4496, Vocational and Technical Education for the Future
Act. Testimony was heard from Katherine Oliver, Assistant State
Superintendent, Career, Technology and Adult Learning, Department of
Education, State of Maryland; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2023, amended, Asthmatic
Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act of 2003; H.R. 4555,
Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 2004; and S. 741, Minor
Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2003.

JUNK FAX PREVENTION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held hearing on the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004. Testimony was
heard from K. Dane Snowden, Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau,
FCC; and public witnesses.

STOCK OPTION ACCOUNTING REFORM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3574,
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act.

                                    [Page: D618]

UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES: CONTRACTING AND THE REBUILDING OF IRAQ

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Unprecedented
Challenges: Contracting and the Rebuilding of Iraq." Testimony was heard
from
David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Lawrence Lanzilotta, Principle Deputy and Acting Under
Secretary (Comptroller); Deirde Lee, Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy; Tina Basllard, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army (Policy
and Procurement); William H. Reed, Director, Defense Contract Audit Agency;
GEN Paul Kern, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command; and BG
Robert Crear, USA, Commander, Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.

IRAQ: WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing on Iraq: Winning Hearts and
Minds. Testimony was heard from the following officials from the Department of
State: Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Near Eastern Asia/Iraq; and Gordon West, Senior Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for
International Development; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs;
LTG Walter L. Sharp, USA, Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Chiefs
of Staff; Rend al-Rahim Francke, Iraqi Representative to the United States;
and public witnesses.

UZBEKISTAN: THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN CENTRAL ASIA?

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on Uzbekistan: The Key to Success in Central
Asia?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of
State: Michael Kozak, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and B. Lynn Pascoe, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; Mira Ricardel, Acting
Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 218, Law Enforcement Officers
Safety Act of 2003.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this legislation.
Testimony was heard from Albert C. Eisenberg, Delegate, House of Delegates,
State of Virginia; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1630, Petrified Forest
National Park Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 2129, Taunton, Massachusetts Special
Resources Study Act; H.R. 3954, Rancho El Cajon Boundary Reconciliation Act;
H.R. 4481, To amend Public Law 86-434 establishing Wilson's Creek National
Battlefield in the State of Missouri to expand the boundaries of the park; and
S. 1576, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2003.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Renzi, Frank of Massachusetts,
Hunter, Blunt and Capito; the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: Paul Hoffman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks;
and John Hughes, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; and public
witnesses.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4568, making appropriations for the Department of the
Interior and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to
accord priority in recognition to Members who have-printed their amendments in
the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor
of North Carolina; Dicks and Norton.

                                    [Page: D619]

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, an open rule providing 1
hour of general debate on H.R. 4567, making appropriations for the Department
of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to
accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Rogers, Manzullo, Obey, Sabo, DeLauro and Turner of Texas.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy approved for full Committee
action the following bills: H.R. 3890, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum
Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; and H.R. 4516,
Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER WORKFORCE STATUS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on The Status of the Air Traffic Controller Workforce.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Transportation: Marion Blakey, Administrator, FAA; and Alexis Stefani, Deputy
Assistant Inspector General; JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Team, GAO; and public witnesses.

TAX SIMPLIFICATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Tax
Simplification. Testimony was heard from the following former Commissioners of
IRS, Department of the Treasury; Mortimer M. Caplin; Sheldon S. Cohen; Don C.
Alexander; and Fred T. Goldberg; and public witnesses.

ENHANCING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PRIVACY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Enhancing Social Security Number Privacy. Testimony was heard from J. Howard
Beales III, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Patrick P.
O'Carroll, Acting Inspector General, SSA; Barbara Bovbjerg, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; Lawrence E. Maxwell, Assistant
Chief Inspector, Investigations and Security, United States Postal Inspection
Service, United States Postal Service; and public witnesses.

BORDER SECURITY

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Infrastructure and
Border Security held a hearing entitled "Protecting the Homeland:
Building a
Layered and Coordinated Approach to Border Security." Testimony was heard
from
the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Victor Cerda,
Special Advisor to Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; and Chief David Aguilar, Tuscan Sector Border Patrol Chief,
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and public witnesses.



2004/06/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 16, 2004; pages D623 - D634

Committee Meetings

REVIEWIRAQI AGRICULTURE

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Iraqi Agriculture: From Oil
for Food to the Future of Iraqi Production Agriculture and Trade. Testimony
was heard from William J. Garvelink, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for
International Development, Department of State; Joseph A. Christoff, Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; H. Lee Schatz, Special Counsel for Iraq
Reconstruction, Office of the Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service,
USDA; and public witnesses.

DEFENSE AND ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2005: Defense and Energy and Water Development.

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative approved for full
Committee action the Legislative appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on Army Budget Request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief
of Staff; and Geoffrey G. Prosch, Acting Assistant Secretary (Installations
and Environment).

IRAQ--STATUS OF U.S. FORCES AFTER JUNE 30TH

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the status of U.S. forces in
Iraq after June 30, 2004. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary (International
Security Affairs); and LTG Walter L. Sharp, USA, Director, Strategic Plans and
Policy, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone,
Coordinator for Iraq Transition, Department of State.

U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the report of the United
States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review
Commission: Roger W. Robinson, Jr., Chairman; and Carolyn Bartholomew,
Commissioner.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "H.R.
4283,
College Access and Opportunity Act: Are Students at Proprietary Institutions
Treated Equitably under Current Law?" Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

NUCLEAR WASTE FUND--RECLASSIFY FEES PAID

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 3981, To reclassify fees
paid into the Nuclear Waste Fund as offsetting collections.

OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN--HEALTH CONCERNS ABOUT DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Parents Be Aware: Health Concerns about Dietary
Supplements for Overweight Children." Testimony was heard from Howard
Beales,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Howell Wechsler, Acting
Director, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Center for Disease Control
and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

FHA SINGLE FAMILY LOAN LIMIT ADJUSTMENT ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 4110, FHA Single Family Loan Limit
Adjustment Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from John C. Weicher, Assistant
Secretary, Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and
Urban Development; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Department of the
Treasury."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Samuel W. Bodman, Deputy Secretary; William J. Fox, Director,
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; R. Richard Newcomb, Director, Office of
Foreign Assets Control; Nancy J. Jardini, Chief, Criminal Investigation, IRS;
and Dennis S. Schindel, Acting Inspector General.

OVERSIGHT--PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTANTS AND FEDERAL MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held an oversight hearing entitled "Private Sector
Consultants and Federal Management: More than Balancing the Books."
Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D630]

CASTRO'S CUBA--CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "Living in Fear: The Continued Human Rights Abuses in
Castro's Cuba." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Michael Kozak, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Dan Fish, Deputy Assistant
Secretary; and David Mutchler, Senior Advisor on Cuba, U.S. Agency for
International Development; and public witnesses.

CYBER-CHALLENGES FACING HOME USERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"Locking Your Cyber Front Door--The Challenges Facing Home Users and
Small
Businesses." Testimony was heard from Amit Yoran, Director, National
Cyber
Security Division, Department of Homeland Security; J. Howard Beales III,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Cheryl A. Mills, Associate
Administrator, Entrepreneurial Development, SBA; Ed Roback, Chief, Computer
Security Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department
of Commerce; and public witnesses.

U.S. INITIATIVES--NATO'S SUMMIT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
U.S. Initiatives at NATO's Istanbul Summit. Testimony was heard from Ian J.
Brzezinski, Deputy Assistant Secretary, European and NATO Affairs, Department
of Defense; and Robert A. Bradtke, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State.

U.S.-EGYPTIAN RELATIONS FUTURE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on The Future of U.S.-Egyptian Relations.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Rose Likins, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Political-Military Affairs; David Satterfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and James Kunder, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for
International Development.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM--SCREENING POTENTIAL TERRORISTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on The Visa Waiver Program
and the Screening of Potential Terrorists. Testimony was heard from Robert
Jackstra, Executive Director, Boarder Security and Facilitation, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Catherine Barry,
Managing Director, Office of Visa Services, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills:
H.R. 218, Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003; and H.R. 3266, Faster
and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2003.

CREATE OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER--VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 3589, To create the Office of
Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Testimony was
heard from Delegate Norton; David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular
Affairs, Department of the Interior; the following officials of the Virgin
Islands: Charles W. Turnbull, Governor; David A. Jones, Senate President; and
Ronald E. Russell, Senator; and a public witness.

