110th Congress (2007 - 2008)

January 4 - December 31, 2007

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

2007/01/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 4, 2007; pages D1 - D10

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/05
Daily Digest - Friday, January 5, 2007; pages D12 - D14

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/08
Daily Digest - Monday, January 8, 2007; pages D15 - D16

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 9, 2007; pages D18 - D24

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 10, 2007; pages D25 - D30

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Armed Services: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Met for organizational purposes.



2007/01/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 11, 2007; pages D32 - D36

Committee Meetings

IRAQ--THE WAY FORWARD

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the way forward in Iraq.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Robert M. Gates, Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs
of Staff.

                                    [Page: D35]

BRIEFING IRAN CRISIS--NEXT STEPS

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on the Next Steps in the Iran
Crisis. The Committee was briefed by Thomas R. Pickering, former Under
Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and R. James Woolsey, Jr.,
former Director, CIA.

IRAQ BRIEFING

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on Iraq. The Committee was
briefed by Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State.



2007/01/12
Daily Digest - Friday, January 12, 2007; pages D37 - D42

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Rules: Met for organizational purposes.



2007/01/16
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 16, 2007; pages D44 - D50

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN--U.S. FORCE PROTECTION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
held a hearing on Marine Corps force protection equipment for Operation Iraqi
Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the U.S. Marine Corps: BG Randolph D. Alles, USMC, Commanding
General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory; and BG Michael M. Brogan, USMC,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Systems Command.

                                    [Page: D48]

THE COLLEGE STUDENT RELIEF ACT OF 2007

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing 3
hours of general debate on H.R. 5, to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965
to reduce interest rates for student borrowers, in the House equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and
against its consideration except for clause 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule
provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the
rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to
a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Miller of
California and Representatives McKeon and Keller.

CREATING LONG-TERM ENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NATION (CLEAN) ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing 3
hours of general debate on H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on
foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy
resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater
efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve
to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes, in the House with 60
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Ways and Means, 60 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Natural Resources, 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, and 30 minutes
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order
against the bill and against its consideration except for clause 9 and 10 or
Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. The rule also provides that during consideration of H.R. 6
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. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rahall and
Representatives Nunes, Bartlett of Maryland and Biggert.



2007/01/17
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 17, 2007; pages D52 - D58

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
on Army and Marine Corps Readiness. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of
Staff; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The Subcommittee also met in executive session on Army and Marine Operations
and Equipment Reconstitution. Testimony was heard from GEN Benjamin Griffin,
USA, Commander, Army Materiel Command; LTG Jim Lovelace, U.S. Army, G3; and
LTG Steve Speakes, USA, G8; LTG Emerson N. Gardner, Jr., USMC, Deputy
Commandant, Programs and Resources; LTG Richard F. Natonski, USMC, Deputy
Commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations; and BG Michael M. Brogan, USMC,
Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command.

ALTERNATIVE IRAQ STRATEGIES

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on alternative perspectives on the
President's strategy for Iraq. Testimony was heard from William J. Perry,
former Secretary of Defense; and public witnesses.

IRAQ OVERSIGHT

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on Iraq. The Committee was
briefed by Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State.

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 organizational purposes.



2007/01/18
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 18, 2007; pages D59 - D66

Committee Meetings

NAVY, AIR FORCE, GUARD AND RESERVE READINESS

Committee on Appropriations: Met in executive session on Navy and Air Force
Readiness. Testimony was heard from ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval
Operations; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force.

The Subcommittee also met in executive session on Guard and Reserve Readiness.
Testimony was heard from LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief of the National Guard
Bureau; LTG Jack C. Stultz, USAR, Chief of Army Reserve; VADM John G. Cotton,
USN, Chief of Navy Reserve; LTG John A. Bradley, USAF, Chief, Air Force
Reserve; and LTG John W. Bergman, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION AUDITS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on approaches to audit of
reconstruction and support activities in Iraq. Testimony was heard from David
M. Walker, Comptroller General; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Thomas E. Gimble, Acting Inspector General; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr.,
Special Inspector General; and Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General,
Department of State.

U.S. FORCE PROTECTION IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a
hearing on Army force protection equipment for Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: LTG Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of
Staff, Army G-8; MG Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, Deputy for Acquisition and
Systems Management, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology), all with the Department of the Army; Robert L. Buhrkuhl,
Director, Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, Office of Under Secretary of Defense
(Acquisition, Technology and Logistics); and CAPT Joseph McGettigan, USN,
Commanding Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division; Philip
Coyle, former Director, Operational Test and Development, Office of the
Secretary of Defense; and Ray Dubois, Jr., former Acting Under Secretary of
the Army.

BUDGETING FOR WAR COSTS; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; CBO DIRECTOR

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Budgeting for War Costs. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gordon
England, Deputy Secretary; ADM Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., USN, Vice
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary
(Comptroller); Robert Sunshine, Assistant Director, CBO; Steve Kosiak,
Director of Budget Studies, Center on Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

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

The Committee approved the recommendation to appoint Peter Orszag as the
Director of CBO.

OVERSIGHT--NORTH KOREA

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on North Korea. Testimony was
heard from William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense; and James Lilley,
former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Oversight and Reform: Met for organizational purposes.

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY--CURRENT AND PROJECTED THREATS

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Current and
Projected Threats to U.S. National Security. Testimony was heard from John D.
Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence.

                                    [Page: D65]

The Committee also met in executive session on this subject. Testimony was
heard from John D. Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence.



2007/01/19
Daily Digest - Friday, January 19, 2007; pages D67 - D70

Committee Meetings

MILITARY MEDICAL READINESS

Committee on Appropriations: Held a hearing on Military Medical Readiness and
Related Issues. 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 James G. Roudebush, M.D., Surgeon
General, Air Force; and VADM Donald C. Arthur, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy
Surgeon General, Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; Charles Marmar, M.D.,
Associate Chief of Staff, Mental Health, San Francisco VA Medical Center; and
a public witness.

BAKER-HAMILTON COMMISSION REPORT

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on the Baker-Hamilton Commission
Report. The Committee was briefed by Lee Hamilton, Co-Chair, Iraq Study Group
(Baker-Hamilton Commission).

CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE--NEED FOR RENEWED INVESTMENT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Need for Renewed Investment in
Clean Water Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from Benjamin H. Grumbles,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses.



2007/01/22
Daily Digest - Monday, January 22, 2007; pages D71 - D74

Committee Meetings

INTELLIGENCE READINESS

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
on Intelligence Readiness. Testimony was heard from Steven Kappes, Deputy
Director, CIA; and John D. Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence.

SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



2007/01/23
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 23, 2007; pages D75 - D80

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Agriculture: Met for organizational purposes.

IRAQ'S EFFECT ON TOTAL FORCES READINESS

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on implications of Iraq policy on
total force readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, U.S.
Army; GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; 1SG Ciaran T.
Allison, USA, A Co. 2-23 IN, Ft. Lewis, MA; and public witnesses.

WHY DEFICITS MATTER

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Why Deficits Matter. Testimony was
heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Favorably considered the following resolutions
and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on
the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 24, amended, Establishing the House Democracy
Assistance Commission for the One Hundred Tenth Congress; and H. Con. Res. 20,
Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a
full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern
Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory
as part of the Weston Park Agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern
Ireland peace process.

