109th Congress (2005 - 2006)

January 4 - December 22, 2005

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

2005/01/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 4, 2005; pages D1 - D10

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/01/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 6, 2005; pages D12 - D16

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2005/01/20
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 20, 2005; pages D18 - D22

Committee Meetings

No Committee meetings were held.



2005/01/24
Daily Digest - Monday, January 24, 2005; pages D23 - D26

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/01/25
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 25, 2005; pages D27 - D30

Committee Meetings

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 54, Congressional Gold Medal Enhancement Act,
in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule provides that
the bill shall be considered as read for amendment. The rule makes in order
only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying this
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 or order against the
amendments printed in the report. The rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Section 2 of the rule provides that
notwithstanding clause 11(a)(1) of rule XI, during the One Hundred Ninth
Congress the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence shall be composed of
not more than 19 members, of whom not more than 11 may be from the same party.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Oxley.

                                    [Page: D29]

Prior to this action the Committee met for organizational purposes.



2005/01/26
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 26, 2005; pages D32 - D37

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

COMBATING SPYWARE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on Combating Spyware: H.R.
29, Spy Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

BRIEFING--U.S. TSUNAMI RELIEF

Committee on International Relations: Held a briefing on The Tsunami Tragedy:
How the U.S. is Responding and Providing Relief. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Leach and Blumenauer; the following officials of the
Department of State: Andrew S. Natsios, Administrator, AID; and Ambassador
Alan P. Larson, Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs;
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Peter W. Rodman,
Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs; and BG John Allen, USMC,
Principal Director, Asian and Pacific Affairs, International Security Affairs;
and public witnesses.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on the Judiciary: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

TSUNAMIS: IS THE U.S. PREPARED?

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Tsunamis: Is the U.S. Prepared?
Testimony was heard from Representative Inslee; Charles Groat, Director, U.S.
Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; David L. Johnson, Director,
National Weather Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.



2005/01/31
Daily Digest - Monday, January 31, 2005; pages D39 - D42

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/02/01
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 1, 2005; pages D43 - D48

Committee Meetings

RESOLUTION--COLLEGE MILITARY RECRUITMENT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of
debate in the House on H. Con. Res. 36, expressing the continued support of
Congress for equal access of military recruiters to institutions of higher
education, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule provides one motion to
recommit. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kline and Rogers of
Alabama.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.



2005/02/02                    
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 2, 2005; pages D49 - D54

Committee Meetings

ARMED FORCES ADEQUACY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the adequacy of Armed Forces. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Richard A. Cody, USA, Vice Chief
of Staff, LTG James R. Helmly, USA, Chief, Army Reserve; LTG H. Steven Blum,
USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; LTG Roger C. Schultz, USA, Chief, Army
National Guard, all with the Department of the Army; David S. C. Chu, Under
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; and Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary,
Reserve Affairs.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on the Budget: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Met for organizational purposes.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

CONFRONTING RECIDIVISM

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Confronting
Recidivism: Prisoner Re-entry Programs and a Just Future for All Americans."
Testimony was heard from Representatives Portman and Davis of Illinois; Felix
Mata, Project Manager, Ex-Offender Initiative, Office of Employment
Development, Baltimore, Maryland; Paul A. Quander, Jr., Director, Court
Services and Offender Supervision Agency, District of Columbia; Reggie
Wilkinson, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, State of Ohio; and
public witnesses.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Resources: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

HUBBLE SCIENCE OPTIONS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Options for Hubble Science. Testimony
was heard from Lou Lanzerotti, Chair, Committee on the Assessment of Options
for Extending the Life of the Hubble Space Telescope, National Academy of
Sciences; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D53]

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Met for organizational
purposes.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Ways and Means: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

NATIONAL SECURITY--EMERGING THREATS

Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on emerging threats to
national security. Testimony was heard from the following former officials of
the Department of Defense: Richard Perle, Assistant Secretary, International
Security Policy; and Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy; R.
James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; and public witnesses.



2005/02/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 3, 2005; pages D56 - D60

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/02/07
Daily Digest - Monday, February 7, 2005; pages D62 - D64

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/02/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 8, 2005; pages D66 - D70

Committee Meetings

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Budget for Fiscal
Year 2006. Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolten, Director, OMB.

REAL ID ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing one hour and 40
minutes of general debate on H.R. 418, Real ID Act of 2005, with 40 minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on the Judiciary, 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Government Reform
and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
after general debate the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion and
no further consideration of the bill shall be in order except by a subsequent
order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner,
Representatives Kolbe, Jackson-Lee, Nadler, Meek and Farr. Prior to this
action the Committee met for organizational purposes.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Budget for
Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the
Treasury.

Hearings continue tomorrow.



2005/02/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 9, 2005; pages D71 - D78

Committee Meetings

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National
Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN
Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff.

Hearings continue February 16.

SOCIAL SECURITY; DEFINING THE PROBLEM

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Social Security: Defining the
Problem. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury;
David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin, Director,
CBO; and a public witness.

JOB TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 27, Job
Training Improvement Act of 2005.

                                    [Page: D75]

BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported H.R. 310, Broadcast Decency
Enforcement Act 2005.

The Committee approved an Oversight plan for the 109th Congress.

DOE'S FISCAL YEAR 2006 BUDGET PROPOSAL AND THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Department of
Energy's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Proposal and the Energy Policy Act of 2005:
Ensuring Jobs for Our Future with Secure and Reliable Energy." Testimony was
heard from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy.

INTERNET PROTOCOL-ENABLED SERVICES--CHANGING FACE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "How Internet Protocol-Enabled Services are
Changing the Face of Communications: A View from Technology Companies."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FANNIE MAE ACCOUNTING IRREGULARITIES--IMPACT ON INVESTORS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Accounting
Irregularities at Fannie Mae and the Impact on Investors." Testimony was heard
from Donald T. Nicolaisen, Chief Accountant, SEC.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
324, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service. Located at
321 Montgomery Road in Altamonte Springs, Florida, as the "Arthur Stacey
Mastrapa Post Office Building"; and H. Con. Res. 25, Recognizing the
contributions of Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph
McNeil, and Franklin McCain, known as the "Greensboro Four," to the civil
rights movement.

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

U.S. GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2004

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Financial Report of the
United States Government for Fiscal Year 2004." Testimony was heard from David
M. Walker, Comptroller, GAO; Jack Martin, Chief Financial Officer, Department
of Education; and Donald V. Hammond, Fiscal Assistant Secretary, Department of
the Treasury.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Homeland Security: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT IMPLEMENTATION; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Implementation of the
Help America Vote Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Election Assistance Commission: Gracia Hillman, Chair; and Paul DeGregorio,
Vice Chair; Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Secretary of State, New Mexico; Ron
Thornburgh, Secretary of State, Kansas; Todd Rokita, Secretary of State,
Indiana; and Chet Culver, Secretary of State/Commissioner of Elections, Iowa.

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on International Relations: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

VOLCKER INTERIM REPORT--U.N. OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on The Volcker Interim Report on the United
Nations Oil-for-Food Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

REAL ID ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for further
consideration of H.R. 418, REAL ID Act of 2005, under a structured rule. The
rule provides that no further general debate shall be in order. The rule
provides that the amendment 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 makes in order only those amendments
printed in Part B of the report. The rule provides that the amendments printed
in Part B of the report may be offered only in the order printed in the
report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendments printed in Part B of the report.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions.

                                    [Page: D76]

NATION'S ENERGY SECURITY

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Improving the Nation's Energy
Security: Can Cars and Trucks Be Made More Fuel Efficient? Testimony was heard
from Paul Portney, Chairman, Committee on Effectiveness and Impact of
Corporate Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards, National Academy of Sciences; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Commercial Space Transportation: Beyond the X Prize.
Testimony was heard from Representative Boehlert; Marion C. Blakey,
Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the President's Budget for
Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from Joshua Bolten, Director, OMB.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures met for
organizational purposes.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



2005/02/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 10, 2005; pages D79 - D86

Committee Meetings

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "The Energy Policy Act of 2005: Ensuring Jobs for Our
Future with Secure and Reliable Energy." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: David K. Garman, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Cynthia Marlette,
General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Guy F. Caruso,
Administrator, Energy Information Administration; Luis Reyes, Executive
Director, Operations, NRC; and public witnesses.

MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Current Issues Related to Medical Liability Reform." Testimony was
heard from Jose Montemayor, Commissioner of Insurance, Department of
Insurance, State of Texas; and public witnesses.

FLU SHOT SUPPLY--PERPLEXING SHIFT FROM SHORTAGE TO SURPLUS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The Perplexing Shift
from Shortage to Surplus: Managing This Season's Flu Shot Supply and Preparing
for the Future." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Jesse L. Goodman, M.D.,
Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA; Robert B.
Stroube, M.D., Commissioner, Department of Health, State of Virginia; and
public witnesses.

FISCAL YEAR 2006 DRUG BUDGET

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Fiscal Year 2006 Drug Budget."
Testimony was heard from John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug
Control Policy; and a public witness.

PROPOSED BUDGET--TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Proposed Fiscal
Year 2006 Budget: Enhancing Terrorism Preparedness for First Responders."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Penrose Albright, Assistant Secretary, Science and Technology
Directorate; and Matt A. Mayer, Acting Executive Director, Office of State and
Local Government Coordination and Preparedness; and Dennis Reimer, Director,
National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism.

BRIEFING--MIDDLE EAST PROCESS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Way Forward in the
Middle East Peace Process. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of State
Henry A. Kissinger; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES--BOOKER/FANFAN DECISIONS IMPLICATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implications of the Booker/Fanfan
Decisions for the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Testimony was heard from
Christopher A. Wray, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice;
Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Chairman, United States Sentencing Commission; and public
witnesses.

INDIAN TRIBE RECOGNITION

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 512, to require the prompt
review by the Secretary of the Interior of the longstanding petitions for
Federal recognition of certain Indian tribes. Testimony was heard from Michael
Olsen, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO;
and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL POWER GENERATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "Opportunities and Challenges on Enhancing Federal Power
Generation and Transmission." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D83]

ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATION ACT;
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 610, Energy Research,
Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005.

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

PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR BUDGET REQUEST--IMPACT UPON SMALL BUSINESS; COMMITTEE
ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2006 Budget Request impact upon small business. Testimony was heard from
Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines met for organizational purposes.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

MEDICARE PAYMENTS TO PHYSICIANS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Payments to Physicians. Testimony was heard from Bruce Steinwald, Director,
Health Care Economic and Payment Issues, GAO; Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman,
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses.

WELFARE REFORM REAUTHORIZATION PROPOSALS; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Welfare Reform Reauthorization proposals. Testimony was heard from
Representative Woolsey; Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for
Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; Kevin M.
McGuire, Executive Director, Family Investment Administration, Department of
Human Resources, State of Maryland; David Hansell, Chief of Staff, Human
Resources Administration, Department of Social Services, New York City; and
public witnesses.

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

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

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

SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS

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



2005/02/14
Daily Digest - Monday, February 14, 2005; pages D87 - D90

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/02/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 15, 2005; pages D91 - D126

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on H.R. 366, Vocational and Technical Education for the Future
Act. Testimony was heard from Lewis L. Atkinson, III, Associate Secretary,
Adult Education and Workforce Development, Department of Education, State of
Delaware; Patrick Ainsworth, Assistant Superintendent and Director, Secondary,
Postsecondary, and Adult Leadership Division, Department of Education, State
of California; and a public witness.

SEC'S MARKET STRUCTURE PROPOSAL

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "The SEC's Market
Structure Proposal: Will It Enhance Competition?" Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of debate on H.R. 310, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act, in the House
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 makes in order the amendment
printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered
by Representative Upton of Michigan or his designee, which shall be considered
as read, and which shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rules 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 Upton, Markey, Slaughter, and Moran of Virginia.

CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 90
minutes of debate on S. 5, Class Action Fairness Act, in the House equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in
the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Conyers of Michigan or his designee, which shall be considered
as read, and which shall be debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Sensenbrenner and Representative Scott of Virginia.

                                    [Page: D94]

The Committee also approved pending Committee business.

THREATS

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

Hearings continue tomorrow.



2005/02/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 16, 2005; pages D128 - D136

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Agriculture: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved the following: an Oversight Plan for the 109th
Congress; and Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2006 for submission
to the Committee on the Budget.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary
of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from Michael Johanns, Secretary of
Agriculture.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Force Protection. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Benjamin P. Riley III, Assistant
Deputy Under Secretary (Protection) and Chairman, Combating Terrorism
Technology Task Force; LTG. David F. Melcher, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Department of the Army; and LTG. James N. Mattis, USMC, Commanding General,
Marine Corps Combat and Development Command and Deputy Commandant for Combat
Development, HQMC.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

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

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Social Security
Administration. Testimony was heard from Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner of
Social Security.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Quality of Life.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
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.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year 2006
National Defense budget request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary; and GEN
Richard B. Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

HOMELAND SECURITY NEEDS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on National and Homeland Security:
Meeting the Needs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

JOB TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began mark up of H.R. 27, Job
Training Improvement Act of 2005.

Will continue tomorrow.

SPY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer
Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 29, Spy Act.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
continued hearings entitled "Energy Policy Act of 2005: Ensuring Jobs for Our
Future with Secure and Reliable Energy." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

"TERRORIST RESPONSE TO IMPROVED U.S. FINANCIAL DEFENSES"

Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Terrorist Responses to Improved U.S. Financial
Defenses." Testimony was heard from Juan C. Zarate, Assistant Secretary,
Terrorist Financing, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.

SAFE DRUG ABUSE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Is There Such a Thing as Safe
Drug Abuse?" Testimony was heard from Peter L. Beilenson, M.D., Commissioner,
Department of Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D133]

OMB MANAGEMENT


Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Improving Internal
Controls--A Review of Changes to OMB Circular A-123." Testimony was heard from
Christopher B. Burnham, Acting Under Secretary, Management, Assistant
Secretary, Resource Management, and Chief Financial Officer, Department of
State; John P. Higgins, Jr., Inspector General, Department of Education; Otto
J. Wolff, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary, Administration,
Department of Commerce; and Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, Managing Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, GAO.

DHS--BUILDING INFORMATION ANALYSIS CAPABILITY

Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled: "The Proposed
Fiscal Year 2006: Building the Information Analysis Capability of DHS."
Testimony was heard from Patrick Hughes, Acting Under Secretary, Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. POLICY TOWARD IRAN: NEXT STEPS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on United States Policy
Toward Iran: Next Steps. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTION; TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats approved for full Committee action H. Res. 108, Commemorating the life
of the late Zurab Zhvania, Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on An Overview of Transatlantic Relations
Prior to President Bush's Visit to Europe. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

IRAN STATE-SPONSORED TERROR

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia and the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and
Nonproliferation held a joint hearing on Iran: A Quarter-Century of
State-Sponsored Terror. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--INDIAN TRUST FUND LAWSUIT STATUS

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Status of the Indian
Trust Fund Lawsuit, Cobell v. Norton. Testimony was heard from Jim Cason,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and a
public witness.

OVERSIGHT--PAPER INDUSTRY ENERGY COSTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the
Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a joint oversight hearing on
the Impact of High Energy Costs on the Competitiveness of America's Pulp and
Paper Industry. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FEDERAL R&D BUDGET OVERVIEW

Committee on Science: Held a hearing An Overview of the Federal R&D Budget for
Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from John Marburger III, Director,
Office of Science and Technology; Samuel Bodman, Secretary of Energy; Arden
Bement Director, NSF; Charles McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and
Technology, Department of Homeland Security; and Theodore Kassinger, Deputy
Secretary of Commerce.

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Approved the following: Budget
Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2006 for submission to the Committee on
the Budget; and an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

OVERSIGHT--AGENCIES BUDGETS AND PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2006: EPA AND NOAA

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources held an oversight hearing on the following Agency Budgets and
Priorities for Fiscal Year 2006: EPA; and the NOAA. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the EPA: Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant
Administrator, Water; and Thomas P. Dunne, Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Solid Waste and Emergency Response; and Richard W. Spinrad, Assistant
Administrator, National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans
Affairs Budget for Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from R. James
Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans
organizations; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D134]

THREATS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
continue hearings on Threats. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/02/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 17, 2005; pages D137 - D144

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Office of
the Inspector General, Agriculture, Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Agriculture: Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector
General; Joyce Fleischman, Deputy Inspector General; Robert Young, Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; Mark Woods, Assistant Inspector General,
Investigations; Walt Kowal, Director, Business Management and Procurement; and
Dennis Kaplan, Deputy Director, Budget, Legislation and Regulatory Systems.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the
Secretary of Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary; GEN Richard B. Myers, USAF,
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary,
Comptroller.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on Department of Homeland Security Management and
Operations. Testimony was heard from Adm. James Loy, Deputy Secretary,
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 Corporation for Public
Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from Kathleen Cox, President and CEO,
Corporation for Public Broadcasting; Pat Mitchell, President and CEO, Public
Broadcasting Service; and Kevin Klose, President and CEO, National Public
Radio.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National
Defense 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 Vernon E. Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN
Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.

DOMESTIC ENTITLEMENTS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Domestic Entitlements: Meeting the
Needs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

JOB TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
27, Job Training Improvement Act of 2005.

HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled: "A Review of the
Administration's FY 2006 Health Care Priorities." Testimony was heard from
Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet, hearing entitled "The Role of Technology in Achieving a Hard
Deadline for the DTV Transition." Testimony was heard from Mark L. Goldstein,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

MONETARY POLICY

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.

Prior to the hearing, the Committee met to consider pending Committee
business.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; WOUNDED ARMY GUARD RESERVE
FORCES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported H. Res. 41, Expressing the
sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as
"National Tartan Day" to recognize the outstanding achievements and
contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States.

The Committee approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2006 for
submission to the Committee on the Budget.

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Wounded Army Guard Reserve Forces:
Increasing the Capacity to Care." Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz,
Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO; the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Ellen Embrey, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Employment Health; Daniel Denning, Acting Assistant Secretary, Army, Manpower
and Reserve Affairs; LTG Franklin L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
G-1; LTG Kevin C. Kiley, M.D., USA, Army Surgeon General; MG Charles Wilson,
USA, Deputy Commander, Army Reserve Command, Philip E. Sakowitz, Jr., Deputy
Director, Army Installations Management Agency; BG Raymond C. Byrne, Jr., USA,
Acting State Adjutant General, Oregon; SFC John Allen, USA, B/3/20th Special
Forces Group, National Guard, North Carolina; SFC Joseph Perez, USA, 72nd
Military Police Company, National Guard, Nevada; CWO Officer Rodger L.
Shuttleworth, USA, Chief, Reserve Component Personnel Support Services Branch,
Army Human Resources Command, National Guardsman, Maryland; and MSG Daniel
Forney, USA, Reserve Component Liaison, Medical Hold, Walter Reed Medical
Center, Army Reservist, Pennsylvania.

                                    [Page: D143]

CONTINUITY OF REPRESENTATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 841,
Continuity of Representation Act of 2005.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on the International
Relations Budget for Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza
Rice, Secretary of State.

NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR CHALLENGE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and
the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation held a joint
hearing on the North Korean Nuclear Challenge: Is There a Way Forward?
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

TRADEMARK DILUTION REVISION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 683, Trademark Dilution Revision
Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--HEALTHY FORESTS IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on GAO Five Year Update on Wildland Fire and Forest
Service/Bureau of Land Management Accomplishments in Implementing the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act. Testimony was heard from Robin M. Nazzaro, Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural
Resources and Environment, USDA; Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary, Land and
Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

NASA'S BUDGET PROPOSAL FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget
Proposal. Testimony was heard from Fred Gregory, Acting Administrator, NASA.

MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Medical Liability
Reform: Stopping the Skyrocketing Price of Health Care." Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Began consideration of Budget Views and
Estimates for Fiscal Year 2006 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2006--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES;
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2006 Budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Testimony was
heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Committee approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2006 for
submission to the Committee on the Budget.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Global Updates. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2005/02/18                                             
Daily Digest - Friday, February 18, 2005; pages D145 - D146

Committee Meetings

METRORAIL

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The Capital Region's
Critical Link: Ensuring Metrorail's Future As a Safe, Reliable and Affordable
Transportation Option." Rayburn. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Richard A.
White, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer; and Dana Kauffman,
Chairman of the Board; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D146]



2005/02/28
Daily Digest - Monday, February 28, 2005; pages D148 - D152

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/03/01
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 1, 2005; pages D153 - D160

Committee Meetings

USDA's RULE PROVIDING FOR CANADIAN BEEF AND CATTLE IMPORTS

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to Review the USDA's rule providing
for Canadian beef and cattle imports. Testimony was heard from Mike Johanns,
Secretary of Agriculture; and public witnesses.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Attorney
General. Testimony was heard from Alberto R. Gonzales, The Attorney General,
Department of Justice.

"ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL ANTI-FRAUD IN FOR-PROFIT EDUCATION"

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "Enforcement
of Federal Anti-Fraud Laws in For-Profit Education." Testimony was heard from
Representative Waters; Thomas A. Carter, Deputy Inspector General, Department
of Education; and public witnesses.

STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITIES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census held
a hearing entitled "Strengthening Our Communities--Is It the Right Step Toward
Greater Efficiency and Improved Accountability?" Testimony was heard from Roy
A. Bernardi, Deputy Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development;
Clay Johnson, III, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; David A. Sampson,
Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.

U.N. ORGANIZATION MISSION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on United Nations
Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Case for
Peacekeeping Reform. Testimony was heard from Kim R. Holmes, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State;
and public witnesses.

Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee received a briefing on this subject.
The Subcommittee was briefed by Jane Holl Lute, Assistant Secretary-General
for Mission Support, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations.

OVERSIGHT--CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Testimony was heard from
Craig Manson, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of
the Interior; Timothy R. E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans And
Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Katherine Andrews, Director, Coastal
and Aquatic Managed Areas, Department of Environmental Protection, State of
Florida; Athline Clark, Special Projects Program Manager, Division of Aquatic
Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii; Togiola
T. A. Tulafono, Governor, American Samoa; Juan N. Babauta, Governor,
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Felix Camacho, Governor, Guam;
and a public witness.

CONTINUITY IN REPRESENTATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R 841,
Continuity in Representation Act, providing 60 minutes of general debate 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 provides that the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on House Administration now printed in
the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment,
which shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order
only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the
resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Ney
and Representative Jackson-Lee (TX).

                                    [Page: D157]

JOB TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R 27, Job Training Improvement Act, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule provides that the amendment
in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and
the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill
for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule makes
in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in
the report may be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be
offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as
read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided
and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question
in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Boehner and Representative Kildee, Tierney, Woolsey, Edwards, Hasting
(FL), Scott (VA).



2005/03/02
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 2, 2005; pages D162 - D170

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Under
Secretary for Food and Safety. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Merle Pierson, Acting Under Secretary, Food Safety;
Barbara J. Masters, Acting Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service;
and Dennis Kaplan, Budget Officer.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army
Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Army: Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN. J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of
Staff.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Agencies held a hearing on HIV/AIDS Budget. Testimony
was heard from Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on Secretary of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard
from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of the Interior. Testimony was
heard from Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Defense
Privatization Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: William A. Armbruster, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Privatization and Partnerships, Department of the Army; Wayne Arny, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Installations and Facilities, Department of the Navy;
Fred Kuhn, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Installations, Department of the Air
Force; and Phil Grone, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Department of Defense Budget Overview.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary, Comptroller; and Phil Grone, Deputy Under
Secretary, Installations and Environment.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary
of Commerce. Testimony was heard from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of
Commerce.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year 2006
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: GEN John Abizaid, USA,
Combatant Commander, U.S. Central Command and GEN Bryan D. Brown, USA,
Combatant Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request--Navy
Research and Development: Programs in Support of the War on Terrorism, Naval
Transformation, and Future Naval Capabilities. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Navy: John J. Young, Assistant
Secretary, Research, Development and Acquisition; VADM Joseph A. Sestrak, USN,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs; VADM
Lewis W. Crenshaw, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Resources,
Requirements and Assessments; RADM Jay M. Cohen, USN, Chief of Naval Research;
LTG Robert Magnus, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; and LTG
James N. Mattis, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development
Command.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Energy: Ambassador Linton F.
Brooks, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Paul M.
Golan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management.

                                    [Page: D167]

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.

RETIREMENT SECURITY CRISIS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "The
Retirement Security Crisis: The Administration's Proposal for Pension Reform
and its Implications for Workers and Taxpayers." Testimony was heard from Ann
Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Mark
Warshawsky, Assistant Secretary, Economic Policy, Department of the Treasury;
Bradley Belt, Executive Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; and
public witnesses.

COMMUNICATIONS MARKETPLACE COMPETITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Competition in the
Communications Marketplace: How Technology is Changing the Structure of the
Industry." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS--CONFORMITY PROVISIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Clean Air Act Transportation Conformity Provisions
Contained in H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users." Testimony
was heard from Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and
Radiation, EPA; Charles D. Nottingham, Associate Administrator, Policy,
Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--HUD AND THE BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

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 2006. Testimony was heard from Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.

SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "The Countdown to Completion:
Implementing the New Department of Homeland Security Personnel System."
Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Neil A. G.
McPhie, Chairman, Merit Systems Protection Board; Ronald Sanders, Associate
Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy, OPM; Ronald James, Chief Human
Capital Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

PROTECTING PENSIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Protecting Pensions and
Ensuring the Solvency of PBGC." Testimony was heard from David M. Walker,
Comptroller General, GAO; Bradley Belt, Executive Director, Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation; and a public witness.

EMERGING THREATS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emergency
Threats and International Relations, hearing entitled "Emerging Threats:
Overclassification and Psuedo-classification." Testimony was heard from J.
William Leonard, Director, Information Security Oversight Office, National
Archives and Records Administration; RADM Christopher A. McMahon, USMS, Acting
Director, Departmental Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency
Response, Department of Transportation; Harold Rlyea, Specialist in American
National Government, CRS, Library of Congress; Richard Ben-Veniste,
Commissioner, National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States;
and public witness.

"PROPOSED FY 2006 BUDGET: INTEGRATING HOMELAND SECURITY SCREENING OPERATIONS"

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled "Proposed
FY 2006 Budget: Integrating Homeland Security Screening Operations." Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
Jim Williams, Director, US-VISIT Program, Border and Transportation Security
Directorate; Carol DiBattiste, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration; and Deborah J. Spero, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection.

                                    [Page: D168]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
resolutions: H. Con. Res. 18, Expressing the grave concern of Congress
regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil liberties
of the Syrian and Lebanese people by the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic; and H. Con. Res. 32, Expressing the grave concern of Congress
regarding the occupation of the Republic of Lebanon by the Syrian Arab
Republic.

CRISIS IN NEPAL

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on the Crisis in Nepal. Testimony was heard from Donald Camp,
Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary, South Asia Bureau, Department of State.

UN OPERATIONS: INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on United Nations Operations: Integrity and
Accountability. Testimony was heard from Patrick F. Kennedy, Ambassador to the
United Nations, Management and Reform, U.S. Mission to the United Nations,
Department of State and Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs
and Trade Teams, GAO.

PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Prescriptions for Health
Care Solutions." Testimony was heard from Representative King of (IA.) Mike
O'Grady, Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health
and Human Services; and public witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.

BUDGET

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



2005/03/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 3, 2005; pages D172 - D178

Committee Meetings

CFTC REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing on the Reauthorization of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission. Testimony was heard from Sharon Brown-Hruska, Acting
Chairman, CFTC.

Hearings continue March 9.

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 Under
Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Testimony was heard from
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 Dennis Kaplan, Budget Office.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on the Transportation Security Administration.
Testimony was heard from David Stone, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
for the Transportation Security Administration.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on
Secretary of Health and Human Services. Testimony was heard from Michael O.
Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: John
P. Woodley, Jr., Principal Deputy Secretary, (Civil Works); and LTG Carl
Strock, USA, Chief of Engineers.

The Subcommittee also 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.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held an oversight hearing on U.S. Geological Survey/Hazards:
tsunamis, landslides, earthquakes. Testimony was heard from Charles G. Groat,
Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Forest Service. Testimony was
heard from Dale Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service, USDA.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Army Budget.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Army: GEN Peter T. Schoomaker, Chief of Staff; and Geoffrey Prosch, Acting
Secretary, Installations and Environment.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Cental Command. Testimony was heard
from GEN John P. Abizaid, USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of
the Army.

CARE OF INJURED AND WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the Care of Injured and Wounded Service Members. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG F. L. Hagenbeck,
USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, G-l and MG Joseph Webb, USA, Deputy
Surgeon General, both with the Department of the Army; VADM Gerald Hoewing,
USN, Chief of Naval Personnel; VADM, Donald C. Arthur, USN, Surgeon General
and LTG H.P. Osman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, all
with the Department of the Navy; LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of
Staff, Personnel and LTG George P. Taylor, Jr., USAF, Surgeon General, both
with the Department of the Air Force; CWO Four James Stephen Keeton, Arkansas
National Guard; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Cuomo, U.S. Naval Reserve,
Naval Mobilization Processing Site, Naval Station San Diego; SrA Anthony A.
Pizzifred, USAF, 343 TRS/DOO, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; and
Sgt E5 Christopher Chandler, lst LAR Battalion/1st Marine Division, USAF, Camp
Pendleton, California.

                                    [Page: D176]

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request on the Adequacy
of the Budget to Meet Readiness Needs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Richard A. Cody, USA, Vice Chief
of Staff, Department of the Army; ADM. John B. Nathman, USN, Vice Chief of
Naval Operations and GEN Wiliam L. Nyland, USMC, Assistant Commandant, U.S.
Marine Corps, both with the Department of the Navy; and GEN T. Michael
Moseley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical and Land Forces held a
hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request
on the Department of Navy and Department of the Air Force Aviation Acquisition
Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Mike
Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management--(Joint Strike
Fighter) and Allen Li, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing
Management--(F/A-22); and the following officials of the Department of
Defense: VADM Stanley Szemborski, USN, Deputy Director, Program Analysis and
Evaluation, Office of the Secretary; John J. Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary
of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); VADM Joseph A. Sestak,
USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs (N7);
LTG John D. W. Corley, USAF, Principal Deputy, Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition); LTG Ronald E. Keys, USAF, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Air and Space Operations; and BG Martin Post, USMC, Assistant
Deputy Commandant, Aviation.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense
Authorization budget request on Tactical C-4 Systems: Why Does the DOD Have So
Many Different Systems Performing the Same Functionality? Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Linton Wells II,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Networks and Information Integration; VADM R. F.
Willard, USN, Director, Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment (DJ-8),
Joint Staff; LTG Robert Shea, USMC, Director, Command, Control, Communications
and Computer Systems (DJ-6), Joint Staff; and LTG Robert Wagner, USA, Deputy
Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

MEMBERS' DAY

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members' Day. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Petri, Berkeley, LoBiondo, Cannon, Flake, Gibbons,
Simmons, Bordallo, Shaw, Evans, Waters, Miller (NC), Hayes, Shays, Neugebauer,
Bishop (NY), Watson, Holt, Lee, Capito, Otter, Porter, Bishop (UT), Michaud,
Herseth, Linda T. Sanchez (CA), McMorris and Wilson (NM).

U.S. BOXING COMMISSION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on the United States Boxing Commission Act.
Testimony was heard from Ron Scott Stevens, Chairman, New York State Athletic
Commission; and public witnesses.

