108th Congress (2003 - 2004)
January 20 - December 20, 2004
Senate Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at thomas.loc.gov
You may search all Digest meeting records, from 1985 to the present, using
NCSU's U.S. Congressional Committee Meetings Index.
This database of committee hearings from the "Daily Digest" is not exhaustive, particularly so for field hearings.
2004/01/20
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 20, 2004; pages D1 - D6
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
OVERTIME PAY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine the Department
of Labor's proposed rule on overtime pay, after receiving testimony from
Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor; Jared Bernstein, Economic Policy
Institute, Ronald Bird, Employment Policy Foundation, Andrew J. McDevitt,
American Payroll Association, Patti Hefner, on behalf of the American Nurses
Association, Richard L. Trumka, AFL-CIO, and David S. Fortney, Fortney and
Scott, all of Washington, D.C.
NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENTS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee met in closed session to receive a
briefing on North Korean nuclear developments and the Six-Power Talks from
Siegfried Hecker, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; and
Keith Luse and Frank Jannuzi, both of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/21
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 21, 2004; pages D8 - D12
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENTS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing on North Korean
Nuclear Developments, after receiving testimony from Siegfried Hecker, Los
Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
[Page: D10]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/22
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 22, 2004; pages D14 - D15
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
NIH
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine avoiding
conflicts of interest at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on
the executive branch ethics program and the role of the Office of Government
Ethics (OGE), OGE program reviews at NIH, and recusals and audits, policies
and procedures for avoiding conflicts of interest, after receiving testimony
from Elias A. Zerhouni, Director, Stephen I. Katz, Director, National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Edgar M.
Swindell, Associate General Counsel, Ethics Division, Ruth Kirschstein, Senior
Advisor to the Director, and John I. Gallin, Director, Warren G. Magnuson
Clinical Center, all of the National Institutes of Health, Department of
Health and Human Services; and Marilyn L. Glynn, Acting Director, Office of
Government Ethics.
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed session to receive a
briefing on ongoing military activities in Iraq and Afghanistan from Peter W.
Rodman, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs;
Rear Admiral Robert B. Murrett, USN, Director for Intelligence, J-2, and
Lieutenant General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Director for Operations, J-3,
both of U.S. Joint Forces Command; and Reuben Jeffery III, Coalition
Provisional Authority.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nominations of Raymond W. Gruender, of Missouri, to be United States Circuit
Judge for the Eighth Circuit, who was introduced by Senators Bond and Talent;
Ricardo S. Martinez, to be United States District Judge for the Western
District of Washington, who was introduced by Senator Murray; Gene E. K.
Pratter, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania, who was introduced by Senators Specter and Santorum; and Neil
Vincent Wake, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona,
who was introduced by Senator Kyl, after each nominee testified and answered
questions in their own behalf.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on
intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence
community. Committee recessed subject to call.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/23
Daily Digest - Friday, January 23, 2004; pages D17 - D20
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/26
Daily Digest - Monday, January 26, 2004; pages D21 - D24
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/27
Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 27, 2004; pages D26 - D30
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
FOOD SAFETY: BSE
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the current situation regarding the discovery of a case of
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow in Washington State as
it relates to food safety, livestock marketing and international trade, after
receiving testimony from Senators Durbin and Allard; Ann M. Veneman, Secretary
of Agriculture; Lester M. Crawford, Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs,
Department of Health and Human Services; and Alfonso Torres, Cornell
University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York.
[Page: D27]
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the budget
and economic outlook for fiscal years 2005 to 2014, after receiving testimony
from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, Congressional Budget Office.
AFGHANISTAN
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to assess the
international effort to stabilize and rebuild Afghanistan, focusing on the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), after receiving testimony from
General James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Supreme
Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe, Mons, Belgium; and William B. Taylor, Jr.,
Coordinator for Afghanistan, Department of State.
MUTUAL FUNDS
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Financial Management, the
Budget, and International Security concluded an oversight hearing to examine
the disclosure of mutual fund fees and the need for additional disclosures of
mutual fund practices, including how the fees and other costs that investors
pay as part of owning fund shares can affect their investment returns, after
receiving testimony from Richard J. Hillman, Director, Financial Markets and
Community Investment, General Accounting Office; New York Attorney General
Eliot L. Spitzer, Albany; Peter T. Scannell, Weymouth Landing, Massachusetts;
James Nesfield, Nesfield Capital, Engelhard, North Carolina; John C. Bogle,
Bogle Financial Markets Research Center/Vanguard Group, Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania; Jeffrey C. Keil, Lipper Inc., Travis Plunkett, Consumer
Federation of America, Paul S. Stevens, Dechert LLP, on behalf of the
Investment Company Institute, and Marc E. Lackritz, Securities Industry
Association, all of Washington, D.C.; and John P. Freeman, University of South
Carolina School of Law, Columbia.
U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTINUITY
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine a
proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee a functioning Congress, with
respect to ensuring the continuity of the United States government, after
receiving testimony from former Senator Alan Simpson, on behalf of the
Continuity of Government Commission; Sanford V. Levinson, University of Texas
Law School, Austin; and Howard M. Wasserman, Florida International University
College of Law, Miami.
SEAPORT SECURITY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and
Homeland Security concluded a hearing to examine seaport security since
September 11, 2001, focusing on the National Targeting Center, the Automated
Targeting System, the Container Security Initiative, and non-intrusive
inspection and radiation detection technologies, after receiving testimony
from Rear Admiral Larry L. Hereth, Director of Port Security, U.S. Coast
Guard, and Robert M. Jacksta, Executive Director, Border Security and
Facilitation, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection, both
of the Department of Homeland Security; and Gary M. Bald, Acting Assistant
Director, Counter-Terrorism Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Department of Justice.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
retirement planning, including retirement reform proposals, after receiving
testimony from Jack L. VanDerhei, Temple University, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on behalf of the Employee Benefit Research Institute; and
Jagadeesh Gokhale, CATO Institute, Washington, D.C.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/28
Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 28, 2004; pages D31 - D38
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
WMD
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine efforts
to determine the status of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and related
programs, after receiving testimony from David Kay, former Special Advisor to
the Director of Central Intelligence on Strategy Regarding Iraqi Weapons of
Mass Destruction Programs.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported 4,763
nominations in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nominations of Francis J. Harvey, of California, to be Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Networks and Information Integration, and Lawrence T. Di Rita, of
Michigan, to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs; and William
A. Chatfield, of Texas, to be Director of Selective Service, after each
nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
NASA
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the future space mission of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), focusing on exploration activities in low Earth
orbit, the space shuttle, the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars and
other destinations, space transportation capabilities supporting exploration,
and international and commercial participation, after receiving testimony from
Sean O'Keefe, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
Louis D. Friedman, Planetary Society, Pasadena, California; Neal Lane, Rice
University Department of Physics and Astronomy, Houston, Texas; Howard E.
McCurdy, American University Department of Public Administration School of
Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.; and Richard Tumlinson, Space Frontier
Foundation, Nyack, New York.
PAKISTAN AND INDIA
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee met in closed session to receive a
briefing regarding steps toward rapprochement in relation to Pakistan and
India from members of the intelligence community.
PAKISTAN AND INDIA
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine steps
toward rapprochement, focusing on the aversion of nuclear war, the status of
Kashmir, prospects for detente, and controls against arms proliferation, after
receiving testimony from Frank Wisner, American International Group, New York,
New York; Stephen P. Cohen, Brookings Institution, and Michael Krepon, Henry
L. Stimson Center, both of Washington, D.C.
HEALTH CARE COSTS
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine health issues relating to health care costs and the
uninsured, focusing on inefficiencies in America's health care delivery
systems, after receiving testimony from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director,
Congressional Budget Office; Arnold Milstein, Pacific Business Group on
Health, San Francisco, California; Karen Davis, The Commonwealth Fund, New
York, New York; Christopher J. Conover, Duke University, Terry Sanford
Institute of Public Policy, Durham, North Carolina; and Gail R. Wilensky,
Project HOPE, Bethesda, Maryland.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported S. 1721, to
amend the Indian Land Consolidation Act to improve provisions relating to
probate of trust and restricted land, with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute.
[Page: D33]
NOMINATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nomination of Franklin S. Van Antwerpen, of Pennsylvania, to be United States
Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, after the nominee, who was introduced by
Senators Specter and Santorum, testified and answered questions in his own
behalf.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/29
Daily Digest - Thursday, January 29, 2004; pages D39 - D40
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
TREATY
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine The
Protocol Additional to the Agreement Between the United States of America and
the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in
the United States of America, with annexes, signed at Vienna June 12, 1998
(Treaty Doc. 107-7), after receiving testimony from Linton F. Brooks,
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; Peter Lichtenbaum,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration; Susan F. Burk,
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Non-proliferation; and Mark T. Esper,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Negotiations Policy.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/01/30
Daily Digest - Friday, January 30, 2003; pages D41 - D42
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/02
Daily Digest - Monday, February 2, 2004; pages D44 - D47
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the following
bills:
S. 882, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide improvements in
tax administration and taxpayer safe-guards, with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute;
An original bill entitled "National Employee Savings and Trust Equity
Guarantee Act"; and
An original bill entitled "Highway Reauthorization and Excise Tax
Simplification Act of 2004".
[Page: D46]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/03
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 3, 2004; pages D50 - D54
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
No committee meetings were held.
