110th Congress (2007 - 2008)
January 3 - December 31, 2008
House Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at
thomas.loc.gov
2008/01/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 3, 2008; pages D1 - D2
No committee meetings were held.
2008/01/07
Daily Digest - Monday, January 7, 2008; pages D3 - D4
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D4]
2008/01/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 9, 2008; pages D5 - D6
No committee meetings were held.
Page: D8]
2008/01/11
Daily Digest - Friday, January 11, 2008; pages D7 - D8
No committee meetings were held.
2008/01/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 15, 2008; pages D9 - D12
Committee Meetings
MITCHELL REPORT--ILLEGAL USE OF STEROIDS IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The
Mitchell Report: The Illegal Use of Steroids in Major League Baseball."
Testimony was heard from former Senator George Mitchell of Maine; Allen H.
(Bud) Selig, Commissioner, Major League Baseball; and Donald M. Fehr,
Executive Director, Major League Baseball Players Association.
S-MINER ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 2768, Supplemental Mine Improvement and New
Emergency Response (S-MINER) Act of 2007, 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 clauses 9 and 10 of 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 waives all
points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for
clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 Chairman George Miller of
California, and Representatives Ellsworth, McKeon, Wilson of South Carolina,
and Kline of Minnesota.
2008/01/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 16, 2008; pages D14 - D18
Committee Meetings
IRAQ--POST SURGE ALTERNATIVES
Committee on Armed Services; Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on A Continuing Dialogue: Post-Surge Alternatives for Iraq.
Testimony was heard from the following former officials of the Department of
Defense: John J. Hume, Deputy Secretary; GEN John M. Keane, USA (Ret.), Vice
Chief of Staff, Army; and GEN Barry McCaffrey, USA (Ret.)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES--MEDICAID'S CRITICAL ROLE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Helping Families with Needed Care: Medicaid's Critical Role for
Americans with Disabilities." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on U.S.-Pakistan Relations: Assassination, Instability and the
Future of U.S. Policy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HOPE VI IMPROVEMENT AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1
hour of general debate on H.R. 3524, HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization
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 clauses 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 and shall
be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
[Page: D16]
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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. Finally, the rule tables H. Res. 894. Testimony was
heard from Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and Representatives Waters,
Capito and Neugebauer.
WOMEN'S PROCUREMENT PROGRAM--SBA'S PROGRESS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "SBA's Progress in
Implementing the Women's Procurement Program." Testimony was heard from Steven
Preston, Administrator, SBA; Elizabeth Papez, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; GSA CAPITOL INVESTMENT AND LEASING RESOLUTIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 3913, To amend the International Center Act to authorize the
lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act to an entity other
than a foreign government or international organization if certain conditions
are met; H.R. 4140. To designate the Port Angeles Federal Building in Port
Angeles, Washington, as the "Richard B. Anderson Federal Building;" H. Res.
832, Honoring the Texas Water Development Board on its selection as a
recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Water State
Revolving and Innovation Award; H. Res. 845, amended, Recognizing the 60th
anniversary of Everglades National Park; H.R. 866, Honoring the brave men and
women of the United States Coast Guard whose tireless work, dedication, and
commitment to protecting the United States have led to the Coast Guard seizing
over 350,000 pounds of cocaine at sea during 2007, far surpassing all of our
previous records.
The Committee also approved General Services Administration Capitol and
Leasing Program Resolutions.
ECONOMICALLY VULNERABLE BENEFICIARIES--SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Social Security Benefits for Economically Vulnerable Beneficiaries. Testimony
was heard from David A. Rust, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Disability and
Income Security Programs, SSA; Laura R. Haltzel, Specialist In Social
Legislation, CRS, Library of Congress; 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.
CIA TAPES INVESTIGATION
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on CIA Tapes Investigation. Testimony was heard from John Rizzo,
Acting General Counsel, CIA.
2008/01/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 17, 2008; pages D20 - D24
Committee Meetings
STATUS--DEVELOP IRAQI SECURITY FORCES
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Status of Efforts to
Develop Iraqi Security Forces. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: LTG James M. Dubik, USA, Commanding
General, Multi-National Security Transition Command--Iraq in Baghdad; and Mark
Kimmit, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Middle Eastern Affairs.
U.S. ECONOMY--NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Near-Term Outlook for the U.S.
Economy. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System.
UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN BALI--ADMINISTRATION PERSPECTIVES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Administration Perspectives on United Nations Climate
Change Conference in Bali." Testimony was heard from James L. Connaughton,
Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality.
NATURALIZATION DELAYS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on
Naturalization Delays: Causes, Consequences and Solutions. Testimony was heard
from Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
ASSESSING VETERANS' CHARITIES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Continued hearings on Assessing
Veterans' Charities--Part II. Testimony was heard from Belinda J. Johns,
Senior Assistant Attorney General, State of California; and public witnesses.
[Page: D22]
OVERSIGHT--EXPORT-IMPORT BANK'S IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL BUSINESS MANDATE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the U.S.
Export-Import Bank's Implementation of its Small Business Mandate." Testimony
was heard from James H. Lambright, Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank;
and public witnesses.
NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY AND REVENUE STUDY COMMISSION REPORT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on the National
Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission Report:
Transportation for Tomorrow. Testimony was heard from Frank Busalacchi,
Secretary, Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin; and public
witnesses.
REVIEW PENDING MONTGOMERY GI BILL PROPOSALS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing to review pending Montgomery G.I. Bill legislation. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas L.
Bush, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; and Curtis L.
Gilroy, Director, Accession Policy, Office of the Under Secretary, Personnel
and Readiness; Keith M. Wilson, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefit
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of
veterans organizations.
VETERANS' HEALTH PROPOSALS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 2790, To amend title 38, United States Code, to
establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the
office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; H.R. 3458, To
direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on the
provision of traumatic brain injury care in rural areas; H.R. 3819, Veterans
Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007; H.R. 4053, Mental Health Improvements Act
of 2007; H.R. 4107, Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act; H.R. 4146, To
amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the availability of emergency
medical care for veterans in non-Department of Veteran Affairs medical
facilities; H.R. 4204, Veterans Suicide Study Act; and H.R. 4231, Rural
Veterans Health Care Access Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hare, Herseth-Sandlin, Space, Capito, Honda, Boswell and
Kagen; Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and
representatives of veterans organizations
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on U.S. Hostages in Colombia. The Subcommittee was briefed
by ADM James Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. South Command.
POLAR BEARS FUTURE
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "On Thin Ice: the Future of the Polar Bear." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of the Interior: H. Dale Hall,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Randall Luthi, Director, Minerals
Management Service; and Steven Amstrup, Polar Bear Team Leader, U.S.
Geological Survey; and public witnesses.
2008/01/18
Daily Digest - Friday, January 18, 2008; pages D25 - D26
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: 26]
2008/01/22
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 22, 2008; pages D27 - D32
Committee Meetings
ARAB WORLD--CENSORSHIP AND INCITEMENT
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on That which is not obligatory is prohibited: Censorship and
Incitement in the Arab World. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/01/23
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 23, 2008; pages D33 - D38
Committee Meetings
ARMY CONTRACTING TASK FORCE; DOD OUTSOURCING--GAO
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Army Contracting Task Force. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Army: Ross Thompson, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology; and Daniel Quinn,
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on DOD
Outsourcing--GAO. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller
General, GAO.
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY--PROPOSALS FOR REFORM AND RESTRUCTURING
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Foreign Assistance in the 21st Century:
Proposals for Reform and Restructuring. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
AFGHANISTAN--U.S. STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Assessment of U.S. Strategy and
Operations in Afghanistan and the Way Ahead. Testimony was heard from LTG
David W. Barno, USA (Ret.), Director, Near East South Asia Center for
Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Department of Defense; and
public witnesses.
IRAQ--POST SURGE ALTERNATIVES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
continued hearings on A Continuing Dialogue: Post-Surge Alternatives for Iraq
(Part 2). Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CBO 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 Orszag, Director,
CBO.
EARLY EDUCATION
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Investing in Early
Education: Paths to Improving Children's Success. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
[Page: D36]
VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH WORKFORCE EXPANSION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 1232, Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act of 2007. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
COMBATING NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Combating Nuclear Proliferation: The Effectiveness of
the Department of Energy's Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP)
Program." Testimony was heard from Adam Scheinman, Assistant Deputy
Administrator, Office of Nonproliferation and International Security, National
Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Richard Stratford,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and
Nonproliferation, Department of State; and Robert A. Robinson, Managing
Director, Natural Resources and the Environment, GAO.
IRAQ--PROPOSED U.S. SECURITY COMMITMENT
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South
Asia held a joint hearing on the Proposed U.S. Security Commitment to Iraq:
What Will Be In It and Should It Be a Treaty? Testimony was heard from Kenneth
Katzman, Specialist in Middle East Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade
Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2008
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, the
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008.
FUTURE OF U.S. EMBASSIES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Fortress America Abroad:
Effective Diplomacy and the Future of U.S. Embassies. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESSES HEALTH CARE OPTIONS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Limited Health Care
Options for Small Businesses in the Small Group Market." Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
TRANSPORTATION WORKERS IDs
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Transportation Workers
Identification Credentials--Follow-Up. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Homeland Security: RADM Brian Salerno, USCG,
Assistant Commandant, Safety, Security, and Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard; and
Maurine Fanguy, Transportation Workers Identification Credentials Program
Manager, Transportation Security Administration; John Porcari, Secretary,
Department of Transportation, State of Maryland; and a public witness.
GREAT LAKES IMPROVING WATER QUALITY PROGRESS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Progress Toward Improving Water
Quality in the Great Lakes. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Visclosky, Stupak, Kirk and Emanuel; David Maurer, Acting Director, Natural
Resources and Environment, GAO; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator,
Office of Water, EPA; Stephen B. Brandt, Director, Great Lakes Environmental
Research Laboratory, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Charles Wooley, Acting
Regional Director, Midwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior; Christina Muedeking, Central Regional Assistant Chief,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA; and Irene Brooks, Chair, U.S.
Section, International Joint Commission of the U.S. and Canada.
CHINA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on China. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
AUCTION AND REVENUE RECYCLING UNDER CARBON CAP AND TRADE
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Cap, Auction, and Trade: Auctions and Revenue Recycling Under Carbon
Cap and Trade." Testimony was heard from Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and
Environmental Affairs, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses.
2008/01/24
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 24, 2008; pages D39 - D42
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/01/25
Daily Digest - Friday, January 25, 2008; pages D44 - D48
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/01/28
Daily Digest - Monday, January 28, 2008; pages D50 - D54
Committee Meetings
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES
COMMITTEE--ECONOMIC STIMULUS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule
XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is
reported from the Rules Committee) against certain rules reported from the
Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any rule reported on the
legislative day of January 29, 2008, providing for consideration of a bill to
provide economic stimulus through recovery rebates to individuals, incentives
for business investment, and an increase in conforming and FHA loan limits.
NEW ENGLAND NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL DESIGNATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour
of general debate on H.R. 1528, New England National Scenic Trail Designation
Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of
order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.
The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended
by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be
considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment
in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 Representatives Grijalva
and Bishop of Utah.
2008/01/29
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 29, 2008; pages D55 - D62
Committee Meetings
OUTSOURCING--DOD INSPECTOR GENERAL
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
on DOD Inspector General on Outsourcing. Testimony was heard from Claude M.
Kicklighter, Inspector General, Department of Defense.
INTERAGENCY REFORM
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on Interagency Reform: Can the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Case Study Illuminate the Future of Reconstruction and Stabilization
Operations? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BOLSTER U.S. ECONOMY--USING FISCAL POLICY
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Using Fiscal Policy to Bolster the
U.S. Economy. Testimony was heard from Lawrence H. Summers, former Secretary
of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PROTECTIONS
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on H.R. 3195, ADA Restoration
Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Hoyer; and public
witnesses.
COVERING UNINSURED KIDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Covering Uninsured Kids: Missed Opportunities for Moving Forward."
Testimony was heard from Dennis G. Smith, Director, Center for Medicaid and
State Operations, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services; Ann C. Kohler, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Human Services, State of New Jersey; Chris L. Peterson, Specialist in Health
Care Financing, Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and
public witnesses.
ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS--FDA PRESCRIPTION DRUG SAFETY; FDA SCIENCE MISSION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
agreed by a roll call vote of 12-0 a motion by Chairman Stupak to issue
subpoenas relating to witnesses and documents in connection with the
Subcommittee's ongoing investigation into the adequacy of the efforts of the
FDA to protect the American public from excessive risks from prescription
drugs and other matters.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "Science and Mission at Risk:
FDA's Self-Assessment." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the GAO: Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Health Care; and Lisa Shames, Director,
Food and Agriculture Issues; Andrew C. von Esechenbach, M.D., Commissioner,
FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; Donna V. Porter, Specialist in
Life Sciences, Science Policy Research Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and
public witnesses.
DIGITAL TV AND PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and
Internet held a hearing entitled "Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG)
Services in the Digital TV Age." Testimony was heard from John B. O'Reilly,
Jr., Mayor, Dearborn, Michigan; and public witnesses.
WAKE OF DISASTERS--HOUSING PROGRAMS
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Ensuring Safe and
Effective Housing Programs in the Wake of Disasters." Testimony was heard from
Carlos Castilllo, Assistant Administrator, Disaster Assistance Directorate,
FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Henry Falk, M.D., Director,
Coordinating Center, Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services;
Nelson Bregon, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Community
Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Michael
Gerber, Executive Director, Department of Housing and Community Affairs, State
of Texas; and a public witness.
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE CRISIS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the Growing Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis: Identifying
Solutions and Dispelling Myths. Testimony was heard from Jack Kemp, former
Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--STATE SECRETS PRIVILEGE REFORM
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on Reform of the State Secrets
Privilege. Testimony was heard from Patricia Wald, Retired Chief Judge, U.S.
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; and public witnesses.
[Page: D58]
FEDERAL ESPIONAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on Enforcement of Federal Espionage Laws. Testimony
was heard from J. Patrick Rowan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
National Security Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--CALIFORNIA WATER DELIVERIES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on the "Immediate Federal and State Role in Addressing
Uncertain Water Deliveries for California and the Impacts on California
Communities." Testimony was heard from Bob Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Lester Snow, Director, Department of
Water Resources, State of California; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BREAST-CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING GAP
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: H. Con. Res. 273, Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the National
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; H. Res. 867, Commending the Houston
Dynamo soccer team for winning the 2007 Major League Soccer Cup; H. Res. 931,
Expressing the support for designation of February 17, 2008, as "Race Day in
America" and highlighting the 50th running of the Daytona 500; H. Res 942,
Recognizing the significance of Black History Month; H. Res. 943, Remembering
the space shuttle Challenger disaster and honoring its crew members, who lost
their lives on January 28, 1986; H.R. 3532, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia,
as the "Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office;" H.R. 3936, To designate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Highway in
Cleveland, Georgia as the "Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building;" H.R.
4203, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the "Jamaal RaShard
Addison Post Office Building;" H.R. 4454, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 3050 Hunsinger Lane in Louisville,
Kentucky, as the "Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville
Memorial Post Office Building;" in honor of the service men and women from
Louisville, Kentucky, who died in service during Operation Enduring Freedom
and Operation Iraqi Freedom; H.R. 5135, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby,
Kansas, as the "Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building;" S. 2272, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service known as the
Southpark Station in Alexandria, Louisiana, as the John "Marty" Thiels
Southpark Station, in honor and memory of Thiels, a Louisiana postal worker
who was killed in the line of duty on October 4, 2007; and S. 2478, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 59 Colby
in East Hampstead, New Hampshire, as the "Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh Post
Office."
The Committee also held a hearing on Addressing the Screening Gap: The
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Testimony was
heard from Rosemarie Henson, Deputy Director, National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Pama Joyner, Director,
Breast and Cervical Health Program, Department of Health, State of Washington;
and public witnesses.
PLAIN LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 2007
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives approved for full Committee action H.R.
3548, Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007.
PAKISTANI ELECTIONS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Pakistani Elections: Will
They Be Free and Fair or Fundamentally Flawed (Part II). Testimony was heard
from Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central
Asian Affairs, Department of State.
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATING RESEARCH
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "SBIR: America's National
Technology Development Incubator." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
VA'S CLAIMS PROCESSING IMPROVEMENTS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the Use of Artificial Intelligence to
Improve the VA's Claims Processing System. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Kim Graves,
Director, Office of Business Process Integration, Veterans Benefits
Administration; and Stephen W. Warren, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Information and Technology; Gary Christopherson, former Veterans
Health Administration Chief Information Officer, Department of Veterans
Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
[Page: D59]
VA CREDENTIALING AND PATIENT SAFETY
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on VA Credentialing and Privileging: A Patient Safety Issue.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: John D. Daigh, M.D., Assistant Inspector General, Healthcare
Inspections, Office of the Inspector General; Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Principal
Deputy Under Secretary for Health; and a public witness.
BRIEFING--PAKISTAN
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executives session to
receive a briefing on Pakistan. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/01/30
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 30, 2008; pages D64 - D68
Committee Meetings
GLOBAL WARMING
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Learning from a Laureate: Science, Security and Sustainability."
Testimony was heard from Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change, United Nations.
2008/01/31
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 31, 2008; pages D70 - D76
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/02/04
Daily Digest - Monday, February 4, 2008; pages D77 - D82
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/02/05
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 5, 2008; pages D84 - D88
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/02/06
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 6, 2008; pages D89 - D96
Committee Meetings
F-15 AIRCRAFT; WORLD-WIDE THREAT
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on F-15 Aircraft. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Air Force: GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF,
Chief of Staff; and GEN John D.W. Corley, USAF, Commander, Air Combat Command.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a briefing on
World-Wide Threat. The Subcommittee was briefed by J. Michael McConnell,
Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and Michael V.
Hayden, Director, CIA.
NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 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 ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN,Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
KENYA--POLITICAL CRISIS
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a
hearing on the Political Crisis in Kenya: A Call for Justice and Peaceful
Resolution. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of State: James C. Sawn, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African
Affairs; and Gregory Gottlieb, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for
International Development; Mia Farrow, Goodwill Ambassador, United Nations
Children's Fund; and public witnesses.
INDIAN LAND CLAIMS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the
Bay Mills Indian Community; and H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the
settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians. Testimony was heard from Representatives Dingell, Stupak, Kilpatrick,
Rogers of Michigan, Miller of Michigan, Conyers, Berkley and Thompson of
Mississippi; Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Department of the Interior; the following Mayors of Michigan: Alan R. Lambert,
Romulus; and Kwame Kilpatrick, Detroit; and public witnesses.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule
XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the
Committee on Rules.
The rule provides that the requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a
two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same
day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any rule reported
on the legislative day of Thursday, February 7, 2008, relating to a bill to
provide economic stimulus.
COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 4137, College Opportunity and Affordability Act
of 2007, 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 clauses 9 and 10 of 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 waives all points of order against the amendment
in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report and the amendments en bloc. The amendments made in order may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for
clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule also permits the chairman of
the Committee on Education and Labor or his designee to offer amendments en
bloc consisting of those amendments that have been printed in this report and
not earlier disposed of. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of
the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the
bill to a time designated by the Speaker. The rule tables House Resolution
941. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of CA, Representatives
Susan Davis of CA, Dann Davis of IL, Alcee Hastings of FL, Edwards, Stupak,
Etheridge, Baird, Cooper, Tim Ryan of OH, Lincoln Davis of TN, McKeon, Castle
and Shays.
2008/02/07
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 7, 2008; pages D97 - D108
Committee Meetings
VETERINARY MEDICAL SERVICE ACT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a
hearing to review the National Veterinary Medical Service Act. Testimony was
heard from Representative Kingston; Gale Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research,
Education and Economics, USDA; and a public witness.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on DOD Force Health Protection. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Ward Cascells, M.D., Under
Secretary, Health Affairs; and Ellen Embrey, Under Secretary, Force Health
Protection.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session on the Surgeon Generals of the
Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: VADM Adam M. Robinson, Jr., M.D.,USN.; LTG James G. Roudebush,
M.D., USAF; and LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, M.D., USA.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Interior, Overview. Testimony
was heard from Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior.
CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting
Architect of the Capitol; Terri Rouse, CEO for Visitor Services, and Bernie
Ungar, Project Executive, both with the Capitol Visitor Center; and Terry
Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.
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 the following officials of the Department of Defense: Kenneth O.
Preston, SGM, USA.; Joe R. Campa, Jr., Master Chief Petty Officer, USN.;
Carlton W. Kent, MSgt., USMC, and Rodney J. McKinley, CMSgt., USAF.
TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of
Transportation Fiscal Year Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Mary
Peters, Secretary of Transportation.
BENEFICIARY ADVOCACY OVERVIEW
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on beneficiary advocacy overview. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PRESIDENT'S FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2009
Budget. Testimony was heard from Jim Nussle, Director, OMB.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S FY BUDGET PROPOSAL
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Department of
Energy's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Proposal." Testimony was heard from Samuel W.
Bodman, Secretary of Energy.
HOLOCAUST INSURANCE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2007
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Holocaust
Insurance Accountability Act of 2007 (H.R. 1746): Holocaust Era Insurance
Restitution After ICHEIC, the International Commission on Holocaust Era
Insurance Claims." Testimony was heard from Ambassador J. Christian Kennedy,
Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Department of State; Michael Kurtz,
Assistant Archivist, Records Services, National Archives and Records
Administration; Stuart Eisenstat, former Special Representative of the
President and Secretary of State on Holocaust-Era Issues; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D104]
FINANCIAL SECTOR WORKPLACE DIVERSITY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Diversity in the Financial Services Sector."
Testimony was heard from Orice M. Williams, Director, Financial Markets and
Community Investment, GAO; Ronald Edwards, Director, Program Research and
Surveys Division, Office of Research, Information and Planning, Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission; and public witnesses.
MERIDA INITIATIVE--U.S. OBLIGATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on U.S. Obligations under the Merida Initiative. Testimony was heard
from Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere
Affairs, Department of State; Scott Burns, Deputy Director, Office of National
Drug Control Policy; Marisa R. Lino, Assistant Secretary, Office of
Policy/International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; and the
following officials of the Department of Justice: William J. Hoover, Assistant
Director, Office of Field Operations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives; Anthony P. Placido, Assistant Administrator, and Chief of
Intelligence, DEA; and Kenneth W. Kaiser, Assistant Director, Criminal
Investigative Division, FBI.
HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION/CONTRACTING
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled "Other Transaction
Authority: Flexibility at the Expense of Accountability?" Testimony was heard
from the following official of the Department of Homeland Security: Thomas
Essig, Chief Procurement Officer; and Keith B. Ward, Chief Research and
Development Branch, Chemical and Biological Division, Science and Technology;
the following officials of the CRS, Library of Congress: Elaine Halchin,
Analyst, American National Government; and John D. Moteff, Specialist, Science
and Technology Policy; and John Needham, Acting Director, Acquisition and
Sourcing Management, GAO.
OVERSIGHT--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Justice. Testimony was heard from Michael Mukasey, Attorney General,
Department of Justice.
FOREIGN SCHOLAR/STUDENT VISAS
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education held a hearing on Visas for Foreign Scholars and Students. Testimony
was heard from Tony Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Bureau
of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R.
3916, To provide for the next generation of border and maritime security
technologies; H.R. 4847, United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act
of 2007; and H.R. 5161, Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and
Technology Transfer Act.
SBA'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Small Business
Administration's Budget for Fiscal Year 2009." Testimony was heard from Steven
C. Preston, Administrator, SBA.
FAA'S FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2009 Federal Aviation Administration
Budget. Testimony was heard from Ramesh K. Punwani, Assistant Administrator,
Financial Services, Chief Financial Officer, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO.
AGENCY'S BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Agency Budgets and Priorities for
Fiscal Year 2009. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA:
Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water; Susan Parker Bodine,
Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response; and the following
officials of the Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant
Secretary, Civil Works; and LTG Robert Van Antwerp, USA, Chief of Engineers,
Corps of Engineers.
[Page: D105]
VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans
Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2009. Testimony was heard from James B.
Peake, M.D., Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans
organizations.
PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on President Bush's Budget
Proposals for Fiscal Year 2009. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson,
Jr., Secretary of the Treasury.
WORLDWIDE THREATS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Worldwide
Threats. Testimony was heard from J. Michael McConnell, Director, Office of
the Director of National Intelligence; Michael V. Hayden, Director, CIA; LTG
Michael Maples, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense;
Robert Mueller, Director, FBI, Department of Justice; Charlie Allen, Chief
Intelligence Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and Randall M. Fort,
Assistant Secretary, Intelligence and Research, Department of State.
2008/02/08
Daily Digest - Friday, February 8, 2008; pages D109 - D116
Committee Meetings
SUDAN DIVESTMENT PRESIDENTIAL SIGNING STATEMENT
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Negative
Implications of the President's Signing Statement on the Sudan Accountability
and Divestment Act." Testimony was heard from Frank T. Caprio, General
Treasurer, State of Rhode Island; Patricia M. Wald, former Judge and Chief
Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; and
public witnesses.
U.S. LONG-TERM IRAQ COMMITMENT
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the November 26 Declaration of
Principles: Implications for U.N. Resolutions on Iraq and for Congressional
Oversight. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FLORIDA 13TH DISTRICT CONTESTED ELECTION
Committee on House Administration: The Committee authorized and directed the
Chairman to report to the full Committee that the Task Force has completed its
investigation related to the election of a Representative from the 13th
Congressional District of Florida to the House, and that the Chairman also
report to the Committee the Task Force's recommendation that the election
contest in the 13th District be dismissed.
Prior to this action, the Election Task Force held a briefing on the findings
in the Investigation into the FL-13 Congressional District Contested Election.
The Task Force was briefed by Nabajyoti Barkakati, Senior Level Technologist,
Center for Technology and Engineering Applied Research and Methods, GAO.
MILITARY BASE REALIGNMENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Military Base
Realignment: Contracting Opportunities for Impacted Communities. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Timothy
Foreman, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization,
Secretary of the Navy; Tracey Pinson, Director, Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Secretary of the Army; Luwanda W. Jenkins,
Special Secretary, Governor's Office of Minority Affairs, State of Maryland;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D111]
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE REVIEW
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Government Accountability Office's Review of the Federal Protective Service:
Preliminary Findings. Testimony was heard from Mark Goldstein, Director,
Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.
2008/02/11
Daily Digest - Monday, February 11, 2008; pages D117 - D120
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2008/02/12
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 12, 2008; pages D122 - D130
Committee Meetings
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Wildland Fire Management Oversight.
Testimony was heard from. Robin Nazzarro, Director, Natural Resources and
Environment, GAO; the following officials of the USDA: Kathleen Tighe, Deputy
Inspector General; and Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment; James Cason, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Budget, Department
of the Interior; and public witnesses.
WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor
and Pensions held a hearing on Protecting American Employees from Workplace
Discrimination. Testimony was heard from Representatives McCarthy of New York
and Souder; public witnesses.
KETEK CLINICAL STUDY FRAUD
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Ketek Clinical Study Fraud: What Sanofiaventis Knew."
Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; the following Special Agents,
Office of Criminal Investigation, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services: Robert West, and Douglas Loveland; Robert Eke, Assistant to the
Special Agent in Charge, Special Investigations Division, Office of Inspector
General, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
[Page: D127]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported the following: H.R. 5159,
amended, Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008; and a privileged resolution
dismissing the election contest relating to the office of the Representative
from the 13th Congressional District of Florida ( Jenning K v. Buchanan K).
GROWTH HORMONE'S HEALTH IMPACTS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Myths and
Facts about Human Growth Hormone, B-12, and Other Substances. Testimony was
heard from Susan Shurin, M.D., Deputy Director, National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
Committee on Oversight and Investigations: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce,
Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Robbing Mary to
Pay Peter and Paul: the Administration's Pay for Performance System. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: J.
Russell George, Inspector General, Tax Administration, Department of the
Treasury; and Richard Spires, Deputy Commissioner, Operational Support, IRS;
Diego Ruiz, Executive Director, SEC; Ronald Sanders, Chief Human Capital
Officer, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and public
witnesses.
PUBLIC HOUSING ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 3521, Public Housing Asset Management
Improvement 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 clauses 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
and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report,
shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this
report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall
not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a
division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All
points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI
are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. 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. Finally, the rule tables H.Res. 955.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Sires, Jackson-Lee
of Texas, Meek of Florida and Capito.
TO EXTEND THE PROTECT AMERICA ACT OF 2007 FOR 21 DAYS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7-4, a closed rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5349, which extends the Protect America Act of 2007 for
21 days. The rule provides for 60 minutes of debate, with 40 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Judiciary and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during
consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time
designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and
Representative Lungren.
2008/02/13
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 13, 2008; pages D131 - D142
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on USDA
Secretary. Testimony was heard from Edward Schafer, Secretary of Agriculture.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on DOD
Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Gordon England, Deputy Secretary; ADM Michael Mullen,
USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Tina Jonas, Under Secretary,
Comptroller.
The Subcommittee also had a hearing on United States Marine Corps Readiness.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
LTG James F. Amos, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat and Integration; and LTG
John G. Castellaw, USMC, Commandant, Aviation.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Management Challenges--Inspector General and GAO. Testimony was heard from
David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector
General, Department of Homeland Security.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Forest Service. Testimony was heard
from Abigail R. Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, USDA.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Implications of Economic
Trends for Workers, Families, and the Nation. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on Architect of the Capitol. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting
Architect of the Capitol.
TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and
Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request. Testimony was
heard from Alphonso R. Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
GLOBAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Global Security Assessment.
Testimony was heard from Thomas Fingar, Deputy Director, National Intelligence
for Analysis, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Robert
Cardillo, Deputy Director, Analysis, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department
of Defense; and John A. Kringen, Director, Intelligence, CIA.
[Page: D137]
GLOBAL SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESSES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Readiness at Risk: Department of Defense Security Clearance Processes.
Testimony was heard from Greg Torres, Director, Security, Office of the Deputy
Under Secretary, Counterintelligence and Security, Department of Defense; Jack
Edwards, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO; Kathy
Dillaman, Associate Director, Federal Investigative Services Division, OPM;
and a public witness.
TREASURY BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Treasury Department Fiscal Year
2009 Budget.
Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury.
MODERN PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES INVESTMENT
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Modern Public School
Facilities: Investing in the Future. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Boustany, Castle, Chandler, Etheridge, Holt, Hooley, King of Iowa, and
Loebsack; Kathleen J. Moore, Director, School Facilities Planning Division,
Department of Education, State of California; Paul Vallas, Superintendent,
Recovery School District, New Orleans, Louisiana; and public witnesses.
DIESEL EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROJECTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
approved for full Committee action H.R. 3754, To authorize the Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept, as part of a settlement,
diesel emission reduction Supplemental Environmental Projects, and for other
purposes.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 3754. Testimony
was heard from Representative Costa; and public witnesses.
DIESEL TELEVISION TRANSITION [I.E., DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION]
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Status of the DTV Transition: 370 Days and
Counting." Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC; Meredith
Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information, Department
of Commerce; and public witnesses.
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Community
Reinvestment Act: Thirty Years of Accomplishments, but Challenges Remain."
Testimony was heard from Sandra F. Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer
and Community Affairs, Federal Reserve System; Sandra L. Thompson, Director,
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC; the following officials
of the Department of the Treasury: Ann Jaedicke, Deputy Comptroller,
Compliance Policy, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; and Montrice
Godard Yakimov, Managing Director, Compliance and Consumer Protection, Office
of Thrift Supervision; Howard F. Pitkin, Commissioner, Department of Banking,
State of Connecticut; and public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on International Relations Budget
for Fiscal Year 2009. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of
State.
HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The President's FY
2009 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was
heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.
ICE INTERROGATION, DETENTION, REMOVAL ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Problems
with ICE Interrogation, Detention and Removal Procedures. Testimony was heard
from Gary Mead, Assistant Director, Detention and Removal, U. S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement. Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.
The Subcommittee also considered a private immigration bill.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land
claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community; H.R. 4115, To provide for and
approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of
Chippewa Indians; H.R. 1143, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes;
H.R. 1311, Nevada Cancer Institute Expansion Act; H.R. 1922, Jupiter Inlet
Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007; H.R. 816, Orchard Detention
Basin Flood Control Act; and H. R 3473, Bountiful City Land Consolidation Act.
[Page: D138]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1187, amended,
Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary
Modification and Protection Act; H.R. 1907, amended, Coastal and Estuarine
Land Protection Act; H.R. 2342, amended, National Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation Act of 2007; H.R. 3352, amended, Hydrographic Services Improvement
Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 3891, To amend the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation Establishment Act to increase the number of Directors on the Board
of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; and H.R. 4933,
Captive Wildlife Safety Technical Amendments Act of 2008.
MITCHELL REPORT: ILLEGAL USE OF STEROIDS IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Concluded hearings on The
Mitchell Report: The Illegal Use of Steroids in Major League Baseball, Day 2.
Testimony was heard from Roger Clemens, former Major League Baseball Player;
Brian McNamee, former Strength and Conditioning Coach, Major League Baseball;
and Charles Scheeler, a member of the staff of the Mitchell Commission.
FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Surplus Property:
Improving Donation and Sales Programs. Testimony was heard from Rebecca
Rhodes, Deputy Associate Administrator, GSA; Estelle Sanders, Mayor, Roper,
North Carolina; and public witnesses.
RECOMMENDING THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FIND HARRIET MIERS AND JOSHUA
BOLTEN, CHIEF OF STAFF, WHITE HOUSE, IN CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS FOR REFUSAL TO
COMPLY WITH SUBPOENAS DULY ISSUED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY;
AUTHORIZING THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY TO INITIATE OR INTERVENE IN
JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS TO ENFORCE CERTAIN SUBPOENAS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9 to 4, a rule providing for
adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980 upon adoption of the rule. H. Res. 979
recommends that the House of Representatives find Harriet Miers and Joshua
Bolten, Chief of Staff, White House, in contempt of Congress for refusal to
comply with subpoenas duly issued by the Committee on the Judiciary. H. Res.
980 authorizes the Committee on the Judiciary to initiate or intervene in
judicial proceedings to enforce certain subpoenas. Testimony was heard from
Chairman Conyers and Representative Smith of Texas.
SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule
XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is
reported from the Rules Committee) against certain rules reported from the
Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any rule reported on the
legislative day of Thursday, February 14, 2008, providing for consideration of
a bill addressing foreign intelligence surveillance.
The rule also permits consideration of motions to suspend the rules on the
legislative day of Thursday, February 14, 2008, related to a bill addressing
foreign intelligence surveillance.
NASA's FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2009
Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator,
NASA.
SBIR MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight,
hearing entitled "SBIR: Advancing Medical Breakthroughs." Testimony was heard
from Jo Anne Goodnight, SBIR/STTR Coordinator, NIH, Department of Health and
Human Services; and public witnesses.
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Reviewing
the Recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue
Study Commission. Testimony was heard from Mary Peters, Secretary of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
RUNWAY SAFETY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Runway Safety, Testimony was heard from Gerald Dillingham,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Hank Krakowski, Chief,
Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA, Department of
Transportation; and public witnesses.
[Page: D139]
EXPIRING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on Review of Expiring Programs. Testimony was heard from Charles
Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training, Department
of Labor; Scott Bloch, Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel; Keith
Pedigo, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Office of Policy and Program
Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA INSPECTOR GENERAL/IT BUDGET
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on VA FY 2009 Budget--Office of the Inspector General and
Office of Information and Technology. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Jon A. Wooditch, Deputy
Inspector General; and Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and
Technology; and Valerie Melvin, Director, Information Technology, GAO.
BUDGET PROPOSALS FISCAL YEAR 2009--OMB/HHS
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Administration's budget
proposals for fiscal year 2009, OMB. Testimony was heard from James Nussle,
Director, OMB.
The Committee also held a hearing on the Administration's budget proposals
fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Health and Human Services. Testimony
was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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.
COUNTERINTELLIGENCE HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Counterintelligence Hot Spots. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2008/02/14
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 14, 2008; pages D143 - D152
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural
Resources Conservation Service. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Rey, Under
Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army
Readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of the Army, Department of Defense, LT GEN James D. Thurman, USA, Deputy Chief
of Staff, G3; LT GEN Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G8, and
LT GEN Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Waste Development, and
Related Agencies held an overview hearing on Vehicle Technology and Gas
Prices. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Land Border Enforcement. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security: W.
Ralph Basham, Commissioner, Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border
Initiative; David Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; Michael Kostelnik,
Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine; Thomas Winkowski, Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; and public witnesses.
LABOR, HHS, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held an overview hearing on Opportunities Lost
and Costs to Society: the Social and Economic Burden of Disease, Injuries, and
Disability. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MILITARY READINESS AND STRATEGIC POSTURE
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Implications for Our Strategic
Posture. Testimony was heard from Sharon Pickup, Director, Defense Resources
and Business Transformation Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D150]
PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS REFORM
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams: A Case for Interagency National
Security Reform? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Ryan Henry, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Policy;
and Barry Pavel, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Operations and
Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities; and the following
officials of the Department of State: Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; and Michael E. Hess,
Assistant Administrator, Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
Bureau, U.S. Agency for International Development.
BOND INSURANCE INDUSTRY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on the State of the Bond
Insurance Industry. Testimony was heard from Eric R. Sirri, Director, Division
of Trading and Markets, SEC; Patrick M. Parkinson, Deputy Director, Division
of Research and Statistics, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the
following officials of the State of New York: Eliot Spitzer, Governor; and
Eric R. Dinallo, Superintendent, Insurance Department; Thomas M. Leighton,
Mayor, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.
U.S. DEBT RECYCLING ASSISTANCE TO CAMBODIA
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, The Pacific and the Global
Environment held a hearing on an Overview of Cambodia and the Need for Debt
Recycling: How can the U.S. be of Assistance? Testimony was heard from Scot
Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs,
Department of State; and W. Kirk Miller, Associate Administrator/General Sales
Manager, Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA.
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Homeland
Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis' Vision for 2008." Testimony was heard from Charles E. Allen, Under
Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.
STATE VIDEO TAX FAIRNESS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 3679, State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2007. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Justice Department's Office
of Legal Counsel. Testimony was heard from Steven G. Bradbury, Principal
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of
Justice.
UNIQUE INDUSTRIES PROTECTIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on Design Law--Are Special Provisions
Needed to Protect Unique Industries? Testimony was heard from Representative
Delahunt; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR DEPARTMENT BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the President's
Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior. Testimony
was heard from Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior.
MEDICAID'S SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
held a hearing on One year later: Medicaid's Response to Systemic Problems
Revealed by the death of Deamonte Driver. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
FEDERAL IT SECURITY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization and Procurement held a joint hearing on Federal IT
Security: A Review of H.R. 4791, Federal Agency Data Protection Act. Testimony
was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, OMB; Gregory C. Wilshusen,
Director, GAO; and public witnesses.
DEFEATING AL QAEDA
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Six Years Later (Part III):
Innovative Approaches to Defeating Al Qaeda. Testimony was heard from COL
Michael J. Meese, USA, Professor and Head of the Social Sciences Department,
U.S. Military Academy, West Point; and public witnesses.
[Page: D151]
SCIENCE EDUCATION/RESEARCH BUDGET
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Funding for the America
COMPETES Act in the Fiscal Year 2009 Administration Budget Request. Testimony
was heard from James H. Marburger, III, Director, Office of Science and
Technology Policy.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY TAXES
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Business Activity Taxes
and their Impact on Small Businesses," Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
EPA BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Revitalization of the
Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program. Testimony was heard
from Susan Parker Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, EPA; and public witnesses.
VA'S CLAIMS PROCESSING SYSTEM
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing on Examining the VA's Claims Processing
System. Testimony was heard from Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education,
Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael Walcoff, Deputy Under Secretary,
Benefits; Diana Rubens, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Field Operations;
and Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, both with
the Veterans Benefits Administration; representatives of veterans
organizations; and public witnesses.
TRADE PREFERENCE EXTENSION ACT OF 2008; COMMITTEE'S VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 5264, Trade Preference
Extension Act of 2008.
The Committee also approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
MEDICARE BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Medicare portions of the President's fiscal year 2009 budget. Testimony was
heard from Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services.
BRIEFING--OVERHEAD
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Overhead. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
FIRE AND RAIN--HOW TROPICAL FORESTS' DESTRUCTION IS FUELING CLIMATE CHANGE
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Fire and Rain: How the Destruction of Tropical Forests is Fueling
Climate Change." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/02/15
Daily Digest - Friday, February 15, 2008; pages D153 - D154
Committee Meetings
ARMY'S WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBER SERVICES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the status of the implementation of the Army's medical action plan and
other services' support for wounded service members. Testimony was heard from
LTG Eric Schoomaker, M.D., USA, Surgeon General, and BG Michael Tucker, USA,
Assistant Surgeon General, Warrior Care and Transition, both with the U.S.
Army; VADM Adam Robinson, M.D., USN, Surgeon General, U.S. Navy; and LTG James
Roudebush, M.D., USAF, Surgeon General, U.S. Air Force.
[Page: D154]
2008/02/19
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 19, 2008; pages D155 - D156
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D156]
2008/02/21
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 21, 2008; pages D157 - D158
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D158]
2008/02/22
Daily Digest - Friday, February 22, 2008; pages D159 - D160
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D160]
2008/02/25
Daily Digest - Monday, February 25, 2008; pages D161 - D172
Committee Meetings
RAILROAD ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2007
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy
held a hearing on H.R. 1650, Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2007.
Testimony was heard from Representative Baldwin; and public witnesses.
2008/02/26
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 26, 2008; pages D174 - D184
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Office of Science and Technology Policy and
on International Trade Commission. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger,
III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Daniel R. Pearson,
Chairman, U.S. International Trade Commission.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on Missile Defense Agency. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: LT Gen Henry A. (Trey)
Obering, III, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency; and LT Gen Kevin T.
Campbell, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense
Command, U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command and Joint Functional Component
Command for Integrated Missile Defense; and Paul Francis, Director,
Acquisition and Sourcing Management GAO.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Immigration Enforcement Issues, including Comprehensive Identification and
Removal of Criminal Aliens and Students and Exchange Visitor Program fee
increases-Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Testimony was heard from Julie
Myers, Assistant Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security, and a public witness.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Environmental Protection Agency. Testimony
was heard from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Education.
Testimony was heard from Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education.
The Subcommittee also held an overview hearing on Opportunities Lost and Costs
to Society: The Social and Economic Burden of Inadequate Education, Training
and Workforce Development. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on American Battle Commission,
Arlington National Cemetery and United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home
National Cemetery, Armed Forces Retirement Income, and on United States Court
of Appeals for Veterans' Claims. Testimony was heard from Brig Gen John W.
Nicholson, USA, (Retired), Secretary and Brig Gen. William J. Leszczynski, Jr.
USA, (Retired) Executive Director, both with the American Battle Monuments
Commission; John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works,
Department of the Army; Timothy Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Armed Forces
Retirement Home; and Chief Judge William Green, United States Court of Appeals
for Veteran's Claims.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-Millennium
Challenge Account. Testimony was heard from John Danilovich, CEO, Millennium
Challenge Corporation.
TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Federal Railroad
Administration and National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). Testimony
was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, AMTRAK; and Joseph
Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, both with the
Department of Transportation.
[Page: D178]
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET--RECRUITING-RETENTION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on
Overview of Recruiting, Retention and Compensation. 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-1, Headquarters, U.S. Army; VADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN, Chief
of Naval Personnel, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy;
LTG Richard Y. Newton, III, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel,
and Services, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; and LTG Ronald S. Coleman, USMC,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps.
IRREGULAR WARFARE AND STABILITY OPERATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and
the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a
joint hearing on Irregular Warfare and Stability Operations: Approaches to
Interagency Integration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: Michael G. Vickers, Assistant Secretary, Special
Operations/Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities; RADM Dan W.
Davenport, USN, Director, Join Concept Development and Experimentation (J-9),
U.S. Joint Forces Command; BG Robert H. Holmes, USAF, Deputy Director,
Operations, U.S. Central Command; LTG Frank Kearney, USA, Deputy Commander,
U.S. Special Operations Command; and COL Joseph E. Osborne, USA, Director,
Irregular Warfare Directorate (J-10), U.S. Special Operations Command; and
Ambassador John E. Herbst, Coordinator, Reconstruction and Stabilization,
Department of State.
PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor
and Pensions held a hearing on H.R. 2703, Private Security Officer Employment
Authorization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Frank Campbell, Senior
Counsel, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
COVERING UNINSURED CHILDREN
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Covering Uninsured Kids: Reversing Progress Already Made." Testimony
was heard from the following Governors: Deval L. Patrick, Massachusetts; Chris
Gregoire, Washington; Ted Strickland, Ohio; Harley Barbour, Mississippi; and
Sonny Perdue, Georgia.
PRIVATE SECTOR FOOD SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Contaminated Food: Private Sector Accountability."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Monetary Policy and the
State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
BRIEFING--IRAQI REFUGEES
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia
held a joint briefing on Iraqi Refugees: Can the U.S. Do More to Help? The
Subcommittee was briefed L. Craig Johnstone, Deputy High Commissioner, United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and Rafiq Tschannen, Chief of Mission
for Iraq and Jordan, International Organization for Migration (IOM).
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2008
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing on the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008, Testimony was heard from Robert B. Stephen.
Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Homeland
Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis' Vision for 2008." Testimony was heard from Charles E. Allen, Under
Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.
[Page: D179]
OVERSIGHT--JUSTICE'S SPECIAL COUNSEL REGULATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the U.S. Department of
Justice's Special Counsel Regulations. Testimony was heard from Patrick J.
Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.
ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENA; VOTER SUPPRESSION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties adopted a resolution authorizing the Chairman of the
Committee to issue a subpoena to J. Kenneth Blackwell for testimony and
related documents at a hearing before the Subcommittee regarding voter
suppression.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on Voter Suppression.
Testimony was heard from Asheesh Agarwal, Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; Tom Emmer, Deputy Minority
Leader, House of Representatives, State of Minnesota; and public witnesses.
COCAINE SENTENCING FAIRNESS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on Cracked Justice--Addressing the Unfairness in
Cocaine Sentencing. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rangel,
Jackson-Lee of Texas; and Bartlett of Maryland; Reggie B. Walton, Judge, U.S.
District Court, District of Columbia; Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Chair, U.S.
Sentencing Commission; Gretchen Shappert, U.S. Attorney, Western District of
North Carolina; and public witnesses.
PRIVATE RELIEF MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law met to request Department of
Homeland Security Departmental Reports on the beneficiaries of certain private
immigration relief measures.
NOAA/FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUDGET
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held an oversight hearing entitled "The fiscal year 2009 budget request for
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)". Testimony was heard from Mary
Glackin, Deputy Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of
Commerce; and Kenneth Stansell, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior.
WILD MONONGAHELA ACT
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held a hearing on H.R. 5151, Wild Monongahela Act: "A National
Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places." Testimony was heard from Joel
Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; John
Manchester, Mayor, Lewisburg, West Virginia; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--WATER AND POWER AGENCIES BUDGET
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Requests for the Bureau of
Reclamation, the Water Resources Division of the United States Geological
Survey, and the Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Robert
Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Robert Hirsch, Associate
Director, Water, Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey; the
following officials of the Power Administrations, Department of Energy:
Stephen J. Wright, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration; Timothy J.
Meeks, Chief Operating Officer, Western Area Power Administration; Leon
Jourolmon, Acting Administrator, Southeastern Power Administration; and Jon
Worthington, Acting Administrator, Southwestern Power Administration.
ELECTRONIC RECORDS PRESERVATION BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; MISCELLANEOUS
MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Electronic
Records Preservation at the White House. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Office of Administration, The White House: Alan R.
Swendiman, Director; and Theresa Payton, Chief Information Officer; and the
following officials of the National Archives and Records Administration: Allen
Weinstein, Archivist; Gary M. Stern, General Counsel; and Sharon Fawcett,
Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries.
The Committee approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year
2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee ordered reported the following measures: H. Con. Res. 286,
Expressing the sense of Congress that Earl Lloyd should be recognized and
honored for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African American
to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago; H. Con.
Res. 292, Honoring Margaret Truman Daniel and her lifetime of accomplishments;
H. Res. 537, amended, Expressing support for the designation and goals of
National 9-1-1 Educational Month, and for other purposes; H.R. 3196, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20
Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the "E. Arthur Gray Post Office
Building;" H.R. 4166, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 701 East Copeland Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the "Steve
W. Allee Carrier Annex;" H.R. 4774, amended, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 10250 John Saunders Road in San
Antonio, Texas, as the "Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building;" H.R. 5168,
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19101
Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville, Florida, as the "Cody Crater Post Office
Building;" H.R. 5220, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 3800 SW. 185th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, as the "Major
Arthur Chin Post Office Building;" and H.R. 5400, to designate the facility of
the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the "Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building."
[Page: D180]
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION TAX ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5351, the "Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax
Act of 2008." The rule provides 90 minutes of debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill. This waiver does not affect the point of order
available under clause 9 of rule XXI (regarding earmark disclosure).
The rule makes in order an amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
the Congressional Record if offered by Rep. McCrery or his designee. The rule
waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute
except those arising under clause 7 of rule XVI or clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI.
The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be
considered as read and separately debatable for one hour equally divided and
controlled by the proponent and an opponent.
The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill with or without
instructions. Notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the
Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the
Speaker. Finally, the rule provides that H. Res. 983 shall be laid on the
table. Testimony was heard from Representatives Schwartz, English of
Pennsylvania, Brady of Texas and Bilbray.
NOAA BUDGET/AVIATION WEATHER SERVICE REPORT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fiscal
Year 2009 Budget Proposal and GAO's Report on the Aviation Weather Service.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Commerce: Conrad C. Lautenbacker, Jr., Under Secretary; and John L. Hayes,
Assistant Administrator, Weather Services and Director, National Weather
Service, both with NOAA; David Powner, Director, Information Technology
Management Issues, GAO; and Eugene Juba, Vice President, Finance, Air Traffic
Organization, FAA, Department of Transportation.
OVERSIGHT--NSF
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education held an oversight hearing on the NSF. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the NSF: Arden Bement, Director, and Steven Beering,
Chairman.
STATE'S SMALL BUSINESS HEALTHCARE STRATEGIES
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "State Strategies to
Expand Health Insurance Coverage for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard
from Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota; and Edward G. Rendell, Governor of
Pennsylvania.
SIMPLIFYING FEDERAL PAPERWORK LANGUAGE
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a
hearing entitled "Plain Language in Paperwork--The Benefits to Small
Business." Testimony was heard from Christopher Cox, Chairman, SEC; and public
witnesses.
COAST GUARD/MARITIME TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget: Coast
Guard, Federal Maritime Commission and Maritime Administration. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security: VADM Robert J. Papp, Jr., USCG, Chief of Staff; and Master
Chief Charles W. Bowen, USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer; and Sean
Connaughton, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of
Transportation.
[Page: D181]
VA DISABILITIES RATING REVISION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing on Revising the VA Schedule of Rating
Disabilities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Veterans Affairs: Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and
Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration; and the following officials
of the Veterans Health Administration; Steven H. Brown, M.D., Director,
Compensation and Pension Exam Program; Patrick Joyce, M.D., Chief Occupational
Health Clinic; and Richard Hipolit, Assistant General Counsel; Joseph Kelley,
M.D. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Clinical and Program Policy (Health Affairs),
Department of Defense; representatives of veterans organizations; and public
witnesses.
BRIEFING--CYBER INITIATIVE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Cyber Initiative. The Committee was briefed by Mick
McConnnell, Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and
Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: SUSTAINABILITY FROM COUNTER TO COMPOST
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Food for Thought: Sustainability from Counter to Compost." Testimony
was heard from Pat Miller, Research Microbiologist in the Sustainable
Agricultural Systems Laboratory and Environmental Microbial Systems
Laboratory, USDA; Dan Beard, Chief Administration Officer, House of
Representatives; and public witnesses.
2008/02/27
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 27, 2008; pages D185 - D194
Committee Meetings
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Agriculture: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year
2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Drug
Safety. Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner,
Scientific and Medical Programs, Chief Medical Officer and Acting Director,
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Department of Agriculture; and public
witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on National Science Board/National Science
Foundation. Testimony was heard from Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, National
Science Foundation.
[Page: D189]
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on
Shipbuilding. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Vice ADM Barry McCullough, USN, Deputy Chief, Naval
Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8); and Allison
Stiller, Assistant Secretary, (Research, Development and Acquisition).
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation Commission. Testimony
was heard from Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation,
Department of the Interior.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the Election Administration. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Election Assistance Commission: Rosemary
Rodriguez, Chair; Caroline Hunter, Vice-Chair; Donetta L. Davidson; and Gracia
Hillman, both Commissioners; and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from
Henry Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior.
LABOR, HHS AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Health and
Human Services. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of
Health and Human Services.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Office of Inspector General.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Veterans' Affairs: John Daigh, Jr., M.D., Assistant Inspector General,
Healthcare Inspections; James J. O'Neill, Assistant Inspector General,
Investigations; Belinda Finn, Assistant Inspector General, Audits; and Maureen
Regan, Counsel to the Inspector General.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, U.S. Agency for
International Development. Testimony was heard from Henrietta Fore,
Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Director, United
States Foreign Assistance, Department of State.
AIR FORCE BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization 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, U.S. Air Force.
MARINE CORPS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request overview for the United States Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the U.S. Marine Corps: LTG James F. Amos, USMC,
Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration; LTG John G. Castellaw,
USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; and BG Michael M. Brogan,
USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command.
DEFENSE STRATEGIC PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on U.S. Strategic Posture/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for Strategic
Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Defense: GEN Kevin P. Chilton, USAF, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; and
Michael Vickers, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low Intensity
Conflict/Interdependent Capabilities, Office of the Secretary, Policy; and
Thomas D'Agostino, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration,
Department of Energy.
DOD BUDGET; HHS BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Department of Defense Fiscal Year
2009 Budget. Testimony was heard from Gordon R. England, Deputy Secretary of
Defense.
The Committee also held a hearing on Department of Health and Human Services
Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
[Page: D190]
DRUGS IN SPORTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Drugs in Sports: Compromising the
Health of Athletes and Undermining the Integrity of Competition." Testimony
was heard from representatives of various professional sports organizations,
player associations, and public witnesses.
WIRELESS/BROADBAND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on Wireless Consumer Protection and Community
Broadband Empowerment. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
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 Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5501,
Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde, United States Global Leadership Against
HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008; and, as
amended, H.R. 1084, Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act
of 2007.
The Committee favorably considered the following resolutions and adopted a
motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the
Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 185, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle
East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of human rights
violations; H. Res. 854, Expressing the gratitude to all member states of the
International Commission of the International Tracing Service (ITS) on
ratifying the May 2006 Agreement to amend the 1955 Bonn Accords granting open
access to vast Holocaust and other World War II related archives located in
Bad Arolsen, Germany; H. Res. 865, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the March 2007 report of the United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
makes an important contribution to the understanding of the high levels of
crime and violence in the Caribbean, and that the United States should work
with Caribbean countries to address crime and violence in the region; H. Res.
951, Condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians,
and for other purposes; H. Con. Res. 154, Expressing the sense of Congress
that the fatal radiation poisoning of Russian dissident and writer Alexandria
Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of
elements of the Russian Government in Mr. Litvinenko's death and about the
security and proliferation of radioactive materials; H. Con. Res. 255,
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States commitment to
preservation of religious and cultural sites and condemning instances where
sites are desecrated; H. Con. Res. 278, Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and
democratic presidential elections in March 2008; and H. Con. Res. 290,
Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between the
United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.
MULTIDRUG RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a
hearing on Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis: Assessing the U.S. Response to an
Emerging Global Threat. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of State: Mark R. Dybul, Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Global
AIDS Coordinator; and Kent R. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Global
Health, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Julie L. Gerberding,
M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of
Health and Human Services.
The Subcommittee also had a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Mario Raviglione, M.D., Director, Stop TB Department, World Health
Organization.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND VULNERABLE SOCIETIES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies:
A Post-Bali Overview. Testimony was heard from Harlan Watson, Special
Representative and Senior Climate Negotiator, Bureau of Oceans and
International Environment and Scientific Affairs, Department of State.
The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by public witnesses.
BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global
Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and
Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "Project 28: Lessons Learned and the
Future of SBInet." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security: Jayson P.
Ahern, Deputy Commissioner; David V. Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and
Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative; Richard Stana,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and a public witness.
[Page: D191]
OVERSIGHT--PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office. Testimony was heard from Jon W. Dudas, Under Secretary,
Intellectual Property, Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department
of Commerce; Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, National Resources and Environment,
GAO; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--TRIBAL LAND TRUSTS
Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Department of
Interior's recently released guidance on taking land into trust for Indian
Tribes and its ramifications. Testimony was heard from Carl Artman, Assistant
Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BUDGET PARK SERVICE, FOREST SERVICE AND BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Requests
for the National Park Service, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of the Interior: Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service; and Henri
Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Gail Kimbell Chief,
Forest Service, USDA.
FEDERAL CONTRACTING REFORM
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization and Procurement held a hearing on Contracting Reform:
Expert Recommendations and pending measures. Testimony was heard from Paul A.
Denett, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; John Hutton,
Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses.
WALTER REED INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on One Year After Walter Reed: An
Independent Assessment of the Care, Support, and Disability Evaluation for
Wounded Soldiers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO:
John Pendleton, Acting Director, Health Care; and Daniel Bertoni, Director,
Education, Workforce, and Income Security; and the following officials of the
Department of Defense: LTG Eric Schoomaker, M.D., USA, Surgeon
General/Commander U.S. Army Medical Command; and Michael L. Dominguez,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness); and Patrick W.
Dunne, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
HOUSE OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS
Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Representatives Capuano, Murphy of
Connecticut, Space, Smith of Texas, Boehner, Shays and Kirk, but action was
deferred on H. Res. 895, Establishing within the House of Representatives an
Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and
maritime security technologies; H.R. 4847, U.S. Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5161, Green Transportation
Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Small Business: Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for
Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
VA CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA
Construction Authorization. Testimony was heard from Donald Orndoff, Director,
Office of Construction and Facilities Management, Department of Veterans
Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family
Support held a hearing on Improving the Child Welfare System. Testimony was
heard from Representatives Davis of Illinois; Fattah and Bachmann; Ken
Deibert, Deputy Director, Department of Economic Security--Children, Youth and
Family Services, State of Arizona; Jim Purcell, Executive Director, Council of
Family and Child Caring Agencies, New York City; and public witnesses.
[Page: D192]
SECURITY CLEARANCES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Community Management held a hearing on Security Clearances. Testimony was
heard from Kathy Dillaman, Associate Director, Investigations, OPM; Clay
Johnson, Deputy Director, OMB; Eric Boswell, Assistant Deputy Director,
Security, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and Brenda Farrell,
Director, Military and Civilian Personnel and Healthcare, Defense Capabilities
and Management, GAO.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/02/28
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 28, 2008; pages D196 - D204
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Inspector
General. Testimony was heard from Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Defense
Health Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: S. Ward Casscells, Under Secretary, Health Affairs; LTG
Eric Schoomaker, M.D., USA, Surgeon General/Commander, U.S. Army Medical
Command; VADM Adam M. Robinson, Jr., USN, Chief of the Navy Medical Corps and
LTG James Roudebush, M.D., USAF, Surgeon General of the Air Force.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on National Guard and Reserve issues.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
LTG Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard; LTG Clyde Vaughn, USA, Vice
Chief, Army National Guard; LTG Craig McKinley, USAF, Vice Chief, Air National
Guard; LTG Jack Stultz, USA, Chief, Army Reserve; VADM John Cotton, USN,
Chief, Navy Reserve; LTG John Bergman, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve;
and LTG John Bradley, USAF, Chief, Air Force Reserve.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy. Testimony was heard
from Samuel Bodman, Secretary of Energy.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Consumer Protection in Financial Services.
Testimony was heard from Donna Gambrell, Director, Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund, Department of the Treasury; and Lydia Parnes,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Improving the Efficiency of the Aviation Security System-TSA, GAO, American
Airlines, and Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority. Testimony was heard
from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration
Administrator, Department of Homeland Security; Cathleen Berrick, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S.
Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service; and Mark D. Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Reducing the Disability
Backlog at the Social Security Administration/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SSA: Michael
Astrue, Commissioner; and Patrick O'Carroll, Inspector General, Office of the
Inspector General; and public witnesses.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-State Operations,
Embassy Bagdad. Testimony was heard from Patrick F. Kennedy, Under Secretary,
Management, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Housing Needs of Special
Populations (Elderly; Disabled; Homeless; HOPWA). Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department Housing and Urban Development: Mark
Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Need Assistance Programs; and
John Garvin, Advisor, Housing Programs.
[Page: D201]
ARMY BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Army.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the
Army: Pete Geren, Secretary; and GEN George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Chief of
Staff.
MILITARY BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on military
construction. Testimony was heard from the Department of Defense: Wayne Arny,
Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment; Geoffrey G. Prosch,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Installations and Environment, Army;
B.J. Penn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment; and
William C. Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Installations,
Environment and Logistics.
MEMBERS' DAY
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members' Day. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Murphy of California, Castor, Giffords, Poe, Loebsack,
McCarthy of New York; Altmire, Braley, Ehlers, Shea-Porter, Hold Sutton, Davis
of Illinois, Courtney; Hirono, Rodriguez, Honda; Welch of Vermont; Filner,
Carney, Lewis of Georgia, Klein of Florida, Higgins, Kagen, Larsen of
Washington, Christensen, Waltz of Minnesota, Wolf, and Fossella.
HHS BUDGET
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "A Review of the
Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2009 Budget." Testimony
was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
BAN ASBESTOS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing on S. 742, Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 and on
other proposals to Ban Asbestos in Products. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of EPA: James B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator,
Office for Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances; and Aubrey Miller,
Senior Medical Officer and Toxicologist; and Christopher Weis, Senior
Toxicologist, Region 8; Gregory P. Meeker, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey,
Department of the Interior; public witnesses.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Financial Services: Approved, as amended, Committee Budget Views
and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the
Budget.
U.N. MANDATES AND FORCE AGREEMENTS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Status of Forces in Agreements
and U.N. Mandates: What Authorities and Protections Do They Provide to U.S.
Personnel? Testimony was heard from following officials of the CRS, Library of
Congress: Jennifer K. Elsea, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division; and
R. Chuck Mason, Legislative Attorney; and public witnesses.
CYBER INITIATIVE
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Cyber
Initiative." Testimony was heard from Karen Evans, Administrator, Electronic
Government and Information Technology, OMB; and following officials of the
National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security:
Robert Jamison, Under Secretary; and Scott Charbo, Deputy Under Secretary.
ENERGY/MINERAL RESOURCES BUDGET
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budget for the
Minerals Management Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Energy and
Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
the Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement, the Minerals and Geology Program of the Forest Service, and the
United States 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: Randall Luthi, Director, Minerals Management
Service; Robert Doyle, Deputy Director, U.S. Geological Survey; Henri Bisson,
Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Brent Wahlquist, Director,
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; and Joel Holtrop, Deputy
Chief, Forest Service, National Forest System, USDA.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3223, Keep Our Waterfronts Working
Act of 2007; H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2009; H.R. 5452,
Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2008; and H.R. 5453, Coastal
State Climate Change Planning Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from
Representative Allen; David M. Kennedy, Director, Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
[Page: D202]
OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an
oversight hearing on the fiscal Year 2009 budget request for the Department of
Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. Testimony was heard from Nikolao Pula,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the
Interior.
TELEWORK IMPROVEMENTS ACT; IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POSTAL ACCOUNTABLITY
ENHANCEMENT ACT
Committee on Oversight: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and
the District of Columbia approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
4106, Telework Improvements Act of 2007.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Implementation of the Postal
Accountability Enhancement Act of 2006. Testimony was heard from Katherine A.
Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; the following
officials of the U.S. Postal Service: John E. Potter, Postmaster General/CEO;
and James H. Bilbray, member, Board of Governors; Dan G. Blair, Chairman,
Postal Regulatory Commission; and a public witness.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT IMPROVEMENT
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Improving the Paperwork
Reduction Act for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from Susan E. Dudley,
Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; GSA RESOLUTION; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 5492, To authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
Institution to construct a greenhouse facility at its museum support facility
in Suitland, Maryland; H. Res. 936, amended, Honoring the 200th anniversary of
the Gallatin Report on Roads and Canals, celebrating the national unity the
Gallatin Report engendered, and recognizing the vast contributions that
national planning efforts have provided to the United States; and H. Res. 964,
amended, To promote the safe operation of 15 passenger vans.
The Committee also approved the following: GSA Section 11(b) Resolution; and
Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to
the Committee on the Budget.
The Committee also approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal
Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
VETERANS SUBPRIME MORTGAGES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on Subprime Mortgage Crisis and America's Veterans, Testimony was
heard from Judith Caden, Director, Loan Guaranty Service, Department of
Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses
FAMILIES' MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Mental Health Treatment for Families: Supporting Those Who Support our
Veterans. Testimony was heard from Kristin Day, Chief Consultant, Care and
Management and Social Work, Veterans Health Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; Linda Spoonster Schwartz, R.N., Commissioner of Veterans'
Affairs, State of Connecticut; representatives of veterans organizations; and
public witnesses.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Advantage. Testimony was heard from Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services;
James C. Cosgrove, Acting Director, Health Care Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.
BRIEFING--FISA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on FISA. The Committee was briefed by public witnesses.
2008/02/29
Daily Digest - Friday, February 29, 2008; pages D206 - D212
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/03/03
Daily Digest - Monday, March 3, 2008; pages D214 - D218
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/03/04
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 4, 2008; pages D219 - D226
Committee Meetings
IMPROVING SCHOOL NUTRITION
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Challenges and
Opportunities for Improving School Nutrition. Testimony was heard from Kate
Houston, Deputy Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA;
and public witnesses.
FUTURE U.S. COMMITMENTS TO IRAQ
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and
Oversight held a joint hearing on Declaration and Principles: Future U.S.
Commitments to Iraq. Testimony was heard from David Satterfield, Senior
Adviser, Coordinator for Iraq; and Mary Beth Long, Assistant Secretary,
International Security Affairs, Department of Defense.
PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a closed rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction
Equity Act of 2007. The rule provides two hours of general debate in the House
with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 40 minutes equally
divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the
Committee on Ways and Means, and 40 minutes 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 clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall
be considered as read. The rule provides that in lieu of the amendments
recommended by the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and
Education and Labor, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
this report shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of
order against the bill as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. The rule provides that in the engrossment of
H.R. 1424, the text of H.R. 493, as passed the House, shall be added at the
end of H.R. 1424. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone
further consideration ofthe bill to a time designated by the Speaker.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Pallone, George Miller of California,
Hinojosa, Stark, Kennedy of Rhode Island, Wilson of New Mexico, Ramstad,
Hastings of Washington and Broun of Georgia.
GENERATIONS INVIGORATING VOLUNTEERISM AND EDUCATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one
hour of general debate on H.R. 2857, to reauthorize and reform the national
service laws, 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 clauses 9 and 10 of
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 waives all points of order against the
amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI. The
rule makes in order only those amendments printed in this report. The
amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in this
report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 Representatives McCarthy
of New York, Matsui, Sutton, Platts, and English.
[Page: D224]
2008/03/05
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 5, 2008; pages D228 - D238
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Economic Development Administration and on
NASA. Testimony was heard from Sandy K. Baruah, Assistant Secretary, Economic
Development, Department of Commerce; and Michael D. Griffin, Administrator,
NASA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session
to hold a hearing on U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM
William Fallon, USN, Combatant Commander, Department of Defense.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Department of the Treasury. Testimony was heard
from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Coast Guard 2009 Budget Impact on Maritime Safety, Security, and
Environment. Testimony was heard from ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of
GAO: Steve Caldwell, Assistant Director, and John Hutton, Assistant Director.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Expanding Health Care
Access. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Health Issues and Opportunities at the
National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Overview. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of Department of Health and Human
Services: Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH; Julie Gerberling, M.D.,
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Terry Cline, M.D.,
Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and
Carolyn Clancy, Administrator, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on Library of Congress. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Library of Congress: James Billington, Librarian of Congress; Jo Ann
Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer; Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian; Rubens
Medina, Law Librarian, Marybeth Peters, Register, Copyright Office; Daniel
Mulhollan, Director, CRS; and Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
[Page: D234]
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND; U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Central Command and the
U.S. Special Operations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of the Navy: ADM William Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Central
Command; and ADM Eric T. Olson, USN, Commander, U.S. Special Operations
Command.
DEFENSE SPACE ACTIVITIES BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on
Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request and Status for
Space Activities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Gary Payton, Deputy Under Secretary; and GEN Robert
Kehler, USAF, Commander, Air Force Space Command, both with the Department of
the Air Force; and Scott Large, Director, National Reconnaissance Office.
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND; U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Treats
and Capabilities held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request from U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S.
Northern Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: ADM Eric Olson, USN, Commander, U.S. Special Operations
Command; and GEN Victor E. Renuart, Jr., USAF, Commander, NORAD/U.S. Northern
Command.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009.
Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported, as amended, the Concurrent
Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2009.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Climate Change: Competitiveness and Prospects for Engaging
Developing Countries." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MENDELL SUBPOENA
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investments
approved the issuance of a subpoena ad testificadum to Steven E. Mendell,
President of Hallmark/Westland Meat Company, for testimony regarding the
circumstances surrounding his company's recent recall of over 143 million
pounds of beef products after the USDA determined the products were unfit for
human consumption.
COMPETITION--SPORTS PROGRAMMING MARKETPLACE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Competition in the Sports Programming
Marketplace." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN U.S. ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets
Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a joint hearing entitled
"Foreign Government Investment in the U.S. Economy and Financial Sector."
Testimony was heard from David McCormick, Under Secretary, International
Affairs, Department of the Treasury; Ethiopis Tafara, Director, Office of
International Affairs, SEC; Scott Alvarez, General Counsel, Federal Reserve
Board; and public witnesses.
CUBA OUTLOOK
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on With Castro Stepping Down, What's Next for Cuba and the Western
Hemisphere? Testimony was heard from Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and
public witnesses.
NUCLEAR SMUGGLING DETECTION
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Nuclear
Smuggling Detection: Recent Tests of Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors."
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and Elaine
C. Duke, Deputy Under Secretary, Management; and a public witness.
TASK FORCE ON COMPETITION AND ANTI-TRUST LAWS; OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee on the Judiciary: Adopted a resolution establishing the Task Force
on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws.
The Committee also held an oversight hearing on the Department of Homeland
Security. Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland
Security.
[Page: D235]
OVERSIGHT--ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Poaching
American Security: Impacts of Illegal Wildlife Trade." Testimony was heard
from Claudia A. McMurray, Assistant Secretary, Oceans, Environment and
Science, Department of State; Benito Perez, Chief, Office of Law Enforcement,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE OVERSIGHT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Oversight of Ballistic Missile
Defense (Part I): Threats, Realities, and Tradeoffs. Testimony was heard from
Steven A. Hildreth, Specialist in National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Defense
and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET REQUEST OF DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on the Department of Energy Fiscal Year 2009 Research and
Development Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Steve Isakowitz, Chief
Financial Officer, Department of Energy; Mark E. Gaffigan, Acting Director,
Natural Resources and Environment Team, GAO; and a public witness.
SBA'S SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL PROGRAM
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax held a hearing on
Improving the SBA's Access to Capital Programs for our Nation's Small
Businesses. Testimony was heard from Eric Zarnikow, Associate Administrator,
Capital Access, SBA; and public witnesses.
INVESTMENT IN THE RAIL INDUSTRY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Investment in the Rail
Industry. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Transportation: Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad
Administration; Charles D. Nottingham, Chairman; Francis P. Mulvey, Vice
Chairman; and W. Douglas Buttrey, Board Member, all with the Surface
Transportation Board; and public witnesses.
TAX TREATMENT OF DERIVATIVES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Tax Treatment of Derivatives. Testimony was heard from Michael J.
Desmond, Tax Legislative Counsel, Department of the Treasury; and public
witnesses.
BRIEFING--FISA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on FISA Part II. The Committee was briefed by public
witnesses.
BRIEFING--FBI INTELLIGENCE REFORMS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive, session to
receive a briefing on FBI Intelligence Reforms. The Subcommittee was briefed
by departmental witnesses.
2008/03/06
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 6, 2008; pages D240 - D248
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food
Safety and Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from Mark Keenum, Under
Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies continued hearing on NASA. Testimony was heard from Michael
D. Griffin, Administrator, NASA.
SELECT INTELLIGENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in
executive session to hold a hearing on National Intelligence Program Budget.
Testimony was heard from Donald Kerr, Principal Deputy Director, National
Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Corps of Engineers. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: John Paul
Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works; and LTG Robert Van Antwerp,
Chief of Engineers.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Department of Energy--Environmental
Management Legacy Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Energy: Jim Rispoli, Assistant Secretary, Environmental
Management; and Michael Owen, Director, Office of Legacy Management.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on OMB. Testimony was heard from Jim Nussle,
Director, OMB.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Border Security Programs and Operations--Challenges and Priorities.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
and Robert Mocny, Director, U.S.-Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator
Technology; and Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues,
GAO.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on National Park Service. Testimony was heard
from Mary A. Bomar, Director, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Labor, Fiscal
Year 2009 Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from Elaine Chao, Secretary of
Labor.
LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on GPO. Testimony was heard from Robert Tapella, Public Printer, GPO.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs, and Related Agencies met in executive session to hold a hearing on
Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM William J. Fallon, USN,
Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense.
[Page: D246]
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Department of Veterans'
Affairs-Medical Care. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, Under
Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 Emergency Supplemental
Request for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. Testimony was
heard from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State.
TRANSPORTATION, HUD APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FAA-Fiscal Year 2009
Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Robert Sturgell, Acting
Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation.
NAVY BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization 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 Gary Roughead, USN, Chief of Naval
Operations; and GEN James J. Conway, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.
FAMILY SMOKING PREVENTION AND TOBACCO CONTROL ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health began consideration
of H.R. 1108, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
CREDIT UNION REGULATORY RELIEF
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Need for Credit
Union Regulatory Relief and Improvements." Testimony was heard from JoAnn M.
Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM ACT
Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008.
AUTOMOBILE ARBITRATION FAIRNESS ACT OF 2008
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 5312, Automobile Arbitration Fairness Act of 2008.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PRIORITIZING RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATION FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ACT OF 2007
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4279,
Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 877, Adams National
Historical Park Boundary Addition Act; H.R. 1423, Dorothy Buell Memorial
Visitor Center Lease Act; H.R. 1693, National Liberty Memorial Act; H.R. 2675,
HALE Scouts Act; H.R. 3651, Utah National Guard Readiness Act; and H.R. 3734,
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act.
Testimony was heard from Representative Simpson; Katherine H. Stevenson,
Acting Assistant Director, Business Services, National Park Service,
Department of the Interior; Gregory C. Smith, Director of Lands, Forest
Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL WORKFORCE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on
Investing in the Future of the Federal Workforce: Paid Parental Leave Improves
Recruitment and Retention. Testimony was heard from Daniel Beard, Chief
Administrative Officer, House of Representatives; Nancy Kichak, Associate
Director, Strategic Human Resources, OPM; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY R&D BUDGET
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
held a hearing on the Department of Homeland Security's R&D Budget Priorities
for Fiscal Year 2009. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and
Technology; Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and
George Ryan, Director, Testing and Evaluation Standards, Science and
Technology Directorate.
[Page: D247]
FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Are New Procurement
Methods Beneficial to Small Business Contractors?" Testimony was heard from
Paul Dennett, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; Jim
Williams, Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Services, GSA; Deputy Commanding
GEN Ron Johnson, USA, Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army; and public
witnesses.
SMALL/MINORITY BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Doing Business with the Government: The Record and Goals for Small, Minority,
and Disadvantaged Businesses. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting
Architect of the Capitol; Terrie Rouse, Chief Executive Officer for Visitor
Services, Capital Visitor Center; Michael J. Rigas, Deputy Associate
Administrator, Office of Small Business Utilization, GSA; Roger Mosier, Vice
President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Albert Sligh,
Director, Office of Management, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Era
Marshall, Director, Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs,
Smithsonian Institution; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--INTELLIGENCE BUDGET OVERVIEW
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
briefing on Intelligence Budget Overview--DNI. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
ECONOMY ADRIFT--ANSWER RENEWABLE ENERGY
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Blowing in the Wind: Renewable Energy as the Answer to an Economy
Adrift." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/03/07
Daily Digest - Friday, March 7, 2008; pages D249 - D256
Committee Meetings
CEO'S COMPENSATION AND SEVERANCE PACKAGES AND THE MORTGAGE CRISIS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Executive
Compensation II: CEO Pay and the Mortgage Crisis. Testimony was heard from
William F. Galvin, Secretary of State, Massachusetts; Brenda L. Lawrence,
Mayor, Southfield, Michigan; and public witnesses.
2008/03/10
Daily Digest - Monday, March 10, 2008; pages D257 - D262
Committee Meeting
ESTABLISHING WITHIN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL
ETHICS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for the adoption
of H. Res. 895, which establishes an Office of Congressional Ethics within the
House of Representatives, with the amendment printed in the Rules Committee
report upon adoption of the rule.
2008/03/11
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 11, 2008; pages D264 - D276
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT; FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the
Research, Education and Economic budget request. Testimony was heard from Gale
A. Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics, USDA.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies, on OJP/COPS/OVW. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Justice: Jeffrey Sedgwick, Acting Associate
Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs; Carl R. Peed, Director,
Community Oriented Policing Services; and Cindy Dyer, Director, Office on
Violence Against Women.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Commerce. Testimony
was heard from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Air
Force Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Air Force: Michael W. Wynn, Secretary, and GEN T. Michael
Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on DOE--Energy and Conservation, Fossil Energy, Electricity Delivery
and Energy Reliability. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Energy: C.H. Albright, Jr., Under Secretary; Alexander
Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; James
Slutz, Acting Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy; and Kevin
Kolevar, Director, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General
Government held a hearing on Consumer Product Safety Commission. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Nancy Nord, Acting Chair; and Thomas H. Moore, Commissioner.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Citizenship and Immigration Services: Strengthening legal immigration and
improving refugee processing. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Department of Homeland
Security; Emilio Gonzales, Director; Jonathan Scharfen, Deputy Director; and
Timothy Rosado, Acting Chief Financial Officer.
[Page: D270]
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Homeland Security Grants: Supporting a
National Preparedness and Response System. Testimony was heard from David
Paulison, Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; William O.
Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and a
public witness.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on National Endowment for the Humanities.
Testimony was heard from Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the
Humanities, National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Implications of a Weakening
Economy for Training and Employment Services. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on Navy Budget. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ADM Gary
Roughead, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. Conway, Commandant,
U.S. Marine Corps.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and
Related Programs held a hearing on HIV/AIDS and Global Health Programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
Ambassador Mark R. Dybul, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; and Kent Hill,
Assistant Administrator, Global Health, U.S. Agency for International
Development.
TACTICAL AVIATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the
Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a joint hearing on
Department of the Navy and Air Force Tactical Aviation Programs. Testimony was
heard from Michael J. Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
GAO; and the following official of the Department of Defense: John J. Young,
Jr., Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and the following
officials of the Department of the Navy: William Balderson, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Naval Air Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Research,
Development and Acquisition; RADM Allen G. Myers, USN, Director, Air Warfare
Division (OPNAV 88), Headquarters, U.S. Navy; LTG George J. Trautman, USMC,
Deputy Commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; LTG Daniel J.
Darnall, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air, Space and Information Operations,
Plans and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; and LTG Donald J.
Hoffman, USAF, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air
Force, Acquisition.
FY 08 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION'S PRESIDENTIAL SIGNING STATEMENT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on the Impact of the Administration's signing statement on the
Department of Defense's implementation of the Fiscal Year 2008 National
Defense Authorization Act. Testimony was heard from Gary L. Kepplinger,
General Counsel, GAO; T.J. Halstead, Legislative Attorney, American Law
Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
MILITARY READINESS--GOVERNMENT'S ROLE
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Inherently Governmental--What is the Proper Role of Government? Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: P. Jackson
Bell, Deputy Under Secretary, Logistics and Materiel Readiness, and Shay
Assad, Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy; and David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, GAO.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary
and Secondary Education held a hearing on After School Programs: How the Bush
Administration's Budget Impacts Children and Families. Testimony was heard
from Theresa Kough, Education Associate, Department of Education, State of
Delaware; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1108, Family Smoking
Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, and to mark up the following bills: H.R.
1198, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2007; H.R. 2464,
Wakefield Act; H.R. 1237, Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.
3701, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007; H.R. 2063, Food Allergy and
Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007; H.R. 3825, Newborn Screening Saves Lives
Act of 2007; and H.R. 1418, Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.
[Page: D271]
COMMUNICATIONS MARKETPLACE--ROLE OF PRIVATE EQUITY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "The Role of Private Equity in the
Communications Marketplace." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HUD BUDGET
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the oversight of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Department's budget
request for fiscal year 2009 and oversight of emergency spending. Testimony
was heard from Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
COIN MODERNIZATION AND TAXPAYER SAVINGS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on International Monetary
Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 5512, Coin Modernization
and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Edmund C. Moy,
Director, U.S. Mint, Department of the Treasury; Jay W. Johnson, former
Representative from Wisconsin, and former Director of the Mint; and public
witnesses.
U.S.-IRAQI REFUGEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East, and South Asia, and
the Subcommittee on Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight held a joint
hearing on Neglected Responsibilities: the U.S. Response to the Iraqi Refugee
Crisis. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
State: James B. Foley, Senior Coordinator, Iraqi Refugee Issues; Lawrence
Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; Stephen A.
Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs;
and Greg Gottlieb, Senior Deputy Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict
and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development; and
Lori Scialabba, Special Adviser to the Secretary of Homeland Security for
Iraqi Refugees, Department of Homeland Security.
NET NEUTRALITY/INTERNET FREE SPEECH
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust
Laws held a hearing on Net Neutrality and Free Speech on the Internet.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CORPORATE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on Deferred Prosecution: Should Corporate Settlement Agreements
Be Without Guidelines? Testimony was heard from Representatives Pallone and
Pascrell; David E. Nahmias, U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of
Georgia, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security held a hearing on Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement
Operations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Homeland Security: Dana A. Brown, Director, Federal Air Marshal Service,
Assistant Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; Jeffrey D.
Self, Chief, Southwest Border Division, Office of Border Patrol; Raymond R.
Parmer, Deputy Director, Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; Michael Stenger, Assistant Director, Office of Investigations,
U.S. Secret Service; and RADM Wayne Justice, USCG, Assistant Commandant,
Capability and Director of Response, U.S. Coast Guard.
OVERSIGHT--GETTING ROYALTIES RIGHT
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Resources held an
oversight hearing on Getting Royalties Right: Recent Recommendations for
Improving the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty System. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of the Interior: Earl Devaney, Inspector
General; David Deal, Vice Chair, Royalty Policy Committee; C. Stephen Allred,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management; Randall Luthi, Director,
Minerals Management Service; and Larry Finfer, Deputy Director, Office of
Policy Analysis; Frank Rusco, Acting Director, Natural Resources and
Environment, GAO; Linda Stiff, Acting Commissioner, IRS, Department of the
Treasury; and Dennis Roller, Royalty Audit Section Manager, Office of the
State Auditor, North Dakota.
ANIMAL PROTECTION MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety
Act; and a measure To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to extend its
protection to bears illegally harvested for their viscera in the same manner
as with respect to prohibited wildlife species. Testimony was heard from
Benito A. Perez, Chief, Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D272]
D.C. PAROLE, SUPERVISED RELEASE AND REVOCATION
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on
Advancements and Continual Challenges in the Parole, Supervised Release and
Revocation of D.C. Code Offenders. Testimony was heard from Chief Issac
Fulwood, Commissioner, U.S. Parole Commission, Department of Justice; Avis E.
Buchanan, Director, Public Defender Service, District of Columbia; Rufus King,
Chief Judge, D.C. Superior Court; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization and Procurement approved for full Committee action
the following bills: H.R. 752, amended, Federal Electronic Equipment Donation
Act of 2007; H.R. 3033, amended, Contractors and Federal Spending
Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 3928, Government Contractor Accountability
Act of 2007; and H.R. 4881, amended, Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of
2007.
FEDERAL AGENCY USE OF COMMERCIAL INFORMATION RESELLERS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Privacy: The Use of
Commercial Information Resellers by Federal Agencies, Testimony was heard from
Karen S. Evans, Administrator, Office of E-Government and Information
Technology, OMB; Linda D. Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues,
GAO; Hugo Teufel III, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security;
and public witnesses.
U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN ENERGY COOPERATION
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on National Security and Latin
America: Challenges and Opportunities on Energy Cooperation. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule. The rule
provides four hours of general debate on H. Con. Res. 312, the Concurrent
Resolution on the Budget for FY 2009, equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget and one
hour on the subject of economic goals and policies to be equally divided and
controlled by Representative Maloney of New York and Representative Saxton of
New Jersey. 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 makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. 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, and shall not
be subject to amendment. All points of order against the amendments are waived
except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall
constitute the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for
amendment. The rule permits the Chairman of the Budget Committee to offer
amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency. The rule provides
that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division
of the question of its adoption. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone
further consideration of the concurrent resolution to a time designated by the
Speaker. Finally, the rule provides for a motion to take the Senate concurrent
resolution on the budget from the table, strike all after the resolving
clause, and to insert in lieu thereof the provisions of House Concurrent
Resolution 312 as adopted by the House. Testimony was heard by Chairman Spratt
and Representatives Scott of Virginia, Lee, Ryan of Wisconsin, Brady of Texas,
and Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida.
NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education held a hearing on the Transfer of Nanotechnology Initiative Research
Outcomes for Commercial and Public Benefit. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
held a hearing on the NIST's Fiscal year 2009 Budget Request: What Are the
Right Technology Investments to Promote U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness.
Testimony was heard from James Turner, Acting Director, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
[Page: D273]
SOUTHEASTERN U.S. WATER MANAGEMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Comprehensive Watershed Management
and Planning: Drought-related Issues in the Southeastern United States.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Lewis of Georgia, Boyd of Florida and
Johnson of Georgia; from the following officials of the Department of the
Interior: Jess D. Weaver, Regional Executive, Southeast Asia, U.S. Geological
Survey; and Sam D. Hamilton, Regional Director, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service; BG Joseph Schroedel, USA, Commander, South Atlantic
Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army; J. John Feldt,
Hydrologist-In-Charge, National Weather Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce;
Robert J. Hunter, Commissioner, Department of Watershed Management, Atlanta,
Georgia; and public witnesses.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/CO-MORBID DISORDERS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Substance Abuse/Co-morbid Disorders: Comprehensive Solutions to a Complex
Problem. Testimony was heard from Antonette Zeiss, Associate Chief Consultant,
Mental Health Services, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans
Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission's annual report on Medicare payment policies.
Testimony was heard from Glen M. Hackman, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission.
BRIEFING--ADVANCED R&D BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Advanced R&D Budget. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
2008/03/12
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 12, 2008; pages D277 - D288
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies held a hearing on DEA, and on the Bureau of Prisons, U.S.
Marshals, and Detention Trustee. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Justice: Michele Leonhart, Acting
Administrator, DEA; Harley G. Lappin, Director, Bureau of Prisons; Stacia A.
Hylton, Federal Detention Trustee, Office of the Federal Detention Trustee;
and John F. Clark, Director, U.S. Marshals Service.
[Page: D283]
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army
Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Army: Pete Geren, Secretary; and GEN George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Chief of
Staff.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Army
Acquisition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Army: Dean G. Popps, Acting Secretary, Acquisition; LTG Ross
Thompson, II, USA, Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary, Acquisition,
Logistics and Technology.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General
Government held a hearing on The Judiciary. Testimony was heard from Julia
Gibbons, Chair, Budget Committee of the Judiciary Conference; and James C.
Duff, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Investing in Science and Technology. Testimony was heard from Jay M. Cohen,
Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security, and
public witnesses.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on Native American. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Status of the World Trade
Center 9/11 Health Monitoring and Treatment Program. Testimony was heard from
John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on Office of Compliance, Congressional Budget Office, Open World Leadership
Center and on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Tamara
Chrisler, Executive Director, Office of Compliance; Peter Orszag, Director,
CBO; Ambassador John O'Keefe, Executive Director, Open World Leadership
Center.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Capitol Visitors Center. Testimony
was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Bernard Ungar,
CVC Project Executive; Terrie Rouse, CEO, Visitors Services; and Terrell Dorn,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Pacific Command. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ADM Timothy
Keating, USN, Commander, U.S., Pacific Command; and GEN B. B. Bell, USAF,
Commander, Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command and
Commander, United States Forces Korea.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for
International Affairs. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of
State.
PACIFIC COMMAND/U.S. FORCES; KOREAN BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request for the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S.
Forces Korea. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: ADM Timothy J. Keating, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific
Command; and GEN Burwell B. Bell, III, USAF, Commander, United Nations
Command, Commander, Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, Commander,
U.S. Forces Korea.
MILITARY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OUTLOOK
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on the Future of the Military Healthcare System. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: S. Ward Cassells, M.D.,
Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; Gail R. Wilensky, Co-Chairman, Future of
Military Health Care Task Force, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Health
Affairs; and a public witness.
[Page: D284]
ENERGY'S NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAM BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the
Department of Energy National Security Programs. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Energy: GEN Robert Smolen, USAF,
(Ret.), Deputy Administrator, Defense Programs; Will Tobey, Deputy
Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonprolification; and Glenn Podonsky,
Director, Office of Health, Safety, and Security, all with the National
Nuclear Security Administration; and James Rispoli, Assistant Secretary,
Environmental Management.
COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSION AND FIRE PREVENTION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on H.R. 5522, Combustible
Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Barrow and Kingston; Edwin Foulke, Assistant Secretary,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor; Bill
Wright. Interim Chair, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board;
and public witnesses.
NATURAL GAS PIPELINES SAFETY ASSESSMENT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and
Safety Act of 2006: Implementation Review and Discussion of Safety
Reassessment Intervals for Natural Gas Pipelines." Testimony was heard from
Carl T. Johnson, Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.
FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Regulatory Failure: Must America Live with Unsafe
Food?" Testimony was heard from Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Director, Center
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; Richard A. Raymond, M.D., Under Secretary, Food Safety, Food Safety
and Inspection Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
MUNICIPAL BOND TURMOIL
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Municipal Bond
Turmoil: Impact on Cities, Towns, and States." Testimony was heard from Erik
R. Sirri, Director, Division of Trading and Markets, SEC; Eric R. Dinallo,
Superintendent of Insurance, Department of Insurance, New York; Richard
Blumenthal, Attorney General, Connecticut; Bill Lockyer, Treasurer,
California; Robin L. Wiessmann, Treasurer, Pennsylvania; Tate Reeves,
Treasurer, Mississippi; and public witnesses.
BALKANS AND NATO ENLARGEMENT
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Balkans after the
Independence of Kosova and on the Eve of NATO Enlargement. Testimony was heard
from Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian
Affairs, Department of State.
ISRAEL's DISENGAGEMENT FROM GAZA
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on 853 Days: From Gaza Disengagement to De Facto Power?
Testimony was heard from C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near
Eastern Affairs, Department of State.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY PARTNERSHIPS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Partnerships in Securing
Critical Infrastructure." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Committee on House Administration, Subcommittee on Elections held an oversight
hearing on the Election Assistance Commission. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Election Assistance Commission: Curtis Crider,
Inspector General; Rosemary Rodriguez, Chairwoman; Caroline Hunter, Vice
Chair; Gracia Hillman and Donetta Davidson, both Commissioners.
IMMIGRATION MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law approved for full Committee
action the following bills: H.R. 5571, To extend for 5 years the program
relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect
to international medical graduates; H.R. 5569, To extend for 5 years the EB-5
regional center pilot program; H.R. 5570, amended, Religious Worker Visa
Extension Act of 2008; and H.R. 5060, to amend the Immigration and Nationality
Act to allow athletes admitted as nonimmigrants described in section
101(a)(15)(P) of such Act to renew their period of authorized admission in
5-year increments.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2016, amended, National Landscape Conservation System Act; H.R. 4933, Captive
Wildlife Safety Technical Amendments Act of 2008; H.R. 2342, amended, National
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2007; H.R. 1187, amended, Gulf
of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary
Modification and Protection Act; H.R. 3352, amended, Hydrographic Services
Improvement Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 3891, To amend the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act to increase the number of Directors on
the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; H.R.
2515, amended, Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Act;
H.R. 2675, amended, HALE Scouts Act; and H.R. 3651, amended, Utah National
Guard Readiness Act.
[Page: D285]
OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
held a hearing on Priorities and Accountability at ONDCP. Testimony was heard
from John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and
public witnesses.
HOUSE AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3773--FISA AMENDMENTS ACT of
2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration
of the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 3773, the "FISA Amendments Act of
2008." The rule provides that it is in order for the chairman of the Committee
on the Judiciary to make a motion that the House concur in the Senate
amendment to H.R. 3773 with the amendment printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the rule.
The rule waives all points of order against the motion except those arising
under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendment and
the motion shall be considered as read. It further provides that the motion
shall be debatable for one hour, with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the
Judiciary and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous
question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time
designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and
Chairman Reyes and Representatives Smith of Texas and Hoekstra.
TECHNOLOGY COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Competitiveness and
Innovation on the Committee's 50th Anniversary. Testimony was heard from
William H. Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation.
VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship
held a hearing on the Oversight of the Entrepreneurial Development Programs
Implemented by the Small Business Administration and National Veterans
Business Development Corporation. Testimony was heard from Anoop Prakash,
Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, SBA; and
public witnesses.
INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
hold a hearing on Intelligence Operations. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
NUCLEAR POWER IN WARMING W0RLD
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Nuclear Power in a Warming World: Solution or Illusion?" Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
2008/03/13
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 13, 2008; pages D289 - D324
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FNCS
Budget. Testimony was heard from Nancy Montanez Johner, Under Secretary, Food,
Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Navy
Posture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Navy: Donald C. Winter, Secretary; ADM Gary Roughead, USN, Chief of Naval
Operations; and LTG James T. Conway, USMC, Deputy Commandant of the Marine
Corps.
[Page: D301]
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Navy
Acquisition. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Navy: John S. Thackrah, Assistant Secretary; VADM Barry
McCullough, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of
Capabilities and Resources (N8); and LTG James F. Amos, USMC, Deputy
Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on DOE--Science Research. Testimony was heard from Raymond L.
Orbach, Under Secretary, Science, Department of Energy.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General
Government held a hearing on Supreme Court. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Supreme Court of the United States: Anthony
Kennedy; and Clarence Thomas, both Associate Justices.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Federal Emergency Management Agency--Is the agency on the right track?
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland
Security: David R. Paulison, Administrator, FEMA; and Matt Jadacki, Deputy
Inspector General; and public witnesses.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
U.S. House of Representatives Budget. Testimony was heard from the following
officers of the House of Representatives: Daniel Beard, CAO; Lorraine Miller,
Clerk; and Wilson Livingood, Sergeant-at-Arms.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies on Air Force Budget. Testimony was heard from
GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
EUROPEAN, SOUTHERN AND AFRICA COMMAND BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National
Defense Authorization Budget Request for the U.S. European Command, Southern
Command and Africa Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials
of the Department of Defense: GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S.
European Command; ADM James Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command;
and GEN William E. Ward, USA, Commander, U.S. Africa Command.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT ENERGY POSTURE
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Department of Defense Energy Posture. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Wayne Arny, Deputy Under Secretary,
Installations and Environment; Chris DiPetto, Deputy Director, Systems and
Software Engineering (Development Test and Evaluation), Office of the Under
Secretary (Acquisition and Technology); and GEN Michael P. C. Carns, USAF
(Ret.), Chairman, Defense Science Board Task Force on Energy Strategy; and
David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO.
IRREGULAR WARFARE THREAT ENVIRONMENT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism,Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request--Department of Defense Science and Technology:
Responding to the 21st Century Irregular Warfare Threat Environment. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Allan
Shaffer, Principle Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; Thomas
H. Killion, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Research and Technology, Department of
the Army; RADM William Landay, III, USN, Chief of Naval Research, Assistant
Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Science, Technology and Engineering,
Director, Test, Evaluation and Technology Requirements; Terry Jaggers, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engineering,
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition; and Anthony J. Tether,
Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
[Page: D302]
BLACK COLLEGES OUTLOOK
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on America's Black Colleges
and Universities: Models of Excellence and Challenges for the Future.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3754, To authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
accept, as part of a settlement, diesel emission reduction Supplemental
Environmental Projects, and for other purposes; H.R. 1198, amended, Early
Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2007; H.R. 2464, amended, Wakefield
Act; H.R. 1237, amended, Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007; H.R.
3701, amended, Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007; H.R. 2063,
amended, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, Management Act of 2007; H.R. 3825,
amended, Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007; and H.R. 1418, amended,
Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.
COMMERCE BUDGET
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Department of
Commerce Budget for Fiscal Year 2009." Testimony was heard from Carlos M.
Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce.
CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights:
Providing New Protections for Consumers. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
REDUCING GLOBAL CHILD MORTALITY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a
hearing on Child Survival: The Unfinished Agenda to Reduce Global Child
Mortality. Testimony was heard from Kent R. Hill, Assistant Administrator,
Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development,
Department of State; former Senator William H. Frist of Tennessee; and public
witnesses.
WAR POWERS--CONGRESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on War Powers for the 21st Century:
The Congressional Perspective. Testimony was heard from Representatives Jones
of North Carolina; and former Representatives Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma; and
David E. Skaggs of Colorado.
THREAT ASSESSMENT AND COORDINATION GROUP
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Making Homeland
Security Intelligence Work for State, Local, and Tribal Partners: An
Interagency Threat Assessment Coordination Group (ITACG) Progress Report."
Testimony was heard from Thomas E. McNamara, Program Manager, Information
Sharing Environment, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Michael
E. Leiter, Acting Director, National Counterterrorism Center; Charles E.
Allen, Under Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland
Security; and Wayne Murphy, Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence,
FBI, Department of Justice.