MAKING NETWORK WORK

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Making Network Work:
Countdown to the RFP for the Federal Government's Telecommunications Program."
Testimony was heard from Stephen A. Perry, Administrator, GSA; Linda Koontz,
Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

RESOLUTION--CUBA HUMAN RIGHTS CRACKDOWN; YEAR TWO OF CASTRO'S BRUTAL CRACKDOWN
ON DISSIDENTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations and the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action a resolution expressing the sense of
Congress regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in
Cuba.

                                    [Page: D177]

The Subcommittees also held a joint hearing on Year Two of Castro's Brutal
Crackdown on Dissidents. Testimony was heard from Roger Noriega, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses.

RESOLUTION CONCERNING TERRORIST ORGANIZATION; ALGERIA TERRORISM

Committee on International Affairs: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation approved for full Committee action H. Res. 101, Urging
the European Union to add Hezbollah to the European Union's wide-ranging list
of terrorist organizations.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Algeria's Struggle Against Terrorism.
Testimony was heard from Lorne W. Cramer, former Assistant Secretary,
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State; and public witnesses.

CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
H.R. 748, Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action the following
measures: S. 167, Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005; H.R. 683,
amended, Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2005; H.R. 1037, To make technical
corrections to title 17, United States Code; H.R. 1036, To amend title 17,
United States Code, to make technical corrections relating to copyright
royalty judges; H.R. 1038, Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2005;
and H. Con. Res. 53, Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the
issuance of the 500,000th design patent by the United States Patent and
Trademark Office.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "The Immigration Enforcement
Resources Authorized in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004."
Testimony was heard from Representative Ortiz; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET REQUESTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "President's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Request for the Bureau
of Reclamation and the Water Division of the U.S. Geological Survey."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: John W. Keys, III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Robert
Hirsch, Associate Director, Water, U.S. Geological Survey.

METHAMPHETAMINE REMEDIATION RESEARCH ACT

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on H.R. 798, Methamphetamine Remediation
Research Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Scott Burns, Deputy Director,
State and Local Affairs, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and public
witnesses.

COAST GUARD/MARITIME BUDGET

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget for
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Programs, and H.R. 889, Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation Act of 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; Steven R. Blust, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission; and F. Joseph
Moravec, Commissioner, Public Building Service, GSA.

HIGHWAY-RELATED TAXES AND TRUST FUNDS AMENDMENTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 996, To amend
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the extension of
highway-related taxes and trust funds.



2005/03/04
Daily Digest - Friday, March 4, 2005; pages D179 - D186

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/03/07
Daily Digest - Monday, March 7, 2005; pages D188 - D192

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/03/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 8, 2005; pages D193 - D202

Committee Meetings

EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2005.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
Administration for Children and Families/National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Wade J. Horn, Assistant Secretary,
Administration for Children and Families; and Duane Alexandria, Director,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.

                                    [Page: D198]

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Director
of the FBI. Testimony was heard from Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, FBI,
Department of Justice.

BURDEN OF UNFUNDED MANDATES ON STATE, COUNTY, AND CITY GOVERNMENTS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Is Uncle Sam Still
Passing the Buck? The Burden of Unfunded Mandates on State, County, and City
Governments." Testimony was heard from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office
of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director,
CBO; Gerry Connolly, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County, Virginia;
Mick Cornett, Mayor, Oklahoma City, OK; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
resolutions: H. Res. 101, Urging the European Union to add Hezbollah to the
European Union's wide-ranging list of terrorist organizations; and H. Res. 99,
Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of
the victims of the terrorist attacks in Madrid that occurred one year ago, on
March 11, 2004, and expressing deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in
those attacks and to the people of the Kingdom of Spain.

DIGITAL MUSIC LICENSING

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing entitled "Digital Music Licensing and
Section 115 of the Copyright Act." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The
rule provides two hours and twenty minutes of general debate, with two hours
and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
including a final period of 10 minutes following consideration of the bill for
amendment, and 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure 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 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
in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in part B. After disposition of the
amendments printed in part B, the Committee shall rise without motion. No
further consideration of the bill shall be in order except pursuant to a
subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman Young (AK),
Representatives Petri, Graves, LaTourette, Kennedy (MN), Boozman, Osborne, Tom
Davis (VA), Pitts, Flake, Burgess, Conaway, DeFazio, Menendez and Pascrell.

SMALL BUSINESS PRIORITIES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Small Business Priorities for
the 109th Congress, with discussion of H. Res. 22, Expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives that American small businesses are entitled to a
Small Business Bill of Rights. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

PHYSICIAN-OWNED SPECIALTY HOSPITALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Physician-Owned Specialty Hospitals. Testimony was heard from Glenn M.
Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; Tom Gustafson,
Deputy Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.

PRESIDENT'S PROPOSAL FOR SINGLE-EMPLOYER PENSION FUNDING REFORM

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on the President's Proposal for Single-Employer Pension Funding
Reform. Testimony was heard from Bradley Belt, Executive Director, Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation; Mark Warshawsky, Assistant Secretary, Economic
Policy, Department of the Treasury; Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary,
Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and public
witnesses.



2005/03/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 9, 2005; pages D204 - D214

Committee Meetings

CFTC REAUTHORIZATION
     
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management continued hearings on Reauthorization of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on the National Intelligence Program Budget. Testimony was
heard from Larry Kindsvater, Deputy Director, Central Intelligence Community
Management, CIA.

                                    [Page: D209]

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on FEMA. Testimony was heard from Mike Brown, Under
Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland
Security.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of Labor, Health and
Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on NIH.
Testimony was heard from Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. Director, NIH, Department of
Health and Human Services.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard
from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony
was heard from Steven A. Williams, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Air Force Budget.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air
Force: GEN John P. Jumper, Chief of Staff; and Fred Kuhn, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Installations, Environment and Logistics.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Navy/Marine Corps Budget. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: ADM Vern
Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant
of the Marine Corps; and B.J. Penn, Assistant Secretary, Installations and
Environment.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice, and
Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of State. Testimony
was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year National
Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: GEN James Jones, USMC, Combatant
Commander, U.S. European Command; ADM William J. Fallon, USN, Combatant
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Combatant
Commander, U.S. Southern Command.

Will continue tomorrow.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006--SPACE
ACTIVITIES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request for
space activities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Peter B. Teets, Under Secretary, Air Force, Space; GEN
Lance W. Lord, USAF, Commander, U.S. Air Force Command; LTG Larry Dodgen, USA,
Commander, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; VADM Joseph Sestak,
USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs; and
BG Thomas Benes, USMC, Director, Strategy and Plans Division, U.S. Marine
Corps.

DOD--UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND JOINT UNMANNED COMBAT AIR SYSTEM INVESTMENT
PROGRAMS BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget
request on Department of Defense unmanned aerial vehicle and Joint Unmanned
Combat Air System investment programs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the GAO: Sharon Pickup, Director, Defense Capabilities and
Management; and Mike Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management;
and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Glen Lamartin,
Director, Defense Systems, Office of the Secretary; LTG Ronald E. Keys, USAF,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Space Operations; BG Jeff Schloesser, USA,
Director, Army Aviation Task Force; RADM Andy Winns, USN, Deputy N78 Aviation
Requirements Officer, USN; and BG Martin Post, USMC, Assistant Deputy
Commandant, Aviation.

                                    [Page: D210]

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported the Concurrent Resolution on the
Budget for Fiscal Year 2006.

VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
366, Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act.

SPY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 29, Spy
Act.

GLOBAL EARTH OBSERVATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The Implementation of GEOSS: A Review of the
All-Hazards Warning System and its Benefits to Public Health, Energy and the
Environment." Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN
(Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; Allen Drearry, Associate Director, Division of
Research Coordination Planning and Translation, National Institute of
Environmental Health Science, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services;
Gary Foley, Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory, EPA; Ari
Patrinos, Associate Director, Biological and Environmental Research,
Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

GSE REFORM AND THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK SYSTEM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "GSE Reform and
the Federal Home Loan Bank System." Testimony was heard from Ronald A.
Rosenfeld, Chairman, Federal Housing Finance Board; David H. Hehman, President
and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
public witnesses.

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION STRUCTURE

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee Management, Integration and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "CBP and ICE: Does the Current
Organizational Structure Best Serve U.S. Homeland Security Interests?"
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Authorized the Chairman to seek
consideration under suspension of the rules for the following measures, with
amendments deemed agreed to, H. Con. Res. 18, Expressing the grave concern of
Congress regarding the continuing gross violations of human rights and civil
liberties of the Syrian and Lebanese people by the Government of the Syrian
Arab Republic; H. Con. Res. 32, Expressing the grave concern of Congress
regarding the occupation of the Republic of Lebanon by the Syrian Arab
Republic; H. Con. Res. 34, Honoring the life and contributions of Yogi Bhajan,
a leader of Sikhs, and expressing condolences to the Sikh community on his
passing; H. Con. Res. 81, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding the two-year anniversary of the human rights crackdown in Cuba; H.
Con. Res. 82, Expressing the grave concern of Congress regarding the arrest of
Ayman Nour, the leader of the al-Ghad party, by the Government of the Arab
Republic of Egypt and the support of Congress for continued progress toward
democracy in Egypt; H. Res. 101, Urging the European Union to add Hezbollah to
the European Union's wide-ranging list of terrorist organizations; H. Res.
120, Commending the outstanding efforts by members of the Armed Forces and
civilian employees of the Department of State and the United States Agency for
International Development in response to the earthquake and tsunami of
December 26, 2004; H. Res. 135, Providing for the establishment of a
commission in the House of Representatives to assist parliaments in emerging
democracies; H. Con. Res. 83, Urging the appropriate representative of the
United States to the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights to introduce a resolution calling upon the Government of the People's
Republic of China to end its human rights violations in China; H. Res. 99,
Expressing condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of the
victims of the terrorist attacks in Madrid that occurred one year ago, on
March 11, 2004, and expressing deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in
those attacks and to the people of the Kingdom of Spain; and H. Res. 108,
Commemorating the life of the late Zurab Zhvania, Prime Minister of the
Republic of Georgia.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Combating Human
Trafficking: Achieving Zero Tolerance. Testimony was heard from John R.
Miller, Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D211]

U.S.-RUSSIA RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing on Developments in U.S.-Russia Relations. Testimony was
heard from Representative Weldon (PA); and public witnesses.

U.S.-PALESTINIAN RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central
Asia held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward the Palestinians in the Post-Arafat
Era Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
State: David M. Satterfield, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near
Eastern Affairs; and James Kunder, Assistant Administrator, Asia and the Near
East, AID.

LATIN AMERICA DEMOCRACY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
held a hearing on The State of Democracy in Latin America. Testimony was heard
from following officials of the Department of State: Roger F. Noriega,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and Adolfo Franco,
Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, USIA; and
public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: S. 167,
amended, Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005; H.R. 683, amended,
Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2005; H.R. 1037, To make technical
corrections to title 17, United States Code; H.R. 1036, To amend title 17,
United States Code, to make technical corrections relating to copyright
royalty judges; H.R. 1038, Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2005;
and H. Con. Res. 53, Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the
issuance of the 500,000th design patent by the United States Patent and
Trademark Office.

The Committee also approved pending Committee business.

OVERSIGHT--BUDGET REQUEST FOR FOREST SERVICE AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on FY'06 President's Budget for the Forest Service and the
Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from Kathleen B. Clarke,
Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and Mark Rey,
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA.

TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
further consideration of H.R. 3, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users. The rule provides for no further general debate (except for the final
period of ten minutes contemplated in House Resolution 140). 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. No testimony was heard.

NSF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on the NSF
Budget and Management Challenges. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the NSF: Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, Mark S. Wrighton,
Chairman, Audit and Oversight Committee, National Science Board; and Christine
C. Boesz, Inspector General.

FUTURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Future of Social Security.
Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and the
following Public Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Fund:
Thomas R. Saving; and John L. Palmer.

BUDGET

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

Hearings continue tomorrow.



2005/03/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 10, 2005; pages D215 - D224

Committee Meetings

METHYL BROMIDE USE EXEMPTION

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research held a hearing to access the Methyl Bromide Critical
Use Exemption (CUE) process under the Montreal Protocol. Testimony was heard
from Claudia McMurray, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Environment, Bureau of
Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of
State; 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 Under
Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. Testimony was heard from
Eric Bost, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on
Navy/Marine Corps Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Navy: Gordon R. England, Secretary; ADM. Vernon Clark,
USN. Chief of Naval Operations; and Gen. Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant of
the 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, Assistant Secretary;
and VADM Joseph A. Sestak, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations, Warfare
Requirements and Programs (N6/N7); and BG William Catto, USMC, Commanding
General, Marine Corps Systems Command.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
Secretary of Education. Testimony was heard from Margaret Spellings, Secretary
of Education.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on The Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard. Testimony was heard from ADM
Thomas Collin, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland
Security.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Testimony was heard from Michael Garcia, Secretary, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Endowment for the Arts.
Testimony was heard from Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the
Arts.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the National Endowment for the
Humanities. Testimony was heard from Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment
for the Humanities.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the European Command
Gen. James L. Jones, Jr., USMC, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and
Commander, U.S. European Command, Department of Defense.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Pacific Command. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: ADM William
J. Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and Gen. Leon J. LaPorte,
Commander, Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command, and
Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.

                                    [Page: D221]

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on NOAA.
Testimony was heard from VADM. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret), Under
Secretary, NOAA, Department of Commerce.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year 2006
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Donald R. Rumsfeld,
Secretary; and GEN Richard B. Myers, USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Servcies: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request--The
Navy's Future Fleet: Assessing the Strength of Today's Navy for Tomorrow.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Navy: John J. Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Research, Development and
Acquisition; VADM Joseph A. Sestak, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations, Warfare Requirements and Programs; VADM Lewis W. Crenshaw, Jr.,
USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Resources, Requirements and
Assessments; LTG Robert Magnus, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and
Resources, U.S. Marine Corps; and LTG James N. Mattis, USMC, Commanding
General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Ronald O'Rourke,
Specialist in National Defense, CRS, Library of Congress.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense
Authorization budget request--Defense Science and Technology in support of the
War on Terrorism, and Beyond. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Ronald M. Sega, Director, Defense Research and
Engineering; James A. Tegnelia, Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency;
Anthony J. Tether, Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; Thomas
H. Killion, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Research and Technology; RADM Jay
M. Cohen, USN, Chief of Naval Research; and James B. Engle, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force, Science, Technology and Engineering.

RECREATIONAL MARINE EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections approved for full Committee action H.R. 940, Recreational Marine
Employment Act of 2005.

STEROIDS IN SPORTS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection and the Subcommittee on Health held a joint hearing
entitled "Steroids in Sports: Cheating the System and Gambling Your Health."
Testimony was heard from Representative Ryun (KS); and public witnesses.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN REPOSITORY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Funding Options for the Yucca Mountain Repository
Program." Testimony was heard from Representatives Berkley and Porter;
Theodore J. Garrish, Deputy Director, Office of Strategy and Program
Development, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of
Energy; and a public witness.

DIGITAL TV TRANSITION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Preparing Consumers for the End of the
Digital Television Transition." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--RURAL HOUSING SERVICE

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held an oversight hearing of the Rural Housing Service, including
the Service's budget request for fiscal year 2006. Testimony was heard from
Russell T. Davis, Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA; and William B.
Shear, Director, GAO.

FANNIE MAE MORTGAGE REPURCHASES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Due Diligence in Mortgage Repurchases and Fannie: The
First Beneficial Case." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Kenneth M. Donohue, Sr.,
Inspector General; John P. Kennedy, Associate General Counsel, Office of
Finance and Regulatory Compliance; and Alfred M. Pollard, General Counsel,
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D222]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
185, Program Assessment and Results Act; and S. 384, To extend the existence
of the Nazi War Crimes and Japanese Imperial Government Records Interagency
Working Group for 2 years.

DRUG CONTROL BUDGET

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "FY 2006 Drug Control Budget and
the Byrne Grant, HIDTA, and Other Law Enforcement Programs: Are We
Jeopardizing Federal, State and Local Cooperation?" Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Justice: Tracy A. Henke,
Associate Deputy Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs; and Catherine
M. O'Neil, Associate Deputy Attorney General and Director of Organized Crime
Drug Enforcement Task Forces; John Horton, Associate Deputy Director, State
and Local Affairs, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and public
witnesses.

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Met to consider funding requests for the
following Committees: International Relations; Judiciary; Budget; Financial
Services; Small Business; Rules; Agriculture; and Armed Services.

KOREAN PENINSULA: SIX PARTY TALKS AND THE NUCLEAR ISSUE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Korean Peninsula:
Six Party Talks and the Nuclear Issue. Testimony was heard from the following
former officials of the Department of State: William J. Perry, Secretary of
Defense; and James R. Lilley, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations approved for full Committee action, as
amended, the following measures: H.R. 972, Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2005; and H. Con. Res. 88, Remembering the victims of
the genocide that occurred in 1994 in Rwanda and pledging to work to ensure
that such an atrocity does not take place again.

INDONESIA IN TRANSITION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on Indonesia in Transition: Recent Developments and
Implications for U.S. Policy. Testimony was heard from Marie Huhtala, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

ELIMINATING TERRORIST SANCTUARIES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing on Eliminating Terrorist Sanctuaries: The
Role of Security Assistance. Testimony was heard from William P. Pope, Acting
Coordinator, Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Department of
State; and RADM Hamlin B. Tallent, USN, Director of Operations, U.S. European
Command, Department of Defense.

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE--CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION

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

OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Interior Immigration Enforcement
Resources." Testimony was heard from Paul Martin, Deputy Inspector General,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR BUDGET FY 2006--ENERGY AND MINERAL PROGRAMS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "The Interior Budget for FY 2006 in Energy and
Mineral Programs." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: Johnnie Burton, Director, Minerals Management
Service; Jeff Jarret, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement; Charles G. Groat, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; and Jim
Hughes, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management.

OVERSIGHT--FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND NOAA BUDGET REQUEST FY 2006

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Request of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service; and NOAA. Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.,
(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.

                                    [Page: D223]

OVERSIGHT--AGENCY BUDGET BUDGETS AND PRIORITIES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Agency Budgets and
Priorities for Fiscal Year 2006, with emphasis on U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the TVA, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Saint Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation. Testimony was heard from from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Jr., Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Civil Works); and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, Chief
of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Glenn L. McCullough, Jr.,
Chairman, TVA; Albert S. Jacquez, Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation, Department of Transportation; and a public witness.

BUDGET BRIEFING AND HEARING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
continue hearings on the Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.

Prior to the hearing, the Committee met in executive session to receive a
briefing on the Budget. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses.



2005/03/11
Daily Digest - Friday, March 11, 2005; pages D226 - D232

Committee Meetings

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the NSF;
the National Science Board; and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger, III, Director, Office of Science
and Technology Policy; and the following officials of the NSF: Arden L.
Bement, Jr., Director; and Ray M. Bowen, member, National Science Board.

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

D.C. DRINKING WATER SAFETY

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Getting the Lead Out:
The Ongoing Quest for Safe Drinking Water in the Nation's Capital." 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; Jerry Johnson,
General Manager, Water and Sewer Authority, District of Columbia; and a public
witness.



2005/03/14
Daily Digest - Monday, March 14, 2005; pages D233 - D238

Committee Meetings

BUILDING IRAQI SECURITY FORCES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Building Iraqi
Security Forces." Testimony was heard from Joseph Christoff, Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Peter W. Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International
Security Affairs; and RADM William D. Sullivan, USN, Vice-Director, Strategic
Plans and Policy; and Richard A. Jones, Senior Advisor to the Secretary and
Coordinator of Iraq, Department of State; and public witnesses.

EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR DEFENSE, THE GLOBAL WAR ON
TERROR, AND TSUNAMI RELIEF, 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 1268, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for
Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005, equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations. The bill shall be considered for amendment under the
five-minute rule. The rule waives all point of order against consideration of
the bill. 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
for Section 1113 and 1114. 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. Finally, the rule provides that upon the engrossment of H.R.
1268, the Clerk shall add the text of H.R. 418 as passed by the House as new
matter at the end of H.R. 1268, and conform the title of H.R. 1268 to reflect
the addition. Testimony was heard from Chairman Lewis of California and
Representatives Obey, Stupak, Hooley of Oregon, Reyes and Tierney.



2005/03/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 15, 2005; pages D239 - D248

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

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

                                    [Page: D244]

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of 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, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy--Science, Nuclear
Energy and Renewable Energy/Conservation. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: Raymond L. Orbach, Director,
Office of Science; William D. Magwood, IV, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy,
Science and Technology; and David K. Garman, Assistant Secretary, Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006--NAVAL CRITICAL
ENABLERS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request--Naval
Critical Enablers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: E. Anne Sandel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Integrated
Warfare Systems; Roger M. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Littoral and Mine
Warfare; RADM Mark J. Edwards, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division (N76),
Department of the Navy; MG Gordon C. Nash, USMC, Director, Expeditionary
Warfare Division (N75), U.S. Marine Corps; RADM Joseph A. Walsh, USN,
Director, Submarine Warfare Division (N77); and RADM Anthony L. Winns, USN,
Deputy Director, Air Warfare Division (N78), Department of the Navy.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request for Military
Construction, Family Housing, Base Closures, and Facilities Operations and
Maintenance. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Philip Crone, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and
Environment; Geoffrey G. Prosch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army,
Installations and Environment; B. J. Penn, Assistant Secretary, Navy,
Installations and Environment; and Fred W. Kuhn, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Air Force, Installations.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006 MISSILE DEFENSE
PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request for
Missile Defense Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: LTG Trey Obering, USAF, Director, Missile Defense
Agency; LTG Larry J. Dodgen, USA, Commander, U.S. Army Space and Missile
Defense Command; and David W. Duma, Acting Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 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; ADM Timothy Keating, USN, Commander, North
American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command; and LTG
H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau.

WELFARE REFORM: REAUTHORIZATION OF WORK AND CHILD CARE

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing entitled "Welfare Reform: Reauthorization of
Work and Child Care." Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant
Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D245]

PROTECTING CONSUMERS' DATA

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Protecting Consumers' Data:
Policy Issues Raised by ChoicePoint." Testimony was heard from Deborah Platt
Majoras, Chairman, FTC; and public witnesses.

REGULATION NMS: THE SEC'S VIEW

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Regulation NMS:
The SEC's View." Testimony was heard from William H. Donaldson, Chairman, SEC.

OVERSIGHT--UNITED NATIONS REFORM

Committee on International Relations: Held an oversight hearing on United
Nations Reform: Challenges and Prospects. Testimony was heard from the
following former United States Permanent Representatives to the United
Nations: Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, and
Ambassador Richard S. Williamson.

PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE ON ARMS ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 800, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Department of Homeland Security to
Examine the Security of the Nation's Seaports and the Cargo Entering Those
Ports. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Homeland Security: Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection; and RADM Larry Hereth, USCG, Director, Port Security; Jeff
Keever, Deputy Executive Director, Port Authority, State of Virginia; and a
public witness.

OVERSIGHT--ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on the Power Marketing Administrations' Role in Bringing Our
Nationwide Electricity Transmission System into the 21st Century. Testimony
was heard from the following Administrators of the Power Administrations,
Department of Energy: Charles A. Borchardt, Southeastern Power Administration;
Michael A. Deihl, Southwestern Power Administration; Michael S. Hacskaylo,
Western Area Power Administration; and Stephen J. Wright, Bonneville Power
Administration.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 5
hours of general debate on H. Con. Res. 95, Concurrent Resolution on the
Budget, FY 2006, with 4 hours equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget, and one hour on
the subject of economic goals and policies equally divided and controlled by
Representative Saxton of New Jersey and Representative Maloney of New York or
their designees. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of
the concurrent resolution. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution
shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule and that the
concurrent resolution shall be considered as read. 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, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question
in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. 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 permits
the chairman of the Budget Committee to offer amendments in the House to
achieve mathematical consistency. The rule provides that the concurrent
resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question of
its adoption. The rule provides that after passage of H. Con. Res. 95, it
shall be in order to consider in the House S. Con. Res. 18, to move to strike
all after the resolving clause of S. Con Res. 18, and to insert the provisions
of H. Con. Res. 95, as passed by the House. Finally, the rule waives all
points of order against S. Con. Res. 18, against its consideration, and
against the motion to strike and insert. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Nussle and Representatives Shays, Flake, Spratt, Cooper, Scott of Virginia,
Stupak, Brown of Ohio, Harman, and Jackson-Lee of Texas.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 50, amended,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act; H.R. 798, Methamphetamine
Remediation Research Act of 2005; and H.R. 250, amended, Manufacturing
Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005.

                                    [Page: D246]

OVERSIGHT--LASERS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Lasers: A Hazard to Aviation Safety and Security?
Testimony was heard from Nicholas A. Sabatini, Associate Administrator,
Aviation Safety, FAA, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.

MEASURING PHYSICIAN QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF CARE IN MEDICARE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Measuring Physician Quality and Efficiency of Care in Medicare. Testimony was
heard from Herb Kuhn, Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, WORK, AND FAMILY PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 240, Personal Responsibility, Work, and
Family Protection Act of 2005.

BUDGET HEARING

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



2005/03/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 16, 2005; pages D249 - D258

Committee Meetings

U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE WITH CUBA

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to Review United States Agricultural
Trade with Cuba. Testimony was heard from Robert W. Werner, Director, Office
of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D254]

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agricultural, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Under
Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from
William T. Hawks, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy--Nuclear Waste
Disposal and Environmental Management. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Energy: Theodore J. Garrish, Deputy Director,
Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and Paul Golan, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Office of Environmental Management.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Department of Energy--Fossil
Energy. Testimony was heard from Mark Maddox, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Fossil Energy, Department of Energy.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the DEA.
Testimony was heard from Karen P. Tandy, Administrator, DEA, Department of
Justice.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Continued hearings on the Fiscal Year 2006
National Defense Authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Pete Teets, Acting
Secretary; and GEN John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff.

MILITARY RECRUITING/PERSONNEL NEEDS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on Recruiting, Retention and Military Personnel Policy, and 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 F. L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Personnel, G-1, Department of the Army; VADM Gerald Hoewing, USN, Chief of
Naval Personnel, Department of the Navy; LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of the Air Force; LTG H. P. Osman, USMC,
Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget
request--Future Combat Systems, Modularity, and Force Protection Initiatives.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Paul L. Francis,
Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management; Sharon Pickup, Director,
Defense Capabilities and Management; and Janet St. Laurent, Director, Defense
Capabilities and Management; and the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Claude M. Bolton, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology, Department of the Army; LTG David F. Melcher, USA, Deputy
Chief of Staff, Army G8 (Programming, Materiel Integration, and Management)
LTG James J. Lovelace, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G3 (Operations and
Requirements); and LTG James N. Mattis, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat
Development, U.S. Marine Corps.

SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported H.R. 525, Small
Business Health Fairness Act of 2005.

E-RATE PROBLEMS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on Problems with the E-rate Program: GAO Review of FCC
Management and Oversight. Testimony was heard from Mark L. Goldstein,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and the following officials of
the FCC: Jeffrey Carlisle, Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau; and Thomas
Bennett, Assistant Inspector General for USF Oversight.

INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "How Internet Protocol-Enabled Services Are
Changing the Face of Communications: A Look at the Voice Marketplace."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
     
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
458, Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act; H.R. 749, amended,
Expanded Access to Financial Services Act of 2005; H.R 280, Brownfields
Redevelopment Enhancement Act; H.R. 804, to exclude from consideration as
income certain payments under the national flood insurance program; H.R. 1057,
amended, True American Heroes Act; and H.R. 902, amended, Presidential $1 Coin
Act.

                                    [Page: D255]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN; GSA STREAMLINING

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.
Res 142, Supporting the goals and ideals of a "Rotary International Day" and
celebrating and honoring Rotary International on the occasion of its
centennial anniversary; and H. Res. 148, Supporting the goals and ideals of
Financial Literacy Month.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 109th Congress.

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Service Oriented Streamlining:
Rethinking the Way GSA Does Business." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the GSA: Stephen A. Perry, Administrator; and Eugene Waszily,
Assistant Inspector General, Auditing; Deidre Lee, Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--ENERGY DEMANDS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Energy Demands in the 21st Century: Are Congress
and the Executive Branch Meeting the Challenge?" Testimony was heard from Jim
Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Guy Caruso,
Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; and a
public witness.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Strengthening Travel
Reimbursement Procedures for Army National Guard Soldiers." Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Patrick T.
Shine, Director, Military and Civilian Pay Services, Defense Finance and
Accounting Service; Roy Wallace, Director, Plans and Resources, Department of
the Army; and John Argodale, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Financial Operations,
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and
Comptroller; and Gregory D. Kutz, Director, Financial Management and
Assurance, GAO.

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Met to consider funding requests for the
following Committees: Transportation and Infrastructure; Science; Veterans
Affairs; Government Reform; House Administration; Homeland Security, Education
and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Standards of Official Conduct; Ways
and Means; Resources; and the Select Committee on Intelligence.

U.S. LIBYAN RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Libya: Progress on the
Path Toward Cautious Reengagement. Testimony was heard from William J. Burns,
Acting Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State.

OVERSIGHT--NORTHERN IRELAND HUMAN RIGHTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held an oversight hearing on Northern
Ireland Human Rights: Update on the Cory Collusion Inquiry Reports. Testimony
was heard from Mitchell Reiss, Special Envoy of the President and The
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

BANKRUPTCY REFORM; JEFF GANNON INVESTIGATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported S. 256, Bankruptcy Abuse
Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

The Committee adversely reported H. Res. 136, Directing the Attorney General
and the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of
Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this
resolution documents in the possession of those officials relating to the
security investigations and background checks relating to granting access to
the White House of James D. Guckert (also known as Jeff Gannon).

OVERSIGHT--U.S. ENERGY AND MINERAL NEEDS SECURITY AND POLICY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing on U.S. Energy and Mineral Needs Security and Policy:
Impacts of Sustained Increases in Global Energy and Mineral Consumption by
Emerging Economics Such as China and India. Testimony was heard from Guy F.
Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of
Energy; Dave Menzie, Chief, International Minerals Section, U.S. Geological
Survey, Department of the Interior; Jeffrey Logan, China Program Manager,
International Energy Agency; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D256]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 410, Northern Arizona Land Exchange and
Verde River Basin Partnership act of 2005; H.R. 599, Federal Lands Restoration
Enhancement, Public Education, and Information Resources Act of 2005, and H.R.
975, Trail Responsibility and Accountability for the Improvement of Lands Act.
Testimony was heard from Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System,
Forest Service, USDA; Kim Thorsen, Assistant Director, Office of Law
Enforcement and Security, Department of the Interior; Joe Donandson, Mayor,
Flagstaff, Arizona; and public witnesses.

PROTECTION OF INCAPACITATED PERSONS ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour
of debate in the House on H.R. 1334, Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act
of 2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS 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 March 17, 2005, providing for consideration of a
bill relating to the rights of an incapacitated person or persons.

FUTURE OF AERONAUTICS AT NASA

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
the Future of Aeronautics at NASA. Testimony was heard from J. Victor LeBacqz,
Associate Administrator, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, NASA; and
public witnesses.

REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS ACT

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The RFA at 25: Needed
Improvements for Small Business Regulatory Relief." Testimony was heard from
Thomas Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--MEMBER PROJECTS REQUESTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Member Project Requests
for the Water Resources Development Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Kanjorski, Shays, Pallone, Rohrabacher, Castle, Foley,
McGovern, Hinojosa, Allen, Wilson of New Mexico, Holt, Miller of Michigan,
Carnahan, Westmoreland, Jindal and Stupak.

PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2006 BUDGET FOR DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2006 Budget for the Department of Labor. Testimony was heard from Elaine Chao,
Secretary of Labor.

BUDGET HEARING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
continue hearings on the Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2005/03/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 17, 2005; pages D260 - D270

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 Under
Secretary for Rural Development. Testimony was heard from Gilbert Gonzalez,
Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Air
Force Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Air Force: Peter B. Teets, Acting Secretary; and GEN John P.
Jumper, Chief of Staff.

The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Air Force
Acquisition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Air Force: Peter B. Teets, Acting Secretary; and LTG John D.
W. Corley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acquisitions.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Homeland
Security held a hearing on Citizenship and Immigration Services. Testimony was
heard from Eduardo Aguirro, Jr., Director, Bureau of Citizenship and
Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
Secretary of Labor. Testimony was heard from Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of
Labor.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, JUDICIARY, D.C., AND
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from Alphonso R.
Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Indian Affairs. Testimony was
heard from James Casen, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Department of the Interior.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the SBA.
Testimony was heard from Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, SBA.

                                    [Page: D268]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Federal Prison System. Testimony
was heard from Harley G. Lappin, Director, Bureau of Prisons, Department of
Justice.

IRAQ--CURRENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL TRANSITION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on current operations and the
political transition in Iraq. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense
Authorization budget request--United States Special Operations Command policy
and programs. Testimony was heard from officials of the Department of Defense:
Thomas W. O'Connell, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low Intensity
Conflict; and GEN Bryan D. Brown, USA, Commander, U.S. Special Operations
Command.

HIGHER EDUCATION--TRACKING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness and the Subcommittee on Select Education held a joint hearing
entitled "Tracking International Students in Higher Education: A Progress
Report." Testimony was heard from Victor X. Cerda, Counsel to the Assistant
Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; Stephen A. Edson, Managing Director, Visa Services Directorate,
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; Randolph C. Hite, Director,
Information Technology Architecture and Systems Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.

NIH PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Setting the Path for Reauthorization: Improving Portfolio Management
at the NIH." Testimony was heard from Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services.

SECURITIES ARBITRATION SYSTEM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "A Review of the
Securities Arbitration System." Testimony was heard from William Francis
Galvin, Secretary, MA; and public witnesses.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE REFORM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 1185, Deposit Insurance Reform Act of
2005. Testimony was heard from Donald E. Powell, Chairman, FDIC.

STEROID USE IN BASEBALL

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Restoring Faith in
America's Pastime: Evaluating Major League Baseball's Efforts to Eradicate
Steroid Use." Testimony was heard from Senator Bunning; Nora D. Volkow, M.D.,
Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Department of Health and
Human Services; the following officials of Major League Baseball: Allan H.
Selig, Commissioner; and Elliott J. Pellman, M.D., Medical Advisor for Major
League Baseball, Office of the Commissioner; Sandy Alderson, Executive Vice
President of Baseball Operations, Major League Baseball; the following Major
League Baseball baseball players: Curt Schilling, Frank Thomas, Sammy Sosa,
and Rafael Palmeiro; and the following former Major League baseball players:
Jose Canseco and Mark McGuire.

AFGHANISTAN--U.S. COUNTERNARCOTICS POLICY

Committee on International Relations: Held an oversight hearing on U.S.
Counternarcotics Policy in Afghanistan: Time for Leadership. Testimony was
heard from Maureen E. Quinn, Coordinator on Afghanistan, Department of State;
Mary Beth Long, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Counternarcotics, Department of
Defense, and Michael A. Braun, Special Agent, Chief of Operations, DEA,
Department of Justice.

HUMAN RIGHTS--GLOBAL VIEW

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held an oversight hearing on A Global
Review of Human Rights: Examining the State Department's 2004 Annual Report.
Testimony was heard from Michael G. Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--U.N. AND THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held an oversight hearing on the United Nations and the
Fight Against Terrorism. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. Testimony was heard
from Stephen J. Stedman, Special Advisor to Secretary-General United Nations.

OVERSIGHT--U.N. OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held an oversight hearing on The United Nations Oil-for-Food
Program: The Cotecna and Saybolt Inspection Firms. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D269]

CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT; OVERSIGHT--U.S. COMMISSION ON
CIVIL RIGHTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 748, Child Interstate Abortion Notification
Act.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Commission on
Civil Rights. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S.
Commission Civil Rights: Russell Redenbaugh, and Michael Yaki, both
Commissioners; Kenneth Marcus, Staff Director; and George Harbison, Director,
Human of Resources and Active Chief of Budget and Finance.

OVERSIGHT--PATENT APPEALS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Holmes Group, the Federal
Circuit, and the State of Patent Appeals. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

STOP COUNTERFEITING IN MANUFACTURED GOODS ACT; ORGANIZED CRIME

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 32, Stop Counterfeiting in
Manufactured Goods Act.

The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Responding to Organized
Crimes Against Manufacturers and Retailers. Testimony was heard from Chris
Swecker, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI, Department
of Justice; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--OFF RESERVATION GAMING RESTRICTIONS

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on a measure to amend the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to restrict off-reservation gaming. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BUDGET

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Park Service Budget. Testimony was
heard from Fran Mainella, Director, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1023,
Charles 'Pete' Conrad Astronomy Awards Act; H.R. 1158, To reauthorize the
Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of
1988; H.R. 28, amended, High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2005;
H. Con. Res. 96, amended, Recognizing the significance of African American
women in the United States scientific community; and H.R. 798, amended,
Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2005.

NATURAL GAS PRICES

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Agriculture and
Technology held a hearing entitled "The High Price of Natural Gas and its
Impact on Small Businesses: Issues and Short Term Solutions," Testimony was
heard from Representative Terry; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on The Administration's "Strengthening America's Communities"
Initiative and its impact on economic development. Testimony was heard from
David A. Sampson, Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.

MEDICAL IMAGING SERVICES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Managing
the Use of Imaging Services. Testimony was heard from Mark Miller, Executive
Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses.

GLOBAL UPDATES; BUDGET HEARING

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

The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on the Budget.
Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/03/19
Daily Digest - Saturday, March 19, 2005; pages D271 - D272

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: On March 18, the Subcommittee on the Department
of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a
hearing on Quality Teachers, Principals and High Schools. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Education: Raymond Simon,
Assistant Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education; and Susan Sclafani,
Assistant Secretary, Vocational and Adult Education.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: On March 18, the Subcommittee on the Departments
of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary
of Transportation. Testimony was heard from Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary of
Transportation.

DOE NUCLEAR FACILITIES--SECURITY INITIATIVES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: On March 18, the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations held a hearing entitled "A Review of Security Initiatives
at DOE Nuclear Facilities." Testimony was heard from the officials of the
Department of Energy: Linton Brooks, Administrator, National Nuclear Security
Administration; Glenn S. Podonsky, Director, Office of Security and Safety
Performance Assurance; and Peter Nanos, Director, Los Alamos National
Laboratory; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D272]



2005/03/20
Daily Digest - Sunday, March 20, 2005; pages D274 - D275

Committee Meetings

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS 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 date it is
reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported by the
Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any special rule on or before
the legislative day of April 5, 2005, providing for consideration of a bill
relating to the rights of an incapacitated person or persons.

FOR THE RELIEF OF THE PARENTS OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing ten
minutes of debate in the House on S. 686, for the relief of the parents of
Theresa Marine Schiavo, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. Finally, the rule provides
one motion to recommit.

     

2005/04/04
Daily Digest - Monday, April 4, 2005; pages D277 - D284

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/04/05
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 5, 2005; pages D286 - D292



Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of Labor, Health and
Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Employee
Benefits Security Administration, on Employment Standards Administration, and
on International Labor Affairs Bureau. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Labor: Ann Combs, Assistant Secretary, Employee
Benefits Security Administration; Victoria Lipnic, Assistant Secretary,
Employee Safety Administration; and Arnold Levine, Deputy Under Secretary,
Bureau of International Labor Affairs.

HEAD START FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "Financial
Accountability in the Head Start Early Childhood Program." Testimony was heard
from Marnie S. Shaul, Director, Education Issues, Education, Workforce, and
Income Security, GAO; Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for
Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D290]

ENERGY POLICY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began consideration of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005.

Will continue tomorrow.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization, hearing entitled "Yucca Mountain Project: Have Federal Employees
Falsified Documents?" Testimony was heard from Senators Reid and Ensign; the
following officials of the State of Nevada: Kenny C. Guinn, Governor; and
Brian Sandoval, Attorney General; the following officials of the Department of
the Interior: Charles G. Groat, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; and Earl E.
Devaney, Inspector General; the following officials of the Department of
Energy: Ted Garrish, Deputy Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste
Management; and Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; B. John Garrick,
Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and public witnesses.

BROWNFIELD SITES REDEVELOPMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census held
a hearing entitled "Lands of Lost Opportunity: What Can Be Done to Spur
Re-Development at America's Brownfield Sites." Testimony was heard from Thomas
Dunne, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, EPA; John Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
GAO; and public witnesses.

ASSESSING ANTHRAX DETECTION METHODS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Assessing Anthrax
Detection Methods." Testimony was heard from Keith Rhodes, Chief Technologist,
Center for Technology and Engineering, Applied Research and Methods, GAO;
Tanja Popovic, Associate Director, Science, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; the following officials
of the Department of Defense: Klaus Schafer, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Chemical and Biological Defense; and John Jester, Director, Pentagon Force
Protection Agency; Dana Tulis, Deputy Director, Office of Emergency
Management, EPA; Thomas G. Day, Vice President, Engineering, U.S. Postal
Service; from the following officials of the State of Virginia: James H.
Schwartz, Chief, Arlington County Fire Department; and Michael P. Neuhard,
Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department; and public witnesses.

CRIME DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 1279, Crime Deterrence and Community
Protection Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S.
Attorney, Northern District of Illinois; and public witnesses.



2005/04/06
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 6, 2005; pages D294 - D302

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; and Dennis Kaplan,
Budget Office.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Army Acquisition. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Army: Claude M. Bolton, Jr., Assistant
Secretary; and LTG Joseph Yakovac, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, both with
Acquisitions and Logistics.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of 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 L.
Gerberding, M.D., Director, Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
Department of Health and Human Services.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on the Kennedy Center. Testimony was heard from
Michael M. Kaiser, President, Kennedy Center and Keith Cuttingham and Mark
Goldstein, both with GAO.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Defense Health
Program, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the American
Battle Monuments Commission, the Arlington National Cemetery, and on the Armed
Forces Retirement Home. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D., Assistant
Secretary, Health Affairs; LTG Kevin C. Kiley, M.D., U.S. Army Surgeon General
Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command; LTG George Peach Taylor, Jr., M.D.,
Surgeon General, U.S. Air Force; and VADM Donald C. Arthur, Medical Corps
Surgeon General Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; Donald Ivers, Chief
Judge; and William Greene, Judge, both with the U.S. Court of Appeals for
Veterans Claims; GEN Fredrick M. Franks, Jr., U.S. Army (ret.), Chairman; and
BG John W. Nicholson, U.S. Army (ret.), Secretary, American Battle Monuments
Commission; John Paul Woodley, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army,
(Civil Works) and Timothy C. Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Armed Forces
Retirement Home.

                                    [Page: D299]

IRAQ'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Iraq's past, present and
future. Testimony was heard from the following former officials of the
Department of Defense: GEN Wesley Clark, USA (ret.), Combatant Commander,
European Command; and Richard Perle, Assistant Secretary, International
Security Policy.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget request--Military
Service's Requirement on Reconstitution of Equipment. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Claude V.
Christianson, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, U.S. Army; RADM Mark A. Hugel,
USN, Deputy Director, Fleet Readiness (OPNAV N43B), Staff of the Chief of
Naval Operations, U.S. Navy; LTG Jan C. Huly, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Plans,
Policies, and Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and LTG Donald J.
Wetekam, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics, U.S. Air
Force; and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense
Authorization budget request--Destruction of the U.S. Chemical Weapons
Stockpile--Program Status and Issues. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Dale Klein, Assistant to the Secretary
(Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs); Claude Bolton, Assistant
Secretary, Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology); Pat Wakefield,
Deputy Assistant to the Secretary (Chemical Demilitarization and
Counterproliferation); and Mike Parker, Director, U.S. Army Chemical Materiel
Agency; Craig Conklin, Chief, Nuclear and Chemical Hazards Branch Preparedness
Division, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, FEMA, Department of
Homeland Security; and Thomas Sinks, Acting Director, National Center,
Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.

SINGLE-EMPLOYER PENSION PLANS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported unfavorably H. Res.
134, Requesting the President to transmit to the House of Representatives
certain information relating to plan assets and liabilities of single-employer
pension plans.

ENERGY POLICY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began markup of the Energy Policy Act of
2005.

Will continue April 12.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BUDGET

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Strengthening
America's Communities: A Review of the Administration's FY 2006 Budget
Initiative." Testimony was heard from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of
Commerce; Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and
Clay Johnson III, Deputy Director, Management, OMB.

FANNIE MAE--OFHEO's EFFORTS TO ENSURE SAFE AND SOUND OPERATIONS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Additional
Accounting and Management Failures at Fannie Mae--OFHEO's Efforts to Ensure
Safe and Sound Operations." Testimony was heard from Armando Falcon, Director,
Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Department of Housing and
Urban Development.

ENERGY SECURITY POLICY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held a
hearing entitled "America's Energy Needs as Our National Security Policy."
Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Clay Sell, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Energy; R. James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D300]

OVERSIGHT--CHINA'S ANTI-SECESSION LAW

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held an oversight hearing on China's Anti-Secession Law and Developments
across the Taiwan Strait. Testimony was heard from Randall G. Schriver, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held an oversight hearing on Bosnia-Herzegovina: Unfinished Business.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--CHINA'S WESTERN HEMISPHERE INFLUENCE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
an oversight hearing on China's Influence in the Western Hemisphere. Testimony
was heard from Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western
Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; Rogelio Pardo-Maurer, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of
Defense; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT--REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the USA PATRIOT Act:
A Review for the Purpose of its Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from
Alberto R. Gonzales, the Attorney General, Department of Justice.

OVERSIGHT--DIGITAL MUSIC

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Digital Music
Interoperability and Availability. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONCESSIONS ACT OF 1998 IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on the Implementation of the National Park Service Concessions Act of
1998. Testimony was heard from Steve Martin, Director, Intermountain Region,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; EXPORT-IMPORT BANK PROGRAMS

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following resolutions: H.
Res. 130, Recognizing the contributions of environmental systems and the
technicians who install and maintain them to the quality of life of all
Americans and supporting the goals and ideals of National Indoor Comfort Week;
and H. Res. 22, as amended, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that American small businesses are entitled to a Small
Business Bill of Rights.

The Committee also held a hearing on the commitment of the Export-Import Bank
of the United States (Ex-Im) to assist small business exporters. Testimony was
heard from Philip Merrill, President and Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the
United States; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--PANDEMIC THREAT/AIR TRAVEL

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Efforts to Prevent Pandemics by Air Travel. Testimony
was heard from Jon L. Jordan, M.D., Federal Air Surgeon, Office of Aerospace
Medicine, FAA, Department of Transportation; CAPT Anne Schuchat, M.D., Acting
Director, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

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



2005/04/07
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 7, 2005; pages D303 - D310

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, Research, Education and Economics;
Edward B. Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Service; Colien
Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension;
Susan E. Offutt, Administrator, Economic Research Service; R. Ronald Bosecker,
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service; and Dennis Kaplan,
Budget Office.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on OSHA, on
the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and on the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Jonathon Snare,
Acting Assistant Secretary, OSHA; David Dye, Acting Assistant Secretary, Mine
Safety and Health Administration; and John Howard, M.D., National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Departments of Transportation,
Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of
Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the GSA. Testimony was
heard by Stephen A. Perry, Administrator, GSA.

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on BRAC/Global Posture
Review. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D305]

The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget
request--Military Resale and Morale Welfare and Recreation Overview. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Charles
S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; MG
Kathryn Frost, USA, Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Command;
RADM Robert E. Cowley, USN, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Commander, Navy Exchange
Service Command; Michael P. Downs, Director, Personal and Family Readiness
Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Patrick Nixon, CEO and Acting
Director, Defense Commissary Agency; BG John A. MacDonald, USA, Commanding
General, U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center; RADM Christopher
Weaver, USN, Commander, Navy Installations Command; Arthur Meyers, Director,
Services, USAF; SFC Peter Cawley, Army National Guard; GySgt Alan R. Gilly,
USMC; and public witnesses.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform, : Held a hearing entitled "No Computer Left
Behind: A Review of the Federal Government's D+Information Security Grade."
Testimony was heard from Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Security
Issues, GAO; Karen S. Evans, Administrator, Office of E-Government and
Information Technology, OMB; the following officials of AID, Department of
State: Bruce N. Crandlemire, Assistant Inspector General, Audit; and John
Streufert, Acting Chief Information Officer; the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Frank Deffer, Assistant Inspector General,
Information Technology; and Steve Cooper, Chief Information Officer; and the
following officials of the Department of Transportation: Ted Alves, Assistant
Inspector General, IT and Financial Management; and Daniel Matthews, Chief
Information Officer.



2005/04/08
Daily Digest - Friday, April 8, 2005; pages D311 - D312

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/04/11
Daily Digest - Monday, April 11, 2005; pages D313 - D316

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/04/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 12, 2005; pages D317 - D324

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Pandemic
Preparedness and Influenza Vaccine Supply. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Julie L.
Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Bruce
Gellin, M.D., Director, National Vaccine Program; and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.,
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Departments of Transportation,
Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of
Columbia and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Judiciary and
on the Supreme Court. Testimony was heard from Julia S. Gibbons, Chair,
Committee on the Budget, Judicial Conference of the United States; Leonidas
Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; and the
following Supreme Court Justices: Anthony M. Kennedy, and Clarence Thomas,
both Associate Justices.

ENERGY POLICY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Continued markup of the Energy Policy Act of
2005.

Will continue tomorrow.

FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Reforming Credit
Rating Agencies: The SEC's Need for Statutory Authority," Testimony was heard
from Annette L. Nazareth, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC.

NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization, hearing entitled "NSPS: The New Department of Defense Civilian
Personnel System--Reaching Readiness." Testimony was heard from David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Charles S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under
Secretary (Personnel and Readiness), Department of Defense; George Nesterczuk,
Senior Policy Advisor on the Department of Defense, OPM; Neil A. G. McPhie,
Chairman, Merit Systems Protection Board; and public witnesses.

U.N. OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Oil-for-Food: The
Inevitable Failure of U.N. Sanctions." Testimony was heard from Thomas A.
Schweich, Chief of Staff, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

U.S. MANUFACTURING--IMPACT OF REGULATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "The Impact of Regulation on U.S. Manufacturing." Testimony
was heard from Al Frink, Assistant Secretary, Manufacturing and Services,
Department of Commerce; John Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.

FIRST RESPONDERS FUNDING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology held a hearing entitled "The Need for Grant Reform and
The Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005." Testimony
was heard from J. Richard Berman, Assistant Inspector General, Audits, Office
of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; William O. Jenkins,
Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; Bryan E. Beatty,
Secretary, Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Secretary, State of
North Carolina; Michael Chapman, Director, Office of Homeland Security, State
of Missouri; David L. Miller, Administrator, Homeland Security and Emergency
Management Division, State of Iowa; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D321]

DEFENDING AMERICA'S MOST VULNERABLE: SAFE ACCESS TO DRUG TREATMENT AND CHILD
PROTECTION ACT; GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security, approved for full Committee the following bills: H.R. 1528,
Defending America's Most Vulnerable Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child
Protection Act of 2005; and H.R. 1279, Gang Deterrence and Community
Protection Act of 2005.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1528. Testimony
was heard from Jodi L. Avergun, Chief of Staff, DEA, Department of Justice;
and public witnesses.

NATIONAL PARKS/SNOWMOBILES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on Snowmobile Use in the National Park System. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Simpson, Peterson of Minnesota, and Holt; Michael D.
Snyder, Acting Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

DEATH TAX REPEAL PERMANENCY ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 8, Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act,
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 Pomeroy or his
designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable
for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in the
report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instruction. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hulshof and Pomeroy.

BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Sensenbrenner and
Representatives Watt, Scott of Virginia, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Delahunt,
Schiff, Maloney, Woolsey, Hastings of Florida and Emanuel, but action was
deferred on S. 256, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Act of 2005.

CIA BUDGET

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



2005/04/13
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 13, 2005; pages D326 - D336

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and on the Administration on Aging.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: Mark McClellan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services; Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary, Aging,
Administration on Aging; and William Beldon, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Budget.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the OMB.
Testimony was heard from Joshua B. Bolton, Director, OMB.

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 Millennium Challenge
Corporation. Testimony was heard from Paul V. Applegarth, CEO, Millennium
Challenge Corporation.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Park Service. Testimony was
heard from Fran Mainella, Director, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior.

OSHA/RECREATIONAL BOATING JOBS MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 739, Occupational Safety and Health Small Business Day in Court
Act of 2005; H.R. 740, amended, Occupational Safety and Health Review
Commission Efficiency Act of 2005; H.R. 741, amended, Occupational Safety and
Health Independent Review of OSHA Citations Act of 2005; H.R. 742,
Occupational Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act of 2005;
and H.R. 940, amended, Recreational Marine Employment Act of 2005.

ENERGY POLICY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the Energy
Policy Act of 2005.

GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ENTERPRISES REGULATORY REFORM

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Administration
Perspective on GSE Regulatory Reform." Testimony was heard from John W. D
Snow, Secretary of the Treasury; and Alphonso R. Jackson, Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development.

                                    [Page: D332]

NET WORTH AMENDMENT FOR CREATE UNIONS ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 1042, Net Worth Amendment for Credit
Unions Act. Testimony was heard from JoAnn Johnson, Chairman, National Credit
Union Administration; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
22, amended, Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act; H.R. 1533, amended,
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 2005; H.R. 504, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4960 West Washington
Boulevard in Lost Angeles, California, as the "Ray Charles Post Office
Building;" H.R. 1001, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 301 South Heatherwilde Boulevard in Pflugerville, Texas, as
the "Sergeant Byron W. Norwood Post Office Building;" H.R. 1072, To designate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 151 West End
Street in Goliad, Texas, as the "Judge Emilio Vargas Post Office Building;"
H.R. 1082, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service
located at 120 East Illinois Avenue in Vinita, Oklahoma, as the "Francis C.
Goodpaster Post Office Building;" H.R. 1236, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 750 4th Street in Sparks, Nevada, as
the "Mayor Tony Armstrong Memorial Post Office;" H.R. 1524, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12433 Antioch Road in
Overland Park, Kansas, as the "Ed Eilert Post Office Building;" H.R. 1542, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 695
Pleasant Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as the "Honorable Judge George
N. Leighton Post Office Building; " H. Res. 184, Recognizing a National Week
of Hope in commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist bombing
in Oklahoma City; H. Con. Res. 41, Recognizing the second century of Big
Brothers Big Sisters, and supporting the mission and goals of that
organization; and H. Res. 197, Honoring Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROMOTING PRIORITIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Department of
Homeland Security: Promoting Risk-Based Prioritization and Management."
Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.

GLOBAL AIDS CRISIS--U.S. RESPONSE

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on U.S. Response to
Global AIDS Crisis: A Two-Year Review, Testimony was heard from Randall L.
Tobias, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

IRAN FREEDOM SUPPORT ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central
Asia approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 282, Iran Freedom
Support Act.

U.S. TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH LATIN AMERICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on U.S. Trade Agreements with Latin America. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Brady of Texas, and Becerra; former Representative Cass
Ballenger of North Carolina; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 32,
amended, Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act; H.R. 748, amended,
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act; and H.R. 866, To make technical
corrections to the United States Code.

The Committee also began mark up of H.R. 1279, Gang Deterrence and Community
Protection Act of 2005.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION AND ALIEN GANG EPIDEMIC

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on Immigration and the Alien Gang Epidemic:
Problems and Solutions. Testimony was heard from Michael Garcia, Assistant
Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.

DOMESTIC ENERGY SECURITY ACT

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the Domestic Energy
Security Act.

OVERSIGHT--GRAZING AND RANGE CONSERVATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Management Challenges for Grazing and Range Conservation
in the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D333]

DROUGHT IMPACT REDUCTION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "The Role of New Surface and Groundwater Storage in Providing
Reliable Water and Power Supplies and Reducing Drought's Impacts." Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a closed rule providing one
hour of debate on S. 256, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection
Act of 2005, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all
points of order against the bill and against its consideration. Finally, the
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.1215, Green Chemistry
Research and Development Act of 2005.

SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES PROGRAM

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Private Equity for Small
Firms: The Importance of the Participating Securities Program." Testimony was
heard from Jaime Guzman-Fournier, Associate Administrator, Office of
Investment, SBA; and public witnesses.

COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation approved for full Committee action H.R. 889, Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005.

OVERSIGHT--WASTEWATER BLENDING

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Wastewater Blending.
Testimony was heard from Representative Stupak; and public witnesses.

ENHANCED ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY TAX ACT OF 2005

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1541, Enhanced
Energy Infrastructure and Technology Tax Act of 2005.

FBI BUDGET

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



2005/04/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 14, 2005; pages D338 - D346

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on
Recruiting and Retention. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Charles S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under Secretary,
Personnel and Readiness; LTG Franklin Hagenbeck, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army;
LTG Roger Schultz, Director, Army National Guard; and LTG James R. Helmly,
USAR, Chief of Army Reserve.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Election
Assistance Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Election Assistance Commission:
Cracia Hillman, Chairman, Paul DeGregorio, Vice Chairman; Mel Martinez and
DeForest Soaries, both Commissioners; and the following officials of the
Consumer Product Safety Commission: Hal Stratton, Chairman; and Thomas H.
Moore, Vice Chairman.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony
was heard from Members of Congress and public witnesses.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

EUROPEAN UNION--WEAPONS TRADE TO CHINA

Committee on Armed Services: and the Committee on International Relations held
a joint hearing regarding U.S. national security and foreign policy
implications of arms exports to the People's Republic of China by member
states of the European Union. Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns,
Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; Peter Rodman,
Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Department of Defense; and Peter
Lichtenbaum, Acting Under Secretary, Industry and Security, Department of
Commerce.

DOD ROTORCRAFT PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces held
a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization budget
request on the Department of Defense's major rotorcraft programs. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: William
Balderson, Deputy Secretary of the Navy (Air Programs), Department of the
Navy; BG Martin Post, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation; David
Duma, Acting Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, Office of the
Secretary; MG Robert Bishop, Jr., USMC, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Air
and Space Operations; and BG Jeff Schloesser, USA, Director, Army Aviation
Task Force.

HEAD START

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on The Best of Head Start: Learning from Model Programs.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS PRIVATIZING

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "The ORBIT Act: An Examination of Progress
Made in Privatizing the Satellite Communications Marketplace." Testimony was
heard from Donald Abelson, Chief, International Bureau, FCC; JayEtta Z.
Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure, Office of Congressional Relations,
GAO; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D344]

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Review and Oversight of the National
Flood Insurance Program." Testimony was heard from David Maurstad, Mitigation
Division Director and Flood Insurance Administrator, Emergency Preparedness
and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; William O. Jenkins,
Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Alfred W. Redmer, Jr.,
Commissioner, Insurance Administration, State of Maryland; and public
witnesses.

FIRST RESPONDER FUNDING

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Grant Reform: The
Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005." Testimony was
heard from Lee H. Hamilton, Vice Chair, National Commission on Terrorist
Attacks Upon the United States; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY--STRENGTHEN INFORMATION SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "The Need to Strengthen Information Security
at the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from Steven I.
Cooper, Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Gregory C.
Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

STATE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES FUNDING

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights, and International Operations held a hearing on Foreign Relations
Authorization for FY 2005-2006: Department of State Management Initiatives.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Christopher B. Burnham, Acting Under Secretary, Management; and Louise Crane,
Vice President, American Foreign Service Association.

AVERTING NUCLEAR TERRORISM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing on Averting Nuclear Terrorism. Testimony
was heard from R. James Woolsey, former Director, CIA; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FISHERIES CONSERVATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on the Relationship between the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Testimony was
heard from Dinah Bear, General Counsel, Council on Environmental Quality;
William T. Hogarth, Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 432, Betty Dick Residence Protection Act; H.R. 481, Sand
Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act of 2005; and H.R. 1492, To
provide for the preservation of the historic confinement sites where Japanese
Americans were detained during Work War II. Testimony was heard
fromRepresentatives Thomas, Udall of Colorado and Honda; Michael Snyder,
Acting Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING AWARDS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the 2004 Presidential Awardees for
Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

ESTATE TAX AND THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX--SMALL BUSINESSES INEQUITY

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports held a
hearing entitled "The Estate Tax and the Alternative Minimum Tax--Inequity for
America's Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FAA TRANSPORTATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Transforming the Federal Aviation Administration: a
Review of the Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Program Development
Office. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Transportation: Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary, Policy; and Kenneth Mead,
Inspector General; Gerald L. Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D345]

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on The National Preparedness System: What are we preparing for?
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Corey D. Gruber, Associate Director, Office for Domestic
Preparedness; and Gil Jamieson, Director, NIMS Integration Center; and public
witnesses.

U.S. CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on United States-China Economic
Relations and China's Role in the World Economy. Testimony was heard from
Representative Sanders; Kristin J. Forbes, member, Council of Economic
Advisers; Charles W. Freeman, III, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, China
Affairs; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; and public witnesses.

TAX SEASON/IRS BUDGET

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on 2005
Tax Return Filing Season and the IRS Budget for Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony
was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury;
James R. White, Director, Tax Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

GLOBAL UPDATES BRIEFING

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

GENERAL DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM BUDGET

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



2005/04/15
Daily Digest - Friday, April 15, 2005; pages D348 - D354

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/04/18
Daily Digest -  Monday, April 18, 2005; pages D356 - D360

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/04/19
Daily Digest -  Tuesday, April 19, 2005; pages D361 - D370

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the IRS.
Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the
Treasury.

                                    [Page: D367]

COLLEGE ACCESS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on College Access: Is
Government Part of the Solution, or Part of the Problem? Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM

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.

FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Federal Health Programs and Those
Who Cannot Care for Themselves: What Are Their Rights, and Our
Responsibilities?" Testimony was heard from Representative Weldon of Florida;
Donald A. Young, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

U.S. CENSUS 2010

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census held
an oversight hearing entitled "Halfway to the 2010 Census: The Countdown and
Components to a Successful Decennial Census." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Commerce: Kathleen Cooper, Under
Secretary, Economic Affairs, and Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of
the Census; and public witnesses.

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN/REAL ESTATE TRUSTS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization held a hearing on H.R. 1578, Real Estate Investment Thrift
Savings Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Foley and Neal; the
following officials of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board: Andrew
M. Saul, Chairman; and Gary A. Amelio, Executive Director; and public
witnesses.

FIRST RESPONDER FUNDING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology approved for full Committee action the following: H.R.
1544, amended, Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005;
and the Department of Homeland Security Technology Development and Transfer
Act of 2005.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT NUCLEAR DETECTION

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attacks held a hearing entitled "DHS Coordination of Nuclear
Detection Efforts, Part 1." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on the UN Commission on
Human Rights: Protector or Accomplice? Testimony was heard from Mark P. Lagon,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. Testimony was heard
from Danilo Turk, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political
Affairs, United Nations.