OVERSIGHT--FISHERY DATA COLLECTION PROGRAMS IMPORTANCE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on The Importance of Fishery Data Collection
Programs. Testimony was heard from Michael Sissenwine, Director, Scientific
Programs and Chief Scientific Advisor, National Marine Fisheries Service,
NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3334, Riverside-Corona
Feeder Authorization Act; H.R. 3597, To authorize the Secretary of the
Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct a feasibility study on
the Alder Creek water storage and conservation project in El Dorado County,
California; and H.R. 4045, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
prepare a feasibility study with respect to the Mokelumne River.

                                    [Page: D631]

AMERICAN JOBS CREATIONS ACT OF 2004

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a closed rule providing 1
hour of debate on H.R. 4520, American Jobs Creations Act of 2004, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means, as
modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying
the resolution, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of
order against the bill, as amended, and against its consideration. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Portman, Sandlin, Baird, McGovern,
Bordallo, and Emanuel.

EXAMINE RULE X--ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Technology and the House held a hearing to
examine Rule X, the Organization of Committees, including its current
legislative impact, arrangement, and effectiveness. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Tom Davis of Virginia, Waxman, Cox, Turner of Texas, Boehner
and Thomas.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R.
3890, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988; and H.R. 4516, Department of Energy High-End
Computing Revitalization Act of 2004; H.R. 4218, High-Performance Computing
Revitalization Act of 2004; and H.R. 3598, Manufacturing Technology
Competitiveness Act of 2004.

OVERSIGHT--PIPELINE SAFETY AND THE OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Pipeline Safety and the
Office of Pipeline Safety. Testimony was heard from Robert Chipkevich,
Director, Office of Railroads, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials
Investigations, National Transportation Safety Board; the following officials
of the Department of Transportation: Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General;
Samuel G. Bonasso, Deputy Administrator, Research and Special Programs
Administration; and Stacey Gerard, Associate Administrator, Office of Pipeline
Safety; and Katherine Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues. GAO.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the
following: H.R. 4032, Veterans Fiduciary Act of 2004; and the Veterans
Self-Employment Act of 2004.

Testimony was heard from Jack McCoy, Director, Education Service, Veterans
Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans; and public witnesses.

U.S-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Implementation of the
United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Office of the United States Trade Representative:
Josette Sheeran Shiner, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and Allen Johnson,
Chief Agricultural Negotiator; and public witnesses.

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FISCAL YEAR 2005

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and
ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 4548, Intelligence Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2005.



2004/06/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 17, 2004; pages D635 - D643

Committee Meetings


IRAQI SECURITY FORCES

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on training of Iraqi security
forces. Testimony was heard from LTG David H. Petraeus, USA, Chief, Office of
Security Transition--Iraq. Department of Defense.

                                    [Page: D641]

U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE--IMPACT OF DEFENSE TRADE OFFSETS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the impact of defense trade
offsets on the U.S. defense industrial base. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

SAFEGUARD AGAINST PRIVACY INVASIONS ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2929,
Safeguard Against Privacy Invasions Act.

E-RATE PROGRAM PROBLEMS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Problems with the E-rate Program: Waste, Fraud,
and
Abuse Concerns in the Wiring of Our Nation's Schools to the Internet."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: H. Walker Feaster
III, Inspector General; Carol E. Mattey, Deputy Chief, Wireline Competition
Bureau; and Jane E. Mago, Chief, Office of Strategic Planning and Policy
Analysis; the following officials of the Commonwealth of Puerto: Manuel Diaz
Saldana, Comptroller; and Cesar A. Rey Hernandez, Secretary, Department of
Education.

U.S.-EU REGULATORY DIALOGUE

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled, "The
U.S.-EU
Regulatory Dialogue: The Private Sector Perspective." Testimony was heard
from
public witnesses.

WAR AGAINST DRUGS AND THUGS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The War Against
Drugs
and Thugs: A Status Report on Plan Colombia Successes and Remaining
Challenges." Testimony was heard from John P. Walters, Director, Office
of
National Drug Control Policy; the following officials of the Department of
State: Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary, Western Hemisphere Affairs; and
Robert B. Charles, Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs; the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Thomas W. O'Connell, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and Low-Intensity
Conflict; and GEN James T. Hill, USA, Commander, U.S. Southern Command; Karen
P. Tandy, Administrator, DEA, Department of Justice; Luis Alberto Moreno,
Ambassador to the United States, Republic of Colombia; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION--HELP AMERICAN VOTE ACT
IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on the Election
Assistance Commission and Implementation of the Help America Vote Act.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Election Assistance
Commission: DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Chairman; Gracia Hillman, Vice Chair;
Paul DeGregorio and Ray Martinez, both Commissioners.

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS; EGYPT-U.S. ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be
considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 642, amended, House Commission
for Assisting Democratic Parliaments Resolution; and H. Con. Res. 410,
Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands and recognizing the Marshall Islands as a
staunch ally of the United States, committed to principles of democracy and
freedom for the Pacific region and throughout the world.

The Committee also held a hearing on "United States Economic Assistance
to
Egypt: Does It Advance Reform?" Testimony was heard from David B.
Gootnick,
Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H. Con. Res. 415, Urging the
Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election
process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004; and H. Res. 652,
Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure a democratic,
transparent, and fair election process for its parliamentary elections in the
fall of 2004.

FAMILY MOVIE ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing H.R. 4586, Family Movie Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D642]

OVERSIGHT--DETRIMENTAL IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION BACKLOG

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Families and Businesses in
Limbo:
The Detrimental Impact of the Immigration Backlog." Testimony was heard
from
Eduardo Aguirre, Director, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Department of Homeland Security.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3102, To utilize the expertise of New
Mexico State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona
University in conducting studies under the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 in connection with grazing allotments and range and continuing range
analysis for National Forest System lands in New Mexico and Arizona; H.R.
3427, Craig Recreation Land Purchase Act; H.R. 4494, Grey Towers National
Historic Site Act of 2004; and S. 2003, To clarify the intent of Congress with
respect to the continued use of established commercial outfitter hunting camps
on the Salmon River. Testimony was heard from Representative Sherwood; Mark
Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; and public
witnesses.

EXAMINE RULE X--ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Technology and the House concluded
hearings to examine Rule X, the Organization of Committees, including its
current legislative impact, arrangement, and effectiveness. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Goss, Sensenbrenner, Goodlatte, Stenholm, Barton of
Texas, Dingell, Manzullo, Young of Alaska and Oberstar.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S ENFORCEMENT AGAINST SMALL BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Department of Labor's Enforcement Against Small Businesses.
Testimony was heard from Robert Varnell, Deputy Solicitor, Department of
Labor; and public witnesses.

DVA--EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSE AND MISMANAGEMENT IN PROGRAMS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on efforts to identify and
eliminate fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in programs administered by
the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy
Secretary; and Richard J. Griffin, Inspector General; McCoy Williams,
Director, Financial Management and Assurance Team, GAO.

HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health
Care Information Technology. Testimony was heard from David Brailer, M.D.,
National Health Information Technology Coordinator, Department of Health and
Human Services; Robert M. Kolodner, M.D., Acting Chief Health Informatics
Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer for Health, Department of
Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses.

FAILURE TO PROTECT CHILD SAFETY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Failure to Protect Child Safety. Testimony was heard from Christopher J.
McCabe, Secretary, Department of Human Resources, State of Maryland; the
following officials of the City of Baltimore: Floyd Blair, Interim Director,
Department of Social Services; and Peter Beilenson, M.D., Commissioner of
Health; and a public witness.

CUSTOMS BUDGET AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER CUSTOMS ISSUES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on Customs
Budget Authorizations and Other Customs Issues. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Robert C. Bonner,
Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Michael J. Garcia,
Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and public
witnesses.

BRIEFING--COUNTERNARCOTICS: AFGHANISTAN

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Counternarcotics: Afghanistan. The Subcommittee was
briefed by departmental witnesses.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy and National Security met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Global Intelligence Update. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.



2004/06/18
Daily Digest - Friday, June 18, 2004; pages D645 - D652

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/06/21
Daily Digest - Monday, June 21, 2004; pages D654 - D660

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 4613, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment printed in the
Rules Committee report shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the
Committee of the Whole. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill, as amended, for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill). The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in
recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the
Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Section 2 of the resolution provides that upon the adoption of
the resolution it shall be in order, any rule of the House to the contrary
notwithstanding, to consider concurrent resolutions providing for adjournment
of the House and Senate during the month of July. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Lewis of California, Murtha, and Kaptur.



2004/06/22
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 22, 2004; pages D662 - D674

Committee Meetings

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a
hearing on the Air Force Budget Request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the U.S. Air Force: GEN John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of
Staff; and Nelson F. Gibbs, Assistant Secretary, (Installations, Environment
and Logistics).