[Page: D51]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/04
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 4, 2004; pages D55 - D59
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2005 and future years defense
program, after receiving testimony from Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of
Defense; and General Peter Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the
nominations of Lawrence T. Di Rita, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Public Affairs, and Francis J. Harvey, of California, to be an
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration, and
438 military nominations in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Committee ordered favorably
reported an original bill entitled Federal Public transportation Act of 2004.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Administration's Health and Human Services budget priorities for fiscal year
2005, after receiving testimony from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health
and Human Services.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
workforce issues relating to preserving a strong United States Postal Service,
after receiving testimony from Walter M. Olihovik, National Association of
Postmasters of the United States, Steve D. LeNoir, National League of
Postmasters, and Ted Keating, National Association of Postal Supervisors, all
of Alexandria, Virginia; John Calhoun Wells, San Antonio, Texas, former
Director of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; James L. Medoff,
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Michael L. Wachter,
University of Pennsylvania Law School, Philadelphia.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/05
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 5, 2004; pages D62 - D63
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
NOMINATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nominations of William Gerry Myers III, of Idaho, to be United States Circuit
Judge for the Ninth Circuit, who was introduced by Senators Craig and Crapo,
William S. Duffey, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the Northern
District of Georgia, who was introduced by Senators Miller and Chambliss, and
Lawrence F. Stengel, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania, who was introduced by Senators Specter and Santorum,
after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
[Page: D63]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/06
Daily Digest - Friday, February 6, 2004; pages D66 - D70
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/09
Daily Digest - Monday, February 9, 2004; pages D72 - D74
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the
Department of Homeland Security, after receiving testimony from Tom Ridge,
Secretary of Homeland Security.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/10
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 10, 2004; pages D75 - D80
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS--HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the
Department of Homeland Security, after receiving testimony from Tom Ridge,
Secretary of Homeland Security.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
proposed Department of Defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005 and
the Future Years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from General Peter
J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, United States Army; Admiral Vernon E.
Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; General Michael W. Hagee, USMC,
Commandant of the Marine Corps; and General John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of
Staff, United States Air Force.
GSE'S
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine proposals for improving the regulatory regime of government
sponsored enterprises (GSE's) and oversight, focusing on the application of
federal securities law disclosure and reporting requirements to Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac and the federal home lone bands, after receiving testimony from
David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States; Alan L. Beller,
Director, Division of Corporation Finance, U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, General Accounting Office; Richard S. Carnell, Fordham University
School of Law, New York, New York; and James R. Rayburn, Jackson, Mississippi,
on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the
Department of Energy, after receiving testimony from Kyle E. McSlarrow, Deputy
Secretary of Energy.
NOMINATION
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination
of Samuel W. Bodman, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, after the nominee
testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of
Veterans Affairs, after receiving testimony from Anthony J. Principi,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who was accompanied by several of his
associates; Richard B. Jones, AMVETS, Lanham, Maryland; and Paul A. Hayden,
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Rick Surratt, Disabled American
Veterans, Richard B. Fuller, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Peter S.
Gaytan, American Legion, all of Washington, D.C.
ELDERCARE
Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine tax
relief strategies for eldercare, focusing on Senior Elder Care Relief and
Empowerment (SECURE) Act, after receiving testimony from Sandra Markwood,
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Flora Green, The Senior's
Coalition, and Richard Teske, all of Washington, D.C.; Gail Gibson Hunt,
National Alliance for Caregiving, Bethesda, Maryland; and Trudy Elliott, Coer
d' Alene, Idaho.
[Page: D77]
Joint Meetings
PRESIDENT'S ECONOMIC REPORT
Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
economic report of the President, after receiving testimony from N. Gregory
Mankiw, Chairman, and Harvey S. Rosen and Kristin J. Forbes, both members, all
of the Council of Economic Advisors.
2004/02/11
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 11, 2004; pages D81 - D88
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
RECONSTRUCTION IN IRAQ
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on
International Trade and Finance concluded a hearing to examine economic and
financial reconstruction in Iraq, focusing on the development of Iraq's
financial sector, after receiving testimony from John B. Taylor, Under
Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs; Earl Anthony Wayne,
Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs; and Gordon
West, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East,
United States Agency for International Development.
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine efforts to protect children from violent and indecent
programming, focusing on FCC's enforcement actions, the rise of public
concern, the television V-chip and program ratings legislation, and
family-friendly television programming, after receiving testimony from Senator
Graham (SC); Michael K. Powell, Chairman, and Kathleen Q. Abernathy, Michael
J. Copps, Kevin J. Martin, Jonathan S. Adelstein, each a Commissioner, all of
the Federal Communications Commission.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably
reported the following business items:
S. 213, to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with
the Middle Rio Grande Project, with an amendment;
S. 524, to expand the boundaries of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield to
authorize the acquisition and interpretation of lands associated with the
campaign that resulted in the capture of the fort in 1862, with an amendment;
S. 943, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into 1 or more
contracts with the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, for the storage of water in the
Kendrick Project, Wyoming, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 960, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act to authorize certain projects in the State of Hawaii and to
amend the Hawaii Water Resources Act of 2000 to modify the water resources
study, with an amendment;
S. 1107, to enhance the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program for the
National Park Service, with an amendment;
S. 1516, to further the purposes of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and
Adjustment Act of 1992 by directing the Secretary of the Interior, acting
through the commissioner of Reclamation, to carry out an assessment and
demonstration program to assess potential increases in water availability for
Bureau of Reclamation projects and other uses through control of salt cedar
and Russian olive, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 1576, to revise the boundary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park;
S. 1577, to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a
hydroelectric project in the State of Wyoming;
S. 1848, to amend the Bend Pine Nursery Land Conveyance Act to direct the
Secretary of Agriculture to sell the, Bend Pine Nursery Administration Site in
the State of Oregon, with an amendment;
H.R. 408, to provide for expansion of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore;
H.R. 417, to revoke a Public Land Order with respect to certain lands
erroneously included in the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, California;
H.R. 708, to require the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in
Mendocino National Forest, California, to provide for the use of the proceeds
from such conveyance for National Forest purposes;
H.R. 856, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise a repayment
contract with the Tom Green County Water Control and Improvement District No.
1, San Angelo project, Texas;
H.R. 1598, to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in
projects within the San Diego Creek Watershed, California;
S. 1167, to resolve the boundary conflicts in Barry and Stone Counties in the
State of Missouri, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
An original bill with statutes related to National Parks.
INDIAN PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee held a hearing to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for Indian Programs,
receiving testimony from Tex G. Hall, National Congress of American Indians,
H. Sally Smith, National Indian Health Board, Russell Sossamon, National
American Indian Housing, Council, and Gary L. Edwards, National Native Law
Enforcement Association, all of Washington, D.C.; Don Kashevaroff, Alaska
Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska; and Cindy La Marr,
National Indian Education Association, Alexandria, Virginia.
[Page: D83]
Hearings continue on Wednesday, February 25.
CABLE COMPETITION
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and
Consumer Rights concluded a hearing to examine cable industry competition,
focusing on the state of competition in a multichannel video market, after
receiving testimony from Michael Willner, Insight Communications, New York,
New York; Rodger Johnson, Knology, Inc., West Point, Georgia, on behalf of the
Broadband Service Providers Association; Coralie Wilson, National Association
of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Alexandria, Virginia; and Robert
Sachs, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, Scott Cleland,
Precursor Group, and Mark N. Cooper, Consumer Federation of America, all of
Washington, D.C.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nominations of Diane S. Sykes, of Wisconsin, to be United States Circuit Judge
for the Seventh Circuit, who was introduced by Senators Kohl and Feingold, and
Representative Sensebrenner; James L. Robart, to be United States District
Judge for the Western District of Washington, who was introduced by Senators
Murray and Cantwell; and Juan R. Sanchez, to be United States District Judge
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who was introduced by Senators
Specter and Santorum.
2004/02/12
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 12, 2004; pages D90 - D96
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
MONETARY POLICY REPORT
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the first monetary policy report to Congress for 2004,
after receiving testimony from Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of
Health and Human Services, after receiving testimony from Tommy G. Thompson,
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUDGET
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the President's proposed fiscal year 2005 budget for the Department of
the Interior, after receiving testimony from Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the
Interior.
PUBLIC LANDS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and
Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 1466, to facilitate the transfer of
land in the State of Alaska, S. 1421, to authorize the subdivision and
dedication of restricted land owned by Alaska Natives, S. 1649, to designate
the Ojito Wilderness Study Area as wilderness, to take certain land into trust
for the Pueblo of Zia, and S. 1910, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to
carry out an inventory and management program for forests derived from public
domain land, after receiving testimony from Senator Stevens; Kathleen Clarke,
Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Peter M.
Pino, Pueblo of Zia, Zia Pueblo, New Mexico; Martin Heinrich, Albuquerque, New
Mexico; Marty Rutherford, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and Jack
Hession, Sierra Club, both of Anchorage, Alaska; James Mery, Doyon, Limited,
Fairbanks, Alaska; Russell Heath, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, and
Edward K. Thomas, Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska,
both of Juneau, Alaska.
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUDGET
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's
proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of the
Treasury, after receiving testimony from John W. Snow, Secretary of the
Treasury.
[Page: D93]
NOMINATION
Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of
Samuel W. Bodman, of Massachusetts, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
STATE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
President's proposed fiscal year 2005 International Affairs budget for the
Department of State, focusing on foreign policy and programs in winning the
war on terrorism, global economic growth, and AIDS relief, after receiving
testimony from Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State.
U.S.-VIETNAMESE RELATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs
concluded a hearing to examine the future of U.S.-Vietnamese relations,
focusing on trade and human rights issues, after receiving testimony from John
V. Hanford III, Ambassador at Large, Office of International Religious
Freedom, and Matthew Daley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian
and Pacific Affairs, both of the Department of State; Michael Young, Chair,
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; Bob Seiple,
Institute for Global Management, St. Davids, Pennsylvania; Virginia Foote,
U.S.-Vietnam Trade Council, and Viet D. Dinh, Georgetown University Law
Center, both of Washington, D.C.; Nguyen Dinh Thang, Boat People S.O.S., Inc.,
Falls Church, Virginia; and Rmahy Eban, Montagnard Refugee.
DOD CONTRACTORS AND TAX SYSTEM
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
concluded a hearing to examine Department of Defense contractors abuse of the
federal tax system, focusing on the need to strengthen government financial
management procedures and assure that Department of Defense contractors meet
their federal tax obligations, after receiving testimony from Gregory D. Kutz
and Steven J. Sebastian, both Directors of Financial Management and Assurance,
and John J. Ryan, Assistant Director, Office of Special Investigations, all of
the General Accounting Office; Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, Internal Revenue
Service, and Richard L. Gregg, Commissioner, Financial Management Service,
both of the Department of the Treasury; and Lawrence J. Lanzillotta, Principal
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Deputy Under Secretary of
Defense for Management Reform.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee met to discuss certain committee
business, made no announcements, and recessed subject to the call.