ORPHAN WORKS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on Promoting the Use of Orphan Works:
Balancing the Interests of Copyright Owners and Users. Testimony was heard
from Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, U.S. Copyright Office, Library
of Congress; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ON FEDERAL LAND
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Impacts of Unmanaged Off-Road
Vehicles on Federal Land. Testimony was heard from Henri Bisson, Deputy
Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Joel Holtrop,
Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; and public
witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 317, Arkansas Valley Conduit Act; H.R. 4841,
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act; and H.R. 5293, Shoshone-Paiute
Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior:
Majel Russell, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs; the
following officials of the Bureau of Reclamation: Karl Wirkus, Deputy
Commissioner for Operations; and Robert Johnson, Commissioner; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D303]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: S. 550, To preserve existing judgeships on the Superior Court of the
District of Columbia; H.R. 5551, To amend title 11, District of Columbia
Official Code, to implement the increase provided under the District of
Columbia Appropriations Act, 2008, in the amount of funds made available for
the compensation of attorneys representing indigent defendants in the District
of Columbia courts; H.R. 4106, amended, Telework Improvements Act if 2007;
H.R. 2780, to amend section 8339(p) of title 5, United States Code, to clarify
the method for computing certain annuities under the Civil Service Retirement
System which are based on part-time service; H.R. 4881, Contracting and Tax
Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 3033, amended, Contractors and Federal
Spending Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 3928, as amended, Government
Contractor Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 3548, amended, Plain Language in
Government Communications Act of 2007; H. Con. Res. 310, Expressing support
for a national day of remembrance for Harriet Ross Tubman; H. Res. 578,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be
established a National Watermelon Month; H. Res. 886, amended, Expressing
sympathy to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in
Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado; H. Res. 892, amended,
Expressing support for designation of March 11, 2008, as "National Funeral
Directors and Mortician Recognition Day"; H. Res. 952, Expressing the sense of
the House of Representatives that there should be established a National
Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States; H. Res. 994,
amended, Expressing support for the designation of a National Glanzmann's
Thrombasthenia Awareness Day; H. Res. 1005, amended, Supporting the goals and
ideals of Borderling Personality Awareness Month; H. Res. 1016, amended,
Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of
William F. Buckley, Jr; H. Res. 1021, amended, Supporting the goals, ideals,
and history of National Women's History Month; H.R. 4185, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11151 Valley Boulevard
in El Monte, California, as the "Marisol Heredia Post Office Building;" H.R.
5395, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
11001 Dunklin Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, as the "William "Bill" Clay Post
Office Building;" H.R. 5472, To designate the facility of the United States
Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana, as the "Julia M. Carson Post Office Building;" H.R.
5479, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
117 North Kidd Street in Ionia, Michigan, as the "Alonzo Woodruff Post Office
Building;" H.R. 5483, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 10449 White Granite Drive in Oakton, Virginia, as the
"Private First Class David H. Sharrett II Post Office Building;" H.R. 5489, to
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6892
Main Street in Gloucestor, Virginia, as the "Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis
Post Office;" H.R. 5517, to designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 7231 FM 1960 in Humble, Texas, as the "Texas Military
Veterans Post Office;" and H.R. 5528, to designate the facility of the United
States Postal Service located at 120 Commercial Street in Brockton,
Massachusetts, as the "Rocky Marciano Post Office Building."
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLANT CONTAMINATION COSTS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
held a hearing on Is USDA Accounting for Costs to Farmers Caused by
Contamination from Genetically Engineered Plants? Testimony was heard from
Cindy Smith, Administrator, Animal and Plant Inspection Service, USDA; and
public witnesses.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE ACT OF 2007
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Services and the District of Columbia held a hearing on H.R.
3268, Government Accountability Office Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the GAO: Gene Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General;
Paul Coran, Chairman, and Anne Wagner, General Counsel, both with the
Personnel Appeals Board; and Shirley Jones, Employee Advisory Counsel; Curtis
Copeland, Specialist in American National Government, CRS, Library of
Congress; and public witnesses.
EPA LIBRARY CLOSURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and
Oversight held a hearing on EPA Library Closures: Better Access for a Broader
Audience? Testimony was heard from John Stephenson, Director, Natural
Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.
NASA SCIENCE PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
held a hearing on NASA's Science Programs: Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request and
Issues. Testimony was heard from S. Alan Stern, Associate Administrator,
Science Mission Directorate, NASA; and public witnesses.
[Page: D304]
SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Legislation to
Reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program." Testimony
was heard from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses.
U.S. PARALYMPIC MILITARY PROGRAM
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a
hearing on U.S. Paralympic Military Program. Testimony was heard from Danny D.
Scott, M.D., Physical and Rehabilitation Service, Denver VA Medical Center,
Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and
public witnesses.
VA POST IN-PATIENT CARE
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations,
hearing on Care of Seriously Wounded After In-Patient Care. Testimony was
heard from Madhulika Agarwal, M.D., Chief Patient Care Services Officer,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public
witnesses.
IRS BUDGET/TAX SEASON
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on 2008
tax return filing season, IRS operations the fiscal Year 2009 budget
proposals, and National Taxpayer Advocate's Annual Report. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Linda
Stiff, Acting Commissioner; and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate.
OVERHEAD ARCHITECTURE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Overhead Architecture. Testimony was heard from departmental
witnesses.
BRIEFINGS--HOT SPOTS AND SOUTHWEST BORDER SECURITY
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence, met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
The Subcommittee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on
Southwest Border Security. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
EPA--IMPLICATIONS OF SUPREME COURT DECISION
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Massachusetts v U.S. EPA Part II: Implications of the Supreme Court
Decision." Testimony was heard from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA;
from the following officials of the State of Kansas: Josh Svaty, member of the
House; and Roderick Bermby, Secretary, Department of Health and Environment;
and public witnesses.
2008/03/14
Daily Digest - Friday, March 14, 2008; pages D326 - D328
Committee Meetings
DEFENSE MENTAL HEALTH OVERVIEW
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on Mental Health Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: S. Ward Casscells, M.D., Assistant Secretary,
Health Affairs; LTG Eric Schoomaker, M.D., USA, Surgeon General, U.S. Army;
VADM Adam Robinson, M.D., USN, Surgeon General, U.S. Navy; and LTG James G.
Roudebush, M.D., USAF, Surgeon General, U.S. Air Force; and a public witness.
NAVY SHIPBUILDING BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget
Request for Navy Shipbuilding. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Navy: Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Ship Programs; and VADM Barry McCullough, USN, Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations, Resources and Requirements; Eric Labs, Senior Naval Analyst,
CBO; and Ronald O'Rourke, Specialist in National Defense, CRS, Library of
Congress.
FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS AVAILABILITY
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Ensuring the Availability
of Federal Student Loans. Testimony was heard from Margaret Spellings,
Secretary of Education; and public witnesses.
INDIAN LAND CLAIMS
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2176,
To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay
Mills Indian Community; and H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the
settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kilpatrick and Berkley; Carl
Artman, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.
[Page: D328]
2008/03/18
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 18, 2008; pages D329 - D330
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D330]
2008/03/21
Daily Digest - Friday, March 21, 2008; pages D331 - D332
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D332]
2008/03/24
Daily Digest - Monday, March 24, 2008; pages D333 - D334
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D334]
2008/03/27
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 27, 2008; pages D335 - D336
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D336]
2008/03/31
Daily Digest - Monday, March 31, 2008; pages D338 - D346
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/01
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 1, 2008; pages D347 - D356
Committee Meetings
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Rural
Development. Testimony was heard from Thomas Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural
Development, USDA.
FBI
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the FBI. Testimony was heard from Robert S.
Mueller III, Director, FBI, Department of Justice.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the National Archives. Testimony was heard from
Allen Weinstein, Archivist, National Archives and Records Administration.
[Page: D351]
HOMELAND SECURITY'S OFFICE OF HEALTH CARE; PROTECTING THE NATION'S PHYSICAL
AND CYBER INFRASTRUCTURE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs. Testimony was
heard from Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D., Assistant Secretary Health Affairs and
Chief Medical Director, Department of Homeland Security.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Addressing the Challenges of
Protecting the Nation's Physical and Cyber Infrastructure. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Robert
Jamison, Under Secretary, National Protection Programs Directorate; Robert
Stephen, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection; and Gregory Garcia,
Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security and Communications.
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS; ARTS ADVOCACY DAY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Advocacy
Day. Testimony was heard from Representatives Shays and Slaughter; Dana Gioia,
Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts; and public witnesses.
AIR MOBILITY/TRANSPORTATION COMMANDS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from
the U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force Mobility Aircraft Programs.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air
Force: GEN Arthur J. Lichte, USAF, Commander, Air Mobility Command; GEN Norton
A. Schwartz, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and Sue Payton,
Assistant Secretary, Acquisition.
RESERVES/NATIONAL GUARD READINESS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on
Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on the
Readiness of the Army and Air Force Reserves and National Guard Forces.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National Guard Bureau:
LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief; LTG Clyde A. Vaughn, USA, Director, Army
National Guard; and LTG Craig R. McKinley, USAF, Director, Air National Guard;
LTG Jack Stultz, USA, Chief, U.S. Army Reserve; and LTG John A. Bradley, USAF,
Chief, U.S. Air Force Reserve.
CYBERSECURITY ENABLING NETWORK CENTRIC OPERATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities held a hearing on the Holistic Approaches to Cybersecurity
Enabling Network Centric Operations. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
ONLINE VIRTUAL WORLDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Online Virtual Worlds: Applications and
Avatars in a User-Generated Medium." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "The Future
of Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony
was heard from Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department
of Homeland Security.
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT--CHALLENGES THAT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGENCIES
FACE
Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on
the National Voter Registration Act, section 7: The Challenges that public
assistance agencies face. Testimony was heard from Johnnie McLean, Chief
Deputy Director, Board of Elections, North Carolina; Catherine Truss,
Departmental Specialist, Department of Human Services, Michigan; and public
witnesses.
MILITARY RESERVE MEMBERS BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 4044, To amend the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and
Consumer Protection Act of 2005 to exempt from the means test in bankruptcy
cases, for a limited period, qualifying reserve-component members who, after
September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense
activity for not less than 60 days. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Schakowsky and Rohrabacher; and public witnesses.
[Page: D352]
9/11 WORKER HEALTH COMPENSATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law and the Subcommittee on
Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, joint hearing on Paying With
Their Lives: The Status of Compensation for 9/11 Health Effects. Testimony was
heard from Anne-Marie Lasowski, Acting Director, Education, Workforce and
Income Security, GAO; Michael Cardozo, Corporation Counsel, City of New York;
and public witnesses.
U.S. HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration
of H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership
Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, under
a structured rule. The rule provides 2 hours of general debate equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of
the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill
shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered
only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for
clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. 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 Chairman Berman, Representatives McCollum of Minnesota, Carson of
Indiana, Ros-Lehtinen, Fortenberry and Gingrey.
CDC'S FEMA TRAILER TESTING
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and
Oversight held a hearing on Toxic Trailers: Have the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention Failed to Protect Public Health? Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, Department of Health and Human Services: Howard Frumkin, Director,
Tom Sinks, Deputy Director, both with the National Center for Environmental
Health; Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., Deputy Administrator, FEMA; Christopher De
Rosa, former Director, Division of Technology and Environmental Medicine,
Agency for Toxic Substances, and Disease Registry, Department of Health and
Human Services; and public witnesses.
CAPITOL COMPLEX OPERATIONAL NEEDS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on A
Growing Capitol Complex and Visitor Center: Needs for Transportation Security,
Greening, Energy, and Maintenance Testimony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers,
Acting Architect of the Capitol; Terrie Rouse, Chief Executive Officer for
Visitor Services; Daniel P. Beard, Chief Administrative Officer of the House;
Chief Philip Morse, U.S. Capitol; Emeka Moneme, Director, Department of
Transportation, District of Columbia; and public witnesses.
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on PTSD
Treatment and Research: Moving Ahead Toward Recovery. Testimony was heard from
COL Charles W. Hoge, M.D., USA, Director, Division of Psychiatry and
Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Department of the Army,
Department of Defense; Ira Katz, M.D., Deputy Chief Patient Care Services
Officer for Mental Health; Veterans Health Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public
witnesses.
2008 MEDICARE TRUSTEES REPORT
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the 2008
Medicare Trustees Report. Testimony was heard from Richard S. Foster, Chief
Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and
Human Services.
BRIEFING--CYBER TECHNOLOGY
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Cyber Technology. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
DRILLING FOR ANSWERS--OIL COMPANY PROFITS
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing on
Drilling for Answers: Oil Company Profits, Runaway Prices and the Pursuit of
Alternatives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/04/02
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 2, 2008; pages D358 - D366
Committee Meetings
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION CENTER FOR BIOLOGICS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food and
Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Testimony
was heard from Jesse L. Goodman, Director, Center for Biologics, Evaluation
and Research, Department of Health and Human Services.
LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Legal Services Corporation. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Legal Services Corporation: Helaine
Barnett, President; and Frank B. Strickland, Chairman.
The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
DOE WEAPONS ACTIVITIES/NAVAL REACTORS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy--Weapons Activities
and Naval Reactors. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Energy: Thomas P. D'Agostino, Under Secretary, Nuclear Security
and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; Robert L. Smolen,
Deputy Administrator, Defense Programs; and Kirkland Donald, Deputy
Administrator, Naval Reactors.
OPM
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on OPM. Testimony was heard from Linda Springer,
Director, OPM.
CARGO/SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Cargo, Container and Supply Chain Security. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jayson Ahern,
Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Vayl Oxford,
Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and public witnesses.
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on the Indian Health Service. Testimony was heard from
Bob McSwain, Acting Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and
Human Services.
DOD--BUDGET OVERVIEW
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Defense--Budget
Overview. Testimony was herd from the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Tina W. Jonas, Comptroller; and Wayne Arny, Deputy Under Secretary,
Installations and Environment.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on Contributions to International Peacekeeping
Activities (CIPA) and the Contributions to International Organizations (CID)
accounts. Testimony was heard from Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY/REVENUE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Highways and Transit
Programs: The DOT Perspective on the Urgent Funding Needs for Today and
Tomorrow. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Transportation: Phyllis Scheinberg, Assistant Secretary, Budget and
Programs and Chief Financial Officer; James Simpson, Administrator, Federal
Transit Administration; and James Ray, Acting Administrator, Federal Highway
Administration.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Thoughts and Recommendations from the
National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. Testimony
was heard from Frank Busalacchi, Commissioner, Department of Transportation,
Wisconsin; and public witnesses.
FAMILY SMOKING PREVENTION AND TOBACCO CONTROL ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1108,
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
INTERNET GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing entitled "Proposed UIGEA
Regulations: Burden without Benefit?" Testimony was heard from Louise L.
Roseman, Director, Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Valerie Abend, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance Policy,
Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
[Page: D362]
U.N. PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the United Nations Peacekeeping
Operations: An Underfunded International Mandate--the Role of the United
States Testimony was heard from Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State.
The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Jane Holl Lute, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping
Operations and Officer in Charge of the Department of Field Support, United
Nations.
AFGHANISTAN--TALIBAN RESURGENCE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on the Strategic Chaos and Taliban Resurgence in Afghanistan.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported the following measures:
H.R. 5493, To provide that the usual day for paying salaries in or under the
House of Representatives may be established by regulations of the Committee on
House Administration; H. Res. 1068, amended, Permitting active duty members of
the Armed Forces who are assigned to a Congressional liaison office of the
Department of Defense at the House of Representatives to obtain membership in
the exercise facility established for employees of the House of
Representatives; H.R. 5036, amended, Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections
Act of 2008; H.R. 281, Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act of 2007; H.R. 3032,
amended, To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit
candidates for election for Federal office to designate an individual who will
be authorized to disburse funds of the authorized campaign committees of the
candidate in the event of the death of the candidate.
The Committee also approved an amendment to Regulations Governing the Use of
Official Funds, by Members, Committees, and Officers of the U.S. House of
Representatives.
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5570,
amended, Religious Worker Visa Extension Act of 2008; H.R. 5060, To amend the
Immigration and Nationality Act to allow athletes admitted as nonimmigrants
described in section 101(a)(15)(P) of such Act to renew their period of
authorized admission in 5-year increments; H.R. 5569, To extend for 5 years
the EB-5 regional center pilot program; H.R. 5571, To extend for 5 years the
program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with
respect to international medical graduates; H.R. 1777, Need-Based Educational
Aid Act of 2007; and a private relief bill.
The Committee also adversely reported to the House the following bills: H.R.
2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the
Bay Mills Indian Community; H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the
settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3513, amended, Cooper Salmon Wilderness Act; H.R. 5151, amended, Wild
Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places; H.R.
831, amended, Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act; and H.R. 3734,
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act.
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on Examining the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 2008. Testimony was heard from Robin Nazzaro,
Director, National Resources and Environment, GAO; Robert Flaak, Director,
Committee Management Secretariat, GSA; Frank Wilson, Director, Administration
and Management, Department of Defense; and a public witness.
UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 4847, the "United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2008." The rule provides 1 hour of general debate
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 clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that, in
lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Science and Technology now printed in the bill, the amendment in
the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Rules Committee report
shall be considered as an original bill for purpose of amendment and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment
in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the report except those
arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.
[Page: D363]
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Rules
Committee report. Amendments so printed 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 a 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 provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Finally, 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 Representatives Mitchell and Gingrey.
INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education held a hearing on International Science and Technology Cooperation.
Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger III, Director, Office of Science
and Technology Policy; Arden Bement, Director, NSF; the following officials of
the Department of State: Nina Fedoroff, Science and Technology Advisor to the
Secretary; and Jeff Miotke, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Science, Space and
Health, Bureau of Oceans and International and Environmental and Scientific
Affairs; and Michael F. O'Brien, Assistant Administrator, External Relations,
NASA.
NATIONAL FLOOD PLAIN REMAPPING
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Energy Management held a hearing on
National Flood Plain Remapping: The Practical Impact. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Ehlers, Boozman, Miller of Michigan, Matsui, and Hall of New
York; Steven Stockton, Deputy Director, Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Department of Defense; David Maurstad, Assistant Administrator,
Mitigation Directorate, FEMA; and public witnesses.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY/VISION ISSUES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Related Vision Issues.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans
Affairs: James Orcutt, M.D., Chief of Ophthalmology, Barbara Sigford, M.D.,
National Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, both with the
Veterans Health Administration, and Glenn Cockerman, M.D., Chief of
Ophthalmology, VA Palo Alto Health Care System; COL Loreen K. Sutton, M.D.,
Director, Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain
Injury, Department of Defense; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
SUBPOENAS TO EPA; CURBING SOARING AVIATION EMISSIONS
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Approved a
resolution authorizing the Select Committee to issue subpoenas to the EPA as
necessary to obtain the EPA's draft regulations and finding of "endangerment,"
from motor vehicle emissions as provided under the Clean Air Act regulatory
and in response to the regulatory and in response to the Massachusetts v. EPA
decision.
The Select Committee also held a hearing entitled "From the Wright Brothers to
the Right Solutions: Curbing Soaring Aviation Emissions." Testimony was heard
from Dan K. Elwell, Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning, and
Environment, FAA, Department of Transportation; Bob Meyers, Principal Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; and public
witnesses.
2008/04/03
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 3, 2008; pages D367 - D374
Committee Meetings
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural
Resources Conservation Service Budget. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Rey,
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA.
[Page: D372]
ATTORNEY GENERAL; CENSUS 2010
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Attorney General. Testimony was heard from
Michael B. Mukasey, Attorney General, Department of Justice.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Census 2010. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Carlos Gutierrez,
Secretary; and Steven Murdock, Census Director.
NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy--Nuclear
Nonproliferation. Testimony was heard from William Tobey, Deputy
Administrator, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, Department of Energy.
GSA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General
Services held a hearing on GSA. Testimony was heard from Lurita Doan,
Administrator, GSA.
SECRET SERVICE CANDIDATE PROTECTION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on Candidate Protection and Investigatory Programs: Balancing the U.S. Secret
Service Workload. Testimony was heard from. Mark J. Sullivan, Director, U.S.
Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.
INDIAN AFFAIRS/OFFICE OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of Special
Trustee. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
the Interior: Carl Artmen, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Office of the
Special Trustee; and Ross O. Swimmer, Special Trustee for American Indians.
The Subcommittee continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
VA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Veterans' Affairs Information
Technology. Testimony was heard from Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary,
Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs.
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVES EQUIPMENT BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on
Army National Guard and Army Reserve Equipment. Testimony was heard from LTG
Jack C. Stultz, USA, Chief, U.S. Army Reserve; and LTG Clyde A. Vaughn, USA,
Director, Army National Guard.
PROTECTING THE MEDICAID SAFETY NET OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008. Testimony was heard
from James Cosgrove, Acting Director/Health Care Issues, GAO; the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Dennis G. Smith,
Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services; and John G. Folkemer, Deputy Secretary, Health Care
Financing; Herb Conaway, Jr., M.D., Assemblyman, State of New Jersey; and
public witnesses.
SELLING DOE'S DEPLETED URANIUM STOCKPILE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Selling the Department of Energy's Depleted Uranium
Stockpile: Opportunities and Challenges." Testimony was heard from Robert A.
Robinson, Managing Director, Natural Resources and the Environment, GAO;
Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy;
and public witnesses.
JUBILEE ACT FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING AND EXPANDED DEBT CANCELLATION OF 2007
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2634,
Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007.
FEDERAL RESTITUTION LAWS AMENDMENTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on proposals before the 110th Congress to amend
Federal Restitution Laws. Testimony was heard from Senator Dorgan; and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM AMENDMENTS ACT
Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act
of 2008. Testimony was heard from Rick Spinrad, Assistant Administrator,
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D373]
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE ACT OF 2008
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia approved for full
Committee action H.R. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008.
NASA'S EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
held a hearing on NASA's Exploration Initiative: Status and Issues. Testimony
was heard from Richard Gilbrech, Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems
Mission Directorate, NASA; Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and
Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING--ROLE OF CREDIT CARDS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Role of Credit Cards in
Small Business Financing. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CRITICAL LAPSES IN FAA SAFETY OVERSIGHT OF AIRLINES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Critical
Lapses in FAA Safety Oversight of Airlines: Abuses of Regulatory "Partnership
Programs." Testimony was heard from Scott J. Bloch, Special Counsel, Office of
the Special Counsel; the following officials of the Department of
Transportation: Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Nicholas A. Sabatini,
Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety; James J. Ballough, Director, Flight
Standards; and Thomas Stuckey, Manager, Flight Standards Division, Southwest
Region, all with the FAA; and public witnesses.
FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET--SPECIAL PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget--Special Program. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2008/04/04
Daily Digest - Friday, April 4, 2008; pages D375 - D382
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/07
Daily Digest - Monday, April 7, 2008; pages D383 - D386
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/08
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 8, 2008; pages D388 - D396
Committee Meetings
CENTRAL ASIA: AN OVERVIEW
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on Central Asia: An Overview. Testimony was
heard from Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau for South and
Central Asia, Department of State.
CHILD SOLDIERS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2007
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on S. 2135, Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2007.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BEACH PROTECTION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting
requirement providing for consideration of H.R. 2537, the "Beach Protection
Act of 2007." The resolution provides one hour of general debate equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
[Page: D393]
The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill
except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The resolution 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 and shall be
considered as read. The resolution waives all points of order against the
committee amendment except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.
The resolution makes in order only those amendments that are preprinted in the
Congressional Record before beginning consideration of the bill or are pro
forma amendments for the purpose of debate. Each amendment printed in the
Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be
printed or a designee and shall be considered as read.
The resolution provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may
postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony
was heard from Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas and Boozman.
NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2016, the National Landscape Conservation System Act,
under a structured rule. The rule provides one hour of general debate equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule
provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as
an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a
substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report accompanying the resolution. The amendments made in order may be
offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a
Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall
not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in
the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except
for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. 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 Representatives Grijalva and Young of Alaska.
2008/04/09
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 9, 2008; pages D398 - D410
Committee Meetings
MARKETING AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Marketing
and Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from Bruce I. Knight, Under
Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA.
U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE; INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION; BUREAU OF
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies held a hearing on the USTR. Testimony was heard from
Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, United States Trade Representative.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the International Trade
Administration. Testimony was heard from Christopher A. Padilla, Under
Secretary, International Trade, Department of Commerce.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Sullivan, Director, ATF,
Department of Justice.
FCC
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the Federal Communications Commission. Testimony
was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related
Agencies held a hearing on the Smithsonian Institution. Testimony was heard
from Cristian Samper, Acting Secretary, Smithsonian Institution.
U.S. CAPITOL POLICE BUDGET
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the U.S. Capitol Police Budget. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the U.S. Capitol Police: Phillip Morse, Chief; and Daniel
Nichols, Assistant Chief.
ARMY BUDGET
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Army Budget. Testimony was
heard from Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Chief of Staff, Department of the
Army.
STATUS--IRAQ WAR AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS; STATUS OF U.S. GROUND FORCES
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the status of the war and
political developments in Iraq. Testimony was heard from GEN David H.
Petraeus, USA, Commanding General, Multi-National Force--Iraq, Department of
Defense; and Ryan C. Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Department of State.
The Committee also held a hearing and on the current status of U.S. ground
forces. Testimony was heard from GEN Richard A. Cody, USA, Vice Chief of
Staff; and GEN Robert A. Magnus, USMC, Assistant Commandant, Marine Corps.
[Page: D406]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
5522, amended, Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008; and
H.R. 5715, To ensure continued availability of access to the Federal student
loan program for students and families.
PROTECTING THE MEDICAID SAFETY NET ACT OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net
Act of 2008.
HOUSING STABILIZATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Using FHA for
Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention." Testimony was heard from
Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, FDIC; the following officials of the Department of
the Treasury: John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; and John M. Reich,
Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Randall Kroszner, member, Board of
Governors, Federal Reserve System; Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary,
Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
IRAQ REPORT
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Report on Iraq. Testimony was
heard from David H. Petraeus, USA, Commanding General, Multi-National
Force--Iraq, Department of Defense; and Ryan C. Crocker, Ambassador to Iraq,
Department of Defense.
FEMA RESPONSE/RECOVERY CAPABILITIES
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond the First
Five Years: Ensuring FEMA's Ability to Respond and Recover in the Wake of a
National Catastrophe." Testimony was heard from Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., Acting
Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, FEMA, Department of Homeland
Security.
HOMELAND SECURITY'S MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond the First Five Years:
Solving the Department of Homeland Security's Management Challenges."
Testimony was heard from Elaine Duke, Deputy Under Secretary, Management,
Department of Homeland Security; Norman J. Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland
Security and Justice Team, GAO; and public witnesses.
2008 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES
Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on the 2008 Presidential
Primaries and Caucuses: "What we've learned so far." Testimony was heard from
April E. Pye, Interim Director, Registration and Elections, Fulton County,
Georgia; Alisha Alexander, Elections Administrator, County Board of Elections,
Prince George's County, Maryland; Linda Weedon, Deputy Director, Elections,
Maricopa County, Arizona; and public witnesses
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
5608, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments Act, H.R.
3522, To ratify a conveyance of a portion of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation
to Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, pursuant to the settlement of
litigation between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Rio Arriba County, State of
New Mexico, to authorize issuance of a patent for said lands, and to change
the exterior boundary of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation accordingly, H.R.
3490, Tuolumne Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act of 2007, S. 2457, to provide for
extensions of leases of certain land by Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe,
and H.R. 5680, To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans, and for
other purposes. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Interior: James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary; and Jerry
Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Robert McSwain, Acting Director,
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; Philip N.
Hogen, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 5687, as amended, To amend the Federal Advisory Committee Act
to increase the transparency and accountability of Federal advisory
committees; H.R. 752, amended, Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of
2007; H.R. 1734, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service
located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon, as the "Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office;" H. Res. 1026, Recognizing the 100th
anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Club; H.R. 5601, To designate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7925 West Russell
Road in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the "Sergeant Irving Joseph Schwartz Post Office
Building;" and H.R. 5631, To designate the facility of the United States
Postal Service located at 1155 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville, Virginia, as
the "Corporal Bradley T. Arms Post Office Building."
[Page: D407]
2010 CENSUS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Subcommittee on
Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a joint hearing on 2010
Census, Progress on the Development of the Field Data Collection Automation
Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Bureau of the
Census: Department of Commerce: Steven H. Murdock, Director; and Preston Jay
Waite, Deputy Director; the following officials of the GAO: Mathew Scire,
Director, Strategic Issues; and David Powner, Director, Information Technology
Management Issues; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL SECURITY ID CARDS; BACKGROUND CHECKS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Federal Security:
ID Cards and Background Checks. Testimony was heard from Karen Evans,
Administrator, Electronic Government and Information Technology, OMB; Kathy
Dillaman, Associate Director, Investigations, OPM; Linda Koontz, Director,
Information Management Issues, GAO; Michael Sade, Acting Deputy Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Integrated Technology Service, Federal Acquisition
Service, GSA; Thomas Wisner, Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Office
of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Department of
Labor; and public witnesses.
COLUMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT RELATING TO CONSIDERATION
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a rule providing
that section 151(e)(1) and section 151(f)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 shall
not apply in the case of H.R. 5724, to implement the United States-Colombia
Trade Promotion Agreement.
GAS PRICES' IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held
a hearing entitled "The Impact of Increasing Gas Prices on Small Businesses."
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
AVIATION DELAYS AND CONSUMER ISSUES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Aviation Delays and Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Transportation: Calvin L. Scovel,
III, Inspector General; and D. J. Gribbin, General Counsel, Office of the
Secretary; and public witnesses.
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing on Transportation Challenges of Metropolitan Areas.
Testimony was heard from Jolene Molitoris, Assistant Director, Department of
Transportation, State of Ohio; and public witnesses.
ENDING VETERANS HOMELESSNESS
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Held a hearing on Ending Homelessness for our
Nation's Veterans. Testimony was heard from Peter H. Dougherty, Director,
Homeless Veterans Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; Libby Perl,
Analyst in Housing, CRS; a representative of a veterans organization; and
public witnesses.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE TAX ACT; TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AND SIMPLIFICATION ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 5720, Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008; and H.R. 5719, Taxpayer
Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008.
ASSESSING THE FIGHT AGAINST AL-QAEDA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Assessing the
Fight Against Al-Qaeda. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
GLOBAL WARMING AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Global Warming and Public Health."
Testimony was heard from Howard Frumkin, M.D., Director, National Center for
Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department
of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
2008/04/10
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 10, 2008; pages D412 - D424
Committee Meetings
FARM AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURE SERVICES
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Farm and
Foreign Agriculture Services. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Keenum, Under
Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.
NOAA; EEOC
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and
Related Agencies held a hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from Conrad C.
Lautenbacher, Jr., Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the EEOC. Testimony was heard from
Naomi C. Earp, Chair, EEOC.
DOE--NUCLEAR ENERGY AND NUCLEAR WASTE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held
a hearing on the Department of Energy--Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Waste.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy:
Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Energy; and Edward F. Sproat
III, Director, Office of Civilian Nuclear Waste.
[Page: D418]
SBA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on Small Business Administration. Testimony was
heard from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, SBA
DHS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing
on the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from
Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security.
GAO
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Government Accountability Office. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the GAO: Gene Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General; and
Sallyanne Harper, Chief Administrative Officer.
EUROPEAN COMMAND
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans'
Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on the European Command. Testimony
was heard from GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S. European Command,
Department of Defense.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs held a hearing on U.S. Policy and Program in Iraq. Testimony
was heard from Ryan Crocker, Ambassador to Iraq, Department of State.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing U.S. Treasury International Assistance
Programs and on U.S. Contributions to International Financial Institutions.
Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury.
CONTINGENCY CONTRACTING; IMPLEMENTING A CALL FOR REFORM
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Contingency Contracting:
Implementing a Call for Urgent Reform. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: John J. Young, Jr., Under Secretary,
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; Jeffrey P. Parsons, Executive Director
Army Contracting Command; and Jacques S. Gansler, Chairman, Army Commission on
Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations.
ARMY ACQUISITION PROGRAMS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a
hearing on Army acquisition programs. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense; LTG Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy
Chief of Staff, G-8; LTG N. Ross Thompson III, USA, Military Deputy to the
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), both
with the Department of the Army; and Mary Ugone, Office of the Inspector
General, Deputy Inspector General, Auditing; and the following officials of
the GAO: Paul Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management; and
Janet St. Laurent, Managing Director, Defense Capabilities and Management.
FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT ANNIVERSARY
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workplace Protections held a
hearing on the 15th Anniversary of the Family Medical Leave Act: Achievements
and Next Steps. Testimony was heard from Victoria Lipnic, Assistant Secretary,
Employment Standards, Department of Labor; former Representative Pat Schroeder
of Colorado; and public witnesses.
REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled ``Strengths and Weaknesses of Regulating Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Using Existing Clean Air Act Authorities. Testimony was heard from
Robert J. Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office for Air and
Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses.
HOUSING STABILIZATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION
Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings entitled "Using FHA for
Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention." Testimony was heard from
Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland; and the following Mayors: Adrian M.
Fenty, District of Columbia; Thomas M. Menino, Boston; and Oscar B. Goodman,
Las Vegas; and public witnesses.
WAR POWERS AND THE CONSTITUTION
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on War Power for the 21st Century:
The Constitutional Perspective. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CRISIS IN THE ANDES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on the Crisis in the Andes: The Border Dispute Between Columbia and
Ecuador, and Implications for the Region. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
[Page: D419]
The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General, OAS.
REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DNA INITIATIVES OF THE JUSTICE FOR ALL ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the Reauthorization and Improvement of DNA
Initiatives of the Justice for All Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Maloney of New York; and Reichert; David Hagy, Director,
National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Department of
Justice; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
5541, Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act; and H.R. 5648,
Emergency Wildland Fire Response Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from
Representative Dicks; Janet Napolitano, Governor of Arizona; Jack Ward Thomas,
former Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses.
INVESTIGATION OF INTERNET SALES OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Investigation into the Sale of
Sensitive, In-Demand Military Equipment and Supplies on the Internet.
Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits
and Special Investigations, GAO; the following officials of the Department of
Defense: Charles W. Beardall, Deputy Inspector General, Investigations; Alan
F. Estevez, Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary (Logistics and Materiel
Readiness); and Sarah H. Finnecum, Director, Supply and Maintenance
Directorate, U.S. Army G-4 (Logistics); and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE TAX CODE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Modernizing the Tax
Code: Updating the Internal Revenue Code to Help Small Businesses Stimulate
the Economy." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COSCO BUSAN AND MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Cosco Busan and Marine Casualty
Investigation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: RADM Brian Salerno, USCG, Assistant
Commandant, Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard; and
Anne Richards, Inspector General, Audits.
OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the
Old Post Office Building: The General Services Administration's Plans for
Future Use. Testimony heard from David Winstead, Commissioner, Public Building
Service, GSA.
VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs, hearing on Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization
Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from William P. Greene, Jr., Chief Judge,
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; Bradley G. Mayes, Director,
Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department
of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family
Support held a hearing on extending unemployment insurance. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
BRIEFING--COLOMBIA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Colombia. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
FY 2009 BUDGET--CYBER INITIATIVE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on FY 2009 Budget--Cyber Initiative. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2008/04/14
Daily Digest - Monday, April 14, 2008; pages D426 - D432
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE AND NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Committee on Appropriations: Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in
executive session to hold a hearing on the National Reconnaissance Office and
the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. Testimony was heard from Scott
Large, Director, National Reconnaissance Office; and VADM Robert Merrett, USN,
Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AND SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 3, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5719, the "Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of
2008." The rule provides one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways
and Means shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of
the bill, as amended. This waiver does not affect the point of order available
under clause 9 of rule XXI (regarding earmark disclosure). The rule provides
one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding
the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further
consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Lewis of Georgia, Brady of Texas and Sessions.
[Page: D429]
JUBILEE ACT FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING AND EXPANDED DEBT CANCELLATION OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2634, the "Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and
Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007." The rule provides one hour of general
debate 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 clauses 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 and shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment
in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes
in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report
accompanying the resolution. The amendments made in order may be offered only
in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated
in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the
Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10
of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. 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 Chairman
Frank and Representative Bachus.
2008/04/15
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 15, 2008; pages D433 - D442
Committee Meetings
CIA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense/Select Intelligence
Oversight Panel met in executive session to hold a hearing on the CIA.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the CIA: Stephen R.
Kappes, Deputy Director; and Brian P. Shortley, Chief Financial Officer.
IRS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the IRS. Testimony was heard from Douglas
Shulman, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury.
CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on the Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Architect of the Capitol: Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of
the Capitol; Bernie Ungar, Project Executive; and Terrie Rouse, CEO, Visitor
Service, both with Capitol Visitor Center; Terry Dorn, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and Phillip Morse, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police.
SOUTHCOM
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on SOUTHCOM. Testimony was heard
from Adm James E. Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIP CAPACITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERAGENCY
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Building Partnership Capacity
and Development of the Interagency. Testimony was heard from Robert M. Gates,
Secretary of Defense; and Condoleeza Rice, Secretary of State.
OVERSIGHT--DEFENSE TRAVEL SYSTEM
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on oversight of the Defense Travel System. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; and David Fisher,
Director, Business Transformation Agency; McCoy Williams, Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, GAO; and a public witness.
OVERSIGHT--FCC
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Federal Communications
Commission--the 7 MHz Auction." Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the FCC: Kevin J. Martin, Chairman; Michael J. Copps, Jonathan S.
Adelstein, Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert M. McDowell, all Commissioners; and
public witnesses.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Financial Literacy
and Education: The Effectiveness of Governmental and Private Sector
Initiatives." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of the Treasury: Anna Escobedo Cabral, Treasurer of the United
States; Cassandra McConnell, Director, Consumer and Community Affairs, Office
of Thrift Supervision; and Barry Wides, Deputy Comptroller for Community
Affairs, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; JoAnn Johnson, Chairman,
National Credit Union Administration; Sandra Braunstein, Director, Division of
Consumer and Community Affairs, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Federal
Reserve System; Robert W. Mooney, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection and
Community Affairs, FDIC; Dean Martin, Treasurer, State of Arizona and public
witnesses.
[Page: D438]
EMERGENCY MORTGAGE LOAN MODIFICATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 5579, Emergency
Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
TSA OUTLOOK
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond the First
Five Years: How the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will Continue
to Enhance Security for all Modes of Transportation." Testimony was heard from
Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Cathleen Berrick, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice, GAO; pubic witnesses.
MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTING
Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Military and Overseas
Voting: Problems and Progress in Ensuring the Vote. Testimony was heard from
Representatives McCarthy of California and Maloney of New York; Michael
Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness,
Department of Defense; Beth Chapman, Secretary of State, Alabama; and public
witnesses.
NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS REFORM ACT OF 2007
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties held a hearing on H.R. 3189, National Security Letters Reform
Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Justice: Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General; and Valerie E.
Caproni, General Counsel, FBI; the following former officials of the
Department of Justice: Bruce Fein, former Associate Deputy Attorney General;
Michael J. Woods, former Chief, FBI National Security Law Unit; and David
Kris, former Associate Deputy Attorney General; and a public witness.
OVERSIGHT--WEST-WIDE ENERGY AND MINERAL PROCESS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a joint
oversight hearing on the West-wide Energy Corridor Process: State and
Community Impacts. Testimony was heard from Luke Johnson, Deputy Director,
Programs and Policy, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior;
Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, USDA; Joanna Prukop,
Secretary of Energy and Minerals, State of New Mexico; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT DC WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 5718, Federal Employees Paid
Parental Leave Act; and H.R. 3774, Senior Executive Service Diversity
Assurance Act of 2008.
The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on D.C. Water and Sewer
Authority (DCWASA), Testimony was heard from John B. Stephenson, Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Ben Grumbles, Assistant Administrator,
Water, EPA; the following officials of the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority:
Robin B. Martin, Chairman, Board of Directors; Jerry Johnson, General Manager,
Daniel Tangherlini, City Administrator, District of Columbia; Timothy
Firestine, Chief Administrator Officer, Montgomery County; Anthony H. Griffin,
County Executive, Fairfax County, and Jacqueline F. Brown, Chief Administrator
Officer, Prince Georges County, all Members of the Board.
NEW CONTRACTING AND PROPERTY BILLS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization and Procurement held a hearing on New Contracting and
Property Bills. Testimony was heard from the following officials of OMB: Paul
Denett, Administrator, Federal Procurement Policy; and Danny Werfel, Acting
Comptroller, Federal Financial Management; the following officials of the GSA:
David Drabkin, Acting Chief Acquisition Officer and Senior Procurement
Executive; and Stan Kaczmarczyk, Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, Office
of Governmentwide Policy; Barry Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and a public witness.
[Page: D439]
ENSURING CONTINUED ACCESS TO STUDENT LOANS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8-4, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5715, the Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008.
The rule provides one hour of general debate 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 clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment
printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying this resolution
shall be considered as adopted and that the bill, as amended, shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of
the bill, as amended. The rule provides that no further amendments to the
bill, as amended, shall be in order except those amendments printed in Part B
of the Rules Committee report. The further 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
further amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule
XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 Representatives George
Miller of California and McKeon.
ENERGY'S FUTUREGEN PROGRAM
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on Department of Energy's FutureGen Program. Testimony was
heard from C. H. Albright, Under Secretary, Department of Energy; and public
witnesses.
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION BUDGET
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Fiscal Year Budget: Federal
Maritime Commission. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Federal Maritime Commission: A. Paul Anderson; Joseph E. Brennen; Harold J.
Creel, Jr., and Rebecca F. Dye, all Commissioners.
VETERANS' HEALTH MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
5730, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to display in each
prosthetic clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs an Injured and Amputee
Veterans Bill of Rights; H.R. 2818, to amend title 38, United States Code, to
provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the
Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans' Affairs; H.R.
5554, Veterans' Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008;
H.R. 5622, Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act; H.R. 5595, Make Our
Veterans Smile Act of 2008; and H.R. 5729, To amend title 38, United States
Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive
health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spinua Bifida, and for
other purposes. Testimony was heard from Representatives Filner, Michaud,
Ginny Brown-Waite, Perlmutter, Carney, and Ellsworth; Gerald M. Cross, M.D.,
Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
INSTABILITY OF HEALTH COVERAGE IN AMERICA
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Instability of Health Coverage in America. Testimony was heard from former
Senator Dave Durenburger of Minnesota; and public witnesses.
MIP BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-Military Intelligence Program. Testimony
was heard from departmental witnesses.
2008/04/16
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 16, 2008; pages D443 - D452
Committee Meetings
SEC
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the SEC. Testimony was heard from Christopher
Cox, Chairman, SEC.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agency Agencies held a hearing on Special Operations
Command. Testimony was heard from ADM Eric T. Olson, USN, Commander, Special
Operations Command, Department of Defense.
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY PROGRAM
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the National Industrial
Security Program: Addressing the Implications of Globalization and Foreign
Ownership for the Defense Industrial Base. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense; Troy Sullivan, Deputy Under
Secretary, Counterintelligence and Security; Kathleen Watson, Director,
Defense Security Service; and William Schneider, Chairman, Defense Science
Board; and Ann Calvaresi-Barr, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
GAO.
GROUND FORCE READINESS SHORTFALLS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air Land Forces and the
Subcommittee on Readiness held a joint hearing on H. Res. 834, Regarding the
readiness decline of the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Reserves, and
the implications for national security. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
RETIREMENT PLAN DISCLOSURE RULES
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3185,
401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2007.
PROTECTING THE MEDICAID SAFETY NET ACT OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5613,
Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008.
REFORM INSURANCE REGULATIONS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Examining
Proposals to Reform Insurance Regulation." Testimony was heard from David G.
Nelson, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of the
Treasury; and public witnesses.
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AND SOUND MORTGAGE SERVICING ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 5679, Foreclosure Prevention and Sound
Mortgage Servicing Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Laura A. Maggiano,
Deputy Director, Office of Single Family Asset Management, Department of
Housing and Urban Development; Judy Caden, Director, Loan Guaranty Service,
Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond the First Five Years:
Ensuring Successful Implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Kathleen Kraninger, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Policy Screening Coordination Office; and Robert Jacksta, Executive
Director, Traveler Security and Facilitation, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection; Derwood Staeben, Senior Advisor, Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative, Department of State; Liz Luce, Director, Department of Licensing,
State of Washington; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--NON-AGRICULTURAL FOREIGN WORKERS PROGRAM
Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law held an oversight hearing on
the H-2b Program. Testimony was heard from Representatives Stupak, Bishop of
New York and Gilchrest; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--DRIFTNET FISHING MORATORIUM; SHARK CONSERVATION ACT
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held an oversight hearing on the implementation of the Illegal, Unregulated
and Unreported fishing provisions of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium
Protection Act and a hearing on H.R. 5741 Shark Conservation Act of 2008.
Testimony was heard from David A. Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans
and Fisheries, Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science, Department of State;
Rebecca Lent, Director, Office of International Affairs, NOAA, Department of
Commerce; CAPT Michael Giglio, USCG,. Chief, Office of Law Enforcement, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
[Page: D449]
OVERSIGHT--INDIAN WATER RIGHTS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on Indian Water Rights Settlements. Testimony was heard from
Michael Bogert, Chairman, Working Group on Indian Water Rights, Department of
the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 4791, amended, Federal Agency Data Protection Act; H.R. 5712,
amended, Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act; H.R. 5781, Federal Employees
Paid Parental Leave Act; H. Res. 49, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that there should be established a National Letter Carriers
Appreciation Day; H. Res. 127, Recognizing and celebrating the 50th
anniversary of the entry of Alaska in the Union as the 49th State; H. Res.
1073, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public
servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the
Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 through 11, 2008; H. Res.
1091, amended, Honoring the life, achievements, and contributions of Charlton
Heston and extending its deepest sympathies to the family of Charlton Heston
for the loss of such a generous man, husband, and father; and H.R. 5477, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120
South Del Mar Avenue in San Gabriel, California, as the "Chi Mui Post Office
Building."
The Committee also held a hearing on Healthcare Associated Infections: A
Preventable Epidemic. Testimony was heard from Cynthia Bascetta, Director,
Health Care Issues, GAO; Don Wright, M.D., Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Health, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRESERVATION ACT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on the Electronic
Communications Preservation Act. Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz,
Director, Information Management, GAO; the following officials of the National
Archives and Records Administration: Paul M. Webster, Jr., Director, Modern
Records Program; and Sharon K. Fawcett, Assistant Archivist for Presidential
Libraries; and public witnesses.
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE OVERSIGHT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on What Are the Prospects,
What Are the Costs?: Oversight Missile Defense (Part 11). Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AMENDMENTS ACT
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the National
Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from
Floyd E. Kvamme, Co-Chair, President's Council of Advisors on Science and
Technology; and public witnesses.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION ACT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 5789, Science and
Technology Innovation Act of 2008.
SMALL BUSINESSES FEDERAL CONTRACT ACCESS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a
hearing on the obstacles that small businesses currently face in securing
federal contracts. Testimony was heard from Fay E. Ott, Associate
Administrator, Contracting, SBA; and public witnesses.
CLEAN WATER RESTORATION ACT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on the Clean
Water Restoration Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from John Paul Woodley,
Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works, Department of the Army;
Arlen Lancaster, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA; Benjamin
H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; John C. Cruden, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division,
Department of Justice; Joan Card, Director, Water Quality Division, Department
of Environmental Quality, Arizona; James M. Tierney, Assistant Commissioner,
Water Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York; and
public witnesses.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 4883, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief
Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of
property owned by a servicmember during the one-year period following the
servicemember's period of military service; H.R. 4884, Helping Our Veterans to
Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4889, Guard and Reserves Are Fighting Too
Act of 2008; H.R. 4539, Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost
Reduction Act of 2007; H.R. 3646, To direct the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs
and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study on the fields of
employment for which the greatest need for employees exists in various
geographic areas; H.R. 5664, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the
plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans
by the Secretary; H.R. 3798, National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007;
H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; H.R. 3393, Reservist
Access to Justice Act of 2007; H.R. 3889, To amend title 38, United States
Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal
study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary;
and H.R. 5684, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Filner, Buyer, Rodriguez, Stearns, Hayes, Davis of
Alabama, Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania and Yarmuth; Charles S. Ciccolella,
Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of
Labor; the following officials of the Department of Defense Thomas L. Bush,
Principal Director, Manpower and Personnel; and Curtis L. Gilroy, Director,
Accession Policy, Office of the Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness;
Keith Pedigo, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Policy and Program Management,
Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
[Page: D450]
EMERGENCY EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5749,
Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008.
BRIEFING--BUDGET HUMINT
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-HUMINT. The Committee was
briefed by departmental witnesses.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis, and Counter-Intelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by GEN Michael
Hayden, USAF, Director, CIA; and LTG Michael Maples, USA, Director, Defense
Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense.
GREEN CAPITAL SEEDING INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE ECONOMY
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Green Capital: Seeding Innovation and the Future Economy." Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
2008/04/17
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 17, 2008; pages D453 - D458
Committee Meetings
MILITARY MORALE-WELFARE-RECREATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing
on Military Resale and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) overview.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense:
Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary, Military Community and Family Policy;
MG John A. Macdonald, USA, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Installation
Management Command and Commander, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Command; RADM Robert J. Bianchi, USN, Commander, Navy Exchange Service
Command; BG Keith L. Thurgood, USAR, Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange
Service; Timothy R. Larsen, Director, Personal and Family Readiness Division,
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Richard Page, Acting Director, Defense
Commissary Agency; John Baker, Fleet and Family Readiness Program Director,
Navy Installations Command; and Arthur J. Myers, Director of Services,
Headquarters, U.S. Air Force.
MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing
on the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for
Missile Defense Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Defense: John J. Young, Jr., Under Secretary, Acquisition,
Technology, and Logistics; Charles E. McQueary, Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation; LTG Henry A. Obering, III, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency;
and LTG Kevin T. Campbell, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and
Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command.
CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 5244, Credit Cardholders' Bill of
Rights. Testimony was heard from Senators Levin and Wyden; Martin J.
Gruenberg, Vice Chairman, FDIC; the following officials of the Department of
the Treasury: Julie L. Williams, Chief Counsel and First Senior Deputy
Comptroller; and John Bowman, General Counsel, Office of Thrift Supervision;
and Sandra Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs,
Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses.
[Page: D457]
PREVENTING NUCLEAR IRAN
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a joint
hearing on Between Feckless and Reckless: U.S. Policy Options to Prevent a
Nuclear Iran. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Feltman, Principle Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State; and
Daniel Glaser, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Terrorist Financing and Financial
Crimes, Department of the Treasury.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 5464, A Child is Missing
Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 2352, School Safety Enhancements Act of
2007; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act, and H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of
2008. Testimony was heard from Representatives Emanuel, Sestak, Rothman and
Klein of Florida; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
5541, amended, Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act; H.R.
3522, to ratify a conveyance of a portion of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation
to Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, pursuant to the settlement of
litigation between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Rio Arriba County, State of
New Mexico, to authorize issuance of a patent for said lands, and to change
the exterior boundary of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation accordingly, and for
other purposes; S. 2457, To provide for extensions of leases of certain land
by Mashantucket Pequot (Western Tribe); H.R. 1575, amended, Burt Lake Band of
Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reafirmation Act; and H.R. 3490, amended, Tuolumne
Me-Wuk Land Transfer Act of 2007.
MEAT INDUSTRY SAFETY/TRANSPARENCY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
held a hearing on After the Beef Recall: Exploring Greater Transparency in the
Meat Industry. Testimony was heard from Richard Raymond, Under Secretary, Food
Safety, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA; Lisa Shames, Director,
Natural Resources and the Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.
PUBLIC LANDS USE
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Maintaining Public Lands for
Hunting, Fishing, Ranching and Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from C.
Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, Department
of the Interior; and public witnesses.
REAUTHORIZING--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
TRANSFER PROGRAMS
Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5819.SBIR/STTR
Reauthorization Act.
GREENING WASHINGTON AND THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on
First in a Series: Greening Washington and the National Capital Region.
Testimony was heard from David Winstead, Commissioner, Public Building
Service, GSA; George Hawkins, Director, Department of the Environment,
District of Columbia; and public witnesses.
2008/04/18
Daily Digest - Friday, April 18, 2008; pages D459 - D464
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/21
Daily Digest - Monday, April 21, 2008; pages D466 - D468
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/22
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 22, 2008; pages D469 - D478
Committee Meetings
FDA FOREIGN DRUG INSPECTION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "FDA's Foreign Drug Inspection Program: Weaknesses
Place Americans at Risk." Testimony was heard from Andrew C. von Eschenbach,
M.D., Commissioner FDA; Department of Health and Human Services; Marcia G.
Crosse, Director, Health Care, GAO; Carl R. Nielsen, former Director, Office
of Regulatory Affairs, Division of Import Operations, FDA, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
PRISON ABUSE REMEDIES ACT OF 2007
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 4109, Prison Abuse Remedies Act of 2007.
Testimony was heard from Sarah V. Hart, Assistant District Attorney,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jeanne S. Woodford, Chief Adult Probation Officer,
City and County, San Francisco, California and former Warden, San Quentin
State Prison; and public witnesses.
COMMITTEE MEETING COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: Granted by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 2830, the "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007." The
rule provides one hour of general debate, with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and 20 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Homeland Security.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. In lieu of the amendments in
the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committees on Transportation and
Infrastructure, Homeland Security, and the Judiciary now printed in the bill,
the rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in
part A of the Rules Committee report shall be an original bill for the purpose
of amendment. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a
substitute printed in part A of the Committee report shall be considered as
read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature
of a substitute printed in part A of the Committee report except those arising
under clause 10 of rule XXI. This does not affect the point of order available
under clause 9 of rule XXI (regarding earmark disclosure).
The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in part B of the
Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in
the order printed in the Rules Committee report, may be offered only by a
Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be
debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall
not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in
the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI.
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. In
addition, in the engrossment of H.R. 2830, the Clerk IS directed to add at the
end the text of H.R. 2399, the "Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2007," as it passed the House. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the
operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further
consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule
authorizes the chairman of the Judiciary Committee to file a supplemental
report on H.R. 2830. Testimony was heard from Chairwoman Velazquez and
Representatives Wu, Welch of Vermont, Sutton, Foster, Chabot, aud Ehlers.
[Page: D475]
REAUTHORIZING--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
TRANSFER PROGRAMS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5819, the "SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act." The rule
provides one hour of general debate, with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Small Business and 20 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 consideration of the bill except
clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Small Business now
printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of
amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of
rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 Chairman Oberstar and
Chairman Thompson and Representatives Cummings, Cuellar, Clay, Bordallo,
LaTourette, Poe, Boustany, Bilirakis, Chabot, and Kirk
2008/04/23
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 23, 2008; pages D480 - D490
Committee Meetings
NSA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense/Select Intelligence
Oversight Panel, executive, on the National Security Agency. Testimony was
heard from Keith B. Alexander, Director, NSA.
SECTION 8 HOUSING PROGRAM CHALLENGES
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Housing and
Urban Development-Status of Project-Based Section 8 Program. Testimony was
heard from Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing, Federal Housing
Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public
witnesses.
RESERVES' DENTAL SERVICES READINESS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
a hearing on challenges associated with achieving full dental readiness in the
reserve component. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: COL Gary Martin, DDS, USAF, Chief, Dental Care Branch
TRICARE Management Activity; COL Mark Bodenheim, DDS, USA, Chief, Reserve
Component Mobilization and Demobilization Operations, U.S. Army Dental
Command; CPT Kerry Krause, DDS, USN, Reserve Affairs Officer, U.S. Navy Dental
Corps; COL Deborah L. Hart, DDS, USAF, Mobilization Assistant to the Air Force
Assistant Surgeon General, Dental Services, Office of the Surgeon General,
U.S. Air Force; and COL David B. Sproat, M.D., USA, Chief Surgeon, Army
National Guard.
IMPROVING WORKPLACE SAFETY
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a
hearing on Improving Workplace Safety: Strengthening OSHA Enforcement of
Multi-Site Employers. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
HEALTH MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1343, amended, Health Centers
Renewal Act of 2007; H.R. 5669, Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and
Awareness Act of 2008; H.R. 1553, amended, Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of
2007; and H.R. 3112, amended, Prenatally Diagnosed Condition Awareness Act of
2007.
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION ACT; EMERGENCY MORTGAGE LOAN MODIFICATION ACT;
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 5818, Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5579.
Emergency Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2008.
[Page: D486]
The Committee also approved pending Committee business.
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE REFORM
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Foreign Assistance Reform in
the Next Administration: Challenges and Solutions. Testimony was heard from
former Representative Jim T. Kolbe of Arizona; and public witnesses.
U.S.-SOUTH KOREA STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on A New Beginning for the U.S.-South Korea
Strategic Alliance. Testimony was heard from Alexander A. Arvizu, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State.
NATO OUTLOOK
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on the
Bucharest Summit and the Way Forward for NATO. Testimony was heard from Daniel
Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs,
Department of State; and Daniel P. Fata, Deputy Assistant Secretary, European
and NATO Policy, Department of Defense.
HOMELAND SECURITY REFORM
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond the
First Five Years: Improving the Functionality, Governance, and Accountability
of the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from Paul A.
Schneider, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security.
OVERSIGHT--FBI
Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the FBI. Testimony
was heard from Robert S. Mueller, Director, FBI, Department of Justice.
ALASKA PENINSULA REFUGE/KING COVE SAFE ACCESS ACT
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported H.R. 2801, Izembek and Alaska
Peninsula Refuge and Wilderness Enhancement and King Cove Safe Access Act.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 21,
Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century
Act; H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for
full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2649, To make
amendments to the Reclamation Project Authorization and Adjustment Act of
1992; H.R. 3323, Goleta Water Distribution System Conveyance Act of 2007; and
H.R. 4841, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act.
DOMESTIC ABSTINENCE-ONLY PROGRAMS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Domestic
Abstinence-Only Programs: Assessing the Evidence. Testimony was heard from
Senator Brownback, Representative Capps, Charles Keckler, Acting Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Policy, Administration for Children and Families,
Department of Health and Human Services; Marcia Crosse, Director, Healthcare,
GAO; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRESERVATION ACT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on H.R. 5811, Electronic
Communications Preservation Act. Testimony was heard from Linda D. Koontz,
Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; the following officials of the
National Archives and Records Administration: Gary Stern, General Counsel; and
Paul Wester, Jr., Director, Modern Records Program; and a public witness.
NUCLEAR POWER--OPPORTUNITIES/CHALLENGES
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Opportunities and
Challenges for Nuclear Power. Testimony was heard from John Grossenbacher,
Director, Idaho National Laboratory, Department of Energy; and public
witnesses.
SBA'S WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and
Trade held a hearing entitled "Minority and Hispanic Participation in the
Federal Workforce and the Impact on the Small Business Community." Testimony
was heard from Daryl Hairston, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of
Management and Administration, SBA; Nancy Kachik, Associate Director,
Strategic Human Resources Policy, OPM; George Stalcup, Director, Strategic
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D487]
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on the Reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Testimony was heard from Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation
Safety Board and Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
GAO.
RAIL CAPACITY
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroad,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Rail Capacity. Testimony
was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National Railroad
Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); and public witnesses.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved
for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 5684, amended, Veterans
Education Improvement Act of 2008; H.R. 4884, amended, Helping Our Veterans to
Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4883, To amend the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of
property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period following the
servicemember's period of military service; H.R. 4889, amended, The Guard and
Reserved Are Fighting Too Act of 2008; H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness
Act of 2007; H.R. 3889, amended, To amend title 38, United States Code, to
require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of
the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary; and H.R.
5664, amended, To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and
specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the
Secretary.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2790, amended, To amend title 38,
United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physician
Assistant Services within the office of the under Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for Health; H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007;
H.R. 5729, Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act; H.R. 5554, amended,
Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008; and
H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and
Lease Act of 2008.
CLEARING--DISABILITY BACKLOG
Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Clearing the Disability
Backlog. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, SSA;
Sylvester J. Schieber, Chairman, Social Security Advisory Board; and public
witnesses.
FY 2009 BUDGET--HUMAN CAPITAL
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-Human Capital. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
2008/04/24
Daily Digest - Thursday, April 24, 2008; pages D491 - D504
Committee Meetings
BIOLOGICAL COUNTERMEASURES AND THREATS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on
Biological Countermeasures and Threats. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Darrell Galloway, Director, Joint
Science and Technology Office, Defense Threat Reduction Agency; MG Stephen
Reeves, USA. Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological
Defense; Tony Tether, Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; and
Michael Kilpatrick, M.D., Deputy Director, Force Health Protection and
Readiness Program, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; and
Robin Robinson, Director, Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority,
Office of the Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response, Department of
Health and Human Services.
SOCIAL SCIENCE'S NATIONAL SECURITY ROLE
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities, and the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education of
the Committee on Science held a joint hearing on the role of the social and
behavioral sciences in national security. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of Defense: COL Martin Schweitzer, USA,
Commander, 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg; and Andre van
Tilborg, Deputy Under Secretary (Science and Technology); Mark Weiss,
Director, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, Directorate for
Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, NSF and a public witness.
CHILD ABUSE; TEEN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS DECEPTION
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Child Abuse and Deceptive
Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the GAO: Kay Brown, Director, Workforce and Income
Security; and Greg Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special
Investigations; and public witnesses.
FDA GLOBALIZATION ACT/FOOD--COSMETIC PROGRAMS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act, food provisions. Testimony was
heard from Stephen Sundlof, D.V.M., Director, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public
witnesses.
ECONOMIC/HOUSING RESCUE MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Began markup of the following bills: H.R.
5830, FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008; H.R.
5829, Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008.
Will continue April 30.
[Page: D499]
EXECUTIVE BRANCH WAR POWERS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on War Powers for the 21st Century:
The Executive Branch Perspective. Testimony was heard from Richard F.
Grimmett, Specialist in International Security, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and
Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and the following former officials
of the Department of State: Brian Atwood, Administrator, U.S. Agency for
International Development; and Stephen G. Rademaker, U.S. Assistant Secretary,
Arms Control.
U.S. SYRIA POLICY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on U.S. Policy and the Road to Damascus: Who's Converting Whom?
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
U.S. EXPORT PROMOTION STRATEGY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and
Trade held a hearing on U.S. Export Promotion Strategy. Testimony was heard
from Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary, Trade Promotion, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY REFORM. LOCAL NEEDS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Moving Beyond
the First Five Years: Evolving the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to
Better Serve State, Local and Tribal Needs." Testimony was heard from Matthew
Bettenhausen, Executive Director, Office of Homeland Security, State of
California; Juliette Kayyem, Under Secretary, Homeland Security, Executive
Office of Public Safety and Security, State of Massachusetts; and public
witnesses.
AIRLINE INDUSTRY COMPETITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust
Laws held a hearing on Competition in the Airline Industry. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5593, Congressional Review Act
Improvement Act; and H.R. 4004, amended, To amend the Bankruptcy Abuse
Prevention and Consumer Protection Act to exempt from the means test in
bankruptcy cases, for a limited period, qualifying reserve-component members
who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a
homeland defense activity for not less than 60 days.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3639, Southern Sea Otter Recovery
and Research Act; and H. R. 5350, To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to
sell or exchange certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
property located in Norfolk, Virginia, and for other purposes. Testimony was
heard from Representative Scott of Virginia; Kenneth McDermond, Deputy
Regional Director, California and Nevada Regional Office, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; William F. Broglie, Chief
Administrative Officer, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 859, Sangre de Cristo
National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 3227, To direct the Secretary of the Interior
to continue stocking fish in certain lakes in the North Cascades National
Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation
Area; H.R. 3667, Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act
of 2007; H.R. 3930, Lesser Prairie Chicken National Habitat Preservation Area
Act of 2007, and for other purposes; H.R. 3981, Preserve America and Save
America's Treasures Act; and H.R. 5540, Chesapeake Bay Gateways and
Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Hastings of Washington, Miller of North Carolina, Turner and
Salazar; Mitch Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and
Parks, Department of the Interior, John L. Nau, III, Chairman, Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation; and public witnesses.
D.C. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ESTABLISHMENT ACT OF 2007
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on H.R.
1296, District of Columbia District Attorney Establishment Act. Testimony was
heard from Eugene Boyd, Analyst, Federalism and Economic Development Policy,
Government and Finance Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public
witness.
ELIMINATING SMOKE AND MIRRORS IN THE MAIL
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia also held a hearing
entitled "Eliminating Smoke and Mirrors in the Mail." Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: John E. Potter, Postmaster
General and CEO; and Mary Anne Gibbons, General Counsel; Dan Blair, Chairman,
Postal Rate Commission; Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General, State of
Connecticut; and public witnesses.
[Page: D500]
NASA'S INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAMS
Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
held a hearing on NASA's International Space Station Program: Status and
Issues. Testimony was heard from William Gerstenmaier, Associate
Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA; Cristina T.
Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; Edward P.
Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, and public
witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY'S AVIATION SECURITY RESEARCH
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
held a hearing on Aviation Security Research and Development at the Department
of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Homeland Security: Susan Hallowell, Director, Transportation
Security Laboratory; and Adam Tsao, Chief of Staff, Office of Operational
Process and Technology, Transportation Security Administration; and public
witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESSES' ECONOMIC STIMULATION
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Role of Small
Businesses in Stimulating the Economy." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
HIGHWAY FREIGHT MOVEMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing on Freight Movement from Origin to Destination.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIMS MODERNIZATION ACT
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial
Affairs approved for full action the Veterans Disability Benefits Claims
Modernization Act of 2008.
BRIEFING--SPECIAL PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Special Program. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
FY 2009 BUDGET--SPECIAL PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget--Special Program. Testimony was heard from
departmental witnesses.
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE AND RECORD GAS PRICES
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Pumping up Prices: The Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Record Gas
Prices." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/04/25
Daily Digest - Friday, April 25, 2008; pages D505 - D506
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D506]
2008/04/28
Daily Digest - Monday, April 28, 2008; pages D507 - D510
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/04/29
Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 29, 2008; pages D512 - D520
Committee Meetings
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense/Select Intelligence
Oversight Panel met in executive session to hold a hearing on the Military
Intelligence Program. Testimony was heard from James R. Clapper, Jr., Under
Secretary, Intelligence, Department of Defense.
HEPARIN DISASTER
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The Heparin Disaster: Chinese Counterfeits and
American Failures." Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D. Director,
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--DEFENSE DEPARTMENT ACQUISITIONS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a joint hearing on Oversight of Defense
Department Acquisitions. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Sullivan,
Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: David Patterson, Principal Deputy
Under Secretary for Comptroller; and James Finley, Deputy Under Secretary,
Acquisition and Technology.
[Page: D517]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; RECRUITING AND RETAINING FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia approved for full
Committee action the following bills: H.R. 5550, amended, To amend title 5,
United States Code, to increase the maximum age to qualify for coverage as a
"child" under the health benefits program for Federal employees; and H.R.
5912, To amend title 39, United States Code, to make cigarettes and certain
other tobacco products nonmailable, and for other purposes.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Catching Up Benefits That Will Help
Recruit and Retain Federal Employees. Testimony was heard from Greg Long,
Executive Director, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board; Daniel A.