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

The committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Homeland Security: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

DELEGATES FLOOR VOTE

Committee on Rules: Granted by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule. The rule
provides 1 hour of general debate in the House on H. Res. 78, Amending the
Rules of the House of Representatives to permit Delegates and the Resident
Commissioner to the Congress to cast votes in the Committee of the Whole House
on the state of the Union, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules. The rule waives all points
of order against the resolution and against its consideration and provides
that the resolution shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order the
amendment printed in the Rules Report accompanying this resolution, if offered
by Rep. Kirk of Illinois. The amendment shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and
an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question. The rule also waives all points of order against the amendment
printed in the report, and contains one motion to recommit which may not
contain instructions. Finally, 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. Testimony was
heard from Delegates Faleomavaega and Bordallo; and Representative Kirk.

                                    [Page: D79]

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the
State of Economic Development. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

STATE OF U.S. ECON0MY

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the State of the U.S. Economy.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



2007/01/24
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 24, 2007; pages D81 - D86

Committee Meetings

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Education and Labor: Met for organizational purposes.

SOUTH SUDAN

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a
hearing on South Sudan: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Life Support.
Testimony was heard from Representative Wolf; and Roger Winter, former Special
Representative for Sudan.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Met for organizational purposes.

                                    [Page: D85]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 365, Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007; H. Res. 59,
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week; and H. Con. Res.
34, Honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic
chemistry research and development and the first and only African American
chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing on Surface Transportation System: Challenges for the
Future. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary, Policy,
Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.

POVERTY--ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL COSTS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Economic and Societal Costs of
Poverty. Testimony was heard from Sigurd R. Nilsen, Director, Education,
Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses.

INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO POLICY MAKER

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Intelligence Support to the Policy Maker. Testimony was heard from
Lee Hamilton, Co-Chair, Iraq Study Group (Baker-Hamilton Commission).



2007/01/25
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 25, 2007; pages D87 - D92

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/26
Daily Digest - Friday, January 26, 2007; pages D94 - D100

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/29
Daily Digest - Monday, January 29, 2007; pages D102 - D106

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/01/30
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 30, 2007; pages D108 - D116

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY GOALS

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on 5 and 10 year Homeland Security Goals: Where We Need To Be as a Nation and
How We Judge Progress. Testimony was heard from the following former Senators:
Warren Rudman of New Hampshire; and Gary Hart of Colorado; the following
officials of the 9/11 Commission: former Representative Timothy J. Roemer of
Indiana; and Jamie S. Gorelick; and public witnesses.

AFGHANISTAN SECURITY AND STABILITY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Security and Stability in
Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.

FORCE REQUIREMENTS DETERMINATION PROCESS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on examination of the force requirements determination process. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Richard P
Formica, USA, Director, Force Management, Deputy Chief of Staff, G3,
Headquarters, U.S. Army; MG Stephen T. Johnson, USMC, Deputy Commanding
General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Michael F. Applegate,
Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Janet St. Laurent, Director, Defense
Capabilities and Management Team, GAO.

CBO'S BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Congressional Budget Office's
Budget and Economic Outlook. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag,
Director, CBO.

GENETIC DISCRIMINATION OF WORKERS

Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor
and Pensions held a hearing on Protecting Workers from Genetic Discrimination.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Slaughter and Biggert; and public
witnesses.

LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY SECURITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Continuing Security Concerns at Los Alamos National
Laboratory." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Energy: Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; Glenn S.
Podonsky, Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, Office of Health, Safety
and Security; Clay Sell, Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary; Thomas N.
Pyke, Jr., Chief Information Officer; Thomas P. D'Agostino, Acting
Administrator; William J. Desmond, Associate Administrator and Chief for
Defense Nuclear Security; and Linda Wilbanks, Chief Information Officer, all
with the National Nuclear Security Administration; Michael R. Anastasio,
Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory; and a public witness.

                                    [Page: D113]

ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE WITH WORK OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENTISTS

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on allegations of
political interference with the work of government climate change scientists.
Testimony was heard from Drew Shindell, Goddard Institute for Space Studies,
NASA; and public witnesses.

FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2007

Committee on Rules. Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing one
hour of debate in the House on H.J. Res. 20, making further continuing
appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes, equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against the
joint resolution and against its consideration (except for clause 9 or 10 of
Rule XXI). The rule also provides that the joint resolution shall be
considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representatives Lewis of
California, Knollenberg, Weldon of Florida, Hall of Texas, Moran of Kansas,
Sessions, Walden of Oregon, Flake, Brown-Waite of Florida, Feeney, King of
Iowa and Campbell of California.

ADVANCE FUELS INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on H.R. 547, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and
Development Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD INTEGRATED DEEPWATER SYSTEM

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing of Coast Guard
Integrated Deepwater System. Testimony was heard from ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG,
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.

FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Reauthorization of the
Federal Rail Safety Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Transportation: Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal
Railroad Administration; and Calvin Scovel, Inspector General; Mark Rosenker,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and Katherine Siggerud,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Trade and Globalization.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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

SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



2007/01/31
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 31, 2007; pages D117 - D126

Committee Meetings

ARMY EQUIPMENT RESET

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the
Subcommittee on Readiness held a joint hearing on Army equipment reset.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
MG Vincent E. Boles, USA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4; BG Charles A.
Anderson, USA, Director, Force Development, Office of the Chief of Staff, G-8;
BG Robert M. Radin, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Operations, U.S.
Army Materiel Command; and Thomas E. Mullins, Deputy Assistant Secretary of
the Army, Plans, Programs, and Resources; and William M. Solis, Director,
Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO.

NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Department of Energy's implementation of the National Nuclear Security
Administration Act of 2000. Testimony was heard from Samuel W. Bodman,
Secretary of Energy; and the following officials of the Natural Resources and
Environment Division, GAO: Gene Aloise, Director; and James Noel, Assistant
Director.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on current manning, equipping and readiness
challenges facing Special Operations Forces. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Doug Brown, USA,
Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command; LTG Robert W. Wagner, USA,
Commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; RADM Joseph Maguire, USN,
Commander, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command; LTG Michael M. Wooley, USAF,
Commander, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command; and MG Dennis J. Hejlik,
USMC, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS

Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Strengthening America's
Middle Class: Evaluating the Economic Squeeze on America's Families. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes.

IRAN CRISIS

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Understanding the Iran Crisis.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--PRESIDENTIAL SIGNING STATEMENTS

Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Presidential
Signing Statements under the Bush Administration: A Threat to Checks and
Balances and the Rule of Law?" Testimony was heard from John Elwood, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice;
former Representative Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 547, as amended, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development
Act; and H. Res. 72, Recognizing the work and accomplishments of Mr. Britt
"Max" Mayfield, Director of the National Hurricane Center's Tropical
Prediction Center upon his retirement.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Small Business: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials concluded hearings on Reauthorization of
the Federal Rail Safety Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action the following
bills: H.R. 720, Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007; H.R. 569, as
amended, Water Quality Investment Act of 2007; and H.R. 700, as amended, Water
Quality Financing Act of 2007.

MIDDLE CLASS ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Economic Challenges Facing
Middle Class Families. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director,
CBO; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D125]



2007/02/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 1, 2007; pages D127 - D134

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2007/02/05
Daily Digest - Monday, February 5, 2007; pages D136 - D140

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held.



2007/02/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 6, 2007; pages D141 - D146

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Major Management Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security in
Implementing Legislated and Other Security Improvements. Testimony was heard
from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Richard L. Skinner,
Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security.

PRESIDENT'S FY 2008 BUDGET

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2008
Budget. Testimony was heard from Robert J. Portman, Director, OMB.

HHS'S FY 2008 BUDGET

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "A Review of the
Department of Health and Human Services' Fiscal Year 2008 Budget." Testimony
was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
met and adopted a motion to issue subpoenas to several individuals to appear
as witnesses before the Subcommittee in connection with a planned hearing on
adequacy of the Food and Drug Administration to assure the safety of the drug
supply on February 13, 2007.