                                    [Page: D671]

PROGRESS IN IRAQ

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Progress in Iraq. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Paul D.
Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing entitled "H.R. 4283, the College Access
and
Opportunity Act: Does Accreditation Provide Students and Parents
Accountability and Quality?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NIH ETHICS CONCERNS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "NIH Ethics Concerns: Consulting Arrangements and
Outside Awards." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Alex Michael Azar, II, General
Counsel; Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director NIH; Anna D. Barker, Deputy Director,
Advanced Technologies and Strategic Partnerships; Maureen O. Wilson; Assistant
Director; and J. Carl Barrett, Director, Center for Cancer Research, all with
the National Cancer Institute; and public witnesses.

"THE NEW BASEL ACCORD: PRIVATE SECTOR PERSPECTIVES"

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "The New Basel Accord: Private
Sector
Perspectives." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

LNG IMPORT TERMINAL AND DEEP WATER PORT SITING

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled "LNG Import
Terminal
and Deepwater Port Siting: Federal and State Roles." Testimony was heard
from
Representative Markey; the following officials of the Department of Energy:
David Garman, Acting Under Secretary; and Patrick H. Wood III, Chairman,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; RADM Thomas Gilmour, USCG, Assistant
Commandant, Marine Safety, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security;
Jay Blossman, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, State of Louisiana;
Kenneth D. Schisler, Chairman, Public Service Commission, State of Maryland;
Joseph Desmond, Deputy Secretary, Energy, Resources Agency, State of
California; and public witnesses.

NUCLEAR SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations continued hearings on "Nuclear
Security:
Can DOE Meet Facility Security Requirements? (Part II). Testimony was heard
from Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and
the following officials of the Department of Energy: David Garman, Under
Secretary, Office of Energy, Science and Environment; and Glenn S. Podonsky,
Director, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance.

CHILD ABDUCTIONS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on A Parents Worst
Nightmare: The Heartbreak of International Child Abductions. Testimony was
heard from Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs,
Department of State; Daniel J. Bryant, Assistant Attorney General, Office of
Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

U.S. POLICY TOWARD SOUTH ASIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward South Asia. Testimony was heard from
Christina B. Rocca, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South Asian Affairs,
Department of State.

OVERSIGHT--LIMITING LAWSUIT ABUSE

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing entitled
"Safeguarding
Americans from a Legal Culture of Fear: Approaches to Limiting Lawsuit
Abuse."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MENTALLY ILL OFFENDER TREATMENT AND CRIME REDUCTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on S. 1194, Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime
Reduction Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Cheri Nolan, Deputy Assistant
Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and
public witnesses.

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 3, a structured rule providing
one hour of general debate on H.R. 4548, Intelligence Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. 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
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence now printed in the bill, shall be
considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment
in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that
amendments shall be considered only in the order specified in the report, may
be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as
read, 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 Rules Committee report. Finally,
the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Goss and Representatives Simmons, Harman,
Boswell, Peterson of Minnesota, Cramer, Eshoo, Holt, and Ackerman.

                                    [Page: D672]

OVERSIGHT--PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Public Transportation
Security. Testimony was heard from Robert Jamison, Deputy Administrator,
Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; Chet Lunner,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Maritime and Land Security, Transportation
Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Richard A. White,
General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area
Transportation Authority; and public witnesses.

TAX EXEMPTION: PRICING PRACTICES OF HOSPITALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Tax
Exemption: Pricing Practices of Hospitals. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.



2004/06/23
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 23, 2004; pages D676 - D688

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development, and Research held a hearing to review Agricultural Biotechnology.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES; AGRICULTURE RURAL
DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES; AND LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2005: Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies;
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related
Agencies; and Legislative.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs approved for full Committee action the Foreign
Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs appropriations for fiscal
year 2005.

                                    [Page: D684]

U.S. GLOBAL DEFENSE FOOTPRINT

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the U.S. global defense
footprint. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: Douglas J. Feith, Under Secretary, Policy; and LTG James E.
Cartwright, USMC, Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8),
Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ray DuBois, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations
and Environment; and Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "No
Child
Left Behind: Raising Student Achievement in America's Big City Schools."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

TRAVEL, TOURISM, AND HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Travel, Tourism, and Homeland
Security:
Improving Both without Sacrificing Either." Testimony was heard from C.
Stewart Verdery, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Border and Transportation Security
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

PROTECTING HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Protecting Homeland Security: A Status
Report on Interoperability Between Public Safety Communications Systems."
Testimony was heard from David Boyd, Deputy Director, Office of Systems
Engineering and Development, Department of Homeland Security; John B. Muleta,
Bureau Chief, Wireless Telecommunications, FCC; Robert Legrande, Deputy Chief
Technology Officer, District of Columbia; and a public witness.

PROMOTING HOMEOWNERSHIP

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held
a joint hearing entitled "Promoting Homeownership by Ensuring Liquidity
in the
Subprime Mortgage Market." Testimony was heard from Pamela Kogut,
Assistant
Attorney General, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses.

CONSULTING CONTRACT; D.C. DIRECT REPRESENTATION PROPOSALS

Committee on Government Reform: Approved a Consulting Contract.
The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Common Sense Justice for the
Nation's Capital: An Examination of Proposals to Give D.C. Residents Direct
Representation." Testimony was heard from Representatives Regula and
Rohrabacher; the following officials of the District of Columbia: Anthony A.
Williams, Mayor; and Linda W. Cropp, Chairman, Council; and public witnesses.

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"Geospatial Information: Are we Headed in the Right Direction or Are We
Lost?"
Testimony was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, E-Government and
Information Technology, OMB; Linda D. Koontz, Director, Information
Management, GAO; Scott J. Cameron, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Performance and
Management, Department of the Interior; William Allder, Jr., Director, Office
of Strategic Transformation, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,
Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

STOLEN PASSPORTS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Stolen Passports: A
Terrorist's First Class Ticket. Testimony was heard from Clark Kent Ervin,
Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; Frank Moss, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Passport Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department
of State; and James M. Sullivan, Director, U.S. National Central Bureau
Interpol Criminal Police Organization, Department of Justice.

HONG KONG--RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Recent Developments in Hong Kong. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills:
H.R. 3247, Trail Responsibility and Accountability for the Improvement of
Lands Act of 2003; H.R. 338, Defense of Privacy Act; H.R. 3632,
Anti-Counterfeiting Amendments of 2003, and H.R. 2934, Terrorist Penalties
Enhancement Act of 2003.

                                    [Page: D685]

OVERSIGHT--DETRIMENTAL IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION BACKLOG

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims continued hearings on "Families and Business Limbo: The
Detrimental
Impact of the Immigration Backlog." Testimony was heard from Prakash
Khatri,
Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.

AMERICAN INDIAN REFORM ACT

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on S. 1721, American Indian Probate
Reform Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for
American Indians, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DEVELOPING BIOMASS POTENTIAL

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Developing Biomass Potential: Turning Hazardous Fuels
into Valuable Products. Testimony was heard from Chris Risbrudt, Director,
Forests Products Laboratory, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the
following: H.R. 4300, Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water System
Pressurization and Expansion Project; H.R. 4389, To authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to construct facilities to provide water for irrigation,
municipal, domestic, military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River,
California; H.R. 4459, Llagas Reclamation Groundwater Remediation Initiative;
and H.R. 4606, Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act. Testimony was
heard from William Rinne, Deputy Commissioner, Director of Operations,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

SPENDING CONTROL ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 2, a structured rule providing
1 hour of general debate on H.R. 4663, Spending Control Act of 2004, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Budget. The rule waives all points of order against the bill
and against its consideration. The rule makes in order only those amendments
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule
provides that the amendments printed in the report shall be considered only in
the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in
the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in
the report, except that upon adoption of an amendment in the nature of a
substitute, only the last amendment printed in the report shall be in order.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Nussle and Representatives
Gutknecht, Hastings of Washington, Hensarling, Brady of Texas, Kirk, Chocola,
Ryan of Wisconsin, Neugebauer, Spratt, Thompson of California, Stenholm,
Turner of Texas and Matheson.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE RELATING
TO THE ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2005

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 Thursday, June 24, 2004, providing for consideration
of the bill (H.R. 4614) making appropriations for energy and water development
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

VETERANS' MATTERS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing entitled: "Protecting the
Rights of Those Who Protect Us: Public Sector Compliance with the Uniformed
Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and Improvement of the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act," including discussion of the following:
H.R.
3779, Safeguarding Schoolchildren of Deployed Soldiers Act of 2004; H.R. 4477,
Patriotic Employer Act of 2004; the USERRA Health Care Coverage Extension Act
of 2004; and the Servicemembers Legal Protection Act of 2004. Testimony was
heard from Representatives McGovern, Bradley of New Hampshire, Slaughter and
Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM; Scott J.
Bloch, Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel; Craig W. Duehring,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense;
David C. Iglesias, U.S. Attorney, District of Mexico, Department of Justice;
Charles S. Ciccolella, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and
Training Service, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D686]

COIN MEASURES; U.S.-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 1914, Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2003;
H.R. 2768, John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act; and H.R. 3277, Marine Corps
230th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.