Green, Deputy Associate Director, Employee and Family Support Policy,
Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, OPM; and public witnesses.
COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSION AND FIRE PREVENTION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule. The rule
provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 5522, the Combustible Dust
Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008, 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 clauses 9 and 10 of 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 waives all
points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for
clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
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 by Chairman George Miller of
California, and Representatives McKeon and Wilson of South Carolina.
SENATE AMENDMENT--GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule making in order a motion
by the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor to concur in the
Senate amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the motion
except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendment and
the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate
on the motion with 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor; 20
minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee Energy and Commerce; and 20 minutes equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee
Ways and Means. The rule further provides that the Chair may postpone further
consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was
heard by Chairman George Miller of California and Representative McKeon.
GLOBAL WARMING'S IMPACT ON OCEANS
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Rising Taxes, Rising Temperatures: Global Warming's Impact on the
Oceans." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
2008/04/30
Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 30, 2008; pages D522 - D530
Committee Meetings
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General
Government held a hearing on the District of Columbia. Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Adrian M. Fenty,
Mayor; Vincent Gray, Chairman, City Council; and Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief
Financial Officer.
21ST CENTURY HIGH-PERFORMANCE PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ACT
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3021,
21st Century High-Performance Public School Facilities Act.
FHA HOUSING STABILIZATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Continued markup of H.R. 5830, FHA Housing
Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008.
Will continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 5916, Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act of
2008; and H.R. 5834, North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008.
The Committee also favorably considered the following measures and adopted a
motion urging the chairman to request that they be considered on the
Suspension calendar: H.R. 3658, To amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to
permit rest and recuperation travel to United States territories for members
of the Foreign Service; 2008; H.R. 1011, Calling on the United States
Government and the international community to promptly develop, fund, and
implement a comprehensive regional strategy to protect civilians, facilitate
humanitarian operations, contain and reduce violence, and contribute to
conditions for sustainable peace and good governance in Chad, as well as in
the wider region that includes the northern region of the Central African
Republic and the Darfur region of Sudan; H. Res. 1063, Marking the 225th
anniversary of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War
with the Kingdom of Great Britain and recognized the independence of the
United States of America, and acknowledging the shared values and close
friendship between the peoples and governments of the United States and the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; H. Res. 1109, Honoring
the memory of Dith Pran by remembering his life's work and continuing to
acknowledge and remember the victims of genocides that have taken place around
the globe; H. Res. 1127, amended, Condemning the endemic restrictions on
freedom of the press and media and public expression in the Middle East and
the concurrent and widespread presence of anti-Semitic material, Holocaust
denial, and incitement to violence in the Arab media and press; H. Res. 1166,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding provocative and
dangerous statements and actions taken by the Government of the Russian
Federation that undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of
Georgia; H. Con. Res. 317, Condemning the Burmese regimes's undemocratic
constitution and scheduled referendum; H. Con. Res. 318, amended, Supporting
the goals and ideals of the International Year of Sanitation; H. Con. Res.
332, Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights; and H. Res. 337, Honoring the Seeds of Peace for its 15th anniversary
as an organization promoting understanding, reconciliation, acceptance,
coexistence, and peace in the Middle East, South Asia, and other regions of
conflict.
[Page: D527]
HOMELAND SECURITY/PREPAREDNESS MEASURES
Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
1333, amended, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007; H.R.
4183, National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2007; and H.R.
5890, amended, Citizen and Community Preparedness Act of 2008.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 4279,
amended, Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act
of 2007; H.R. 5690, amended, To exempt the African National Congress from
treatment as a terrorist organization for certain acts or events, provide
relief for certain members of the African National Congress regarding
admissibility, and for other purposes; H.R. 1650, amended, Railroad Antitrust
Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R. 5593, Congressional Review Act Improvement
Act.
The committee also began markup of H.R. 4044, National Guard and Reservists
Debt Relief Act of 2008.
VISA BACKLOGS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Wasted
Visas, Growing Backlogs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland
Security: Michael Aytes, Acting Deputy Director; and Donald Neufeld, Acting
Associate Director, Domestic Operations; and the following officials of the
Department of State: Stephen A. Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa
Service; and Charles Oppenheim, Chief, Visa Control and Reporting Division.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3323, amended, Goleta Water Distribution System Conveyance Act of 2007; H.R.
2649, amended, To make amendments to the Reclamation Projects Authorization
and Adjustment Act of 1992; H.R. 4841, amended, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians
Settlement Act; H.R. 5618, amended, National Sea Grant College Program
Amendments Act of 2008; H.R. 1464, amended, Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of
2007; H.R. 1771, amended, Crane Conservation Act of 2007; H.R.5540, Chesapeake
Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act; H.R. 3667,
amended, Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2007;
and H.R. 3930, amended, Lesser Prairie Chicken National Habitat Preservation
Area Act of 2007.
MISSILE DEFENSE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Oversight of Missile Defense
(Part 3): Questions for Missile Defense Agency. Testimony was heard from LTG
Henry A. Obering III, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency, Department of
Defense; and public witnesses.
PROVIDING FOR MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule authorizing the Speaker to
entertain motions that the House suspend the rules at any time on the
legislative day of May 1, 2008, relating to the following measures:
(1) The bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure continued availability of access to the
Federal student loan program for students and families.
(2) The bill (H.R. 493) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic
information with respect to health insurance and employment.
(3) A bill to provide for a temporary extension of programs authorized by the
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
ELECTRONIC REFUSE
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on E-Waste: Can the Nation
Handle Modern Refuse in the Digital Age? Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
[Page: D528]
SMALL BUSINESS--CREDIT CRUNCH IMPACT
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Effect of the Credit
Crunch on Small Business Access to Capital." Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Saving Lives and Money through the Pre-disaster Mitigation Program. Testimony
was heard from David I. Maurstad, Assistant Administrator and Federal
Insurance Administrator Mitigation Directorate, FEMA, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Proposals for a Water Resources
Development Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Representatives Buyer and
Stupak; John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works, Department
of the Army; and public witnesses.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
2790, amended, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the
position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the
Under Secretary for Veterans Affairs for Health; H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency
Care Fairness Act of 2007; H.R. 5729, amended, Spina Bifida Health Care
Program Expansion Act; H.R. 5554, amended, Veterans Substance Use Disorders
Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008; H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act; H.R. 3681, amended,
Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; H.R. 3889, amended, to amend title
38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs
administered by the Secretary; H.R. 4883, amended, To amend the Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or
seizure of property owned by a servicemember during the one-year period
following the servicemember's period of military service; H.R. 4884, amended,
Helping Our Veterans To Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4889, amended, The
Guard and Reserves Are Fighting Too Act of 2008; H.R. 5664, amended, To amend
title 39, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for
specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary; H.R. 5684,
amended, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008; H.R. 5826, Veterans'
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008; and H.R. 5892, To amend
title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
ensure the accurate and timely delivery of compensation to veterans and their
families and survivors, and for other purposes.
DNI BUDGET WRAP-UP
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a
hearing on the DNI Budget Wrap-up. Testimony was heard from Mike McConnell,
Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/05/01
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 1, 2008; pages D531 - D538
Committee Meetings
FDA GLOBALIZATION ACT
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act, focusing on Drug Safety
Provisions. Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Director, Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.
BROADBAND ACCESS DISABLED
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on a measure Enhancing Access to Broadband Technology
and Services for Persons with Disabilities. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
FHA HOUSING STABILIZATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5830, FHA
Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008.
IRAQI REFUGEES/DISPLACED PERSONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia,
and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and
Oversight held a joint hearing on No Direction Home: An NGO Perspective on
Iraqi Refugees and IDPs. Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation and
Infrastructure Protection began markup of the following measures: H.R. 4179,
Fair, Accurate, Secure and Timely Redress Act of 2007; H.R. 4749, National
Bombing Prevention Act of 2008; H.R. 5909, To amend the Aviation and
Transportation Security Act to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals,
including security screeners, of covert testing of security screening
procedures for the purpose of enhancing transportation security at airports,
and for other purposes; and H. Res. 1150, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration should, in
accordance with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, enhance security against
terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass
transit lines.
U.S. CAPITOL--ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Capitol Security held a
hearing on the Administration and Management of the United States Capitol.
Testimony was heard from Chief Phillip D. Morse, U.S. Capitol Police; Richard
M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and Matthew Tighe,
Chairman, U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee.
UNSAFE FOREIGN PRODUCTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 5913, Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products
Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
TOBACCO TAX ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 4081, Prevent All
Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2007; and H.R. 5689, Smuggled Tobacco Prevention
Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Representatives Weiner and Kildee;
William Hoover, Assistant Director, Office of Field Operations, Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Justice; David Lapp,
Chief Counsel, Tobacco Enforcement Unit, Office of the Attorney General, State
of Maryland; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures: H.R. 5683, amended, Government Accountability Office Act; H.R. 3774,
amended, Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act; H.R. 5787, amended,
Federal Real Property Disposal Enhancement Act of 2008; H.R. 5912, amended, To
amend title 39, United States Code, to make cigarettes and certain other
tobacco products nonmailable, and for other purposes; H.R. 5811, amended,
Electronic Communications Preservation Act; the Thrift Savings Plan
Enhancement Act; H. Res. 923, Recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th
anniversary; H. Res. 1113, Celebrating the role of mothers in the United
States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day; H. Res. 1114,
Supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor
Day; H. Res. 1122, Recognizing Armed Forces Day; and H. Res. 1132, Supporting
the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
[Page: D536]
NASA'S AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
held a hearing on NASA's Aeronautics Research and Development: Status and
Issues. Testimony was heard from Jaiwon Shin, Associate Administrator,
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, NASA; and public witnesses.
SMALL BUSINESS-FARMS RAIL TRANSPORTATION ACCESS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Rail Transportation
Access for Small Businesses and Family Farmers." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
EDUCATION TAX INCENTIVES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a
hearing on Education Tax Incentives. Testimony was heard from Michael Brostek,
Director, Tax Issues, Strategic Issues Team, GAO; Karen Gilbreath Sowell,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; Dan
Ebersole, Director, Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services, State of Georgia;
and public witnesses.
2008/05/02
Daily Digest - Friday, May 2, 2008; pages D539 - D544
Committee Meetings
No Committee meetings were held.
2008/05/05
Daily Digest - Monday, May 5, 2008; pages D545 - D548
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SURGE CAPACITY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Lack of
Hospital Emergency Surge Capacity: Will the Administration's Medicaid
Regulations Make It Worse? Testimony was heard from Lisa Kaplowitz, M.D.,
Deputy Commission for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of
Health, State of Virginia; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue May 7.
2008/05/06
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 6, 2008; pages D549 - D558
Committee Meetings
FEDERAL U.S. WORKER RECRUITMENT PROGRAMS
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Do Federal Programs Ensure
U.S. Workers Are Recruited First Before Employers Hire From Abroad? Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor: Leon T.
Sequeira, Assistant Secretary, Policy; and Williams L. Carlson, Administrator,
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Employment and Training Administration;
and public witnesses.
RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD
Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "The Renewable Fuels Standard: Issues Implementation, and
Opportunities." Testimony was heard from Representative Herseth Sandlin;
Robert J. Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office for Air and
Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses.
INTERNET FREEDOM PRESERVATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on H.R. 5353, Internet Freedom Preservation Act of
2008. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D554]
HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a
hearing on Higher Education in Africa: Making the Link between Intellectual
Capital and Regional Development. Testimony was heard from Franklin Moore,
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for
International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses.
GUANTANAMO BAY AND AMERICA'S IMAGE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights and Oversight held a hearing on the City on the Hill or Prison on
the Bay? The Mistakes of Guantanamo and the Decline of America's Image.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BROADENING HOMELAND SECURITY STRATEGY
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Resilient
Homeland--Broadening the Homeland Security Strategy." Testimony was heard from
Stewart A. Baker, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of Homeland
Security; and public witnesses.
RULEMAKING PROCESS/UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on Rulemaking Process and the Unitary Executive Theory.
Testimony was heard from Susan E. Dudley, Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Curtis W. Copeland, Specialist in American
National Government, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
AUTHORIZING SUBPOENA
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and
Civil Liberties approved a resolution authorizing the Chairman of the
Committee to issue a subpoena to David Addington to appear before a hearing
relating to the Committee's investigation concerning Bush Administration
attorneys and interrogation rules and practices and related matters.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH'S INTERROGATION WAR POWERS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties held a hearing on From the Department of Justice to Guantanamo
Bay: Administration Lawyers and Administration Interrogation Rules, Part I.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security began markup of the following bills: H.R. 5464, A Child Is Missing
Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 2352, School Safety Enhancements Act of
2007; H.R. 3480, Let Our Veterans Rest In Peace Act of 2007; S. 2135, Child
Soldiers Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 5938, Former Vice President
Protection Act of 2008; H.R. 5057, Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008;
H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008, 3
p.m., 2237 Rayburn.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Federal Prison Industries--Examining
the Effects of Section 827 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008.
Testimony was heard from Harley G. Lappin, Director, Federal Bureau of
Prisons, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
SENATE AMENDMENTS--AMERICAN HOUSING RESCUE AND FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ACT OF
2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9-4, a rule providing for
consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3221, the American Housing
Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008. The rule makes in order a
motion by the Chairman of the Committee on Financial Services to concur in the
Senate amendment to the text with each of the three House amendments printed
in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against the
motion except for clause 10 of rule XXI and provides that the Senate
amendments and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides three
hours of debate on the motion, with two hours equally divided and controlled
by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial
Services and one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule also
provides that the Chair shall divide the question of adoption of the motion
between the three House amendments. The rule provides that upon adoption of
the motion, a motion that the House concur in the Senate amendment to the
title shall be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides that the
Chair may postpone further consideration as adopted. Finally, the rule
provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a
time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Frank of
Massachusetts, Representatives Neal, Bachus, and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.
[Page: D555]
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9-4, a structured rule. The
rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 5818, Neighborhood
Stabilization Act of 2008, 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 clauses 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
and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
The rule further provides that after a motion that the Committee rise has been
rejected on a legislative day, the Chair may entertain another such motion on
that day only if offered by the chairman of the Committee on Financial
Services or the Majority Leader or a designee and provides that after a motion
to strike out the enacting words of the bill (as described in clause 9 of rule
XVIII) has been rejected, the Chair may not entertain another such motion
during further consideration of the bill. 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 by Chairman Frank of Massachusetts, Representatives
Capito, and McCotter.
WATER MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3957, Water Use
Efficiency and Conservation Research Act; and H.R. 2339, amended, Produced
Water Utilization Act of 2007.
AIRCRAFT EMISSIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Aviation and the Environment: Emissions. Testimony was heard from
David W. Fahey, Research Physicist, NOAA; Daniel K. Elwell, Assistant
Administrator, Aviation Policy, Planning, and Environment, FAA, Department of
Transportation; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
GAO.
The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Ambassador John Bruton, Head of the Delegation of the European
Commission to the United States of America.
TRUCKING INDUSTRY--RISING FUEL COSTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing on Rising Fuel Costs in the Trucking Industry.
Testimony was heard from Suzanne TeBeau, Chief Counsel, Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.
VETERANS' SUICIDES
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Held a hearing on the Truth about Veterans'
Suicides. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of Veterans Affairs: James B. Peake, M.D., Secretary; and Michael Shepherd,
M.D., Office of Healthcare Inspections, Office of the Inspector General; and
public witnesses.
MEDICARE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PAYMENTS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Medicare's DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. Testimony was heard from Kerry
Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
Department of Health and Human Services; Kathleen M. King, Director, Health
Care, GAO; and public witnesses.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY EQUIPMENT VERIFICATION SYSTEMS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Employment Eligibility Verification Systems. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Calvert, Moore of Kansas, Giffords and Shuler; Richard Stana,
Director of Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D556]
BRIEFING--OVERHEAD
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Overhead. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/05/07
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 7, 2008; pages D559 - D572
Committee Meetings
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch continued
appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces approved for
full Committee action H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel approved for
full Committee action H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces approved for
full Committee action H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
1343, amended, Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007; H.R. 5669, Poison Center
Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008; and H.R. 1553, amended,
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007.
U.S.-PAKISTAN FOREIGN POLICY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Foreign Policy in
Pakistan: Implications for Regional Security, Stability and Development.
Testimony was heard from the following former Ambassadors to the United
Nations: Richard C. Holbrooke; and Thomas R. Pickering; and GEN James J. Jones
USMC (Ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
NATION'S SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Assessing the Resiliency of the
Nation's Supply Chain." Testimony was heard from the following officials of
the Department of Homeland Security: Todd Owen, Executive Director, Cargo and
Conveyance Security Office, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection; and ADAM James Watson, USCG., Director, Prevention Policy
for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard; Paul
Zimmermann, Director of Operations, Board of Commissioners of the Port of New
Orleans; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
5803, amended, To direct the Federal Assistance Commission to establish a
program to make grants to participating States and units of local government
which will administer the regularly scheduled general election for Federal
office held in November 2008 for carrying out a program to make backup paper
ballots available in the case of the failure of a voting system or voting
equipment in the election or some other emergency situation, and for other
purposes; H.R. 5893, amended, Library of Congress Sound Recording and Film
Preservation Programs Reauthorization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5972, United
States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2008.
RISING GAS PRICES' CONSUMER IMPACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust
Laws held a hearing on Retail Gas, Prices, Part 1: Consumer Effects. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
ORPHAN WORKS ACT OF 2008
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and
Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R.
5889, Orphan Works Act of 2008.
NATIONAL PARK CENTENNIAL FUND ACT
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3094,
National Park Centennial Fund Act.
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SURGE CAPACITY
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Concluded hearings on the Lack
of Hospital Emergency Surge Capacity: Will the Administration's Medicaid
Regulations Make It Worse? Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Michael Chertoff, Secretary of
Homeland Security.
NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5940,
National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008.
[Page: D569]
DIGITAL TV TRANSITION
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a
hearing on the role of small businesses in the upcoming digital television
(DTV) conversion. 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
measures: H.R. 2452, amended, Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act;
H.R. 135, amended, Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007; H.R.
5770, To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of potential
impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality; and H. Res.
1137, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.
2008/05/08
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 8, 2008; pages D573 - D584
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness approved for full
Committee action, as amended, H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2009.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 5658, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats
and Capabilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 5658, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.
FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
Committee on the Budget: and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure held a joint hearing on Financing Infrastructure Investments.
Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; and Patricia A.
Dalton, Managing Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, GAO.
NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES PROGRAMS
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and
Communities held a hearing on The National Endowment for the Humanities and
the National Endowment for the Arts: Overview of Programs and National Impact.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the National Foundation on
the Arts and the Humanities: Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the
Humanities; and Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts; William
F. Glacken, Mayor, Freeport, New York; and public witnesses.
STEM CELL SCIENCE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Stem Cell Science: The Foundation for Future Cures." Testimony was
heard from Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH, Department of Health and
Human Services; and public witnesses.
DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: Marketing, Education,
or Deception." Testimony was heard from Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Health
Care, GAO; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL GULF COAST HOUSING FUNDS
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Emergency CDBG Funds in the Gulf Coast:
Uses, Challenges, and Lessons for the Future." Testimony was heard from
Stanley Gimont, Acting Director, Block Grant Programs, Department of Housing
and Urban Development; Bill Johnson, Director, Department of Economic and
Community Affairs, State of Alabama; Gail Stafford, Administrator, Community
Development Block Grant Funds, Department of Community Affairs, State of
Florida, David Bowman, Director, Research and Special Projects, Recovery
Authority, State of Louisiana; Jack Norris, Director, Governor's Office of
Recovery and Renewal, State of Mississippi; William Dally, Deputy Executive
Director, Department of Housing and Community Affairs, State of Texas; and
public witnesses.
U.S. MIDDLE EAST AID
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held
a hearing on U.S. Assistance to the Middle East: Old Tools for New Tasks?
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State:
C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and
George A. Laudato, Administrator's Special Assistant for the Middle East, The
Middle East Bureau, U.S. Agency for International Development.
CENTRAL AMERICA ORGANIZED CRIME INITIATIVE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on Central America and the Merida Initiative. Testimony was heard from
Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs;
and public witnesses.
PERFORMANCE-BASED ACQUISITIONS
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Performance Based
Acquisitions: Creating Solutions or Causing Problems?" Testimony was heard
from John Hutton, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; Thomas
Essig, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and public
witnesses.
[Page: D580]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law approved for full Committee
action, as amended, H.R. 4080, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to
establish a separate nonimmigrant classification for fashion models.
The Subcommittee also approved private relief bills.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3840, To prohibit commercial
fishing of Atlantic menhaden for reduction purposes in inland, State, and
Federal water along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and for other
purposes; and H.R. 3841, To prohibit the commercial harvesting of Atlantic
menhaden for reduction purposes in the coastal waters and the exclusive
economic zone. Testimony was heard from Peyton Robertson, Director, Chesapeake
Bay Office, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 155, Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal
Compensation Act; H.R. 5511, Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act of
2008; and H.R. 5710, Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act.
Testimony was heard from Robert Quint, Director of Operations, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Martha Rudolph, Director,
Environmental Programs, Department of Public Health and Environment, State of
Colorado; and public witnesses.
UNIVERSAL MAIL ECONOMICS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on The
Economics of Universal Mail Post PAEA. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the U.S. Postal Service: John E. Potter, Postmaster General, and
CEO; and David C. Williams, Inspector General; Dan Blair, Chairman, Postal
Regulatory Commission; and public witnesses.
WOMEN IN ACADEMIC SCIENCE/ENGINEERING
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science
Education held a hearing on Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic
Science and Engineering Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Lynda T.
Carlson, Director, Division of Science Resource Statistics, Directorate for
Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, NSF; Linda G. Blevins, Senior
Technical Advisor, Office of the Deputy Director for Science and Programs,
Department of Energy; and a public witness.
MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE CUTS SMALL PRACTICE IMPACTS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Medicare Physician Fee
Cuts: Can Small Practices Survive." Testimony was heard from Herb B. Kuhn,
Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department
of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
FOSTER CHILDREN's PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family
Support held a hearing on the Utilization of Psychotropic Medication for
Children in Foster Care. Testimony was heard from Jeffery Thompson, M.D.,
Department of Social and Health Services, State of Washington; Tricia Lea,
Director, Medical and Behavioral Services, Department of Children's Services,
State of Tennessee; and public witnesses
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2009
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R.
5959, Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal Year 2009.
CLIMATE MEASURES--ROLE OF EFFICIENCY POLICIES
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Negawatts: The Role of Efficiency Policies in Climate Legislation."
Testimony was heard from Paul DeCotis, Deputy Secretary of Energy, State of
New York; Dian Grueneich, Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission, State of
California; and public witnesses.
2008/05/12
Daily Digest - Monday, May 12, 2008; pages D586 - D588
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/05/13
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 13, 2008; pages D589 - D596
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 5464, A
Child is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 2352, School Safety
Enhancements Act of 2007; H.R. 3480, Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act of
2007; H.R. 5938, Former Vice President Protection Act of 2008; H.R. 5057,
Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; and
H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008.
CONFERENCE REPORT--FARM, NUTRITION, AND BIOENERGY ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 7 to 4, a rule providing one
hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Agriculture. The rule waives all points of
order against the conference report on H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and
Bioenergy Act of 2007 and against its consideration. The rule provides that
the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule provides one
motion to recommit. Testimony was heard from Chairman Peterson and
Representative Neugebauer.
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FOR 2009
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 7 to 4, a rule providing for
the adoption in the House of S. Con. Res. 70, the Concurrent Budget Resolution
for 2009. The rule takes from the Speaker's table S. Con. Res. 70, adopts an
amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H. Con. Res.
312 as adopted by the House, adopts S. Con. Res. 70 as amended, and provides
that the House insists on its amendment and requests a conference with the
Senate.
[Page: D594]
REGARDING ROLL CALL VOTE 814
Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007:
Held a hearing regarding Roll Call Vote 814. Testimony was heard from
Representatives McNulty and Hoyer; Kevin Hanrahan, Tally Clerk, Office of the
Clerk; the following officials of the Office of the Parliamentarian, John
Sullivan, Parliamentarian; Ethan Lauer, and Max Spitzer, both Assistant
Parliamentarians, all with the House of Representatives.
Hearings continue tomorrow.
2008/05/14
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 14, 2008; pages D597 - D606
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5658, National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 2744, Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act of 2008; and
H.R. 5876, Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008.
FDA MEDICAL DEVICE AND COSMETIC SAFETY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Discussion Draft of the `Food and Drug Administration Globalization
Act' Legislation: Device and Cosmetic Safety Provisions." Testimony was heard
from the following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services: Stephen Sundlof, D.V.M., Director, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition; and Lillian Gill, Senior Associate Director, Center for
Devices and Radiological Health; Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care, GAO;
and public witnesses.
GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Contributing Factors
and International Responses to the Global Food Crisis." Testimony was heard
from public witnesses.
LEAD-SAFE HOUSING FOR KIDS ACT; HOMES FOR HEROES ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 3397, Lead-Safe Housing for Kinds Act of 2007; and H.R. 3329,
Homes for Heroes Act of 2007.
U.S.-CENTRAL AMERICA ANTI-DRUG TRAFFICKING
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6028, Merida
Partnership to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Violence Authorization Act
of 2008.
The Committee also approved a motion urging the Chairman to request that the
following resolutions be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 1194,
Reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate
democratically-elected Government of Lebanon under Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora; and H. Res. 1195, Expressing the condolences and sympathy to the
people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast
destruction caused by the massive earthquake centered in Sichaun Province
VISIT WAIVER PROGRAM EXPANSION
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on
Improving America's Security, Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: An Update
on the Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program. Testimony was heard from Richard
Barth, Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Development, Department of
Homeland Security; and Stephen A. Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa
Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.
[Page: D602]
U.S.-SOUTH ASIA AID
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held
a hearing on U.S. Assistance to South Asia: Is there a strategy to go with all
that money? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of State: Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central
Asian Affairs; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau
for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development.
PUBLIC ALERTS/WARNINGS SYSTEMS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Advancing Public Alert and
Warning Systems to Build a More Resilient Nation." Testimony was heard from MG
Martha Rainville, USAF (Ret.), Assistant Administrator, National Continuity
Programs, FEMA. Department of Homeland Security; Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Chief,
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC; John R. Gibb, Director,
Emergency Management Office, State of New York; and a public witness.
FEDERAL-PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Partnering with the Private
Sector to Secure Critical Infrastructure: Has the Department of Homeland
Security Abandoned the Resilience-Based Approach?" Testimony was heard from
COL Bob Stephan, USAF, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Kevin Stephens, M.D., Director, Department of
Health, New Orleans, Louisiana; and public witnesses.
ELECTION CONTINGENCY PLANS
Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on
Election Contingency Plans: What Have We Learned and Is America Prepared?
Testimony was heard from Rosemary Rodriguez, Chairwoman, U.S. Election
Assistance Commission; Laura Beatty, Director of Legislative Affairs, Office
of the Secretary of State, Ohio; Dawn K. Roberts, Assistant Secretary of
State, Florida; Kevin J. Kennedy, Director, Government Accountability Board,
Wisconsin; and Thomas Wilkey, former Executive Director, Board of Elections,
State of New York.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5464, A
Child is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 3480, amended, Let Our
Veterans Rest in Peace Act of 2007; H.R. 5938, Former Vice President
Protection Act of 2008; H.R. 4080, amended, To amend the Immigration and
Nationality Act to establish a separate nonimmigrant classification for
fashion models; and private relief bills.
The Committee began markup of the following bills: H.R. 2352, School Safety
Enhancements Act of 2007; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; H.R. 5352, Elder Abuse
Victims Act of 2008; and H.R. 5057, Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008.
FEDERAL JUSTICE SYSTEM SELECTIVE PROSECUTION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Laws
and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a joint
hearing on Allegations of Selective Prosecution Part II: The Erosion of Public
Confidence in Our Federal Justice System. Testimony was heard from
Representative Hodes; and a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 554, Paleontological Resources Preservation Act; H.R. 3022,
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 2632, Sabinoso
Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 5680, To amend certain laws relating to Native
Americans, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3682, California Desert and
Mountain Heritage Act.
FDA'S DRUG/DEVICE STATE LAWSUIT PRE-EXEMPTION
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Should FDA
Drug and Medical Device Regulation Bar State Liability Claims? Testimony was
heard from David A. Kessler, M.D., former Commissioner, FDA, Department of
Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
USDA CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRAMS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Management of
Civil Rights Programs at USDA. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the USDA: Margo McKay, Assistant Secretary, Civil Rights; and
Phyllis Fong, Inspector General; Lisa Shames, Director, Agriculture and Food
Safety, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D603]
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2642--SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 7 to 2, a rule providing for
consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642, the "Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008." The rule would make in order a motion offered by
the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations that the House concur in the
Senate amendment with each of the three amendments printed in the Rules
Committee report.
The rule waives all points of order against the motion except those arising
under clause 10 of rule XXI. The motion shall be debatable for two hours
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Appropriations. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be
considered as read. The Chair shall divide the question among each of the
three House amendments.
Notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone
consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the
rule permits the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to insert in the
Congressional Record dated May 15, 2008, such material as he may deem
explanatory of the motion. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey,
Representatives Lee, Waters, Woolsey, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Schakowsky,
Lampson, Lewis of California, Culberson, and Shays.
WATER SUPPLY CHALLENGES
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Water Supply Challenges
for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Roger Pulwarty, Director, U.S.
National Integrated Drought Information System and Physical Scientist, Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Climate Program, NOAA, Department of
Commerce; and public witnesses.
SMALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER REGULATIONS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and
Trade held a hearing on the Impact of CMS Regulations and Programs on Small
Health Care Providers. Testimony was heard from Timothy B. Hill, Chief
Financial Officer, Director, Office of Financial Management, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and
public witnesses,
AIRLINE CONSOLIDATION/DELTA-NORTHWEST MERGER
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Impact of Consolidation on the Aviation Industry, with a Focus on
the Proposed Merger Between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Testimony
was heard from James J. O'Connell, Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General,
Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; Michael W. Reynolds, Deputy
Assistant Department Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs,
Department of Transportation; and public witnesses.
AMTRAK REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak Reauthorization.
Testimony was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National
Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); Frank Busalacchi, Secretary,
Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin; and public witnesses.
CONSUMER DRIVEN HEALTH CARE
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health
Savings Accounts and Consumer Driven Health Care: Cost Containment or
Cost-Shift? Testimony was heard from John E. Dicken, Director, Health Care,
GAO; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism,
Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session
to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDINGS
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Building Green, Saving Green: Construction Sustainable and
Energy-Efficient Buildings." Testimony was heard from Gavin Newsom, Mayor, San
Francisco, California; and public witnesses.
REGARDING ROLL CALL VOTE 814
Select Committee To Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2008:
Concluded hearings regarding Roll Call Vote 814. Testimony was heard from
Catlin O'Neill and Jerry Hartz, both with the Office of the Speaker; and Jay
Pierson, Office of the Minority Leader.
2008/05/15
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 15, 2008; pages D607 - D618
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE/ENERGY COMMODITY MARKETS MOVEMENT
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to review the source of dramatic movements in
community markets (agriculture and energy): a change in market fundamentals or
influence of institutional investors? Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the CFTC: Jeff Harris, Chief Economist; and John Fenton, Deputy
Director, Market Surveillance Section; and public witnesses.
PROTECTING CHILDREN'S HEALTH COVERAGE ACT OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 5998, Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008. Testimony was
heard from Dayna K. Shah, Managing Associate General Counsel, GAO; Pete R.
Orszag, Director, CBO; Morton Rosenberg, Specialist in American Public Law,
American Law Division, CRS, Library of Congress; Gary D. Alexander, Department
of Human Services, State of Rhode Island; and a public witness.
[Page: D613]
NURSING HOME SAFEGUARDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "In the Hands of Strangers: Are Nursing Home
Safeguards Working?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Lewis Morris, Chief Counsel to the
Inspector General; and Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services; Richard Blumenethal, Attorney General, State of
Connecticut; Luis Navas-Migueloa, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Commission on
Aging and Retirement Education, City of Baltimore, Maryland; and public
witnesses.
HELPING AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on Our Forgotten Responsibility: What Can We
Do To Help Victims of Agent Orange? Testimony was heard from Scot Marciel,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and
public witnesses.
WOMEN'S PEACE/SECURITY ROLE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on UN Security Resolution 1325:
Recognizing Women's Vital Roles in Achieving Peace and Security. Testimony was
heard from Swanee Hunt, former U.S. Ambassador to Austria; Donald K.
Steinberg, former Ambassador to the Republic of Angola; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND'S SECURITY INTELLIGENCE
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing on the Resilient
Homeland: How DHS Intellligence Should Empower America To Prepare for,
Prevent, and Withstand Terrorist Attacks. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CREDIT CARD FAIR FEE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: , Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust
Laws held a hearing on H.R. 5546, Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
WEST COAST SALMON FISHERIES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held an oversight hearing on the management of West Coast Salmon Fisheries.
Testimony was heard from Rodney McInnis, Southwest Regional Administrator,
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Michael Rode,
Staff Environmental Scientist (Ret.), Department of Fish and Game, State of
California; and public witnesses.
OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR INSURANCE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended,
the following measures: H. Res. 1144, Expressing support for designation of a
"Frank Sinatra Day" on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank
Sinatra commemorative stamp; H. Con. Res. 1152, Honoring Arnold Palmer for his
distinguished career in the sport of golf and his commitment to excellence and
sportsmanship; H. Res. 1153, Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage
Month; H. Con. Res. 138, Supporting National Men's Health Week; and H. Con.
Res. 334, Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military
Appreciation Month.
The Committee also held a hearing on Defense Base Act Insurance: Are Taxpayers
Paying Too Much? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: Joseph P. Mizzoni, Deputy Auditor General, Acquisition
and Logistics, U.S. Army Audit Agency; James Ginman, Deputy Director, Defense
Procurement and Acquisition Policy; and James Dalton, Chief, Engineering and
Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; John K. Needham, Director,
Acquisition and Sourcing Management Issues, GAO; Shelby Hallmark, Director
Workers' Compensation Program, Department of Labor; and William H. Moser,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Administrations Logistics Management,
Department of State.
FOOD PRICES AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Food Prices and Small
Businesses." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
measure H.R. 5052, Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008;
H.R. 2452, Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act; H.R. 1333,
amended, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007; H.R. 135,
Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007; H.R. 5770, To provide for a
study by the National Academy of Sciences of potential impacts of climate
change on water resources and water quality; H.R. 5599, To designate the
Federal building located at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, Maryland, as
the "Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building"; H. Res. 1137,
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; H. Con. Res.
305, Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation;
H. Con. Res. 309, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District
of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H. Con. Res. 311,
Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box
Derby; H. Con. Res. 335, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a
celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated; H. Res. 339, amended, Supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions.
[Page: D614]
ENERGY AND TAX EXTENDERS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6049, Energy
and Tax Extenders Act of 2008.
2008/05/16
Daily Digest - Friday, May 16, 2008; pages D619 - D620
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D620]
2008/05/19
Daily Digest - Monday, May 19, 2008; pages D622 - D628
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/05/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 20, 2008; pages D629 - D640
Committee Meetings
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT WORKPLACE RAIDS
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee Workforce Protections held a
hearing on ICE Workplace Raids: Their Impact on U.S. Children, Families, and
Communities. Testimony was heard from James Spero, Acting Deputy Assistant
Director, Office of Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE IMPORTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing on H.R. 5632, To prohibit the importation of certain low-level
radioactive waste into the United States. Testimony was heard from Margaret M.
Doane, Director, Office of International Programs, NRC, Gene Aloise, Director,
Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.
CREDIT MONITORING CLARIFICATION ACT
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on examining the need for H.R.
2885, Credit Monitoring Clarification Act. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
BURMA'S CYCLONE AFTERMATH
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment held a hearing on Burma in the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis:
Death, Displacement, and Humanitarian Aid. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Department of State: Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Greg Gottlieb, Deputy
Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian
Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development; former Representative
Thomas H. Andrews of Maine; and a public witness.
GUANTANAMO BAY AND AMERICA'S IMAGE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on City on the Hill or Prison on
the Bay? The Mistakes of Guantanamo and the Decline of America's Image, Part
II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
EXPORT COMPLIANCE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and
Trade held a hearing on Export Compliance: Ensuring Safety, Increasing
Efficiency. Testimony was heard from Matthew S. Borman, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department
of Commerce; Todd Owen, Executive Director, Office of Cargo and Conveyance
Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security;
and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
measures: H.R. 1333, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007;
H.R. 2631, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act; H.R. 4179, Fast, Accurate,
Secure and Timely Redress Act of 2007; H.R. 4749, National Bombing Prevention
Act of 2007; H.R. 5909, To amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act
to prohibit advance notice to certain individuals, including security
screeners, of covert testing of security screening procedures for the purpose
of enhancing transportation security at airports; H.R. 5982, Biometric
Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008; and H. Res. 1150,
Expressing the sense of the House of Representative that the Transportation
Security Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate
provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of
2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to
our Nation's rail and mass transit lines.
[Page: D637]
LOCAL CRIME AND JUSTICE GRANTS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on H.R. 3546, To authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012.
Testimony was heard from Domingo Herraiz, Director, Bureau of Justice
Assistance, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
MILITARY IMMIGRATION ISSUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Immigration
Needs of America's Fighting Men and Women, Testimony was heard from LTC
Margaret Stock, Military Police Corps, USAR; Officer Karla Arambula de Rivera,
E2 Officer, U. S. Navy; CDR Christine Navarro, KC-134 Aircraft Commander,
USAF; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL MALL's FUTURE
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held an oversight hearing on The Future of the National Mall.
Testimony was heard from Representative Norton; Peggy O'Dell, Superintendent.
National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; Harriet Tregoning, Director, Office of Planning, District of
Columbia; John V. Cogbill, III, Chairman, National Capital Planning
Commission; and public witnesses.
EPA'S NEW OZONE STANDARDS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on EPA's New
Ozone Standards. Testimony was heard from Stephan L. Johnson, Administrator,
EPA: Susan E. Dudley, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL RETIREES PART-TIME RE-EMPLOYMENT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on
Part-Time Reemployment of Federal Annuitants. Testimony was heard from Nancy
Kichak, Associate Director, OPM; Patrick Purcell, Specialist in Income
Security, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses.
CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule that waives all points of
order against the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 70, setting
forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal
year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008
and 2010 through 2013, and against its consideration. The rule provides that
the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule provide one hour
of debate on the conference report, equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. Testimony
was heard from Chairman Spratt and Representative Ryan of Wisconsin.
ENERGY AND TAX EXTENDERS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008.
The rule provides one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the
nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now
printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended,
shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the
bill, as amended, are waived.
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 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 Representatives McDermott and Brady
of Texas.
DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5658, the "Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2009." The rule provides for two hours of general debate
equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of
the Committee on Armed Services.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion after general debate.
Finally, the rule prohibits further consideration of the bill except pursuant
to a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton
and Representative Hunter.
[Page: D638]
NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
approved for full Committee action H.R. 6063, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2008.
COAST GUARD/NTSB CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Coast Guard and National
Transportation Safety Board Casualty Investigation Program. Testimony was
heard from RADM James Watson, IV, USCG, Director, Prevention Policy, Marine
Safety, Security and Stewardship; Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector
General, Audits, both with the Department of Homeland Security; and Kathryn
O'Leary Higgins, member, National Transportation Safety Board, Department of
Transportation.
PASSENGER RAIL INVESTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action H.R.
6003, Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on the
Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Testimony
was heard from Representative Doggett; and John J. Manfreda, Administrator,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury.
BRIEFING--NIE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a follow-up briefing on National Intelligence Estimate. The Committee
was briefed by departmental witnesses.
2008/05/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 21, 2008; pages D641 - D650
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL ADVISORY PANEL REPORT
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on the National Mathematics
Advisory Panel Report: Foundations for Success. Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH/CARE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the
following bills: H.R. 1157, Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of
2007; and H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007. Testimony
was heard from Deborah Winn, Associate Director, Epidemiology and Genetics
Research Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and
Human Services; and public witnesses.
CREDIT-BASED INSURANCE SCORING
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "The Impact of Credit-Based Insurance Scoring on the
Availability and Affordability of Insurance." Testimony was heard from Lydia
B. Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Kevin McCarty,
Commissioner of Insurance, State of Florida; George J. Keiser, Representative,
State of North Dakota; and public witnesses.
SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Rise of Sovereign Wealth
Funds: Impacts on U.S. Foreign Policy and Economic Interests. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
U.S.-ISRAEL-EGYPT RELATIONSHIP
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on the U.S.-Israel-Egypt Trilateral Relationship: Shoring Up
the Foundation of Regional Peace. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D647]
HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT DIVERSITY
Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Diversity at DHS:
Keeping Pace or Missing the Mark? Testimony was heard from Elaine Duke, Under
Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security; George Stalcup,
Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and a public witness.
CYBER VULNERABILITIES' ELECTRIC GRID
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled
"Implications of Cyber Vulnerabilities on the Resiliency and Security of the
Electric Grid." Testimony was heard from Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; Greg Wilshusen, Director,
Information Security Issues, GAO; William R. McCollum, Jr., Chief Operating
Office, TVA; and a public witness.
OFFICES ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL CONTROLS
Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Assessment of
Administrative Compliance with Internal Controls. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the House of Representatives: James Cornell, Inspector
General; and Daniel P. Beard, Chief Administrative Officer.
FBI WHISTLEBLOWERS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held an oversight hearing on FBI Whistleblowers. Testimony was heard
from Senator Grassley; Bassem Youssef, Unit Chief, Communications Analyst
Division, Counterterrorism Division, FBI, Department of Justice; and a public
witness.
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "The Danger
of Deception: Do Endangered Species Have a Chance?" Testimony was heard from
Robin Nazarro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment Program, GAO; R.
Lyle Laverly, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of
the Interior; Jane Luxton, General Counsel, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and
public witnesses.
SUBLIME MORTGAGE CRISIS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy
held a hearing on Neighborhoods: the blameless victims of the subprime
mortgage crisis. Testimony was heard from Daniel T. Kildee, Treasurer, Genesee
County, Michigan; Nancy Floreen, Councilmember, Montgomery County, Maryland;
and public witnesses.
U.S. TERRITORIES CENSUS DATA ISSUES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census, and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs
of the Committee on Natural Resources held a joint hearing on Census Data:
Special Issues Related to the U.S. Territories. Testimony was heard from
Thomas Mesenbourg, Acting Deputy Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of
Commerce; Nikalao Pula, Director, Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the
Interior; and public witnesses.
DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2009--PART II
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing for
further consideration of H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, under a structured rule without
further general debate.
The rule considers as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed
Services. The committee amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives
all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under
clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules and waives all points of order against such amendments
except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendments made in
order shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in the Rules Committee report equally divided by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for a division of the question.
The rule permits the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services or his
designee to offer amendments en bloc if those amendments have been printed in
the Rules Committee report and not earlier disposed of. The Chairman of the
Committee of the Whole may recognize for consideration any amendment printed
in the Committee report out of the order it was printed but not sooner than 30
minutes after the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services announces from
the floor a request to that effect. The rule provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the
operation of the previous question, the chair may postpone further
consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. The rule provides that
in the engrossment of H.R. 5658, the text of H.R. 6048, as passed the House,
shall be added at the end of H.R. 5658. The rule authorizes the Speaker to
entertain motions that the House suspend the rules at any time through the
legislative day of Thursday, May 22, 2008, relating to any measure pertaining
to agricultural programs. Testimony was heard from Representatives
Abercrombie, Smith of Washington, Boren, Sestak, Cummings, Waxman, Waters,
Maloney of New York, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Boswell, Lee of California, Schiff,
Bean, Akin, Gingrey, Franks of Arizona, Sessions, Shays, Rohrabacher, Buyer,
Terry, Kirk, and Boustany.
[Page: D648]
NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act
of 2008. Testimony was heard from Craig McLean, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Programs and Administration, Oceanic Atmospheric Research,
NOAA, Department of Commerce: and public witnesses.
EPA'S POLLUTION HEALTH RISKS SYSTEM
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigation and
Oversight held a hearing on EPA's Restructured IRIS System: Have Polluters and
Politics Overwhelmed Science. Testimony was heard from John Stephenson,
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; George Gray, Assistant
Administrator, Research and Development, EPA; and Susan Dudley, Administrator,
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB.
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship
held a hearing entitled "Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment."
Testimony was heard from Laurence D. Wilson, Director, Chronic Care Policy
Group, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water and
Environment held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act.
Testimony was heard from Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, State of
Michigan; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; and
public witnesses.
2008/05/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 22, 2008; pages D651 - D661
Committee Meetings
CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing
on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Office of the Architect of
the Capitol: Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect; Terrie Rouse, CEO, Visitor
Services; and Bernie Ungar, Project Executive, both with the Capitol Visitor
Center; and Terry Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO.
U.S. MAINLAND EXOTIC DISEASE RESEARCH
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing entitled "Germs, Viruses, and Secrets: Government Plans to Move
Exotic Disease Research to the Mainland United States." Testimony was heard
from Nancy R. Kingsbury, Managing Director, Applied Research and Methods, GAO;
Bruce I. Knight, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA; Jay
M. Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT INCREASE
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Impact on Homebuyers
and Housing Market of Conforming Loan Limit Increase." Testimony was heard
from Heather Peters. Deputy Secretary, Business Regulation and Housing, State
of California; and public witnesses.
OIL PRICES AND HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Rising Oil Prices: Declining
National Security? Testimony was heard from David Sandalow, former Assistant
Secretary of State; and public witnesses.
U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS/DEMOCRACY PROMOTION
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on City on the Hill or Just Another
Country? The United States and the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy.
Testimony was heard from John Shattuck, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and former U.S. Ambassador to the
Czech Republic; and a public witness.
[Page: D660]
BORDER SECURITY CHALLENGES
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing on The Border Security Challenge: Recent
Developments and Legislative Proposals, focusing on the following bills: H.R.
5662, Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act; H.R. 5552, Border
Accountability Act of 2008; H.R. 4088, SAVE Act of 2007; and H.R. 3531,
Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act of 2007. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Reyes, Bilbray, Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Giffords,
and Shuler; and the following officials of the U. S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security: Thomas S. Winkowski, Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; Chief David V. Aguilar, Office of
Border Patrol; and MG Michael C. Kostelnik, USAF (Ret.), Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Air and Marine.
GAS PRICES AND OIL INDUSTRY COMPETITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust
Laws held a hearing on Retail Gas Prices, Part 2, Competition in the Oil
Industry. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS PROGRAM
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on The United States Geological Survey's Earthquake
Hazards Program--Science, Preparation, and Response. Testimony was heard from
David Applegate, Senior Science Advisor, Earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey,
Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for
full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 5511, Leadville Mine Drainage
Tunnel Remediation Act of 2008; and H.R. 5710, Eastern New Mexico Rural Water
System Authorization Act.
IRAQ FUNDING ACCOUNTABILITY LAPSES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Accountability
Lapses in Multiple Funds for Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense: Mary
L. Ugone, Deputy Inspector General, Auditing; Patricia Marsh, Assistant
Inspector General; and Daniel Blair, Deputy Assistant Inspector General,
Defense, both with the Defense Financing Auditing Service Directorate.
MORTGAGE CRISIS-AFFLICTED NEIGHBORHOODS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy,
and the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the Committee on
Financial Services, joint hearing on Neighborhoods: Targeting Federal aid to
neighborhoods distressed by the subprime mortgage crisis. Testimony was heard
from Todd M. Richardson, Director, Program Evaluation Division, Office of
Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development;
and public witnesses.
U.S. JOBS/TECHNOLOGY GLOBALIZATION IMPACTS
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigation and
Oversight held a hearing on American Decline or Renewal?--Globalization Jobs
and Technology. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES ACT
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "RESPA and its Impact on
Small Business." Testimony was heard from Ivy Jackson, Director, Office of
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Interstate Land Sales, Department of
Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following
bills: H.R. 5001, amended, Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act of 2008;
H.R. 6109, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2008; and H.R. 6003, amended,
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION OUTREACH
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing on Examining the Effectiveness of VBA Outreach
Efforts. Testimony was heard from Diana Rubens, Associate Deputy Under
Secretary, Field Operations, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Leslye
Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary, Military Community and Family Policy; and Kevin
Crowley, Deputy Director, Manpower Personnel, National Guard Bureau; and
representatives of veterans organizations
[Page: D661]
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION HUMAN RESOURCES CHALLENGES
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Human
Resources Challenges within the Veterans Health Administration. Testimony was
heard from Joleen Clark, Chief Officer, Workforce Management and Consulting,
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--COUNTERNARCOTICS PROGRAM
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Counternarcotics Program. The Subcommittee was briefed
by departmental witnesses.
ADMINISTRATION'S ENERGY POLICY
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Oversight of the Bush Administration's Energy Policy." Testimony was
heard from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy.
2008/05/23
Daily Digest - Friday, May 23, 2008; pages D663 - D664
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D664]
2008/05/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 27, 2008; pages D665 - D666
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D666]
2008/05/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, May 29, 2008; pages D667 - D668
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D668]
2008/06/02
Daily Digest - Monday, June 2, 2008; pages D669 - D674
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2008/06/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 ; pages D675 - D680
Committee Meetings
21ST CENTURY GREEN HIGH-PERFORMING PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 6 to 2, a structured rule.
The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 3021, the 21st Century
Green High-Performing Public School Facilities 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 clauses 9 and 10 of 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
waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute
except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the
order printed in the Rules Committee report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as read, shall
be debatable for the time specified in the Rules Committee report equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject
to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order
against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The
rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. 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 by Chairman George Miller of California and
Representatives Arcuri, McKeon, Ehlers, Bishop of Utah, Hastings of
Washington, Brady of Texas, and Kirk.
CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK CONTINUING AUTHORIZATION ACT
Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule. The rule
provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 5540, Chesapeake Bay Gateways and
Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act, equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Natural Resources.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill.
The rule makes in order only the amendment printed in the Rules Committee
report if offered by Representative Bishop of Utah or his designee. The
amendment shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for twenty minutes
equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent, and shall not
be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment except those arising
under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit the
bill with or without instructions. Finally, 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 by
Representatives Sarbanes and Bishop of Utah.
2008/06/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 4, 2008; pages D681 - D690
Committee Meetings
HEALTH IT AND PRIVACY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Discussion Draft of Health Information Technology and Privacy
Legislation." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services: Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Director,
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and Susan D. McAndrew, Deputy
Director, Health Information Privacy, Office for Civil Rights; and public
witnesses.
HUD/FEMA GULF COAST GUARD RESPONSE
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and
Response of the Committee on Homeland Security held a joint hearing entitled
"Examining the Roles and Responsibilities of HUD and FEMA in Responding to the
Affordable Housing Needs of Gulf Coast States following Emergencies and
Natural Disasters." Testimony was heard from Carlos J. Castillo, Assistant
Administrator, Disaster Assistance Directorate, FEMA, Department of Homeland
Security; Jeffrey H. Riddel, Director, Office of Capital Improvements,
Department of Housing and Urban Development; Edward Blakely, Recovery Chief,
Office of Recovery and Development Administration, City of New Orleans; and
public witnesses.
FBI's ROLE AT GUANTANAMO BAY
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on City on the Hill or Prison on
the Bay, Part III Guantanamo--the Role of the FBI. Testimony was heard from
Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Department of Justice.
BRIEFING--U.S.-IRAQI RELATIONS OUTLOOK
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight held a briefing on the Future of U.S.-Iraq
Relations: The Perspective of the Iraqi Parliament. The Subcommittee was
briefed by Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle East Affairs, Foreign
Affairs, Defense and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and
representatives of the Council of Representatives of Iraq.
IMMIGRATION DETAINEE MEDICAL CARE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Problems
with Immigration Detainee Medical Care. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security: Julie Myers, Assistant Secretary; Philip Farabaugh, Acting Director,
Division of Immigration Health Services; Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland
Security and Justice, GAO; and public witnesses.
[Page: D688]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R.
2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. 5350, To authorize the Secretary of
Commerce to sell or exchange certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration property located in Norfolk, Virginia; H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone
Reauthorization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5741, Shark Conservation Act of 2008.
DISABLED--FEDERAL STATISTICAL DATA
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information
Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on Does Federal
Statistical Data Adequately Serve People Living with Disabilities? Testimony
was heard from Steven Tingus, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Planning and
Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services; Daniel Bertoni, Director,
Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; former Representative
Anthony Coelho of California; and public witnesses.
STATE DEPARTMENT'S ANTITERRORISM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Oversight of the State
Department's Antiterrorism Assistance Program. Testimony was heard from
Charles M. Johnson, Jr., Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and
the following officials of the Department of State: Gina
Abercrombie-Winstanley, Deputy Coordinator, Programs, Policy, Budget and
Operations, Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism; and Lynda
Tibbetts, Acting Director, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance, Bureau of
Diplomatic Security.
NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6063,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008.
OVERSIGHT--PUBLIC ALERT WARNING SYSTEMS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held an oversight
hearing on Assuring Public Alert Systems Work to Warn American Citizens of
Natural and Terrorist Disasters. Testimony was heard from Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy
Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC; MG Martha T.
Rainville, USAF (Ret.), Assistant Administrator, National Continuity Program
Directorate, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
2008/06/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 5, 2008; pages D692 - D698
Committee Meetings
ANIMAL DRUG PROPOSALS
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
entitled "Committee Prints on Administration Legislative Proposals on the
Animal Drug User Fee Act Amendments of 2008 and the Animal Generic Drug User
Fee Act of 2008." Testimony was heard from Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M.,
Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, Department of Health and Human
Services; and public witnesses.
[Page: D696]
MULTILATERAL CLEAN TECHNOLOGY FUND
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International
Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Examining the
Administration's Proposal to Establish a Multilateral Clean Technology Fund."
Testimony was heard from David H. McCormick, Under Secretary, International
Affairs, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
IRAN'S NUCLEAR ASPIRATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on More Than Just Enrichment: Iran's Strategic Aspirations and
the Future of the Middle East. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COMBATING TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "The Merida Initiative: Examining
U.S. Efforts to Combat Transnational Criminal Organizations." Testimony was
heard from Paul Rosenzweig, Assistant Secretary (Acting), Office of
International Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of
Homeland Security; and David T. Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State.
PROTECTING EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES IN BUSINESS BANKRUPTCIES ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 3652, Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business
Bankruptcies Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MAHER ARAR DEPORTATION INVESTIGATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human
Rights and Oversight of the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a joint hearing
on U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Report OIG-08-18:
The Removal of a Canadian Citizen to Syria. Testimony was heard from Robert L.
Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; Clark Kent Ervin,
former Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; and a public
witness.
TRIBAL FUNDS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2306, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2007; and
H.R. 3699, To provide for the use and distribution of the funds awarded to the
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v United States, Docket
Nos. 19 and 188 United States Court of Federal Claims. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Oberstar and Peterson of Minnesota; Jerry Gidner,
Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and Tribal
leaders.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 573, Indiana Dunes
National Lakeshore Corrections Act; H.R. 3702, Montana Cemetery Act of 2007;
H.R. 3809, To amend the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of
1988 regarding the local coordinating entity of the Delaware and Lehigh
National Heritage Corridor; H.R. 4199, To amend the Dayton Aviation Heritage
Preservation Act of 1992 to add sites to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National
Historical Park; H.R. 4828, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
Boundary Expansion Act of 2007; and H.E. 5583, Grand Canyon Watersheds
Protection Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Representatives Visclosky,
Kanjorski, Turner, Dent and Rehberg; Katherine H. Stevenson, Assistant
Director, Business Services, National Park Service, Department of the
Interior; Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA;
and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Oversight of
Federal Financial Management. Testimony was heard from Gene L. Dodaro, Acting
Comptroller General of the United States, GAO; Daniel Werful, Deputy
Controller, OMB; and J. David Patterson, Principal Deputy Under Secretary
(Comptroller), Department of Defense.
FEDERAL OCEAN ACIDIFICATION RESEARCH AND MONITORING ACT
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on H.R. 4174, Federal Ocean Acidification Research and
Monitoring Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Richard A. Feely, Supervisory
Chemical Oceanographer, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, NOAA,
Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
[Page: D697]
HOUSING CRISISTAX INCENTIVES TO STIMULATE ECONOMY
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Housing Crisis:
Identifying Tax Incentives to Stimulate the Economy." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
MAINTAINING HIGHWAYS/TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit held a hearing on Maintaining our Nation's Highway and Transit
Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from Pete K. Rahn, Director, Department of
Transportation, State of Missouri; Allen D. Biehler, Secretary of
Transportation, State of Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.
RAILROAD HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Historic Preservation of
Railroad Property and Facilities. Testimony was heard from John M. Fowler,
Executive Director, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; Patrick B.
Simmons, Director, Rail Division, Department of Transportation, State of North
Carolina; Elizabeth Merritt, Deputy General Counsel, National Trust for
Historic Preservation; and public witnesses.
VETERANS' MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2818, To amend title
38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers
of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of
Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 2192, To amend title 38, United States Code, to
establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 4089, To
amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the collective bargaining
rights and procedures for review of adverse actions of certain employees of
the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; H.R. 4463,
Veterans Health Care Quality Improvement Act; and H.R. 5888, To amend title
38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a
non-Department facility. Testimony was heard from Representatives Filner,
Doyle and Walz of Minnnesota; and Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Principal Deputy
Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs.
2008/06/06
Daily Digest - Friday, June 6, 2008; pages D699 - D704
Committee Meetings
MAKING GSA LEASE AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS EFFICIENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on
Making GSA Lease and Construction Process Efficient, Transparent, and
User-friendly. Testimony was heard from David Winstead, Commissioner, Public
Building Service, GSA; and public witnesses.
2008/06/09
Daily Digest - Monday, June 9, 2008; pages D706 - D710
Committee Meetings
PASSENGER RAIL INVESTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 6003, the "Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act
of 2008," under a structured rule. The resolution provides for one hour of
general debate 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
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure as the original bill for the purpose of
further amendment and considers the committee amendment as read. The rule
waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those
arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those
arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendments made in order shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the Rules
Committee report equally divided by the proponent and an opponent, shall not
be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division
of the question. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question,
the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the
Speaker.
[Page: D709]
Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Brown of
Florida, Van Hollen, Mica, Shuster and Tom Davis of Virginia.
2008/06/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 10, 2008; pages D712 - D720
Committee Meetings
PHTHALATES AND BISPHENOL-A CONSUMER SAFETY
Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Safety of Phthalates and
Bisphenol-A in Everyday Consumer Products." Testimony was heard from Michael
A. Babich, Chemist, Consumer Product Safety Commission; the following
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: John R. Bucher,
Associate Director, National Toxicology Programs, National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, NIH; and Norris Alderson, Associate
Commissioner, Science, FDA; L. Earl Gray, Research Biologist, EPA; and public
witnesses.
DIGITAL TV TRANSITION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet, hearing entitled "Status of the DTV Transition: 252 Days and
Counting." Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC; Bernadette
McGuire-Rivera, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and
Information Applications, National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, Department of Commerce; Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
INSURANCE INFORMATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance,
and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 5840, Insurance
Information Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Jeremiah O. Norton, Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury; Brian P. Kennedy, member,
House of Representatives, State of Rhode Island; Michael T. McRaith, Director,
Division of Insurance, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation,
State of Illinois; and public witnesses.
DIPLOMATIC ASSURANCE AND RENDITION TO TORTURE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights and Oversight held a hearing on Diplomatic Assurances and
Rendition to Torture: The Perspective of the State Department's Legal Adviser.
Testimony was heard from John B. Bellinger III, Legal Adviser, Department of
State.
FAIRNESS IN NURSING HOME ARBITRATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 6126, Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM; COMBATING GANGS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland
Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 3546, To authorize the Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels
through 2012.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Addressing Gangs: What's Effective?
What's Not? Testimony was heard from Kevin O'Connor, Associate Attorney
General, Department of Justice; Frank Straub, Commissioner, Department of
Public Safety, White Plains, New York; John Buckovich, Police Department,
Richmond, Virginia; and public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION SYSTEMS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Electronic
Employment Verification Systems: Impact on U.S. Workers. Testimony was heard
from Representatives Calvert, Shuler, Sam Johnson of Texas; and Giffords;
Jonathan Scharfen, Acting Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--COAL COMBUSTION WASTE
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on How Should the Federal Government Address the
Health and Environmental Risks of Coal Combustion Waste? Testimony was heard
from Shari Wilson, Secretary of the Environment, State of Maryland; and public
witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL WHALING
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held an oversight hearing on the annual International Whaling Commission
meeting to be held in Santiago, Chile from June 23-27. Testimony was heard
from William T. Hogarth, U.S. Commissioner, International Whaling Commission;
and public witnesses.
U.S.-MICRONESIA FREE ASSOCIATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an
oversight hearing on the Implementation of the Compact of Free Association
Amendments Act of 2003 between the United States and the Federated States of
Micronesia. Testimony was heard from Tom Bussanich, Director, Budget Grants
Management Division, Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior;
Glyn T. Davies, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and
Pacific Affairs, Department of State; David B. Gootnick, Director,
International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and Fabian Nimea, Director, Office of
Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Official Development Assistance
and Compact Management, Federated States of Micronesia.
FEDERAL HIRING OF EX-OFFENDERS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing entitled
"An Examination of Federal Employment Practices/Policies on Hiring
Ex-offenders." Testimony was heard from Nancy Kichak, Associate Director, OPM;
MG Thomas P. Bostick, USA, U.S. Army Recruiting Command; Brent Orrrell, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, Department of
Labor; and public witnesses.
NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9-4, a structured rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2008. The rule provides 1 hour of general
debate 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 clauses 9 and 10 of Rule
XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute
recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology now printed in the bill
shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall
be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the
amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of Rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be
subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of
the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of
order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without 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 Udall of Colorado,
Jackson-Lee of Texas, Yarmuth, Hall of Texas, Rohrabacher and Gingrey.
COMMERCIAL TRUCK HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on Hybrid Technologies for Medium- to Heavy-Duty Commercial
Trucks. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Financing
Infrastructure Investments. Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLauro,
Blumenauer, Ellison and Calvert; and public witnesses.
HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES/REFORM
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
Addressing Disparities in Health and Healthcare. Testimony was heard from the
following Representatives: Solis; Moran of Kansas, Christensen and Bordallo,
and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--CHINA
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on China. The Committee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/06/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 11, 2008; pages D721 - D732
Committee Meetings
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved for
full Committee action the Homeland Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year
2009.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR
2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies, approved for full Committee action the Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
EDUCATION BEGINS AT HOME ACT
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on H.R. 2343, Education
Begins at Home Act. Testimony was heard from Laura A. Ditka, Deputy District
Attorney and Chief of Child Abuse Unit, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and
public witnesses.
GREEN ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 6078, GREEN Act of
2008. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development: Michael Freedberg, Director, Division of
Affordable Housing Technology Research, Co-Chair, HUD Energy Task Force; and
Patrick J. Lawler, Chief Economist and Associate Director, Office of Policy
Analysis and Research, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight; and
public witnesses.
REPORT--THE DECLINE IN AMERICA'S REPUTATION: WHY?
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight approved a Subcommittee Report on The Decline in
America's Reputation: Why?
The Subcommittee also held a hearing and Review of the Subcommittee Report:
The Decline in America's Reputation: Why? Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CHINA IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a
hearing on the New Challenge: China in the Western Hemisphere. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
[Page: D729]
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; IMPROVING PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS ACT
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment approved for full Committee action, as
amended, the following bills: H.R. 3815, Homeland Security Open Source
Information Enhancement Act of 2007; H.R. 4806, Reducing Over-Classification
Act of 2007; H.R. 6048, Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation
and Enhance of Homeland Security Act, and H.R. 6193, Improving Public Access
to Documents Act.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 6193, Improving Public Access to
Documents Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
DHS AND THE NEXT MAJOR CATASTROPHE
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Ready to Lead? DHS and the Next Major
Catastrophe." Testimony was heard from Wayne Parent, Deputy Director, Office
of Operations Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; William O.
Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; James M.
Walker, Jr., Director, Department of Homeland Security, State of Alabama; and
a public witness.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills:
H.R. 4044, National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Act of 2008; H.R. 2352,
School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; H.R.
5352, Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008; and H.R. 5057, Debbie Smith
Reauthorization Act of 2008.
PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 4789, Performance Rights Act.
Testimony was heard from Nancy Sinatra, and other public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3981, amended, Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act; H.R. 4199,
amended, To amend the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to add
sites to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park; H.R. 2964,
amended, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. 5741, amended, Shark Conservation
Act of 2008; H.R. 1423, amended, Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center Lease
Act; H.R. 3702, Montana Cemetery Act of 2007; H.R. 5710, Eastern New Mexico
Rural Water System Authorization Act; and H.R. 5511, Leadville Mine Drainage
Tunnel Remediation Act of 2008.
CENSUS 2010
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Subcommittee on
Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a joint hearing on 2010
Census: Assessing the Census Bureau's Progress. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce:
Steven H. Murdock, Director; and Arnold A. Jackson, Associate Director,
Decennial Census; the following officials of the GAO: David A. Powner,
Director, Information Technology Management Issues; and Mathew J. Scire,
Director, Strategic Issues; and public witnesses.
SECOND GENERATION BIOFUELS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship
held a hearing on Second Generation Biofuels: The New Frontier for Small
Businesses. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY STAFFING
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Air Traffic Control Facility Staffing. Testimony was heard from
the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Hank Krakowski,
Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA; and Calvin L. Scovel,
III, Inspector General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure
Issues, GAO; and public witnesses.
REBUILDING VESSELS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Rebuilding Vessels Under the
Jones Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security: RADM James Watson, IV, USCG, Director,
Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship; and Patricia J.
Williams, Director, National Vessel Documentation Center; and public
witnesses.
VETERANS MATTERS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2818, To
amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of
Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
[Page: D730]
The Committee also held a hearing on Implementing the Wounded Warrior
Provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.
Testimony was heard from Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under
Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense; ADM Patrick W.