HURRICANE KATRINA--FEDERAL HOUSING RESPONSE

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Federal Housing
Response to Hurricane Katrina." Testimony was heard from Representatives
Taylor, Jefferson, Boustany, Jr., and Melancon; Roy A. Bernardi, Deputy
Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; David Garratt, Acting
Director of Recovery, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Walter Leger,
Chairman, Housing and Redevelopment Task Force, Louisiana Recovery Authority,
State of Louisiana; Gray Swoope, Executive Director, Development Authority,
State of Mississippi; and public witnesses.

RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation and
Infrastructure held a hearing entitled "Update on Federal Rail and Public
Transportation Security Efforts." Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley,
Assistant Secretary; Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security; the following officials of the Department of
Transportation: Terry Rosapep, Deputy Associate Administrator, Program
Management, Federal Transit Administration; and Michael Haley, Deputy Chief
Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration; and Cathleen A. Berrick, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO.

                                    [Page: D144]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 545,
Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R.
137, Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R. 740, To
amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing.

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on these bills.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania; and Udall
of New Mexico; Barry M. Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department
of Justice; and public witnesses.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The
Lasting Impact of CPA Decision-Making on Iraq Reconstruction." Testimony was
heard from Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, former Administrator, Coalition
Provisional Authority; Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for
Iraq Reconstruction; and David R. Oliver, Jr., former Advisor, Iraq Ministry
of Finance, former Director of Management and Budget, Coalition Provisional
Authority.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 798, To direct the Administrator of
General Services to install a photovoltaic system for the headquarters
building of the Department of Energy; H.R. 799, Appalachian Regional
Development Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 187, To designate the Federal
building and United States courthouse and customhouse located at 515 West
First Street in Duluth, Minnesota, as the "Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building
and United States Courthouse and Customhouse;" H.R. 342, To designate the
United States courthouse located at 555 Independent Street, Cape Girardeau,
Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse;" H.R.
399, To designate the United States Courthouse to be constructed in Jackson,
Mississippi, as the "R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse;" H.R. 429, To
designate the United States courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East,
Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey United States Courthouse;" H.R. 430,
To designate the United States bankruptcy courthouse located at 271 Cadman
Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York as the "Conrad Duberstein United States
Bankruptcy Courthouse;" H.R. 478, To designate the Federal building and United
States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the
"Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R. 544, To
designate the United States courthouse at South Federal Place in Sante Fe, New
Mexico, as the "Santiago E. Campos United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 584, To
designate the headquarters building of the Department of Education in
Washington, D.C., as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal Building.

PRESIDENT'S FY 2008 BUDGET PROPOSALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's FY 2008 budget
proposals. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the
Treasury. 



2007/02/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 7, 2007; pages D148 - D154

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Using Risk to Determine Homeland Security Investments. Testimony was heard
from William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issue Team, GAO;
and a public witness.

NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National
Defense Budget Request from the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates,
Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT FY 2008 BUDGET

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Treasury Department Fiscal Year
2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the
Treasury.

STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S MIDDLE CLASS--ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS

Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Strengthening America's
Middle Class: Finding Economic Solutions to Help America's Families. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE U.S.

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Committee on Foreign
Investment in the United States (CFIUS), One Year After Dubai Ports World."
Testimony was heard from Clay Lowery, Assistant Secretary, Department of the
Treasury; former Representative Steve Bartlett of Texas; and public witnesses.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on International Relations Budget
for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of
State.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "An Overview of Issues
and Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the GAO: David M. Walker, Comptroller
General; and Norman Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice;
and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 545,
Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R.
137, amended, Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R.
740, To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing.

                                    [Page: D152]

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Natural Resources: Met for organizational purposes.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Iraqi
Reconstruction: Reliance on Private Military Contractors and Status Report."
Testimony was heard from Tina Ballard, Assistant Under Secretary, Procurement
and Policy, Department of the Army; and public witnesses.

ADVANCED FUELS INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of
general debate on H.R. 547, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and
Development Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives
all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising
under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the Committee on
Science and Technology amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in
the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The amendment in
the nature of a substitute shall be considered for amendment by section with
each section considered as read. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord
priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in
the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Gordon; and
Representatives Hall of Texas, Burgess and King of Iowa.

The Committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress, and authorized
its transmission to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the
Committee on House Administration.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007; H.R. 569, Water Quality
Investment Act of 2007; H.R. 700, Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of
2007; H.R. 798, To direct the Administrator of General Services to install a
photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the Department of Energy;
H.R. 799, amended, Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007;
H.R. 802, amended, Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 342,
amended, To designate the United States courthouse located at 555 Independent
Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., United
States Courthouse;" H.R. 399, To designate the United States Courthouse to be
constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the "R. Jess Brown United States
Courthouse;" H.R. 429, To designate the United States courthouse located at
225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey United States
Courthouse;" H.R. 430, amended, To designate the United States bankruptcy
courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York as the "Conrad
Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse;" H.R. 478, To designate the
Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in
Lexington, Kentucky, as the "Scott Reed Federal Building and United States
Courthouse;" H.R. 544, To designate the United States courthouse at South
Federal Place in Sante Fe, New Mexico, as the "Santiago E. Campos United
States Courthouse;" and H.R. 584, amended, To designate the headquarters
building of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., as the Lyndon
Baines Johnson Federal Building.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

OMB FY 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year
2008 for the OMB. Testimony was heard from Ronald J. Portman, Director, OMB.

SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

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



2007/02/08
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 8, 2007; pages D156 - D166

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food
Safety: Shedding Light on a Broken System. Testimony was heard from David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

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

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and
Related Programs held a hearing on oversight of Assistance Programs in Iraq.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General; and Donald Gambatesa, Inspector
General, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr.,
Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.

NAVY LITTORAL COMBAT SYSTEM OVERSIGHT

Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
held a hearing on acquisition oversight of the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat
System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Navy: Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research,
Development, and Acquisition; VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea
Systems Command; RADM Charles Hamilton, USN, Program Executive Officer
(Ships); and RADM Barry McCullough, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division
(N86), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and public witnesses.

STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS

Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor
and Pensions held a hearing on Strengthening America's Middle Class Through
the Employee Free Choice Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

ENERGY DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on the Department of Energy's
Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from Samuel W. Bodman,
Secretary of Energy.

DARFUR CRISIS

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Escalating Crisis in
Darfur: Are There Any Prospects for Peace? Testimony was heard from Andrew
Natsios, Special Envoy to Sudan and former Administrator, United States Agency
for International Development, Department of State.

OVERSIGHT--HOMELAND SECURITY CONTRACTS

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled
"Management of Massive Homeland Security Contracts: Deepwater and SBInet."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Richard Skinner, Inspector General; Elaine Duke, Chief Procurement
Officer; Greg Giddens, Director, SBI Program Executive Office; and ADM Thad W.
Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO; and public witnesses.

CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE

Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on The State of Climate
Change Science 2007: The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group I Report.
Testimony was heard from Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of
Representatives; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D161]

SBA'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Small Business
Administration's Budget for Fiscal Year 2008." Testimony was heard from Steven
Preston, Administrator, SBA.

TRANSPORTATION/EPA BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing entitled "FY
2008 President's Budget Request for Department of Transportation and
Environmental Protection Agency." Testimony was heard from Mary E. Peters,
Secretary of Transportation; and the following officials of the EPA: Benjamin
H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water; and Susan Parker Bodine,
Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response.

VA'S BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the VA's budget request for
Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.

HHS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008

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

OVERSIGHT PLAN: NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATES ON IRAQ

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: On February 7, the Committee
approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

The Committee also approved Member requests to view the National Intelligence
Estimate on Iraq.