The Committee also approved the draft implementing proposal on the United
States-Australia Free Trade Implementation Act.



2004/06/24
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 24, 2004; pages D690 - D701

Committee Meetings

DOD--CONTRACTOR SUPPORT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
contractor support in the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael W. Wynne, Acting
Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; John J. Young, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary, Research, Development and Acquisition, U.S. Navy; Marvin
R. Sambur, Assistant Secretary, Acquisition, U.S. Air Force; and Tina Ballard,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy and Procurement, U.S. Army.

                                    [Page: D698]

DOD--SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on Department of Defense small caliber ammunition programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Army: MG Buford C. Blount, III, USA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3; BG
Paul S. Izzo, USA, Program Executive Officer, Ammunition; and BG James
Rafferty, USA, Deputy Commander, Joint Munitions Command; and public
witnesses.

INNOVATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing entitled "Examining Innovative Health Insurance
Options for Workers and Employers." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2929, amended, Safeguard Against Privacy Invasions Act; H.R. 2023, amended,
Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act of 2003; S.
741, Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2004; H.R. 4555,
amended, Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 2004; H.R. 3981,
amended, To reclassify fees paid into the Nuclear Waste Fund as offsetting
collections; and H.R. 4600, amended, Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2004.

HOSPITAL BILLING AND COLLECTION PRACTICES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "A Review of Hospital Billing and Collection
Practices." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department
of Health and Human Services: Herb Kuhn, Director, Center for Medicare
Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Lewis Morris,
Chief Counsel, Office of Inspector General; and pubic witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--PUBLIC ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT BOARD

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held an oversight hearing on the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board, Testimony was heard from William J.
McDonough, Chairman, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; TARGET WASHINGTON: COORDINATING HOMELAND SECURITY
EFFORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: S. 129,
amended, Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2003; H.R. 3340, To redesignate
the facilities of the United States Postal Service located at 7715 and 7748 S.
Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the "James E. Worsham Post
Office" and the "James E. Worsham Carrier Annex Building,"
respectively; H.R.
4327, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
7450 Natural Bridge Road in St. Louis Missouri, as the "Vitilas `Veto'
Reid
Post Office Building;" and H.R. 4427, To designate the facility of the
United
States Postal Service located at 73 South Euclid Avenue in Montauk, New York,
as the "Perry B. Duryea, Jr., Post Office."

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Target Washington:
Coordinating
Federal Homeland Security Efforts with Local Jurisdictions in the National
Capital Region. Testimony was heard from Thomas Lockwood, Director, Office of
National Capital Region Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; William
O. Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security, GAO; George Foresman, Assistant to
the Governor for Preparedness, State of Virginia; Dennis Schrader, Director,
Office of Homeland Security, State of Maryland; Barbara Childs-Pair, Director,
Emergency Management Agency, District of Columbia; and public witnesses.

LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "Living with Disabilities in the United States: A
Snapshot." Testimony was heard from Representative Langevin; Troy
Justesen,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation
Services, Department of Education; Don Young, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Health Policy, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 4303, amended, American Schools Abroad Support Act; and H.R. 4654, To
reauthorize the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 through Fiscal Year
2007.

The Committee also favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the
chairman to request that the following measures be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H.R. 1587, amended, Viet Nam Human Rights Act of 2003;
H.R. 4660, to amend the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 to extend the
authority to provide assistance to countries seeking to become eligible
countries for purposes of that Act; H. Res. 615, amended, Expressing the sense
of the House of Representatives in support of full membership of Israel in the
Western European and Others GroupS (WEOG) at the United Nations; H. Res. 617,
amended, Expressing support for the accession of Israel to the Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED); H. Res. 652, Urging the
Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure a democratic, transparent, and
fair election process for its parliamentary elections in the fall of 2004; H.
Res. 667, Expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong; H. Con. Res. 462,
Reaffirming unwaivering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act; H. Con. Res.
304, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding oppression by the Government
of the People's Republic of China of Falun Gong in the United States and in
China; H. Con. Res. 319, amended, Expressing the grave concern of Congress
regarding the continuing repression of the religious freedom and human rights
of the Iranian Baha'i community by the Government of Iran; H. Con. Res. 363,
amended, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the continuing
gross violations of human rights and civil liberties of the Syrian people by
the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic; H. Con. Res. 436, amended,
Celebrating 10 years of majority rule in the Republic of South Africa and
recognizing the momentous social and economic achievements of South Africa
since the institution of democracy in that country; H. Con. Res. 415, Urging
the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair
election process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004; H. Con.
Res. 418, Recognizing the importance in history of the 150th anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan;
H. Con. Res. 422, Concerning the importance of the distribution of food in
schools to hungry or malnourished children around the world; and S. 2264,
Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act.

                                    [Page: D699]

AFRICA--CONFRONTING WAR CRIMES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on
Confronting War Crimes in Africa. Testimony was heard from Pierre-Richard
Prosper, Ambassador-at-Large, Office of War Crimes Issues, Department of
State; and public witnesses

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on Trafficking in Persons: A
Global Review. Testimony was heard from John Miller, Senior Advisor to the
Secretary and Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

IRANIAN PROLIFERATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on Iranian Proliferation: Implications for
Terrorists, their State-Sponsors, and U.S. Counter-proliferation Policy,
Testimony was heard from John R. Bolton, Under Secretary, Arms Control and
International Security Affairs, Department of State; Peter Flory, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs, Department of
Defense; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
continued oversight hearings on the Administrative Conference of the United
States, II: Why is There a Need to Reauthorize the Conference? Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--LIMITING FEDERAL COURT JURISDICTION TO PROTECT MARRIAGE FOR THE
STATES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing entitled "Limiting Federal Court Jurisdiction to Protect Marriage
for
the States." Testimony was heard from former Representative William E.
Dannemeyer, State of California; and public witnesses.

DC--ADDITIONAL COURT; OVERSIGHT--PATENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action H.R. 112, To amend
title 28, United States Code, to provide for an additional place of holding
court in the District of Columbia.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing entitled "Patent Quality
Improvement: Post-Grant Opposition." Testimony was heard from James A.
Toupin,
General Counsel, Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 831, To
provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills
Indian Community; and H.R. 2793, To provide for and approve the settlement of
certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Dingell, Rogers of Michigan and
Stupak; Aurene Martin, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department
of the Interior; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D700]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a
hearing on the following: H.R. 4010, National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization
Act of 2004; and H.R. 4625, To reduce temporarily the royalty required to be
paid for sodium produced on Federal lands. Testimony was heard from P. Patrick
Leahy, Associate Director, Geology, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

AMERICAN AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 3320, American Aquaculture and Fisheries
Resources Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Ross; John
Hogan, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 4614, Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act,
2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall
be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Hobson, Gibbons, Wilson of New Mexico, Visclosky,
Eshoo, and Lofgren.

NUCLEAR R&D--IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Nuclear R&D
and
the Idaho National Laboratory. Testimony was heard from William D. Magwood,
IV, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, Department of
Energy; and public witnesses.

VOTING EQUIPMENT--TESTING AND CERTIFICATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards
held a hearing on Testing and Certification for Voting Equipment: How Can the
Process Be Improved? Testimony was heard from Hratch Szerjian, Acting
Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--UPPER MISSISSIPPI AND ILLINOIS RIVERS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Upper Mississippi and
Illinois Rivers--Recommendations for Navigation Improvements and Ecosystem
Restoration. Testimony was heard from Representative Gutknecht; MG Carl
Strock, USA, Director of Civil Works, Corps of Engineers, Department of the
Army; John Jamian, Deputy Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department
of Transportation; A. J. Yates, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA; Benjamin N. Tuggle, Chief, Division of Habitat and Resource
Conservation; Jerri-Anne Garl, Director, Region 5, EPA; and public witnesses.

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Department of Veterans Affairs Real Property and Facilities Management
Improvement Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Anthony J. Principi,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and
public witnesses.

CUSTOMS AND BORDER SECURITY ACT OF 2004

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade approved for full Committee
action, as amended, H.R. 4418, Customs and Border Security Act of 2004.