GUEST WORKER PROPOSAL
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration Border Security
concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposal to create a new
temporary worker program, focusing on immigration reform issues, enforcement
of labor laws, labor demographics, and the Mexican Labor Program, after
receiving testimony from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security, and Eduardo, Aguirre, Director, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, both of the Department of Homeland Ssecurity; Steven J.
Law, Deputy Secretary of Labor; Richard R. Birkman, Texas Roofing Company of
Austin, Austin, Texas, on behalf of the National Roofing Contractors
Association; Demetrios G. Papademetriou, Migration Policy Institute, and
Charles Cervantes, United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, both of
Washington, D.C.; and Vernon M. Briggs, Jr., Cornell University, Ithaca, New
York.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUDGET
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year
2005 for the Small Business Administration, after receiving testimony from
Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration; Anthony
R. Wilkinson, National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, Inc.,
Stillwater, Oklahoma; David M. Coit, North Atlantic Capital, Portland, Maine,
on behalf of the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies;
Mary Mathews, Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc., Virginia, Minnesota, on
behalf of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity; and Ellen Golden,
Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Wiscasset, Maine, on behalf of the Association of
Women's Business Centers.
BUSINESS MEETING
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to consider
pending intelligence matters. Committee recessed subject to the call.
[Page: D94]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/23
Daily Digest - Monday, February 23, 2004; pages D97 - D102
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
[Page: D98]
2005 BUDGET: DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Committee on the Budget: on Friday, February 13, Committee concluded a hearing
to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for
the Department of the Treasury, after receiving testimony from John W. Snow,
Secretary of the Treasury.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/24
Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 24, 2004; pages D103 - D110
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
MAD COW DISEASE
Committee on Appropriations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
federal government's response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow
disease), focusing on how the finding of BSE has affected cattle and beef
markets and what the short-term outlook is for these markets in coming months,
including the Administration's efforts to normalize trade in certain U.S.
export markets, and the development of a national animal identification
program, after receiving testimony from Elsa A. Murano, Under Secretary for
Food Safety, Keith J. Collins, Chief Economist, and Ron DeHaven, Deputy
Administrator for Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, all of the Department of Agriculture; Lester Crawford, Deputy
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Julie Louise Gerberding, Director,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Anthony S. Fauci, Director,
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of
Health, all of the Department of Health and Human Services; and Dennis C.
Wolff, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg.
[Page: D104]
GOVERNMENT SPONSORED ENTERPRISES
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded hearings
to examine proposals for improving the regulation of the housing-related
government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), specifically the Federal National
Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(Freddie Mac), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), and a proposal for the
GSE regulator with certain authority, after receiving testimony from Alan
Greenspan, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
INTERNET VOICE SERVICES
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine Internet voice services and the role of the Federal
Communications Commission to facilitate the growth and development of
voice-over-Internet-protocol, after receiving testimony from Senator
Alexander; Michael K. Powell, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission;
Jeffrey Citron, Vonage Holdings Corporation, Edison, New Jersey; Glen A.
Britt, Time Warner Cable, Stamford, Connecticut; Glen F. Post, CenturyTel
Incorporated, Monroe, Louisiana; Stan Wise, Georgia Public Service Commission,
Atlanta, on behalf of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners; and Kevin Werbach, Supernova Group LLC, Villanova,
Pennsylvania.
NATION'S ELECTRICITY
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the current state of the nation's electricity transmission grid,
focusing on the reliability of the bulk electric systems in North America, and
the recommendations of the North American Reliability Council (NERC) to
prevent and mitigate future blackouts, after receiving testimony from James W.
Glotfelty, Director, Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution and U.S.
Director of the Power System Outage Task Force, Department of Energy; Michehl
R. Gent, North American Electric Reliability Council, Princeton, New Jersey;
Phillip G. Harris, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., Norristown, Pennsylvania;
James P. Torgerson, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator,
Indianapolis, Indiana; and Louise McCarren, Western Energy Coordinating
Council, Salt Lake City, Utah.
HAITI
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee met in closed session to receive a
briefing on Haiti's political crisis from Roger Noriega, Assistant Secretary
of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
MIDDLE EAST
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
rethinking the road map regarding the Middle East, focusing on psychological
obstacles to diplomacy, the 1967 ceasefire lines, Israeli settlements in the
Gaza Strip, and Palestinian political reform, after receiving testimony from
Henry A. Kissinger, former Secretary of State, Dennis Ross, Washington
Institute for Near East Policy, Robert Malley, International Crisis Group, and
Martin Indyk, Brookings Institution, all of Washington, D.C.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE WORKFORCE REFORM
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
the Report of the President's Commission on the United States Postal Service,
focusing on the Commission's workforce recommendations, including
performance-based compensation systems, collective bargaining for pension and
retiree health benefits, and funding of accrued military service retirement
benefits for postal employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System,
after receiving testimony from Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, Office of
Personnel Management; William H. Young, National Association of Letter
Carriers, William Burrus, American Postal Workers Union (AFL-CIO), and John F.
Hegarty, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, all of Washington, D.C.; and
Dale A. Holton, National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, Alexandria,
Virginia.
CYBERTERRORISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and
Homeland Security concluded a hearing to examine the current threat of
cyberterrorism, focusing on federal, state and local efforts to secure
information networks, after receiving testimony from John G. Malcolm, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, and Keith Lourdeau, Deputy Assistant Director,
Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, both of the Department of
Justice; Amit Yoran, Director, National Cyber Security Division, Department of
Homeland Security; Howard A. Schmidt, eBay Incorporated, San Jose, California;
and Dan Verton, Burke, Virginia.
[Page: D105]
NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
current and future worldwide threats to the national security of the United
States, focusing on global terrorism, Russia's nuclear weapons stockpile,
chemical and biological weapons, missiles, information operations, and
international crime, after receiving testimony George J. Tenet, Director,
Central Intelligence Agency; Robert S. Mueller III, Director, Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Department of Justice; and Vice Admiral Lowell E. Jacoby,
U.S. Navy, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on
intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence
community.
Committee recessed subject to call.
PREDATORY LENDING
Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine federal
and state government protection of older Americans from predatory financial
lenders, including the usefulness of consumer education, counseling, and
disclosures as a deterrence, after receiving testimony from David G. Wood,
Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, General Accounting
Office; John C. Weicher, Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner; Howard Beales, Director, Bureau of
Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission; Gavin M. Gee, Idaho Department
of Finance, Boise; Lavada E. DeSalles, American Association of Retired
Persons, Washington, D.C.; and Veronica Harding, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Joint Meetings
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs concluded joint hearings
with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine certain legislative
recommendations and concerns of wartime service-connected disabled veterans,
after receiving testimony from Alan W. Bowers, Disabled American Veterans,
Cold Spring, Kentucky.
2004/02/25
Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 25, 2004; pages D111 - D120
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the government of the District of Columbia, after receiving testimony from
Rufus G. King III, Chief Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia;
Annice M. Wagner, Chief Judge, D.C. Court of Appeals and Chair, Joint
Committee on Judicial Administration; and Frederick Lindstrom, U.S. Commission
of Fine Arts, Craig W. Floyd, National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and
Patricia Gallagher, National Capital Planning Commission, all of Washington,
D.C.
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel concluded a hearing to
examine policies and programs for preventing and responding to incidents of
sexual assault in the armed services, after receiving testimony from David
S.C. Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; General
George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army; Admiral
Michael G. Mullen, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and Terri J. Rau,
Head, Policy and Prevention Section, Counseling, Advocacy and Prevention
Branch, Navy Personnel Command, Bureau of Naval Personnel, both of the United
States Navy; General William L. Nyland, USMC, Assistant Commandant, United
States Marine Corps; General T.Michael Moseley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff,
United States Air Force; Susan H. Mather, Chief Officer, Office of Public
Health and Environmental Hazards, Veterans Health Administration, Department
of Veterans' Affairs; Christine Hansen, The Miles Foundation, Newtown,
Connecticut; and Deborah D. Tucker, National Center on Domestic and Sexual
Violence, Austin, Texas.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces concluded a
hearing to examine the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental
Management, Office of Future Liabilities, and Office of Legacy Management, in
review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005, after
receiving testimony from Jessie H. Roberson, Assistant Secretary for
Environment Management, and Michael W. Owen, Director, Office of Legacy
Management, both of the Department of Energy.
MUTUAL FUND INDUSTRY
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine current investigations and regulatory actions regarding the
mutual fund industry, focusing on understanding the fund industry from the
investor's perspective, including the role of State Treasurers, financial
literacy Programs, management fee disclosure, and the recent scandals in the
industry, after receiving testimony from Gary Gensler, Brooklandville,
Maryland, former Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance; Tim
Berry, Indiana State Treasurer, Indianapolis, on behalf of the National
Association of State Treasurers; James S. Riepe, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.,
Baltimore, Maryland; Don Phillips, Morningstar, Inc., Chicago, Illinois; and
James K. Glassman, American Enterprise Institute, Washington, D.C.
HOUSING GSEs
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs : Committee concluded a
hearing to examine proposals for improving the regulation of the housing
government sponsored enterprises(GSEs), after receiving testimony from
Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae, Washington, D.C.;Richard F. Syron, Freddie
Mac, McLean, Virginia; and Norman B. Rice, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle,
Seattle, Washington.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of
Homeland Security, after receiving testimony from Tom Ridge, Secretary of
Homeland Security.
[Page: D113]
SEAFOOD PROCESSOR QUOTAS
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the economic implications of seafood processor quotas,
focusing on the Alaska crabrationalization plan developed by North Pacific
Fishery Management Council, including effects on competition of the
rationalization plan and antitrust issues associated with the plan's price
arbitration system, after receiving testimony from J. Bruce McDonald, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice; Anu K.