2007/02/09
Daily Digest - Friday, February 9, 2007; pages D168 - D170

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S.
Army FY '07 Supplemental. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Army: Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN Peter J.
Schoomaker, Chief of Staff.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was
heard from SGM Kenneth O. Preston, Department of the Army; Master Chief Petty
Officer Joe Campa, Department of the Navy; SGM Major John L. Estrada, Marine
Corps; and CMSgt. Rodney J. McKinley, U.S. Air Force.

HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT FY 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "An Examination of the
President's FY 2008 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security."
Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.

PHARMACEUTICAL PRICING WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE ALLEGATIONS

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled
"Allegations of Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Pharmaceutical Pricing: Financial
Impacts on Federal Health Programs and the Federal Taxpayer." Testimony was
heard from John Dicken, Director, Health Care, GAO; Lew Morris, Counsel,
Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services; Ron
Tenpas, Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; Patrick J.
O'Connell, Chief, Civil Medicaid Fraud, Attorney General, State of Texas; and
public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D170]



2007/02/12
Daily Digest - Monday, February 12, 2007; pages D172 - D178

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S.
Air Force Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael W. Wynee,
Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USMC, Chief of Staff.

RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL U.S. TROOPS TO IRAQ

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. The rule
provides for the following general debate in the House on H. Con. Res. 63,
disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007,
to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq: (1)
not beyond midnight on Tuesday, February 13, 2007; (2) not beyond midnight on
Wednesday, February 14, 2007; and (3) 12 hours beginning on Thursday, February
15, 2007. All debate is equally divided and controlled by the Majority and
Minority Leader or their designees. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the concurrent resolution and provides that the
concurrent resolution shall be considered as read.

The rule provides that the Majority Leader at any time, after consultation
with the Minority Leader, may extend debate time for an additional hour. The
rule also 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. Finally, the rule contains one motion to recommit
which may not contain instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton,
Chairman Lantos, Representatives Jones of North Carolina, Pence, Wolf, Shays,
Gilchrest, and Sam Johnson of Texas.

SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007

Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 976, Small
Business Tax Relief Act of 2007.



2007/02/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 13, 2007; pages D179 - D186

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S.
Navy/Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Donald Winter,
Secretary; and ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN
James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Aviation Security Challenges. Testimony was heard from Edmund S. (Kip)
Hawley, Director, Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security; and Cathleen Berrick, Assistant Director, GAO.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Transportation Security Challenges.
Testimony was heard from Edmund S. (Kip) Hawley, Director, Transportation
Security Administration, Cathleen Berrick, Assistant Director, GAO; and public
witnesses.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies, held a hearing on Overview of National Forest Service.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark E. Rey,
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Abigail R. Kimball,
Chief, U.S. Forest Service.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Related Agencies. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the American Battle Monuments
Commission: GEN. Frederick M. Franks, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret), Chairman; and BG.
John W. Nicholson, U.S. Army (Ret) Secretary; John Paul Woodley, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Arlington National Cemetery;
and Timothy C. Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Armed Forces Retirement Home.

AFGHANISTAN SECURITY AND STABILITY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on an assessment of security and
stability in Afghanistan and developments in U.S. strategy and operations.
Testimony was heard from Mary Beth Long, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
International Security Affairs, Department of Defense; John Anthony Gastright,
Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs and
Coordinator for Afghanistan, Department of State; and LTG General Karl
Eikenberry, USA, former Commander, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan.

MILITARY HEALTH CARE BUDGET

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
to review the fiscal year 2008 military health care budget and the challenges
facing the military health care system. Testimony was heard from William
Winkenwerder, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of
Defense.

MARINE CORPS/NAVY RESET REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
and the Subcommittee on Readiness held a joint hearing on U.S. Marine Crops
and U.S. Navy reset requirements. Testimony was heard from LTG Emerson
Gardner, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; and VADM Jonathon
Greenert, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities
and Resources, both with the Department of the Navy.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET FY 2008

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Health and Human
Services Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary of Health and Human Services.

CLIMATE CHANGE PRIVATE SECTOR VIEWS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Addressing Climate Change--Views from Private Sector
Panels." Testimony was heard from former Representative Philip R. Sharp of
Indiana; and public witnesses.

FDA's DRUG SUPPLY SAFETY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The Adequacy of FDA to Assure the Safety of the Drug
Supply. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D183]

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
835, To reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians; and H.R. 556,
amended, National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened
Transparency Act of 2007.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

FUTURE OF THE UN

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Future of the United
Nations under Ban Ki-Moon. Testimony was heard from former Senator Timothy E.
Wirth of Colorado; former Senator George Mitchell of Maine and former
Co-Chair, U.S. Institute for Peace Task Forces on the United Nations; and John
Bolton, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

BORDER SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Border Security: Infrastructure,
Technology, and the Human Element." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security; David V. Aguilar, Chief,
Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and RADM David Pekoske,
USCG, U.S. Coast Guard.

RAIL AND MASS TRANSIT SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Rail and Mass Transit
Security: Industry and Labor Perspectives." Testimony was heard from Fred
Weiderhold, Inspector General, AMTRAK, and public witnesses.

FEDERAL AGENCY REGULATORY PLANNING AND REVIEW

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing entitled "Amending Executive Order 12866: Good
Governance or Regulatory Usurpation?" Testimony was heard from Steven D.
Aitken, Acting Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
OMB; Curtis W. Copeland, Specialist in American National Government, CRS,
Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH REFORM ACT; WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the following:
the Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007; and the Whistleblower Protection
Enhancement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Tom Devine, Legal Director,
GAO; and public witnesses.

EARTH AND CLIMATE SCIENCE

Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on National Imperatives
for Earth and Climate Science (National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey)
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

FEDERAL AGENCY REGULATORY PLANNING AND REVIEW

Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and
Oversight held a hearing on Amending Executive Order 12866: Good Governance or
Regulatory Usurpation? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing entitled "Public-Private Partnerships: Innovative
Financing and Protecting the Public Interest." Testimony was heard from Tyler
Duvall, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Policy, Department of
Transportation; Frank Busalacchi, Secretary of Transportation, State of
Wisconsin; and public witnesses.

RAIL WORKER FATIGUE

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled "Fatigue in the Rail
Industry." Testimony was heard from Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal
Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; Mark V. Rosenker,
Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses.

MEDICARE BUDGET PROPOSALS FY 2008

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Medicare portions of the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Proposals.
Testimony was heard from Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid, Department of Health and Human Services.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND POVERTY; SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family
Support held a hearing on economic opportunity and poverty in America.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D184]

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

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on
Earned Income Tax Credit Outreach. Testimony was heard from Richard J.
Morgante, Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.



2007/02/14
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 14, 2007; pages D188 - D194

Committee Meetings

USDA FARM BILL PROPOSALS

Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the proposals of the USDA
for the 2007 Farm bill. Testimony was heard from Mike Johanns, Secretary of
Agriculture.

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

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

FY 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National
Defense Budget request from the Department of the Army. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Army: Francis J. Harvey,
Secretary; and GEN Peter Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AND THE GLOBAL TERROR THREAT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the challenges for the Special Operations
Command (SOCOM) posed by the global terrorist threat. Testimony was heard from
Jarret Brachman, Director of Research, Combating Terrorism Center, U.S.
Military Academy, Department of the Army; and public witnesses.

MEMBERS DAY

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members Day. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Peterson of Minnesota, Goodlatte, Cardoza, Dicks, Carson,
Ehlers, Holt, Boyda of Kansas, Buchanan, Larsen of Washington, Wolf, Hayes,
Higgins, Turner, Christensen, Filner, Oberstar, Honda, Altmire, Walz of
Minnesota, Ellsworth, Boozman, Watson and Bishop of Utah.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
800, Employee Free Choice Act; and H.R. 493, as amended, Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination Act of 2007.