Dunne, USN, Acting Under Secretary, Benefits and Assistant Secretary, Policy
and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--MEXICAN BORDER VIOLENCE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Mexican Border Violence. The Committee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
FUTURE OF OIL
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "The Future of Oil." Testimony was heard from Guy F. Caruso,
Administrator, Energy Information Administrator, Department of Energy; and
public witnesses.
2008/06/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 12, 2008; pages D734 - D744
Committee Meetings
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR
2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Military
Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal
Year 2009.
CHEMICAL FACILITY SECURITY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous
Materials held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 5533, Chemical
Facilities Act of 2008; and HR. 5577, Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of
2008. Testimony was heard from Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator.
Office of Water, EPA; Robert B. Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure
Protection, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
SUBPOENAS--FOOD SAFETY RECORDS; FDA'S FOOD PROTECTION PLAN
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
met and approved the issuance of subpoenas for records in connection with the
Subcommittee's ongoing investigation regarding the safety of the Nation's food
supply.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing entitled "American Lives Still at Risk:
When Will FDA's Food Protection Plan Be Fully Funded and Implemented?"
Testimony was heard from Lisa Shames, Director, Food and Agriculture Issues,
GAO: David W. K. Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection, FDA,
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
RUSSIA, IRAN AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Russia, Iran, and Nuclear
Weapons: Implications of the Proposed U.S.-Russia Agreement. Testimony was
heard from Representative Markey; John C. Rood, Acting Under Secretary, Arms
Control and International Security, Department of State; Robert J. Einhorn,
former Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Nonproliferation, Department of State;
and public witnesses.
[Page: D739]
U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the
Global Environment, hearing on U.S.-Japan Relations: An Overview. Testimony
was heard from Alexander A. Arvizu, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East
Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and a public witness.
FAIR HOUSING ACT ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties held a hearing on the Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act
of 1968. Testimony was heard from Jessie Liu, Deputy Assistant Attorney
General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; Kim Kendrick, Assistant
Secretary, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing
and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
GREEN CARDS--HIGHLY-SKILLED WORKER
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigrations, Citizenship,
Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on the Need for
Green Cards for Highly Skilled Workers. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
CARBON DIOXIDE--ENHANCES OIL RECOVERY
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held an oversight hearing on Spinning Straw Into Black Gold: Enhanced Oil
Recovery Using Carbon Dioxide. Testimony was heard from Timothy Spisak, Chief,
Fluid Minerals Division, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior; Scott Klara, Director, Strategic Center for Coal, National Energy
Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
U.S.-PALAU FREE ASSOCIATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an
oversight hearing on the Implementation of the Compact of Free Associations
Between the United States and the Republic of Palau. Testimony was heard from
Tom Bussanich, Director, Budget Grants Management Division, Office of Insular
Affairs, Department of the Interior; Glyn T. Davies, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of
State; David Gootnick, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and
Billy Kuartei, Chief of Staff to H. E. Tommy Remengesau, Republic of Palau.
OVERSIGHT--HYDROPOWER
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on Hydropower: Providing 75% of America's Current Renewable
Energy, Exploring its role as a continued source of Clean, Renewable Energy
for the Future. Testimony was heard from Bob Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of
Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy
Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; Bob
Morton, member, Senate, State of Washington; and public witnesses.
ABRAMOFF INVESTIGATION REPORT; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Approved a Committee report
entitled "Jack Abramoff's Contacts with White House Officials."
The Committee also ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 984,
Expressing the support for the designation of July 26, 2008, as National Day
of the Cowboy; H. Res. 1002, amended, Expressing the support for the
designation of April 2008 as Public Radio Recognition Month; H. Res 1029,
amended, Congratulating and recognizing Mr. Juan Antonio "Chi Chi" Rodriguez
for his continuing success on and off the golf course, for his generosity and
devotion to charity, and for his exemplary dedication to the intellectual and
moral growth of thousands of low-income and disadvantaged youth in our
country; H. Res. 1219, Celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and
supporting the goals and ideals of Flag Day; H. Res. 1237, Recognizing the
historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the
sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a
means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of
the future; H. Con. Res. 195, Expressing the sense of Congress that a National
Dysphagia Awareness Month should be established; H. Con. Res. 370, Expressing
support for the designation of Gospel Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel
music for its valuable contributions to American culture; H.R. 4010, To
designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 West
Percy Street in Mississippi, as the "Minnie Cox Post Office Building"; H.R.
5506, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
369 Martin Luther Jr. Drive in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the "Bishop Ralph
E. Brower Post Office Building"; H.R. 5975, To designate the facility of the
United States Postal Service located at 101 West Main Street in Waterville,
New York, as the "Cpl. John P. Sigsbee Post Office"; H.R. 6061, To designate
the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 219 East Main
Street in West Frankfort, Illinois, as the "Kenneth James Gray Post Office
Building"; H.R. 6085, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 42222 Rancho Las Palmas Drive in Rancho Mirage, California,
as the "Gerald R. Ford Post Office Building"; H.R. 6092, To designate the
facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street
in Bremen, Georgia, as the "Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building"; H.R.
6150, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at
14500 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, as the " John P. Gallagher Post Office
Building"; and S. 171, To designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 301 Street in Commerce, Oklahoma, as the "Mickey Mantle
Post Office Building."
[Page: D740]
EPA'S INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigation and
Oversight held a hearing on Toxic Communities: How EPA's IRIS Program Fails
the Public. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS TAX REPORTING
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Electronic Payments Tax
Reporting: Another Tax Burden for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from
public witnesses.
MARITIME COMMERCIAL VESSEL DISCHARGES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment held a hearing on Discharges Incidental to the
Normal Operation of a Commercial Vessel. Testimony was heard from James
Hanlon, Director, Office of Wastewater Management, EPA; Andrew Fisk, Bureau
Director, Land and Water Quality, Department of Environmental Protection,
State of Maine; William W. Walker, Executive Director, Department of Marine
Resources, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses.
VETERAN'S MEASURES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and
Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1197, Prisoner of
War Benefits Act of 2007; H.R. 3008, Rural Veterans Services Outreach and
Training Act; H.R. 3070, Disabled Veterans' Caregiver Compensation Act; H.R.
3795, You Were There, You Get Care Act of 2007; H.R. 4274, Gold Star Parents
Annuity Act of 2007; H.R. 5155, Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008;
H.R. 5448, Full Faith in Veterans Act of 2008; H.R. 5454, To amend title 38,
United States Code, to establish a presumption of service connection of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for purposes of the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 5709, Veterans Disability Fairness Act;
H.R. 5954, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide veterans for
presumptions of service connection for purposes of benefits under laws
administered by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for diseases associated with
service in the Armed Forces and exposure to biological, chemical, or other
toxic agents as part of Project 112, and for other purposes; H.R. 5985,
Compensation for Combat Veterans Act; and H.R. 6032, To amend title 38, United
States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide wartime
disability compensation for certain veterans with Parkinson's Disease.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Wu, Shea-Porter, Allen, Thompson of
California; and Rehberg; Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation Pension
Services, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs;
Sidath Viranga Panangala. Analyst, Veterans Policy, CRS, Library of Congress;
representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses.
BRIEFING--DOD PROGRAMS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on DOD Programs. The Committee was briefed by LTG James
Clapper, USAF (Ret.), Under Secretary of Defense, Intelligence.
GLOBAL CHANGE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence
Community Management met in executive session to receive a briefing on Global
Change National Intelligence Assessment. The Subcommittee was briefed by
departmental witnesses.
2008/06/13
Daily Digest - [Friday,] June 13, 2008; pages D745 - D746
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D746]
2006/06/16
Daily Digest - Monday, June 16, 2008; pages D747 - D752
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
2006/06/17
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 17, 2008; pages D753 - D760
Committee Meetings
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR
2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and
Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Energy and Water
Development and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General
Government approved for full Committee action the Financial Services and
General Government Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
LEGAL REDRESS FOR TERRORISM VICTIMS
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Ensuring Legal Redress for
American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism. Testimony was heard from
Representatives Braley of Iowa and Sestak; and public witnesses.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5781, the "Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of
2008." The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled
by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform shall be considered as adopted and the bill,
as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order
against provisions of the bill.
The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report if
offered by Rep. Davis of Illinois or his designee. The rule waives all points
of order against such amendment except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of
rule XXI. The amendment made in order shall be considered as read and shall be
debatable for 10 minutes equally divided by the proponent and an opponent.
The resolution provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may
postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker.
Testimony was heard from Representative Davis of Illinois.
STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a rule providing for
consideration of H.R. 5876, the "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for
Teens Act of 2008." The rule provides for 1 hour of debate 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
clauses 9 and 10 of 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 waives all points of order
against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of
rule XXI.
[Page: D758]
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report of the
Committee on Rules. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the
order printed in the Rules Committee report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for
the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for
clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to
recommit with or without instructions. 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 Chairman George Miller of California.
2008/06/18
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 18, 2008; pages D762 - D770
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 3195, ADA Restoration Act of 2007; H.R. 2343, Education Begins at
Home Act; and H.R. 3036, No Child Left Inside Act of 2007.
INTERNATIONAL/AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The 15th
Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) and the 11th
Replenishment of the African Development Fund (AfSF)." Testimony was heard
from Clay Lowery, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, Department of
the Treasury; and public witnesses.
[Page: D767]
CAUCASUS: FROZEN CONFLICTS AND CLOSED BORDERS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Caucasus: Frozen Conflicts
and Closed Borders. Testimony was heard from Daniel Fried, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State.
CAPITOL POLICE RADIO UPGRADES
Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Capitol Security held a
hearing on the United States Capitol Police Radio Upgrades. Testimony was
heard from Chief Phillip D. Morse, Sr., U.S. Capitol Police; James O. Crane,
Commander, Special Operations Division, Metropolitan Police Department; David
G. Boyd, Director, Command, Control and Interoperability Science and
Technology, Department of Homeland Security; and Steve Souder, Director,
Department of Public Safety Communications, Fairfax, Virginia.
ADA RESTORATION ACT; JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3195,
amended, ADA Restoration Act of 2007; and H.R. 3546, To authorize the Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels
through 2012.
INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights,
and Civil Liberties held a hearing on: From the Department of Justice to
Guantanamo Bay: Administration Lawyers and Administration Interrogation Rules,
Part II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
held an oversight hearing on the reauthorization of the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Commerce: John H. Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator, Ocean
Services and Coastal Management. National Ocean Service, Service. NOAA and
Todd J. Zinser, Inspector General; former Representative Leon Panetta of
California; Carol Shafto, Mayor, City of Alpena, Michigan; and public
witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL LAND FEE AUTHORITY
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and
Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Water and Power held a joint oversight
hearing on Paying to Play: Implementation of Fee Authority on Federal Lands.
Testimony was heard from Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary, Department of the
Interior; Mary Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA;
George Eskridge, member House of Representatives, State of Idaho; and public
witnesses.
AFGHANISTAN'S JUSTICE SYSTEM POLICE FORCE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Oversight of the U.S. Efforts
to Train and Equip Police and Enhance the Justice Sector in Afghanistan.
Testimony was heard from Charles Michael Johnson, Jr., Director, International
Affairs and Trade, GAO; the following officials of the Department of State:
Frank Ward, Office of Inspector General; David T. Johnson, Assistant
Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement; and Mark
Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia Bureau, U.S. Agency for
International Development; MG Bobby Wilkes, USAF (Ret.), Deputy Assistant
Secretary, South Asia, Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense; and
Bruce Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department
of Justice.
SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES
COMMITTEE--SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a rule waiving a
requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of
certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
The rule provides that the requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a
two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same
day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any rule reported
on the legislative day of June 19, 2008, providing for consideration or
disposition of a measure making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2008.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 4174, amended,
Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007; H.R. 5618,
National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008; and, as amended,
the Heavy Duty Plug-in-Hybrid Vehicles Research Program.
S-CORPS STATUS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax held a hearing
entitled "S-corps: Recommended Reforms that Promote Parity, Growth and
Development for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MANAGING NEW YORK AIRSPACE CONGESTION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held
a hearing on Congestion Management in the New York Airspace. Testimony was
heard from Senator Schumer; Representative Shays; D. J. Gribbin, General
Counsel, Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation; William
DeCota, Director, Aviation Department, Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey; and public witnesses.
[Page: D768]
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on The
Federal Protective Service: An Agency in Need of Rebuilding. Testimony was
heard from Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Gary
Schenkel, Director, Federal Protective Service, GSA; and a public witness.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF ACT
Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6275,
Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008.
CHANGING CLIMATE PLANNING COMMUNITIES
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing
entitled "Planning Communities for a Changing Climate--Smart Growth, Public
Demand and Private Opportunity." Testimony was heard from Steve Hewitt, City
Administrator, Greensburg, Kansas; and public witnesses.
2008/06/19
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 19, 2008; pages D772 - D780
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2008
Committee on Appropriations K: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee
action the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL
YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2009.
WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES--UNDERREPORTING
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Hidden Tragedy:
Underreporting of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. Testimony was heard from:
John Ruser, Assistant Commandant, Safety and Health Statistics, Bureau of
Labor Statistics, Department of Labor; Bob Whitmore, former Chief, OSHA
Division of Recordkeeping, Department of Labor; and public witnesses.
STATE OF THOROUGHBRED RACING
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and
Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Breeding, Drugs, and Breakdowns:
The State of Thoroughbred Horseracing and the Welfare of the Thoroughbred
Racehorse." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held
a hearing entitled "Legislative Proposals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
An Overview." Testimony was heard from Douglas P. Scott, Director,
Environmental Protection Agency, State of Illinois; and public witnesses.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRESERVATION
Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Affordable Housing
and Preservation and Protection of Tenants." Testimony was heard from John L.
Garvin, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Multi-Family Housing Programs and Senior
Advisor to the Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban
Development; Shaun Donovan, Commissioner, Department of Housing Preservation
and Development, City of New York; Clarence Snuggs, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Housing and Community Development, State of Maryland; and public
witnesses.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATES FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong
Learning, and Competitiveness of the Committee on Education and Labor held a
joint hearing on Restoring America's Leadership through Scholarships for
Undergraduates from Developing Countries: The Uniting Students in America
(USA) Proposal. Testimony was heard from George Scott, Director, Education,
Workforce, and Income Security Team, GAO; and public witnesses.
INTERNATIONAL GENETICS REGULATIONS
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and
Trade held a hearing on Genetics and other Human Modification Technologies:
Sensible International Regulation of New Kind of Arms Race. Testimony was
heard from public witnesses.
FALSE CLAIMS ACT CORRECTION ACT
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property and the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative
Law held a joint hearing on H.R. 4854, False Claims Act Correction Act.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--UTAH NAVAJO TRUST FUND
Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Utah Navajo Trust
Fund. Testimony was heard from Ross O. Swimmer, Special Trustee for American
Indians, Department of the Interior; Tani Pack Downing, Deputy Chief of Staff
and General Counsel, Office of the Governor, State of Utah; and public
witnesses.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT--GRANTMAKING PRACTICES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Examining
Grantmaking Practices at the Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from
J. Robert Flores, Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice.
[Page: D778]
FISA ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 6304, the "FISA Amendments Act of 2008."
The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided among and controlled by
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and
the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions of the bill. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during
consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time
designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Reyes and
Representative Jackson-Lee of Texas.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FY 2008--PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE
AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENTS TO SENATE AMENDMENT
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a non-record vote, a rule providing
for consideration of the Senate amendments to the House amendments to the
Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2642), the "Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 2008." The rule would make in order a motion offered by the chairman of
the Committee on Appropriations that the House (1) concur in the Senate
amendment to the House amendment numbered 1 and (2) concur in the Senate
amendment to the House amendment numbered 2 with the amendment printed in the
Rules Committee report.
The rule waives all points of order against the motion except those arising
under clause 10 of rule XXI. The motion shall be debatable for 1 hour equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Appropriations. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be
considered as read. The Chair shall divide the question between the
dispositions of the two Senate amendments.
Notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone
consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. The rule
permits the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to insert in the
Congressional Record dated June 19, 2008, such material as he may deem
explanatory of the motion.
The rule provides that it shall be in order to consider a concurrent
resolution providing for the adjournment of the House and Senate during the
month of July. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representatives
Woolsey, Lee and Shays.
FEDERAL WEATHER SATELLITE PROGRAM
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
held a hearing on an Insecure Forecast for Continuity of Climate and Weather
Data: The NPOESS Weather Satellite Program. Testimony was heard from David
Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; VADM Conrad
C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and
Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce.
SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTS
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Small Business Exports
in the Current Economic Climate." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard,
and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Federal Maritime Commission
Management and Regulation of International Shipping. Testimony was heard from
the following Commissioners of the Federal Maritime Commission: Rebecca F.
Dye; Joseph E. Brennan; and Harold J. Creel, Jr., and public witnesses.
MISSISSIPPI REDEVELOPMENT
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity held a hearing on Moving Mississippi Forward: Ongoing Progress and
Remaining Problems. Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor, Thompson
of Mississippi, and Pickering; Sidney Melton, Director, Mississippi
Transitional Recovery Office, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Michael
Womack, Director, Emergency Management Agency, States of Mississippi; and
public witnesses.
VETERANS MEASURES
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R.
2721, to amend title 10. United States Code, to require the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to develop, and the Secretary of Defense to distribute to
members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty,
information in a compact disc read-only memory format that lists and explains
the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible
under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans; H.R. 2786,
Servicemembers Telecom Contract Relief Act; H.R. 6070, Military Spouses
Residency Relief Act; H.R. 4255, United States Olympic Committee Paralympic
Program Act of 2007; H.R. 6221, Veteran-Owned Small Business Protection and
Clarification Act of 2008; H.R. 6224, Pilot College Work Study Programs for
Veterans Act of 2008; H.R. 6225, Injunctive Relief for Veterans Act of 2008;
and H.R. 6272, To authorize discretionary appropriations to carry out the
Service Members Occupational Conversion and Training Act of 1992, Testimony
was heard from Representatives Filner, Zoe Lofgren of California, Cardoza,
Carter, and Welch of Vermont; R. Keith Pedigo, Associate Deputy Under
Secretary, Policy and Program Management, Veterans Benefits Administration,
Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and
public witnesses.
[Page: D779]
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENTS STATUS
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight, and the Subcommittee
on Social Security held a joint hearing on Economic Stimulus Payments.
Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the
Treasury: Douglas H. Shulman, Commissioner; and Nina E. Olson, National
Taxpayer Advocate; and Linda McMahon. Deputy Commissioner, Operations, SSA.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human
Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to
receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental
witnesses.
2008/06/20
Daily Digest - Friday, June 20, 2008; pages D781 - D788
Committee Meetings
TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009.
FRANK MELVILLE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING INVESTMENT ACT OF 2008
Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community
Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 5772, Frank Melville Supportive Housing
Investment Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Mark Shelburne, Housing
Finance Agency, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses.
WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY REVELATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on revelations by former White
House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. Testimony was heard from Scott
McClellan.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following
measures:
H. Con. Res. 365, Honoring the life of Robert Mondavi; H. Res. 970, Expressing
support for designation of June 30 as "National Corvette;" and H. Res. 1283,
Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and their families following the
tornado that hit Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008.
2008/06/23
Daily Digest - Monday, June 23, 2008; pages D790 - D796
Committee Meetings
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch approved for
full Committee action, as amended, the Legislative Branch Appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2009.
OIL PRICE SPECULATION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
continued hearings on Energy Speculation: Is Greater Regulation Necessary to
Stop Price Manipulation?--Part II. Testimony was heard from Walter Lukken,
Acting Chairman and Commissioner, CFTC; and public witnesses.
2008/06/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 24, 2008; pages D798 - D810
Committee Meetings
ENERGY MARKETS TRADING
Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review trading in energy markets.
Testimony was heard from Walter Lukken, Acting Chairman, CFTC.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS; BUDGET
ALLOCATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following: Report on the
Suballocation of Budget Allocations, Fiscal Year 2009; Report on the Revised
Suballocation of Budget Allocations, Fiscal Year 2008; and as amended, the
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009: Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs,
and Related Agencies; and Homeland Security.
CLASSIFIED APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Intelligence Oversight Panel met in executive
session and approved Recommendations for Classified Appropriations.
SAFE COMMISSION ACT--LONG-TERM FISCAL CHALLENGE
Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on H.R. 3654, SAFE Commission Act, and
the Long-Term Fiscal Challenge. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker,
former Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses.
IS OSHA FAILING TO ADEQUATELY ENFORCE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY RULES
Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Is OSHA Failing to
Adequately Enforce Construction Safety Rules? Testimony was heard from Edwin
G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health,
Department of Labor; Robert LiMandri, Acting Building Commissioner, New York
City; and public witnesses.
HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2007
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on
H.R. 3014, Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007. Testimony was heard
from Representative Clyburn; the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services: John Ruffin, Director, National Center on Minority
Health and Health Disparities, NIH; and Garth Graham, M.D., Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Minority Heath, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the
Assistant Secretary, Health; and public witnesses.
UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUTURE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the
Internet held a hearing on The Future of Universal Service: To Whom, By Whom,
For What, and How Much? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
bills: H.R. 3329, Homes for Heroes Act of 2007; H.R. 6309, Lead-Safe Housing
for Kids Act of 2008; H.R. 4461, Community Building Code Administration Grant
Act of 2007; and H.R. 4049, Money Service Business Act of 2007.
Will continue markup tomorrow.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on H.R. 5267, Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2008.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Boucher and Goodlatte; R. Bruce
Johnson, Commissioner, Tax Commission, State of Utah; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS REFORM ACT OF 2007; SUBPOENA
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution approved for full
Committee action H.R. 3189, National Security Letters Reform Act of 2007.
The Subcommittee also approved a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue
a subpoena to compel the testimony of Douglas Feith.
ONLINE PHARMACIES AND THE PROBLEM OF INTERNET DRUG ABUSE
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security held a hearing on Online Pharmacies and the Problem of Internet Drug
Abuse. Testimony was heard from Joseph T. Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Diversion Control. Drug Enforcement Administration,
Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
[Page: D806]
WILDLIFE WITHOUT BORDERS AUTHORIZATION ACT; OVERSIGHT--CHANGING
CLIMATE--IMPACT ON WILDLIFE AND OCEANS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
oversight hearing on Planning for a Changing Climate and its Impacts on
Wildlife and Oceans; and a hearing on H.R. 4455, Wildlife Without Borders
Authorization Act. Testimony was heard from Margaret Davidson, Director,
Coastal Services Center, NOAA, Department of Commerce; the following officials
of the Department of the Interior; Dan Ashe, Science Advisor to the Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Kaush Arha, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Fish and Wildlife and Parks; David K. Whitehurst, Director, Wildlife Division,
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, State of Virginia; Tony Bruello,
Deputy Secretary, Climate Change and Energy, Resources Agency, State of
California; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--IMPACTS OF INVASIVE QUAGGA MUSSELS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an
oversight hearing on The Silent Invasion: Finding Solutions to Minimize the
Impacts of Invasive Quagga Mussels on Water Rates, Water Infrastructure and
the Environment. Testimony was heard from Karl Wirkus, Deputy Commissioner for
Operations, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public
witnesses.
AEY CONTRACTS EXAMINATION
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Examination of
AEY Contracts with the U.S. Government. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: BGN William N. Phillips, USA,
Commanding General, Picatinny Arsenal, Commander, Joint Munitions and
Lethality Life Cycle Management Command; Jeffery P. Pasons, Executive
Director, Army Contracting Command (Provisional) U.S. Army Materiel Command;
and Mitchell Howell, Executive Director, Ground Systems and Munitions
Division, Defense Contract Management Agency; and Stephen D. Mull, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Department of
State.
OVERSIGHT--COALITION SUPPORT FUNDS FOR PAKISTAN
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National
Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Oversight of Coalition Support
Funds for Pakistan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
GAO: Charles Michael Johnson, Jr., Director, International Affairs and Trade;
and Steve Sebastian, Director, Financial Management and Assurance Team; the
following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Bobby Wilkes (Ret.),
Deputy Assistant Secretary, South Asia, Office of the Secretary; and John P.
Roth, Deputy Comptroller (Program/Budget), Office of the Under Secretary
(Comptroller); and Ambassador Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Bureau for Political-Military Affairs, Department of State.
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9 to 3, a closed rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 6275, the "Alternative Minimum Tax Relief
Act of 2008." The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Ways and Means.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways
and Means shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be
considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of
the bill, as amended.
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may
postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Neal and Brady of Texas.
ADA RESTORATION ACT OF 2007
Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 3195, the "ADA Restoration Act of 2007."
The rule provides 1 hour of general debate, with 40 minutes equally divided
and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Education and Labor and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
clauses 9 and 10 of 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 adopted and the bill, as amended,
shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the
bill, as amended, are waived.
[Page: D807]
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without 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 Chairman George Miller of
California; and Chairman Conyers
LAND CLAIMS--BAY MILLS INDIAN COMMUNITY AND SAULT STE. MARINE TRIBE OF
CHIPPEWA INDIANS
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 2176, to provide for and approve the
settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community. The rule
provides 1 hour of debate in the House, with 40 minutes equally divided and
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Natural Resources, and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary.
The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except
for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in
the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Rules
Committee report shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of
order against provisions of the bill, as amended, and provides that the bill,
as amended, shall be considered as read. 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 Chairmen Rahall and Conyers; and
Representatives Stupak, Berkley, Miller of Michigan and Campbell of
California.
AMERICAN DECLINE OR RENEWAL
Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and
Oversight continued hearings on American Decline or Renewal? Part 2--the Past
and Future of Skilled Work. Testimony was heard from Paul Brubaker,
Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Department
of Transportation; Randall Iwasaki, Chief Deputy Director, Department of
Transportation, State of California; and public witnesses.
EFFICIENT ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation
held a hearing on Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Road Infrastructure. Testimony
was heard from public witnesses.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit, hearing on Connecting Communities: The Role of the Surface
Transportation Network in Moving People and Freight. Testimony was heard from
Jim Lynch, Director and CEO, Department of Transportation, State of Montana;
H. B. Limehouse, Jr., Secretary, Department of Transportation, State of South
Carolina; and public witnesses.
COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
Committee on Transportation: Subcommittee on Water Resources, and Environment
held a hearing on Comprehensive Watershed Management and Planning. Testimony
was heard from Steven L. Stockton, Director, Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Department of the Army; and public witnesses.
NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES--VA/DOD COOPERATION AND REINTEGRATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
held a hearing on VA/DOD Cooperation and Reintegration of National Guard and
Reserves. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department
of the Army: COL Corinne Ritter, USA Director, Army Reserve Surgeon Office
Forward, U.S. Army Reserve; and SMA Janet Salotti, USA (Ret.). Chief of
Reintegration, Office of Joint Manpower and Personnel, National Guard Bureau;
MG Marianne Mathewson-Chapman, USA (Ret.), National Guard and Reserve
Coordinator, Office of Outreach to Guard and Reserve Families, Veterans Health
Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of
veterans organizations.
PROTECTING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFICIARIES
Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on
Protecting Social Security Beneficiaries from Predatory Lending and Other
Harmful Financial Institution Practices. Testimony was heard from the
following officials of the SSA: Patrick P. O'Carroll, Jr., Inspector General;
and Marianna LaCanfora, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Retirement and
Disability Policy; Gary Grippo, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fiscal Operations,
Department of the Treasury; Steve Fritts, Associate Director, Risk Management
Policy and Examination Support Branch, Division of Supervision and Consumer
Protection, FDIC; and public witnesses.
2008/06/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 25, 2008; pages D811 - D820
Committee Meetings
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT; COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2009
Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the following
Appropriations for Fiscal year 2009: Energy and Water Development, and Related
Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; and Financial
Services and General Government.
CHINA; RECENT SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS
Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on China: Recent Security
Developments. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the
Department of Defense: James J. Shinn, Assistant Secretary, Asian and Pacific
Security Affairs; and MG Philip M. Breedlove, USAF, Vice Director, Strategic
Plans and Policy, the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
[Page: D816]
PRE-K ACT
Committee on Education and Labor: Began markup of H.R. 3289, PRE-K Act.
Will continue tomorrow.
HEALTH IT PROMOTION
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full
Committee action H.R. 6357, Protecting Records, Optimizing Treatment, and
Easing Communication through Healthcare Technology Act of 2008.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R.
3329, amended, Homes for Heroes Act; H.R. 6309, amended, Lead-Safe Housing for
Kids Act of 2008; H.R. 4461, amended, to consider the following bills: H.R.
4049, amended, Money Service Business Act of 2007; H.R. 6306, amended, To
authorize United States participation in, and appropriations for the United
States contributions to, the fifteenth replenishment of the resources of the
International Development Association and the eleventh replenishment of the
resources of the African Development Fund, and for other purposes; H.R. 6216,
amended, Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008; H.R. 1746, amended,
Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2007; and, H.R. 6184, America's
Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008.
The Committee did not agree to H.R. 5767, Payments System Protection Act.
U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE REFORM
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Foreign Assistance Reform:
Rebuilding U.S. Civilian Development and Diplomatic Capacity in the 21st
Century. Testimony was heard from the following former Administrators of the
U.S. Agency for International Development M. Peter McPherson; and J. Brian
Atwood.
U.S.-INDO RELATIONS OUTLOOK
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia
held a hearing on More Than Just the 123 Agreement: The Future of U.S.-Indo
Relations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
GOODYEAR PLANT EXPLOSION CHEMICAL PLANT SECURITY
Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing on The Goodyear Explosion: Ensuring
Our Nation is Secure by Developing a Risk Management Framework for Homeland
Security. Testimony was heard from Robert D. Jamison, Under Secretary,
National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security;
Norman J. Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; John
P. Paczkowski, Director, Emergency and Security, Port Authority of New York
and New Jersey; and public witnesses.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR U.S. ATTORNEYS
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
held a hearing on the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. Testimony
was heard from Kenneth E. Melson, Director, Executive Office for U.S.
Attorneys, Department of Justice; and public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Agreed to a Committee resolution dealing with
an emergency withdrawal of certain federal lands near Grand Canyon National
Park.
The Committee also ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 415, amended, To
amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Taunton
River in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a component of the National Wild
and Scenic Rivers; H.R. 1286, amended, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary
Route National Historic Trail Designation Act; H.R. 1210, amended, Utah
Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 6041, To redesignate the Rio
Grande American Canal in El Paso, Texas, as the "Travis C. Johnson Canal;"
H.R. 1907, amended, Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act; and H.R. 3227,
amended, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to continue stocking fish in
certain lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National
Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE AT K-TOWN: ONE YEAR LATER
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Waste, Fraud,
and Abuse at K-Town: One Year Later. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the GAO: Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and
Special Investigations; Terrell G. Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure,
and Bruce A. Causseaux, Senior Level Contract and Procurement Fraud
Specialist, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; and MAJ Mark Rogers,
USAF, Vice Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Department of the Air Force;
Judith Garber, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian
Affairs, Department of State, and a public witness.
[Page: D817]
ID CARDS; REISSUING BORDER CROSSING CARDS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government
Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on ID Cards:
Reissuing Border Crossing Cards Testimony was heard from Tony Edson, Acting
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of State; Colleen M. Manaher,
Director, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Jess Ford, Director, International Affairs
and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses.
SAVING ENERGY THROUGH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2008
Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a record vote of 8 to 4, a
structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6052, the "Saving Energy
Through Public Transportation Act of 2008." The rule provides for 1 hour of
general debate 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
those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the
bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against
provisions in the bill.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee
report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those
arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendments made in order shall
be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this
report equally divided by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject
to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the
question.
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
Notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone
further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the
rule allows the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules on the
legislative day of Thursday, June 26, 2008, relating to (a) a measure
concerning the Commodity Exchange Act and energy markets; or (b) a measure
concerning the issuance of oil and gas leases on Federal lands or waters.
Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representative McGovern.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 4174, Federal Ocean Acidification Research and
Monitoring Act of 2007; and H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program
Amendments Act of 2008.
ONLINE ADVERTISING IMPACTS
Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and
Trade held a hearing entitled "The Impact of Online Advertising on Small
Firms." Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PIPELINE INSPECTION, PROTECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ACT OF 2006
IMPLEMENTATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads,
Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Implementation of the
Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006. Testimony
was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation:
Carl T. Johnson, Administrator, and Stacey L. Gerard, Assistant Administrator,
both with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and Calvin L
Scovel III, Inspector General; and John Sammon, Assistant Administrator,
Transportation Sector Network Management, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
GLOBAL CLIMATE--NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and the
Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management of the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence held a joint hearing on National Security
Implications of Global Climate. Testimony was heard from Thomas Fingar, Deputy
Director (Analysis), Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Rolf
Mowatt-Larssen, Director, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence,
Department of Energy; VADM Paul G. Gaffney II, USN (Ret.), former Commander,
Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command; Kent Hughes Butts, Professor of
Political-Military Strategy, Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War
College; and public witnesses.
2008/06/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, June 26, 2008; pages D822 - D831
Committee Meetings
POLLINATOR HEALTH
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture
held a hearing to review the status of pollinator health including colony
collapse disorder. Testimony was heard from Representative Hastings of
Florida; Edward Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Services, USDA;
and public witnesses.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION; AND AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
C |