Mittal, Director, National Resources and Environment, and Keith Oleson,
Assistant Director, both of the General Accounting Office; Robert Halvorsen,
University of Washington, and Joseph T. Plesha, Trident Seafoods Corporation,
both of Seattle; Scott C. Matulich, Washington State University, Pullman;
Richard D. Young, Crescent City, California, on behalf of the Fishermen's
Marketing Association; and Richard Powell, Kodiak, Alaska.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered favorably reported the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, with Annexes, done at Montego
Bay, December 10, 1982 (the "Convention"), and the Agreement Relating to the
Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea of 10 December 1982, with Annex, adopted at New York, July 28, 1994 (the
"Agreement"), and signed by the United States, subject to ratification, on
July 29, 1994 (Treaty Doc. 103-39).
TAX TREATIES
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of
Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, signed at Washington on
November 6, 2003, together with a Protocol and an exchange of notes (the
"Convention") (Treaty Doc. 108-14), and the Protocol Amending the Convention
Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of
the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income
signed at Colombo on March 14, 1985, together with an exchange of notes,
signed at Washington on September 20, 2002 (the "Protocol") (Treaty Doc.
108-9), focusing on a zero-rate dividend provision, anti-conduit rules,
insurance excise tax, restructured financial institutions, and the U.S.
operating subsidiary, after receiving testimony from Barbara M. Angus,
International Tax Counsel, Department of the Treasury; George Yin, Chief of
Staff, Joint Committee on Taxation; William A. Reinsch, National Foreign Trade
Council, and James W. Fatheree, U.S.-Japan Business Council, both of
Washington, D.C.
USAID CONTRACTING POLICIES
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on International Economic Policy,
Export and Trade Promotion concluded a hearing to examine the United States
Agency for International Development's (USAID) contracting policies, focusing
on programs in Afghanistan and Iraq, after receiving testimony from Everett L.
Mosley, Inspector General, and Tim Beans, Director, Office of Procurement,
both of the United States Agency for International Development; Frederick D.
Barton, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Allan V. Burman,
Jefferson Solutions, and Marcus L. Stevenson, The Urban Institute, all of
Washington, D.C.
INDIAN PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded hearings to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for Indian Programs,
after receiving testimony from Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for American
Indians, Department of the Interior; Gary J. Hartz, Acting Director, Office of
Public Health, Indian Health Service, and Douglas Black, Director, Office of
Tribal Programs, Indian Health Service, both of the Department of Health and
Human Services; Victoria Vasques, Deputy Under Secretary, and Director, Office
of Indian Education, and Lonna Jones, Acting Director, Elementary, Secondary
and Vocational Analysis Division, Budget Service, both of the Department of
Education; Michael Liu, Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
for Public and Indian Housing; David Garman, Assistant Secretary of Energy for
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Tracy Henke, Deputy Associate
Attorney General, Department of Justice.
NOMINATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nomination of Roger T. Benitez, to be United States District Judge for the
Southern District of California, after the nominee, who was introduced by
Senator Feinstein, testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
Testimony was also received from Marilyn L. Huff, Chief Judge, U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of California; and Thomas Z. Hayward, Jr.,
Chicago, Illinois, and Richard M. Macias, Los Angeles, California, both on
behalf of the Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary, American Bar
Association.
[Page: D114]
Joint Meetings
HEALTH CARE
Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
performance and potential of consumer driven health care, focusing on new
health savings account options, employee choice, and health insurance risks,
after receiving testimony from Arnold Milstein, Pacific Business Group on
Health, San Francisco, California, on behalf of Mercer Human Resource
Consulting; John M. Bertko, Humana, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky; Howard Leach,
Logan Aluminum, Inc., Russellville, Kentucky; and Gail Shearer, Consumers
Union, Washington, D.C.
[Page: D118]
HOMELAND SECURITY: NEW HUMAN RESOURCES SYSTEM
Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on
Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia concluded a joint hearing with the House Committee on Government
Reform Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Reorganization to examine the
new personnel system of the Department of Homeland Security, after receiving
testimony from Admiral James M. Loy, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security;
Kay Coles James, Director, Office of Personnel Management; David M. Walker,
Comptroller General, General Accounting Office; and John Gage, American
Federation of Government Employees, Colleen M. Kelley, National Treasury
Employees Union, and Mike Randall, National Association of Agriculture
Employees, all of Washington, D.C.
2004/02/26
Daily Digest - Thursday, February 26, 2004; pages D121 - D127
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the
Department of Homeland Security, focusing on emergency preparedness and
response, after receiving testimony from Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of
Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response.
APPROPRIATIONS: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION/OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
POLICY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, after receiving testimony from Arden L. Bement, Jr., Acting Director,
National Science Foundation; Warren M. Washington, Chair, National Science
Board; and John H. Marburger III, Director, Office of Science and Technology
Policy.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the
nomination of Kiron Kanina Skinner, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the
National Security Education Board, and 2,235 nominations in the Army, Marine
Corps and Air Force.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the nominations of Alphonso R. Jackson, of Texas, to be
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who was introduced by Senators
Bond, Hutchison, and Cornyn, Linda Mysliwy Conlin, of New Jersey, to be a
Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United
States, and Rhonda Keenum, of Mississippi, to be Assistant Secretary of
Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial
Services, who was introduced by Senator Cochran and Representative Wicker,
after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
MUTUAL FUND INDUSTRY
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine current investigations and regulatory actions regarding the
mutual fund industry, focusing on fund operations and governance, focusing on
corporate governance reforms, a proposed mutual fund oversight board, the
practices of late trading and market timing, and prospectus disclosures, after
receiving testimony from David S. Ruder, Northwestern University School of
Law, former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Mellody Hobson,
Ariel Capital Management, both of Chicago, Illinois; David S. Pottruck,
Charles Schwab Corporation, San Francisco, California; and John C. Bogle,
Vanguard Group, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for international
affairs of the Department of State, after receiving testimony from Colin L.
Powell, Secretary of State.
NOMINATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nomination of Susan Johnson Grant, of Virginia, to be Chief
Financial Officer, Department of Energy, after the nominee testified and
answered questions in her own behalf.
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY: INTERNATIONAL FREE PRESS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
American public diplomacy and the development of an independent media in
emerging democracies, and a related measure S. 2096, to promote a free press
and open media through the National Endowment for Democracy funding for the
National Endowment for Democracy (NED), after receiving testimony from
Margaret DeB. Tutwiler, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and
Public Affairs; Gene P. Mater, Freedom Forum, Arlington, Virginia; Adam
Clayton Powell III, University of Southern California Center on Public
Diplomacy, Los Angeles, California; and Kurt A. Wimmer, Covington and Burling,
Washington, D.C.
U.S.-LIBYA RELATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine next
steps in U.S. relations regarding Libya, focusing on Administration efforts to
halt state-sponsored support for international terrorism and proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, after receiving testimony from William J. Burns,
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; and Paula A. DeSutter,
Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance.
[Page: D124]
HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the quality and accountability of higher education
accreditation standards, after receiving testimony from Steven D. Crow, Higher
Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools,
Chicago, Illinois; Jeffrey D. Wallin, American Academy for Liberal Education,
and Jerry L. Martin, American Council of Trustees and Alumni, both of
Washington, D.C.; and Robert L. Potts, University of North Alabama, Florence.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee met to discuss certain committee
business, made no announcements, and recessed subject to the call.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on
intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence
community.
Committee recessed subject to call.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/02/27
Daily Digest - Friday, February 27, 2004; pages D129 - D134
Committee Meetings
No committee meetings were held.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/03/01
Daily Digest - Monday, March 1, 2004; pages D135 - D140
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to
examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of
Defense, after receiving testimony from Dov Zakheim, Under Secretary of
Defense, Comptroller; and Lieutenant General James E. Cartwright, Director of
Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8), The Joint Staff.
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Financial Management, the
Budget, and International Security concluded an oversight hearing to examine
the integrity of federal employee retirement savings relating to the thrift
savings plan, after receiving testimony from Alan D. Lebowitz, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Program Operations, Employee Benefits
Security Administration; Andrew M. Saul, Chairman, and Gary A. Amelio,
Executive Director, both of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board;
James M. Sauber, Chairman, Employee Thrift Advisory Council; and Blake R.
Grossman, Barclays Global Investors, San Francisco, California.
[Page: D137]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/03/02
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 2, 2004; pages D141 - D168
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and the
Judiciary concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal
year 2005 for the Department of Commerce, after receiving testimony from
Donald L. Evans, Secretary of Commerce.
APPROPRIATIONS: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for science
and technology, and information analysis and infrastructure protection, after
receiving testimony from Charles E. McQueary, Under Secretary for Science and
Technology, and Frank Libutti, Under Secretary for Information Analysis and
Infrastructure Protection, both of the Department of Homeland Security.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
proposed Department of Defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005 and
the Future Years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Les Brownlee,
Acting Secretary of the Army; Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy; and
James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel concluded a hearing to
examine active component, Reserve component and civilian personnel programs,
in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005, after
receiving testimony from David S.C. Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness; Reginald J. Brown, Assistant Secretary of the Army
for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; William A. Navas, Jr., Assistant Secretary
of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Michael L. Dominguez, Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Lieutenant
General Franklin L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, United States
Army; Vice Admiral Gerald L. Hoewing, USN, Chief of Naval Personnel, Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations, Manpower and Personnel, United States Navy;
Lieutenant General Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and
Reserve Affairs, United States Marine Corps; and Lieutenant General Richard E.
Brown, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Air Force.
MUTUAL FUNDS
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded hearings
to examine current investigations and regulatory actions regarding the mutual
fund industry, focusing on fund operations and governance, after receiving
testimony from former Senator William L. Armstrong, Oppenheimer Funds, Denver,
Colorado; Vanessa C.L. Chang, New Perspective Fund, Los Angeles, California;
Marvin L. Mann, Fidelity Funds, Cary, North Carolina; Michael S. Miller,
Vanguard Group, Inc., Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Ann E. Bergin, National
Securities Clearing Corporation, New York, New York; William A. Bridy,
Financial Data Services, Inc./Merrill Lynch, Jacksonville, Florida, on behalf
of the Securities Industry Association; Raymond K. McCulloch, BB&T Trust,
Raleigh, North Carolina, on behalf of the American Bankers Association; and
David L. Wray, Profit Sharing/401K Council of America, Washington, D.C.