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

UNINSURED CHILDREN

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Covering the Uninsured Through the Eyes of a Child." Testimony was
heard from Chris L. Peterson, Specialist in Social Legislation, Domestic
Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.

                                    [Page: D191]

ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PROCESS--NEXT STEPS

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held
a hearing on Next Steps in Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE--UNDERSTANDING BUDGET AND STRATEGIC AGENDA

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, Preparedness, and Response Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science
and Technology held a hearing entitled "Understanding the Budget and Strategic
Agenda of the Science and Technology Directorate." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: ADM Jay Cohen,
Under Secretary, Science and Technology; and Richard Williams, Chief Financial
Officer for Science and Technology.

DHS INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET--FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing entitled "The President's
Proposed FY 2008 Budget for the Department of Homeland Security: The Office of
Intelligence and Analysis." Testimony was heard from Charles E. Allen, Chief
Intelligence Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of
Homeland Security.

PROPOSED IMMIGRATION FEE INCREASE

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Proposed
Immigration Fee Increase. Testimony was heard from Emilio T. Gonzalez,
Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH REFORM ACT; WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT;
OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended,
the following bills: H.R. 984, Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007; and H.R.
985, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on The State of FOIA:
Assessing Agency Efforts to Meet FOIA Requirements. Testimony was heard from
Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management, GAO; Melanie Ann Pustay,
Acting Director, Office of Information and Privacy, Department of Justice.

CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing that the
bill (H.R. 976) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax
relief for small businesses, and for other purposes, may be considered under
suspension of the rules at any time on the legislative day of Friday, February
16, 2007.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET; OVERSIGHT PLAN

Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the Administration's FY
2008 Research and Development Budget Proposal. Testimony was heard from John
H. Murburger, III, Director, Office of Science and Technology.

The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress.

SBA'S RESPONSE TO 2005 GULF COAST HURRICANES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Small Business
Administration's Response to the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes." Testimony was
heard from Representatives Melancon and Baker; Steven Preston, Administrator,
SBA; William Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO;
Bryan McDonald, Director, Governor's Office of Recovery and Renewal, State of
Mississippi; and public witnesses.

FAA'S BUDGET

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Aviation
Administration's Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Transportation: Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, Federal
Aviation Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and
Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.

AGENCY BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and the Environment held a hearing entitled "Agency Budgets and
Priorities for FY 2008." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil
Works; and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, Chief of Engineers, Corps of Engineers;
Collister Johnson, Jr., Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation; Tom Kilgore, Chief Executive Officer, TVA; and Arlen Lancaster,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

                                    [Page: D192]

VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH BUDGET

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2008 Health Budget. Testimony was
heard from Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Acting Under Secretary for Health,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.

U.S. TRADE AGENDA

Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the direction and content of
U.S. Trade Agenda. Testimony was heard from Susan C. Schwab, U.S. Trade
Representative.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BACKLOGS

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Social Security Administration (SSA) disability claims backlogs. Testimony was
heard from Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, SSA; Sylvester J. Schieber,
Chairman, Social Security Advisory Board; and public witnesses.



2007/02/15
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 15, 2007; pages D195 - D202

Committee Meetings

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Fiscal
Year 2007 Supplemental Requests for Iraq and Afghan Security Forces Fund.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
MG Robert Durbin, Commander, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan;
BG Michael D. Jones, Deputy Director, Political-Military Affairs, Joint Staff;
and Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Coast Guard Iraq Operations, Port Security and Deepwater. Testimony was
heard from ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security; Steve Caldwell, Assistant Director; and John P. Hutton,
both with GAO.

                                    [Page: D199]

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 (Panel I) Overview on
America's Workers and Education for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on (Panel II) Overview on Health Care
Access and the Aging of America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Long-Term Health Care
Challenges. Testimony was heard from Stephen Heffler, Director, National
Health Statistics Group, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department
of Health and Human Services; A. Bruce Steinwald, Director, Healthcare Team, 
GAO; and Allison Percy, Principal Analyst; and John P. Hutton, both with CBO.

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

RECRUITING AND RETENTION OVERVIEW

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on overview of recruiting and retention. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief
of Staff, G-l; VADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN, Chief of Naval Personnel; LTG
Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel; and LTG
Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

USDA FY 2008 BUDGET PRIORITIES

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities. Testimony was heard from Mike Johanns,
Secretary of Agriculture; and public witnesses.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

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 Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System.

Hearings continue tomorrow.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; AFGHANISTAN AT THE BRINK

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 957, To amend
the Iran Sanctions Act to expand and clarify the entities against which
sanctions may be imposed.

The Committee favorably considered the following measures and adopted a motion
urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension
Calendar: H. Res. 98, as amended, Honoring the life and achievements of the
late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and reaffirming the continued commitment of the
House of Representatives to a just and lasting peace in the Republic of Sudan;
H.R. 987, NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007; H.R. 1003, To amend the
Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United
States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; H. Res. 107, as amended,
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held
captive by Hamas and Hezbollah; H. Res. 149, Supporting the goals of
International Women's Day; and H. Res. 64, as amended, Expressing the sense of
the House of Representatives that the Government of Bangladesh should
immediately drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah
Uddin Shoaib Choudhury.

The Committee also held a hearing on Afghanistan on the Brink: Where Do We Go
From Here? Testimony was heard from Representative Kirk; and public witnesses.

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS OF COMFORT WOMEN

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on Protecting the Human Rights of Comfort
Women. Testimony was heard from Representative Honda; and public witnesses.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Lessons Learned and
Grading Goals: The Department of Homeland Security of 2007." Testimony was
heard from Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security.

                                    [Page: D200]

OVERSIGHT--PATENT SYSTEM REFORM

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on American Innovation at
Risk: The Case for Patent Reform. Testimony was heard from Suzanne Michel,
Chief Intellectual Property Counsel and the Deputy Assistant Director for
Policy Coordination, FTC; and public witnesses.

YOUTH VIOLENCE AND GANG INTERVENTIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing entitled "Making Communities Safer: Youth Violence and
Gang Interventions that Work." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Iraq
Reconstruction: An Overview." Testimony was heard from David M. Walker,
Comptroller General, GAO; William H. Reed, Director, Defense Contract Audit
Agency, Department of Defense; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector
General for Iraq Reconstruction.

NIST ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS ROLE

Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
held a hearing on The National Institute of Standards and Technoloy's Role in
Supporting Economic Competitiveness in the 21st Century. Testimony was heard
from William Jeffrey, Director, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.

SHORT SEA SHIPPING

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing entitled "The Development of Short
Sea Shipping in the United States." Testimony was heard from Sean Connaughton,
Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation;
Collister Johnson, Jr. Administrator, St. Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation; and public witnesses.

FILIPINO VETERANS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on Equity for Filipino
Veterans. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bordallo, Hirono and Honda;
Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans
Affairs; Carlos D. Sorreta, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Philippines; and
public witnesses.

VA INSPECTOR GENERAL

Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held an oversight hearing on VA Inspector General-Budget and Best Practices.
Testimony was heard from George J. Opfer, Inspector General, Department of
Veterans Affairs.

U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONSHIP

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the
U.S.-China trade relationship. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia,
Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; from former Representatives Dan Glickman of
Kansas and Patricia Schroeder of Colorado; and public witnesses.

BRIEFING--HOT-SPOTS

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

IRAN'S INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQ

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Iran's Involvement in Iraq. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.