USA PATRIOT ACT: INFORMATION SHARING

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Effect of Sections 203 (b) and (d) on Information Sharing. Testimony was
heard from Representative McCaul of Texas; the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Maureen Baginski, Executive Assistant Director, Office
of Intelligence, FBI; and Barry Sabin, Chief, Counterterrorism Section for the
Criminal Division; and a public witness.

COASTAL OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a hearing on
H.R. 1489, Coastal Ocean Observation System Integration and Implementation Act
of 2005. Testimony was heard from Richard W. Spinrad, Assistant Administrator,
National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Robert Winokur,
Technical Director, Oceanographer of the Navy, Department of the Navy; Chris
Kearney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy and International Affairs,
Department of the Interior; Debra Hernandez, Director, Policy and Program
Development, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Department of
Health and Environmental Control, State of South Carolina; and public
witnesses.

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour and thirty minutes of general debate with 30 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
chairmen and ranking minority members of each of the following committees.
Science, Resources, and Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill.

                                    [Page: D368]

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, and provides that those amendments 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 except as
specified in the report, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division
of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. 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 Representative Hall of Texas, Chairman Boehlert, Chairman
Pombo, Representatives Calvert, Bartlett, Gilchrest, Johnson of Connecticut,
Peterson of Pennsylvania, Castle, Porter, Shays, Wamp, Kirk, Dingell, Markey,
Stupak, Capps, Allen, Schakowsky, Davis of Florida, Solis, Inslee, Eddie
Bernice Johnson, Udall of Colorado, Carnahan, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Emanuel,
Udall of New Mexico, Holt, Van Hollen, Millender-McDonald, Berkley, Bishop of
New York, Ford, Slaughter, Olver, and Hastings of Florida.

LONG TERM CARE

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



2005/04/20
Daily Digest -  Wednesday, April 20, 2005; pages D372 - D382

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Testimony was heard
from David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal
Motor Carriers Safety Administration. Testimony was heard from Annette M.
Sandberg, Administrator, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation.

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. AID.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on NASA.
Testimony was heard from Frederick D. Gregory, Deputy Administrator, NASA.

VIDEO AND DATA INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "How Internet Protocol-Enabled Services Are
Changing the Face of Communications: A Look at Video and Data Services."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER: FINANCIAL LITERACY AND SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Generations Working
Together: Financial Literacy and Social Security Reform." Testimony was heard
from former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming; and former Representatives Tim
Penny of Minnesota; and Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut; and public witnesses.

ELECTRONIC CHECK CLEARING

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Implementation of the Check Clearing
for the 21st Century Act." Testimony was heard from Louise L. Roseman,
Director, Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems, Federal
Reserve Board, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Homeland Security: . Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity approved for full Committee
action H.R. 285, Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act
of 2005.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "Management Challenges Facing the Department
of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from Richard L. Skinner, Acting
Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; Norman Rabkin, Managing
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; James S. Gilmore III, Chairman,
National Council on Readiness and Preparedness; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D379]

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT NUCLEAR DETECTION

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attacks concluded hearings entitled "DHS Coordination of Nuclear
Detection Efforts, Part II." Testimony was heard from Vayl Oxford, Acting
Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security.

527 REGULATION

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Regulation of 527
Organizations. Testimony was heard from Representatives Shays, Meehan, Pence
and Wynn; and public witnesses.

FOCUS ON A CHANGING JAPAN

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing entitled "Focus on a Changing Japan." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

MIDDLE EAST AND THE UNITED NATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central
Asia held a hearing on the Middle East and the United Nations. Testimony was
heard from Philo L. Dibble, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
International Organization Affairs, Department of State; Richard S. Schifter,
former U.S. Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and
Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations Security Counsel; and Richard
S. Williamson, former U.S. Ambassador and Alternate Representative for Special
Political Affairs to the United Nations.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; GANGS AND CRIME IN LATIN AMERICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action H. Res. 193, Expressing support to the
organizers and participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to Promote
the Civil Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Gangs and Crime in Latin America.
Testimony was heard from Adolfo A. Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau of
Latin America and Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development; Chris
Swecker, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation Division, FBI, Department
of Justice; John P. Torres, Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT--INDUSTRY COMPETITION

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
1279, amended, Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act; and H. Res. 210,
Supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day, and recognizing the
importance of intellectual property in the United States and Worldwide.

The Committee began markup of H.R. 800, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms
Act.

The Committee also held an oversight hearing on Industry Competition and
Consolidation: The Telecom Marketplace Nine Years After the Telecom Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

PATENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing entitled "Committee Print
Regarding Patent Quality Improvement." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

GUAM WAR CLAIMS REVIEW COMMISSION IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 1595, To implement the
recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission. Testimony was heard
from the following former Delegates from Guam: Ben Garrido Blaz; and Robert
Underwood; and the following officials of Guam: Felix P. Camacho, Governor;
Antonio R. Unpingco and Benjamin J. Cruz, both Senators, Legislature.

UNITED STATES TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
approved for full Committee action H.R. 1674, United States Tsunami Warning
and Education Act.

FUTURE MARKET FOR COMMERCIAL SPACE
     
Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on
the Future Market for Commercial Space. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Air Traffic Management by Foreign Countries. Testimony
was heard from Gerald L. Dillinghman, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D380]

OVERSIGHT--DEEPWATER IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on Deepwater
Implementation. Testimony was heard from ADM Thomas A. Collins, USCG,
Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and
Margaret T. Wrightson, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs an oversight hearing on the National Cemetery Administration.
Testimony was heard from Richard Wannemacher, Jr., Acting Under Secretary,
Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an
oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Testimony was heard from Cynthia
Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO; Judy Caden,
Director, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, Veterans Benefits
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses.

OVERVIEW--TAX-EXEMPT SECTOR

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on an Overview of the Tax-Exempt
Sector. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO;
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Sheldon S. Cohen, former Commissioner,
IRS, Department of the Treasury; and pubic witnesses.



2005/04/21
Daily Digest -  Thursday, April 21, 2005; pages D383 - D390

Committee Meetings

SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review Implementation of the
Secure Rural Schools Act of 2000: A Continuing Commitment to Rural Education
and Sustainable Forestry. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Rey, Under
Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the
Department of the Treasury. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary
of the Treasury.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies, on Department of State
held a hearing on International Organizations. Testimony was heard from Kim R.
Holmes. Assistant Secretary, International Organization Affairs, Department of
State.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing on Early Childhood Education: Improvement Through Integration.
Testimony was heard from Marsha Moore, Commissioner, Department of Early Care
and Learning, State of Georgia; and public witnesses.

SARBANES-OXLEY IMPACT

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Impact of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act." Testimony was heard from William H. Donaldson, Chairman,
SEC; and a public witness.

OMB MANAGEMENT WATCH LIST

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "OMB Management Watch
List: $65 Billion Reasons to Ensure the Federal Government is Effectively
Managing Information Technology Investments." Testimony was heard from Karen
Evans, Administrator, Electronic Government and Information Technology, OMB;
David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; Dan
Matthews, Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation; Robert
McFarland, Assistant Secretary, Information Technology, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Rosita Parkes, Chief Information Officer, Department of Energy, and
Lisa Schlosser, Chief Information Officer, Department of Housing and Urban
Development.

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1544,
Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005.

COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported H. Res. 224, providing for
the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One
Hundred Ninth Congress.

ARAB WORLD--POLITICAL LIBERALIZATION

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Redefining Boundaries:
Political Liberalization in the Arab World. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D389]

ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Zimbabwe: Prospects for
Democracy after the March 2005 Elections. Testimony was heard from Constance
Berry Newman, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Sections of the Act that Address--Crime, Terrorism, and the Age of
Technology. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Justice: Laura H. Parsky, Deputy Assistant Attorney General; and Steven M.
Martinez, Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Division, FBI; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "October, 2005 deadline for Visa
Waiver Program Countries to produce Secure Passports: Why it matters to
Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Elaine Dezenski, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Policy and Planning, Border and Transportation Security Directorate; and
Richard L. Skinner, Acting Inspector General; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on the National Historic Preservation Act. Testimony was heard from
Jan Matthews, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; John Nau, Chairman, Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation; and public witnesses.

SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and
Government Programs held a hearing entitled "Removing Obstacles to Job
Creation: How Can the Federal Government Help Small Businesses Revitalize the
Economy?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CAFTA IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Implementation of the Dominican
Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). Testimony was heard
from Representatives Burton, Dreier, Kaptur, DeFazio, Peterson of Minnesota,
Lungren and Melancon; Peter F. Allgeier, Acting U.S. Trade Representative; and
public witnesses.



2005/04/22
Daily Digest -  Friday, April 22, 2005; pages D391 - D396

Committee Meetings

"THE NATIONAL PARKS: WILL THEY SURVIVE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS?"

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "The National Parks: Will They
Survive for Future Generations?" Testimony was heard from Steve Martin, Deputy
Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Vin Cipolla,
President, National Park Foundation; and public witnesses.



2005/04/25
Daily Digest -  Monday, April 25, 2005; pages D397 - D400

Committee Meetings

OF INQUIRY RESOLUTION--SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported adversely H. Res. 170, of
inquiry requesting the President to transmit certain information to the House
of Representatives respecting a claim made by the President on February 6,
2005, at a meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that there is not a Social
Security trust.



2005/04/26
Daily Digest -  Tuesday, April 26, 2005; pages D401 - D408

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the U.S.
Postal Service and on the National Archives and Records Administration.
Testimony was heard from John E. Potter, Postmaster General, U.S. Postal
Service; and Allen Weinstein, Archivist, National Archives and Records
Administration.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FCC.
Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC.

UNDERACHIEVING SCHOOLS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on No Child Left
Behind: Supplemental Tutoring for Children in Underachieving Schools.
Testimony was heard from Donn Nola-Ganey, Assistant Superintendent, Office of
School and Community Support, Department of Education, State of Louisiana;
Beth Swanson, Director, Office of After School and Community Programs, Public
Schools, Chicago, Illinois; and public witnesses.

ILLEGAL DRUG USE PREVENTION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Drug Prevention Programs and the
Fiscal Year 2006 Drug Control Budget: Is the Federal Government Neglecting
Illegal Drug Use Prevention?" Testimony was heard from Charles Curie,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FORMULA

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census held
a hearing entitled "The 70's Look: Is the Decades-Old Community Development
Block Grant Formula Ready for an Extreme Makeover?" Testimony was heard from
Roy A. Bernardi, Deputy Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and the following officials of the GAO: Paul Posner, Director,
Federal Budget and Intergovernmental Relations; and Jerry C. Fastrup,
Assistant Director, Applied Research and Methods; and a public witness.

HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION SHARING AND ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment approved for full Committee action the
Homeland Security Information Sharing and Enhancement Act of 2005.

MALARIA AND TB: IMPLEMENTING PROVEN TREATMENT AND ERADICATION METHODS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Malaria and TB:
Implementing Proven Treatment and Eradication Methods. Testimony was heard
from Mark Dybul, M.D., Assistant U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Chief
Medical Officer; Department of State; Michael Miller, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Bureau for Global Health, U.S. AID; and public witnesses.

VE DAY ANNIVERSARY RESOLUTIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats approved for full Committee action the following resolutions: H. Res.
195, amended, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
and the Liberation of Western Bohemia; and H. Res. 233, Recognizing the 60th
anniversary of Victory (V-E) Day during World War II.

OVERSIGHT--U.S. PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Sections of the Act that Address-Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
(FISA). (Part 1)-Section 204: Clarification of Intelligence Exceptions from
Limitations on Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Oral, and Electronic
Communications; Section 207: Duration of FISA Surveillance of Non-United
States Persons who are Agents of a Foreign Power; Section 214: Pen Register
and Trap and Trace Authority Under FISA: Section 225: Immunity for Compliance
with FISA Wiretap; and Lone Wolf. Testimony was heard from May Beth Buchanan,
U.S. Attorney, Western District of Pennsylvania; James A. Baker, Counsel,
Intelligence Policy, Department of Justice; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D406]

SECURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND COURT PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 1751, Secure Access to Justice and Court
Protection Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Judge Jane R. Roth,
Chairwoman of Judicial Conference Committee on Security and Facilities; Judge
Cynthia Kent, 114th Judicial District Court of Texas; and the following
officials of the Eastern District of Virginia: Paul J. McNulty, U.S. Attorney;
and John F. Clark, U.S. Marshal.

NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a hearing on
H.R. 1428, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2005.
Testimony was heard from Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Matthew J. Hogan, Acting
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.

CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a structured rule providing
one hour of general debate on H.R. 748, Child Interstate Abortion Notification
Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment 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. 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 Sensenbrenner and Representatives Ros-Lehtinen,
Nadler, Scott of Virginia, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Waters, and Harman.

SENSE OF THE HOUSE RESOLUTION--SMALL BUSINESS BILL OF RIGHTS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour
of debate on H. Res. 22, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
that American small business are entitled to a Small Business bill of Rights,
in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of the resolution. The rule provides that the
amendments to the resolution and the preamble recommended by the Committee on
Small Business now printed in the resolution are considered as adopted. The
rule provides one motion to recommit, which may not contain instructions.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Keller, Barrow, Bean, and McGovern.



2005/04/27
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 27, 2005; pages D409 - D418

Committee Meetings

ASIAN SOYBEAN RUST

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research and the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management held a joint hearing to Review the Impact of Asia Soybean Rust
on the U.S. farm sector. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the USDA: Joseph Glauber, Deputy Chief Economist; and Joseph J. Jen, Under
Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Jim Jones, Director, Office of
Pesticide Programs, EPA; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Panel: SAMHSA, NIDA, NIMH, and
NIAAA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: Charles G. Curie, Administrator, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration; Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director,
National Institute on Drug Abuse; Thomas R. Insel, M.D., Director, National
Institute on Mental Health; and Faye Calhoun, M.D., Deputy Director, National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

                                    [Page: D414]

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal
Railroad Administration and on AMTRAK. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Robert Jamison, Acting
Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration; Jeff Rosen, General Counsel;
and Roger Nober, Chairman, Surface Transportation Board; and David Gunn, CEO,
AMTRAK.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on State Department FY 2006
Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Robert Zoellick, Deputy Secretary,
Department of State.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; LONG-TERM CARE AND MEDICAID

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following measures: H.R. 1812, to amend the Public Health
Service Act to authorize a demonstration grant program to provide patient
navigator services to reduce barriers and improve health care outcomes; H.R.
184, Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 869, To amend the
Controlled Substances Act to lift the patient limitation on prescribing drug
addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices; and H. Res.
169, amended, Recognizing the importance of sun safety.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "Long-Term Care and Medicaid:
Spiraling Costs and the Need for Reform." Testimony was heard from Mark D.
McClellan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
Department of Health and Human Services; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO;
Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care--Medicaid and Private Health Insurance
Issues, GAO; Carol V. O'Shaughnessy, Specialist in Social Legislation,
Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public
witnesses.

INTERNET PROTOCOL COMMUNICATIONS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on How Internet Protocol-Enabled Services Are Changing
the Face of Communications: A View from Government Officials. Testimony was
heard from Lewis K. Billings, Mayor, Provo City, Idaho; Kenneth Fellman,
Mayor, Arvada, Colorado; Diane Munns, Commissioner, State Utilities Board,
Iowa; Charles M. Davidson, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Florida;
and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
1768, To amend the provision of law establishing the Presidential 9/11 Heroes
Medals of Valor to make certain technical corrections to carry out the intent
of the provision; H.R. 358, amended, Little Rock Central High School
Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act; H.R. 1185, amended,
Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 1224, amended, Business
Checking Freedom Act of 2005; and H.R. 68, amended, NASA and JPL 50th
Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.

STEROID USE IN SPORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Continued hearings on Steroid Use in Sports
Part II: Examining the National Football League's Policy on Anabolic Steroids
and Related Substances. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the National Football League: Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner; Harold Henderson,
Executive Vice President, Labor Relations; and Gene Upshaw, Executive
Director, Players Association; John Lombardo, M.D., NFL Advisor, Anabolic
Steroids and Related Substances; Bryan S. Finkle, M.D., NFL Consulting
Toxicologist on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances; Linn Goldberg, M.D.,
Professor of Medicine, Health Sciences, Oregon University; Gary I. Wadler,
Associate Professor, Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, New York
University; Steve Courson, former NFL Player, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa
Bay Buccaneers; Bobby Barnes, Head Football Coach, Buckeye Union High School,
Arizona; and Willie Stewart, Head Football Coach, Anacostia High School,
District of Columbia.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1817,
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

Committee on International Relations: By unanimous consent, the Chairman was
authorized to request consideration of the following measures under suspension
of the rules in the House: H. Con. Res. 127, Calling on the Federal Republic
of Nigeria to transfer Charles Ghankay Taylor, former President of the
Republic of Liberia, to the Special Court for Sierra Leone to be tried for war
crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international
humanitarian law; H. Res. 195, amended, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of
Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the Liberation of Western Bohemia; H. Res. 233,
amended, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day
during World War II; H. Res. 193, Expressing support to the organizers and
participants of the historic meeting of the Assembly to Promote the Civil
Society in Cuba on May 20, 2005, in Havana; and H. Res. 228, amended,
Observing the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Republic of Vietnam to the
Communist forces of North Vietnam.

                                    [Page: D415]

The Committee also held a hearing on Millennium Challenge Account: Does the
Program Match the Vision? Testimony was heard from Paul V. Applegarth, Chief
Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation; David B. Gootnick, M.D.,
Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; and a public witness.

EUROPE--ISLAMIC EXTREMISM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing on Islamic Extremism in Europe. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--OFF-RESERVATION TRIBAL GAMING

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Tribal proposals
to acquire land-in-trust for gaming across state lines and how such proposals
are affected by the off-reservation discussion draft bill." Testimony was
heard from Representatives Weller and Jackson of Illinois; J. Bradley
Burzynski, member Senate, State of Illinois; Craig Foltin, Mayor, Lorain,
Ohio; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL FOREST REFORESTATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Reforestation Problems on National Forests: A GAO Report
on the Increasing Backlog. Testimony was heard from Robin Nazzaro, Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National
Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Ed Shepard, Assistant Director, Renewable
Resources and Planning, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior;
and public witnesses.

AMENDING HOUSE RULES--REINSTATING CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO PROCEDURES OF
THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing that upon
adoption of the rule, H. Res. 240, Amending the Rules of the House of
Representatives to reinstate certain provisions of the rules relating to
procedures of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to the form in
which those provisions existed at the close of the 108th Congress, is hereby
adopted.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS 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 April 28, 2005, providing for consideration or
disposition of conference report to accompany the concurrent resolution (H.
Con. Res. 95) establishing the congressional budget for the United States
Government for fiscal year 2006, revising appropriate budgetary levels for
fiscal year 2005, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal
years 2007 through 2010 or establishing a separate order relating to budget
enforcement.

DOE--SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Science and
Technology Priorities for the Department of Energy in Fiscal Year 2006.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Robert Shane Johnson, Deputy Director, Technology, Nuclear Energy, Science and
Technology; Raymond Orbach, Director, Office of Science; Mark Maddox,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Fossil Energy; Kevin Kolevar, Director,
Office of Electricity and Energy Assurance; and Douglas Faulkner, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

CLOSING THE TAX GAP--IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Closing the Tax Gap and
the Impact on Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson,
Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury; Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief
Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D416]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 1412, amended, Delaware River Protection Act of 2005; H.R. 1496,
amended, To return general aviation to Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airport; H.R. 1630, Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2005; and H.R. 1631, Rail
Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century.



2005/04/28
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 28, 2005; pages D419 - D428

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

RETIREE HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing on Challenges to Employer Efforts to Preserve Retiree
Health Care Benefits. Testimony was heard from Leslie Silverman, Commissioner,
EEOC; and public witnesses.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-CENTRAL AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Dominican Republic-Central America Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Testimony was heard from Regina L. Vargo, Assistant
U.S. Trade Representative for the Americas; and public witnesses.

COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Combating
Trafficking in Persons: Status Report on Domestic and International
Developments." Testimony was heard from John Miller, Director, Office to
Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D425]

RE-EXAMINATION--FEDERAL AGENCIES' CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLANS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Who's Watching the
COOP? A Re-Examination of Federal Agencies' Continuity of Operations Plans."
Testimony was heard from Reynold N. Hoover, Director, Office of National
Security Coordination, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Marta Brito
Perez, Associate Director, OPM; Linda Koontz, Director, Information
Management, GAO; and public witnesses.

NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held a
hearing entitled "The Role of Nuclear Power Generation in a Comprehensive
National Energy Policy." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and
the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations
held a joint hearing on The North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004: Issues and
Implementation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: Joseph E. DeTrani, Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks;
Arthur E. Dewey, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and
Migration; and Gretchen A. Birkle, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; and public witnesses.

NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing on Previewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation
Treaty Review Conference. Testimony was heard from Stephen G. Rademaker,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

U.N. OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a hearing on The Role of BNP-Paribas SA (Banque National
de Paris) in the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program, Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

PATENT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property continued oversight hearings entitled "Committee Print
Regarding Patent Quality Improvement," (Part 2). Testimony was heard from Jon
W. Dudas, Under Secretary, Intellectual Property and Director, U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Sections of the Act that Address Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
(FISA) (Part 2)--Section 206: Roving Surveillance Authority Under the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; and Section 215: Access to Records and
Other Items Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Testimony was
heard from James A. Baker, Counsel, Intelligence Policy, Department of
Justice; Kenneth L. Wainstein, Interim U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia;
Robert S. Khuzami, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New
York; and a public witness.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Section 218, Foreign Intelligence Information ("The Wall"). Testimony was
heard from Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--AMERICA'S MINING INDUSTRY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Improving the Competitiveness of America's Mining
Industry." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report on H. Con. Res. 95, establishing the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2006,
revising appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2005, and setting forth
appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010, 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 of the resolution establishes a separate
order for the 109th Congress creating a point of order in the Committee of the
Whole against a motion to rise and report a general appropriations bill if the
bill, as amended, is found in breach of its 302(b) allocation. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Nussle.

                                    [Page: D426]

NASA EARTH SCIENCE

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on NASA Earth Science. Testimony was
heard from Alphonso V. Diaz, Associate Administrator, Science Mission
Directorate, NASA; and public witnesses.

REDUCE UNNECESSARY REGULATORY BURDEN ON MANUFACTURERS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on the Administration's Program To Reduce Unnecessary
Regulatory Burden on Manufacturers--A Promise To Be Kept? Testimony was heard
from John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB; Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA; Stephanie
Daigle, Acting Associate Administrator, Policy, Economics, and Innovation,
EPA; Veronica Vargas Stidvent, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of
Labor; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NEW TECHNOLOGIES--RAIL SAFETY AND SECURITY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on New Technologies for Rail Safety and Security.
Testimony was heard from Jo Strang, Deputy Associate Administrator, Railroad
Development, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation;
Bob Chipkevich, Director, Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
Investigation Department, National Transportation Safety Board; and public
witnesses.

BRIEFING--OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE ACTIVITY UPDATE; BRIEFING ON GLOBAL UPDATES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on Oversight Subcommittee Activity Update. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.

The Committee also met in executive session to receive a Briefing on Global
Updates. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/05/02
Daily Digest - Monday, May 2, 2005; pages D429 - D430

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/05/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 3, 2005; pages D432 - D436

Committee Meetings

ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

Committee on Appropriations: Held a hearing on the Architect of the Capitol.
Testimony was heard from Alan Hantman, Architect of the Capitol.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and the Committee
on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the
USA PATRIOT Act: Sections 201, 202, 223 of the Act that Address Criminal
Wiretaps, and Section 213 of the Act that Addresses Delayed Notice. Testimony
was heard from Chuck Rosenberg, Chief of Staff, Deputy Attorney General,
Department of Justice; Michael Sullivan, U.S. Attorney, District of
Massachusetts; former Representative Bob Barr of Georgia; and a public
witness.

VOCATION AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 366, Vocational and Technical Education for the
Future Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule
waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be
considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule makes in
order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying
the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report
may be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only
by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall
not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in
the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Boehner and Representatives Castle, Woolsey and Wu.

                                    [Page: D434]

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE REFORM ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 1185, Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005,
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. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment
by section and that each section shall be considered as read. The rule
authorized 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 Oxley and Representatives Rohrabacher and Maloney.



2005/05/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 4, 2005; pages D437 - D442

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management, hearing to Review the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Keith Collins, Chief
Economist and Chairman Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; and Ross J.
Davidson, Jr. Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FISCAL YEAR 2006 APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action the Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES FISCAL YEAR 2006 APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Interior, Environment,
and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies continued appropriation
hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 869, To amend the Controlled Substances Act to lift the patient
limitation on prescribing drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners
in group practices; H.R. 184, Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005;
H. Res. 169, Recognizing the importance of sun safety; H.R. 1812, Patient
Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2005; and H. Res.
250, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hepatitis B Awareness Week,
10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.

                                    [Page: D439]

FLU SEASON READINESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on the State of Readiness for
the 2005-2006 Flu Season. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Health and Human Services: Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D.,
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Bruce Gellin, M.D.,
Director, National Vaccine Program; and Jesse Goodman, Director, Center for
Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA.

ASSESSING DATA SECURITY

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Assessing Data
Security: Preventing Breaches and Protecting Sensitive Information." Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

TERRORIST FINANCING/MIDDLE EASTERN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
and the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation of the
Committee on International Relations held a joint hearing entitled "Starving
Terrorists of Money: The Role of Middle Eastern Financial Institutions."
Testimony was heard from Stuart Levey, Under Secretary, Enforcement,
Department of the Treasury; Paul Simons, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Financial Management
Challenges at the Department of Justice." Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Justice: Paul R. Corts, Assistant
Attorney General, Administration and Chief Financial Officer; and Glenn A.
Fine, Inspector General.

OVERSIGHT--9/11 RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a hearing on 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act
Oversight, Part 1--Oppressors vs. Reformers in the Middle East and Central
Asia. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
State: Michael G. Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy,
Human Rights and Labor; and J. Scott Carpenter, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NEW JOBS IN RECESSION AND RECOVERY

Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing New Jobs in Recession and Recovery: Who are
Getting Them and Who are Not? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM--PERSONAL WATERCRAFT USE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on Personal Watercraft use in the National Park System. Testimony was
heard from Representative Westmoreland; Paul Hoffman, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--RURAL ELECTRICITY--ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "Stabilizing Rural Electricity Service Through Common Sense
Application of the Endangered Species Act." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

CONFERENCE REPORT--EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1268, making Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami
Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. The rule authorizes the chairman of the Committee on the
Judiciary to file a supplemental report to accompany H.R. 748. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Lewis and Representative Peterson of Minnesota.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 921, Minority
Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005;
H.R. 250, amended, Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005; and
H.R. 1674, amended, United States Tsunami Warning and Education Act.

                                    [Page: D440]

PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SMALL BUSINESS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Anticompetitive Threats
from Public Utilities: Are Small Businesses Losing Out?" Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

AVIATION TRUST FUND--FINANCIAL CONDITION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing entitled "Financial Condition of the Aviation Trust Fund:
Are Reforms Needed?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Transportation: Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, FAA; and
Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

SERVICEMEMBERS MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on the following: H.R. 419, Hire Veterans Act of 2004; H.R. 2046,
Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005; Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2005; and a measure To amend the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide protection against double taxation
for members of the Armed Forces absent from their residence or domicile solely
by reason of compliance with military orders. Testimony was heard from Craig
W. Duehring, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs, Department
of Defense; John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations and
Management, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor;
Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO; T. P.
O'Mahoney, Chairman, President's National Hire Veterans' Committee; and
representatives of veterans organizations.



2005/05/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 5, 2005; pages D444 - D450

Committee Meetings

IRAQI/VEHICLE ARMORING

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the status of Tactical Wheeled
Vehicle Armoring Initiatives and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Jammer
Initiatives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: BG Joseph L. Votel, USA, Director,
Joint IED Defeat Task Force, Office of the Secretary; BG Jeffrey A. Sorenson,
USA, Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); BG William D.
Catto, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Systems Command; LTG James N.
Mattis, USMC, former Commander, First Marine Division, Commanding General,
Marine Corps Combat Development Command, U.S. Marine Corps; and LTC Paul J.
Kennedy, USMC, former battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment,
First Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division; and
Steven J. DeTeresa, Engineer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

COLLEGE CREDIT MOBILITY

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness held a hearing entitled "College Credit Mobility: Can Transfer
Credit Policies be Improved?" Testimony was heard from Theresa Klebacha,
Director, Strategic Initiatives, Department of Education, State of Florida;
and public witnesses.

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing to Review Ongoing Management Concerns at Los Alamos National
Laboratory. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Energy: Gregory Friedman, Inspector General; Michael Kilpatrick, Director
of Independent Oversight, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance;
and Jerry Paul, Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security
Administration; and A. J. Eggenberger, Acting Chairman, Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board.

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Social
Security Reform: Successes and Lessons Learned." Testimony was heard from Gary
Amelio, Executive Director, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board;
Patrick Purcell, Specialist in Social Legislation, CRS, Library of Congress;
and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; DRUG SAFETY

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measrues: H.R.
627, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
40 Putnam Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut, as the "Linda White-Epps Post
Office;" H.R. 1760, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 215 Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard in Madison,
Wisconsin, as the "Robert M. La Follete, Sr., Post Office Building;" and H.
Res. 231, Recognizing and celebrating the life and accomplishments of the
great African American jockey Jimmy "Wink" Winkfield and the significant
contributions and excellence of other African American jockeys and trainers in
the sport of horse racing and the history of the Kentucky Derby; H. Res. 185,
Honoring Johnnie Cochran, Jr., for his service to the Nation, and expressing
condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers on his death; and
H.R. 2066, amended, General Services Administration Modernization Act.

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Risk and Responsibility: The Roles
of FDA and Pharmaceutical Companies in Ensuring the Safety of Approved Drugs,
Like Vioxx." Testimony was heard from Steven Galson, M.D., Director, Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D446]

DEMOCRACY THROUGH DIPLOMACY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Promoting Democracy
through Diplomacy. Testimony was heard from Representative Wolf; Paula
Dobriansky, Under Secretary, Global Affairs, Department of State; and public
witnesses.

ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Ethiopia and Eritrea:
Promoting Stability, Democracy and Human Rights. Testimony was heard from Don
Yamamoto, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and the Committee
on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the
USA PATRIOT Act: Section 212-Emergency Disclosure of Electronic Communications
to Life and Limb. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: William Moschella, Assistant Attorney General; and
Willie T. Hulon, Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, FBI; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "New 'Dual Missions' of the
Immigration Enforcement Agencies." Testimony was heard from Richard Stana,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; Janice Kephart, former
September 11 Commission Staff Counsel; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS' APPEALS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing to review the operations of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) and the Appeals Management Center (AMC).
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Ron Garvin, Acting Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals; and Michael
Walcoff, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Field Operations, Veterans Benefits
Administration; Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Education, Workforce and Income
Security, GAO; and representatives of veterans organizations.

SERVICEMEMBERS' HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Veterans's Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved
for full Committee action H.R. 2046, Servicemembers' Health Insurance
Protection Act of 2005.



2005/05/09
Daily Digest - Monday, May 9, 2005; pages D451 - D454

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/05/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 10, 2005; pages D455 - D462

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006; SUBALLOCATION OF BUDGET
ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
fiscal year 2006:  The Department of Homeland Security; and the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies.

The Committee also approved the Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal
Year 2006.

                                    [Page: D459]

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal
Highway Administration and the FAA. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Mary E. Peters, Administrator,
Federal Highway Administration; and Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, FAA.

MUTUAL FUNDS REGULATIONS

Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Mutual Funds: A
Review of the Regulatory Landscape." Testimony was heard from Meyer Eisenberg.
Acting Director, Division of Investment Management, SEC; and public witnesses.

DOD COUNTERNARCOTICS BUDGET

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "2006 DoD Counternarcotics Budget:
Does it Deliver the Necessary Support?" Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Marybeth Long, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict; COL. John D. Nelson,
USA, Director, Plans, Joint Task Force North, U.S. Northern Command; CAPT.
Edmund Turner, USN, Deputy Director, Current Operations, U.S. Southern
Command; and CAPT. Jim Stahlman, USN, Assistant Operations Officer, U.S.
Central Command; and Lennard Wolfson, Assistant Deputy Director, Office of
Supply Reduction, Office of National Drug Control Policy.

CENSUS DATA--PUBLIC POLICY AND URBAN AMERICA

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census,
hearing entitled "Life in the Big City: What is Census Data Telling Us About
Urban America and are Policymakers Listening?" Testimony was heard from
Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of
Commerce; Thomas M. Dowd, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training
Administration, Department of Labor; Mitchell Silver, Deputy Director, Long
Range Planning, Office of Planning, District of Columbia; and public
witnesses.

OVERSEAS SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Overseas
Security: Hardening Soft Targets." Testimony was heard from Jess Ford,
Director, International Affairs and Trade Division, GAO; the following
officials of the Department of State: Greg Starr, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Countermeasures, Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Foreign Missions;
Ambassador Prudence Bushnell, Dean, School of Leadership and Management, The
George P. Shultz, National Foreign Affairs Training Center; and Keith Miller,
Director, Office of Overseas Schools; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Prohibition of Material Support under Sections 805 of the USA PATRIOT Act
and 6603 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice:
Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General; Gregory Katsas, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General; and Barry Sabin, Chief, Counterterrorism Section for the Criminal
Division; and a public witness.

FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 1544, Faster and Smarter Funding
for First Responders Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security. 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
Homeland Security now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original
bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule waives all points of order against
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Homeland Security. The rule makes in orderly only those amendments printed in
the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that
the amendments printed in the report may be considered only in the order
printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent,
shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a
division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The
rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Cox and Representatives Bass,
Thompson of Mississippi, and Cuellar.

                                    [Page: D460]

GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 1279, Gang Deterrence and
Community Protection Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment 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. 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 Forbes, Scott of
Virginia, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Waters, Crowley, Watson, Cardoza and Cuellar.



2005/05/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 11, 2005; pages D464 - D472

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

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

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey W.
Runge, M.D., Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator,
Department of Transportation.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel approved for
full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces approved for
full Committee action H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2006.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 1815, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

SCHOOL READINESS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2123, School Readiness
Act of 2005.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1817,
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

SECURITY CONSUMER DATA

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Security Consumers' Data: Options
Following Security Breaches." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D469]

ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
approved a motion authorizing the issuance of subpoenas in connection with the
Committee's investigation into the marketing, distribution, and sale of
masking agents and/or other substances designed to subvert drug test results.

STATE AND LOCAL HOUSING FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 1999, State and Local
Housing Flexibility Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Alphonso R. Jackson,
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

BASEL II: BANKING SYSTEM CHANGES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary
Policy, Trade, and Technology held a joint hearing entitled "Basel II: Capital
Changes in the U.S. Banking System and the Results of the Impact Study."
Testimony was heard from Susan Schmidt Bies, Governor, Federal Reserve Board,
Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the
Treasury: Richard M. Riccobono, Acting Director, Office of Thrift Supervision;
and Julie Williams, Acting Director, Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency; Thomas J. Curry, Director, FDIC; and public witnesses.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Information Policy in the
21st Century--A Review of the Freedom of Information Act. Testimony was heard
from Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States, National Archives and
Records Administration; Carl Nichols, Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
Federal Programs Branch, Civil Division, Department of Justice; Linda Koontz,
Director, Information Management, GAO; and public witnesses.

PLAN COLOMBIA

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing entitled "Plan Colombia:
Major Successes and New Challenges." Testimony was heard from Speaker Hastert;
John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Adolfo A.
Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean,
U.S. Agency for International Development; the following officials of the
Department of State: Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western
Hemisphere Affairs; and Jonathan D. Farrar, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Ralph D. Utley, Acting
Counternarcotics Officer and Interdiction Coordinator, Department of Homeland
Security.

U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing entitled "The State of U.S.-Turkish Relations."
Testimony was heard from Mark Parris, former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Oversight of Public
Performance Rights Organizations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 38, Upper White Salmon Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act; H.R. 517, Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Reauthorization Act of 2005; H.R. 539, Caribbean National Forest Act of 2005;
and H.R. 1905, To amend the Small Tracts Act to facilitate the exchange of
small tracts of land. Testimony was heard from Representative Baird; Joel
Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; the
following officials of Puerto Rico: Jose L. Rivera Guerra, member, House of
Representatives; and Jose Garriga Pico, member, Senate; and public witnesses.

INTERNATIONAL USE OF TECHNICAL STANDARDS AS TRADE BARRIERS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards
held a hearing on Europe, China and the Use of Technical Standards as Trade
Barriers: How should the U.S. Respond? Testimony was heard from Hratch
Semerjian, Acting Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines held an oversight hearing on Hazardous Materials
Endorsement Background Checks. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Annette M. Sandberg,
Administrator, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration; and Todd J.
Zinser; Deputy Inspector General; Tom Blank, Chief Support Systems Officer for
the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security;
D. B. Smit, Commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles, State of Virginia; and
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D470]

OVERSIGHT--GETTING ACELA BACK ON TRACK

Committee on Transportation: Subcommittee on Railroads held an oversight
hearing on Getting Acela Back on Track. Testimony was heard from Robert D.
Jamison, Acting Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; the following officials of AMTRAK: Fred E. Weiderhold, Jr.,
Inspector General; and William Crosbie, Director, Operations; JayEtta Z.
Hecker, Physical Infrastructure Issues Director, GAO; and public witnesses.

SERVICEMEMBERS' HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2046,
Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005.

PATRIOT ACT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on the PATRIOT Act.
Testimony was heard from James B. Comey, Jr., Deputy Attorney General,
Department of Justice.



2005/05/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 12, 2005; pages D473 - D480

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Saint
Lawrence Seaway. Testimony was heard from Albert S. Jacquez, Administrator,
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Department of Transportation.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Energy and Water
Development, and Related Agencies appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

                                    [Page: D478]

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the
Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2006, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces approved for
full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical and Land Forces approved
for full Committee action H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2006.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing entitled "Examining Voluntary Compliance Programs
that Improve Occupational Safety and Health. Testimony was heard from Jon
Turnipseed, Safety Program Manager, Municipal Water Department, San Bernadino,
California; and public witnesses.

SPECIALTY HOSPITALS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Specialty Hospitals: Assessing Their Role in the Delivery of Quality
Health Care." Testimony was heard from Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Administrator,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human
Services; Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission;
and public witnesses.

CONSUMER CREDIT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Helping Consumers Obtain the Credit
They Deserve." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SECURING OUR BORDERS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Securing Our Borders:
What Have We Learned From Government Initiatives and Citizen Patrols?"
Testimony was heard from Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Janice Kephart, former
Counsel, National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States; and
public witnesses.

EMBASSY AND BORDER SECURITY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing entitled "Foreign Relations
Authorization for FY 2005-2006: Embassy and Border Security." Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Gregory B.
Starr, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Countermeasures, Bureau of Diplomatic
Security; MG Charles E. Williams, USA, (ret.), Director, Bureau of Overseas
Buildings Operations; and Dan Smith, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Consular Affairs.

STATE DEPARTMENT TERRORISM REPORT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing entitled "Reviewing the State Department's
Annual Report on Terrorism." Testimony was heard from Philip D. Zelikow,
Counselor, Department of State; John O. Brennan, Interim Director, National
Counterterrorism Center; Raphael F. Perl, Specialist in International
Terrorism Policy, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public witness.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1817,
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held a hearing on H.R. 98, Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social
Security Protection Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Dreier and Reyes; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 323, To redesignate the Ellis Island Library on the
third floor of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, located on Ellis Island in
New York Harbor, as the "Bob Hope Memorial Library;" H.R. 774, Rocky Mountain
National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2005; and H.R. 1084, To authorize the
establishment at Antietam National Battlefield of a memorial to the officers
and enlisted men of the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth New Hampshire Volunteer
Infantry Regiments and the First New Hampshire Light Artillery Battery who
fought in the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Bradley of New Hampshire and Engel; Sue Masica, Associate
Director, Park Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior.

                                    [Page: D479]

COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCH

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on the Future of Computer Science
Research in the U.S. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger, III,
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy; Anthony J. Tether,
Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of Defense;
and public witnesses.

COAST GUARD AMENDMENTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on the Coast Guard Amendments of
2005. Testimony was heard from Calvin Lederer, Deputy Judge Advocate General,
U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an
oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and
Training Service (VETS). Testimony was heard from Sigurd R. Nilsen, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; John M. McWilliam,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations and Management, Veterans' Employment
and Training Service, Department of Labor; representatives of veterans
organizations; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--ALTERNATIVES TO STRENGTHEN; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Alternatives to Strengthen
Social Security. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

Prior to the hearing, the Committee approved pending business.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

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



2005/05/13
Daily Digest - Friday, May 13, 2005; pages D481 - D486

Committee Meetings

FREE TRADE--EFFECT OF DOMESTIC RESTRICTIONS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Domestic Source
Restrictions Threaten Free Trade: What is the Federal Government Doing to
Ensure a Level Playing Field in the Global Economy?" Testimony was from
Benjamin H. Wu, Assistant Secretary, Technology and Acting Director, National
Technical Information Service, Department of Commerce; Charles W. Freeman, II,
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses.

TSA'S SCREENING OF AIRLINE PILOTS

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled "The
Transportation Security Administration's Screening of Airline Pilots: Sound
Security Practice or Waste of Scarce Resources?" Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.



2005/05/16
Daily Digest - Monday, May 16, 2005; pages D487 - D492

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 2006.

UN OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The United Nations Oil-for-Food Program: Saddam
Hussein's Use of Oil Allocations to Undermine Sanctions and the United Nations
Security Council." Testimony was heard from Gerald C. Anderson, Director,
Office of Peacekeeping, Sanctions and Counterterrorism, Department of State;
and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2360, a bill making appropriations for the Department of
Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other
purposes. The rule provides for 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. 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 Chairman Rogers of Kentucky
and Representative Sabo.

                                    [Page: D490]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
ACT, 2006

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Taylor of North Carolina,
Representatives Pombo and Dicks, but action was deferred on H.R. 2361, a bill
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and
related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other
purposes.



2005/05/17
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 17, 2005; pages D494 - D502

Committee Meetings

HIGH SCHOOL REFORM

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing entitled "High School
Reform: Examining State and Local Efforts." Testimony was heard from the
following Governors: W. Mitt Romney, Massachusetts; and Thomas Vilsack, Iowa.

EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH CARE

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations held a hearing entitled "Examining Pay-for-Performance Measures and
Other Trends in Employer-Sponsored Health Care." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

DRUG TESTING PROGRAMS SUBVERSION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Subversion of Drug Testing Programs." Testimony was
heard from Robert Cramer, Office of Special Investigations, GAO; Robert
Stephenson, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

In refusing to give testimony at this hearing, the following individuals:
Dennis Catalano, President, Puck Technology; Michael Fichera, Health Choice of
New York, Inc.; and Matt Stephens, President, Spectrum Labs, invoked Fifth
Amendment privileges.

STATE AND LOCAL HOUSING FLEXIBILITY ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 1999, State and Local Housing Flexibility
Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Rudy Monteil, Executive Director,
Housing Authority, Los Angeles, California; Renee Glover, Chief Executive
Officer, Housing Authority, Atlanta, Georgia; Daniel Nackerman, Executive
Director, Housing Authority, County of San Bernardino, California; and public
witnesses.

FEDERAL FOOD INSPECTION PROGRAM; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 994,
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and
military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to
allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums; H.R. 1283, To provide
that transit pass transportation fringe benefits be made available to all
qualified Federal employees in the National Capital Region; to allow passenger
carriers which are owned or leased by the Government to be used to transport
Government employees between their place of employment and mass transit
facilities; and H.R. 1765, Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational
Debt for Service Act of 2005.

                                    [Page: D499]

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "Question: What Is More
Scrambled Than an Egg? Answer: the Federal Food Inspection Program." Testimony
was heard from Robert A. Robinson, Managing Director, Natural Resources and
Environment, GAO; Robert E. Brackett, Director, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; Merle
Pierson, Acting Under Secretary, Food Safety, USDA; Jim Jones, Director,
Pesticide Programs, EPA; and Richard V. Cano, Acting Director, Seafood
Inspection Program, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of
Commerce.

MIDDLE EAST--FOSTERING DEMOCRACY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Fostering
Democracy in the Middle East: Defeating Terrorism with Ballots?" Testimony was
heard from Mona Yacoubian, Special Adviser, Muslim World Initiative, United
States Institute of Peace; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT IN CHINA

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Intellectual Property Theft
in China. Testimony was heard from Victoria Espinel, Acting Assistant, U.S.
Trade for Intellectual Property; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT IN RUSSIA

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, Internet, and Intellectual
Property also held an oversight hearing on Intellectual Property Theft in
Russia. Testimony was heard from Victoria Espinel, Acting Assistant, U.S.
Trade Representative for Intellectual Property; and public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
the consideration of H.R. 1817, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year
2006 for the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. The rule
provides for one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The
rule provides that in lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees of
Homeland Security, Energy and Commerce, and the Judiciary now printed in the
bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the
Rules Committee report shall be considered as the 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 printed in
part A of the Rules Committee report.

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 in the House or
in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Cox, Representatives Shays, Souder, Ehlers, Manzullo,
Kennedy of Minnesota, Wamp, Thompson of Mississippi, Loretta Sanchez of
California, Markey, Lowey, Norton, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Meek of Florida,
Oberstar, Costello, Slaughter, Engel, Waters, Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
Maloney, Menendez, Stupak, Cummings, Kennedy of Rhode Island, Ford, Inslee,
McCarthy of New York, Reyes, Israel, Lynch, Ruppersberger, Barrow, and
Higgins.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 50, amended,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act; H.R. 2364, amended, to
establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships
to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service
and in Administration marine research, atmospheric research and satellite
programs; H.R. 426, amended, Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2005; and H.R.
1022, George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object Survey Act.

                                    [Page: D500]

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard from Joanne
B. Barnhart, Commissioner, SSA; Barbara D. Bovbjerg, Director, Education,
Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

WTO's FUTURE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the
Future of the World Trade Organization. Testimony was heard from Peter F.
Allgeier, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses.



2005/05/18
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 18, 2005; pages D504 - D512

Committee Meetings

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE--VA/ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2006; REVISED SUBALLOCATION OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2006: Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related
Agencies appropriations; and the Energy and Water Development, and Related
Agencies.

The Committee approved the Revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations for
Fiscal Year 2006.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1815, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

SCHOOL READINESS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
2123, School Readiness Act of 2005.

DRUG FREE SPORTS ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on H.R. 1862, Drug Free Sports Act.
Testimony was heard from Frank Shorter, former Chairman, United States
Anti-Doping Agency; Donald P. Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer;
Robert Foose, Executive Director, Major League Soccer Players Union; Allan H.
Selig, Commissioner, Major League Baseball; Donald Fehr, Executive Director,
Major League Baseball Players Association; Gary Bettman, Commissioner,
National Hockey League; Robert Goodenow, Executive Director, National Hockey
League Players Association; David Stern, Commissioner, National Basketball
Association; and William Hunter, Executive Director, National Basketball
Players Association.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

INCREASING GENERIC DRUG UTILIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Increasing Generic Drug Utilization: Saving Money for Patients."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

ENHANCING DATA SECURITY

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Enhancing Data Security: The
Regulators' Perspective." Testimony was heard from Lydia B. Parnes, Director,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Sandra Thompson, Deputy Director, Division
of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC; and Robert M. Fenner, General
Counsel, National Credit Union Administration.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; KOSOVO: CURRENT AND FUTURE STATUS

Committee on International Relations: Approved a motion authorizing the
Chairman to request that the following measures be considered under suspension
of the rules: H. Con. Res. 44, Recognizing the historical significance of the
Mexican holiday of Cinco do Mayo; H. Con. Res. 89, Honoring the life of Sister
Dorothy Stang; H. Con. Res. 149, amended, Recognizing the 57th anniversary of
the independence of the State of Israel; H. Res. 191, Urging the Government of
Romania to recognize its responsibilities to provide equitable, prompt, and
fair restitution to all religious communities for property confiscated by the
former Communist government in Romania; H. Res. 272, Recognizing the historic
steps India and Palistan have taken toward achieving bilateral peace; H. Res.
273, amended, Urging the withdrawal of all Syrian forces from Lebanon, support
for free and fair democratic elections in Lebanon, and the development of
democratic institutions and safeguards to foster sovereign democratic rule in
Lebanon; H. Res. 282, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives
regarding anti-Semitism at the United Nations; H. Con. Res. 153, Welcoming His
Excellency Hamid Karzi, the President of Afghanistan, on the occasion of his
visit to the United States in May 2005, and expressing support for a strong
and enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Afghanistan.

                                    [Page: D509]

The Committee also held a hearing on Kosovo: Current and Future Status.
Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary, Political
Affairs, Department of State; Mira R. Ricardel, Acting Assistant Secretary,
International Security Policy, Department of Defense; Daniel P. Serwer,
Vice-President and Director, Peace and Stability Operations, and Balkans
Initiate, United States Institute of Peace; and public witnesses.

UN PEACEKEEPING REFORM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on UN Peacekeeping Reform:
Seeking Greater Accountability and Integrity. Testimony was heard from Philo
L. Dibble, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International
Organization 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 the following measures: H.
Con. Res. 149, amended, Recognizing the 57th anniversary of the independence
of the State of Israel; H. Res. 273, amended, Urging the withdrawal of all
Syrian forces from Lebanon, support for free and fair democratic elections in
Lebanon, and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards to
foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon; H. Res. 282, Expressing the sense
of the House of Representatives regarding anti-Semitism at the United Nations;
and H. Con. Res. 153, Welcoming His Excellency Hamid Karzi, the President of
Afghanistan, on the occasion of his visit to the United States in May 2005,
and expressing support for a strong and enduring strategic partnership between
the United States and Afghanistan.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 742,
Occupational Safety and Health Employer Access to Justice Act of 2005; H.R.
2293, To provide special immigrant status for aliens as translators with the
United States Armed Forces; and H.R. 744, Internet Spyware Prevention (I-SPY)
Act of 2005.

The Committee also continued mark up of H.R. 800, Protection of Lawful
Commerce on Arms Act.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Ordered reported the following measures H.R. 38, Upper
White Salmon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; H.R. 125, amended, 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. 362, amended, Ojito Wilderness Act; H.R.
394, amended, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary
study to evaluate the significance of the Colonel James Barrett Farm in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the suitability and feasibility of its
inclusion in the National Park System as apart of the Minute Man National
Historical Park; H.R. 432, Betty Dick Residence Protection Act; H.R. 481,
amended, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2005;
H.R. 517, Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Reauthorization Act of 2005; H.R. 539, amended, Caribbean National Forest Act
of 2005; H.R. 599, amended, Federal Lands Restoration, Enhancement, Public
Education, and Information Resources Act of 2005; H.R. 774, Rocky Mountain
National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2005; H.R. 853, To remove certain
restrictions on the Mammoth Community Water District's ability to use certain
property acquired by that District from the United States; H.R. 873, Northern
Marianas Delegate Act; H.R. 975, Trail Responsibility and Accountability for
the Improvement of Lands Act; H.R. 1084, To authorize the establishment at
Antietam National Battlefield of a memorial to the officers and enlisted men
of the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiments and
the First New Hampshire Light Artillery Battery who fought in the Battle of
Antietam on September 17, 1862; H.R. 1428, amended, National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2005; H.R. 1492, amended, To provide for the
preservation of the historic confinement sites where Japanese Americans were
detained during World War II; H.R. 1797, Spokane Tribe of Indians of the
Spokane Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Equitable Compensation Settlement Act;
H.R. 1905, Small Tracts Reform Act; H.R. 2130, Marine Mammal Protection Act
Amendments of 2005; and H.R. 2362, National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization
Act of 2005.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
ACT, 2006

                                     [Page: D510]

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, an open rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2361, a bill making appropriations for the Department of
the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2006, and for other purposes. The rule provides for 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. 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.

NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on The National
Nanotechnology Initiative: Review and Outlook. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H. Con. Res. 145, Expressing the sense of Congress in support of a
national bike month and in appreciation of cyclists and others for promoting
bicycle safety and the benefits of cycling; H. Res. 243, Recognizing the Coast
Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for
their efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week; H.R. 624, To amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer
overflow control grants; H.R. 889, amended, Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2005; H.R. 1359, amended, To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source
projects; and H. Con. Res. 152, amended, Commemorating Mystic Seaport: the
Museum of America and the Sea in recognition of its 75th year.

The Committee also approved GSA 3314(b) Resolutions.

TELEMEDICINE HEALTH CARE

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held an oversight
hearing on the use and development of telemedicine technologies in the
Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Adam W.
Darkins, M.D., Chief Consultant, Office of Care Coordination; Ross D.
Fletcher, M.D., Chief of Staff, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, Linda
Godleski, M.D., VHA Lead for Telemental Health, Office of Care Coordination,
Associate Chief of Staff for Education, VA Health Care System, State of
Connecticut; B. Christopher Frueh, Staff Psychologist, VA Medical Center,
State of South Carolina; and Sydney Wertenberger, R.N., Associate Director,
Patient Care Services, VA Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Carolyn
Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department
of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

PROTECT FOSTER CHILDREN ENROLLED IN CLINICAL TRIALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Protections for Foster Children Enrolled in Clinical Trials. Testimony was
heard from Donald Young, M.D., Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services; Roberta
Harris, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health and Family Services, State of
Wisconsin; and public witnesses.



2005/05/19
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 19, 2005; pages D514 - D520

Committee Meetings

COMPETITIVENESS IN MATH AND SCIENCE

Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness, hearing entitled "Challenges to American Competitiveness in
Math and Science." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

DRUG FREE SPORTS ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection concluded hearings on H.R. 1862, Drug Free Sports Act.
Testimony was heard from David Stern, Commissioner, National Basketball
Association; William Hunter, Executive Basketball Players Associate; Paul
Tagliabue, Commissioner, National Football League; and Gene Upshaw, Executive
Director, National Football League Players Association.

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY RELIEF

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

STEROID USE IN SPORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Steroid Use in Sports
Part III: Examining Basketball Association's Steroid Testing Program."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National Basketball
Association: David Stern, Commissioner, and Richard W. Buchanan, Senior Vice
President and General Counsel; William Hunter, Executive Director, National
Basketball Players Association; Keith Jones, Athletic Trainer, Houston
Rockets; and Juan Dixon, Player, Washington Wizards.

RECREATIONAL BOATERS STREAMLINED INSPECTION ACT

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing on H.R. 1509,
Recreational Boaters Streamlined Inspection Act. Testimony was heard from
Representative Foley; Robert Jacksta, Executive Director, Border Security and
Facilitation, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; and a public witness.

REFORMING THE UNITED NATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Reforming the United
Nations: Budget and Management Perspectives. Testimony was heard from Mark P.
Lagon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization
Affairs, Department of State; former Senator Timothy E. Wirth of Colorado and
President UN Foundation; and Catherine Bertini, former Under
Secretary-General, Management, United Nations.

The Committee also held a briefing on this subject. Testimony was heard from
Mark Malloch Brown, Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General, United Nations.

                                    [Page: D519]

OVERSIGHT--HIGH ENERGY COSTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "The Impacts of High Energy Costs to the American
Consumer." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a hearing on
H.R. 50, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act. Testimony was
heard from Representative Ehlers; VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN
(Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.

ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DRILLING--BENEFITS SMALL BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on the benefits small businesses will receive if drilling is
allowed in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Testimony was heard from
Representative King of Iowa; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--TRANSITION FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO VETERANS' STATUS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held an oversight hearing regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs' and
the Department of Defense's efforts to assist military personnel in making a
"seamless transition" from active duty to veterans' status. Testimony was
heard from Cynthia A. Bascetta, Director, Health Care--Veterans' Health and
Benefits Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: Brenda Faas, Social Worker, Veterans Health Administration; Linda
Petty, Benefits Counselor, Veterans Benefits Administration; and John Brown,
Director, Office of Seamless Transition; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: MAJ Ladda Tammy Duckworth, USA, Patient, Walter Reed
Army Medical Center; COL Gwendolyn Fryer, USA, Southern Regional Medical
Command Military Liaison to James E. Haley Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
Tampa, Florida; and COL Timothy Frank, USMC, Liaison Officer to the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs; and a representative of a veterans organization.

AGING SOCIETY--RETIREMENT POLICY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Retirement Policy
Challenges and Opportunities of our Aging Society. Testimony was heard from
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Hal Daub, Chairman, Social Security
Advisory Board; and public witnesses.

PATRIOT ACT

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Concluded hearings on the PATRIOT
Act, Part II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.



2005/05/20
Daily Digest - Friday, May 20, 2005; pages D521 - D526

Committee Meetings

D.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS--TOWARD A CULTURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Declaration of
Education: Toward a Culture of Achievement in D.C. Public School." Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Robert C.
Bobb, Deputy Mayor/City Administrator; Kathleen Patterson, Chairperson,
Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, Council; Peggy Cooper
Cafritz, President, Board of Education; Clifford B. Janey, Superintendent,
Public Schools; Charles H. Ramsey, Chief of Policy, Metropolitan Police
Department; and Brenda Donald Walker, Director, Child and Family Services
Agency; and public witnesses.



2005/05/23
Daily Digest - Monday, May 23, 2005; pages D527 - D532

Committee Meetings

MISCELLANEOUS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Held a hearing on the following: the House of
Representatives, GAO, GPO, the Library of Congress and the Open World
Leadership Center. Testimony was heard from Jay M. Eagen III, Chief
Administrative Officer, House of Representatives; David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; Bruce R. James, Public Printer, GPO, and James H. Billington,
Librarian of Congress and Chairman, Open World Leadership Center.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 2419, making appropriations for energy and water
development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, 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 and
Visclosky.



2005/05/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 24, 2005; pages D534 - D542

Committee Meetings

REVIEW U.S. GRAIN STANDARDS ACT

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to Review the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Testimony
was heard from David Shipman, Deputy Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers
and Stockyards Administration, USDA; and public witnesses.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
and approved for full Committee action the Defense appropriations for Fiscal
Year 2006.

SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee
action the Science, The Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and
Related Agencies appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

                                    [Page: D538]

OLDER AMERICANS ACT EXAMINATION

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing entitled "An Examination of the Older Americans Act." Testimony
was heard from Joan Lawrence, Director, Department of Aging, State of Ohio;
and public witnesses.

NUCLEAR TERRORISM THREAT REDUCTION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on Reducing the Threat of Nuclear Terrorism: A Review of the
Department of Energy's Global Threat Reduction Initiative. Testimony was heard
from Paul Longsworth, Deputy Administrator, Defense Nuclear Proliferation,
National Nuclear Security Agency, Department of Energy; Edward McGaffigan,
Jr., Commissioner, NRC; and public witnesses.

ABUSIVE MORTGAGE LENDING PRACTICES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
held a joint hearing entitled "Legislative Solutions to Abusive Mortgage
Lending Practices." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census held
a hearing entitled "Bringing Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Spending into the 21st Century: Introducing Accountability and Meaningful
Performance Measures into the Decades-Old CDBG Program." Testimony was heard
from Roy A. Bernardi, Deputy Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and public witnesses.

BORDER PATROL AGENT TRAINING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "Training More Border Patrol Agents: How the
Department of Homeland Security Can Increase Training Capacity Most
Effectively." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Thomas Walters, Assistant Commissioner,
Training and Development, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; and Connie
Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and public
witnesses.

STATE TAXATION AND INTERSTATE COMMERCE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution and the
Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a joint oversight
hearing on "Economic Development and the Dormant Commerce Clause: The Lessons
of Curo v. Daimler Chrysler and Its Effect on State Taxation Affecting
Interstate Commerce." Testimony was heard from Bruce Johnson, Lt. Gov., State
of Ohio; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL FISH HATCHERY SYSTEM

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on the Federal Fish Hatchery System. Testimony was heard from Mamie
Parker, Assistant Director, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; D. Robert Lohn, Regional
Administrator, Northwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

BIOMASS UTILIZATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on Current Obstacles in Biomass Utilization: A GAO Report on
Problems Agencies Face in the utilization of Woody Biomass, and the extent to
which they are addressing these problems. Testimony was heard from Robin
Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public
witnesses.

DESALINATION DROUGHT PROTECTION ACT; DESALINATION PROCESS--REDUCING POWER AND
OTHER COSTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on H.R.
1071, Desalination Drought Protection Act of 2005 and on "Reducing Power and
Other Costs of the Desalination Process." Testimony was heard from David
Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Department of Energy; Maryanne Bach, Director, Research and Development,
Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Douglas Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 1815, National Defense Authorization Act for FY
2006, to be equally divided and controlled between the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed
Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all
points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Armed Services.

                                    [Page: D539]

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. 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 the time specified in the report, shall not be subject to
amendment (except that the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Armed Services each may offer one pro forma amendment for the
purpose of further debate on any pending amendment), shall be considered as
read, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. The
rule waives all points of order against amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report. The rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole
to recognize for the consideration of any amendment printed in the report out
of the order printed, but not sooner than one hour after the chairman of the
Committee on Armed Services or a designee announces from the floor a request
to that effect.

The rule 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 of the Committee of the Whole.

The rule provides that during consideration of the bill under this resolution
or by a subsequent order of the House that after a motion that the Committee
rise or after a motion to strike out the enacting words of the bill (as
described in clause 9 of rule XVIII) has been rejected on a legislative day,
the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may entertain another such motion
on that day only if offered by the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services
or the Majority Leader. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with
or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Hunter and
Representatives Bradley of New Hampshire, Simmons, Shays, Stearns, Cunningham,
Latham, Manzullo, Goode, Beauprez, Skelton, Spratt, Taylor of Mississippi,
Meehan, Tauscher, Israel, Udall of Colorado, Marshall, McKinney, Stark,
Markey, Slaughter, DeLauro, Bishop of Georgia, Velazquez, Woolsey, Blumenauer,
Ford, Kilpatrick, Tierney, Honda, Lynch, Matheson, Schiff, Michaud, Herseth
and Wasserman Schultz.

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and
Government Programs and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a joint hearing entitled "How Are Our
Veterans-Owned Small Business Owners Being Served?" Testimony was heard from
Frank A. Ramos, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business
Utilization, Department of Defense; Scott F. Denniston, Director, Office of
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; Department of Veterans Affairs;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.

WTO WITHDRAWAL

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered adversely reported H.J. Res. 27,
Withdrawing the approval of the United States from the Agreement establishing
the World Trade Organization.

RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Tax Credits for Electricity Production from Renewable Sources.
Testimony was heard from Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy
Information Administration, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary, SSA.

Hearings continue May 26.

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and
ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2475, Intelligence Authorization Act for
Fiscal year 2006.



2005/05/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 25, 2005; pages D543 - D552

Committee Meetings

REVIEW--NATIONAL FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to Review National Forest Land
Management Planning. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: David Tenny, Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment;
and Frederick Norbury, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest
Service; and public witnesses.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations
for Fiscal Year 2006.

U.S. BOXING COMMISSION ACT; DRUG FREE SPORTS ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 1065, United States Boxing Commission Act; and H.R.
1862, Drug Free Sports Act.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on a Review of Community
Health Centers: Issues and Opportunities. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Elizabeth
M. Duke, Health Resources and Services Administration; and Dennis Smith,
Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and public
witnesses.

FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE REFORM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1461,
Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005.

TAXPAYER PAPERWORK--INCREASING BURDEN

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "Less is More: The Increasing Burden of Taxpayer Paperwork."
Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; John D. Graham, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.

AGRO-TERRORISM THREAT

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Evaluating the
Threat of Agro-Terrorism." Testimony was heard from Joseph W. Reardon, Food
Administrator, Food and Drug Protection Division, Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, State of North Carolina; and a public witness.

NORTHERN IRELAND--PEACE PROCESS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing on Northern Ireland: Prospects for the Peace Process.
Testimony was heard from Mitchell B. Reiss, Special Envoy of the President and
Secretary of State for the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Department of
State.

LATIN AMERICA--TRANSPARENCY AND RULE OF LAW

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on Transparency and Rule of Law in Latin America. Testimony was
heard from Adolfo A. Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau of Latin America
and the Caribbean, U. S. Agency for International Development; Jonathan D.
Farrar, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; and Otto J. Reich, former Assistant
Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 800,
amended, Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; H.R. 420, amended, Lawsuit
Abuse Reduction Act of 2005; H. R. 554, amended, Personal Responsibility in
Food Consumption Act; and H. J. Res. 10, Proposing an amendment to the
Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the
physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

MARSHALL ISLANDS--U.S. NUCLEAR LEGACY

Committee on Resources, and the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the
Committee on International Relations held a joint oversight hearing entitled
"The United States Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands: Consideration of
Issues Relating to the Changes Circumstances Petition." Testimony was heard
from Howard Krawitz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; Steven V. Cary, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Health, Department of Energy; Andre Bouville, Division of Cancer Epidemiology
and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human
Services; the following officials of The Republic of the Marshall Islands:
Gerald Zackios, Foreign Minister; and Judge James H. Plasman, Chairman,
Nuclear Claims Tribunal; David Bearden, Analyst in Environmental Policy, CRS,
Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D549]

MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 2528, making appropriations for military quality of
life functions of the Department of Defense, military construction, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2006, 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). 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 Walsh.

U.S. JET TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing entitled "The U.S. Jet Transport Industry: Global Market
Factors Affecting U.S. Producers." Testimony was heard from Joseph H.
Bogosian, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Manufacturing, Department of Commerce;
Ambassador Peter F. Allgeier, Deputy U. S. Trade Representative; and public
witnesses.

VETERANS MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on the following bills: H.R. 717, To amend title 38, United States
Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated
payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used;
H.R. 745, Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2005; and H.R. 1207, Department of
Veterans Affairs Work-Study Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from.
Representatives Simpson and Sodrel; Jack McCoy, Director, Education Service,
Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Alexander
Keenan, Director, National Training Center, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, Department of Transportation; a representative of a veterans
organization; and public witnesses.

IRAN BRIEFING

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence Analysis and Counter-Intelligence met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on Iran. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.

BRIEFING--CIA HUMINT TRAINING NEEDS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence Analysis and Counter-Intelligence met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on CIA Humint Training Needs. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.



2005/05/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 26, 2005; pages D553 - D562

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL WORKERS COMPENSATION IMPROVEMENT; FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS FAIRNESS ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 2561, To amend the
Federal Employees' Compensation Act to cover services provided to injured
Federal workers by physician assistants and nurse practitioners; and H.R. 697,
Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from
Representative Jo Ann Davis of Virginia; and public witnesses.

CLEAR SKIES INITIATIVE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing on the Administration's Clear Skies Initiative. Testimony was heard
from James L. Connaughton, Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality; and
Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Air and Radiation, EPA.

                                    [Page: D560]

PANDEMIC FLU THREAT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "The Threat of and Planning for Pandemic Flu." Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Bruce Gellin, Director, National Vaccine Program Office, Office of Public
Health and Science; Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention; and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Marcia Crosse, Director, Health
Care Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

DTV TRANSITION ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on the DTV Transition Act of 2005. Testimony was heard
from Rick Chessen, Chair, DTV Task Force, FCC; Mark L. Goldstein, Director,
Physical Infrastructure Team, GAO; Steve Souder, Director, 911 Emergency
Communications Center, Montgomery County, State of Maryland; and public
witnesses.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DETECTING CRIMES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The First Line of Defense: The Role of Financial
Institutions in Detecting Financial Crimes." Testimony was heard from William
J. Fox, Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of the
Treasury; Michael Morehart, Director, Terrorist Financing Operations Section,
FBI, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

DRUG TESTING IN AMERICAN SPORTS; POSTAL SERVICE FACILITY NAMING

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2565, to reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy Act and to
establish minimum drug testing standards for major professional sports
leagues; and H.R. 2326, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 614 West Old County Road in Belhaven, North Carolina, as
the "Floyd Lupton Post Office."

FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Federal Student Loan
Program: Are They Meeting the Needs of Students and Schools?" Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Education: Theresa S.
Shaw, Chief Operating Officer, Federal Student Aid Office; and John P.
Higgins, Jr., Inspector General; and public witnesses.

TERRORIST ACTIVITIES--NUCLEAR BOMB BUILDING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack also held a hearing entitled "Building a Nuclear Bomb:
Identifying Early Indicators of Terrorist Activities." Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT; RESOLUTION REGARDING SREBRENICA MASSACRE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations approved for full Committee action the
following measures: H.R. 2601, amended, Foreign Relations Authorization Act,
Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007; and H. Res. 199, Expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives regarding the massacre at Srebrenica in July 1995.

U.S. AND NORTHEAST ASIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on the United States and Northeast Asia. Testimony was heard
from Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Department of State; and Richard P. Lawless, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Asian and Pacific Affairs, Bureau of International Security
Affairs, Department of Defense.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the USA PATRIOT
Act: Section 505 and 804. Section 505 of the Act Addresses National Security
Letters; Section 804 of the Act Addresses Jurisdiction Over Crimes Committed
at U.S. Facilities Abroad; and Material Witness Provisions of the Criminal
Code. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Justice: Chuck Rosenberg, Chief of Staff to Deputy Attorney General; and
Matthew Berry, Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on Public Access within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Testimony
was heard from William Hartwig, Assistant Director, Refugees, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; William S. Dudley, Immediate
Past Director of Naval History, Department of the Navy; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D561]

FREE TRADE--DOES CHINA ENACT BARRIERS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture
and Technology and the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance and Exports held a joint
hearing on Does China Enact Barriers to Fair Trade? Testimony was heard from
Steve Pinkos, Office of the Under Secretary and Director, U.S. Patent and
Trade Office, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

TAX-EXEMPT HOSPITAL SECTOR

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Tax-Exempt Hospital Sector.
Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Mark McClellan, M.D.,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Rangel, Shaw, Sam Johnson of Texas, Lewis of Kentucky,
Brady of Texas, Ryan of Wisconsin, Weller, Kolbe, Boyd, Solis, Thompson of
Mississippi, Conaway, Spratt, Gonzalez, Wasserman Schultz, Cleaver, Matsui,
Jackson-Lee of Texas, and Fossella.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on Global Updates. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2005/06/06
Daily Digest - Monday, June 6, 2005; pages D563 - D568

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/06/07
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 7, 2005; pages D569 - D574

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE AND SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, AND COMMERCE, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2006: Defense; and Science, The Departments of State, Justice, and
Commerce, and Related Agencies.

DOD EXCESS PROPERTY SYSTEMS

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "DOD Excess
Property Systems: Throwing Away Millions." Testimony was heard from Gregory D.
Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; and
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Alan F. Estevez,
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, (Supply Chain Integration); MG Daniel
Mongeon, USA, Director, Logistics Operations; and COL Patrick E. O'Donnell,
USA, Commander, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service.

OVERSIGHT--MUTUAL FUND TRADING ABUSES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on "Mutual Fund Trading Abuses." Testimony was heard
from Richard J. Hillman, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment,
GAO; Lori A. Richards, Director, Office of Compliance Inspections and
Examinations, SEC; William Francis Galvin, Secretary, State of Massachusetts;
and a public witness.

CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2318, Protection Against
Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 2005; and H.R. 2388, Prevention and
Deterrence of Crimes Against Children Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from
Laura Parsky, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department
of Justice; Charlie Crist, Attorney General, State of Florida; and public
witnesses.

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Hoekstra and Representative
Shays, Harman, Markey and Maloney, but action was deferred on H.R. 2475,
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule on H.R. 2744, making
appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2006, providing one hour of general debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of
the bill. 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 the 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 Bonilla,
King of Iowa and DeLauro.

WTO WITHDRAWAL

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule on H.J. Res. 27,
withdrawing the approval of the United States from the Agreement establishing
the World Trade Organizations, providing two hours of debate equally divided
among and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on
Ways and Means, Representative Paul of Texas, and Representative Sanders of
Vermont. Section 2 of the resolution provides that during consideration of
H.J. Res. 27 pursuant to this resolution, notwithstanding the operation of the
previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to
a time designated by the Speaker.



2005/06/08
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 8, 2005; pages D575 - D582

Committee Meetings

INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE IMPORTATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2491,
International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005.

FOREIGN DEBT ASSISTANCE

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Debt and
Development: How to Provide Efficient, Effective Assistance to the World's
Poorest Countries?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NATION'S ELECTRICITY SYSTEM RELIABILITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held a
hearing entitled "Ensuring the Reliability of the Nation's Electricity
System." Testimony was heard from Pat Wood, III, Chairman, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D580]

DOD BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Business Systems
Modernization at the Department of Defense." Testimony was heard from Gregory
D. Kutz, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO; and the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas Modly, Deputy Under Secretary,
Financial Management, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller);
and Paul A. Brinkley, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary (Acquisition
Technology and Logistics) for Business Transformation.

COAST GUARD HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled "The
Homeland Security Missions of the Post-9/11 Coast Guard." Testimony was heard
from ADM Thomas H. Collins, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security.

529 FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1316,
527 Fairness Act of 2005.

HENRY J. HYDE UNITED NATIONS REFORM ACT; FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported H.R. 2745, Henry J.
Hyde United Nations Reform Act of 2005;

Began markup of H.R. 2601, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years
2006 and 2007.

Will continue tomorrow.

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT AUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on Reauthorization of
the USA PATRIOT Act. Testimony was heard from James B. Comey, Deputy Attorney
General, Department of Justice.

OVERSIGHT--OCEAN SYSTEMS REVIEW

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held an oversight
hearing on the Scientific Review of Ocean Systems. Testimony was heard from
Stephen Murawski, Director, Scientific Programs, Chief Science Advisor,
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public
witnesses.

BUSINESS ACTIONS REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on Business Actions Reducing Greenhouse
Gas Emissions. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Financing Water
Infrastructure Projects, Part 1. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

Hearings continue June 14.

TAX REFORM

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Tax Reform. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.



2005/06/09
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 9, 2005; pages D583 - D592

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Department of Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies approved for full
Committee action the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Relations Agencies appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

PBGC's UNFUNDED PENSION LIABILITIES

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on PBGC's Unfunded Pension
Liabilities: Will Taxpayers Have To Pay The Bill? Testimony was heard from
David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO.

HIGH SCHOOL REFORM EFFORTS--NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ROLE

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "The Role of Non-Profit Organizations in State and
Local High School Reform Efforts." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

U.S.-CHINA TRADE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Issues before the U.S.-China
Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade." Testimony was heard from Jon W.
Dudas, Under Secretary, Intellectual Property and Director, Patent and
Trademark Office, Department of Commerce.

PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY INITIATIVES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Patient Safety and Quality Initiatives." Testimony was heard from
Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY RELIEF

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Financial Services Regulatory Relief:
The Regulators' Views." Testimony was heard from John M. Reich, Vice-Chairman,
FDIC; Donald L. Kohn, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the
following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Julie L. Williams,
Acting Comptroller, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; and Richard M.
Riccobono, Acting Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; JoAnn Johnson,
Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT MISSIONS EFFECTIVENESS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Assessing the
Department of Homeland Security's Mission Effectiveness: Is it Enough to Meet
the Terrorist Threat?" Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of
Homeland Security.

REGISTERED TRAVELER IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled "The
Promise of Registered Traveler." Testimony was heard from Bridgette Goersch,
Director of Security, Greater Orlando Airport Authority, Orlando International
Airport, Florida; and public witnesses.

HOUSE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on the Emergency
Preparedness of the House and the Evacuation of May 11, 2005. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the House: Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at
Arms; and James M. Eagen III, Chief Administrative Officer; Chief Terrance
Gainer, U.S. Capitol Police; and public witnesses.

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT; RESOLUTION--MASSACRE AT SREBRENICA

Committee on International Relations: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2601,
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007.

The Committee also approved a motion urging the Chairman to request that the
following measure be placed on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 199, amended,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the massacre at
Srebrenica in July 1995.

PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing entitled "Proliferation Security
Initiative: An Early Assessment." Testimony was heard from Stephen G.
Rademaker, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Arms Control, Department of State.

PATENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 2795, Patent Act of 2005.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the following: H.R. 764, To require the Attorney
General to establish a Federal register of cases of child abuse or neglect;
H.R. 95, Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Database Act of 2005; H.R.
1355, Child Predator's Act of 2005; H.R. 1505, Jessica Lunsford Act; H.R.
2423, Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act; H.R. 244, Save Our
Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act of 2005; H.R.
2796, DNA Fingerprinting Act of 2005, and H.R. 2797, Aime Zyla Act of 2005.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Foley, Poe, Ginny Brown-Waite of
Florida, and Pomeroy.

OVERSIGHT--CHILD PROTECTION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on "Protecting our Nation's Children from
Sexual Predators and Violent Criminals: What Needs to Be Done?" Testimony was
heard from Tracy Henke, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice
Programs, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--U.S. OLYMPIC OPERATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on "The Olympic Family--Functional or
Dysfunctional?" Testimony was heard from Jim Scherr, Chief Executive Officer,
U.S. Olympic Committee; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on the
following bills: H. R. 562, To authorize the Government of Ukraine to
establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the
victims of the manmade famine that occurred in Ukraine in 1932-1933; H.R.
1096, To establish the Thomas Edison National Park in the State of New Jersey
as the successor to the Thomas Edison Historic Site; and H.R. 1515, To adjust
the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National
Historic Park and Preserve in the State of Louisiana. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Levin, Garrett, Payne and Pascrell; Joseph Lawler, Regional
Director, National Capital Region, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.

AMTRAK FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on Amtrak Food and Beverage Operations. Testimony was
heard from JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO;
the following officials of Amtrak: David L. Gunn, President; and Fred E.
Weiderhold, Jr., Inspector General; and public witnesses.

VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs approved for full Committee action H.R. 1220, Veterans'
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005.

FEDERAL FOSTER CARE FINANCING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Federal Foster Care Financing. Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and Human
Services; Don Winstead, Deputy Secretary, Department of Children and Families,
State of Florida; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from Barbara D. Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security,
GAO; Frederick G. Streckewald, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Disability and
Income Security Programs, SSA; Nan Grogan Orrock, Representative, General
Assembly, State of Georgia; and public witnesses.

Hearings continue June 14.



2005/06/13
Daily Digest - Monday, June 13, 2005; pages D594 - D598

Committee Meetings

OVERSIGHT--USA PATRIOT ACT AUTHORIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: On June 10th, the Committee continued oversight
hearings on Reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Representatives Frelinghuysen,
Murtha, Obey and Manzullo but action was deferred on H.R. 2863, making
appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

                                    [Page: D596]

SCIENCE, STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 2862, making appropriations for Science, the
Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, 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 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, Mollohan and
Obey.



2005/06/14
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 14, 2005; pages D599 - D606

Committee Meetings

BORDERS--TRAFFICKING IMPACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Threat Convergence Along the
Border: Will Drug Trafficking Techniques Provide Some Answers?" Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
Ralph Utley, Acting Director, Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement; Gregory
Passic, Director, Office of Drug Interdiction, Customs and Border Protection;
and John P. Torres, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Investigations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Anthony Placido, Assistant
Administrator, Intelligence, DEA; Department of Justice.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT PROGRAM; FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS--GETTING FEDERAL
HELP NEEDED

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federalism and the Census
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2385, to make permanent
the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the quarterly financial
report program.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "Revitalizing Communities: Are
Faith-Based Organizations Getting the Federal Help They Need?" Testimony was
heard from Ryan Streeter, Director, Office of Faith-Based Initiatives,
Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.

ELUSIVE ANTIDOTES

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Elusive
Antidotes: Progress Developing Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear (CBRN)
Countermeasures." Testimony was heard from Dale Klein, Assistant Secretary,
Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, Department of Defense; the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Anthony S.
Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
NIH; and Stewart Simonson, Assistant Secretary, Public Health Emergency
Preparedness; John Vitko, Jr., Director, Biological Countermeasures Portfolio,
Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and
public witnesses.

REDUCING PAPERWORK BURDEN

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "Reducing the Paperwork Burden on the Public: Are Agencies
Doing All They Can?" Testimony was heard from Linda D. Koontz, Director,
Information Management Issues, GAO; Kimberly T. Nelson, Assistant
Administrator and Chief Information Officer, EPA; Patrick Pizzella, Assistant
Secretary, Administration and Management, Department of Labor; Daniel P.
Matthews, Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.

BRIEFING--CHEMICAL PLANT SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment met in executive session to receive a
briefing on Chemical Plant Security. The Subcommittee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.

UNITED STATES AND SOUTH ASIA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing on the United States and South Asia. Testimony was heard from
Christina B. Rocca, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South Asian Affairs,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

UNITED NATIONS REFORM ACT

Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Chairman Hyde and Representatives
McCotter, Poe, Shays, Cannon, Kline and Lantos, but action was deferred on
H.R. 2745, United Nations Reform Act of 2005.

                                    [Page: D604]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing 1
hour of general debate on H.R. 2863, making appropriations for the Department
of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, 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 all points of order against provisions in the bill
for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized
appropriations or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill). The rule
authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have
pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space held a hearing on Live from Space:
The International Space Station. Testimony was heard from John Phillips, NASA
Astronaut, International Space Station; and the following former members of
the International Space Station crew: Peggy Whitson and LTC Michael Finsk,
USAF, both NASA Astronauts.

MEDICAL LIABILITY PREMIUMS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Are Skyrocketing Medical
Liability Premiums Driving Doctors Away from Underserved Areas?" Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment continued oversight hearings on Financing Water
Infrastructure Projects. Testimony was heard from Donald W. Hill, Deputy Mayor
Pro Tem, Dallas, Texas; Jag Khuman, Director, Water Quality Financing
Administration, State of Maryland; and public witnesses.

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT TAX ACT DUMPING PREVENTION ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
the implementation of the State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA) Dumping Prevention
Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-295), Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Labor: Mason Bishop, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Employment and Training Administration; and Elliot Lewis, Assistant
Inspector General, Audit; and David Cleg, Deputy Chairman, Communications and
Chief Legal Counsel, Employment Security Commission, State of North Carolina;
and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

Hearings continue June 16.



2005/06/15
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 15, 2005; pages D608 - D616

Committee Meetings

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on The Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies approved for full Committee
action The Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban
Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies
appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006.

PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Held a hearing on H.R. 2830, Pension
Protection Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MEDICAID REFORM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Medicaid Reform:
The National Governor's Association's Bipartisan Roadmap." Testimony was heard
from the following Governors: Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Mark R. Warner of
Virginia.

                                    [Page: D613]

PRODUCT COUNTERFEITING

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing on Product Counterfeiting: How Fakes Are
Undermining U.S. Jobs, Innovation, and Consumer Safety. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

REAL ESTATE COMPETITION

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Protecting Consumers
and Promoting Competition in Real Estate Services." Testimony was heard from
Representative Leach; former Representative Thomas J. Bliley of Virginia; and
public witnesses.

STEROID USE IN SPORTS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Eradicating Steroids
Use, Part IV: Examining the Use of Steroids by Young Women to Enhance Athletic
Performance and Body Image." Testimony was heard from Mari Holden, Olympian
and World Champion Cyclist; Kelli White, former World Champion Sprinter; and
public witnesses.

OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Office of
National Drug Control Policy. Testimony was heard from John P.Walters,
Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and public witnesses.

CHEMICAL PLANT SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled
"Preventing Terrorist Attacks on America's Chemical Plants." Testimony was
heard from Robert Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--CHEMICAL PLANT SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment continued to meet in executive session
to receive a briefing on Chemical Plant Security. The Subcommittee was briefed
by departmental witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on The Diversity Visa Program. Testimony was
heard from Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General, Department of State and
Broadcasting Board of Governors; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL LAND AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health held an
oversight hearing on the Impacts of Federal Land Ownership on Communities and
Local Governments. Testimony was heard from Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural
Resources and Environment, USDA; James M. Hughes, Deputy Director, Bureau of
Land Management, Department of the Interior; Roger West, Representative, House
of Representatives, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses.

HENRY J. HYDE UNITED NATIONS REFORM ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 20
minutes of general debate on H.R. 2745, Henry J. Hyde United Nations Reform
Act of 2005, to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on International Relations. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
International Relations now printed in the bill shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on International Relations.

The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report 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, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be debatable for the time specified in the report, shall not be subject to
amendment, shall be considered as read, and shall not be subject to a demand
for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.
The rule waives all points of order against amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the
resolution.

The rule provides for an additional 20 minutes of general debate on the topic
of accountability of the United Nations prior to consideration of amendments
printed in subpart A of Part 1 of the report; an additional 10 minutes of
general debate on the topic of United Nations peacekeeping operations prior to
consideration of amendments printed in subpart B of Part 1 of the report; an
additional 10 minutes of general debate on the topic of the International
Atomic Energy Agency prior to consideration of amendments printed in subpart C
of Part 1 of the report; an additional 20 minutes of general debate on the
topic of human rights prior to consideration of amendments printed in subpart
D of Part 1 of the report; an additional 20 minutes of general debate on the
topic of the Oil-for-Food Program prior to consideration of amendments printed
in subpart E of Part 1 of the report.

                                    [Page: D614]

The rule authorizes the chairman of the Committee on International Relations
or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments in part 2
of the report or germane modifications thereto, which shall be considered as
read except that modifications shall be reported, which shall not be subject
to amendment or a demand for division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole, and which shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on International Relations or their designees. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD LAW ENFORCEMENT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on Coast Guard Law
Enforcement. Testimony was heard from RADM R. Dennis Sirois, USCG, Acting
Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-CENTRAL AMERICA-UNITED STATES FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION ACT


Committee on Ways and Means: Approved, as amended, the draft implementing
proposal on the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade
Agreement Implementation Act.



2005/06/16
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 16, 2005; pages D618 - D626

Committee Meetings

REVIEW FOOD AID PROGRAMS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Foreign
Agriculture Programs held a hearing to Review Food Aid Programs. Testimony was
heard from Kirk Miller, General Sales Manager Foreign Agriculture Service,
USDA; William Garvelink, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy,
Conflict, Humanitarian Affairs, U.S. Agency for International Development,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2006: Legislative Branch; and the Department of Labor, Health and
Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2006

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 2006.

HIGHER EDUCATION MEASURES

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 509,
International Studies in Higher Education Act of 2005; and H.R. 510, Graduate
Opportunities in Higher Education Act of 2005.

SMART INSURANCE REFORM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "SMART Insurance
Reform." Testimony was heard from J. Michael Pickens, former Commissioner,
Department of Insurance, State of Arkansas; Gregory V. Serio, former
Superintendent, Department of Insurance, State of New York; Lee Covington,
former Director, Department of Insurance, State of Ohio; Nathaniel S. Shapo,
former Director, Department of Insurance, State of Illinois; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D624]

U.S.-EU ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "The US-EU
Economic Relationship: What Comes Next?" Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
2829, amended, Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of
2005; H.R. 994, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal
civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax
basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums; H.R. 1283,
amended, To provide that transit pass transportation fringe benefits be made
available to all qualified Federal employees in the National Capital Region;
to allow passenger carriers which are owned or leased by the Government to be
used to transport Government employees between their place of employment and
mass transit facilities; H.R. 1765, Generating Opportunity by Forgiving
Educational Debt for Service Act of 2005; H.R. 2385, amended, To make
permanent the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the quarterly
financial report program; H. Con. Res. 71, Expressing the sense of Congress
that there should be established a Caribbean-American Heritage Month; H. Con.
Res. 160, Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence
Day, and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as a
means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future;
H.R. 2113, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service
located at 2000 McDonough Street in Joliet, Illinois, as the "John F.
Whiteside Joliet Post Office Building;" H.R. 2183, To designate the facility
of the United States Postal Service located at 567 Tompkins Avenue in Staten
Island, New York, as the "Vincent Palladino Post Office;" H.R. 2346; To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 105 NW
Railroad Avenue in Hammond, Louisiana, as the "John J. Hainkel Post Office
Building;" H.R. 2490, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 442 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the
"Mayor Joseph S. Daddona Memorial Post Office;" and H.R. 2630, To redesignate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1927 Sangamon
Avenue in Springfield, Illinois, as the "J.M. Dietrich Northeast Annex."

The Committee also approved a Report on The National Drug Control Strategy for
2005 and the National Drug Control Budget for Fiscal Year 2006.

REGISTERED TRAVELER IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity continued hearings entitled "The
Promise of Registered Traveler, Part II." Testimony was heard from Thomas
Blank, Acting Deputy Director, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security.

BORDER SURVEILLANCE MISMANAGEMENT

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "Mismanagement of the Border Surveillance
System and Lessons for the New America's Shield Initiative." Testimony was
heard from Joel S. Gallay, Deputy Inspector General, GSA; and public
witnesses.

WILDLANDS PROJECT--IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ON ENERGY AND MINERAL
REGULATIONS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "Impacts of Environmental Regulations on Energy and
Mineral Development: The Wildlands Project." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Nuclear Fuel
Reprocessing. Testimony was heard from R. Shane Johnson, Acting Director,
Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, Department of Energy;
Phillip J. Finck, Deputy Associate Laboratory Director, Applied Science,
Technology, and National Security, Argonne National Laboratory; and public
witnesses.

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
2864, Water Resources Development Act of 2005.

VETERAN'S MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing to consider the following: a measure to amend
the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program; a measure regarding
the Traumatic Injury Protection provisions of Public Law 109-13; and H.R.
1618, Wounded Warrior Servicemembers' Group Disability Insurance Act of 2005.
Testimony was heard from Representative Renzi; Thomas Lastowka, Director,
Regional Office and Insurance Center, Department of Veterans Affairs; Steve
Jones, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of
Defense; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D625]

POST-ACUTE CARE

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Post-Acute Care. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman,
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; Marjorie Kanof, M.D., Managing Director,
Health, GAO; Herb Kuhn, Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from Barbara Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security,
GAO; and public witnesses.

Hearings continue June 21.



2005/06/l7
Daily Digest - Friday, June 17, 2005; pages D627 - D632

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/06/20
Daily Digest - Monday, June 20, 2005; pages D633 - D638

Committee Meetings

HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Human Rights in Vietnam.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT--PROHIBIT DESECRATION OF THE FLAG

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing 2 hours of debate in the House on H.J. Res. 10, Proposing an
amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to
prohibit the physical desecration of the Flag of the United States, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the joint resolution. The rule makes in order the amendment
in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Watt or his
designee, which shall be separately debatable for one hour equally divided
between the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendment printed in the report. The rule provides that,
notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone
further consideration of the joint resolution to a time designated by the
Speaker. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner.

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a structured rule
providing 1 hour of debate in the House on H.R. 2475, Intelligence
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, 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, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, shall be considered as adopted and shall
be considered as read. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in Part B
of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution, if offered by
Representative Maloney of New York or her designee, which shall be considered
as read, and which shall be debatable for 30 minutes 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 with or without instructions.



2005/06/21
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 21, 2005; pages D640 - D648

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN OPERATIONS/ TRANSPORTATION-TREASURY-HUD APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR
2006; SUBALLOCATIONS OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2006: the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related
Programs; and the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and
Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent
Agencies.

The Committee also approved revised 302(b) Suballocations of Budget
Allocations for Fiscal Year 2006.

MARINE CORPS FORCE PROTECTION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing to review Marine Corps force
protection. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S.
Marine Corps, Department of the Navy: GEN William L. Nyland, USMC, Assistant
Commandant; and BG William D. Catto, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps
Systems Command.

U.N. OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The United Nations Oil-For-Food Program: A Review of
the 661 Sanctions Committee." Testimony was heard from Thomas A. Schweich,
Chief of Staff, United States Mission to the United Nations, Department of
State.

FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Authorizing the President's
Vision: Making Permanent The Faith-Based and Community Initiative--H.R. 1054,
Tools for Community Initiatives Act." Testimony was heard from Representatives
Green of Wisconsin and Scott of Virginia; David Kuo, former Deputy Director of
the White House Faith-Based Initiative; Bobby Polito, former Director, Center
for Faith-Based Community Initiatives, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION [corrected throughout from "Irag." ed.]

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "The Development
Fund for Iraq: U.S. Management of Iraq Oil Proceeds and Compliance with U.N.
Security Council Resolution 1483." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special
Inspector General, Irag Reconstruction; William Reed, Director, Defense
Contract Audit Agency; COL Emmett H. Du Bose, Jr., Deputy Commander and
Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army; Joseph A.
Benkert, Defense Reconstruction Support Office, Office of the Secretary; David
Norquist, Under Deputy Secretary (Financial Management); and public witnesses.

OPEN-SOURCE INFORMATION--EFFECTIVE USE

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Using
Open-Source Information Effectively." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

NUCLEAR MATERIAL DETECTION TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and
Technology held a joint hearing entitled "Detecting Nuclear Weapons and
Radiological Materials: How Effective Is Available Technology?" Testimony was
heard from Gene Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Vayl
Oxford, Acting Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of
Homeland Security; Michael K. Evenson, Acting Director, Combat Support
Directorate, DTRA, Department of Defense; David Huizenga, Assistant Deputy
Administrator, International Materials Protection and Cooperation, National
Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Richard L. Wagner, Jr.,
Senior Staff Member, Los Alamos National Laboratory; and Bethann Ronney,
Manager, Port Security, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and a
public witness.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats approved for full Committee action the following measures: H. Res.
326, amended, Calling on free and fair parliamentary elections in the Republic
of Azerbaijan; H. Res. 328, amended, Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the
workers' strikes in Poland in 1980 that led to the establishment of the
Solidarity Trade Union; and H. Con. Res. 155, Urging the Government of the
Republic of Albania to ensure that the parliamentary elections to be held on
July 3, 2005, are conducted in accordance with international standards for
free and fair elections.

                                    [Page: D645]

BRIEFING--MIDDLE EAST DEMOCRACY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia held a briefing on Democracy in the Middle East: Toward an
Inter-Arab Democratic Charter. The Subcommittee was briefed by A. A.
El-Eryani, former Prime Minister of Yemen.

OVERSIGHT--MUSIC LICENSING REFORM; FEDERAL CONSENT DECREE FAIRNESS ACT

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

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 1229, Federal Consent Decree
Fairness Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Blunt; David Goetz,
Commissioner, Department of Finance and Administration, State of Tennessee;
and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT AND EMPLOYER SANCTIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing on the Lack of Worksite Enforcement and
Employer Sanctions. Testimony was heard from Richard M. Stana, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 2985, making appropriations for the Legislative
Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, to be 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
Representatives Jo Ann Davis of Virginia, Flake, Baird and Tierney.

VETERAN'S ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight
held a hearing on Veteran's Access to Capital. Testimony was heard from Bill
Elmore, Associate Administrator, Office of Veterans Business Development, SBA;
Patrica Kerr, Veterans Ombudsman, State of Missouri; and public witnesses.

UNION SALTING

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

OVERSIGHT--DEEPWATER IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on Deepwater
Implementation. Testimony was heard from VADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Chief of
Staff, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

OVERSIGHT--JUDICIARY'S SPACE NEEDS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on The Judiciary's Ability to Pay for Current and Future Space Needs.
Testimony was heard from Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO; F. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA;
the following officials of the Judicial Conference of the United States: Jane
R. Roth, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, Chairman Security and
Facilities; and Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of the
United States Courts, Secretary to the Judicial Conference.

                                    [Page: D646]

VETERANS MEDICAL CARE REVENUE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
approved for full Committee action H.R. 2988, Veterans Medical Care Revenue
Enhancement Act of 2005.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; and public witnesses.

Hearings continue June 23.



2005/06/22
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 22, 2005; pages D650 - D658

Committee Meetings

USDA FOREST SERVICE CENTENNIAL

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to Review the Centennial of the USDA
Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Dale Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service,
USDA; and public witnesses.

U.S. COAST GUARD, DEEPWATER PROGRAM

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on U.S. Coast Guard, Deepwater Program. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security: ADM Thomas
Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; and RADM Patrick Stillman, USCG,
Executive Officer, Deepwater Program.

U.N. TASK FORCE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, The Departments of
State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
United Nations Task Force. Testimony was heard from the following Co-Chairs of
the Task Force on the United Nations: former Senator George Mitchell of Maine;
and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia; and Philo Dibble,
Acting Assistant Secretary, International Organizations, Department of State.

AFGHANISTAN: OPERATIONS AND RECONSTRUCTION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Afghanistan: Operations 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, J-5, The Joint Staff; and Nancy Powell, Assistant Secretary,
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State.

BUDGET PROCESS

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Budgeting in the Congress,
Reflections on How the Budget Process Functions. Testimony was heard from
former Representative Bill Frenzel of Minnesota; and public witnesses.

PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee
Relations approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2830, Pension
Protection Act of 2005.

NATIONAL ALL SCHEDULES PRESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC REPORTING ACT OF 2005; MEDICAID
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1132, National All Schedules Prescription
Electronic Reporting Act of 2005.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "Medicaid Prescription Drugs:
Examining Options for Payment Reform." Testimony was heard from Douglas
Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO; Kathy King, Director, Health Care, GAO; and public
witnesses.

COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Combating
Trafficking in Persons: An International Perspective." Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

FEDERAL REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Wasted Space, Wasted
Dollars: The Need for Federal Real Property Management Reform." Testimony was
heard from Clay Johnson, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; and David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO.

                                    [Page: D656]

REPORT--CITIZENS GUIDE USING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT TO
REQUEST GOVERNMENT RECORDS; FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability approved for full Committee action a report
entitled "A Citizens Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the
Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records."

The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "The Evolution of Federal
Financial Management--A Review of the Need to Consolidate, Simplify, and
Streamline." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

BORDER SECURITY/BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure, Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled
"Ensuring the Security of America's Borders through the Use of Biometric
Passports and Other Identity Documents." Testimony was heard from Elaine
Dezenski, Acting Assistant Secretary, Directorate for Border and
Transportation Security, Department of Homeland Security; Frank Moss, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Consular Affairs, Department of State; Martin Herman,
Information Access Division Chief, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; Gregory Wilshusen, Director, Information
Security Issues, GAO; and a public witness.

SUDAN

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Sudan: Consolidating
Peace While Confronting Genocide. Testimony was heard from Robert B. Zoellick,
Deputy Secretary, Department of State.

E.U. CONSTITUTION AND U.S.-E.U. RELATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing on The EU Constitution and U.S.-EU Relations: The
Recent Referenda in France and the Netherlands and the U.S.-EU Summit.
Testimony was heard from John Bruton, Head, Delegation of the European
Commission; Arlette Conzemius, Ambassador of Luxembourg.

WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "Environmental Regulations and Water Supply Reliability."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 3010, a bill making appropriations for the Departments
of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes. 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. 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 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 Chairman Regula.

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 2864, Water Resources Development Act of 2005.

OVERSIGHT--AIRLINE PENSIONS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Airline Pensions: Avoiding Further Collapse. Testimony
was heard from JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
GAO; and Bradley D. Belt, Executive Order, Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation.



2005/06/23
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 23, 2005; pages D659 - D666

Committee Meetings

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES PROGRESS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Progress of the Iraqi
Security Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary; GEN Richard B. Myers,
USAF, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; GEN John Abizaid, USA, Commander,
Central Command; and GEN George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Commander, Multi-National
Forces--Iraq.

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.

BANKING ON RETIREMENT SECURITY

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Banking on Retirement Security: A
Guaranteed Rate of Return." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FIRST RESPONDERS ANTI-TERRORISM TRAINING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science and Technology and the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "The National Training Program: Is
Anti-Terrorism Training for First Responders Efficient and Effective."
Testimony was heard from Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, Police Department,
City of New York; Shawn Reese, Analyst in American National Government,
Government and Finance Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public
witnesses.

TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations hearing on Implementing the 1998 Torture
Victims Relief Act. Testimony was heard from Lloyd Feinberg, Manager, Victims
of Torture Fund, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of
State; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations approved for full Committee action the
following measures: H.R. 2017, Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of
2005; H. Con. Res. 168, amended, Condemning the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea for the abductions and continue captivity of citizens of the Republic
of Korea and Japan as acts of terrorism and gross violations; and H. Res. 333,
Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection
for Darfur, Sudan.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 184,
Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 869, to amend the
Controlled Substances Act to lift the patent limitation on prescribing drug
addition treatments by medical practitioners in group practices; and H.R.
3020, United States Parole Commission Extension and Sentencing Commission
Authority Act of 2005.

POTENTIAL OIL SOURCES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an
oversight hearing entitled "The Vast North American Resource Potential of Oil
Shale, Oil Sands, and Heavy Oils," Part 1. Testimony was heard from Russell
George, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources, State of
Colorado; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D665]

MIGRATORY BIRD AND GREAT APE CONSERVATION MEASURES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a hearing on
the following bills: H.R. 518, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation
Improvement Act of 2005; and H.R. 2693, Great Ape Conservation Reauthorization
Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Marshall Jones, Assistant Director,
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.

VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT--VETERANS
AFFAIRS HEALTH COSTS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1220,
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005.

The Committee also held an oversight hearing to examine the budget modeling
and methodologies used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and
forecast veterans' health care cost and utilization projections for future
years. Testimony was heard from Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Under Secretary,
Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; John Kokulis, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Health Affairs for Health Budgets and Financial Policy, Department
of Defense; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.

REVIEW TAX DEDUCTION FOR FACADE EASEMENTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to
review the Tax Deduction for Facade Easements. Testimony was heard from Steven
T. Miller, Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.

SOCIAL SECURITY--PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security continued
hearings on Protecting and Strengthening Social Security. Testimony was heard
from James B. Lockhart, Deputy Commissioner, SSA; Barbara Bovbjerg, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; Patrick J. Purcell, Specialist
in Social Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

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



2005/06/24
Daily Digest - Friday, June 24, 2005; pages D667 - D674

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/06/27
Daily Digest - Monday, June 27, 2005; pages D675 - D682

Committee Meetings

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HUD, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FY 2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 3058, making appropriations for the Departments of
Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary,
District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2006, 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 all points of
order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of
rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in
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 Knollenberg and Olver .

FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS FY
2006

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule providing one hour of
general debate on H.R. 3057, making appropriations for foreign operations,
export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2006, 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 all points of order
against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI
(prohibiting unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in 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
head from Representatives Kolbe and Lowey.



2005/06/28
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 28, 2005; pages D684 - D694

Committee Meetings

VETERANS AFFAIRS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Veterans Affairs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: R. James Nicholson, Secretary; Jonathan B. Perline, M.D., Under
Secretary, Health; and Tim S. McClain, General Counsel; and Stephen L. Jones,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY--RELIGIOUS CLIMATE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the religious climate at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Testimony was heard
from LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Department of
the Air Force; and public witnesses.

PRIVATE SECTOR AID TO HIGH SCHOOLS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Education Reform
held a hearing entitled "How the Private Sector is Helping States and
Communities Improve High School Education." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

HEALTH CARE CHOICE ACT OF 1995

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 2355, Health Care Choice Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

D.C. GUN BAN

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Under Fire: Does the
District of Columbia's Gun Ban Help or Hurt the Fight Against Crime?"
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia:
Anthony Williams, Mayor; and Charles H. Ramsey, Chief of Police, Metropolitan
Police Department; and public witnesses.

MANUFACTURING REGULATION IMPACT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "The Impact of Regulation on U.S. Manufacturing: Spotlight on
Department of Labor and Department of Transportation." Testimony was heard
from Veronica Stidvent, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of Labor;
Jeffrey A. Rosen, General Counsel, Department of Transportation; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D691]

FISSILE MATERIALS SECURITY ABROAD

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack held a hearing entitled "Pathways to the Bomb: Security of
Fissile Materials Abroad." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION:  LEASING CHOICES AND LANDLORD RELATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the Legal Services Corporation: A Review of Leasing Choices
and Landlord Relations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Legal Services Corporation: Frank B. Strickland, Chairman, Board of
Directors; and R. Kirk West, Inspector General; and a public witness.

PATENT AND TRADEMARK FEE MODERNIZATION ACT; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY JURISDICTION
CLARIFICATION ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action the following bills:
H.R. 2791, United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act of 2005;
and H.R. 2955, Intellectual Property Jurisdiction Clarification Act of 2005.

ALIEN GANG REMOVAL ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held a hearing on H.R. 2933, Alien Gang Removal Act of 2005. Testimony
was heard from Representative Forbes; and public witnesses.

FUTURE OF NASA

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Future of NASA. Testimony was
heard from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, NASA.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standard
held a hearing on Small Business Innovation and Research: What is the Optimal
role of Venture Capital?" Testimony was heard from Representative Graves; and
public witnesses.

CLEAN AIR ACT/AUTO REPAIR

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and
Government Programs held a hearing entitled "How the Clean Air Act Affects
Auto Repair," focusing on H.R. 2048, Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act
of 2005. Testimony was heard from Representative Barton of Texas; and public
witnesses.

MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION PLAN RULES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Funding Rules for Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plans in H.R. 2830,
Pension Protection Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Douglas Holtz-Eakin,
Director, CBO; and public witnesses.



2005/06/29
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 29, 2005; pages D696 - D708

Committee Meetings

GUANTANAMO BAY--DETAINEE OPERATIONS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on detainee operations at
Guantanamo Bay. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: BG Jay Hood, USA, Commander; CSM Anthony Mendez, USA,
Joint Detention Group; and CDR Cary Ostergaard, USN, Detainee Hospital
Commander, all with the Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and
the Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a joint hearing on Small Business
Technologies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S.
Naval Academy, Department of the Navy: Dolores M. Etter, Distinguished Chair
in Science and Technology, Electrical Engineering Department; and ENS Bradford
L. Bonney, USN, Electrical Engineering Department.

PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began markup of H.R. 2830, Pension
Protection Act of 2005.

Will continue tomorrow.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2491, International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005; H.R.
1065, amended, United States Boxing Commission Act; and H.R. 3084, Drug Free
Sports Act.

CREDIT RATING AGENCY DUOPOLY

Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Legislative
Solutions for the Rating Agency Duopoly." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

NEXT GENERATION INTERNET IPv6

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "To Lead or To Follow:
The Next Generation Internet and the Transition to IPv6." Testimony was heard
from Karen Evans, Administrator, Electronic Government and Information
Technology, OMB; the following officials of the GAO: David Powner, Director,
Information Technology Management Issues; and Keith Rhodes, Chief Technologist
and Director, Center for Technology and Engineering; George G. Wauer,
Director, Architecture and Interoperability, Office of the Assistant
Secretary, Networks and Information Integration and Office of the Chief
Information Officer, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

NARCO-TERRORIST HIGH SEAS ENFORCEMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Interrupting Narco-terrorist
Threats on the High Seas: Do We Have Enough Wind in Our Sails?" Testimony was
heard from Ralph Utley, Acting United States Interdiction Coordinator, Office
of National Drug Control Policy; the following officials of the Department of
Homeland Security: ADM Dennis Sirois, USCG, Assistant Commandant for
Operations, U.S. Coast Guard; and Charles E. Stallworth II, Acting Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection; ADM Jeffrey J. Hathaway, Director, Joint Interagency Task Force
South, Department of Defense; and Thomas M. Harrigan, Chief of Enforcement
Operations, DEA, Department of Justice.

                                    [Page: D704]

NEXT GENERATION OF NUCLEAR POWER

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held a
hearing entitled "The Next Generation of Nuclear Power." Testimony was heard
from Robert Shane Johnson, Acting Director, Nuclear Energy, Science and
Technology, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "Yucca Mountain Project: Digging for the
Truth." Testimony was heard from Joseph Hevesi, Scientist, U.S. Geological
Survey, Department of the Interior; and W. John Arthur III, Deputy Director,
Office of Repository Development, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste
Management, Department of Energy.

AIR PASSENGER PRE-SCREENING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled "
Improving Pre-Screening of Aviation Passengers against Terrorist and Other
Watch Lists." Testimony was heard from Justin Oberman, Assistant
Administrator, Secure Flight and Registered Traveler, Department of Homeland
Security; former Representative John B. Anderson, State of Illinois; and
public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT--MISSION-BASED BUDGETING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "Transforming the Department of Homeland
Security Through Mission-based Budgeting." Testimony was heard from David M.
Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, GAO; and public witnesses.

527 REFORM ACT OF 2005

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, without
recommendation H.R. 513, 527 Reform Act of 2005.

GLOBAL WATER CRISIS

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on The Global Water
Crisis: Evaluating U.S. Strategies to Enhance Access to Safe Water and
Sanitation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of State: John F. Turner, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and
International Environmental Scientific Affairs; and Jackee Schafer, Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade,
U.S. Agency for International Development; and public witnesses.

The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Vanessa Tobin, Chief, Water Environment Sanitation Section, United
Nations Children's Fund; and Olav Kjorven, Director, Energy and Environment
Group, Bureau for Development Policy, United Nations Development Program.

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS; IRAQ'S TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Middle East and
Central Asia approved for full Committee action the following measures:

H. Con. Res. 187, amended, Expressing the sense of Congress concerning
Uzbekistan; and H. Res. 343, Commending the State of Kuwait for granting women
certain important political rights.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Iraq's Transition to Democracy.
Testimony was heard from Richard Jones, Senior Advisor to the Secretary and
Coordinator for Iraq, Department of State.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 611, amended,
Haiti Economic and Infrastructure Reconstruction Act; H.R. 953, Social
Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas Act of 2005; and H.
Con. Res. 175, Acknowledging African descendants of the transatlantic slave
trade in all of the Americas with an emphasis on descendants in Latin America
and the Caribbean, recognizing the injustices suffered by these African
descendants, and recommending that the United States and the international
community work to improve the situation of Afro-descendant communities in
Latin America and the Caribbean.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 184,
amended, Controlled Substances Export Reform Act of 2005; H.R. 869, to amend
the Controlled Substances Act to lift the patient limitation on prescribing
drug addiction treatments by medical practitioners in group practices; H.R.
3020, United States Parole Commission Extension and Sentencing Commission
Authority Act of 2005; and H.R. 1442, amended, To complete the codification of
title 46, United States Code "Shipping," as positive law.

                                    [Page: D705]

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: K Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2864, Water Resources Development Act of 2005,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points
of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered
as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. 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 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
from Representatives Duncan, Flake, Oberstar, Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
Blumenauer and Stupak.

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing that suspensions
will be in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, June 30,
2005. The rule provides that the Speaker or his designee shall consult with
the Minority Leader or her designee on any suspension considered under the
rule. The rule provides that it shall be in order, any rule of the House to
the contrary notwithstanding, to consider concurrent resolutions providing for
adjournment of the House and Senate during the month of July.

U.S. NANOTECHNOLOGY

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Research held a hearing on
Nanotechnology: Where Does the U.S. Stand? Testimony was heard from Floyd
Kvamme, Co-Chair, President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology;
and public witnesses.

NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Space approved for full Committee
action, as amended, H.R. 3070, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture
and Technology held a hearing entitled "Different Applications for Genetically
Modified Crops." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of
the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security:
RADM Craig E. Bone, USCG, Director, Port Security, U.S. Coast Guard; and
Robert Jacksta, Executive Director, Border Security and Facilitation, Office
of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS TRANSITION PROGRAMS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an
oversight hearing on the Transition Assistance Program and the Disabled
Transition Assistance Program. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: MG Ronald G. Young, Director, National
Guard Bureau Joint Staff; and Craig W. Duehring, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Reserve Affairs; Judith Caden, Director, Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations
and Management, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of
Labor; Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Veterans' Health and Benefits Issues, GAO;
a representative of a veterans' organization; and a public witness.

PRISON INMATES TAX FRAUD

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to
Examine Tax Fraud Committed by Prison Inmates. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Davis of Florida, Keller and Feeney; the following officials
of the Department of the Treasury: Nancy J. Jardini, Chief, Criminal
Investigation, IRS; and J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration; John M. Moriarty, Inspector General, Department of Criminal
Justice, State of Texas; and Jeff Bentley, Criminal Investigator, Department
of Corrections, State of South Carolina; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D706]



2005/06/30
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 30, 2005; pages D710 - D718

Committee Meetings

PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered favorably reported, as
amended, H.R. 2830, Pension Protection Act of 2005.

ZERO DOWNPAYMENT PILOT PROGRAM ACT OF 2005

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 3043, Zero Downpayment Pilot Program Act of
2005. Testimony was heard from William B. Shear, Director, Financial Markets
and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses.

NEXT FLU PANDEMIC--U.S. READINESS

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The Next Flu
Pandemic: Evaluating U.S. Readiness." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: James W, Leduc,
Director, Division of Viral and Rickdettsial Diseases, National Center for
Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anthony S.
Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
NIH; and Bruce Gellin, M.D., Director, National Vaccine Planning Office;
Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care Issues, GAO and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Ordered favorably reported H.R. 3100,
East Asia Security Act of 2005.

The Committee approved a motion authorizing the Chairman to request that the
following measures be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 2017,
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005; H. Con. Res. 168, amended,
Condemning the Democratic People's republic of Korea for the abductions and
continued captivity of citizens of the Republic of Korea and Japan as acts of
terrorism and gross violations of human rights; H. Con. Res. 175,
Acknowledging African descendants of the transatlantic slave trade in all of
the Americas with an emphasis on descendants in Latin America and the
Caribbean, recognizing the injustices suffered by these African descendants,
and recommending that the United States and the international community work
to improve the situation of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America and
the Caribbean; H. Con. Res. 191, amended, Commemorating the 60th Anniversary
of the conclusion of the war in the Pacific and honoring veterans of both the
Pacific and Atlantic theaters of the Second World War; H. Res. 328, amended,
Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the workers' strikes in Poland in 1980
that let to the establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union; H. Res. 333,
Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection
for Darfur, Sudan; and H. Res. 343, Commending the State of Kuwait for
granting women certain important political rights.

                                    [Page: D717]

G-8 SUMMIT AND AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held a hearing on The G-8 Summit and
Africa's Development. Testimony was heard from Paul Reid, Senior Advisor to
the Under Secretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs,
Department of State; Robert Pittman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International
Development, Finance, and Debt, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses.

NONPROLIFERATION AND THE G-8 SUMMIT

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing on Nonproliferation and the G-8. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

SECURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND COURT PROTECTION ACT; TERRORIST DEATH PENALTY
ENHANCEMENT ACT; STREAMLINED PROCEDURES ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1751, Secure
Access to Justice and Court Protection Act of 2005.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3060,
Terrorist Death Penalty Enhancement Act of 2005; and H.R. 3035, Streamlined
Procedures Act. Testimony was heard from Barry M. Sabin, Chief of
Counterterrorism Section for the Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--IMMIGRATION REMOVAL PROCEDURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims held an oversight hearing entitled "Immigration Removal Procedures
Implemented in the Aftermath of the September 11th Attacks." Testimony was
heard from Lily Swenson, Deputy Associate Attorney General, Department of
Justice; Joseph Greene, Director, Training and Development, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--POTENTIAL OIL SOURCES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources concluded
oversight hearings entitled "The Vast North American Resource Potential of Oil
Shale, Oil Sands, and Heavy Oils--Part 2." Testimony was heard from Theodore
K. Barna, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Advance Systems and Concepts,
Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense; Mark Maddox, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy, Department of Energy; and Chad
Calvert, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, Department
of the Interior.

OVERSIGHT--HEALTH CARE BUDGET

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Veterans Affairs' necessity to reprogram $1 billion to the medical services
account in Fiscal Years 2005 and its implication for Fiscal Year 2006.
Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

CAFTA IMPLEMENTATION ACT

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered favorably reported H.R. 3045, Dominican
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation
Act.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on Global Updates. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2005/07/01
Daily Digest - Friday, July 1, 2005, pages D719 - D724

Committee Meetings

FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES COMPETITION IN CONTRACTING ACT OF 2005

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime held a hearing on H.R. 2965,
Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2005. Testimony
was heard from Representative Hoekstra; Reginald A. Wilkinson, Director,
Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, State of Ohio; and pubic
witnesses.



2005/07/11
Daily Digest - Monday, July 11, 2005; pages D726 - D732

Committee Meetings

OSHA SMALL BUSINESS DAY IN COURT ACT OF 2005; OSHA REVIEW COMMISSION
EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2005; OSHA INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF OSHA CITATIONS ACT OF 2005;
AND OSHA SMALL EMPLOYER ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
separate consideration of H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and H.R. 742. The rule
provides one hour of debate in the House for H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and
H.R. 742. The rule provides that each hour of debate shall be equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Education and the Workforce. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and H.R. 742. The rule provides
that the amendments in the nature of substitutes recommended by the Committee
on Education and the Workforce for H.R. 740 and H.R. 741 now printed in the
bills, shall be considered as adopted. The rule provides one motion to
recommit, with or without instructions, for H.R. 739, H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and
H.R. 742. Section 5 of the resolution provides that in the engrossment of H.R.
739 the Clerk shall add the texts of H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and H.R. 742, as
passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 739, and then lay on the
table H.R. 740, H.R. 741, and H.R. 742. Finally, the rule provides that if
H.R. 739 is disposed of without reaching the stage of engrossment, then
whichever of H.R. 740, H.R. 741, or H.R. 742 that first passes the House shall
be treated in the manner specified for H.R. 739 and all other bills that have
passed the House shall be laid on the table. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Boehner.

BRIEFING--LONDON ATTACKS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on the London attacks. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.



2005/07/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 12, 2005; pages D734 - D740

Committee Meetings

U.S. COUNTERNARCOTICS PROGRAMS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on U.S. Counternarcotics
Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of State: Ambassador Nancy Powell, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau for
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement; and Jim Kunder, Assistant
Administrator, USAID, Bureau for Asia and the Near East.

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DETENTION AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Customs and Border Protection, Detention and Removal Operations. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
David Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and Leonnard Kovensky, Acting
Assistant Director, Detention and Removal Operations, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.

SPACE ACQUISITION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on space acquisition. Testimony was heard from GEN Lance W. Lord, USAF,
Commander, U.S. Air Force Space Command, Department of Defense; Peter Rostan,
Director, Advanced Science and Technology, National Reconnaissance Office;
Robert Levin, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and A.
Thomas Young, former Chairman, Defense Science Board, Department of Defense.

COORDINATION AMONG FEDERAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Select Education
held a hearing entitled "Coordination Among Federal Youth Development
Programs." Testimony was heard from Michael J. O'Grady, Assistant Secretary,
Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services; Richard G.
Moore, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning Division, Department of Human
Rights, State of Iowa; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Flood Map Modernization and the Future of
the National Flood Insurance Program." Testimony was heard from David I.
Maurstad, Acting Mitigation Division Director and Federal Insurance
Administrator, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security; William O. Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, GAO; and public witnesses.

THREAT CONVERGENCE AT THE BORDER

Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Threat Convergence at the Border:
How Can We Improve the Federal Effort to Dismantle Criminal Smuggling
Organizations?" Testimony was heard from Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland
Security and Justice, GAO.

PROJECT BIOSHIELD

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Project BioShield: Linking
Bioterrorism Threats and Countermeasure Procurement to Enhance Terrorism
Preparedness." Testimony was heard from Stewart Simonson, Assistant Secretary,
Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Department of Health and Human
Services; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: John
Vitko, Jr., Director, Biological Countermeasures Portfolio, Directorate of
Science and Technology; and Karen T. Morr, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office
of Information Analysis, Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection
Directorate; and public witnesses.

NUCLEAR FUEL REPROCESSING--ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on Economic
Aspects of Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

BRIEFING--INTELLIGENCE OVERVIEW

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Policy met in executive session to receive a Briefing on Intelligence
Overview. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/07/13
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 13, 2005; pages D741 - D748

Committee Meetings

NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS--CHINA NATIONAL OFFSHORE OIL MERGER--UNOCAL
CORPORATION

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on national security implications
of the possible merger of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation with
Unocal Corporation. Testimony was heard from C. Richard D'Amato, Chairman,
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; R. James Woolsey, former
Director, CIA; and public witnesses.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness began mark up of H.R. 609, College Access and Opportunity Act
of 2005.

Will continue tomorrow.

TREASURY'S REPORT--TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Treasury's Report to
Congress on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA)," Testimony was heard from
John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury.

ENTREPRENEURIALISM AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "From Bureaucrats to Plutocrats: Can
Entrepreneurialism Work in the Federal Government?" Testimony was heard from
David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, GAO; former Speaker
of the House of Representatives Newt L. Gingrich of Georgia; and a public
witness.

IMPROVE AVIATION SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled
"Leveraging Technology to Improve Aviation Security." Testimony was heard from
Cathleen A. Berrick, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D746]

U.S. AND RUSSIA BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS PROGRAMS

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack held a hearing entitled "Engineering Bio-Terror Agents:
Lessons from the Offensive U.S. and Russian Biological Weapons Programs."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

USA PATRIOT AND TERRORISM PREVENTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3199, USA
PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005.

FEDERAL LANDS--MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL USE

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and the Subcommittee on
Forests and Forest Health held a joint hearing entitled "Motorized
Recreational Use on Federal Lands." Testimony was heard from Dale Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service, USDA; Ed Shepard, Assistant Director, Renewable
Resources and Planning, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior;
and public witnesses.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Small Business
Development Centers: New Offerings for a New Economy," Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.

SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs approved for full Committee action H.R. 3200, Servicemembers'
Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005.

USA PATRIOT AND TERRORISM PREVENTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
3199, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005.



2005/07/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 14, 2005; pages D750 - D760

Committee Meetings

OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT/FOREST SERVICE NATIONAL FIRE PLAN

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held an oversight hearing on Bureau of Land Management/Forest
Service National Fire Plan. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the USDA: Mary Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and
Dale Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service; Robert A. Robinson, Managing Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary,
Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the Interior; and Bruce D.
McDowell, Fellow National Academy of Public Administration.

MID-SESSION REVIEW BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2005

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Mid-Session Review Budget of the
United States Government Fiscal Year 2006. Testimony was heard from Joshua B.
Bolten, Director, OMB.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 609,
College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005.

STATE HIGH RISK POOL FUNDING EXTENSION ACT; PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3204, State High Risk Pool Funding
Extension Act of 2005; and H.R. 3205, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Act.

PROJECT BIOSHIELD--ONE YEAR LATER

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "One Year Later:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Project BioShield." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services:
Stewart Simonson, Assistant Secretary, Public Health Emergency Preparedness;
and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, NIH; John Vitko, Jr., Director, Homeland Security Science
and Technology Advisory Committee, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT REVIEW

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Secretary's
Second-Stage Review: Re-thinking the Department of Homeland Security's
Organization and Policy Direction." Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff,
Secretary of Homeland Security.

                                    [Page: D758]

NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
held a hearing entitled "North Korean Nuclear Negotiations: Strategies and
Prospects for Success." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES COMPETITION IN CONTRACTING ACT OF 2005

Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 2965, Federal Prison
Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2005.

NEW YORK TRIBAL LAND CLAIMS

Committee on Resources: Held a hearing entitled "Status of Settling Recognized
Tribes' Land Claims in the State of New York." Testimony was heard from
Michael Olsen, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs,
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. 233, Northern California Coastal Wild
Heritage Wilderness Act; H.R. 1129, Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2005;
H.R. 2720, Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act; and H.R.
2875, Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2005. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Chad
Calvert, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Lands and Minerals Management; and Jim
Tate, Science Advisor to the Secretary; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National
Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Sam Aanestad, Senator, State of
California; and public witnesses.

NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005

Committee on Science: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3070, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 230, National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2005;
H.R. 527, Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act of 2005;
H.R. 2981, To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the
assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian tribe
members, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians; and H.R. 3207, Second-Stage
Small Business Development Act of 2005.

OVERSIGHT--CELL USE ON AIRCRAFT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
an oversight hearing on Cell Phones on Aircraft: Nuisance or Necessity?
Testimony was heard from Nicholas Sabatini, Associate Administrator, Aviation
Safety, FAA, Department of Transportation; Julius Knapp, Deputy Chief, Office
of Engineering and Technology, FCC; Laura Parsky, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and a public witness.

DISASTER RELIEF EQUITY ACT; RURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FAIRNESS ACT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee the following bills: H.R. 3208, Disaster Relief Equity Act of 2005;
and H.R. 2338, amended, Rural Disaster Assistance Fairness Act of 2005.

VETERANS' MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R.
3200, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005; and H.
Res. 361, Recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the
Veterans Administration on July 21, 1930.

WELFARE AND WORK DATA

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on
Welfare and Work Data. Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant
Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a Briefing on Global Updates. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2005/07/15
Daily Digest - Friday, July 15, 2005; pages D761-D766

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/07/18
Daily Digest - Monday, July 18, 2005; pages D767 - D772

Committee Meetings

FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEARS 2006 AND 2007

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2601, to authorize appropriations for the
Department of State for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, and of other purposes,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on International Relations. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The rule provide that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on International Relations
now printed in the bill modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the
Rules Committee report shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose
of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of
order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on International Relations. Notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII,
no amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order
except those printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules.

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 debatable for the time specified in the report equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject
to amendment except as specified in the report, shall be considered as read,
and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House
or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against
amendments printed in the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hyde, Smith of New Jersey, Burton, Mack, Foley, Kennedy of
Minnesota, Lantos, Markey, Spratt and McGovern.



2005/07/19
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 19, 2005; pages D773 - D782

Committee Meetings

MILITARY RECRUITING AND RETENTION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the Current Status of Military Recruiting and Retention. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C.
Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Thomas F. Hall, Assistant
Secretary, Reserve Affairs; LTG Franklin L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of
Staff, G-1, Headquarters, Department of the Army; VADM Gerald Hoewing, USN,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training and
Education), Department of the Navy; LTG H.P. Osman, USMC, Deputy Commander,
Manpower and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps; LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF,
Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; LTG Clyde A.
Vaughn, USA, Director, Army National Guard; LTG James R. Helmly, USA, Chief,
Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command; VADM John G.
Cotton, USN, Chief of Naval Reserve; LTG John W. Bergman, USMCR, Commander,
Marine Forces Reserve/Marine Forces North; LTG Daniel James, III, USAF,
Director, Air National Guard; and LTG John Bradley, USAF, Chief of Air Force
Reserve and Commander Air Force Reserve Command.

                                    [Page: D779]

DD(X) SURFACE COMBATANT SHIP

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing
on Department of the Navy FY06 Plans and Programs for the DD(X)
Next-Generation Multi-Mission Surface Combatant Ship. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Kenneth J. Krieg, Under
Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Adm Vern E. Clark, USN,
Chief of Naval Operations; John J. Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Research,
Development and Acquisition; and RAD Charles S. Hamilton, II, USN, Program
Executive Officer for Ships, Naval Sea Systems Command, all with the
Department of the Navy; Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing
Management GAO; Ronald O'Rourke, Specialist in National Defense, CRS, Library
of Congress; J. Michael Gilmore, Assistant Director and Eric J. Labs,
Principal Analyst, both with the National Security Division, CBO; and a public
witness.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

NIH REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Legislation to
Reauthorize the National Institutes of Health." Testimony was heard from Elias
A Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services.

NATIVE AMERICAN LAND TITLE GRANTS

Committee on Financial Services: and the Committee on Resources held a joint
hearing entitled "Improving Land Title Grant Procedures for Native Americans."
Testimony was heard from Rodger J. Boyd, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public
and Indian Housing, Office of Native American Programs, Department of Housing
and Urban Development; and William P. Ragsdale, Director, Bureau of Indian
Affairs, Department of the Interior.

DEPLOYED FORCES HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "Occupational and
Environmental Health Surveillance of Deployed Forces: Tracking Toxic
Casualties." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Michael Kilpatrick, M.D., Deputy Director, Deployment
Health Support Directorate; and Company Sergeant Major Brian Scott La Morte,
Company Sergeant Major, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), North Carolina Army National Guard; Marcia Crosse, M.D., Director,
Health Care, GAO; Susan Mather, M.D., Chief Officer, Public Health and
Environmental Hazards, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and public witnesses.

IMPROVING AVIATION SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity concluded hearings entitled
"Leveraging Technology to Improve Aviation Security, Part II." Testimony was
heard from Clifford A. Wilke, Assistant Administrator, and Chief Technology
Officer, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.

OVERSIGHT--CAN CONGRESS CREATE A RACE-BASED GOVERNMENT/HAWAII

Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution held an oversight
hearing on Can Congress Create A Race-Based Government?: The Constitutionality
of H.R. 309, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005, and S.
147, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005. Testimony was
heard from Mark Bennett, Attorney General, State of Hawaii; and public
witnesses.

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND FOREIGN INFLUENCE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on
the following: H. Res. 97, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the
Constitution 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
Constitution of the United States; and the Appropriate Role of Foreign
Judgements in the Interpretation of American Law. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D780]

EASTERN OYSTERS/ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "The Status of the
Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the Petition to List the Eastern
Oyster as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act."
Testimony was heard from Jim Wesson, Department Head of Conservation and
Replenishment, Marine Resources Commission, State of Virginia; William S.
Perret, Director, Marine Fisheries, Department of Marine Resources, State of
Mississippi; Chris Judy, Director, Fisheries Service, Shellfish Restoration
Program, Department of Natural Resources, State of Maryland; and public
witnessers.

OVERSIGHT--UPGRADING BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S FACILITIES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing entitled "Maintaining and Upgrading the Bureau of Reclamation's
Facilities to Improve Power Generation, Enhance Water Supply and Keep our
Homeland Secure." Testimony was heard from John Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau
of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehlert and
Representatives Calvert, Honda and Jackson-Lee of Texas, but action was
deferred on H.R. 3070, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005.



2005/07/20
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 20, 2005; pages D783 - D792

Committee Meetings

AIR FORCE'S FUTURE TOTAL FORCE PLAN

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Air Force's Future Total
Force Plan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; and the
following officials of the U.S. Air Force: LTG Stephen G. Wood, Deputy Chief
of Staff, Plans and Programs; LTG Daniel James, III; LTG John A. Bradley,
Chief, Air Force Reserve; MG Roger P. Lemke, The Adjutant General of Nebraska;
and MG Mason C. Whitney, The Adjutant General of Colorado.

DD(X) SURFACE COMBATANT SHIP

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces concluded
hearings on Department of the Navy FY06 Plans and Programs for the DD(X)
Next-Generation Multi-Mission Surface Combatant Ship. Testimony was heard from
Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; Ronald
O'Rourke, Specialist in National Defense, CRS, Library of Congress; the
following officials of the National Security Division, CBO: J. Michael
Gilmore, Assistant Director; and Eric J. Labs, Principal Analyst; and public
witnesses.

PERFORMANCE-BASED BUDGETING

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Performance-Based Budgeting.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Cuellar and Conaway; and Clay S.
Johnson, III, Deputy Director, Management, OMB.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Began mark up of H.R. 609, College
Access and Opportunity Act.

Will continue tomorrow.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
measures: H.R. 3204, State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act of 2005; H.R.
3205, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act; H.R. 1132, National All
Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act of 2005; H. Res. 220,
Recognizing America's Blood Centers and its member organizations for their
commitment to providing over half the Nation with a safe and adequate
volunteer donor blood supply; H. Res. 261, Expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should
be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the
quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and should extend
the project, at least through 2006, subject to any appropriate modifications;
and H.R. 2355, Health Care Choice Act of 2005.

ELECTRONIC WASTE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing entitled "Electronic Waste: An Examination of Current
Activity, Implications for Environmental Stewardship, and the Proper Federal
Role." Testimony was heard from Benjamin Wu, Deputy Under Secretary, Office of
Technology, Department of Commerce; Barry Breen, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA; Kendl P.
Philbrick, Secretary, Department of the Environment, State of Maryland; Dawn
R. Gallagher, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of
Maine; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D789]

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.

IMPROPER PAYMENTS INFORMATION ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "Implementing the Improper
Payments Information Act Are We Making Progress?" Testimony was heard from
Linda Combs, Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, OMB; and
McCoy Williams, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION QUALITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "Improving the Information Quality in the Federal
Government." Testimony was heard from Kimberly T. Nelson, Assistant
Administrator and Chief Information Officer, EPA; Tom Melius, Assistant
Director, External Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the
Interior; Jim Scanlon, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Science and Data
Policy, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION SHARING

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "A Progress
Report on Information Sharing for Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Matthew
Broderick, Director, Homeland Security Operations Center; and Joshua D.
Filler, Director, Office of State and Local Government Coordination; John
Cohen, Senior Homeland Security Policy Advisor, Executive Office of Public
Safety, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 3070, to reauthorize the human space flight,
aeronautics, and science programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and for other purposes, 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. 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 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.

USA PATRIOT AND TERRORISM PREVENTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing two
hours of general debate on H.R. 3199, to extend and modify authorities needed
to combat terrorism, and for other purposes, with one hour and 30 minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on the Judiciary and 30 minutes 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 in lieu of the amendments recommended by the
Committee on the Judiciary and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed
in part A of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as the 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
printed in part A of the Rules Committee report. 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, 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 part B of the Rules Committee report. Finally, the rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony has
heard from Chairman Sensenbrenner, Chairman Hoekstra and Representatives
Flake, Shays, Berman, Nadler, Jackson-Lee, Waters, Harman, Hastings of
Florida, Ruppersberger, Lowey, Sanders, Maloney and Baldwin.

                                    [Page: D790]

HYDROGEN ECONOMY FUTURE

Committee on Science: Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Research
held a joint hearing on Fueling the Future: On the Road to the Hydrogen
Economy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Energy: Douglas Faulkner, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and George Crabtree, Director, Materials
Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory; and public witnesses.

FRAUD IN INCOME TAX RETURN PREPARATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Fraud
in Income Tax Return Preparation. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Nancy J. Jardini, Chief,
Criminal Investigation; and Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate; and pubic
witnesses.



2005/07/21
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 21, 2005; pages D794 - D802

Committee Meetings

RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD REVIEW USDA'S ROLE

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to Review Agriculture's Role in a
Renewable Fuels Standard. Testimony was heard from Keith Collins, Chief
Economist, USDA; Tim Pawlenty, Governor, State of Minnesota; and public
witnesses.

                                    [Page: D800]

U.S. COAST GUARD DEEPWATER PROGRAM

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on U.S. Coast Guard Deepwater Program, Part II. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security:
ADM Thomas H. Collins, Commandant; and ADM Patrick Stillman, Deepwater Program
Manager.

COUNTER TERRORISM TECHNOLOGY SHARING

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and
Technology of the Committee on Homeland Security held a joint hearing on
counter terrorism technology sharing. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Sue Payton, Deputy Under Secretary,
Advanced Systems and Concepts; Peter F. Verga, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Homeland Defense; and Tony Tether, Director, Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency; and John Kubricky, Acting Director, Homeland
Security Advanced Research Projects Agency and Director, Systems Engineering
and Development, Department of Homeland Security.

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Continued markup of H.R. 609,
College Access and Opportunity Act.

Will continue tomorrow.

CREDIT CARD DATA PROCESSING

Committee on Financial Service: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Credit Card Data Processing: How Secure Is It?"
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

CONTROLLING RESTRICTED AIRSPACE

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Controlling
Restricted Airspace: An Examination of the Management and Coordination of Our
National Air Defense." Testimony was heard from Davi M. D'Agostino, Director,
Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary, Homeland Defense; and
MG Marvin S. Mayes, USAF, Commander, 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North
American Aerospace Defense Command Region; and Robert A. Sturgell, Deputy
Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation.

DARFUR PEACE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT;

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations approved for full Committee action, as
amended, H.R. 3127, Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2005.

CHINA HUMAN RIGHTS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations and the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations held a joint hearing on Falun Gong and China's Continuing War
on Human Rights. Testimony was heard from Gretchen Berkel, Acting Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor,
Department of State; and public witnesses.

ELECTRONIC DUCK STAMP ACT; JUNIOR DUCK STAMP REAUTHORIZATION AMENDMENTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a hearing on
the following bills: H.R. 1494, Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2005; and H.R.
3179, Junior Duck Stamp Reauthorization Amendments Act of 2005. Testimony was
heard from Paul R. Schmidt, Assistant Director, Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

U.S. COMPETITIVENESS

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on U.S. Competitiveness: The Innovation
Challenge. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING SAFETY ISSUES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads held
an oversight hearing on Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Issues. Testimony was
heard from Senator Vitter; Representative Kucinich; the following officials of
the Department of Transportation: Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal
Railroad Administration; and Kenneth M. Mead, Inspector General; Mark V.
Rosenker, Acting Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--VETERANS HEALTH CARE BUDGET AMENDMENT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held an oversight hearing on the amendment the
Administration submitted to Congress for the Department of Veterans Affairs
Fiscal Year 2006 budget, requesting an additional $1.977 billion for
higher-than-expected veterans' health care needs. Testimony was heard from
Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans
Affairs.

                                    [Page: D801]

MEDICARE--PHYSICIAN VALUE-BASED PURCHASING

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Value-Based Purchasing for Physicians under Medicare. Testimony was heard from
Mark McClellan, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.



2005/07/22
Daily Digest - Friday, July 22, 2005; pages D804 - D812

Committee Meetings

COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
690, College Access and Opportunity Act.



2005/07/25
Daily Digest - Monday, July 25, 2005; pages D813 - D820

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT REVIEW

Committee on Homeland Security: Concluded hearings entitled "The Secretary's
Second-State Review: Re-thinking the Department of Homeland Security's
Organization and Policy Direction." Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff,
Secretary of Homeland Security.

POSTAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 22, Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act,
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Government Reform. 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 Government Reform now
printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Government Reform. The
rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution, and provided that those amendments 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 Tom
Davis of Virginia and Representatives McHugh and Waxman.

SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 525, Small Business Health Fairness Act of
2005, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule waives all
points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order the
amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution, if offered by Representative Kind of Wisconsin or
his designee, which shall be considered and read, and shall be separately
debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in
the report. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehner and Representatives
Johnson of Texas, Andrews, Kind, Tierney, Van Hollen, Holt and Woolsey.

                                    [Page: D818]

FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE FOR SMALL PHARMACIES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Freedom of Conscience
for Small Pharmacies." Testimony was heard from Sheila Nix, Senior Advisor,
Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois; and public witnesses.



2005/07/26
Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 26, 2005; pages D822 - D836

Committee Meetings

FDA FISCAL YEAR 2006 APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FDA
Fiscal Year 2006 Appropriations. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Lester M. Crawford,
D.V.M., Commissioner, and Kathleen D. Heuer, Associate Commissioner of
Management, both with the FDA; and Lester Cash, Director, Division of Budget
Policy, Execution and Review, Acting Assistant Secretary, Budget.

WEST BANK/GAZA ASSISTANCE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Agencies held a hearing on West Bank/Gaza Assistance.
Testimony was heard from James Wolfensohn, Quartet Special Envoy for Gaza
Disengagement; the following officials of the Department of State: David C.
Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and James Bever,
Mission Director, West Bank/Gaza Operations, U.S. Agency for International
Development; and LTG William E. Ward, Deputy Commander, USA, Deputy Commander,
U.S. Army Europe, Coordinate for Security, Department of Defense.

MENTAL HEALTH

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on mental health. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D., Assistant Secretary,
Health Affairs; LTG Kevin C. Kiley, USA, Surgeon General; VADM Donald C.
Arthur, USN, Surgeon General; LTG George P. Taylor, Jr., USAF, Surgeon
General, Department of the Air Force; COL Virgil J. Patterson, USA, Chief,
Soldier and Family Support Branch, Army Medical Department Center and School;
CAPT Kristiaan C. Hughes, USA, C Company, 1/46 IN, Fort Knox, Kentucky; and
Specialist Stephanie Stretch, 233rd Military Police Company, Illinois Army
National Guard; Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Under Secretary of Health,
Department of Veterans' Affairs; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D832]

FIGHTING METH IN AMERICA'S HEARTLAND

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,
and Human Resources held a hearing entitled "Fighting Meth in America's
Heartland: Assessing the Impact on Local Law Enforcement and Child Welfare
Agencies." Testimony was heard from Scott Burns, Deputy Director, State and
Local Affairs, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Joseph Rannazzisi,
Deputy Chief, Office of Enforcement, DEA, Department of Justice; Freida S.
Baker, Deputy Director, Family and Children's Services, Department of Human
Resources, State of Alabama; and public witnesses.

DOE/ESE SECURITY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging
Threats and International Relations held a hearing entitled "DOE/ESE Security:
How Ready is the Protective Force?" Testimony was heard from Eugene E. Aloise,
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; the following officials of
the Department of Energy: Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; Glenn S.
Podonsky, Director, Office of Security and Safety Performance Assurance; and
Robert Walsh, Security Manager, Office of Energy, Science and Environment;
Lawrence Brede, Wackenhut DOE Operations; and a public witness.

LONDON ATTACKS

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology held a hearing entitled "The London Attacks: Training
to Respond in a Mass Transit Environment." Testimony was heard from Tim Beres,
Director, Preparedness Programs Division, Office for Domestic Preparedness,
Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, Department
of Homeland Security; Robert Jamison, Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit
Administration Department of Transportation; Polly Hanson, Chief of Metro
Police, Washington Metro Area Transit Authority; Paul Lennon, Director,
Intelligence and Emergency Preparedness Management, Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transit Authority; William A. Morange, Deputy Executive
Director/Director of Security, New York City Metropolitan Transportation
Authority; and a public witness.

BANKRUPTCY ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2005 IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing entitled "Implementation of the Bankruptcy Abuse
Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005." Testimony was heard from
Clifford J. White, III, Acting Director, Executive Office for United States
Trustees; A. Thomas Small, United States Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of
North Carolina, on behalf of the Judicial Conference of the United States; and
public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks held an oversight
hearing on the Implementation of the National Trails System Act. Testimony was
heard from Chris Jarvi, Associate Director, Partnerships, Interpretation and
Education, Volunteers and Outdoor Recreation, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-CENTRAL AMERICA-UNITED STATES FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing two hours
of debate in the House on H.R. 3045, to implement the Dominican
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, 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 the bill and
against its consideration. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the
operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further
consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker in consonance
with section 151 of the Trade Act of 1974. The rule provides that a motion to
proceed to consideration of the bill under section 151 of the Trade Act of
1974 shall be in order only in offered by the Majority Leader or his designee.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Shaw and Cardin.

HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST, TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing two hours
of debate in the House on H.R. 5, 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, equally
divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their
designees. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the
bill. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous
question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time
designated by the Speaker. The rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Smith of Texas, Shadegg, Berman, Jackson-Lee of
Texas, Costello, Baird, Emanuel, Berry, Davis of Tennessee and Lipinski.

                                    [Page: D833]

UNITED STATES TRADE RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule providing one
hour of debate in the House on H.R. 3283, to enhance resources to enforce
United States trade rights, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that
the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted. The rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was
heard from Representatives English, Cardin, and Ryan of Ohio.

HONORING PROTECTORS OF THE CAPITOL--PASSENGERS AND CREW OF FLIGHT 93

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Honoring the Protectors of the Capitol: The Passengers and Crew of Flight 93.
Testimony was heard from Brent Glass, member, Flight 93 Memorial Advisory
Commission, Director, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian
Institution; Hamilton Peterson, President, Families of Flight 93; and public
witnesses.

RESULTS--FUTURE IMAGERY ARCHITECTURE RED TEAM REVIEW

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on the
results of the Future Imagery Architecture Red Team Review. Testimony was
heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/07/27
Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 27, 2005; pages D837 - D848

Committee Meetings

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Agriculture: Ordered favorably reported the following bills: H.R.
3421, To reauthorize the United States Grain Standards Act, to facilitate the
official inspection at export locations of grain required or authorized to be
inspected under such Act; and H.R. 3408, To reauthorize the Livestock
Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 and to amend the swine reporting provisions of
that Act.

CHINESE MILITARY POWER

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Chinese military power.
Testimony was heard from Franklin Kramer, former Assistant Secretary,
International Security Affairs, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.

TERRORISM INSURANCE FUTURE

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the Future of Terrorism
Insurance. Testimony was heard from Howard Mills, Superintendent, New York
Insurance Department; Lawrence H. Mirel, Commissioner, Department of Insurance
and Securities, District of Columbia; and public witnesses.

BRAC AND BEYOND

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "BRAC and Beyond: An
Examination of the Rationale Behind Federal Security Standards for Leased
Space." Testimony was heard from Representative Moran of Virginia; Dwight M.
Williams, Chief Security Officer, Department of Homeland Security; F. Joseph
Moravec, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA; John Jester; and the
following officials of the Department of Defense: John Jester, Director,
Pentagon Force Protection Agency; and Get Moy, Director, Installation
Requirements and Management.

HYDROGEN ECONOMY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held a
hearing entitled "The Hydrogen Economy: Is it Attainable? When?" Testimony was
heard from Douglas L. Faulkner, Acting Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; Richard M. Russell, Associate
Director, Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy; Alan Lloyd,
Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California; and public
witnesses.

IMPROVE HEALTHCARE USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency
Organization held a hearing entitled "Is There a Doctor in the Mouse?: Using
Information Technology to Improve Healthcare." Testimony was heard from
Representative Kennedy of Rhode Island; Linda M. Springer, Director, OPM; the
following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: David
Brailer, M.D., National Health Information Technology Coordinator; and
Caroline Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality;
and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D844]

DHS IN TRANSITION

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management,
Finance, and Accountability held a hearing entitled "DHS in Transition--Are
Financial Management Problems Hindering Mission Effectiveness?" Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
Janet Hale, Under Secretary, Management; Andrew Maner, Chief Financial
Officer; and Richard Skinner, Acting Inspector General; and Linda Combs,
Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, OMB.

REGULATORY REFORM

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs held a
hearing entitled "Regulatory Reform: Are Regulations Hindering Our
Competitiveness?" Testimony was heard from Representatives Hayworth, Kelly,
Ney, Miller of Michigan, Lynch and Westmoreland; J. Christopher Mihm, Managing
Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Curtis W. Copeland, Specialist in American
National Government, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

BORDER SECURITY SYSTEM'S INTEGRITY--FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIPS

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and
Oversight held a hearing entitled "The 287(g) Program: Ensuring the Integrity
of America's Border Security System through Federal-State Partnerships."
Testimony was heard from Paul M. Kilcoyne, Deputy Assistant Director, Office
of Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security; Mark F. Dubina, Special Agent Supervisor, Tampa Bay
Regional Operations Center, Department of Law Enforcement, State of Florida;
Charles E. Andrews, Chief, Administrative Division, Department of Public
Safety, State of Alabama; and public witnesses.

UKRAINE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging
Threats held a hearing on Ukraine: Developments in the Aftermath of the Orange
Revolution. Testimony was heard from Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau
for European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.

ENERGY SECURITY--TERRORIST THREATS

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation held a hearing on Terrorist Threats to Energy Security.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SYRIA AND THE UN OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigation and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia held a
joint hearing on Syria and the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program. Testimony
was heard from Elizabeth L. Dibble, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near
Eastern Affairs, Department of State; Dwight Sparlin, Director, Operations,
Policy, and Support, Criminal Investigation Division, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; and a public witness.

U.S. DIPLOMACY IN LATIN AMERICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held
a hearing on U.S. Diplomacy in Latin America. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: Roger Noriega, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; John
Maisto, U.S. Representative on the Council of the OAS, Department of State;
and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered favorably reported the following measures:
H.R. 3132, Children's Safety Act of 2005; H.R. 3402, Department of Justice
Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 through 2009; H. Res. 336,
Requesting that the President focus appropriate attention on neighborhood
crime prevention and community policing, and coordinate certain Federal
efforts to participate in "National Night Out," which occurs the first Tuesday
of August each year, including by supporting local efforts and community watch
groups and by supporting local officials, to promote community safety and help
provide homeland security; H. Res. 378, Recognizing and honoring the 15th
anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; H.
Con. Res. 216, Expressing the sense of the Congress that, as Congress observes
the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and encourages all
Americans to do the same, it will advance the legacy of the Voting Rights Act
of 1965 by ensuring the continued effectiveness of the Act to protect the
voting rights of all Americans; and H. Con. Res. 208, Recognizing the 50th
anniversary of Rosa Louise Parks' refusal to give up her seat on the bus and
the subsequent desegregation of American society.

CONFERENCE REPORT--ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 6, Energy Policy Act of 2005,
and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report
shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Barton of Texas
and Representative Dingell.

                                    [Page: D845]

CONFERENCE REPORT--INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2361, making appropriations
for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes, and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor of North
Carolina and Dicks.

CONFERENCE REPORT--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2985, making appropriations
for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and
for other purposes, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the
conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Lewis of California.

INTERNATIONAL MULTI-YEAR BUDGETING COMPARATIVE STUDY

Committee on Rules: Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process held a
hearing on A Comparative Study of International Multi-Year Budgeting.
Testimony was heard from Barry Anderson, former Deputy Director, CBO; and
public witnesses.

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing that suspensions
will be in order at any time on the legislative day of Thursday, July 28,
2005. The rule provides that the Speaker or his designee shall consult with
the Minority Leader or her designee on any suspension considered under the
rule.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS 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 28, 2005, providing for consideration or
disposition of a conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3) to authorize
funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs,
and for other purposes.

SBA'S VENTURE CAPITAL PROGRAM

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the importance of amending the
Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish a participating debenture
program to assist small businesses in gaining access to much needed capital.
Testimony was heard from Jaime A. Guzman-Fournier, Associate Administrator,
Investment, SBA; and a public witness.

BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IMPORTANCE

Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture
and Technology, hearing entitled "The Importance of the Biotechnology Industry
and Venture Capital Support in Innovation." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs: The Continuum of Care for Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: COL Charles W. Hoge, M.D., Chief of Psychiatry and
Behavior Sciences, Division of Neurosciences, Walter Reed Army Institute of
Research; LTC Charles C. Engle, Jr., M.D., Chief, DoD Deployment Health
Clinical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, both with the U.S. Army; and
Michael E. Kilpatrick, M.D. Deputy Director, Deployment Health Support
Directorate, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary; the following officials
of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Matthew J. Friedman, M.D., Executive
Director, National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Alfonso R.
Batres, Chief, Office of Readjustment Counseling; BG Michael J. Kussman, M.D.,
Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration; and Mark
Shelhorse, M.D., Deputy Chief Patient Care Services Officer for Mental Health
and Chief Medical Officer for VISN 6; representatives of veterans
organizations; and public witnesses.

VETERANS MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved
for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 419, Hire Veterans Act of
2005; and H.R. 3279, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization
Act of 2005.

                                    [Page: D846]

VETERANS LEGISLATION

Committee on Veterans's Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on the following: H.R. 3082, Veteran-Owned Small Business Promotion
Act of 2005; H.R. 1773, Native American Veteran Home Loan Act; a measure to
Establish an Office of Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events; a measure
to require the Veterans' Employment and Training Service to Establish
Qualification Standards for Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialists and Local
Veteran Employment Representatives; a measure to increase the Disabled Veteran
Adaptive Housing Grant; and a measure to Provide for a Disabled Veteran
Transitional Housing Grant. Testimony was heard from Delegate Faleomavaega;
John M. McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Operations and Management,
Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor; Keith Pedigo,
Director, Loan Guaranty Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department
of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.

HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health
Care Information Technology (IT). Testimony was heard from David Brailer,
M.D., National Coordinator, Health Information Technology, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.

GLOBAL MISSILE THREATS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and
Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on Global
Missile Threats. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.



2005/07/28
Daily Digest - Thursday, July 28, 2005; pages D849 - D858

Committee Meetings

FINANCING IRAQI INSURGENCY

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the
Committee on Financial Services held a joint hearing on the financing of the
Iraqi insurgency. Testimony was heard from Daniel Glaser, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, Department of the
Treasury; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: James
Roberts, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and Combating
Terrorism; and Caleb Temple, Director, Operations, Joint Intelligence Task
Force for Combating Terrorism, Defense Intelligence Agency.

DATA SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Data Security: The Discussion
Draft of Data Protection Legislation." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

D.C. METRO--GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Keeping Metro on
Track: The Federal Government's Role in Balancing Investment with
Accountability at Washington's Transit Agency." Testimony was heard from
Katherine Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; the
following officials of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority:
Dana Kauffman, Chairman of the Board; and Richard White, Chief Executive
Officer; and public witnesses.

RESOLUTION--COMMENDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMPLOYEES FOR
DEDICATED SERVICE IN WAR AGAINST TERRORISM

Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported H. Res. 398, Expressing the
sense of the House of Representatives that the employees of the Department of
Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government, and the
millions of law enforcement agents and emergency response providers nationwide
should be commended for their dedicated service on the Nation's front lines in
the war against terrorism.

                                    [Page: D856]

AVIATION SCREENING WORKFORCE--IMPROVING MANAGEMENT

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled
"Improving Management of the Aviation Screening Workforce." Testimony was
heard from Thomas Blank, Acting Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; James Bennett, President and
Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; John
Martin, Director, San Francisco International Airport; William DeCota,
Director, Aviation, New York-New Jersey Port Authority; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL BIODEFENSE STRATEGY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack, hearing entitled "Implementing the National Biodefense
Strategy." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Health and Human Services: Julie Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention; and Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National
Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; BG Eric B. Schoomaker,
USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command,
Department of Defense; and John Vitko, Jr., Director, Biological
Countermeasure Portfolio, Science and Technolgy Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security.

ASSESSING HANDICAP ACCESS TO HOUSE COMPLEX

Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Accessibility of the
House Complex for Persons with Special Needs. Testimony was heard from
Representative Langevin; Chief Terrence Gainer, U.S. Capitol Police; James M.
Eagen, III, Chief Administrative Officer, House of Representatives; Alan
Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; and public witnesses.

LEBANON DEMOCRACY

Committee on International Relations: Held a hearing on Lebanon Reborn?
Defining National Priorities and Prospects for Democratic Renewal in the Wake
of March 14, 2005. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of State: C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near
Eastern Affairs; and James R. Kunder, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia
and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development; and public
witnesses.

CHINA'S INFLUENCE ON AFRICA

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations, hearing on China's Influence in Africa.
Testimony was heard from Michael Ranneberger, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; Carolyn Bartholomew,
Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and public
witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN MINING COMMUNITIES

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals held an oversight
hearing on Sustainable Development Opportunities in Mining Communities, Part
II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--WESTSIDE REGIONAL DRAINAGE PLAN

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight
hearing on Implementation of the Westside Regional Drainage Plan as a Way to
Improve San Joaquin River Water Quality. Testimony was heard from John Keyes,
III, Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and
public witnesses.

CONFERENCE REPORT--TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 3, to authorize funds for
Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for
other purposes, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the
conference report be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman
Young of Alaska Representatives Petri and Oberstar.

HIGHWAY, HIGHWAY SAFETY, MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY, TRANSIT, AND OTHER PROGRAMS
EXTENSION

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing ten
minutes of debate in the House on H.R. 3514, to provide an extension of
administrative expenses for highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety,
transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives
all points of order against the bill and against its consideration. The rule
provides one motion to recommit.

                                    [Page: D857]

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS 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 29, 2005, providing for consideration or
disposition of any measure related to funding for transportation programs.

CONFERENCE REPORT--TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order
against the conference report to accompany H.R. 3 and against its
consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be
considered as read. The rule provides that the Clerk shall not transmit to the
Senate a message that it has adopted the conference report to accompany H.R. 3
until the House has received a message that the Senate has agreed to House
Concurrent Resolution 226 as adopted by the House.

TAX REFORM/MEMBERS PROPOSALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Member Proposals for Tax Reform. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Neal, English of Pennsylvania, Linder, Emanuel, Kucinich,
Bishop of New York, and Burgess.

BRIEFING--GLOBAL UPDATES

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

DNI STATUS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Oversight held a
hearing on DNI Status. Testimony was heard from LTG Michael V. Hayden, USAF,
Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence.



2005/07/29
Daily Digest - Friday, July 29, 2005; pages D860 - D866

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/09/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, September 1, 2005; pages D868 - D870

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/09/02
Daily Digest - Friday, September 2, 2005; pages D872 - D874

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2005/09/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 6, 2005; pages D875 - D882

Committee Meetings

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS ACT

Committee on Rules: Testimony was heard from Chairman Boehlert and
Representatives Ehlers, Carnahan and Larson of Connecticut, but action was
deferred on H.R. 250, Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005.



2005/09/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 7, 2005; pages D883 - D886

Committee Meetings

KELO V. CITY OF NEW LONDON SUPREME COURT DECISION; STRENGTHENING THE OWNERSHIP
OF PRIVATE PROPERTY ACT

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the Kelo v. City of New
London U.S. Supreme Court decision and H.R. 3405, Strengthening the Ownership
of Private Property Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Bonilla and Waters; and public witnesses.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs held a hearing on Iraq Reconstruction.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Ambassador James Jeffrey, Senior Advisor on Iraq to the Secretary; and James
Kunder, Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Ne