[Page: D143]
CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on
Competition, Foreign Commerce and Infrastructure concluded a hearing to
examine the rise of obesity among children, focusing on health risks including
diabetes, the role of the media, and efforts to educate families on the issues
of nutrition and healthy lifestyles, after receiving testimony from Richard H.
Carmona, Surgeon General, Public Health Service, Office of Public Health and
Science, and William Dietz, Director, Division of Nutrition and Physical
Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both of the Department of Health
and Human Services; Victoria J. Rideout, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation,
Menlo Park, California; R. Lee Culpepper, National Restaurant Association,
Margo G. Wooten, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and C. Manly
Molpus, Grocery Manufacturers of America, all of Washington, D.C.; and Robert
D. Liodice, Association of National Advertisers, Inc., New York, New York.
FOREST SERVICE BUDGET
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the President's proposed fiscal year 2005 budget for the Forest
Service, focusing on protecting communities and natural resources in relation
to the implementation of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (P.L. 108-148),
after receiving testimony from Mark Rey, Under Secretary of Agriculture for
Natural Resources and Environment; and Dale N. Bosworth, Chief, Forest
Service, Department of Agriculture.
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded oversight hearings to
examine certain U.S. foreign policy objectives and assistance programs
throughout the world, after receiving testimony from Christina B. Rocca,
Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; William J. Burns,
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; Donald W. Keyser,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific
Affairs; Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere
Affairs; Donald Y. Yamamoto, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs; Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian
Affairs; and Gordon West, Acting Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near
East, Adolfo A. Franco, Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the
Caribbean, Constance Berry Newman, Assistant Administrator for Africa, and
Kent R. Hill Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, all of the United
States Agency for International Development.
NORTH KOREA
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine North
Korea's nuclear situation, including the Six-Party Talks in Beijing, an
appropriate verification model related to North Korea's nuclear program, and
the economic situation and human rights conditions in North Korea, after
receiving testimony from James Kelly, Assistant Secretary of State; Terence
Taylor, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Victor D. Cha,
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and Tom Malinowski, Human
Rights Watch, all of Washington, D.C.
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND YOUTH
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services concluded a hearing to examine certain
measures to help prevent suicide among children and adolescents, after
receiving testimony from Senator Smith; Paul D. Tunkle, Episcopal Church of
the Redeemer, Baltimore, Maryland; Cheryl A. King, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor; Fran M. Gatlin, Robinson High School, Fairfax, Virginia, on behalf of
the National Association of School Psychologists; Joelle M. Reizes, Screening
for Mental Health, Inc., Loveland, Ohio; and Laurie Flynn, Columbia University
Carmel Hill Center for Early Diagnosis and Treatment, New York, New York.
CARES COMMISSION
Committee on Veteran's Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
final report of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Capital Asset Realignment
for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission, after receiving testimony from
Everett Alvarez, Jr., Chairman, Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced
Services (CARES) Commission; Robert H. Roswell, Under Secretary of Veterans
Affairs for Health; Cathleen C. Wiblemo, American Legion, Dennis M. Cullinan,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Joy J. Ilem, Disabled American Veterans, and Fred
Cowell, Paralyzed Veterans of America, all of Washington, D.C.; and James W.
Doran, AMVETS, Lanham, Maryland.
[Page: D144]
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/03/03
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 3, 2004; pages D170 - D180
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Energy,
Science and Technology, and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
after receiving testimony from David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Raymond L. Orbach, Director, Office of
Science, and William D. Magwood, IV, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy,
Science and Technology, all of the Department of Energy.
APPROPRIATIONS: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on the District of Columbia
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the government of the District of Columbia, focusing on Court Services,
Offender Supervision Agency, and the Public Defender Service, after receiving
testimony from Paul A. Quander, Jr., Director, Court Services and Offender
Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia; Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr.,
Director, Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia; and Rev.
Donald Isaac, East of the River Clergy-Police-Community Partnership,
Washington, D.C.
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to
examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of
the Army, after receiving testimony from R. Les Brownlee, Acting Secretary of
the Army; and General Peter T. Schoomaker, Chief of Staff, Department of the
Army.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
concluded a hearing to examine the role of defense science and technology in
the global war on terrorism and in preparing for emerging threats in review of
the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005, after receiving
testimony from Dale G. Uhler, Acquisition Executive and Senior Procurement
Executive, Special Operations Acquisition and Logistics Center, United States
Special Operations Command; Brigadier General Thomas D. Waldhauser, USMC,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Vice Chief, Office of
Naval Research; Brigadier General Charles A. Cartwright, USA, Deputy
Commanding General for Systems of Systems Integration, United States Army
Research, Development and Engineering Command; Ronald M. Sega, Director,
Defense Research and Engineering; Thomas H. Killion, Acting Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology, Chief Scientist; Rear
Admiral Jay M. Cohen, USN, Chief of Naval Research; and James B. Engle, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engineering.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower concluded a hearing to
examine future Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and requirements in review
of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005 and the future years
defense program, after receiving testimony from John J. Young, Jr., Assistant
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition; Vice Admiral
John B. Nathman, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare
Requirements and Programs; Vice Admiral J. Cutler Dawson, Jr., USN, Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments;
Lieutenant General Robert Magnus, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Programs and
Resources, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps; and Lieutenant General
Edward Hanlon, Jr., USMC, Commanding General, Combat Development Command,
United States Marine Corps.
2005: BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Committee met to mark up a proposed concurrent
resolution setting forth the fiscal year 2005 budget for the Federal
Government, but did not complete consideration thereon, and will meet again
tomorrow.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the impact and consequences of climate change, focusing on
its implications for society, effects of burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil,
and natural gas), and climate variability and changes across the Arctic
region, including issues relative to UV radiation, after receiving testimony
from Senator Lieberman; Marvin A. Geller, Stony Brook University Institute for
Terrestrial and Planetary Atmospheres, Stonybrook, New York; Jerry Mahlman,
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado; Robert W. Corell,
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, Lee Hannah, Climate Change Biology, and Lara
Hansen, World Wildlife Fund Climate Change Program, all of Washington, D.C.
[Page: D172]
IMPACT OF ABORTION
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Science,
Technology and Space concluded a hearing to examine the impact of abortion on
women, after receiving testimony from Georgette Forney, National Organization
of Episcopalians for Life (NOEL), Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Michaelene Jenkins,
Life Resource Network, San Diego, California; Roselyn Smith-Withers, The
Pavilion of God, Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Clergy Advisory Committee
of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC); Elizabeth
Shadigian, University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ann
Arbor; and Nada L. Stotland, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois.
OUTFITTER POLICY ACT
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and
Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 1420, to establish terms and
conditions for use of certain Federal land by outfitters and to facilitate
public opportunities for the recreational use and enjoyment of such land,
after receiving testimony from David Tenny, Deputy Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment; Jim Hughes, Deputy
Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Todd
Davidson, Oregon Tourism Commission, Salem, on behalf of the Western States
Tourism Policy Council; David L. Brown, America Outdoors, Knoxville,
Tennessee; and Dave Simon, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California.
EPA GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded an oversight
hearing to examine grants management within the Environmental Protection
Agency, focusing on a comprehensive system of management controls and
initiatives to address grants management challenges, after receiving testimony
from David J. O'Connor, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Administration and Resources Management, and Melissa Heist, Assistant
Inspector General for Audit, both of the Environmental Protection Agency; John
B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and the Environment, General
Accounting Office; and Steve Ellis, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Washington,
D.C.
HEALTH INSURANCE CHALLENGES
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine health
insurance challenges, focusing on insurance scams, and their effect on workers
and their families, and business owners who wish to provide health benefits,
after receiving testimony from Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Employee Benefits Security; Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care--Medicaid
and Private Health Insurance Issues, and Robert J. Cramer, Managing Director,
Office of Special Investigations, both of the General Accounting Office; Fred
Nepple, Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Madison, on behalf
of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ERISA Working Group;
and Jose Montemayor, Texas Department of Insurance, Austin; Mila Kofman,
Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, Washington, D.C.; Marie Almond,
Albemarle, North Carolina; and Joan Piantadosi, Deerfield Beach, Florida.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AGENCIES
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S.
2127, to build operational readiness in civilian agencies, focusing on post
conflict stabilization and reconstruction requiring a broadly-based government
response, including Federal efforts to fulfill ongoing objectives in Iraq and
Afghanistan, after receiving testimony from James Dobbins, RAND International
Security and Defense Policy Center, John J. Hamre, Center for Strategic and
International Studies, and Hans Binnendijk, National Defense University, all
of Washington, D.C.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee met and approved the committee's views
and estimates with respect to the President's proposed budget request for
fiscal year 2005 for Indian programs.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to
examine the status of the completion of the Smithsonian Institution's National
Museum of the American Indian, after receiving testimony from W. Richard West,
Jr., Director, National Museum of the American Indian; and Jacqueline Johnson,
National Congress of American Indians, of Washington, D.C.
[Page: D173]
JUDICIAL ACTIVISM VS. DEMOCRACY
Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and
Property Rights concluded a hearing to examine national implications of the
Massachusetts Goodridge decision and the judicial invalidation of traditional
marriage laws, after receiving testimony from Nebraska Attorney General Jon
Bruning, Lincoln; Richard Richardson, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal
(AME) Church, Boston, Massachusetts, on behalf of the Black Ministerial
Alliance of Greater Boston; Daniel de Leon, Sr., Templo Calvario, Santa Ana,
California, on behalf of Associacion Evangelica de Ministerios Nacionales
(AMEN); Hilary Shelton, National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People, and Chuck Muth, Citizen Outreach, both of Washington D.C.; R. Lea
Brilmayer, Yale University School of Law, New Haven, Connecticut; and Maggie
Gallagher, Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, New York, New York.
No Joint hearings noted.
2004/03/04
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 4, 2004; pages D181 - D192
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Subcommittee on Marketing,
Inspection, and Product Promotion concluded an oversight hearing to examine
the development of a national animal identification plan, focusing on the
benefits and current status of animal identification systems and the plan of
the Department of Agriculture for implementation of a national identification
system, after receiving testimony from William Hawks, Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Bret D. Marsh,
Indianapolis, Indiana, on behalf of the U.S. Animal Health Association; Fritz
Schmitz-Hsu, Ittigen, Switzerland, on behalf of the Animal Tracking
Corporation; Mike John, Columbia, Missouri, on behalf of the National
Cattlemen's Beef Association; Joy Philippi, Bruning, Nebraska, on behalf of
the National Pork Producers Council; Bob Lehfeldt, Montana Wool Growers
Association, Helena, on behalf of the American Sheep Industry Association; and
Ronald Ostberg, Montana Farmers Union, Great Falls, on behalf of the National
Farmers Union.
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the Department of Energy, after receiving testimony from Spencer Abraham,
Secretary of Energy.
APPROPRIATIONS: GAO/GPO/CBO
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the
General Accounting Office (GAO), the Government Printing Office (GPO), and the
Congressional Budget Office (CBO), after receiving testimony from David M.
Walker, Comptroller General, Gene L. Dodaro, Chief Operating Officer, Stanley
Czerwinski, Associate Director, Housing and Community Development Issues, and
Sallyanne Harper, Chief Mission Support Office and Chief Financial Officer,
all of the General Accounting Office; Bruce James, Public Printer and William
H. Turri, Deputy Public Printer, both of the Government Printing Office; and
Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, and Elizabeth M. Robinson, Deputy Director,
both of the Congressional Budget Office.
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for
fiscal year 2005 for the Department of Education, after receiving testimony
from Roderick Paige, Secretary of Education; Paul G. Vallas, School District
of Philadelphia, Sam Evans, American Foundation for Negro Affairs, and C.
Delores Tucker, Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for
Nonviolence, Inc., all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; James Weaver,
Pennsylvania State Education Association, Harrisburg; Melissa Jamula, Reading
School District, Reading, Pennsylvania; James R. Scanlon, Quakertown Community
School District, Quakertown, Pennsylvania; and Marie Slobojan,
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2005, focusing on military
strategy and operational requirements, after receiving testimony from General
James L. Jones, Jr., USMC, Commander, United States European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; and General John P. Abizaid, USA, Commander,
United States Central Command.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel concluded a hearing to
examine the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2005, focusing on
compensation, benefits, and health care for active and Reserve military
personnel and their families, after receiving testimony from Senators Daschle
and Graham (SC); Charles S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for
Personnel and Readiness, and William Winkenwerder, Jr., Assistant Secretary
for Health Affairs, both of the Department of Defense; Joyce Wessel Raezer,
National Military Family Association, Sue Schwartz, Military Coalition Health
Care Committee, Master Sergeant Michael P. Cline, USA (Ret.), Enlisted
Association of the National Guard of the United States, all of Alexandria,
Virginia; Deirdre Parke Holleman, Retired Enlisted Association, Aurora,
Colorado; and Colonel Dennis M. Duggan, USA (Ret.), American Legion,
Washington, D.C.
[Page: D183]
2005 BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: Committee continued in evening session to mark up a
proposed concurrent resolution setting forth the fiscal year 2005 budget for
the Federal Government.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the nominations of Rhonda Keenum, of Mississippi, to be
Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and
Foreign Commercial Services, who was introduced by Senator Cochran and
Representative Wicker; Linda Morrison Combs, of North Carolina, to be an
Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Transportation, who was introduced by Senator Dole; W. Douglas
Buttrey, of Tennessee, who was introduced by Representative Ford, and Francis
Mulvey, of Maryland, both to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board,
Department of Transportation, who was introduced by Representative Oberstar,
after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
ENERGY OUTLOOK 2004
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2004
forecast regarding the supply, demand, and price projections for oil, natural
gas, nuclear, coal and renewable resources, including commercial and market
perspectives on the state of oil and natural gas markets, after receiving
testimony from Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information
Administration, Department of Energy; Richard J. Sharples, Anadarko Petroleum
Corporation, The Woodlands, Texas; Paul D. Koonce, Dominion Energy, Inc.,
Richmond, Virginia; and Jay Saunders, DeutscheBank, New York, New York.
NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy concluded a
hearing to examine new nuclear power generation in the United States, focusing
on Browns Ferry Unit 1, nuclear power plant license renewal, power uprates
(requests to raise the maximum power level at which a nuclear power plant may
be operated), and heightened security at U.S. commercial reactors, after
receiving testimony from Glenn L. McCullough, Jr., Chairman, Tennessee Valley
Authority; William D. Travers, Executive Director for Operations, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission; Marvin S. Fertel, Nuclear Energy Institute, Washington,
D.C.; James K. Asselstine, Lehman Brothers, Inc., New York, New York; and Jim
M. Bernhard, Shaw Group, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered favorably reported the
following items:
S. 2144, to authorize appropriations for the Department of State and
international broadcasting activities for fiscal year 2005, for the Peace
Corps for fiscal year 2005 through 2007, for foreign assistance programs for
fiscal year 2005, with amendments;
S. 2096, to promote a free press and open media through the National Endowment
for Democracy;
S. 2127, to build operational readiness in civilian agencies;
Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of
Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, signed at Washington on
November 6, 2003, together with a Protocol and an exchange of notes (the
"Convention") (Treaty Doc. 108-14);
The Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the Avoidance
of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes
on Income, Signed at Colombo on March 14, 1985. (Treaty Doc. 99-10);
Protocol Amending the Convention Between the Government of the United States
of America and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income signed at Colombo on March 14, 1985,
together with an exchange of notes, signed at Washington on September 20, 2002
(the "Protocol") (Treaty Doc. 108-9), with 1 understanding;
The Protocol Additional to the Agreement Between the United States of America
and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards
in the United States of America, with annexes, signed at Vienna June 12, 1998
(Treaty Doc. 107-7), with 2 conditions and 8 understandings; and
The nominations of Feliciano Foyo, of Florida, and Robert Hurley McKinney, of
Indiana, each to be a Member of the Advisory Board for Cuba Broadcasting,
Edward E. Kaufman, of Delaware, and Steven J. Simmons, of Connecticut, each to
be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, Glyn T. Davies, of the
District of Columbia, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service
as the Political Director for the United States Presidency of the G-8, and
Sanford Gottesman, of Texas, Diane M. Ruebling, of California, and C. William
Swank, of Ohio, each to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation, and Richard S. Williamson, of Illinois, for
the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Representative of the
United States of America on the Human Rights Commission of the Economic and
Social Council of the United Nations.
[Page: D184]
HONG KONG
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
concluded a hearing to examine the prospects for democratic development in
Hong Kong, focusing on the challenge of redefining Hong Kong's economic and
political structure, after receiving testimony from Randall G. Schriver,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Martin
Lee Chu-ming and James To, each a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council,
Lee Cheuk-yan, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, and Law Yuk-Kai, Human
Rights Monitor Director, all of Hong Kong; and James V. Feinerman, Georgetown
University Law Center, Ellen Bork, Project for the New American Century, and
John J. Tkacik, Jr., Heritage Foundation, all of Washington, D.C.
HIGHER EDUCATION ACT & THE WORKFORCE
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine issues for reauthorization of the Higher Education Act,
focusing on a knowledge-based economy, the relationship between postsecondary
education and the workforce, and financial aid, after receiving testimony from
Charles H. Bohlen, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, Wyoming, on
behalf of the American Association of Community Colleges on the Higher
Education Act; James C. Votruba, Northern Kentucky University, Highland
Heights; Beth B. Buehlmann, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Workforce
Preparation, Washington, D.C.; Diana G. Oblinger, Microsoft Corporation,
Bellevue, Washington; and Ellen O'Brien Saunders, Washington State Workforce
Training and Education Coordinating Board, Olympia.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the
nominations of Raymond W. Gruender, of Missouri, to be United States Circuit
Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Franklin S. Van Antwerpen, of Pennsylvania, to
be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, Judith C. Herrera, to be
United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico, F. Dennis Saylor
IV, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts,
Sandra L. Townes, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District
of New York, Louis Guirola, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the
Southern District of Mississippi, Virginia E. Hopkins, to be United States
District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, Kenneth M. Karas, to be
United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Ricardo S.
Martinez, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western
District of Washington, Gene E. K. Pratter, to be United States District Judge
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Neil Vincent Wake, to be United
States District Judge for the District of Arizona, William S. Duffey, Jr., to
be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, and
Michele M. Leonhart, of California, to be Deputy Administrator of Drug
Enforcement, Domingo S. Herraiz, of Ohio, to be Director of the Bureau of
Justice Assistance, LaFayette Collins, to be United States Marshal for the
Western District of Texas, and Ronald J. Tenpas, of Illinois, to be United
States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, all of the Department
of Justice.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee concluded closed hearings on
intelligence matters after receiving testimony from officials of the
intelligence community.
MONEY LAUNDERING
United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control: Caucus
concluded a hearing to examine the current status of federal efforts to
coordinate and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, after
receiving testimony from Loren Yager, Director, International Affairs and
Trade, General Accounting Office; Juan C. Zarate, Deputy Assistant Secretary
of the Treasury, Executive Office for Terrorist Financing and Financial
Crimes; Michael T. Dougherty, Director of Operations, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and Gary M. Bald, Acting
Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and Karen P. Tandy, Administrator, Drug Enforcement
Administration, both of the Department of Justice; and Raymond W. Baker,
Center for International Policy, Washington, D.C.
[Page: D185]
Joint Meetings
LEGISLATIVE PRESENTATIONS
Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs concluded joint hearings
with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine legislative
presentations of certain veterans organizations, after receiving testimony
from Al Silvano, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Springfield, Virginia;
Joseph L. Fox, Sr., Paralyzed Veterans of America, Paul Bernstein, Jewish War
Veterans, and Neil Appleby, Blinded Veterans Association, all of Washington,
D.C.; and H. Gene Overstreet, Non Commissioned Officers Association, San
Antonio, Texas.
2004/03/08
Daily Digest - Monday, March 8, 2004; pages D193 - D196
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
2005 BUDGET
Committee on the Budget: On Thursday, March 4, Committee ordered favorably
reported an original concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 95) setting forth the
congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2005 and
including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations
of Mark B. McClellan, of the District of Columbia, to be Administrator of the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human
Services, who was introduced by Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and
Human Services; Brian Carlton Roseboro, of New Jersey, to be an Under
Secretary of the Treasury, Donald L. Korb, of Ohio, to be Chief Counsel for
the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant General Counsel, Department of
the Treasury, and Mark J. Warshawsky, of Maryland, to be an Assistant
Secretary of the Treasury, after each nominee testified and answered questions
in their own behalf.
Joint Meetings
EMPLOYMENT SITUATION
Joint Economic Committee: On Friday, March 5, Committee concluded hearings to
examine the employment situation for February 2004, focusing on economic
growth, business activity in the manufacturing and service industries, the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), job creation and loss, and discouraged
workers--those who have stopped seeking work because of discouragement over
their job prospects, after receiving testimony from Kathleen P. Utgoff,
Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
2004/03/09
Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 9, 2004; pages D198 - D206
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: BORDER AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for border
and transportation security, after receiving testimony from Asa Hutchinson,
Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security.
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and
General Government concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates
for fiscal year 2005 for Department of Transportation, after receiving
testimony from Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary of Transportation.
WORLDWIDE THREATS
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing in open and closed
sessions to examine current and future worldwide threats to the national
security of the United States, after receiving testimony from George J. Tenet,
Director, Cental Intelligence Agency; and Vice Admiral Lowell E. Jacoby, USN,
Director, Defense Intelligence Agency.
[Page: D200]
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
concluded a hearing to examine the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal
Year 2005, focusing on military readiness programs, after receiving testimony
from General George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army;
Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, United States
Navy; General T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force;
and Lieutenant General Jan C. Huly, USMC, Deputy Commandant of the Marine
Corps, Plans, Policies, and Operations, U.S. Marine Corps.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee ordered
favorably reported the following business items:
S. 2056, to increase the penalties for violations by television and radio
broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent,
and profane language, with amendments;
S. 1164, to provide for the development and coordination of a comprehensive
and integrated United States research program that assists the people of the
United States and the world to understand, assess, and predict human-induced
and natural processes of abrupt climate change; and
The nominations of Francis Mulvey, of Maryland, and W. Douglas Buttrey, of
Tennessee, both to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board, Department
of Transportation, Linda Morrison Combs, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant
Secretary of Transportation, Rhonda Keenum, of Mississippi, to be Assistant
Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign
Commercial Services, and sundry nominations in the Coast Guard.
WESTERN WATER SUPPLY
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Power and Water
concluded a hearing to examine water supply issues in the arid West, focusing
on the role of the Federal Government in managing and enhancing water
resources, after receiving testimony from Bennett W. Raley, Assistant
Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science; Floyd Gaibler, Deputy Under
Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services; Brigadier
General William T. Grisoli, USA, Commander, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers; Louis Uccellini, Director, National Centers for
Environmental Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Department of Commerce; Craig Bell, Western States Water Council, Midvale,
Utah; and Tex G. Hall, New Town, North Dakota, on behalf of the National
Congress of American Indians.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks
concluded a hearing to examine S. 1306 and H.R. 1446, bills to introduce the
efforts of the California Missions Foundation to restore and repair the
Spanish colonial and mission-era missions in the State of California and to
preserve the artworks and artifacts of these missions, H.R. 1521, to provide
for additional lands to be included within the boundary of the Johnstown Flood
National Memorial in the State of Pennsylvania, S. 1430, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the Baranov Museum in Kodiak,
Alaska, for potential inclusion in the National Park System, and S.1687, to
direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the preservation
and interpretation of the historic sites of the Manhattan Project for
potential inclusion in the National Park System, after receiving testimony
from Senator Boxer; Representative Farr; P. Daniel Smith, Special Assistant,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Mayor Carolyn Floyd, City
of Kodiak, Alaska; Walter Costlow, South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club
Historical Preservation Society, St. Michael, Pennsylvania; Barry W. Lynn,
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Cynthia C. Kelly,
Atomic Heritage Foundation, both of Washington, D.C.; and Stephen T. Hearst,
Board of the California Missions Foundation, San Francisco.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGENDA
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Administration's international trade agenda, after receiving testimony from
Robert B. Zoellick, United States Trade Representative.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of
Mark B. McClellan, of the District of Columbia, to be Administrator of the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human
Services, Brian Carlton Roseboro, of New Jersey, to be an Under Secretary of
the Treasury, and Mark J. Warshawsky, of Maryland, to be an Assistant
Secretary of the Treasury.
IRAQ
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee met in closed session to receive a
briefing on the transition to sovereignty relating to Iraq from Marc I.
Grossman, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Francis J. Ricciardone,
Ambassador to the Phillippines, Coordinator for Iraq Transition, and Major
General Charles E. Williams, USA (Ret.), Director, Overseas Buildings
Operations, all of the Department of State; and Lieutenant General Claude
Kicklighter, U.S. Army (Ret.), CPA Transition Chief, Baghdad, Iraq.
[Page: D201]
POSTAL REFORM
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee resumed hearings to examine U.S.
Postal Service reform issues, focusing on sustaining the 9 million jobs in the
$900 billion mailing industry, after receiving testimony from Ann S. Moore,
Time, Inc., New York, New York; Mark Angelson, RR Donnelley, Chicago,
Illinois; Christopher W. Bradley, Cuddledown, Inc., Portland, Maine; Max
Heath, Landmark Community Papers, Shelbyville, Kentucky, on behalf of the
National Newspaper Association; William J. Ihle, Bear Creek Corporation,
Medford, Oregon, on behalf of Harry and David and Jackson and Perkins; and
Shelley Dreifuss, Postal Rate Commission, Washington, D.C.
YEAR ROUND COLLEGE
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine advantages and impediments in relation to a year round
college calendar, focusing on the costs of higher education, financial aid,
Pell Grants, and Stafford Loans, after receiving testimony from Stephen Joel
Trachtenberg, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; India McKinney,
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Michael L. Lomas, Dillard
University, New Orleans, Louisiana, on behalf of the United Negro College
Fund; Virginia S. Hazen, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire; and
Margaret Heisel, University of California, Berkeley.
ERIC AND BRIAN SIMON ACT
Committee on Veterans Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S.
1509, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a gratuity to
veterans, their spouses, and children who contract HIV or AIDS as a result of
a blood transfusion relating to a service-connected disability, after
receiving testimony Douglas B. Simon and Eric M. Simon, both of Veseli,
Minnesota.
INTELLIGENCE
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on
intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence
community.
Committee recessed subject to call.
MEDICARE DRUG DISCOUNT CARD
Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the new
Medicare drug discount card, focusing on consumer savings, beneficiary
education, implementation and outreach to low-income seniors, and how the new
cards will work with existing discount programs, after receiving testimony
from Dennis Smith, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Craig L. Fuller, National
Association of Chain Drug Stores, Alexandria, Virginia; Forest Harper, Pfizer,
Inc., New York, New York; and James Firman, National Council on Aging, Karen
Ignagni, American Association of Health Plans, and Mark Merritt,
Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, all of Washington, D.C.
Joint Meetings
PENSION FUNDING EQUITY ACT
Conferees met to resolve the differences between the Senate and House passed
versions of H.R. 3108, to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to temporarily replace the 30-year
Treasury rate with a rate based on long-term corporate bonds for certain
pension plan funding requirements and other provisions, but did not complete
action thereon, and recessed subject to the call.
2004/03/10
Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 10, 2004; pages D207 - D218
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to
examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the U.S. Navy and
U.S. Marine Corps, after receiving testimony from Gordon R. England, Secretary
of the Navy; Admiral Vern Clark, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations; and
General Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
concluded open and closed hearings to examine the Defense Authorization
Request for Fiscal Year 2005, focusing on the defense nuclear nonproliferation
programs of the Department of Energy and the Cooperative Threat Reduction
programs of the Department of Defense, after receiving testimony from Paul M.
Longsworth, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation,
National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; and Lisa
Bronson, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Technology Security Policy and
Counterproliferation.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower concluded a hearing to
examine the proposed Department of Defense authorization request for fiscal
year 2005 and the Future Years Defense Program, focusing on the posture of the
U.S. Transportation Command, after receiving testimony from General John W.
Handy, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Air Force; Major
General Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, Commanding General, Surface Deployment and
Distribution Command, U.S. Army; and Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN,
Commander, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Navy.
MUTUAL FUND INDUSTRY
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee held hearings to
examine current investigations and regulatory actions regarding the mutual
fund industry, receiving testimony from David M. Walker, Comptroller General
of the United States, General Accounting Office; Lori A. Richards, Director,
Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, and Paul F. Roye, Director,
Division of Investment Management, both of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission; and Mary L. Schapiro, NASD, Washington, D.C.
Hearing recessed subject to the call of the chair.
ARGENTINA
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on
International Trade and Finance concluded a hearing to examine Argentina's
current economic and political situation, focusing on the bilateral
relationship between the United States and Argentina, after receiving
testimony from Roger F. Noriega, Assistant Secretary of State for Western
Hemisphere Affairs; Randal K. Quarles, Assistant Secretary of Treasury for
International Affairs; Adam Lerrick, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate
School of Industrial Administration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Michael
Mussa, Institute of International Economics, Washington, D.C.
STEROIDS AND SPORTS
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine the scope of steroid use in professional and amateur
sports, focusing on certain drug treatment and prevention programs, after
receiving testimony from Senator Biden; Representative Sweeney; Allan H.
Selig, Major League Baseball, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Donald M. Fehr, Major
League Baseball Players Association, and Paul J. Tagliabue, National Football
League, both of New York, New York; Eugene Upshaw, National Football League
Players Association, Washington, D.C.; and Terrance P. Madden, United States
Anti-Doping Agency, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
[Page: D209]
MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Science,
Technology and Space concluded a hearing to examine NASA/Mars exploration
program, focusing on the information learned from the recent landings of twin
Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, after receiving testimony
from Edward J. Weiler, Associate Administrator for Space Science, Orlando
Figueroa, Director of Solar System Exploration, and James Garvin, Lead
Scientist for Mars and Lunar Exploration Programs, all of National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably
reported the following business items:
S. 1307, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau
of Reclamation, to assist in the implementation of fish passage and screening
facilities at non-Federal water projects, with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute;
S. 1355, to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in the
rehabilitation of the Wallowa Lake Dam in Oregon, with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute;
S. 1421, to authorize the subdivision and dedication of restricted land owned
by Alaska Natives, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
H.R. 2696, to establish Institutes to demonstrate and promote the use of
adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and restore the
health of fire-adapted forest and woodland ecosystems of the interior West;
and The nomination of Susan Johnson Grant, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial
Officer, Department of Energy.
PUBLIC LANDS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and
Forests to examine S. 1354, to resolve certain conveyances and provide for
alternative land selections under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
related to Cape Fox Corporation and Sealaska Corporation, S. 1575 and H.R.
1092, bills to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to sell certain parcels of
Federal land in Carson City and Douglas County, Nevada, S. 1778, to authorize
a land conveyance between the United States and the City of Craig, Alaska, S.
1819 and H.R. 272, bills to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey
certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to
convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued use as cemeteries,
and H.R. 3249, to extend the term of the Forest Counties Payments Committee,
after receiving testimony from Mark Rey, Under Secretary of Agriculture for
Natural Resources and Environment; Tom Lonnie, Assistant Director, Minerals,
Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the
Interior; Mayor Dennis Watson, Craig, Alaska; Marilyn Blair, Cape Fox
Corporation, Ketchikan, Alaska; Buck Lindekugel, Southeast Alaska Conservation
Council, Juneau; and Dennis E. Wheeler, Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation, Coeur
d'Alene, Idaho.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably
reported the following bills:
S. 1904, to designate the United States courthouse located at 400 North Miami
Avenue in Miami, Florida, as the "Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States
Courthouse";
S. 2022, to designate the Federal building located at 250 West Cherry Street
in Carbondale, Illinois the "Senator Paul Simon Federal Building"; and
S. 2043, to designate a Federal building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the
"Ronald Reagan Federal Building".
EPA BUDGET
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the President's proposed fiscal year 2005 budget request for the
Environmental Protection Agency, after receiving testimony from Michael O.
Leavitt, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S.-MIDDLE EAST ECONOMIC POLICY
Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine United States
economic and trade policy in the Middle East, focusing on the impact of Free
Trade Agreements (FTA), commercial diplomacy, private sector development and
trade promotion, information technology for business development, financial
reform and the development of capital markets, the Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP), and promotion of good business practices and improving the
investment climate, after receiving testimony from Senator McCain; Grant D.
Aldonas, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade; Alan P. Larson,
Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs;
David L. Mack, Middle East Institute, and William A. Maxwell, Hewlett-Packard
Company, both of Washington, D.C.; and Doug Boisen, National Corn Growers
Association, Minden, Nebraska.
[Page: D210]
NONPROLIFERATION AND ARMS CONTROL
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine
nonproliferation and arms control issues, focusing on strategic choices,
weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty,
after receiving testimony from William J. Perry, Stanford University Center
for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford, California, former
Secretary of Defense; Arnold Kanter, Scowcroft Group, Washington, D.C.; and
Ashton B. Carter, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
HAITI
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace
Corps, and Narcotics Affairs concluded a hearing to examine the future of
U.S.-Haitian relations, focusing on exit strategies and troop departure
deadlines, free elections, and economic reforms, after receiving testimony
from Senators DeWine and Graham (FL); Representatives Cummings, and Waters;
Roger Noriega, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere
Affairs; Adolfo Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and
the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development; James Dobbins, RAND
Corporation, Lawrence Pezzullo, former U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti, Robert
Maguire, Trinity College, and Michael Heinl, all of Washington, D.C.
INDIAN TRUST REFORM
Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to
examine the proposed reorganization of major agencies and functions related to
Indian trust reform matters within the Department of the Interior, after
receiving testimony from Senator Daschle; Dave Anderson, Assistant Secretary
of the Interior for Indian Affairs, and Ross O. Swimmer, Special Trustee for
American Indians, both of the Department of the Interior; Tex G. Hall,
National Congress of American Indians, Washington, D.C.; Joe Shirley, Jr.,
Navajo Nation, Window Rock, Arizona; Edward K. Thomas, Central Council of the
Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Juneau; Harold Frazier, Cheyenne
River Sioux Tribe, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on behalf of the Great Plains
Tribal Chairman's Association; and Clifford Lyle Marshall, Hoopa Valley Tribal
Council, Hoopa, California.
FLAG DESECRATION
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S.J. Res.
4, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing
Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United
States, after receiving testimony from Daniel J. Bryant, Assistant Attorney
General for Legal Policy, Department of Justice; Major General Patrick H.
Brady, USA (Ret.), Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc., Sumner, Washington; Lawrence
J. Korb, Center for American Progress, Washington, D.C., former Assistant
Secretary of Defense; John Andretti, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Mooresville,
North Carolina; Gary E. May, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville; and
Richard D. Parker, Harvard University Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
nominations of Peter W. Hall, of Vermont, to be United States Circuit Judge
for the Second Circuit, who was introduced by Senators Leahy and Jeffords;
Jane J. Boyle, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of
Texas, who was introduced by Senators Hutchison and Cornyn; Marcia G. Cooke,
to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, who
was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson; and Walter D. Kelley, Jr., to be United
States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was introduced
by Senators Warner and Allen, after each nominee testified and answered
questions in their own behalf.
SECTION 527 ORGANIZATIONS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the scope and operation of certain tax-exempt organizations registered
under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, focusing on their impact on
campaign finance laws and federal elections, after receiving testimony from
Senators Feingold and Senator McCain; Lawrence Noble, Center for Responsive
Politics, Washington, D.C.; and Edward B. Foley, Ohio State University Moritz
College of Law, Columbus.
[Page: D211]
Joint Meetings
STRENGTHENING RETIREMENT SECURITY
Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues
relative to helping Americans save, focusing on the Save More Tomorrow plan
(SmarT), Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), the Commission to Strengthen
Social Security, improving financial education, and promoting automatic
savings, after receiving testimony from Richard H. Thaler, University of
Chicago Graduate School of Business, Chicago, Illinois; Robert C. Pozen, MFS
Investment Management, Boston, Massachusetts; Ric Edelman, Edelman Financial
Services, Fairfax, Virginia; and Peter R. Orszag, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy
Center, Washington, D.C.
LEGISLATIVE PRESENTATIONS: VFW
Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs concluded joint hearings
with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative
presentation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, after
receiving testimony from Edward S. Banas, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, Washington, D.C.
2004/03/11
Daily Digest - Thursday, March 11, 2004; pages D220 - D230
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: FOREST SERVICE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, after receiving
testimony from Dale N. Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service, and Mark E. Rey, Under
Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, both of the Department of
Agriculture.
APPROPRIATIONS: NASA
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005
for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), after receiving
testimony from Sean O'Keefe, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
APPROPRIATIONS: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch concluded a
hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the
Library of Congress, after receiving testimony from James H. Billington,
Librarian of Congress; and Donald L. Scott, Deputy Librarian of Congress.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2005, focusing on missile
defense after receiving testimony from Michael W. Wynne, Acting Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Admiral James
O. Ellis, Jr., USN, Commander, United States Strategic Command; Thomas P.
Christie, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation; Lieutenant General Ronald
T. Kadish, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency; and Lieutenant General
Larry J. Dodgen, USA, Commander, Space and Missile Defense Command.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Airland concluded a hearing to
examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005 and the future
years defense program, focusing on Army Transformation, after receiving
testimony from Claude M. Bolton, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Acquisition, Logistics and Technology; General George W. Casey, Jr., USA, Vice
Chief of Staff, United States Army; and Major General John M. Curran, USA,
Director, Future Centers, Headquarters, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine
Command.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine prescription drug importation and related matters, focusing
on reducing drug costs, safety concerns relating to importation, recent action
by the States, drug counterfeiting, and the Medicare importation study and
task force, after receiving testimony from Representatives Burton and Sanders;
and Mark B. McClellan, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Department
of Health and Human Services.
ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROGRAM
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine S. 2086, to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of
1977 to improve the reclamation of abandoned mines, and S.2049, to amend the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reauthorize collection
of reclamation fees, revise the abandoned mine reclamation program, promote
remining, authorize the Office of Surface Mining to collect the black lung
excise tax, and make sundry other changes, after receiving testimony from
Jeffrey D. Jarrett, Director, Office of Surface Mining, Department of the
Interior; Steve Hohmann, Director, Kentucky Department for Surface Mining and
Enforcement, Frankfort, on behalf of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission
and the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs; Evan J. Green,
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Cheyenne; Joe Shirley, Jr.,
Navajo Nation, Washington, D.C.; Charles Gauvin, Trout Unlimited, Arlington,
Virginia; and Micheal Buckner, United Mine Workers of America, Fairfax,
Virginia.
[Page: D225]
NOMINATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nomination of Sue Ellen Wooldridge, of Virginia, to be Solicitor
of the Department of the Interior, after the nominee testified and answered
questions in her own behalf.
POSTAL REFORM
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee resumed hearings to examine U.S.
Postal Service reform issues, focusing on sustaining the 9 million jobs in the
$900 billion mailing industry, after receiving testimony from Frederick W.
Smith, FedEx Corporation, Memphis, Tennessee; Michael L. Eskew, United Parcel
Service, Atlanta, Georgia; Gary M. Mulloy, ADVO, Inc., Windsor, Connecticut;
Gary B. Pruitt, McClatchy Company, Sacramento, California, on behalf of the
Newspaper Association of America; and H. Robert Wientzen, Direct Marketing
Association, New York, New York.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the
nominations of William James Haynes II, of Virginia, to be United States
Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, Diane S. Sykes, of Wisconsin, to be
United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, James L. Robart, to be
United States |