2007/02/16
Daily Digest - Friday, February 16, 2007; pages D204 - D208

Committee Meetings 

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.
Testimony was heard from a public witness. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the Future of the Nation's Navigation
Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Implementation of U.S. VISIT Entry/Exit Program. Testimony was heard from
Bob Mochny, Acting Director, U.S. VISIT, 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 Forest Service: State and Private
Forestry and Research. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA, Forest Service: Abigail R. Kimball, Chief; James E. Hubbard, Deputy
Chief; and Ann M. Bartuska, Deputy Chief, Research and Development. 

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting
Architect of the Capitol; Robert Hixon, Capitol Visitor Center Project
Executive; and Terrel Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. 

                                    [Page: D207] 

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs, on Fiscal Year 2007 held a hearing on Emergency Supplemental
Request. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. 

IRS AND THE TAX GAP 

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on IRS and the Tax Gap. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark W.
Everson, Commissioner; and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both
with the IRS; and J. Russell George, Inspector General, Tax Administration;
Michael Brostek, Director, Tax Issues, Strategic Issues Team, GAO; and a
public witness. 

MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY 

Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings on Monetary Policy and the
State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE SECURITY CLEARANCES 

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Impact of Background and
Security Clearances on the Transportation Workforce." Testimony was heard from
Robert D. Jamison, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security. 

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN 

Committee on House Administration: Met for organizational purposes. 

The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. 

OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR DEPARTMENT 

Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Reports,
Audits and Investigations by the General Accountability Office (GAO) and the
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Regarding the Department of the Interior."
Testimony was heard from Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General, Department of the
Interior; and Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
GAO. 



2007/02/17
Daily Digest - Friday, February 17, 2007; pages D209 - D212

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 

                                    [Page: D212]



2007/02/26
Daily Digest - Monday, February 26, 2007; pages D214 - D218

Committee Meetings

No committee meetings were held. 



2007/02/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 27, 2007; pages D219 - D226

Committee Meetings

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Secure Border Initiative. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Homeland Security: W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, Customs
and Border Patrol; Gregory Giddens, Manager, SBInet Program Manager; David
Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner,
Field Operations; and the following officials of GAO: Richard Stana, Director,
Homeland Security Justice Issues; and Randolph Hite, Director, Information
Technology Architect and Systems Issues. 

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Interior Context. Testimony was heard from
Tracy Mehan, former Assistant Administrator, Water, Water Quality, EPA; and
public witnesses. 

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

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

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Architect of the Capitol: Long-Range Requirements. Testimony was heard
from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Anna Franz, Director,
Planning and Project Management; and Frank Tiscione, Superintendent of House
Office Buildings. 

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and
Communities held a hearing on Strengthening Communities: An Overview of
Service and Volunteering in America. Testimony was heard from David Eisner,
CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--MINERAL AND LAND MANAGEMENT BUDGET

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing to review the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget for
the Minerals Management Services, the Bureau of Land Management, Energy and
Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
the Minerals and Geology Program of the Forest Service, and the U.S.
Geological Survey, except for the activities and programs of the Water
Resources Division. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: R.M. Johnnie Burton, Director, Minerals Management
Service; Mark Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; Jim Hughes, Acting
Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Brent Wahlquist, Acting Director,
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Enforcement; and Frederick Norbury,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service, USDA. 

                                    [Page: D223]  

OVERSIGHT--NOAA--U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE BUDGET

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and
Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for
NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from VADM
Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.) Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere
and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and H. Dale Hall, Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. 

OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS BUDGET

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an
oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for the Department of
the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. Testimony was heard from David B.
Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and the following Governors: Togiola T. A. Tulafono, American Samoa;
and Felix Perez Camacho, Guam. 

OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND FOREST SERVICE BUDGETS

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request
for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Testimony was heard
from Abigail Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and Jim Hughes, Acting
Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. 

NATIONAL SECURITY FOREIGN INVESTMENT REFORM AND STRENGTHENED TRANSPARENCY ACT
OF 2007

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting
requirement. The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 556.
National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act
of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority
Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 of Rule
XXI. 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 committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be
considered for amendment by section and that each section shall be considered
as read. 

The rule also makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the
nature of a substitute that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are
pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each
amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the
Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment
shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit
with or with instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank,
Representatives Maloney of NY, and Paul. 



2007/02/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 28, 2007; pages D228 - D238

Committee Meetings

FARM BILL--SPECIALTY AND ORGANIC CROPS

Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture
held a hearing to review the proposals of the Department of Agriculture for
the 2007 Farm Bill with respect to specialty crops and organic agriculture.
Testimony was heard from Chuck Conner, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FDA.
Testimony was heard from the Department of Health and Human Services: Andrew
C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA; John R. Dyer, Deputy Commissioner,
Operations and Chief Operating Officer; and Norris W. Cochran, Director,
Division of Discretionary Programs, Office of Budget. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Science Board. Testimony was
heard from Steven C. Beering, Chairman, National Science Board. 
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Science Funding. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses. 

                                    [Page: D233] 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Energy Outlook-the Next Decade. Testimony
was heard from Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Agency,
Department of Energy; Jim Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
GAO; and public witnesses. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from Deborah
Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman, Consumer Product
Safety Commission; and public witnesses. 

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies concluded hearings on the EPA. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the EPA: Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator; Marcus C.
Peacock, Deputy Administrator; Lyon Gray, Chief Financial Officer; Roger R.
Martella, Acting General Counsel; Bill Roderick, Acting Inspector General;
Judith E. Ayers, Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs;
William Wehrum, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation; George
Gray, Assistant Administrator, Office of Research and Development; Benjamin H.
Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water; Granta Y. Nakayama,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; James
B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances; Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response; Molly O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Environmental Information; and Luis A. Luna, Assistant Administrator, Office
of Administration and Resource Management. 

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Health Resources and
Services Administration. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of
Health and Human Services. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental
Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Tina W. Jones, Under Secretary, Comptroller; and MG Brian I. Geehan,
Director, Logistics, Central Command. 

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Transportation and
Housing: Trends and Challenges over the Next Decade. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National
Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Air Force. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael
W. Wynne, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff. 

RESERVISTS G.I. BILL--IMPACT OF CHANGES

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the impact of changes to the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill. Testimony was
heard from Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel
and Readiness, Department of Defense; and Keith Wilson, Director of Benefits,
Department of Veterans Affairs. 

LONG TERM ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Fiscal Challenges and the Economy
in the Long Term. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System. 

IMPROVING HEAD START

Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary
and Secondary Education held a hearing on Improving Head Start for America's
Children. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

                                    [Page: D234]  

NCAA COACHING AND LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "The Lack of Diversity in
Leadership Positions in NCAA Collegiate Sports." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

TRANSPORTATION FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "A Review of the Administration's Energy Proposal for the
Transportation Sector." Testimony was heard from Nicole Nason, Administrator,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation;
and Edward P. Lazear, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers. 

CALLER ID MANIPULATION

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 251, Truth in
Caller ID Act of 2007. 

Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure.
Testimony was heard from Kris Montieth, Chief, Enforcement Bureau, FCC; and
public witnesses. 

KATRINA INSURANCE ISSUES

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Insurance Claims Payment Processes in the Gulf Coast
after the 2005 Hurricanes." Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor,
Jefferson and Jindal; David Maurstad, Director and Federal Insurance
Administrator, Mitigation Division, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Jim
Hood, Attorney General, State of Mississippi; and a public witness. 

IRAQ AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraq and U.S. Foreign Policy.
Testimony was heard from Richard C. Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations; and a public witness. 