INFORMATION SHARING AFTER 9/11

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled
"Information
Sharing After September 11: Perspectives on the Future." Testimony was
heard
from James Gilmore, Chair, Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response
Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction; and public
witnesses.



2004/06/25
Daily Digest - Friday, June 25, 2004; pages D703 - D708

Committee Meetings

FOOD SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Implementation of the Food Security Provisions of the Public
Health
Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act." Testimony was
heard
from Lester M. Crawford, Acting Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; Cathy Sauceda, Director, Special
Enforcement Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Doug Saunders, Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods,
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State of Virginia; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D708]



2004/07/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 6, 2004; pages D710 - D718

Committee Meetings

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction approved
for full Committee action the Military Construction appropriations for fiscal
year 2005.

                                    [Page: D713]

DEFENDING AMERICA'S MOST VULNERABLE: SAFE ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND CHILD
PROTECTION ACT OF 2004

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 4547, Defending America's Most Vulnerable:
Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004. Testimony was
heard from Catherine M. O'Neil, Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department
of Justice; Robert J. Cramer, Special Investigator, GAO; Tyrone V. Patterson,
Manager, Model Treatment Center, Department of Health, District of Columbia;
and a public witness.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4754, making appropriation for the Departments of
Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related appropriations for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under the rules
of the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule
waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply
with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as specified in the
resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to
Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wolf and Serrano.



2004/07/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 7, 2004; pages D720 - D728

Committee Meetings

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia approved
for full Committee action the District of Columbia appropriations for fiscal
year 2005.

TROOP ROTATIONS; MOBILIZATION OF ARMY'S READY RESERVE

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Army and Marine Corps troop
rotations for Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 and Operation Enduring Freedom 6 and
the mobilization of the Army's Individual Ready Reserve. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: David S.C. Chu,
Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Norton A. Schwartz, USAF,
Director of Operations (J-3), Joint Chiefs of Staff; LTG Richard A. Cody, USA,
Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Army; and LTG Jan C. Huly, USMC, Deputy
Commandant, Marine Corps, Plan, Policies, and Operations.

EXAMINING CASH BALANCE PENSION PLANS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled
"Examining
Cash Balance Pension Plans: Separating Myth from Fact." Testimony was
heard
from public witnesses.

VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Voice Over Internet Protocol Services:
Will
the Technology Disrupt the Industry or Will Regulation Disrupt the
Technology?" Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Carlisle, Senior Deputy
Bureau
Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses.

ENSURING ACCURACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN LAB TESTING

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice continued
hearings entitled "Part II--Ensuring Accuracy and Accountability in
Laboratory
Testing: Does the Experience of Maryland General Hospital Expose Cracks in the
System?" Testimony was heard from Carol Benner, Director, Office of
Health
Care Quality, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, State of Maryland; and
public witnesses.

FILLING UP--DRIVING DOWN THE COST

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural
Resources and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing entitled "Driving Down
the
Cost of Filling Up." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the
Department of Energy: Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information
Administration; and Mark R. Maddox, Acting Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy;
Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA; Jim
Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; William E. Kovacic,
General Counsel, FTC; and public witnesses.

DOD--BUSINESS PROCESS MODERNIZATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management and the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a joint oversight hearing entitled
"Business Process Modernization at the Department of Defense."
Testimony was
heard from Lawrence Lanzilotta, Under Secretary, Comptroller (Acting); and
Greg Kutz, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO.

DEFINING FEDERAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing
entitled "Defining Federal Information Technology Research and
Development:
Who? Where? What? Why? And How Much?" Testimony was heard from David
Nelson,
Director, National Coordination Office, Information Technology Research and
Development, Executive Office of the President; Peter Freeman, Co-Chairman,
Interagency Working Group and Assistant Director, Computer and Information
Science and Engineering Directorate, NSF; Hratch Semerjian, Acting Director,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; C.
Edward Oliver, Associate Director, Office of Advanced Scientific Computing
Research, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM SECURITY

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Electronic Voting System
Security. Testimony was heard from Kathy Rogers, Director, Elections
Administration, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Georgia; Linda H.
Lamone, Administrator, Board of Elections, State of Maryland; and public
witnesses.

U.S. SUPPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism,
Nonproliferation and Human Rights held a hearing on United States Support of
Human Rights and Democracy. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of State: Lorne W. Craner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and Roger P. Winter, Assistant
Administrator, Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistant, U.S.
Agency for International Development; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D725]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: S. 2363, to
revise and extend the Boys and Girls Clubs of America; and H.R. 4518, as
amended, Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004.

LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 4755, making appropriations for the Legislative Branch
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005. The rule provides one hour of
general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the bill
shall be considered as read. The rule waives points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill). The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in
the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that
the amendments printed in the report may be 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 Kingston and Representative Holt.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2004

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 3598, Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of
2004. The rule provides one hour of general debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Science. 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 Science now printed in the bill shall be
considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order only those
amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution.
The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Boehlert and Representatives Ehlers, Peterson (PA), Gordon, Costello, Larson
(CT), Udall (CO), Jackson-Lee (TX), Slaughter, and Emanuel.

REBATE OF VALUE ADDED TAXES AT THE BORDER

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Rebate of Value Added Taxes
at the Border and the Competitive Disadvantage for U.S. Small Businesses.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

U.S.-MOROCCO TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on implementation of the United
States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. Testimony was heard from Peter F.
Allgeier, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses.



2004/07/08
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 8, 2004; pages D729 - D736

Committee Meetings

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations for
fiscal year 2005.

DOD TRADE OFFSETS IMPLICATIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the economic, technology,
vocational and skills implications of the Department of Defense trade offsets.
Testimony was heard from Katherine V. Schinasi, Managing Director, Acquisition
and Sourcing Management Team, GAO; and public witnesses.

FASB PROPOSALS ON STOCK OPTION EXPENSING

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "FASB Proposals on Stock
Option
Expensing." Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller
General,
GAO; Robert H. Herz, Chairman, Financial Accounting Standards Board; and
public witnesses.

UN's OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "United Nations Oil for Food Program." Testimony
was heard
from Representative Flake; Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International
Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses.

DIGESTIVE DISEASES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Assessing Digestive Diseases Research and Treatment
Opportunities."
Testimony was heard from Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., Director, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; POST 9/11 WORLD TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
4380, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
4737 Mile Stretch Drive in Holiday, Florida, as the "Sergeant First Class
Paul
Ray Smith Post Office Building;" H.R. 4381, To designate the facility of
the
United States Postal Service located at 2811 Springdale Avenue in Springdale,
Arkansas, as the "Harvey and Bernice Jones Post Office Building;"
H.R. 4442,
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1050
North Hills Boulevard in Reno, Nevada, as the "Guardians of Freedom
Memorial
Post Office Building" and to authorize the installation of a plaque at
such
site; H. Res. 646, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
there should be established a National Community Health Center Week to raise
awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, public housing,
and homeless health centers; H. Res. 684, Honoring David Scott Tidmarsh, the
2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion; and H. Res. 702, Honoring former
President Gerald R. Ford on the occasion of his 91st birthday and extending
the best wishes of the House of Representatives to former President Ford and
his family.

                                    [Page: D733]

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Beneficial or Critical? The
Heightened Need for Telework Opportunities in the Post-9/11 World."
Testimony
was heard from Kay Coles James, Director, OPM; Stephen A. Perry,
Administrator, GSA; Pamela J. Gardiner, Acting Inspector General, Tax
Administration, Department of the Treasury; Scott J. Cameron, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Performance, Accountability, and Human Resources, Department of the
Interior; J. Christopher Mihm, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and a public
witness.

TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held
a hearing entitled "Trafficking in Persons: The Federal Government's
Approach
to Eradicate This Worldwide Problem." Testimony was heard from John
Miller,
Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Department of
State; Deborah Daniels, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Victims in
Crimes, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; Christopher
Gersten, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and
Families, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

FAMILY MOVIE ACT OF 2004

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
4586, Family Movie Act of 2004.

ENERGY AND MINERALS WORKFORCE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "The Aging of the Energy and Minerals
Workforce: A
Crisis in the Making?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1630,
amended, Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 2457,
amended, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education
Act; H.R. 3954, amended, Rancho El Cajon Boundary Reconciliation Act; and S.
1576, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2003.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3391, amended, Provo River Project
Transfer Act; H.R. 4459, Llagas Reclamation Groundwater Remediation
Initiative; and H.R. 4606, Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following bills: S. 943, To
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the city of Cheyenne,
Wyoming, for storage of the city's water in the Kendrick Project, Wyoming;
H.R. 4588, Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and
Improvement Act of 2004; and H.R. 4650, Witchita Project Equus Beds Division
Authorization Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Mark A. Limbaugh, Deputy
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4766, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2005, equally divided and controlled between the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The
rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Under the
rules of the House the bill shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule
waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply
with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill), except as specified in the
resolution. The rule provides that the amendment printed in the Rules
Committee report accompanying the resolution may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report and only at the appropriate point in the reading of
the bill, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment printed in the report. The rule authorizes the
Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representative Bonilla.

                                    [Page: D734]

WATER SUPPLY, RELIABILITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a modified closed rule providing 1
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2828, Water Supply, Reliability, and
Environmental Improvement Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources. 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
Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. The rule
waives all points of order against the bill, as amended. The rule provides for
consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the
Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Calvert of California or his designee, which shall be
considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for 20 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Pombo and Representative
Calvert.

WORKFORCE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports held a
hearing entitled "H.R. 1818, Workforce Health Improvement Program Act of
2003:
Healthy Employees; Healthy Bottom Line." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION AIR SPACE CONTROL

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on National Capitol Region Air Space Control: A Review of
the Issues Surrounding the June 9, 2004 flight of "N24SP." Testimony
was heard
from Linda Schuessler, Vice President, System Operations Services, Air Traffic
Organization, FAA, Department of Transportation; and Jonathan Fleming, Chief
Operating Officer, Transportation Security Administration, Department of
homeland Security.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 784,
Water Quality Investment Act of 2003; H.R. 4470, To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program from fiscal year 2005 to 2010;
H.R. 4688, To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the
Chesapeake Bay Program; and H.R. 4731, To amend the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Camp and Vitter; and public witnesses.

VETERANS MEDICAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2004

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action H.R. 4768, Veterans Medical Facilities Management Act of
2004.

U.S.-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE IMPLEMENTATION ACT; CUSTOMS BORDER SECURITY AND
TRADE AGENCIES AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 4759,
United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act; and H.R.
4418, amended, Customs Border Security and Trade Agencies Authorization Act of
2004.

STRENGTHENING HOMELAND SECURITY

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Practice
Makes
Perfect: Strengthening Homeland Security by Exercising Terrorism
Scenarios."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: C. Suzanne Mencer, Executive Director, Office of State and Local
Government Coordination and Preparedness; and Corey D. Gruber, Associate
Director, Office for Domestic Preparedness; Thomas O. Mefferd, Director,
DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, State of
Illinois; and Clark Kimerer, Deputy Chief of Operations, Seattle Police
Department, State of Washington.



2004/07/09
Daily Digest - Friday, July 9, 2004; pages D738 - D744

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS AND MILITARY
CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2005: Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs;
and Military Construction.



2004/07/12
Daily Digest - Monday, July 12, 2004; pages D746 - D750

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/07/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 13, 2004; pages D752 - D760

Committee Meetings

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on H.R. 4283, College
Access and Opportunity Act of 2004, focusing on Graduation Rates and Student
Outcomes. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CONSOLIDATE OFFICES OF COUNTER INTELLLIGENCE AT NNSA AND DOE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "A Hearing to Review Proposals to Consolidate the
Offices
of Counter Intelligence at NNSA and DOE." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Linton F. Brooks,
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Steve Dillard,
Director, Office of Counterintelligence; and a public witness.

IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials, hearing entitled "POPs, Pic, and LRTAP: the Role of the United
States and Draft Legislation to Implement These International
Conventions."
Testimony was heard from Claudia McMurray, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs, Department of State; Susan B. Hazen, Principal Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, EPA;
and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D757]

SAMARITAN INITIATIVE ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 4057, Samaritan Initiative Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

REVIEW--OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE AND FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored
Enterprises held a joint hearing entitled "A Review of the Office of
Federal
Housing Enterprise Oversight and Federal Housing Finance Board."
Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development: Armando Falcon. Jr., Director, Office of Federal Housing
Enterprise Oversight; and Alicia R. Castaneda, Chairman, Federal Housing
Finance Board.

FEDERAL HIRING PROCESS--SHORTENING THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization concluded hearings entitled "The Federal Hiring Process II:
Shortening the Long and Winding Road." Testimony was heard from Dan
Blair,
Deputy Director, OPM; David Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness,
Department of Defense; Ed Sontag, Assistant Secretary, Administration and
Management, Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Health and Human
Services; Claudia Cross, Chief Human Capital Officer, Director, Office of
Human Resources Management, Department of Energy; and J. Christopher Mihm,
Director, Strategic Issues, GAO.

VISA REVOCATIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations continued hearings entitled "Visa
Revocations II: Still Porous, Slow to Fix." Testimony was heard from Jess
T.
Ford, International Affairs and Trade Division, GAO; Tony Edson, Managing
Director, Office of Visa Services, Department of State; the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Robert M. Jacksta, Executive
Director, Border Security and Facilitation, Bureau of Customs and Border
Protection; and Robert A. Schoch, Deputy Assistant Director, National Security
Investigations, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Donna A.
Bucella, Director, Terrorist Screening Center, FBI, Department of Justice.

INFORMATION SHARING--LINKING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY WITH
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an
oversight hearing entitled "Facilitating an Enhanced Information Sharing
Network that Links Law Enforcement and Homeland Security for Federal, State
and Local Governments." Testimony was heard from LTG Patrick Hughes, USA,
Assistant Secretary, Information Analysis, Department of Homeland Security;
Russell Travers, Deputy Director, and Associate Director, Defense Issues,
Terrorist Threat Integration Center; Willie Hulon, Deputy Assistant Director,
Counterterrorism Division FBI, Department of Justice; Gerald Lynch, Executive
Director, Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network;
Mark Zadra, Chief of Investigations, Department of Law Enforcement, State of
Florida; and Suzanne Peck, Chief Technology Officer, District of Columbia.

OVERSIGHT--GAMING

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on gaming on
off-reservation, restored and newly-acquired lands. Testimony was heard from
Representative McCrery; Aurene Martin, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--STATUS OF OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEMS IN U.S.

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Status of Ocean Observing Systems in
the United States. Testimony was heard from Rick Spinrad, Director, National
Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Margaret S. Leinen, Assistant
Director, Geosciences, NSF; Robert Winokur, Technical Director, Oceanographer
of the Navy, Department of the Navy; and public witnesses.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Representatives Kolbe, Lowey, and
Lantos, but action was deferred on H.R. 4818, Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2005.

                                    [Page: D758]

U.S.-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a closed rule on H.R. 4759, United
States-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, providing for two
hours of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that pursuant to section 151(f)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974, the
previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill to final passage
without intervening motion. Section 2 of the resolution provides that during
consideration of the bill, notwithstanding the operation of the previous
question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time
designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Crane.

OVERSIGHT--GSA'S FISCAL YEAR CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND LEASING PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on GSA's Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Investment and Leasing Program.
Testimony was heard from F. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner, Public Buildings
Service, GSA; and Jane R. Roth, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
and Chairman, Committee on Security and Facilities, Judicial Conference.

EXAMINE CHILD WELFARE REFORM PROPOSALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing to
Examine Child Welfare Reform Proposals. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.



2004/07/14
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 14, 2004; pages D762 - D772

Committee Meetings

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2005: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related
Agencies; and the District of Columbia.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4496, Vocational and
Technical Education for the Future Act.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY FUTURE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection held a hearing entitled "Radio Frequency Identification (REID)
Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the
Consumer."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS--E-RATE PROGRAM INVESTIGATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
approved a motion authorizing the issuance of a subpoena ad testificandum to
each of the following individuals: William Holman; Judy Green; George
Marchelos; and Thomas J. Burger, in connection with its investigation of the
E-Rate Program.

MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS AND CONSUMER CHOICE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Competition and Consumer Choice in the
MVPD
Marketplace--Including an Examination of Proposals to Expand Consumer Choice,
Such as A La Carte and Themed-Tiered Offerings." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

USDA'S EXPANDED CATTLE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform and the Committee on Agriculture: held a joint
hearing entitled "A Review of USDA's Expanded BSE Cattle Surveillance
Program." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA:
Ann M.
Veneman, Secretary; and Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General; and public
witnesses.

IMPROVING IG FUNCTIONALITY AND INDEPENDENCE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held a hearing entitled "Improving IG Functionality
and
Independence--A Review of Legislative Ideas." Testimony was heard from
Gaston
L. Gianni, Jr., Inspector General, FDIC; Barry R. Snyder, Inspector General,
Federal Reserve Board, Federal Reserve System; and J. Russell George,
Inspector General, Corporation for National and Community Service.

HEALTH INFORMATICS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"Health Informatics: What is the Prescription for Success in
Intergovernmental
Information Sharing and Emergency Response?" Testimony was heard from
Karen S.
Evans, Administrator, E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; David A.
Power, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; Claire V.
Broome, M.D., Senior Advisor to the Director for Integrated Health Information
Systems, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and
Human Services; former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich
of Georgia; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D768]

ISLAM IN ASIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Islam in Asia. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3313, Marriage
Protection Act of 2003.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 431,
Honoring the achievements of Siegfried and Roy, recognizing the impact of
their efforts on the conservation of endangered species both domestically and
worldwide, and wishing Roy Horn a full and speedy recovery; H.R. 1630,
amended, Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 2129,
amended, Taunton, Massachusetts Special Resources Study Act; H.R. 2400, To
amend the Organic Act of Guam for the purposes of clarifying the local
judicial structure of Guam; H.R. 2457, amended, Castillo De San Marcos
National Monument Preservation and Education Act; H.R. 2960, To amend the
Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Brownsville Public Utility
Board water recycling and desalinization project; H.R. 3056, amended, To
clarify the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coast Barrier Resources System
Cedar Keys Unit P25 on Otherwise Protected Area P25P; H.R. 3257, amended,
Western Reserve Heritage Area Study Act; H.R. 3334, amended, Riverside-Corona
Feeder Authorization Act; H.R. 3427, amended, Craig Recreation Land Purchase
Act; H.R. 3479, amended, Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2003;
H.R. 3589, amended, To create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the
Government of the Virgin Islands; H.R. 3597, amended, To authorize the
Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct a
feasibility study on the Alder Creek water storage and conservation project in
El Dorado County, California; H.R. 3954, amended, Rancho El Cajon Boundary
Reconciliation Act; H.R. 4010, National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act
of 2004; H.R. 4027, amended, To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make
available to the University of Miami property under the administrative
jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on
Virginia Key, Florida, for use by the University for a Marine Life Science
Center; H.R. 4045, amended, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
prepare a feasibility study with respect to the Mokelumne River; H.R. 4170,
amended, Department of the Interior Volunteer Recruitment Act of 2004; H.R.
4459, Llagas Reclamation Groundwater Remediation Initiative; H.R. 4481,
amended, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Boundary Adjustment Act of 2004;
H.R. 4492, amended, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act
of 1966 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas; H.R.
4494, amended, Grey Towers National Historic Site Act of 2004; H.R. 4508, To
amend the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to require the Secretary
to permit continued use and occupancy of certain privately owned cabins in the
Mineral King Valley in the Sequoia National Park; H.R. 4606, amended, Southern
California Groundwater Remediation Act; H.R. 4617, amended, To amend the Small
Tracts Act to facilitate the exchange of small tracts of land; H.R. 4625, Soda
Ash Royalty Reduction Act of 2004; S. 943, To authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to enter into 1 or more contracts with the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming,
for the storage of the city's water in the Kendrick Project, Wyoming; S. 1003,
To clarify the intent of Congress with respect to the continued use of
established commercial outfitter hunting camps on the Salmon River; S. 1537,
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the New Hope Cemetery
Association certain land in the State of Arkansas for use as a cemetery; S.
1576, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2003;
and S. 1721, American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2003.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4818, making appropriations for foreign operations,
export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall
be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

                                    [Page: D769]

TRADE FAIRNESS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Trade Fairness: How We Can Make
Our Trade Laws Work for America's Small Businesses, including discussion of
H.R. 3716, to amend title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the
provisions relating to countervailing duties apply to nonmarket countries.
Testimony was heard from Representatives English and Davis of Alabama; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--IN-LINE EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEMS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on In-Line Explosive Detection Systems: Financing and
Deployment. Testimony was heard from Randy Null, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Aviation Operations, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

U.S.-MOROCCO FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Approved the draft implementing proposal on the
United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.

GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM--CRITICAL NEED FOR INTERROGATION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on The Critical Need for Interrogation in the Global War on Terrorism.

Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/07/15
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 15, 2004; pages D774 - D782

Committee Meetings

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
Independent Agencies approved for full Committee action the Transportation,
Treasury and Independent Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

                                    [Page: D780]

RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY--REQUESTING DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
OR DETAINEES IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, OR GUANTANAMO BAY

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported adversely H. Res. 689, Of
inquiry requesting the President and directing certain other Federal officials
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 treatment of prisoners or
detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Guantanamo Bay.

ARMY TRANSFORMATION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Army Transformation:
Implications for the Future. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

Hearings continue July 21.

RECREATIONAL MARINE EMPLOYMENT ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1329, Recreational Marine Employment Act of
2003. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

U.S. REFINING INDUSTRY STATUS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "The Status of the U.S. Refining Industry."
Testimony was
heard from Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration,
Department of Energy; Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and
Radiation, EPA; Jim Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO;
William E. Kovacic, General Counsel, FTC; and public witnesses.

FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Diversity in the Financial Services Industry and
Access to Capital for Minority-Owned Businesses: Challenges and
Opportunities." Testimony was heard from Lorenzo Padron, Commissioner,
Office
of Banks and Real Estate, State of Illinois; and public witnesses.

RESOLUTION--DIRECTING SECRETARY OF STATE TO TRANSMIT TO THE HOUSE DOCUMENTS
RELATING TO TREATMENT OF PRISONERS

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported adversely H. Res. 699,
Directing the Secretary of State to transmit to the House of Representatives
documents in the possession of the Secretary of State relating to the
treatment of prisoners and detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.

TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
Transatlantic Relations: A Post-Summit Assessment. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

RADIO BROADCASTS--INTERNET STREAMING

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing entitled "Internet
Streaming
of Radio Broadcasts: Balancing the Interests of Sound Recording Copyright
Owners with those of Broadcasters." Testimony was heard from David
Carson,
General Counsel, Copyright Office, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY--DOMESTIC ENERGY AND MINERAL SECTOR

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Advances in Technology: Innovations in the
Domestic Energy and Mineral Sector." Testimony was heard from Timothy S.
Collett, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--RESTORING FORESTS AFTER CATASTROPHIC EVENTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Restoring Forests after Catastrophic Events. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Forest Service, USDA: Ann
Bartuska, Deputy Chief, Research and Development; and Steve Eubanks, Forest
Supervisor, Tahoe National Forest; Ed Shepard, Assistant Director, Renewable
Resources and Planning, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior;
Steve Thomas, Assistant State Forester, Department of Forestry, State of
Oregon; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 4066, Chickasaw National
Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004; H.R. 4469, Angel Island Immigration
Station Restoration and Preservation Act; and H.R. 4579, To modify the
boundary of the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in the State of
Missouri. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cole, Woolsey and McCarthy
of Missouri; Sue Masica, Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and
Lands, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D781]

NOAA ORGANIC ACTS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards
held a hearing on The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organic
Acts. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NASA PRIZES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
NASA Prizes. Testimony was heard from RADM Craige E. Steidle, USN, (Ret.),
Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems, NASA; Douglas Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO; former Representative Robert Walker, State of Pennsylvania; and
pubic witnesses.

EXCELLENCE IN ACTION--GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OF DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and
Government Programs and the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs held a joint hearing entitled "Excellence in Action:
Government Support of Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses." Testimony was
heard
from Allegra McCullough, Associate Deputy Administrator, Government
Contracting and Business Development, SBA; Frank Ramos, Director, Office of
Small and Disadvantaged Business, Office of the Secretary, Department of
Defense; Brad Scott, Regional Administrator, Region 6, Heartland Region, GSA;
Scott Denniston, Director, Office of Small Business and Center for Veterans
Enterprise, Department of Veterans Affairs; Nina Rose Hatfield, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Business Management and Wildland Fire, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--COASTAL EROSION--LOUISIANA COASTAL AREA

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action the following
bills:

H.R. 784, amended, Water Quality Investment Act of 2003; H.R. 4470, to amend
the Federal Water Pollution Act to extend the authorization of appropriations
for the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program; H.R. 4688, To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Program;
H.R. 4731, To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the
National Estuary Program; and H.R. 4794, To amend the Tijuana River Valley
Estuary and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act to extend the authorization of
appropriations.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Louisiana Coastal
Area--Addressing Decades of Coastal Erosion. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Tauzin, John and Vitter; BG Don T. Riley, USA, Director of
Public Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army; Scott A.
Angelle, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, State of Louisiana; and
public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PRIVACY AND IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2971, Social Security Number Privacy and
Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2003.

TIP INCOME REPORTING--REVIEW IRS ENFORCEMENT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to
Review the IRS Enforcement of the Reporting of Tip Income. Testimony was heard
from William F. Conlon, Director, Reporting Compliance, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--COUNTERINTELLIGENCE: PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Counterintelligence: People's Republic of China. The
Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.



2004/07/16
Daily Digest - Friday, July 16, 2004; pages D784 - D790

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2004/07/19
Daily Digest - Monday, July 19, 2004; pages D792 - D798

Committee Meetings

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4850, making appropriations for the government of the
District of Columbia and other activities chargeable in whole or in part
against the revenues of said District for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House, the bill
shall be read for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order
against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an
appropriations bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representative Cunningham.

STOCK OPTION ACCOUNTING REFORM ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 3574, Stock Option Accounting Reform Act, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature
of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed
in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment, and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those
amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution.
The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Royce, Frank of Massachusetts, Kanjorski, Maloney, and Eshoo.

                                    [Page: D796]

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Representatives Knollenberg and
Farr, but action was deferred on H.R. 4837, making appropriations for military
construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure for the
Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Select Committee on Homeland Security: Met on the Department of Homeland
Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.



2004/07/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 20, 2004; pages D799 - D810

Committee Meetings

FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Forest Land Enhancement
Program. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural
Resources and Environment, USDA; and public witnesses.

VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
approved for full Committee action the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies
appropriations for fiscal year 2005.

DEPOT MAINTENANCE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on Depot
Maintenance--Capacity and Resources for Future Work. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Mitchell Stevenson,
USA., Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Operations, U.S. Army Materiel
Command, Department of the Army; the following officials of the Department of
the Navy: RAD Mark A. Hugel, USN, Deputy Director, Fleet Readiness Division;
and LTG Richard L. Kelly, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Installations and
Logistics, U.S. Marine Corps; and LTG Donald J. Wetekam, USAF, Deputy Chief of
Staff, Installations and Logistics, Department of the Air Force.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND PERSONNEL ISSUES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on Special Operations Command Personnel
Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: COL Kenneth J. Cull, USA, Director, Manpower and Personnel (J1), U.S.
Special Forces Command; and CSM Michael T. Hall, USA, Senior Enlisted Advisor,
U.S. Army Special Operations Command, both with the Department of the Army;
CMSgt. Robert V. Martens, Jr., USAF, Senior Enlisted Advisor, U.S. Special
Operations Command; and CMSgt. Howard J. Mowry, USAF, Senior Enlisted Advisor,
Air Force Special Operations Command, both with the Department of the Air
Force; and FORMC Clell Breining, USN, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Naval Special
Warfare Command, Department of the Navy.

                                    [Page: D805]

"ARE COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS PRICED FAIRLY?"

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing entitled "Are College Textbooks Priced
Fairly?"
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

PIPELINE SAFETY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Pipeline Safety." Testimony was heard from the
following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Samuel G. Bonasso, Deputy
Administrator, Research and Special Programs Administration; and Kenneth M.
Mead, Inspector General; Katherine Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

CREDIT UNION REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Credit Union Regulatory
Improvements." Testimony was heard from JoAnn Johnson, Chairman, National
Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses.

MULTIFAMILY HOUSING

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on a GAO report entitled "Multifamily Housing:
More
Accessible HUD Data Could Help Efforts to Preserve Housing for Low-Income
Tenants." Testimony was heard from David C. Wood, Director, Financial
Markets
and Community Investment, GAO; John C. Weicher, Assistant Secretary,
Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and public witnesses.

FIXING FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PAY AND BENEFITS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization held an oversight hearing entitled "Time to Bite the Bullet:
Fixing Federal Law Enforcement Pay and Benefits." Testimony was heard
from
Ronald Sanders, Associate Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy, OPM; and
public witnesses.

"WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATION'S RECORD IN 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 continued joint hearings entitled
"What is the Administration's Record in Relieving Burden on Small
Business?--Part II." Testimony was heard from John D. Graham,
Administrator,
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Jesus Delgado-Jenkins,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Management and Budget and Chief Financial Officer,
Department of the Treasury; Felipe Mendoza, Associate Administrator, Office of
Small Business Utilization, GSA; and public witnesses.

DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IMPACTING ARMY RESERVE PAY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Efficiency and
Financial Management held a hearing entitled "Are Financial Management
Problems at the Department of Defense Impacting Army Reserve Pay?"
Testimony
was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial Management and Assurance,
GAO; the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG James R.
Helmly, USA, Chief, Army Reserve; and Ernest H. Gregory, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Financial Management and Comptroller, both with the Department of
the Army; and Patrick T. Shine, Director, Military and Civilian Pay Services,
Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Department of Defense; and public
witnesses.

PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABILITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Public
Safety
Interoperability: Look Who's Talking Now." Testimony was heard from
William
Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; David Boyd,
Program Manager, SAFECOM, Department of Homeland Security; John Muleta, Chief,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC; Stephen T. Devine, Patrol Frequency
Coordinator, Communications Division, State Highway Patrol General
Headquarters, State of Missouri; Glen S. Nash, Telecommunications Division,
Department of General Services, State of California; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D806]

VOTING MACHINE TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Technology, Information
Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held a hearing entitled
"
The Science of Voting Machine Technology: Accuracy, Reliability, and
Security." Testimony was heard from Randolph Hite, Director, Information
Technology Architecture and Systems, GAO; Hratch Semerjian, Acting Director,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; Terry
Jarrett, General Counsel, Secretary of State, State of Missouri; and public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1787,
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2003; H.R. 3369,
Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2003; and H.R. 1084,
Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

CHILD CUSTODY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.R. 1755, Child Custody Protection Act. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public
Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3176, Ojito Wilderness Act;
and H.R. 4593, Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of
2004. Testimony was heard from Senators Ensign and Reid; and Representatives
Wilson of New Mexico and Porter; Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary, Land and
Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

CONFERENCE REPORT--COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2443, Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2004, and against its consideration. The rule provides
that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard
from Representatives LoBiondo and Filner.

SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE

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 July 21, 2004, providing for the consideration or
disposition of a conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1308) to amend
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to accelerate the increase in the
refundability of the child tax credit, and for other purposes.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 4837, Military Construction Appropriations Act, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. Under the rules of the House the bill shall be read
for amendment by paragraph. The rule waives points of order against provisions
in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting
unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations
bill), except as specified in the resolution. The rule authorizes the Chair to
accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their
amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion
to recommit with or without instructions. No testimony was heard.

GSA'S FISCAL YEAR 2005 CAPITAL INVESTING AND LEASING PROGRAM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action the GSA's Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Investment and Leasing
Program.

ENSURING VALUE FROM EPA GRANTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Ensuring Value from EPA
Grants. Testimony was heard from The following officials of the EPA: Nikki
Tinsley, Inspector General; and David J. O'Connor, Acting Assistant
Administrator, Office of Administration and Resources Management; John B.
Stephenson, Director, Environmental Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

U.S.-MOROCCO FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 4842, United States-Morocco
Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.

                                    [Page: D807]

PUBLIC SERVANT RETIREMENT PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
H.R. 4391, Public Servant Retirement Protection Act. Testimony was heard from
Martin H. Gerry, Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs, SSA;
and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--RED CROSS INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE--REVIEW DOCUMENTS ON DETAINEE
INTERROGATION

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing to Review the International Committee of the Red Cross
Documents on Detainee Interrogation. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.

ROLE OF BIOMETRICS IN COUNTERTERRORISM AND HOMELAND SECURITY EFFORTS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism and
Homeland Security met in executive session to hold a hearing on the Role of
Biometrics in Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Efforts. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.



2004/07/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 21, 2004; pages D811 - D822

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE SYSTEM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review the Federal Crop Insurance System.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Keith Collins,
Chairman, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; and Ross Davidson,
Administrator, Risk Management Agency.

ARMY TRANSFORMATION

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on Army Transformation:
Implications for the Future, II. Testimony was heard from GEN Peter J.
Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on Small Business Innovation and Technology. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
4496, Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act.

METHYL BROMIDE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Methyl Bromide: Update on Achieving the Requirements
of
the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol." Testimony was heard from
Claudia
McMurray, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Environment, Bureau of Oceans and
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State;
Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA; the
following officials of the USDA: Rodney J. Brown, Deputy Under Secretary,
Research, Education and Economics; and Burleson Smith, Director, Pest
Management Policy; and public witnesses.

DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "The Digital Television Transition: What
We
Can Learn from Berlin." Testimony was heard from Mark Goldstein,
Director,
Physical Infrastructure, GAO; and public witnesses.

MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

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

"SHELL GAMES: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTING FOR OIL AND GAS
RESERVES"

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Shell Games:
Corporate Governance and Accounting for Oil and Gas Reserves." Testimony
was
heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Re