NORTH KOREA: THE FEBRUARY 13TH AGREEMENT

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on North Korea: The February 13th
Agreement. Testimony was heard from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. 

FEMA REFORM

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communication,
Preparedness, and Response and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "Reforming FEMA: Are We Making
Progress?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Homeland Security: R. David Paulison, Under Secretary, Federal Emergency
Management, FEMA; George Foresman, Under Secretary, Preparedness; and Matt
Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING

Committee on House Administration: Met to consider Committee funding requests
for the following Committees: Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Financial Services;
Homeland Security; Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services;
Education and the Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Ways and
Means; Small Business; Veterans' Affairs; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture,
Science and Technology; Budget; Intelligence; Standards; and Natural
Resources. 

JUDICIAL DISCLOSURE RESPONSIBILITY ACT; ESTABLISHED ANTITRUST TASK FORCE

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 1130, Judicial Disclosure
Responsibility Act.
 
The Committee also approved the following: a resolution establishing the
Antitrust Task Force; and other pending Committee business. 

COMPETITION AND THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MUSIC

Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on Competition
and the Future of Digital Music. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--EVOLVING WEST

Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Evolving
West. Testimony was heard from Representatives Walden of Oregon, Nunes, Herger
and Rehberg; Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana; former Representative Pat
Williams of Montana; and public witnesses. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
FUNDING

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: H. Res. 180, Honoring the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy
and expressing profound sorrow on his death; H. Res. 162, Recognizing the
contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and their players; and H. Con.
Res. 62, Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Children and Families
Day, in order to encourage adults in the United States to support and listen
to children and to help children throughout the Nation achieve their hopes and
dreams.

                                    [Page: D235]  

The Committee approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for
submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Reforming the Presidential Library
Funding Disclosure Process." Testimony was heard from Sharon Fawcett,
Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries, National Archives and Records
Administration; and public witnesses. 

9/11 FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing entitled "9/11 Health
Effects: Federal Monitoring and Treatment of Residents and Responders."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services: John Agwunobi, M.D., Assistant Secretary of Health and
Chair of HHS9/11 Task Force; and John Howard, M.D., Director, National
Institute for Occupational Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator; the following officials of the City of
New York: Linda I. Gibbs, Deputy Mayor, Health and Human Services; and Edward
Skyler, Deputy Mayor, Administration; and public witnesses. 

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule
provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act,
equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of
the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 in Rule XXI. The
rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by
the Committee on Education and Labor 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 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 except for clause 10 of
Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of CA,
Representatives Andrews, McKeon, Kline, Price of GA, Boustany, Foxx, Davis of
TN, Shays and Musgrave. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following bills:
H.R. 85, amended, Energy Technology Transfer Act; H.R. 1068, To amend the
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991; H.R. 1126, To reauthorize the Steel
and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988;
and H.R. 363, amended, Sowing the Seeds through Science and Engineering
Research Act. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Small Business: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

VA INFORMATION AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on Information and Security Management at the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Gordon Mansfield, Deputy Secretary; Robert
Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; James Bagian, M.D.,
Chief Patient Safety Officer; Maureen Regan, Counselor for the Inspector
General; and Arnaldo Claudio, Oversight and Compliance Representative; Greg
Wilshusen, Director, Information Technology Security Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; ENERGY AND TAX POLICY

Committee on Ways and Means: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

The Committee also held a hearing on Energy and Tax Policy, focusing on
climate change. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2007

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses. 

                                    [Page: D236]



2007/03/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 1, 2007; pages D239 - D247

Committee Meetings

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Agriculture: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year
2008 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 USDA's
Inspector General. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
USDA: Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General; Kathleen S. Tighe, Deputy Inspector
General; Robert W. Young, Jr., Assistant Inspector General, Audit; Mark R.
Woods, Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; and Suzanne Murrin,
Assistant Inspector General, Management, all with the Office of Inspector
General; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS.

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on NSF. Testimony was heard from Arden L.
Bement, Jr., Director, NSF. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: P. Lynn
Scarlet, Deputy Secretary; and Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Financial Services for Disadvantaged Communities.
Testimony was heard from JoAnn M. Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union
Administration; Kimberly A. Reed, Director, Community Development Financial
Institutions Fund, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Meeting Boarder Patrol Training Needs. Testimony was heard from Connie
Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, 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 Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration/National Institute of Drug Abuse/National
Institute of Mental Health/and National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health
and Human Services; NIH: Terry Cline, M.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration; Nora Volkow, M.D., Director, National
Institute of Drug Abuse; Thomas Insel, M.D., Director, National Institute of
Mental Health; and T.K. Li, M.D., Director, National Institute of Alcohol and
Alcoholism. 

                                    [Page: D244]  

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Architect of the Capitol: Budget. Testimony was heard from Stephen
Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol. 

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS.

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Global HIV/AID. Testimony was heard from
Ambassador Mark Dybul, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State. 

TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from Alphonso R. Jackson
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST-DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National
Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Navy. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Donald C. Winter,
Secretary; ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN
James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. 

MILITARY ADVOCACY/BENEFICIARY GROUPS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on views of military advocacy and beneficiary groups. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses. 

NUCLEAR POWER SYSTEMS AND NAVY COMBATANTS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
held a hearing on integrated nuclear power systems for future Naval surface
combatants. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of the Navy: Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary, (Research, Development, and
Acquisition); ADM Kirkland Donald, USN, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Programs; VADM Jonathan Greenert, USN, Assistant Chief, Naval Operations for
Resource Requirements; VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems
Command; and RADM Barry McCullough, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division. 

VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs
Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities. Testimony was heard from R. James
Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 

OVERSIGHT PLAN 110TH CONGRESS; COMMITTEE BUSINESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Approved Oversight Plan for the 110th
Congress. 

The Committee also considered pending Committee business. 

EPA BUDGET

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing entitled "The Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal
Year 2008 Budget Request." Testimony was heard from Bill A. Roderick, Acting
Inspector General, EPA; Robert W. King, Jr., Deputy Commissioner, Department
of Health and Environmental Control, State of South Carolina; J. Christian
Bollwage, Mayor, Elizabeth, New Jersey; and public witnesses. 

UNINSURED CHILDREN

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Covering the Uninsured Through the Eyes of a Child." Testimony was
heard from Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care, GAO; Phyllis Sloyer, R.N.,
Division Director, Children's Medical Services, Department of Health, State of
Florida; Joseph F. Vitale, member New Jersey State Senate and Chairman,
Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee; and public witnesses. 

WORLD WIDE WEB OUTLOOK

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part
I-The Future of the World Wide Web." Testimony was heard from a public
witness. 

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Financial Services: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

                                    [Page: D245] 

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on North Korean Human Rights: An Update.
Testimony was heard from Jay Lefkowitz, Special Envoy for Human Rights in
North Korea, Department of State. 

U.S. POLICY TOWARD LATIN AMERICA

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on Overview of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America. Testimony was heard
from Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere
Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

HOMELAND SECURITY MANAGEMENT OUTLOOK

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight held a hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland Security's
Directorate: Goals and Objectives of the New Under Secretary." Testimony was
heard from Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary, Management, Department of
Homeland Security. 

IMPROVE SECURITY--RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, a
measure to improve the security of railroads, public transportation and
over-the-road buses in the United States. 

COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION

Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H. Res. 202,
Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of
Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress. 

ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
met and approved the issuance of four subpoenas in conjunction with a
Subcommittee hearing to be held next week. 

SENATE LOBBYING REFORM BILL

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties held a hearing on S. 1, To provide greater transparency in the
legislative process. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2008

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request
for the National Park Service. Testimony was heard from Mary A. Bomar,
Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. 

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on H.R. 24, San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. Testimony was heard
from Jason Peltier, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Water and Science,
Department of the Interior; the following officials of the State of
California: Lois Wolk, member State Assembly and Chair, Committee on Water,
Parks, and Wildlife; and Nancy Saracino, Chief Deputy Director, Department of
Water Resources; and public witnesses. 

OVERSIGHT--PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives held an oversight hearing on The
Presidential Records Act. Testimony was heard from Allen Weinstein, Archivist
of the United States, National Archives and Records Administration; Harold
Relyea, Specialist in American National Government and Finance Division, CRS,
Library of Congress. 

SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Increasing Access to
Capital for Our Nation's Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from Janet
Tasker, Deputy Associate Administrator, Capital Access, SBA; and public
witnesses. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 1144, amended, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Federal Match Relief
Act of 2007; H.R. 1195, amended, To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical
corrections; H.R. 735, To designate the Federal building under construction at
799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United States
Mission to the United Nations Building;" H.R. 753, amended, To redesignate the
Federal building located at 167 North Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee, as
the "Clifford Davis/Odell Horton Federal Building;" H.R. 1019, To designate
the United States customhouse building located at 31 Gonzalez Clements Avenue
in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as the "Rafael Martinez Nadal United States
Customhouse Building;" H.R. 1045, To designate the Federal building located at
210 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the "Neal Smith Federal Building;"
H.R. 1138, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse
located at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the "J.
Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 720,
Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. GSA Courthouse Construction Resolution. 

                                    [Page: D246]  

The Committee also approved the following: GSA Courthouse Construction
Resolution; and Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for
submission to the Committee on the Budget. 

MEDICARE PAYMENT POLICIES

Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission's annual March report on Medicare payment
policies. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission. 

RELEASE EXECUTIVE SESSION MATERIAL

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and
approved the release of the internal Cunningham investigation materials to the
Department of Justice. 



2007/03/02
Daily Digest - Friday, March 2, 2007; pages D249 - D256

Committee Meetings 

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease
Registry/Chemical Safety Board/National Institute on Environment Health
Sciences. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Chemical
Safety and Hazard Investigation Board: Carolyn W. Merritt, Chairman; and
Elizabeth Robinson, CFO; and the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: David A. Schwartz, M.D., Director, National
Institute of Environmental Health; Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., Director,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Director,
National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry. 



2007/03/05
Daily Digest - Monday, March 5, 2007; pages D257 - D262

Committee Meetings

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Tax Fairness: Policy and Enforcement. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury:
Kathy Petronchak, Commissioner, Small Business/Self-Employed Division; and
Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate; and public witnesses. 



2007/03/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2007; pages D264 - D274

Committee Meetings 

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural
Resources and Conservation Service. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment; Arlen Lancaster, Chief; and Steven A. Probst, Director, Budget
Planning and Analysis Division, both with the National Resources Conservation
Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Commerce Overview. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Commerce. Testimony
was heard from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce. 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Issues in the Federal Workforce. Testimony was
heard from Linda M. Springer, Director, OPM; Neil A.G. McPhie, Chairman, U.S.
Merit Systems Protection Board, J. Christopher Mihm, Managing Director,
Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 

HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held an
oversight hearing on Container Security Challenges and Goals. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security:
Jayson Ahern, Customs and Border Patrol; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office. 

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on the NIH Director with
National Cancer Institute/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute/National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development/National Center on Minority Health and Health
Disparities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NIH,
Department of Health and Human Services: Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH;
John Niederhuber, M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute; Elizabeth Nabel,
M.D., Director, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Anthony Fauci, M.D.,
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease; Duane
Alexander, M.D., Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development; and John Ruffin, Director, National Center on Minority Health and
Health Disparities. 

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on VA Medical Care. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses. 

The Subcommittee also held a hearing and on Department of Veterans Affairs
Panel. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, Acting Under Secretary,
Health, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and
Related Programs held a hearing on Iraq Political and Reconstruction Strategy,
Alternative Perspectives. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Peter Galbraith,
Department of State; LTC Christopher W. Stockel, USAR; COL Lawrence Wilkerson,
USA (ret.), USA; and a public witness. 

TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Department of
Transportation Inspector General Management Challenges and GAO High Risk
Series. Testimony was heard from Calvin Scovel, Inspector General, Department
of Transportation; and Patricia Dalton, Director, Physical Infrastructure,
GAO. 

                                    [Page: D270]  

NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM--IS IT WORKING? 

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
National Security Personnel System-Is it Working? Testimony was heard from
Michael Luis Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and
Readiness, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FY 2008 BUDGET 

Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Defense and the
Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Gordon England, Deputy
Secretary, Department of Defense. 

RETIREMENT SECURITY AND 401(k)s 

Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Are Hidden 401(k) Fees
Undermining Retirement Security? Testimony was heard from Barbara Bovbjerg,
Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses. 

CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION 

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Carbon Capture and Sequestration: An Overview." Testimony
was heard from Thomas D. Shope, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fossil
Energy, Department of Energy; the following officials of the EPA: William
Wehrum, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation; and Ben
Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water; S. Julio Friedman, Carbon Management
Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and public witnesses. 

MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT SYSTEM 

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Exploring Options for Improving the Medicare Physician Payment
System." Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission; A. Bruce Steinwald, Director, Health Care, GAO;
and public witnesses. 

GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING RECOVERY ACT OF 2007 

Committee on Financial Services: Began markup of H.R. 1227, Gulf Coast
Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007. 

Will continue tomorrow. 

THE IRANIAN CHALLENGE 

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Iranian Challenge.
Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary, Political
Affairs, Department of State. 

GLOBAL OPINION OF AMERICAN POLICIES 

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Global Polling Data on Opinion
of American Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from a public
witness. 

RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2007 

Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing on a measure entitled "Rail and
Public Transportation Security Act of 2007." Testimony was heard from Kip
Hawley, Administrator, Transportation Security Agency, Department of Homeland
Secretary; Terri Rosapep, Deputy Associate Administrator, Program Management,
Department of Transportation; Richard Fairfax, Director, Enforcement Programs,
OSHA, Department of Labor; Richard Falkenrath, Deputy Commissioner,
Counterterrorism, Police Department, New York City; Fred Weiderhold, Inspector
General, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); and public
witnesses. 

U.S. ATTORNEY FIRINGS; ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS 

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 580, to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States
Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States Attorney
appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General. Testimony was heard
from Representative Issa; Will Moschella, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney
General, Department of Justice; former Representative Asa Hutchinson of
Arkansas; the following former U.S. Attorneys: Daniel Bogden, District of
Nevada; Bud Cummins, Eastern District of Arkansas; David C. Iglesias, District
of New Mexico; John McKay, District of Western Washington; Carol Lam, Southern
District of California; and Paul K. Charlton, District of Arizona. 

Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met and approved the issuance of
subpoenas to former U.S. Attorneys Daniel Bogden, District of Nevada and Paul
K. Carlton, District of Arizona in conjunction with the hearing on H.R. 580. 

CORAL REEF CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007.
Testimony was heard from Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and
Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. 

                                    [Page: D271] 

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives approved for full Committee action the
following bills: H.R. 1309, To promote openness in Government by strengthening
section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the
Freedom of Information Act); and H.R. 1255, To amend chapter 22 of title 44,
United States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to
establish procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based
privilege against disclosure of Presidential records. 

WATER QUALITY INVESTMENT ACT OF 2007 

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting
requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 569, Water
Qaulity Investment Act of 2007, 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 except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. 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 provides that the
committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. 

The rule makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature
of a substitute that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are pro
forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each
amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the
Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment
shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule